Technology in classrooms Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Technology in classrooms - Research Paper Example Nevertheless, there has been a challenge in trying to get teachers to be comfortable and secure with their technology skills. This is particularly common with practical subjects such as social studies where technology applications would be used for tutoring purposes (Shriner et al., 2010). There has been a categorization of issues, which influence integration of technology into classrooms; they are curricular, social, environmental and personal aspects; moreover, environmental aspects refer to elements such as administrative support by the school, hardware and software. The social aspect focuses on the significance of communities, to support technology in classrooms. The personal aspect relates to the individual viewpoint on technology by teachers and their willingness to adapt it. Lastly, curricular aspects relate to use of technology in specific tutorial settings. That is, how the learning materials are linked with the course plans (Lih-Juan, 2007). It is widely agreeable among dif ferent social communities and educators that educational practices need to prepare students to flourish in the dynamic technological world, as it has gained acceptance. Hence, teachers are required to embrace technology and be willing to familiarize themselves with it. This will not only boost their confidence but also improve their teaching experiences as when applied effectively, technology enhances student learning, promotes shared learning and motivates them to seek more knowledge outside the classroom (Hubbel et al., 2012). In a bid to encourage teachers to familiarize themselves with technology advances in the classroom, various learning institutions have asked teachers to view them as a means of further developing themselves professionally; thus, this will advance their skills and knowledge. On the other hand, the learning institutions need to avail the necessary technologies to the teachers and ensure they are up-to-date whilst making their teaching schedules flexible enough for them to take the time to learn (Lih-Juan, 2007). Teaching tools that have come up due to advances in technology As aforementioned, there are the basic teaching tools that have been incorporated: the internet, LCD projectors, smart boards, document cameras and digital cameras. The internet is obviously the most widely used; teachers use it to access Web-based resources. The others offer visual assistance in the classrooms, which is the key in deepening understanding. The LCD projector is mounted in classrooms, for teachers to deliver Power Point presentations, share videos and other activities; moreover, it allows information from a single computer to be usable in a large group setting. Over time, this has proven to be the method that makes students of this generation responsive. The document camera has replaced the old overhead projectors and works hand in hand with the LCD projector. It enables teachers to magnify images and texts from diagrams, charts and textbooks for a bett er view by the students. The smart board enables charts, templates and diagrams to be rearranged, students can participate actively in the lesson and at the end, and it can be printed out as handouts for them. It requires lengthy training to use effectively but because of the eagerness it builds in students, teachers are

Disc8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Disc8 - Essay Example Einsten (1940), notes that God, who rewards and rebukes, is improbable for the modest aims that internal and external need dictates man’s actions. It is because, in the eyes of God, he would not be held accountable. He concludes his notion of cosmic religious view by stating that human ethics should be built on compassion, societal ties and education. This ground should be formed without any religious foundation. He claimed that God can be perceived through the world’s lucidity or rationality that lies behind all work of science of a higher order. Einstein always believed in a form of religion that is sovereign of any church or system of belief. According to Einstein, humans do not have to pick between believing in God’s actuality and not trusting in God at all. The utmost human perception level is the cosmic feeling of religion. Einstein believes that the cosmic feeling moves past the purely human hypotheses of morality and fear. The celestial feeling attempts to conceive the universe as an effortlessly integrated whole. He viewed the cosmic religious feeling as sporadic and enigmatic but real (Einsten, 1940). Yes, Einstein had a view of religion. Despite his great admiration for the principles of ethics found in the Bible, he did not accept the view that suggested a personal God in the Judeo-Christian tradition. He continued to embrace Gods view that God is an imaginative mind that displays itself in nature wonders. Einstein did not change his view on religion even as he advanced his end years on earth. Therefore, he asked science to join forces with religion since they required each other.In his text, he states that science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind (Einsten,

Plan for Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles Entering Hong Kong Markets Essay Example for Free

Plan for Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles Entering Hong Kong Markets Essay Introduction Nowadays, the problem of global warming and greenhouse effect has raised concern all over the world. During energy generation, Fossil fuel releases large amount of chemical substances that exacerbates the problem. However, nowadays, there is still a great dependence on fossil fuel for generating energy in Hong Kong. To overcome the problem, hydrogen fuel is an opportunity for our society to minimize the environmental effects, enhance energy security, and the sustainability of global energy resources. In addition, many countries have been promoting the environmental protection at present. Therefore Hong Kong is not the exception. Our company – Ford has decided to introduce the hydrogen powered vehicle to Hong Kong by exporting from a car factory in United State and promote it to local citizens. In the following, various analyses including PESTLE analysis, marketing strategies, market entry modes, international operation management, and hiring and employee management will be illustrated. The Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental dimensions Political The Hong Kong Government has introduced some policies in promoting low air pollutants emitted transport. Firstly, tax Incentives for environmental friendly vehicles is provided. A 45% reduction in the first registration tax, subject to a cap of HK$75,000 per car, will be offered to buyers of newly registered environment-friendly cars. In addition, the government also encourages trial of green and low-carbon transport technologies. The Government has set up a $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund for application by the public transport trade and goods vehicle owners. For vehicles, the subsidy level is the price premium between the alternative-fueled vehicle and the conventional vehicle or 50% of the cost of the alternative-fueled vehicle and 50% of the setting up cost of the related support facilities. The policies give lots of incentives to the users to transfer their car to the hydrogen powered one. Economic Hong Kong is a developed and affluent country. According to the statistic of Census and Statistics Department, in the second quarter of 2012, the Hong Kong Gross Domestic Product for is $473,171 million. And the private consumption expenditure increases by 3. 1% in the real term. The per capita GDP is $273,657 million in 2011. Moreover, there is about 55% of population belong to the middle class (people who receive income above median). The family monthly income is also rated 17 thousands to 30 thousand. It reflects that the hydrogen powered vehicle is affordable to the upper and middle class. Hong Kong is a high potential market for our product. Socio-cultural Hong Kong people are highly educated with a strong perception of environmental protection. With the rising environmental promotion from the government, the awareness of green concept is becoming popular gradually. Firstly, citizens promote going green in order to alleviate the air pollution problem. Secondly, a higher living standard can be achieved with improved air quality. Thirdly, our product promotes the use of renewable energy. Thus it helps solving the problem of energy shortage. Our product will attract local citizens with high environmental awareness. Technological The infrastructures and facilities in Hong Kong are well developed such as Tseng Ma Bridge, and Kwai Tseung Container Terminal is the third busiest port in the world since 2007. The fast and efficient shipping and delivery of the vehicles are supported. Moreover, businesses can obtain technical consultation and professional backup from science parks and the prestigious universities in Hong Kong. For instance, Hong Kong Science Park, Cyber Port, and the University of Hong Kong are well-known. Legal It is lawful to employ the hydrogen car in Hong Kong. Although people sometimes argue that hydrogen cars exist dangerous, we still believe that it will not happen nearly if we can control the quantity of hydrogen we use in cars. We will also set the knock sensor systems in the car to reduce the probability of knock occurrence and the impacts. Europe has just legitimate hydrogen cars and there are not any local laws said that is illegal in Hong Kong. Besides, as the fuel of the hydrogen powered vehicle is not fossil fuel anymore but replaced by hydrogen. Selling and buying large amount of hydrogen is legal in Hong Kong allowing the users to refuel. Environmental Distribution of Hourly API for General Stations for the period October 2012 | | Legend| | API| Percentage| | Severe (201-500)| 0. 