Biography of Sol LeWitt, Conceptual Artist

Solomon Sol LeWitt (September 9, 1928–April 8, 2007) was an American artist regarded as a pioneer in both the Conceptual and Minimalist Art movements. LeWitt stated that ideas, not physical creations, are the substance of art. He developed instructions for wall drawings that are still being created to this day. Fast Facts: Sol LeWitt Occupation: ArtistArtistic Movements: Conceptual and Minimalist ArtBorn: September 9, 1928 in Hartford, ConnecticutDied: April 8, 2007 in New York City, New YorkEducation: Syracuse University, School of Visual ArtsSelected Works: Lines in Four Directions (1985), Wall Drawing #652 (1990), 9 Towers (2007)Notable Quote: The idea becomes the machine that makes the art. Early Life and Education Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Sol LeWitt grew up in a family of Russian Jewish immigrants. His father died when Sol was only six years old. With encouragement from his mother, he attended art classes at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut. LeWitt showed a talent for creating humorous drawings. Most children in LeWitts neighborhood took industrial jobs, but he pursued art to rebel against expectations. Although he wanted to skip college, Sol compromised with his mother and attended Syracuse University. While in college, he won a $1,000 award for his work creating lithographs. The grant helped fund a trip to Europe in 1949 where LeWitt studied the work of the Old Masters. Drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War in 1951, Sol LeWitt served in the Special Services and created posters among other duties. He visited many shrines and temples in both Korea and Japan. LeWitt returned to New York in 1953, set up his first art studio, and began working as a design intern at Seventeen magazine. He also attended classes at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. LeWitt joined I.M. Peis architectural firm in 1955 as a graphic designer. There he began developing his idea that art is a concept or a blueprint for creation, and not necessarily the finished work—meaning that the physical work could be executed by someone other than the artist. Sol Lewitt in New York (1969). Jack Robinson / Getty Images After taking an entry-level job as a clerk at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1960, Sol LeWitt had firsthand exposure to the landmark 1960 exhibit Sixteen Americans. Among the featured artists were Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Frank Stella. Structures Showing independence from the tradition of sculpture in the arts, LeWitt called his three-dimensional works Structures. Initially, he created closed wooden objects lacquered by hand. However, in the mid-1960s, he decided it was necessary to reveal the internal structure leaving only a skeletal form. In 1969, LeWitt began creating his structures on a large scale often constructed out of fabricated aluminum or steel. X with Columns (1996). Raymond Boyd / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images In the 1980s, LeWitt began creating large public structures out of stacked cinder blocks. He started working with concrete in 1985 creating the cement Cube for a park in Basel, Switzerland. Beginning in 1990, he created multiple variations on a tower of concrete blocks for locations around the world. One of LeWitts final structures was the 2007 design for 9 Towers to be constructed in Sweden out of over 1,000 light-colored bricks. Wall Drawings In 1968, LeWitt began developing guidelines and diagrams for making works of art by drawing directly on the wall. At first, they used a graphite pencil, then crayon, colored pencil, and later India ink, acrylic paint, and other materials. Many of LeWitts wall drawings were executed by other people using his guidelines. LeWitt stated that the wall drawings are never the same, as everyone understands the instructions differently and draws lines uniquely. Even after his death, LeWitt wall drawings are still being produced. Many are created for exhibitions and destroyed once the exhibition is over. John Hogan creating a Sol Lewitt line drawing. Andy Kropa / Getty Images A characteristic example of LeWitts wall drawing instructions is as follows: Draw all combinations of two lines crossing, placed at random, using arcs from corners and sides, straight, not straight, and broken lines. This example comes from Wall Drawing #122, executed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After moving to Spoleto, Italy in the late 1970s, LeWitt began creating wall drawings with crayon and other brightly colored materials. He credited the change to his exposure to Italian frescoes. In 2005, LeWitt began developing a series of scribbled wall drawings. As with his other works, the instructions for creation are highly specific. The scribbles are done with six different densities that ultimately imply a three-dimensional work. Major Exhibitions New Yorks John Daniels gallery mounted Sol LeWitts first solo show in 1965. In 1966, he took part in the Primary Structures exhibition at the Jewish Museum of New York. It was a defining event for Minimalist Art. The Museum of Modern Art in New York launched a Sol LeWitt retrospective in 1978. Many art critics embraced LeWitt for the first time following the exhibition. The 1992 Sol LeWitt Drawings 1958-1992 exhibit began at Gemeentemuseum in The Hague Netherlands before traveling to museums around the world for the next three years. A major LeWitt retrospective by the San Francisco Musem of Modern Art in 2000 traveled to Chicago and New York. Sol Lewitt Line Drawing #84 (2011). Andy Kropa / Getty Images A massive exhibition titled Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective—a collaborative project of Yale University, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and Williams College—opened in 2008, a year after the artists death. It includes almost an acre of wall space devoted to more than 105 drawings created to LeWitts specifications. Sixty-five artists and students executed the works. Housed in a 27,000-square-foot historic mill building, the exhibition will remain open for viewing for 25 years. Legacy and Influence LeWitts methods of using lines, shapes, blocks, and other simple elements made him a key figure in Minimalist Art. However, his primary legacy is his vital role in the development of Conceptual Art. He believed that concepts and ideas are the substance of art, not the final piece that is created. He also insisted that art is not about anything in particular. These ideas distinguished LeWitt from the romantic and emotional work of the abstract expressionists. LeWitts 1967 essay Paragraphs on Conceptual Art, published in ArtForum, is a defining statement for the movement; in it, he wrote, The idea becomes the machine that makes the art. Source Cross, Susan, and Denise Markonish. Sol LeWitt: 100 Views. Yale University Press, 2009.

