...Critical Argument Analysis Gabriel Martinez ENG/215 November 9, 2015 Professor Stephanie Critical Argument Analysis “There’s not a man that can’t be thrown, not a horse that can’t be rode, a bull that can’t be stopped, there’s not a disco that I Coke La Rock can’t rock”. (DJ Coke La Rock 1973) This line spoken by Coke La Rock was the birth of rap and hip-hop music. This one bar made Coke La Rock the very first rapper in Hip-Hop and birthed a new genre of music, we now know today as Rap music. John McWhorter, Opio Lumumba Sokoni, and Desi K. Robinson all have written about their different views and opinions on the good the bad and the ugly of rap music. They all offer different arguments on the effects of rap music. Rap music began as a way for black families to focus on bringing families together and uplifting each other’s spirits in times of heartache and pain. However, now since its humble beginnings so much has changed and developed but the spirit of its heart and soul stays the same. John McWhorter argues in his article, “Mean StreetsTheater,” (2003) on the negativity of rap music and the violence that it promotes. He argues that the violence of rap music is causing the rappers to be murdered. He goes on to say that not only are rappers being murdered but also they’re being murdered in front of their children, exposing their children to the violence. Today in our society many agree with his point of view and are causing...
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...Jeff Shields New Venture Creation – DuVal Russell Simmons – Case Study 1) Early on, Simmons decided that he wanted to make his own way in the world. He wanted to live a fast-paced life and call his own shots. Even though he did not like school, he still enrolled at the City College of New York as a sociology major. 2) The target market that Simmons is trying to appeal to is that of urban teens and young adults. He understood that his target market valued authenticity and “keeping it real”. In his words, “You have to tell the truth. It endears you to the community. The people can smell the truth, and they’re a lot smarter than the people who put the records out.” 3) By growing up while being heavily influenced by hip hop music and culture, Simmons had a distinct advantage in reaching out to and understanding his target market.; as he is/was one of that target market. This is advantages for him because he can know and understand what artist and styles will make it big when it reaches the public due to his experience in hip hop music and culture. This can also be a limitation, because he may not have as much experience in other cultures and music styles, thereby limiting him strictly to hip hop and preventing him from spreading his musical venture. 4) Hold a charity basketball game in the New York City community that features appearances from professional athletes. The market research necessary to ensure that it would be a success would be researching...
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...Russell Simmons has been successful because he turned an idea into an opportunity. Mariotti and Glackin (2013) states while Russell attend college he saw an opportunity in the underground music genre Hip-hop (p.154). From that moment on Russell knew he could capitalize off hip-hop. Not only did Russell take a chance on an opportunity, he formed a great record label with his friend Rick Rubin called Def Jam Records. However his success did not stop there Russell went on to create a clothing line, Rush Communications and many other ventures. With his knowledge of street entrepreneurship and the philosophy of “keeping it real” (p.154-155), Russell Simmons was able to promote his ventures with great success, making him one of the biggest entrepreneurs ever. Marketing a business can be a challenge; you must know what the people want and how to deliver what they need. Targeting a market that will buy your product is very important. For Russell Simmons his target market was geared toward his surroundings, urban youth. Jennifer Reingold (2003) illustrates “He is not a man who made it big and then abandoned his roots but rather one who is still as comfortable on the streets of the inner city as he has become on Wall Street”. Within that statement one can conclude that Russell Simmons targeted a culture he is familiar with and still associates with while achieving success. The urban youths and Russell Simmons shared the same beliefs of staying authentic and telling the truth...
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...IKEA Case Study – Alan B. BalesWeek 21. What are IKEA's competitive priorities? IKEA’s corporate mantra is to have “Low Price with Meaning”. In other words,their desire is to manufacture and present a product that is both functionallysound and inexpensive at the same time. Notice, I did not use the word “cheap”or inexpensively manufactured using sub-standard materials with untested orquestionable processes. They strive to make things less expensive without evermaking customers feel “cheap”. To accomplish this, IKEA has to maintain abalance between design, manufacturing, and distribution. 2. Describe IKEA's process for developing a new product. The team behind a new product at IKEA consists of designers, productdevelopers, and purchasers of materials who get together to discuss overalldesign, materials and suitable suppliers. Each specialist contributes theirknowledge. For example, a buyer will use their contacts with suppliers all overthe world through the IKEA Trading Services office to determine who can makethis at the best quality for the right price and at the right time. This process is acollaborative effort and takes into account everything from colors to selling priceon the floor of an IKEA store. It is not corporately mandated design; it is design bycommittee if you will. 3. What are additional features of the IKEA concept (beyond their design process)that contribute to creating exceptional value for the customer? IKEA’s model also creates additional value by working...