00 | | Very High (101-200)| 0. 08 | | High (51-100)| 65. 23 | | Medium (26-50)| 34. 59 | | Low (0-25)| 0. 10 | | | According to the above table, the API for general stations is mainly at medium to high level but more at the high level (65.23%). Serious air pollution is a considerable problem in Hong Kong. Heavy traffic has contributed to the deterioration of the problem. The problem has been negatively affected not only physical health of local citizens, but also the tourism. According to the research from Civic Exchange, there are 90% interviewees, who are Hong Kong citizens, are caring about the issue of air pollution. Besides, the percentage of air quality dissatisfaction raised dramatically compared to 2001. The hydrogen powered car, which will help relieve the problem, will gain support from local citizens. This is an opportunity for our company to introduce hydrogen powered car to Hong Kong. The Market Entry Mode The market entry modes in Hong Kong are Foreign Direct Investment and exporting. Ford will set up a subsidiary to manage the businesses and also establish a specialty shop to promote and sell the hydrogen powered car. The hydrogen powered vehicle will be exported from the plant in China to the store in Hong Kong. Our firm undertakes FDI because of the combination of location advantage, ownership advantage, and internalization advantage. Location advantage Hong Kong has a comprehensive transportation network such as port and flexile highway which is beneficial for exporting the vehicles to Hong Kong. The advanced telecommunication also drives down the cost in communicating with the factory and the consumer. On the other hand, Hong Kong has a number of tax incentives under special arrangements on the Mainland. The key areas, including shipping, aviation, land transport and personal tax, can be exempted from double taxation and enhance the profitability of our firm. Ownership Advantage Ford has a strong brand name with the perception of good reputation and excellent performance of the vehicles in the consumer’s mind. It is useful and easily for promoting the vehicles in Hong Kong in order to gain more sales volume and increase the market share. In addition, our firm also possesses the hydrogen power technology outperforming with its competitors. It is a necessary part for the manufacturing and assists fighting in the keen and saturated competition of fossil fuel-powered automobiles. Internalization Advantage. As hydrogen-powered car is a new market in Hong Kong, Ford can gain a high market share by firstly introducing the car into the new market. Besides, the firms emphasizes on high standard of customer service, there will be better controlling by serving customers by ourselves rather than hiring an independent local company to offer it. For example, there is more clearly explanation and illustration to the queried customers by our experienced staffs. Marketing Strategy of hydrogen powered vehicle Product The factors Hong Kongs business environments have to be considered for the product strategy. For the national image, the brand name of Ford brings good reputation and excellent quality to the consumer’s mind. Consumer has confidence in purchasing our company manufactured vehicles that helps us to enter the market. In addition, hydrogen power is a complicated technology that is difficult to copy that prevents the creation of counterfeit goods. Place Our established specialty shop is responsible for consulting service and selling the hydrogen powered vehicle to the customers. Our distribution network is relatively short (manufacturer, specialty store, customers) to maintain a greater control over the planning and implementation. There is only an exclusive channel – owned specialty in the distribution channel in result of shorter channel length. It saves the cost of owning one store instead of having lots of intermediaries in the distribution channel. Price The pricing strategy our firm used is dual pricing that different selling price abroad than at home. As our firm adopts the differentiation strategy, we set the price based on the Hong Kong buyer’s value as well as the living standard. This method overcomes the problem of exchange rate and fits the local purchasing power which also increases our profitability for selling the vehicles. Promotion As our market and product are both new so that production invention of marketing communication strategy is used. Our firm is going to advertise on the famous car magazines and car forum to promote the new product launch. This can raise the car users’ awareness of this new product. Besides, our firm is going to use Public Relation tools for promotion. Celebrities will be invited to experience the hydrogen-powered vehicle before the product launch. Then the feedbacks or recommendations from the celebrities will create a world-of-mouth effect, as well as buzz in the entire society. Managing International Operations Production Strategy The production strategy of Ford hydrogen powered car is focus differentiation which aims to provide the hydrogen-powered car to the market of environmental friendly private car users. Facilities location Planning Besides, Ford adopts the location economies of the facilities location planning. The company produces the car in its largest production location in the United State. The production location offers sufficient technologies and experienced technical staffs and engineers required to produce the hydrogen-powered vehicle. Although the labor costs in developed countries must be relatively higher compared to some developing countries such as China, there are better quality control and productivity through utilizing the experienced labors and the local advanced machines in Germany. Moreover, the distance factory – United State to the market – Hong Kong is also relatively longer, but the transportation facilities and infrastructures are mature in both countries. For example, the seaports are available for the transportation. The company can deliver the car by water carriers in order to enjoy lower shipping cost to cover the high unit cost. JIT Manufacturing In order to further reduce its high manufacturing cost, Ford adopts the Just-In-Time manufacturing system decreasing its inventory costs. The inputs including the raw materials, component parts, and sub-assemblies can be minimized because those input are delivered as the factory receives the orders from the dealer in Hong Kong for the production process. The reduced cost not only gives the company higher profit margin, but also offers the product with a more acceptable and affordable price for the consumer in Hong Kong. Furthermore, as the hydrogen-powered car is not very common and popular in most cities, the demand is relative small and uncertain. JIT system can assist the company to avoid holding too much inventories and creating wastes which are costly. Hiring and Managing Employees Staffing Policy For recruiting the top managers in Hong Kong subsidiary, Ethnocentric Staffing is used that the top managers are from home country – United State as they understand the hydrogen-powered car project more clearly and own sufficient information and knowledge to handle the whole operation in Hong Kong more efficiently and effectively. It will also result in better planning in both short term and long run that gives a much more clear direction to the subsidiary. For employing the middle managers and non-managerial workers, geocentric staffing will be used to select the best-qualified individuals, regardless of nationality. Compensation of Managers Ford gives some compensation to the expatriate managers including cost-of-living effects and bonus and tax incentives as well. The company should not only make up the local goods and services differential, but also have to give the bonus and tax incentive to convince the top managers staying abroad longer. Moreover, the firms also should provide language training and sensitivity training to the oversea managers to better the ability of bridging cultural differences and living in foreign country. Labor-Management