Genetically Engineered Food Friend or Not

Genetically Engineered Food: Friend or Not? Genetically engineered products become a more and more pressing concern of everyday’s life. It grows increasingly popular to write something like â€Å"Does not contain GMO† on foodstuffs, but can we believe it? And, after all, does it actually matter? To tell the truth, nobody can say this for sure. Although the issue of genetically modified food has appeared over two decades ago, large scale testing programs have been carried out and the production of GMO has become a usual thing in many countries, nobody can give a direct answer to the question whether GMO are harmful. What is more important, any definite answer can hardly ever be given in future, for, if consuming genetically engineered food leads to certain consequences, which are not apparent by now, who can know when they will reveal themselves? They may appear ten years, or fifty years, or a century of consuming them. Modern science is not capable of comprehending to the full extent the implications of intrusion into natural processes. Every single kind of living beings has appeared as a result of these processes, which went on during millions of years, and now human changes them at will without knowing for sure to what it may eventually lead. Of course, the usage of genetically engineered food is a way out for underdeveloped countries, economy of which cannot support their growing populations, and they are very eager to use anything that will help them rise. But who knows what it will do with their people in a couple of decades? Only time can answer this question. The fact that there is no comprehensive evidence of GMO being definitely harmful is not the reason to give it the benefit of doubt. It is dangerous to meddle with the things we do not fully understand.

Questionnaire Of The Health Care Delivery System - 1755 Words

Health care Markets Analyses of the Health care delivery system The United States has no special type of nationwide system of the health care delivery. In order to obtain health care insurance, the individuals must buy it in the private marketplace, or it is given to them by the government . Part of the traditional health insurance plans, permits the unrestricted selection of the health care provider and compensates on the fee for the service basis, recently, it covers less than 30% of all the employees. There are basically two kinds of MCOs: Health Maintenance organizations and Preferred Provider Organizations. About 70% of the employees registered in MCOs. HMO is the health care delivery system that associates†¦show more content†¦Primary care physicians in the US operate in the private for-profit sector and function in the group practices. The transition to control the health care system has helped to advertise some cost savings in different medical care markets but has also outcome in some rationing of the care. The social determinants of the health care are early childhood growth, income and social status, social support networks and physical environments. Early childhood growth: in diagnosed the disease, the doctor intervenes in the procedure that was often created many years prior. In thinking regarding the causes, the majority of the people get the life lessons perspective that expands the disease roots. Income and social status: the social status of the people is described by the mixture of their wealth, education and lifestyle and by other factors like ethnicity, personality and happenstance. The most obvious of these influences is income- especially not sufficient income- defined either in relative or accurate terms. Accurate poverty refers to having insufficient resources to meet general requirements for the sanctuary, nutrious food and education. Competitive forces in the Health Care Delivery system There are many types of competition forces in the health care system. One of the forces are making national marketplace for the insurance. The services involve mammograms, behavior, and acupuncture and hair pieces. In some of the cases, consumers are needed to buy coverage

Stage of LIfe Free Essays

Erik Erikson was a psychoanalytic theorist, who believed that all humans go through eight stages of development throughout their lifetime. The first stage is called Trust vs. Mistrust. We will write a custom essay sample on Stage of LIfe or any similar topic only for you Order Now The second stage is called Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. Third stage is Initiative vs. Guilt. The fourth stage is Industry vs. Inferiority. Fifth stage is Identity vs. Confusion. Sixth stage is Intimacy vs. Isolation. Seventh stage is Generativity vs. Stagnation. The eighth and final stage is Integrity vs. Despair (Berger, 17). Each stage occurs at a specific time frame and requires achievement to obtain successful completion. The first stage occurs between birth and one year of age. During this stage, if one’s parents provide familiarity, consistency, and continuity, a feeling that the world is a safe place and people are reliable and loving will develop (Berger, 129). Also, the child learns to trust their body and biological urges that go with it. If the parents are inadequate and unreliable, or the child is harmed or rejected, then mistrust is developed. This mistrust will result in fear and a belief that the world is inconsistent and unpredictable. If this stage is achieved successfully, children acquire hope, the belief that even when things aren’t going well they will work out well in the end. The second stage occurs in early childhood. The goal of this stage is to achieve autonomy while minimizing shame and doubt. If a toddler is allowed to explore and manipulate their environment they will develop a sense of independence. The child develops self-esteem and self-control (Berger, 129). If parents or caregivers come down hard on toddlers’ attempts to explore and be independent the toddler will give up and assume that they cannot and should not act on their own. Also, giving children no sense of limits, unrestricted freedom, and doing for children