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...ability to succeed, a desire for immediate feedback, a high level of energy, skill at organizing, and value of achievement over money. There are many reasons why someone may take this path but the bottom-line is this person has a strong will and determination to succeed. The leading entrepreneurs I have chosen are Mary Kay Ash and Russell Simmons. Russell Simmons is a business mogul, activist, best-selling author and he is owner and founder of RUSH Communications. RUSH Communications is a leading multi-faceted holding company with investments in well-known and respected brands in three industry segments: entertainment and media; fashion and lifestyle; and empowerment. RUSH Communications, Inc. includes a management company, the hip-hop record label Def Jam, and the sneaker company Run Athletics. He is also the founder of the clothing lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics. Some of Simmons other ventures include a film and television production company, Simmons Lathan Media Group, Unirush Financial Services, Simmons Jewelry Company, and GlobalGrind.com. Rush Communications is currently worth approximately $340 million. Simmons leads in a situational approach style. His style adapts to the situation and he is able to use different leadership styles to get many different jobs done. He uses his democratic style to receive input from his employees on what they feel consumers want and need. He uses this information to make sound business decisions to keep his companies...
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...The Sports Guy Case Study Case Synopsis The case is about The Sports Guy which is an independent sporting goods store owned by Bob “Rocky” Rhodes; his business is in the retail sporting goods industry. The store is located in the south part of a small town which is just outside the Greater Toronto Area. The town has been growing rapidly for the last few years and the area around the store has become a prosperous neighbourhood, making their location a busy commercial area. The Sports Guy store sells sports related clothing and equipment. About 70% of their sales consist of equipment and uniforms bought by local teams, and 30% of sales consist of regular (walk-in) retail trade. The store’s sales have increased over the years however; have not been growing much in recent years. In the last few years the sales to teams have mostly covered the business’ costs, while the “walk-in” trade has provided most of the profits. Many times Rocky has been left with out-of-season stock that had to be sold off at a loss. Rocky is concerned about the declining inventory turnover rate that is causing an increase in his short-term debt and interest expenses. Problem Statement Rocky wants his business to grow with the town, but to do so will require access to bank credit to finance higher inventories and future expansion. He will have to improve The Sports Guy’s profitability. How will Rocky improve the financial performance of his business when their net profit (after tax) has decreased...
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...1. Russell Simmons has been successful as a media mogul because he was presented an idea/opportunity to create a dynamic business in the music/clothing industry and he jumped on it without second thought. With the help of Rick Rubin, he was able to dedicate his intelligence and skills in these industries to become one of the most well known entrepreneurs today. Since day one he has had a keen sense of what urban youth wanted and has stayed true to “keeping it real.” At the time, hip hop was an underground genre that Russell Simmons was able to deliver to the ears of all who wanted to tune it. 2.) In all of his business endeavors, Russell Simmons has targeted urban youth. This target values authenticity and that’s what Russell Simmons delivers. Through hand selected artists and his Phat Farm clothing line, Russell Simmons has emulated the true meaning of “real.” 3.) Growing up surrounded by hip-hop culture, Russell had an advantage in the marketplace by understanding first-hand what his peers and predecessors wanted that weren’t available at the time. He realized that he could generate revenue through rap; an underground genre that had not yet taken flight, and generate a style that urban youth felt most comfortable with. He was able to give urban youth around the world the music they idolized and the clothes they preferred to wear. 4.) Brainstorm a business ideA business idea I would pitch to Russell Simmons would be creating apps. Applications have become very popular now-a-days...
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...Introduction Charles Darwin born 12 February, 1809 was an English geologist and naturalist. Alfred Wallace born 8 January 1823 was a British explorer, naturalist, geographer, biologist and anthropologist. Darwin and Wallace are highly regarded for their significant contributions to the theories of evolution. It is very important to compare the individual lifestyles, contributions, and beliefs of Darwin and Wallace in order to develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of their concepts of natural selection in evolution. According to Janet Browne (2010) in her biography of Darwin, she describes the similarities in the life experiences of Darwin and Wallace that led them to independently arrive at the theory of natural selection. Both Wallace and Darwin were inspired by the readings such as Charles Lyell and Thomas Malthus. Browne notes that, “Even so, the parallels between Darwin’s and Wallace’s ideas are no less remarkable for their cultural symmetry. Their similarities are further demonstrated by them sharing similar geographical exploration and travel experiences and their mutual appreciations of their marvels of nature and overwhelming desire to comprehend them…” (Browne 2010: 357). The two theorists examined the concepts of natural selection independently until its publication. By the 1958, Darwin had already developed his idea on natural selection but had not published it as he was still collecting more evidence. After his previous research had been destroyed in...