Relations Maintaining a strong relationship between managers and workers is extremely essential because it is affecting the productivity as well as cost. Workers should be constantly motivated to enhance their productivity by offering more deserved outcomes such as pay, benefits, and vacation time. Besides, badly treated employees may leave the organization if they have other employment options which cost an expensive hiring and training cost especially the experienced technical staffs. Therefore, Ford can collect the opinions and feedbacks from the employees as well as solve their problems through the labor union in order to boost the relationship. For example, the labor representatives can participate in high-level company meeting by actually voting on proposed actions. Conclusion To sum up, our company is confident of entering the Hong Kong market with the hydrogen powered vehicle through the above supportive analyses. The constructive marketing strategy will help firm to promote the vehicle more effectively. Furthermore, the effective and efficient international operation management and the human resource management will bring the success to become the market leader not only in Hong Kong. In the future, the hydrogen powered vehicles will be promoted in different parts of the world in order to maximize the profitability. References 1. Statistics of Middle Class population http://www. gov. hk/sc/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/population. pdf 2. Statistics of income median and GDP http://www. hkcna.hk/content/2011/1031/118642_2. shtml http://www. censtatd. gov. hk/hkstat/sub/so50_tc. jsp 3. Hong Kong environmental policies http://www. epd. gov. hk/epd/tc_chi/about_epd/env_policy_mgt/env_policy. html 4. An overview of air quality in Hong Kong http://www. epd. gov. hk/epd/tc_chi/environmentinhk/air/air_maincontent. html http://www. epd. gov. hk/epd/tc_chi/environmentinhk/air/studyrpts/air_studyrpts. html 5. The public has the awareness and knowledge of environmental protection http://net2. hkbu. edu. hk/~enews/view_article. php? id=13430 http://www. info. gov. hk/gia/general/199902/23/0223epdc. htm.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rebranding

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rebranding Introduction Brand identity awareness as we understand it now appeared in the 19th century with the introduction of packaged goods. As soon as products were no longer produced by local manufacturer the need for the brand image occurred. Mass production has a wider market orientation and often cheaper price. But competition with local products which were already familiar to consumers was impossible without differentiation and strong appealing image. Many brands image was intentionally created to simulate local farmers products and therefore appear as something familiar to the potential customer. Perfect illustrations provide such known brands as Uncle Bens rice and Kelloggs breakfast cereal, till now they have an image of home-made products. And from this contemporary branding originated: manufacturers with the help of advertising started to associate other kinds of brand values, such as youthfulness, fun, luxury, honesty, quality assurance, source or ownership, and producers responsibility. They learned how to differentiate and to create emotional bonding with the help of identity signs. Recent environmental trends are forcing top managers to give even greater and greater attention to brand identity to guarantee competitive advantage. For every business the key to success is the right brand identity which should present a positive image of the company and set the stage for a strong reputation. Temporal (2002) stated The brand is the foundation of the business. Weak brand can tear up the foundation. Therefore the creation of strong brand identity is crucial for companies to encourage positive attitudes and provide an important competitive advantage. The corporate name and logo are two essential components of the corporate identity construct; they are the symbols of brand. Furthermore, they are the most pervasive elements in corporate and brand communications, and play a main role in the communication of the desired positioning strategy. The right logo and clear visual identity are critical for any companys success. Though a brand can have an old-fashioned logo, even the minor change can jeopardize its appeal to loyal customers. In the advertising history there are a lot of examples of rebranding which gone wrong. Wheeler (2009) in her book brings an example of Kelloggs corn flakes which wanted slightly change the name of cereals from Coco Pops to Choco Pops in 1999. The result was deplorable and its customer base strongly resisted. If the brand image is strong, a sudden change could alienate customers. On the other hand, successful rebrand can help the company or a product to reach unprecedented market position. In the 1950s nobody knew a widespread and popular fruit called kiwi, because it was called the Chinese gooseberry and was not popular at all. American importers decided that it needed a makeover. Fruit is imported from New Zealand, so they decided to rename it kiwifruit to honour the flightless national bird of New Zealand. With the new name market position improved dramatically. The importance of the right name and appropriate professionally designed logo hardly can be underestimated. If brand symbols were not created well in the beginning it is never too late to do a rebrand. Though changing these symbols is controversial and requires enormous physical, financial and psychological investments. Rebranding has become a real trend in the last decades, with some companies rebranding several times. There are plenty of successful and unsuccessful examples of rebranding which was done for all possible reasons from attempt to rebrand itself to desire to shed the company negative image. Obviously, the risks of changing the established brand identity are high and benefits are not guaranteed. With a new identity it is normally very difficult to estimate actual monetary benefits. However, there are numerous examples of companies changing names and logos, rebranding, and creating new identities for a variety of reasons, all with successful results. The aim of this study is therefore to give an answer to the following research question: Why evolution of brand identity is better than revolution? and When revolution is necessity? The paper is a secondary research and is based on information from books and specialized magazines, also in electronic form. It is structured in order to provide a clear and systematic understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and causes of changing the established brand identity. Brand identity Brand image and brand identityÂÂ   Difference between brand identity and image is not obvious and often confused. According to Collins dictionary brand image is the attributes of a brand as perceived by potential and actual customers. Therefore brand image is mostly visual oriented and dealing with such issues as logo design, name, tagline, corporate colours and fonts. On the contrary brand identity refers to the core attributes of a brand itself, its philosophy and its values. Brand identity is so-called brand personality a marvellous aggregate which form the uniqueness of brand; it is an individuality which singles out the brand. Brand identity is the facade of the company or organisation and should be an accurate representation of it. On the other hand it is the total proposition and promises that a company makes to consumers. But the press and the competition can also influence brand identity. To establish and maintain distinguishable identity every aspect of a business has to be taken into consideration. Aaker (2004) mentioned in his works that companies have to make substantial efforts to make sure that what customers perceive the company in desired way. A well-built image works for the company, bringing an individual, memorable identity which fits perfectly with the companys aims and strategies. A strong brand identity always brings a company above its competitors all by itself. Though development of such a strong brand takes time and financial inputs it is a worthy investment. (Aaker, pp 183-185) Different levels of identity change When companies decide to undertake corporate identity changes, they are usually redeveloping the visual image in terms of logo and corporate design. Such efforts do not normally involve a change in brand values so that the brand itself, its personality and core values remains the same. Unfortunately, very often this fallacy led companies to believe that the visual changes itself will change the brand identity. But changes to signage or logo design do not necessarily change the perception of consumer. Certain characteristics like the indefinable associations with this brand or consumer perception of quality and service are deep-rooted into the brand identity and cannot be changed that easily. As it is important for