what they should do for themselves will lead them to conclude that they are not good for much and shouldn’t do for themselves. A little shame and doubt is beneficial because without it, one will develop a shameless willfulness that leads one to jump into things without proper consideration of one’s abilities. Too much shame and doubt leads to compulsiveness. If the proper balance at this stage is achieved the virtue of willpower is developed. The third stage occurs during preschool years. Goal is to learn initiative without too much guilt. Initiative means a positive response to the world’s challenges, taking on responsibilities, learning new skills, and feeling purposeful (Berger, 198). If parents encourage children to try out their ideas and accept and encourage fantasy, curiosity, and imagination. Capacity of moral judgment has begun. Parents have the responsibility to encourage the child to â€Å"grow up. † If this process is done too harshly or too abruptly, the child learns to feel guilty about their feelings. Too much initiative and too little guilt leads to ruthlessness, taking initiative and doing whatever it takes to achieve the goals. Extreme form of ruthlessness is sociopathy. On the other hand, too much guilt leads to inhibition. This person will not try things because not trying means nothing to feel guilty about. If a good balance is achieved during this stage a sense of purpose is developed. The fourth stage occurs approximately 5-11 years of age. During this stage parents must encourage, teachers must care, peers must accept. Children must learn that there is pleasure in conceiving a plan and carrying it out (Berger, 272). They must learn the feeling of success. If a child is allowed too little success they will develop a sense of inferiority or incompetence. They may never develop social skills. If this stage is achieved children will develop the virtue of competence and the belief in our own abilities to handle the tasks set before them. Stage five occurs in adolescence. The task is to achieve ego identity and to avoid role confusion. They learn who they are and how they fit into the rest of society (Berger, 348). Through receiving proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration adolescents emerge with a strong sense of self and a feeling of independence and control. Those who are unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and confused about themselves and their future. Completing this stage successfully leads to fidelity, the ability to live by society’s standards and expectations. Stage six occurs during early adulthood. Erikson believed that a strong sense of personal identity was important for developing intimate relationships (Berger, 456). Those with a poor sense of self tend to have less committed relationships and are more likely to suffer emotional isolation, loneliness, and depression. Successful resolution of this stage results in the virtue known as love, marked by the ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships with other people. Stage seven occurs in adulthood. The focus is on career and family. Success in this stage leads to a feeling of contributing to the world by being active in the home and community (Berger, 473). Failure to attain this skill leads to feelings of unproductivity and non-involvement in the world. Successful handling of this stage leads to the virtue of care, being proud of one’s accomplishments, watching children grow into adults, develop a sense of unity with your life partner are important accomplishments. Stage eight occurs in old age. Those unsuccessful in this stage feel that their life has been wasted and will experience many regrets. They are left with feelings of bitterness and despair (Berger, 530). Those who are successful feel proud of their accomplishments and a sense of integrity. Successful completion means looking back with few regrets, a general feeling of satisfaction, and attaining wisdom even when confronting death. My most favorite stage I have experienced so far is stage seven, Generatively vs. stagnation. This is true because I feel that I have found a job that allows me to contribute to my society and the world in a positive, helpful way. I am able to watch my children grow into wonderful adults. I am proud of all my accomplishments in school, work, and raising my children. I feel a strong sense of productivity that I have not had before. My least favorite stage was adolescence. It was tough having to discover who I was and what I wanted to be. Peers were very important and it was tough trying to fit in and be a part of a group. I would change my stage six, Intimacy vs. Isolation. My father passed away during this time and I was very close to him. So much of me and my sense of self was related to my father and when he died it was like I lost a big part of me as well. It was a very difficult time for me and I felt a great sense of loss. I believe that it has had an impact on my ability to form close, secure, committed relationships with other people. I am most looking forward to continuing in stage seven, Generatively vs, Stagnation. I am enjoying all of my accomplishments and watching my children grow so much that I am looking forward to continuing in this stage. I am dreading stage eight, Integrity vs. Despair because I know there are things and decisions that I will regret as I reflect back on my life. I have learned much and am happy with the majority of my life. Also, during this stage is usually when death occurs and I am not ready to give up my life just yet, I still have some things I would like to accomplish and I want to be around for my children and grandchildren. How to cite Stage of LIfe, Papers

Leading And Managing

