Marketing Strategy Degree Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing Strategy Degree - Essay Example Coca-cola, Kellogg's, McDonald's, Kodak, Marlboro, IBM, American Express, Sony, Mercedes-Benz and Nescafe are generally in the world's top ten brand in the market , and they have reached and retained in such position mainly because of the efforts of marketing and advertising departments ( Stanley, 2003). So exactly what is an advertisement or what can we understand by the term advertisement. Their have been different views regarding the concept of advertisement. According to John Burnett, "Advertisement is a non-personal communication of marketing related information to a target audience, usually paid by the advertiser and delivered through mass media in order to reach specific objective of sponsor". However according to the critic of advertising, Judith Williamson (1978, p.57) states that it's "the most ubiquitous form in which we encounter commercial photography" which means advertising is the 'official art' of the advanced industrial nation of the west. It occupies the newspapers and is covered all over with urban environment, it is highly systematize organization involving many artist, writer and film directors, and consist of a large amount of output of the mass media. Advertisements promote and affect the idea and value which are crucial to a particular economy system. Thus a good advertisement is that, which we should not lose interest in their ideological functions, which is connected to their economic functions (Dyer, 1995 p.2). Another definition by (Longman, 1971) 'Advertising attempts to inform and persuade a large number of people with a single communication'. Therefore in its simple sense the word 'advertising' means capturing the attention to something or telling or advising somebody of something. (Dyer, 1995 p.2). Thus advertising can be seen as a medium for communicating or

New malaria 'poses human threat' Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

New malaria 'poses human threat' - Assignment Example P. knowlesi resembles the less serious P. malariae under microscopic inspection, but if not properly diagnosed, it can be as deadly as dreaded malarial parasites like P. falciparum. Since P. knowlesi has the ability to reproduce every 24 hours in the blood, urgent medical treatment is needed in cases of infection, failing to which it can turn deadly. The research, headed by Professor Balbir Singh of University Malaysia Sarawak, involved testing over 150 patients with malaria infection admitted to hospital in Sarawak between July 2006 and January 2008. Their study revealed that more than two thirds of these infections were caused by P. knowlesi. Since the major symptom among patients infected with P. knowlesi was the low blood platelet count in them, doctors can take it as a lead to further diagnosis even in places where P. knowlesi is not yet detected to be the cause of malaria. Professor Balram suggests that while treating a patient who had visited a place where P. knowlesi is detec ted to be the cause of malarial infections among humans, clinicians should be â€Å"aware of the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and rapid and potentially serious course of P. knowlesi malaria†. The study throws light on the future possibilities of having to deal with new kind of deadly

Segregation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Segregation - Essay Example Despite variety of theoretical models suggested by US scholars to explain the ongoing discrimination in various fields of social life (Massey & Denton 1993; Borjas 1998), the key question still remains unanswered: why several decades of intensive legal and social efforts did so little in terms of eliminating such negative phenomenon as discrimination of minorities Although legal status of minorities is an essential factor in fighting discrimination and segregation, there are likely other equally important factors involved. Main Discussion The efforts to cope with the problem of minorities' segregation and discrimination undertaken during the last five decades largely failed. The seeming success of affirmative action when in 1970 - 1980's the number of students who belonged to racial or national minorities significantly increased, was achieved by reverse discrimination of the white majority: cases of Bakke and Webber (Ball, 2000) in 1970's made this fact evident to the public. Eventually, the surveys of public opinion demonstrated the controversy caused by lack of understanding of the affirmative policy in the nation. A recent survey performed by CNN in 1995 discovered that 80 percent of the respondents felt "affirmative action programs for minorities and women should be continued at some level" (RCPO, 1995). However, at the same time any possibility of reverse discrimination, which in fact had been the main feature of affirmative action programs since 1964, was opposed by 63 percent of participants (RCPO, 1995a). Affirmative action programs in education seem to cause more damage than positive effects. Laws passed to protect minorities from discrimination often led to reverse discrimination instead of... One of the most known accounts of the relationship between prejudice and negative stereotype was suggested by Milton Rokeach, who established a strong link between prejudice and the perception of intergroup differences.Therefore, affiliation with a certain group is an essential aspect of any individual's life. However, an individual affiliated with a certain group starts to distinguish between his/her group and people who belong to other groups which result in the development of two concepts: in-group and out-group. In-group is defined as "†¦ a group to which a person belongs and which forms a part of his or her social identity" while out-group is "any group to which a person does not belong". The major difference between the individual's perception of in-group and out-group members is the following: members of in-groups possess overwhelmingly good personal qualities, while out-group members are perceived with a certain share of negativism. This unique psychological mechanism is likely to be an important contributor to the ongoing discrimination and segregation in the US. This mechanism provides a valid explanation for the phenomenon of ‘voluntary segregation': segregation and racial isolation which results from voluntary choices of the minority representatives in housing, education, etc. The set of negative stereotypes which developed over the centuries when the white majority and the minorities lived on the same territory is an equally important factor in the ongoing discrimination.