any brand to maintain a modern look even surface changes of the visual image are positive and the visual identity needs to change over time. But entire change of the image can provoke consumer concerns about changes in brand values or possible ownership. If there is an appealing for consumers strong brand identity then extensive changes may destroy emotional attachments. People are always afraid to notice sudden unjustified changes in the behaviour of other people. Same negative reaction is unavoidable when the accustomed brands which customer prefer exhibit similar sudden changes. Alternatively, if the goal is to significantly improve the standing of the brand, then corporate identity changes can be accompanied by considerable changes to all the related issues like organizational culture or service standards. Normal completion of such changes will improve consumers perception of the company and its services. Consequently the changes will, over the longer term, have a corresponding positive effect on brand image. Brand symbols: logo and company name The role of the logo Confident branding and a well-built branding strategy uses design to communicate a message that appeals to the target audience a message that creates confidence in the brand quality while differentiating it between the competitors. In the branding strategy the importance of the logo as a component in reflecting a brand can hardly be overestimated. If the logo does not to qualify than a new brand strategy and a new logo should be considered. A logo as an important part of brand marketing can say many things about a company. A logo can make the perception of the company either negative or positive. The mission of the logo is to effectively brand the company. Therefore logo can be considered a god one if it is correctly represents the values and goals of the company. Though branding is not come to a simple logo design. The logo is only one piece of the branding strategy. But nevertheless logo is a powerful symbol that can provide consumers with instant brand recognition of the business and the services or products that company offer. Good logo has to arose strong associations with the brand identity and be entirely based on a brand strategy. Without the strategy behind it a logo can put across the wrong message and in return weaken the brand identity. Consistent brand message implemented in well designed logo helps to increase consumer recognition. A logo represents business, illuminates it, is able to promote core values and draw focus from competitors. Being attractive, easy to read and memorable a logo establishes a familiarity among other brands and makes a differentiation. A logo is absolutely essential for both small and large businesses. Any business would be are faceless and forgettable without a logo. A professionally made logo can catch the attention of potential clients and invite their interest in a company. A logo is kind of business special mark. When customers visit a store, use products or even receive official emails, a logo becomes a business personal signature. It informs new customers about targets and values of the company and greets old customers with remembrance. Nowadays in competitive market environment logo plays the main role in differentiation one product from another. A logo helps people positively recognise the business as being professional, credible and authentic. A logo should be well-executed and look great, also it should be truthful in what it communicates and not be exaggerative or deceptive, to show that a business is credible. And most importantly, a logo should represent the brand identity values confidently to invite trust from customers and being authentic. Brand design To describe the visual design elements of a brand experience, such as aÂÂ  graphic logo designÂÂ  and the most significant sides of a brand a term brand design is used. Professional designers can develop a brand design in a way to connect the company with its customers, to create the right image, and communicate the right information about product benefits. The brands effect on buyers preferences and continued loyalty are the keys. (Shimp (2003), p. 136) The main goal of branding is to make product or service emotionally appealing for consumers. Brand design is concerning with designing the consumers familiarity with the brand. Consequently it is important to communicate to the customers anÂÂ  imageÂÂ  of the company, products and services that is value oriented. Then again the brand unique value is constitutes of the level of consumers awareness. With every new experience to the brand, customers repeatedly pick up on the brands benefits and qualities. Logo and name design A logo design is critical for the brand identity as it has a role of a symbol of the product. Without brand identity and consequently logo design it would be almost impossible to sell products or services. The truth is, people normally buy not only the products and services, but they also buy a promise, reputation and identity. All mentioned above qualities the logo design should represent. Any logo design consists of two key elements: the logos text (company name) and the graphic or picture that accompanies it. The look of a companys name conveys meaning and is as significant as picture. Different fonts convey different meanings and emotions to the potential customer and using the right font is vital. However logo design images frequently become the key recognition component of any companys marketing promotions. In order to have right brand positioning and the strength brand a corporate logo or product logo should be well designed. An image should be simple and bold, making it easy to see at a glance and should work well with the company name. A strong, balanced image with no little extras that confuse its look would be appropriate for any company. Additionally it is always important to make sure that logo looks good in black and white, as well as in colour. The logo should not be just nice, but it should communicate certain values which are important for the company. The logo design has to communicate the nature of the business clearly and has graphic imagery that looks appropriate for the business. Corporations are moved in new and different directions by internal and external factors. Thus with the lapse of time logos can lose their meaning. Many famous companies have successfully introduced a new logo or re-positioned existing ones. Different kinds of design The most widely used font-based design focuses primarily on text and typeface but can incorporate other elements as well. The logos of IBM, Microsoft and Sony, for instance, use type treatments with a twist that makes them distinctive. This type is best suited for companies whose name effectively describes what they do and can convey the message without graphical elements. The subtype of a font-based design is usage of monograms and anagrams. The letter(s) represent a symbol of the company and are often used when initials translate graphically better than the actual name. This type is a wholly typographically oriented, usually involving initials or abbreviations. This design type is preferable when communication funds are limited and should be focused on name recognition. Also when the company name is already reasonably distinctive and when the goal is to associate products with the company more clearly and directly than a symbol permits. Using a monogram is possible only if a company is big enough to afford teaching the public what the monogram means. Another well known type consists of a simple but strong graphic symbol, an emblem on a product. The symbol is often abstract, complements an aspect of a business or service and represents a company by association. The logos of Nike or Apple are like this. Also there are plenty of company logo designs that literally illustrate what a company does, such as when a house-painting company uses an illustration of a brush in its logo. This type is worth using when the company name is too long, too generic, doesnt translate well globally, or has no personality. As well as a monogram it can be costly and difficult to create public awareness for the symbol type. Small businesses with limited marketing budgets often use a combination of a symbol with words. Combination can be loose or integral and the elements can be used together or separately. A well designed combined logotype can effectively communicate what a company does as well as reflect the company personality. Since combined logo communicate the idea behind easily, less marketing is required for the logo to be effective. Therefore, combined logos are the most cost effective type of logo design available. Distinctive tag line Solis (2010) describes a tag line as an amusing or memorable phrase designed to catch attention in an advertisement. (Solis (2010), p.247) A tag line normally consists of three to seven words phrase that accompanies the logo. It expresses the companys most important benefits and on the other hand what a