Question: Discuss about theLeading And Managing. Answer: Introduction: There are various kinds of leadership styles that are adopted by many world leaders. In this case we shall discuss multicultural and evolution of leadership. Analysis of the Leadership Styles The world today is a global village whereby people can move anywhere with ease. The technological advancements have simplified the modes of travel thus individuals from any part of the world can settle anywhere. In this sense, leaders must understand the kind of subjects that they exercise their influence upon. A leader is assumed to be an ethical and charismatic person but the need to evaluate the people being governed is paramount. (Muna et al. 2010). For instance, there are many dynamics that are taking place in various organisations and nations. The implications of these changes are that the leaders should keep up with the rapid pace to comprehend the details in the evolution of their subjects. More so, they should anticipate the challenges that come with the changes and also utilise the many opportunities that arise from them. (Johnson 2006, p. 333-345) A multicultural leader should be aware of their past and how it drives their perception of current world phenomena. This will compel them to relate their experience to other livelihoods of different parts of the globe. Once they are acquainted with these facts, they should interconnect them in a manner that is coherent with cultural expectations. More specifically we examine the multicultural way of leadership exhibited by Abdul Sattar Edhi, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. (Shippy 2009, p. 60-65) Abdul Sattar Edhi was born of poor parents in a humble village. He had an opportunity to care for his sick mother who later died. She had suffered critical mental disorder that led to her demise. The years of devastation were a training experience for Edhi who grew up as a philanthropic personality with a great sense of compassion towards people. He was not so much endowed with money but he did his best to empower others. At some point he engaged his peers to start beneficial programmes but they differed in ideologies, so he pursued his own course. During the colonial era, there were prejudicial tendencies that suppressed women. Edhi launched his foundation that aimed to emancipate them. He began with a single ambulance and later grew the foundation together with his wife and children. He attributes his personality to the Muslim teachings that inculcated good values in him. (Kohler 2016, p. 456-467) Born in 1918, Nelson Mandela was a South African leader who grew up to fight for freedom. The South African country was embroiled in apartheid systems that led to segregation and torture of the Africans. Nelson Mandela was instrumental in the fought against the laws through formation of the African National Congress. (Branson et al. 2011). This movement led to his imprisonment for twenty seven years in the Robben Islands. He inspired other leaders to stand up against forms of discrimination. Nelson Mandela to transform the society to embrace education which he believed would empower them. His influence was felt even while he was in prison because the struggle was kept vibrant by his countrymen. After leaving prison, he rose to presidency as the first black president of South Africa. This country was dominated by different cultures including the whites. Mandela is credited for incorporating all races in his government and he did not act in any way to revenge for the injustices caused upon his life. Some of the whites served in his government. Until today, Mandela has a strong legacy as a transformational leader who is rated among other great world leaders. (Kezar 2008, p. 78-88) Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869 in the northwest regions of India. He was privileged to attend school and later he got married. Gandhi moved to South Africa at the time when apartheid laws were highly effective. While staying there, he witnessed how Indians and Africans were mistreated. At some point he was ejected out of a train on the grounds of race. He later went back to India where he strived to create awareness for his fellow Indians to stand up against British rule. (Ramakrishnan 2013, p. 87-90) There are many lessons that can be derived from Mahatmas multicultural style of leadership. He embraced justice for every individual. He also advocated for value addition in the lifestyle of a human being. Through Mahatma, humanity was upheld because he respected people from all walks of life. (Schein 2010, p. 311-318). He did not put any boundaries between the social strata or occupational diversities. His determination to eliminate development barriers was triggered by the desire to have an enlightened nation apart from just being independent. Comparison of the Leadership Styles The leaders exhibit many similarities in their styles. For instance, all of them had a sense of compassion for humanity and this was the driving force that made them to fight for equality. Another factor that made them similar is the desire to have a society that is free from any form of discrimination. The only difference that comes out is the method applied to fight for the grievances. For instance, Mandela employed violent means while Gandhi was a peaceful demonstrator. In the contemporary economy, Mahatmas system is applicable because he was flexible and willing to learn. Therefore, the system can accommodate the rapid economic changes as well. (Muna et al. 2010). Communication Styles In addition, there were disparities in communication styles. Mandela was locked up in prison hence he communicated through other parties whereas Mahatma gave first hand information to his followers. Edhis style of communication is a little different because the other two leaders were national leaders whereas he was an organisational leader. (Shippy 2009, p. 60-65) In terms of multicultural leadership, the three personalities have been respected across the world. In their biographies, they portray themselves as leaders who have visions. It is true that their success was evident from their initial growth stages. Leadership was a trait that they learnt at the youthful ages and they nurtured it to become world renowned figures. They all have childhood stories that literally pushed them to adopt the courses that now distinguish them. (Branson et al. 2011). Conclusion In conclusion, leadership is not a discipline that can be