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...A History of Modern Psychology Why is the understanding the history of psychology important? A psychologist and historian (E.G. Boring, 1963) once said, “The seats on the train of progress all face backwards: You can see the past but only guess about the future. Yet a knowledge of history, although it can never be complete and fails miserably to foretell the future, has a huge capacity for adding significance to the understanding of the present” (see chapter 1). Every course that you have taken on history has shown that we never learn anything from our past mistakes, and that looking back cannot guarantee our future in setting stone. But psychology is important to learn because it teaches us a few things: one, it would help psychologist become more critical thinker and be able to help people better, and can help measure those “evolutionary breakthroughs” because of the initial excitement that usually comes with the beginning of anything. Two, it could bring every psychologist closer together because of so many diverse field, we share a common ground. Psychology history does not date back far; in fact many would claim to say that it is in childhood stage for it is no older than 125 years (see Chapter 1). Robert I. Watson was a clinical psychologist with a passion for history, created an organization by calling psychologist from an article he wrote,” History of Psychology: A Neglected Area” (Watson, 1960). Watson found people with similar goal from the American Psychological...
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...Farewell to Manzanar Paper 1. Abate pg. 22 “It was a bitter cold when we arrived, and the wind did not abate.” Definition: to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc. The word abate used in this sentence meant that the wind did not calm or die down. 2. Alleviate pg. 22 “But when the call came through camp for workers to alleviate the wartime labor shortage, it sounded better than life at manzanar. Definition: to make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate What the author wrote by alleviate in the sentence was that it shortened the labor hours making it easier for the workers. 3. Knotholes pg.23 “We woke early, shivering and coated with dust that had blown up through the knotholes and in through the slits around the doorway.” Definition: a hole in a board or blank formed by the falling out of a knot or a portion of a knot. Obviously dirt was coming inside through the doorway where there were little holes for it to seep through. 4. Whimsical pg. 24 “Offstage it was whimsical, as if some joke were bursting to be told.” Definition: quaint, unusual, of fantastic Whimsical meaning some odd or remarkable thing was bound to happen in that moment as the author describes woody’s smile is. 5. Barracks pg. 26 “Outside the sky was clear, but icy gusts of wind were buffeting our barracks every few minutes, sending fresh dust puffs up through the floorboards.” Definition: a building or group of buildings for lodging soldiers, especially in garrison It is like a small...
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...Devi Henn Life science Assigned reading Part I March 3, 2015 INTO THE JUNGLE: Questions from the book CHAPTER 1 QUESTIONS: 1. What experiences of his youth helped to prepare Darwin for the voyage on the Beagle? 2. What geological phenomena and formations did Darwin witness? How did these shape his thinking about the age of the earth or how life changed? 3. What zoological evidence led Darwin to think that species evolved? 4. What were Thomas Malthus’ ideas, and how did Darwin react to them? 5. Why did Darwin delay publishing his species theory? CHAPTER 2 QUESTIONS: 1. Why did Wallace choose to go to the Malay Archipelago? 2. Compare and contrast the animals on Bali, Borneo, and the western islands of the archipelago with those on Lombok, New Guinea, and the eastern islands. What are the differences and why are they important? 3. What observations led Wallace to the idea of a “struggle for existence”? How were Wallace’s observations similar or different from those driving Darwin’s ideas about natural selection? CHAPTHER 3 QUESTIONS: 1. What was the “glimpse” that Bates had “of how nature manufactures her species?” 2. What evidence did Bates assemble to argue that mimicry was due to natural selection and not mere coincidence? 3. Why was Darwin so delighted by Bates’ discovery of mimicry? CHAPTER 4 QUESTIONS: 1. What influence did Thomas Huxley have on Eugene Dubios? 2. Why did Dubios choose to search in...