company wants to communicate to customers about its work. Despite the effortlessly appearance of some great tag lines, creating and refining one takes a lot of time and hard work, just like designing a great logo. However the benefits of taking the time to craft a great tag line are indisputable. Main quality index of a great tag lines is it stickiness in to the consumers memory. Let us examine the example of Hallmark greeting cards tag line. When you care enough to send the very best, appeals to the human desire to be viewed as having good taste and an enjoyment for luxury. With this tag line Hallmark positioned itself as the choice for quality. Company was founded by J. C. Hall, so the name Hallmark was a natural. Hallmark was an official series of marks, instituted by statute in 1300, and subsequently modified, stamped by the Guild of Goldsmiths at one of its assay offices on gold, silver, or platinum (since 1975) articles to guarantee purity, date of manufacture. (Collins Dictionary)Therefore it was also brilliant from a marketing perspective because the word itself means a mark of authenticity or excellence. The name attaches the image of quality to a product in the best possible way. The tag line makes the most of the image with words that stick in the mind. Creating a fine logo and distinctive tag line are significant for a brand identity as they provide the right image of the company and give it capability to be memorable enough. Therefore these are also critical qualities for the competitive capacity. Change of brand symbols In the dynamic environment of the recent decades the very idea of changing brand symbols name and logo is a prevalent phenomenon in every given area of business. Redesign in most of the cases is caused by the emotional apprehension of top management. The company logo design seems to become obsolete or doesnt have the same advertising appeal that it did a few years ago. Other common reason for redesign can be narrow circumstances, time and/or budget deficit in which logo was created. To conclude, the decision of the company logo redesign is one of the most doubtful decisions any company can make due to enormous risks involved. Changing an established name or logo requires judicious approach to a problems, carefulness and consideration. A correctly executed logo redesign can positively impact the company brand and therefore help to achieve a competitive posture in the market. Even most important corporations sometimes change their brand identity and logo design. When changes in market focus are occurred the need of logo redesign often became inevitable. Because company needs a logo that is more conforming to new circumstances and more appropriate for a new demographics. Logo redesign can help to achieve current business goals. Decision to change logo should be deliberate and scrupulous as it includes numerous issues. First of all there are different levels of changes possible: a makeover (a new design) and a repair. Repair Logo repair is suitable in case the logo just need a little simplification, or perhaps a more technically proficient rendering. This is the least difficult case and the most frequent as the modern technologies require new technical specifications. For example logo design should be easily reproduced on web colours. Also stationery and letterhead design can be unfoundedly expensive to reproduce if the colours are not suitable. In addition too complicated logo with small details also can be problematic. A logo repair involves a re-rendering of the artwork so that a new improved logo become versatile and more adaptable and can be used in a range of a media. Also not the least of the factors logo repair allows for slow integration into the branding material brochures, cards and signs. After the logo has been re-rendered into new editable format, the various design components can be improved, such as colours and fonts. Brand symbols gradual change Paul Temporal (2002) discusses few examples of the companies which are not going to change their logos anytime soon. As they already have spent tremendous sums of money to get their logos into the public eye. For instance it is definitely not the design that makes the Nike logo swoosh impressive, but the recognition factor. This logo was created by Caroline Davidson in 1971 for only $35, yet its still a strong, memorable logo, effective even without colour and easily scalable. It represents the wing of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike and is perfect for a sporting apparel business. However, Nike is still trying to make their image more amusing. The Nike font style has been transformed many times, in an attempt to keep up with changes in taste and design sensibility. The Microsoft Windows logo also went through number of insignificant design changes. Introduced in 1995 the first logo was extremely simple just a graphic representation of a flying window. Afterwards the Windows icon had become much more refined: 3D, glowing and with a new font. It still remained in the same design family as the transformation was not beyond recognition, but became glossy and modern. Apple was the first computer firm which did not use its name as its corporate identity, even the word Macintosh is the name of an apple variety. The idea of selling a computer under the name and image of an apple was conceived by Steve Jobs and his colleagues. Apple computers also developed their Apple icon from a rainbow-striped version to a solid and much classier modern icon in the late nineties. The Apple icon has remained pretty stable over the years, but its treatment has changed on several occasions in order to maintain the logos strength while adapting to the corporations current marketing focus. Makeover Brand symbols makeover is a creation of a new image and new attributes for the brand image. Logos are main symbols of a companys brand identify and are fundamental to consumer recognition. Decision to make a logo redesign has its risks and rewards. According to Aaker a company logo can be maintained for up to 20 years serving as an enduring symbol of a company impact and existence. (Aaker (2004), pp 112-127) However a company can decide to change its logo for several significant reasons which include changing customer and industry trends or changes in the companys business focus and market strategy. Also a merger and acquisition is a frequent reason for logo makeover, as new logo should represent new merged company. The process of changing an already established logo should be approached carefully, it is important to define whether there is a need for a completely new logo or a significant makeover of the already existing logo. The risks involved in changing the current logo include first of all potential losses in brand equity that has been built after lots of hard work and significant financial investment over the years. Also customers brand loyalty can be affected. Current clients used to seeing previous logo in company marketing collaterals like envelopes, business cards and letterheads may not immediately connect with the new logo. Logo makeover is a risky and difficult step which can be performed only once. Since the first time it can be interpreted and justified as an improvement. Any more changes can unfavourably affect the company. The reputation would be affected, and the company would look unsure of its identity, its future and its consumer environment. On the other hand a well executed logo makeover can help a company project a new image as a forward thinking company and achieve new visions of possibilities. The benefits of a logo redesign or significant makeover could include repositioning of the companys brand in the mind of customers and reflection of the company new business focus or direction. While a logo makeover gives the impression of relatively painless process, it includes a total renovation of the brand identity. Though represents a considerable costs, risks and disturbance to the marketing effectiveness. Logo makeover can significantly shape company brand identify and relationship with already existing customers. Despite all the risks and potential expenses a successful logo makeover can bring a great profit to the company. Change of brand identity Brand identity assessment The starting point of any brand identity transformation is careful appraisal and defining target market and unique selling position of the company. Afterwards these findings will facilitate the development of new brand identity. Brand identity include everything from customer perception and experience to quality, brand look and design, to customer care, retail and website, and even the tone and voice of communications. Defining corporate identity is often difficult, and the clues to what factors shape identity vary widely among industries and firms. To be ready for change at any time, managers must be more aware of how key stakeholders, such as employees, customers, investors and the community, view the companys identity. Change, when necessary, should then