studied in class. One must possess the innate skill and desire to serve the people. References Branson, M. L., MartiÃÅ' nez, J. F. (2011). Churches, Cultures Leadership: a practical theology of congregations and ethnicities, 9(21), 234-241 Johnson, P. B. (2006). Everyone Is Multicultural: bridging cultural influences for leadership success . New York, iUniverse, 3(6), 333-345 Kezar, A. J. (2008). Rethinking Leadership in A Complex, Multicultural, And Global Environment: new concepts and models for Leadership, 45(5-9), 78-88 Kohler, R. (2016). Optimization Of Leadership Style: new approaches to effective multicultural leadership in ... international, 28(3), 456-467 Muna, F. A., Zennie, Z. A. (2010). Developing Multicultural Leaders The Journey To Leadership Success . Houndmills, Basingstoke, 42(4), 45-67 Ramakrishnan, K. (2013). Managerial Leadership in Multicultural Organisations. [Place of publication not identified], Prentice-Hall, 39(8), 87-90 Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 87(7), 311-318 Shippy, M. A. (2009). Cultural Fluidity Adaptability Factors Of Multicultural Leaders Within The U.S. Business Context . Cincinnati, 12(7), 60-65

The U.S. Toy industry

Nature of the Toy Industry in America The THE U.S. Toy industry encompasses the world largest producer and manufacturer of children entertainment products. According to 2011 financial reports, the global toy Industry generated revenue of $ 78 billion. The U.S toy industry contributed $21.18 billion to this amount, which marks a 2% decline from $21.68 generated in 2010 (The NPD Group, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The U.S. Toy industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This industry can be divided into the two categories of traditional toys and video games (Bryson, Rusten, 2011). According to the NPD tallies for 2011, video games accounted for $ 5,046,000 of the 21.18 billion generated by the toy industry. The major video games products manufactured by the Toy industry include PS2, Xbox, GC, Xbox360, Wii, PS3, DC, N64, PSI and Satum. The traditional toys manufacturing companies generate the largest perc entage of the revenue generated by the Toy industry because it offers a variety of products (Bryson, Rusten, 2011). These products encompass building sets, action figures /accessories, dolls, games and puzzles, infants and preschools toys, outdoor and sports toys, plush, vehicles, youth electronics, arts and craft, pretend play, trading cards and other different toys. 75% of the toy industry revenue in THE U.S. is generated by the top 50 toy companies. The United States Toys Industry Market Segmentation in terms of % share in 2011Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The estimated toy sales trends ascertain the fact that toy sales have been increasing and decreasing depending on the seasonality of the industry. In 2006, the toy industry generated $22.3 billion, which declined to $22.2 billion in 2007. In 2008, the revenue increased to $21.65. This culminated into $21. 47 in 20 09 that marked a decline from the revenue generated in 2008 (The NPD Group, 2011). In 2010 the revenue increased to $21.87, but later decline to $21.18 in 2011. The expected compound annual growth rate of revenues in the toy industry for the next five years encompasses 0.1 % from 2011 to 2016. In this case, the revenue generated by 2016 is estimated as 22.095.8 (The NPD Group, 2011).From this sales trend, it can be ascertained that the sales trends keep increasing and decreasing depending on the seasonal nature of the toy industry. The United States Toys Market Value in $billions from 2007 to 2011 The current operational/ management trends in the toy industry encompass diversity in the types of toy products manufactured, reduction in the need for free-form play toys due to the reduction of time for role-play which calls for increased production of video games, acquisition of small toy companies by the large companies, radical changes in the number of diversified retail and independ ent chains, impacts of changes in technology that culminate into the innovation of newer toy products as well as changes in the business matters, sales, legal, ethical and trade imbalances in the toy industry (Auerbach, 2004). The major marketing avenues utilized by companies in the Toy industry encompass television, magazines, Radio, newspapers, in-store displays, sweepstakes, use of brand name toys, trade show that used in forecasting industry sales, and acquisition of feedback by manufacturers from the retailers as well as the combined effort between the toy producing company and other companies that offer complementary products (Little $ King Company, LLC, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The U.S. Toy industry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Other marketing strategies utilized by toy producing companies encompass company websites, post-launch reviews, print reviews, pre-launch reviews, special-in sto re promotions, as well as advertising in genre-specific toy magazines (Little $ King Company, LLC, 2010). Essentially, large toy companies utilize licensing as a major marketing strategy, because it accords them with leverage in the competitive toy industry. As an addition to the above marketing strategies, many companies have ventured into the Internet-based retail services that enhance the purchase of toys by customers from the manufacturers rather that going through retailers (Little $ King Company, LLC, 2010). The toy industry is identified as a seasonal industry. This is because major toy sales are done in the late third and fourth quarters of a year, due to the increase in demand for toys during the winter season. This seasonality definitely affects sales greatly. Early-buy programs are offered by large toy companies to reduce the number of products over demand (Little $ King Company, LLC, 2010). During the period that spans over the quarters in which limited revenue is genera ted, such large companies capitalize on the promotion and sale of such non-holiday toys as sports and educational related toys. To some extent the toy industry is sensitive to economic fluctuations. This is because as personal income increases, the retail sales for toys increase (Little $ King Company, LLC, 2010). A 1.6% increase in personal income in 2009 culminated into a 3.8% increase in retail toy sales in the same year. Essentially, the toy retail sector is usually more resilient as compared to other companies during a recession, but it encompasses the first industry to recover after a recession. Industry Developments The competition that the Toy Industry has been undergoing from such electronic gadgets as iPods in the ever changing entertainment world has culminated to the development of the industry through various innovations. Green innovations span through the various green initiatives exhibited during the JAR Toy Fair.