Current Situation of SMEs in Saudi Arabia Essay Example for Free

Current Situation of SMEs in Saudi Arabia Essay Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are apparently the central player of most economies, mostly in terms of generating micro employment and largely due to their contributions and development impacts as quantified by increasing growth potentials towards sustainable development. The perception that the significant collaboration of SMEs within the supply chain or pipeline industry of larger companies has engaged the consensus for social responsibility that links with corporate governance. The performance of SMEs in Western and Asian countries could have revolutionized the flow of investments that lead to emergence of new industries. In this paper, the patterns of SMEs’ performance â€Å"to propel the engine of economy† will be discussed in relation with its current situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Collective situational indicators This section of the paper aims to collectively situate the key economic development of Saudi Arabia as a brief indicator that can link to the current situation of SMEs. As recent information, we cite Saudi Arabia as one of the worlds top reformers and the â€Å"easiest† countries to conduct business that raised 15 places to rank 23rd out of 178 countries. The World Bank quoted, â€Å"Saudi Arabia to be belonging from the global top ten most competitive countries by 2010† (World Bank, 2008). In similar report from prominent online business magazine, it cited that Saudi Arabia is â€Å"even ahead† to other Middle Eastern countries and can be compared to European economies like France and Austria (AME info, 2008). Meanwhile, Switzerland’s World Economic Forum (WEF) observed that Saudi Arabia must realign its educational system to adequately develop the foreseen potentials of the private sector, contingent to boost the economic diversification process as a strategic procedure of â€Å"weaning† from the Kingdom’s mother-industry of petroleum products. To cite, adequate skilled-labor are needed to totally ensure continuing employment and to be self-reliant from being dependent with foreign-owned companies that represents about one-third of the industry (WEF, 2007). Critical consideration The SMEs in Saudi Arabia comprise about 93% of total enterprise units that absorbs an estimated employment of 24. 7% Saudis. The study conducted by the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has accounted the primary problem of small-medium entrepreneurs as â€Å"deficient in credit-finance-capital facilitation†. (SIDF, 2008) Realizing the SMEs’ role The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) has established a â€Å"loan guarantee scheme† aim to facilitate the SMEs application for commercial bank loans. To avail commercial bank loans, the SMEs’ applicants must be under the category of â€Å"small company† that has â€Å"lesser asset† of SR. 50 million and required to employ 250 workers, and to generate annual revenues of SR. 10 million. (SIDF, 2008) As cited, the loan guarantee scheme has specifically outlined the guidelines, such as (1) initial infusion of SR. 200 million representing equities of 50% from 10 commercial banks and another 50% from the government; (2) guarantee fees for SIDF handling charges or facilitation of 175 basis points; (3) guarantee maximum amount of SR. 1. 5 million and 75% of the outstanding or current loan; (4) loan period from 7 years for fixed assets and 4 years for working capital; and (5) proposed imposition of bank loan rates at 400 â€Å"basis points† above the Saudi Interbank Offer Rate (CSCCI, 2008). The â€Å"divestment† of the financing scheme has been proposed to future investments by SIDF to access more funding support and produce substantial returns on investments. (CSCCI, 2008) On the other hand, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has proposed ruling on â€Å"collateral loans† to exclude fixed assets on owner-occupied-residential housing which is under the SIDF. Whereas, shall effect the collateral in pursuance with the Public Collections Act that implement accelerated collateral enforcement procedure with no restrictions of the Shariah (law of Koran) Islamic court. The lending bank shall collect 75% from lent amount upon failure to pay in 3 consecutive months. (SAGIA, 2008) A multilateral capital investment to SMEs in Saudi Arabia has been proposed by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the Venture Capital Bank of Bahrain and the Global Emerging Markets (GEM) investment-operations in New York, London and Paris. The multi-entity investment is a partnership aim to venture-out an â€Å"independent† $100 million dollar capital budget to develop opportunity-growth of SMEs. To cite, the opportunity-growth is envisioned to establish the SMEs’ market direction, micro-macro business-economic environment and strategic market-values. (CSCCI, 2008) SWOT Analysis and general perceptions The Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis depicting in this section of the paper is based upon the initially indicated findings on the current situation of SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Strength One of the indicated strength of the SMEs in Saudi Arabia is its capability to contribute employment of 24. 