be structured so that it does not run counter to this perceived view. Effective rebrands are based on a detailed analysis of every activity in the company including objectives, target markets, budget and resources, timeframe, known and unknown parameters, approval structure and stakeholders. Opposition to change in a brand identity is inevitable in most of the cases. Therefore managements task is to identify potential opposition and find ways to neutralize it. It is often useful to start the process of rebranding with discussion involving all the employees of the main idea behind the companys business, what its customers need and what they will need in the future. Sometimes a research can be helpful to determine the potential as well as current situation. When the idea is defined a model that will best represent that idea should be considered. Only after these steps are successfully implemented new visual identity, actual logo and all other new imagery can be created. Lofty aims of rebranding Value of the brand can be hardly overestimated and all the companies are striving to possess this intangible value. Therefore as temporal progress is going further some companies may find it necessary to revise their brand identity in order to have an up-to-date image, to be relevant and appealing to potential and actual consumers and the changing market situation. Lambkin and Muzellec (2006) studied more than 150 rebranding examples and formulate a hypothesis that regardless of reasons it invoke, rebranding aims at appealing, regaining, transferring and/or recreating the corporate brand equity. The aim of rebranding is therefore always a vast improvement of the brand image, though not always reachable. Rebranding can mean a variety of different things, from simple change of the company name to more deep changes of the brand identity policy such as change of logo and colour palette. Rebranding is relevantly easy if the changes are intentionally small to ensure continuity with the past, but also to reposition the company as contemporary. Difficult case is a complete rebranding which means change of the brand image in order to reposition the established brand in the market. Rebranding is always made in attempt of reposition the brand in the market and minds of consumers when brand identity is not anymore appealing, current brand positioning is not valid for the target market anymore, or target market changes. Sometimes companies make rebranding to distance themselves from certain negative connotations of the previous branding. For example if the brand has a controversial image, a repositioning is required to improve the flawed reputation. However the main reason for a rebranding is to communicate a new message for a company. The goal of rebranding is to renovate brand image and differentiate situation for stakeholders and market position. Far from just a change of visual identity, rebranding should be part of an overall brand strategy for a product or service. (Lambkin, Muzellec (2006), p. 2) Brand image is one of the most precious assets, and that value is a culmination of many years investment and commitment. Deep understanding of initial brand values and thorough research are required for the rebranding undertaking because of the huge impact on a company position that rebranding or even change of a logo can invoke. Launch of the new brand identity should be also made in a delicate and systematic manner in order to avoid pushing away old customers, while aiming to attract new one. Establishing trust and emotional bounds based on careful strategy are critical in the rebranding process. Appropriate rebranding strategy, consistent product or service quality, sensible pricing and effective distribution will help to rebuilt brand awareness and create associations in customer memory after rebrand implementation. Rebranding is expensive and involves a quantity of risks. Necessity to explain to loyal customers the reasons of rebranding and its benefits has to be anticipated. This is an expensive and not one hundred per cent successful undertaking. A company normally decide to undertake rebranding with all its cost, efforts and risks only if there are very good reasons for it. Reasons for brand identity change Though rebranding is always an earnest undertaking reasons for it can be sometimes ridiculous or unfounded. A company might want to transfer already existing identity into a new name, identity policy or positioning for a number of reasons, in order to respond to external or internal concerns. The most common reason is attempt to stay modern, signal a change in direction, focus, attitude or strategy, if a company has a feeling that the brand image has become old-fashioned. In a fast-changing environment it can be useful to change because of globalisation, declining profitability or consumer indifference. The other reason is differentiation from competitors and willingness to overcome them. Gaining bad press or bad events experience would normally promote a corporate identity change. Also the launch of new businesses that are significantly different from the traditional one can be a reason. However big companies very often have so-called rebranding cycles in order to stay current with the times or set themselves ahead of the competition. (Temporal (2002), pp 112-117) Companies also utilize rebranding as an effective marketing tool to hide discomposure of the past and to shed negative connotations that could potentially affect profitability. The attraction of new customers Ambition to target a new market is a most common reason for rebranding. A good example of such attempt can be Cadillac which in recent times designed a range of new cars to provide a trendy, youthful look to their brand image.ÂÂ   A lot of companies nowadays want to appear modern and progressive. A practice of changing company logo and name in attempt to attract new customers became one of the most common and widespread in recent decades. The name for a product sometimes doesnt sound good and the logo can be obsolete or inappropriate for the marketing strategy. However logo or brand symbols redesign in order to make company current or fashionable is the worst possible solution. There is always a high risk that change of the logo will alienate customers instead of attracting new one. Recent rebranding of the Pepsi logo which was made in attempt to attract new customers is perfect example of how unsuccessful it can be. Made by Arnell Group the Pepsi rebranding took three year and cost approximately $1 billion. Pepsi wanted to make a complete packaging and marketing rebranding of its soft drinks. The white stripe on the new logo supposed to be smiles, but all the efforts were barren, consumer

Comparing Grimms The Brave Little Tailor and Aschenputtel :: Childrens Literature Essays

Comparing Grimms' The Brave Little Tailor and Aschenputtel In Germany, fairy tales were a part of day-to-day life and "the Germans have repeatedly used fairy tales to explain the world to themselves" (Zipes 75). In fact, Kinder-und Hausmà ¤rchen was indeed in nearly every household in Germany. These fairy tales written by the Grimm Brothers are known for being "German fairy tales." So what makes these tales so Germanic and others tales not? How do Grimms' "German tales" compare to others? Through evaluating two works by the Grimms, The Brave Little Tailor and Aschenputtel, we will answer these questions. The characteristics that the Grimm fairy tales possess do seem to be quite Germanic. The German people are usually very stubborn, more violent than not, and very sarcastic. In The Brave Little Tailor, the cat carries the characteristics of a typical German. He has gone and collected partridges for the King and returned with gold for his master. He then tells his master that this gold will not make them content, that they will need more to be happy. How stubborn of the cat to be so greedy in nature. This tale begins with the death of the miller and ends with the death of the king. Although not giving gruesome details of the death, this continues to have a feeling of violence. The last trait is that of sarcasm. The cat is trying to fend for his life against being made into a pair gloves while the narrators, the Grimms, make fun of a cat being able to talk and walk like a human. This seems to be a serious part of the story, however, the Brothers make it light hearted by contri buting sarcastic humor. In Aschenputtel, there is not one character that possesses all the Germanic traits. The stepmother demonstrates being stubborn when she continuously finds chores for Cinderella to do. First she puts only one bowl of lentils in the ashes and the next time she uses two bowls. When Cinderella achieves both tasks with time remaining. The sarcasm is very light in this tale but is shown through the repetition of the pecking of the birds. It is also shown when the pigeons sing songs that rhyme. Aschenputtel is a very violent tale. It begins, like The Brave Little Tailor, with the death of Cinderella's mother.