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Such green initiatives as the Erath Friendly Product Zone encompass the major contributions to the green initiatives (Bryson, Rusten, 2011). A good example of this encompasses the Design4Planet program introduced by LEGO, aimed at establishing sustainable product designs that are environment friendly. Various electronic items and video games have been introduced as innovations that can compete with the various electronic gadgets introduced through technological development in the modern world. This is a move that should stir traditional toy industries to think of how they can keep with the competition. Such products of the toy Industry can compete effectively as compared to the traditional toys. Under product innovation, theme based toys and embedded technology has been introduced into the developing toy industry. Under embedded technology, such toys as programmable cars and robotic dog have been introduced. Some companies have ventured into the production of toys based on children stories to increase their sales. Essentially, the toy industry has developed continually by embracing on-line sales of various toy products. The International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) has always been committed to the promotion of toy safety as one of the major government regulation governing the THE U.S. toy industry while working with standard bodies to improve the safety requirements when producing toys. (International Council of Toy Industries, 2010). In this case, they ensure that toys are produced for particular children categories and they do not pose any risks or accidents to such particular categories. New toys should also be fitted with safety devices that can withstand tear and wear as they enhance the safety of the users. Essentially, as part of the government regulations, the toys producing companies possess the social responsibility of ensuring that all employees engaged in the production of toys, are accorded with favorable working conditions (International Co uncil of Toy Industries, 2011). ICTI organizes annual trade shows in which qualifying companies from all over the world are allowed to exhibit new products. These exhibits are however subjected to various government regulations in terms of exhibit regulations as well as attendance qualifications (International Council of Toy Industries, 2011). Traffic and non-tariff trade barriers exist in the international trade industry. Such are however regulated through various government regulations that ensure unfair trade practices are eliminated from the developing international toy industry. In terms of the consumer market data, 28.2% of the Global market value can be accounted to THE U.S., while 27.8% can be accounted to Europe Global Consumer market value segmentation In terms of consumer market distribution, the leading distributers of toys in the consumer market encompass specialist stores, Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, discounters, department’s stores, general retails as well as other distributors (Bryson Rusten, 2011). 30.7% of the distribution can be attributed to the Hypermarkets, Supermarkets and discounters. Specialist stores account for 52.8%, general retailers account for 6.8%, department stores account for 5.25 while other distributors account for 4.6% as shown by the pie chart below Segmentation of the Toy Distributors in the Consumer Market Competitor Information The modern Toy Industry in THE U.S. is dominated by such leaders as Mattel, Hasbro and JAKKS Pacific. Mattel encompasses the largest toy producing company In America in terms of revenue. Essentially, it encompasses the largest toy manufacturer in the world. In 2010, the company generated $6 billion in net sales and $ 700 million in net income. Mattel produces Barbie dolls, master of the universe, board games, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels, American Girl Dolls and Matchbox toys. Its headquarters are situated in El Segundo, California (Bryson Rusten, 2011). 49% of its Gross sales is accounted for by the company’s international revenue that originates from Europe, Asia and Latin America (Bryson Rusten, 2011). The company was established in 1945, but begun its first Barbie product line in 1959. It gained its fame in the 1960s through its talking dolls production. In 2002, the company closed shop in Africa and transferred its business through outsourcing to China. Hasbro encompasses the second leading toy company In THE U.S. that is engaged in the manufacture of card games, educations games, boards games and other family games. It recorded $4 billion in net sales and $ 400 million net income in 2010. Its headquarters are situated in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, but the major percentage of its products is produced in East Asia (Bryson Rusten, 2011). Its first toy was produced in 1940’s inform of nurse and doctor kits, the company’s first toy that gained popularity in the toy market encompasses Mr. Potato Head that was produced in 1952. Their first action figure, G.I Joe was produced in 1964 and the company’s name was shorted from Hassenfeld Brothers to Hasbro industries in 1968. Currently it encompasses a parent company to various subsidiaries. Apart from the