7%, as indicated by Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) and the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI). The composition of SMEs to represent 93% of enterprise units is an added strength of capable performance. In support to this perception, an earlier claim on the performance of SMEs has been cited that 90% of â€Å"diverse† business from the small entrepreneurs of public sector basically operates in trade and manufacturing of petroleum by-products that is expected to contribute 50% of local industrial production (Bundagji, 2005). Weakness Like most common issues confronted by SMEs worldwide, the â€Å"private volunteerism† to industry development has yet to convey â€Å"popular† performance prior to government’s intervention. The foreign entities recognition to industry-wide participation of the private sector rekindles the Saudi government to focus on human development. The domestic competition on labor skills as attributed by emerging foreign-based companies could weaken the SMEs’ performance relating to technology advancement, in which translated into production output. Opportunity According to SDIF and CSCCI, a clearer vision for SMEs’ growth-opportunities is underway since the guarantee loans schemes would comprehensively address the industry issues pertaining to accelerate the private sector’s initiative. The comprehensive program is consistent with the financing-support-scheme, subsidies, training and technology innovation, and flexible micro-macro business-policy environment. This â€Å"growth-opportunities† could be deduced as referring to â€Å"tangible† opportunity for local and international partnership, wherein the abovementioned multilateral capital investments to SMEs can be deduced as â€Å"availing† such an opportunity. In which case, the SMEs creation of growth-opportunities could be a continuing â€Å"pipeline† or business linkage of investment. Threat It can be perceived that the prevailing â€Å"assimilation† of SMEs to industry-based economy of Saudi Arabia, as a result of comprehensive growth-opportunity scheme, could pave the way for strategic industry-market positioning of foreign investors. The effect of highly competitive domestic production could draw impact to the world economy, considering that Saudi Arabia is a major supplier of petroleum products to the world market. In addition, an â€Å"economic glut† may be a phenomenon in the production performance affecting the economic activities, in which when supply is high demand is low, and vice-versa. The control or monopoly in foreign trading on oil and its by-products may subsequently occur at the global distribution while â€Å"shrinking value† or total reduction of prices is thrown at the feet of local producers. The threat in foreign trading may only subsist by major stakeholders (wholesalers) and rich consumers like the European countries, US and Japan, to exemplify a few. However, generally the poor economies may end up into recession as a result of decelerated spending due high cost of commodities related to energy-dependent industries on manufacturing of goods. To sum up, the SWOT analysis aim to â€Å"explore the gaps† of the small business sector in Saudi Arabia, in which the gaps could be used as a derivative to reach out in understanding the critical role of SMEs in the general and specific perspectives of the industry. The perceptions may lead to â€Å"measures of undertaking† an assertive and extensive method of studies. Findings and conclusion The SMEs in Saudi Arabia could achieve substantial growth opportunities through intensive institutional support. It is critically viewed that the business environment policy must totally establish a prime-fund-facility that facilitates the crediting scheme, wherein sound financial management accountability would be reflective of governmental fiscal administration to account the financial needs of the private sector. As briefly reviewed, Director Fatin Yousef Bundagji of Women Empowerment and Research at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) has found that the SDIF and CSCCI guideline is burdensome and highly extensive that results lesser applications. Bundagji implied that the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and the Saudi Arabian SME Development Authority (SASMEDA) are not officially a functional authority to provide overall facilitation to the SMEs (Bundagji, 2005). Thus, the earlier finding of Bundagji addresses the current issue of SMEs that must be unified or organized as a coalition to promote its national identity, role and legal representation to the industry. It may be then concluded that the unification process of the SMEs may create â€Å"decentralized† corporate governance to empower the industry sector in Saudi Arabia. This perspective may totally supplant the â€Å"foreign archetype† with ingenuity of locally-generated development-framework of SMEs, to propel the sustainable technological-economic restructuring of the Kingdom from its â€Å"keepers† that amass the wealth of the desert and dwarfed the socio-economic-cultural autonomy of future population. References AME Info (2008). ‘Saudi economic reform to accelerate in 2008’. Retrieved 12 July 2008 from http://www. ameinfo. com/144599. html. Bundagji, F. Y. (2005). ‘Small Business and Market Growth in Saudi Arabia’. Arab News. Retrieved 12 July 2008 from http://www. benadorassociates. com/article/18663. CSCCI (2008). ‘40 Billion Riyals Funding For the National Industrial Strategy Programs’. Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved 12 July 2008 from http://www. saudichambers. org. sa/index_en_6341_ENU_HTML. htm. SAGIA (2008). ‘Why Invest in Saudi Arabia? ’. Saudi Arabian Investment Authority. Retrieved 12 July 2008 from http://www. sagia. gov. sa/english/index. php? page=why-invest-in-saudi-arabia. SIDF (2008). ‘Saudi Industrial Development Fund’. Retrieved 12 July 2008 from http://www. saudinf. com/main/e32. htm. SIDF (2008). ‘Progress in Industrial Investment’. Saudi Industrial Development Fund. Retrieved 12 July 2008 from http://www. sidf. gov. sa/english/Saudi-Indu/Industrial/Progress-i/index. htm. WEF (2007). ‘Assessing Competitiveness in the Arab World: Strategies for Sustaining the Growth Momentum’. The Arab World Competitiveness Report 2007. http://www. weforum. org/pdf/Global_Competitiveness_Reports/Reports/chapters/1_1. pdf.