FM Receivers Essay -- essays research papers

Abstract This paper will discuss the design of an FM receiver. It will begin with a brief historical backdrop of FM broadcasting and its use in society. It will continue by providing the necessary mathematical background of the modulation process. Furthermore, it will enumerate some of the advantages of FM over other forms of modulation, namely AM. Finally, the paper will discuss the design of a basic FM receiver as well as introduce some circuits and circuit components which the reader may not be familiar with. Introduction Frequency modulation (FM) was invented in 1936 by an American electrical engineer/ inventor named Edwin H. Armstrong. Possessing numerous advantages over the existing AM broadcasting system, as will be discussed later, in combination with relatively low cost of implementation, resulted in its rapid growth. In the years following World War Two, there were 600 licensed stations broadcasting in the U.S. By 1980, the number grew to 4000. On another historical note, in 1961 stations began broadcasting in stereo. The basic receiver design consists of the following components. An antenna is used to convert electro-magnetic waves into electrical oscillations. Amplifiers are used throughout the receiver to boost signal power at radio, baseband and intermediate frequencies. The core of the FM receiver, the discriminator, comes in various circuit forms and is used in detection and demodulation. Basically, its role is to extract the intelligence or message from the carrier wave. Another component, essential in most electronic circuits, is the power supply (DC or AC converted to DC). Finally, a transducer (speaker in the case of Radio) is needed to convert the message signal into its final form (audio, mechanical, etc ¡Ã‚ ­). Other components more specific to FM receivers are mixers combined with local oscillators used for frequency manipulation, limiters to control amplitude, de-emphasis and other filter circuits. 2 Mathematics of FM Unlike amplitude modulation (AM) where the message or modulating signal, call it m(t), is used to modulate the amplitude of the carrier signal, frequency modulation, as the name implies, uses m(t) to transform the frequency of the carrier. The amplitude of an FM signal should remain constant during the modulating process; an important property of FM. A general FM signal can be described by the following:1  ¦Ã‚ µFM(t) = Acos( ¦ÃƒË†... ...n its output proportional to s(t). Over a short time interval, this variation  ¡Ãƒâ€" C(wc-wo)t. Thus, the system continues to loop until the frequency of the VCO output matches or  ¡Ã‚ °locks ¡Ã‚ ± onto the incoming frequency. The time it takes for the system to  ¡Ã‚ °lock ¡Ã‚ ± is called the acquisition time. Once the frequencies match, s(t) becomes s(t) = AB/s sin( ¦ÃƒË†c- ¦ÃƒË†o) For an incoming FM signal s(t) = AB/2 sin( ¦ÃƒË†c(t)- ¦ÃƒË†o) = AB/2 sin (kf  ¡Ãƒâ€™m( ¦Ãƒâ€œ)d ¦Ãƒâ€œ  ¨C ¦ÃƒË†o) Running s(t) through a differentiator results in an AM signal which can be easily demodulated using envelope detection. Once the signal has been demodulated, it is then passed through a de-emphasis circuit, as mentioned earlier. Typically, it is then amplified one last time before heading to the output transducer. Conclusion In conclusion, the modulation/demodulation process for FM signals has proven to be much less straight forward than simple AM modulation. However, FM has considerable advantages and its use in radio, satellite and radar applications make it indispensable. Many methods of signal and system analysis along with filter and feedback design are employed in the building of an FM receiver, whether it be analog, digital or otherwise. FM Receivers Essay -- essays research papers Abstract This paper will discuss the design of an FM receiver. It will begin with a brief historical backdrop of FM broadcasting and its use in society. It will continue by providing the necessary mathematical background of the modulation process. Furthermore, it will enumerate some of the advantages of FM over other forms of modulation, namely AM. Finally, the paper will discuss the design of a basic FM receiver as well as introduce some circuits and circuit components which the reader may not be familiar with. Introduction Frequency modulation (FM) was invented in 1936 by an American electrical engineer/ inventor named Edwin H. Armstrong. Possessing numerous advantages over the existing AM broadcasting system, as will be discussed later, in combination with relatively low cost of implementation, resulted in its rapid growth. In the years following World War Two, there were 600 licensed stations broadcasting in the U.S. By 1980, the number grew to 4000. On another historical note, in 1961 stations began broadcasting in stereo. The basic receiver design consists of the following components. An antenna is used to convert electro-magnetic waves into electrical oscillations. Amplifiers are used throughout the receiver to boost signal power at radio, baseband and intermediate frequencies. The core of the FM receiver, the discriminator, comes in various circuit forms and is used in detection and demodulation. Basically, its role is to extract the intelligence or message from the carrier wave. Another component, essential in most electronic circuits, is the power supply (DC or AC converted to DC). Finally, a transducer (speaker in the case of Radio) is needed to convert the message signal into its final form (audio, mechanical, etc ¡Ã‚ ­). Other components more specific to FM receivers are mixers combined with local oscillators used for frequency manipulation, limiters to control amplitude, de-emphasis and other filter circuits. 2 Mathematics of FM Unlike amplitude modulation (AM) where the message or modulating signal, call it m(t), is used to modulate the amplitude of the carrier signal, frequency modulation, as the name implies, uses m(t) to transform the frequency of the carrier. The amplitude of an FM signal should remain constant during the modulating process; an important property of FM. A general FM signal can be described by the following:1  ¦Ã‚ µFM(t) = Acos( ¦ÃƒË†... ...n its output proportional to s(t). Over a short time interval, this variation  ¡Ãƒâ€" C(wc-wo)t. Thus, the system continues to loop until the frequency of the VCO output matches or  ¡Ã‚ °locks ¡Ã‚ ± onto the incoming frequency. The time it takes for the system to  ¡Ã‚ °lock ¡Ã‚ ± is called the acquisition time. Once the frequencies match, s(t) becomes s(t) = AB/s sin( ¦ÃƒË†c- ¦ÃƒË†o) For an incoming FM signal s(t) = AB/2 sin( ¦ÃƒË†c(t)- ¦ÃƒË†o) = AB/2 sin (kf  ¡Ãƒâ€™m( ¦Ãƒâ€œ)d ¦Ãƒâ€œ  ¨C ¦ÃƒË†o) Running s(t) through a differentiator results in an AM signal which can be easily demodulated using envelope detection. Once the signal has been demodulated, it is then passed through a de-emphasis circuit, as mentioned earlier. Typically, it is then amplified one last time before heading to the output transducer. Conclusion In conclusion, the modulation/demodulation process for FM signals has proven to be much less straight forward than simple AM modulation. However, FM has considerable advantages and its use in radio, satellite and radar applications make it indispensable. Many methods of signal and system analysis along with filter and feedback design are employed in the building of an FM receiver, whether it be analog, digital or otherwise.