manufacturing facilities owned and operated in Asia, the company operates two manufacturing facilities in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Waterford, Ireland. JAKKS Pacific encompasses the third largest toy manufacturing company in THE U.S. whose revenue is generated from the production of toy cars, video games, dolls and action figures (Bryson Rusten, 2011). In 2010, it recorded $ 750 million in net sales and $50 million net income. It was established in 1995 in Malibu California and started to acquire small toy companies up to 2008. It has managed to acquire the third position in the toy market through licensing agreements, strategic acquisitions as well as product development. Competition in the Toy Industry cannot only be limited to the large businesses in the ind ustry; it also spans the competition from other toy producing companies in the world. THE U.S. imports most of its toys from China (Bryson Rusten, 2011). In this case, the American Toy producing companies encounter considerable competition from the Chinese Toy Producing companies. This competition is something to awaken the traditional toy companies, especially the THE U.S. based companies which are facing still competition in the current market. In 2008, the U.S consumption of toys amounted to $24 billion. 85% of this consumption was met by the Chinese toy producing companies. This consumption reduced to $22 billion in 2010, but the percentage met by the Chinese toy companies did not reduce. From the two exhibits below, it can be concluded that though China encompasses the major competitor of the United States toy industry, the Topy Producing companies in U.S still encounter surmountable competition from Toy manufacturing companies in Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, Denmark, Can ada, Hong Kong, Thailand and Germany. U.S Toy Imports vs. Apparent Consumption and Toy Imports from China Top US Import Sources Summary of the Analysis The comprehensive industry analysis of the THE U.S. toy industry has been divided into nature of the industry, industry development and competitor information. Under the nature of the industry, the estimate size of the industry encompasses $78 billion revenue generation by the international Toy industry of which $21.18 can be attributed to the U.S toy industry. In terms of sales trends, sales have been on the decrease from 2007 to 2011 but an estimated 0.1% increase is expected to be attained by 2016. Such operational/management trends as the acquisition of small toy companies can be attributed to the nature of the toy industry. Various marketing strategies that include Internet-based retail services can be attributed to the nature of the industry. The toy Industry in American encompasses a seasonal industry that is affected by var ious economic fluctuations. In terms of industry development, the industry has undergone various innovations and government regulations ion its development course. Essentially, the consumer market data provided ascertains that U.S accounts the highest consumer market value in the international toy industry. Inherently, specialized stores encompass the highest toy distributors in the consumer market. Competitor information ascertains the major businesses in the U.S toy industries include Mattel, Hasbro and JAKKS Pacific. Though Mattel is identified as the largest toy producer in U.S, it is also identified as the largest toy manufacturer in the world. Though these companies pose considerable competition to other toy [producing companies in U.S, toy producing companies from china, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, Denmark, Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand and Germany also pose surmountable competition. References Auerbach, S. (2004). Toy industry: Past, present and future. The Big Game Hunt er. Web. Bryson, J., R. Rusten, G. (2011). Design economies and the changing world economy: innovation, production and competitiveness. New York, NY: Taylor Francis. International Council of Toy Industries. (2011). Industry information. Web. Little $ King Company, LLC. (2010). The transformational toy manufacturing industry. Web. The NPD Group. (2011). THE U.S. toy industry retail sales generated $21.18 billion in 2011. Web. This report on The U.S. Toy industry was written and submitted by user Juan S. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Essay on Life Without Colours Essays

Essay on Life Without Colours Essays Essay on Life Without Colours Paper Essay on Life Without Colours Paper Imagine the World without Colours Once upon a time in the kingdom of Jubilee, King Davis was one of the kindest rulers in a thousand years. One day, his family received a letter from their uncle John inviting them to a fun day. With much joy, the family packed their personal belongings and headed for Baskalin, the border between Kingdom Jubilee and Kingdom Wisdom. On the way to Baskalin, the family saw some of the most amazing scenery in all the land. The beautiful turquoise Lake Prince was sparkling in the warm, golden sunlight of the April morning. The sweet smell of the freshly cut yellow grass mixed with dirt met their noses as the carriage moved down the muddy road. Above Lake Prince the sky was crisp and clear with cotton ball clouds painted with sky blue edgings. The fields were a patchwork of colors. Lavender, strawberries and sunflowers beamed at the sun and danced with the lazy breeze. Juicy apples mixed with orange citrus, curly bananas mixed with green papaya. Plump blueberries were ripe for the picking. From miles away, the smell of the rich fruits reached the Kings carriage and stimulated the appetite of the royal family. What a beautiful world! Jubilee Kingdom got its name because the people were always happy and enjoyed their gorgeous environment. The colorful surroundings and the pleasant smell of nature with sweet fruits bought joy to everybody. It was at the very moment that King Davis closed his eyes to enjoy the rhythm of the carriage, that something strange suddenly happened. The melody of birds stopped, the sky turned black and the wind became wild.  