On Ibsens A Dolls House :: Ibsens A Dolls House

On Ibsen's A Doll's House Author: Ian Johnston Those of you who have just read A Doll's House for the first time will, I suspect, have little trouble forming an initial sense of what it is about, and, if past experience is any guide, many of you will quickly reach a consensus that the major thrust of this play has something to do with gender relations in modern society and offers us, in the actions of the heroine, a vision of the need for a new-found freedom for women (or a woman) amid a suffocating society governed wholly by unsympathetic and insensitive men. I say this because there is no doubt that A Doll's House has long been seen as a landmark in our century's most important social struggle, the fight against the dehumanizing oppression of women, particularly in the middle-class family. Nora's final exit away from all her traditional social obligations is the most famous dramatic statement in fictional depictions of this struggle, and it helped to turn Ibsen (with or without his consent) into an applauded or vilified champion of women's rights and this play into a vital statement which feminists have repeatedly invoked to further their cause. So in reading responses to and interpretations of this play, one frequently comes across statements like the following: Patriarchy's socialization of women into servicing creatures is the major accusation in Nora's painful account to Torvald of how first her father, and then he, used her for their amusement. . . how she had no right to think for herself, only the duty to accept their opinions. Excluded from meaning anything, Nora has never been subject, only object. (Templeton 142). Furthermore, if we go to see a production of this play (at least among English-speaking theatre companies), the chances are we will see something based more or less on this interpretative line: heroic Nora fighting for her freedom against oppressive males and winning out in the end by her courageous final departure. The sympathies will almost certainly be distributed so that our hearts are with Nora, however much we might carry some reservations about her leaving her children. Now, this construction certainly arises from what is in the play, and I don't wish to dismiss it out of hand. However, today I would like to raise some serious question about or qualifications to it. I want to do so because this vision of A Doll's House has always struck me as oversimple, as, in some sense, seriously reductive, an approach that removes from the play much of its complexity and almost all its mystery and power. On Ibsen's A Doll's House :: Ibsen's A Doll's House On Ibsen's A Doll's House Author: Ian Johnston Those of you who have just read A Doll's House for the first time will, I suspect, have little trouble forming an initial sense of what it is about, and, if past experience is any guide, many of you will quickly reach a consensus that the major thrust of this play has something to do with gender relations in modern society and offers us, in the actions of the heroine, a vision of the need for a new-found freedom for women (or a woman) amid a suffocating society governed wholly by unsympathetic and insensitive men. I say this because there is no doubt that A Doll's House has long been seen as a landmark in our century's most important social struggle, the fight against the dehumanizing oppression of women, particularly in the middle-class family. Nora's final exit away from all her traditional social obligations is the most famous dramatic statement in fictional depictions of this struggle, and it helped to turn Ibsen (with or without his consent) into an applauded or vilified champion of women's rights and this play into a vital statement which feminists have repeatedly invoked to further their cause. So in reading responses to and interpretations of this play, one frequently comes across statements like the following: Patriarchy's socialization of women into servicing creatures is the major accusation in Nora's painful account to Torvald of how first her father, and then he, used her for their amusement. . . how she had no right to think for herself, only the duty to accept their opinions. Excluded from meaning anything, Nora has never been subject, only object. (Templeton 142). Furthermore, if we go to see a production of this play (at least among English-speaking theatre companies), the chances are we will see something based more or less on this interpretative line: heroic Nora fighting for her freedom against oppressive males and winning out in the end by her courageous final departure. The sympathies will almost certainly be distributed so that our hearts are with Nora, however much we might carry some reservations about her leaving her children. Now, this construction certainly arises from what is in the play, and I don't wish to dismiss it out of hand. However, today I would like to raise some serious question about or qualifications to it. I want to do so because this vision of A Doll's House has always struck me as oversimple, as, in some sense, seriously reductive, an approach that removes from the play much of its complexity and almost all its mystery and power.