Anne Lamott’s Overture: Lily Pads

Anne Lamott’s â€Å"Overture: Lily Pads†, presents a chain of stumbled steps throughout her life by showing that each stagger has made her stronger and demonstrated that every misfortune and tribulation of her existence has allowed her to become one step closer to God. My objective is to obtain an enhanced understanding of the nature and function of Anne Lamott’s journey into her selected religion, which ends with her choosing Christianity by accepting Jesus’ everlasting love into her life. I will explain her journey as well as how I think she understands the concept of being â€Å"born again†. I wish to present how her definition, perspective and understanding resembles or possibly even differs from that of my own, enabling me to examine and understand from another’s point of view. Anne Lamott’s mother and father were far from that of faith and had the mindset that believing meant that you were dim-witted. I think Lamott’s father had a huge impact on her prolonged journey into Christianity as she clearly explains his hatred of the faith. Growing up yearning for his contentment and approval she pretends to dismiss God to make him happy. Her journey starts with a love for Catholic Church. Her ideas and perception of God stemmed from her friends beliefs and her own youthful personal viewpoints. She grew up in a house overflowing with alcohol, pot, and atheism, altogether unmistakably interfering with her walk with Christ. As a child she prayed alone: â€Å"I just know I always believed and that I did not tell a soul† (Lamott 624). The quote shows the loneliness and confusion she must have experience at such a young age. Later Lamott begins to surround herself with her friend’s family who all read the bible, quote scripture and pray for their children each day, finally influencing her in a way that she seems comfortable and eager about. But as Lamott entered her mid teens she gradually drifted from faith and replaced it with alcohol, drugs and sex. I believe college made an enormous impact on why she chose Christianity as her religion of choice. She becomes drawn to Judaism as an effect of having many Jewish college friends, but doesn't actually convert. However after reading a Christian bible story in one of her classes she states, â€Å"I left class believing – accepting – that there was a God† (Lamott 635). Throughout the next few pages her views on Christianity continue to change, as she goes back and forth from having faith in Christ to revisiting her drug and sex crazed life. The meeting of a new preacher and visiting the Church from time to time guides her the way back to God. Towards the last few pages of the writing Lamott is visited by Jesus after illness following a recent abortion, evaporating all of her disbeliefs, fears and enabling her to gradually dispose of the things she felt was immoral in her life, ending with a solid and blessed foundation of trust and faith. Anne Lamott clearly expresses the highs and lows of her Christian walk, enabling the audience to grasp the variety of influences and furthermore illustrating that her spirituality is actually the tie that binds them all together. My understanding of the concept being â€Å"born again† refers to being born from above. From my viewpoint being â€Å"born again† means knowing that God and Jesus are real. Being overflowed with the Holy Spirit that brings the sensation of peace and understanding. To be born again is being forgiven for all past sin, no matter what obscurities or crimes you have committed in the past, as the glorious mercy of God is given freely. To be born again is to wipe your slate clean, to eliminate all bad habits and sins as well as sticking to the rules of the bible. Anne Lamott’s teenage understanding of â€Å"born again† was that of a negative one as a result of her newly saved English teacher. Lamott writes; â€Å"I wept in Sue’s class at the betrayal, and the gentle patronizing efforts to console me† (631). This was a consequence of her teacher’s decision to now portray and educate her student’s through Christ’s eyes. This had a negative effect on Lamott, leading her in the opposite direction of Jesus, forcing her to obtain aggravated and argumentative behavior towards other Christians. Anne Lamott’s passage describes the moment of her conversion into Christianity, she writes; â€Å"I hung my head and said â€Å"Fuck it: I quite. I took a long deep breath and said out loud, â€Å"All right. You can come in† (643). My personal idea of being born again perhaps wouldn’t include coarse language and just ‘allowing† Jesus in, but would include graveling at his feet, praying and yearning for his forgiveness of all my thoughtless sins. Which is why Anne Lamott’s understanding of being saved differs so very much from my own. Nearing the end of the text we learn of Anne Lamott’s baptism, following pregnancy through a man she was dating. This additionally shows the difference between my own and Lamott’s beliefs. It demonstrates that she isn’t completely following Gods will, untraditionally creating a human life outside of the family structure God intended for every child. In ‘Corinthians 7:2’ of the ‘Holy Bible’ it explains that countless sinful people have immoral sex outside of wedlock and should first be married, so the saved can fulfill their passions in a moral way. Although I consider myself to be a fresh believer, I feel that I should practice Gods requests, in return teaching me right from wrong. Although Anne Lamott’s Christian beliefs may not be considered perfect to some, in her defense she does not pretend to have her life entirely in order. It is a remarkable story of how Jesus has had such a prominent impact on her life. ‘Overture: Lily Pads’ is a clear and genuine example for any reader to relate to, as it is similar to our own journeys in life. It immediately goes to show that what we believe in the beginning is not always the conclusion we come to in the end. However the journey is all about the ride, helping us to grasp the process and exercise what we discover along the way.