What, what is going on! cried the King as he opened his eyes to check on his family.  A thunderstorm is coming Your Highness, please do not worry reassured the carriage driver. It was then that the rain poured down from the sky and everything became covered by fog. The King and his family waited, and waited, and waited until the rain stopped. Finally the sun was back, but everything was changed. The colors were washed away with the rain leaving the world black, white and dull shades of grey. The light of the sun became brighter but the king could not feel the heat. No longer did the sun have a warm yellow glow, instead it turned to blinding white. The King was frightened by the change. He couldnt understand what was happening. All of Kings expectations of the surroundings had altered. He couldnt believe the images that he was seeing. He thought he was seeing an optical illusion created by a change in the light waves, but his family reminded him that this is the reality of Jubilee Kingdom. It is the realm of being that happens in Jubilee Kingdom once every hundred years. The colors were stolen by the evil witch living in Misery Cave. For the next twelve months, citizens of Jubilee Kingdom have to live without color until the evil curse was broken. Everyone including the King found it difficult to adjust. They were no longer able to see after sunset. Everything turned black. During the daytime, people become more dependent on communication and their sense of hearing. Their knowledge source was changed due to the loss of colors. Since people lost their visual perception, they had to double check everything through sound and touch. Never did it occur to the King that Jubilee Kingdom would suffer so much, even the melody of birds turned disturbing, and the sweet smell of juicy fruits turned sour. People no long enjoy living in Jubilee Kingdom. The change in blindness caused a rapid increase in depression and affected peoples emotions. People were used to a beautiful Jubilee Kingdom instead of being locked up in a world without colors. Losing the visual sense and reality made it difficult for people to stay rational thus the organic (human nature) changed from blind trust. As days went by, people had to learn to adapt the environment without colors. Although it was difficult and depressing, they had no other choice. Tourists stopped coming to visit Jubilee Kingdom and farmers could not work properly as all they could see was black and white. Life continued without happiness. Every day people were expecting change and experimented with new methods to make their new life better. Under the new environment, fashion designers redesigned the patterns of clothing with black and white to create new fashions. The lifestyle of people changed little by little, making progress to adapt to the environment without colors. It is true that the quality of living went down but at some point, people had to accept it and ignore the inconvenience. The King and his family were left in the middle of the land with nowhere to go because without colors, the carriage driver couldnt be sure which way to go. They were lost in the middle of their journey. Like everyone else, the King and his family eventually learned a new way of living. Twelve months sounded a long time but when people began to get used to their new routine, the time flew by. On the dawn of the 366th day after the thunderstorm, the evil curse was broken by magical fairy. After a few simple flicks of her wand, the colors were returned to Jubilee Kingdom. Men on the street were busy celebrating the return of color, while woman were busy cleaning up the huge mess that was left over. At first, people were slow to adapt back to a world with colors. They were now used to seeing the days filled with only black and white colors. Things began to return to normal, people with depression were cured without medical treatment. The visual perception became the most dependent and reliable perception that people were using, and auditory perception became less important. Most of all, peoples lives returned to normal. The King realized that it was possible for one to adjust to another environment, the secret is that time is of the essence. After twelve months of delay, the King and his family decided to move on with their journey. Within a few days, they reached Uncle John and had the biggest fun day in the history of Jubilee Kingdom. From that day forward, the King and the people of Jubilee Kingdom enjoyed their colorful surroundings every day and lived happily ever after.  The End.  Knowledge issues:  When the king and everyone lost their sense to colors, they have to adjust to their new life through experience and time. They found it difficult to change the way they lived because it turned out that the people were heavily depended on their sense to colors. There are other factors needed to be taken into account, such as the way the humans brain is not designed to see without colors so this might have mixed up the way our brain functions. I think that youll be able to train you brain to only see black and white, because thats how the ancient people lived inside caves, but it would take time for the transition. That is why when the colors returned, people had to spend some time adjusting from black and white back to colors. The color transition also varies between people because just like the optical illusions, some people were able to see it straight away and some people just could not get it. However, in this case, just because those people could not see the optical illusion, they could still train their brain to become sensitive in seeing black and white. I wonder if this happened to me, what are the ways that I would conquer this disability because loosing the sense to colors isnt the same as loosing the eyesight, and although youre able to see, you cant really see. It would be difficult to distinguish shapes, distance and finding the subjects that youre looking for. I think that it will be a wonderful experience if I could experience it myself for a short period of time.