Essay --

Brady Fletcher Mrs. Stone Advanced English III 12. Dec. 2013 Robert E. Lee America has had many people that have made a positive difference to this nation by showing perseverance and putting others first for the greater good for the cause. People from low levels of society and from high levels of society have contributed to change this to become great. Robert E. Lee and his family did not enjoy fantastic wealth (â€Å"American Experience†). Robert E. Lee had an impact on this nation from the military standpoint. He had many difficult choices and decisions to make, like to stay with Virginia or to lead the Union Army. Lee served his country with everything he had. He fought on the battlefield, and commanded troops to victories and defeats. Lee never complained about the situation he was in or gave up when the going got tough. How did Robert E. Lee’s successful military career affect his life and how is he considered a prominent figure in American history? Lee didn’t grow up in a real wealthy family although his family held a position in Virginia’s ruling elite. His father Henry Lee, also known as â€Å"Light-Horse Harry,† was a cavalry leader during the Revolutionary war. Like his father, Robert E. Lee also took the military route when he enrolled in the Military Academy at West Point where he rapidly grew in ranks and graduated second in his class of 1829 (â€Å"American Experience†). After graduating from West Point Lee took the job as an officer in the corps of Engineers, where he supervised and inspected the nation’s coastal defenses. Lee did this for 17 years without having any experience on the field of war. All of this would change very soon for Lee when he would finally set foot on the battle field in Mexico in 1846. Lee r... ...uch to defeat. Lee has had many ups and downs during military career. Because of this, people look to Robert E. Lee as a very good man. He showed loyalty, dedication, and relentless pursue for victory. He truly is a person that you can model your life after and learn some valuable life lessons from him. His courageous and brave lifestyle should be recognized as a prominent figure in United States history. Lee taught people what it meant to be a true American dedicated to make this nation be as good as it can be. He also faced many tough decisions in war whether it was to attack, retreat, or to surrender. Although people make tough decision every day of their life, they don’t compare to the decisions that Lee had to make. Lee’s decisions lead to the death of soldiers in a winning or losing effort. Also his decisions made an impact on the United States. Essay -- Brady Fletcher Mrs. Stone Advanced English III 12. Dec. 2013 Robert E. Lee America has had many people that have made a positive difference to this nation by showing perseverance and putting others first for the greater good for the cause. People from low levels of society and from high levels of society have contributed to change this to become great. Robert E. Lee and his family did not enjoy fantastic wealth (â€Å"American Experience†). Robert E. Lee had an impact on this nation from the military standpoint. He had many difficult choices and decisions to make, like to stay with Virginia or to lead the Union Army. Lee served his country with everything he had. He fought on the battlefield, and commanded troops to victories and defeats. Lee never complained about the situation he was in or gave up when the going got tough. How did Robert E. Lee’s successful military career affect his life and how is he considered a prominent figure in American history? Lee didn’t grow up in a real wealthy family although his family held a position in Virginia’s ruling elite. His father Henry Lee, also known as â€Å"Light-Horse Harry,† was a cavalry leader during the Revolutionary war. Like his father, Robert E. Lee also took the military route when he enrolled in the Military Academy at West Point where he rapidly grew in ranks and graduated second in his class of 1829 (â€Å"American Experience†). After graduating from West Point Lee took the job as an officer in the corps of Engineers, where he supervised and inspected the nation’s coastal defenses. Lee did this for 17 years without having any experience on the field of war. All of this would change very soon for Lee when he would finally set foot on the battle field in Mexico in 1846. Lee r... ...uch to defeat. Lee has had many ups and downs during military career. Because of this, people look to Robert E. Lee as a very good man. He showed loyalty, dedication, and relentless pursue for victory. He truly is a person that you can model your life after and learn some valuable life lessons from him. His courageous and brave lifestyle should be recognized as a prominent figure in United States history. Lee taught people what it meant to be a true American dedicated to make this nation be as good as it can be. He also faced many tough decisions in war whether it was to attack, retreat, or to surrender. Although people make tough decision every day of their life, they don’t compare to the decisions that Lee had to make. Lee’s decisions lead to the death of soldiers in a winning or losing effort. Also his decisions made an impact on the United States.