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...Unit 2 Critical Thinking Chapter One 1. When Darwin was young, his family wanted him to assume their role and become a doctor but he never wanted to. Darwin was always interested in exploring new horizons and trying to figure out the world. One of the most important things that persuaded Darwin to travel was when Henslow persuaded Darwin to read the seven volume book about someone’s traveling experiences and viewing the new world. The training that Darwin did with Sedgwick prepared him for his voyage and geological experience. 2. Darwin witnessed the corals and the band of shells above sea level and started to wonder if the water has always been at that level. When he finally arrived on the islands, he noticed how the same animals adapted to different environments. 3. When Darwin arrived in the Galapagos Islands, he noticed that there were various types of animals and species. He observed that although some of the animals looked similar they had distinctive traits. After comparing his findings in the Galapagos to other islands he visited, he concluded that the animals adapted to their environments. 4. Thomas Malthus had the idea that there were different checks in the world such as famine, and disease to control the population. Malthus called it the Principles of Population and Darwin agreed with his principles but wanted to expand and go deeper into his principles, thus creating the “species theory.” 5. Darwin delayed publishing his theory because he thought...
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...The Use of Human Dignity in Death Penalty Cases: An International perspective An examination of cases from several jurisdictions that address the legality of the death penalty reveals various uses of the notion of human dignity. In 1972, in Furman v. Georgia, the United States Supreme Court declared all existing death penalty statutes at the time unconstitutional as a violation of the Eighth Amendment prohibiting "cruel and unusual punishment". There was no majority opinion, and each of the five majority members wrote a separate opinion. While three of them based their decision on the arbitrary and discriminatory application of the death penalty in the U.S., Justices Brennan and Marshall based their opinions on the per-se unconstitutionality of capital punishment. Justice Brennan argued that although human dignity is not explicitly guaranteed by the United States Constitution, it is the fundamental concept underlying the Eighth Amendment. In his opinion: "The State, even as it punishes, must treat its members with respect for their intrinsic worth as human beings. A punishment is "cruel and unusual, therefore, "if it does not comport with human dignity". He declared that the severity of capital punishment is degrading to the dignity of a man, and since even the vilest criminals share an inherent dignity, the punishment is unconstitutional. Though in Brennan words human dignity functions as a justification for the Eight Amendment, they seem to illustrate the psychological approach...
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...aggressive marketing—and sales—of their beds is a dream come true for the bedding industry: Simmons Bedding Company, which makes mattresses for Westin, as well as for Four Seasons and many other chains, has seen its market share triple in the past decade. Selling Sleep Goes High-Tech April 2015 Synopsis: Seeking to help RSAs simplify and streamline the selling process, Atlanta-based Simmons has created a three-part, in-store tech package as part of its SIMposium retail sales initiative. The new digital tools include an online information hub called SleepSells.com; a virtual reality app called SIMulator that enables users to “see” inside Simmons mattresses; and Wright’s RetaiLive program, which provides instant access to Simmons-related content via mobile devices. Previewed at the winter Las Vegas Market, SleepSells.com is a one-stop information hub for the retail sales community. The site houses a multimedia mix of information that RSAs can leverage to strengthen their sales pitches. Content includes behind-the-scenes looks at Simmons’ emerging products and technologies, insights on industry and consumer trends relating to sleep and wellness, and updates on retail best practices. Sharing and comment features will allow for two-way conversation among RSAs, Simmons’ Retail Account Specialists and company decision-makers. The site went live in February. During the winter Las Vegas Market, Simmons also announced that a new virtual reality version of the SIMulator app would be available...
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...Evolution Lab BIO/101 Pooja Thakur 7-23-12 Evolution Resulting From Natural Selection INTRODUCTION The Evolution Lab simulates environmental situations to determine effects on evolution over periods of time. This lab experiments with the evolution of finches on two different islands over 100, 200, and 300 years. By manipulating parameters that influence natural selection, the effects that natural selection have on the evolution process can be studied. HYPOTHESES • The size of the island will influence the population. • The amount of precipitation will influence beak size. • Variances in beak size will influence beak size. MATERIALS The materials needed for this experiment consist of a computer and access to the Evolution Lab on the University of Phoenix student website. In the Evolution Lab there are two islands, Darwin Island and Wallace Island. There are seven variables that can be changed to run many different experiments on both islands. The variables are beak size, variance of beak size, heritability, clutch size, island size, population, and precipitation. METHODS In all of the experiments Darwin Island was used as the control group and Wallace Island was the experimental group. So, in each test, the variables for Wallace Island were altered and the variables for Darwin Island were left alone. The first experiment was to determine whether or not the size of the island affected the population. To do this, the only variable that...
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