Lincoln High School

For most students at Lincoln High School, today is no different than any other regular school day. For me however, it’s the day I’ve been looking forward to for over a month. Today is the day when our hard work during numerous evening rehearsals pays off. Today is the day when the hundreds of hours put into making costumes, building the set, and intricate make up designs are displayed. Today is the day we open the show. One by one the students filter into the theater room. For the first evening performance, call is at 5:00, but by the time I’ve arrived at 4:30 room 220 is already filled with students busily preparing for the show. Costumes begin to disappear from the costume closet and a thin layer of powder and cream makeup appears on the counter. I manage to squeeze my way through the mob of people standing around, chatting, applying makeup, or curling hair and find myself a wonderful seat in front of the mirror. As I sit down I’m overcome with a thick, chocking cloud of hairspray. Over the next hour students slowly transform into their characters, no longer the same people who walked through the door earlier this evening. The director enters and shouts â€Å"Twenty minutes until show!† Myself, and everyone one else in the theater room echoes in response, â€Å"Thank you twenty!† You can almost feel the level of excitement rising. The chattering gets a little louder. Soon after the announcement, the cast gather around the tables and began to stretch. The chattering dies down, and I begin to reflect over what we’ve accomplished over the last month and a half. Five minutes until the show starts. Everyone circles up and join hands so the seniors can continue on the tradition of â€Å"The Energy Circle†. â€Å"Are you ready?† Everyone replies in their stage whisper, â€Å"Yeahhhhh!† â€Å"Then let’s get ready to rumble!† The wave is started around the circle. It goes around once, twice, and than dies out. It’s time to report to our places. As everybody waits, cramped in the wings of the stage, my mind begins to race with questions. What if I forget my line? What if I miss a cue? My thoughts are intercepted with the dimming of the lights. Black out. Everyone quickly, but quietly gets into their opening position and freezes. The lights come up, and the show begins. Time starts to fly by. We are performing the show better than at any rehearsal. Before I know it I’m taking a bow. The crowd is cheering wildly. The lights go out and the cast exits off stage. Only moments later, the senior dip begins to fill with parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. I am overjoyed to see some of my friends, and immediately I am bombarded with hugs and positive reviews. Soon, people begin to pull away from their family and friends because there are duties and chores that need to be taken care of before anyone can leave. Costumes are gathered, neatly hung up and the makeup grime is wiped off of the counter. The floor is moped, the tables are cleaned, and the chairs are pushed in, ready for students in class tomorrow. The room is spotless, and we are allowed to go home and rest to prepare for another show tomorrow night.