Downsizing And Organizational Culture Essay - 5490 Words

Downsizing and Organizational Culture Table of Contents Chapter 1........................................................................................................................1 Chapter 2........................................................................................................................2 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Organizational Culture Defined........................................................................2 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Downsizing Defined............................................................................................3 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Culture†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;A truer and fuller understanding of the forces shaping and thrusting downsizing forward today comes from an appreciation of increased global competition; changing technologies, which in turn are profoundly impacting the nature of work; increasing availability of a contingent work force 4; and shifting balance of power among organizational constituents away from rank and file employees and in the direction of shareholders and the chief executives who serve as their proxy. When we conceptualize downsizing within these broader frameworks, it becomes clear that we are speaking of downsizing both as a response to and as a catalyst of organizational culture change. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;This article will later provide a formal definition of quot;organizational culturequot;. For the moment, it is suggested that culture is to an organization what personality is to an individual. As with personality, change takes time and may be hard to discern, especially for persons inside the organization. This article will argue that, ultimately, the most prominent effects of downsizing will be in relation to culture change, not in relation to saved costs or short-term productivity gains. Key drivers of organizational culture will tend to shape an organization’s approach to downsizing. For whose benefit does the organization exist? What are the basic assumptions among people who work in the organization? What are the basic assumptions theShow MoreRelatedDownsizing and Organizational Culture5617 Words   |  23 PagesDownsizing and Organizational Culture By Joe Gonzalez Sociology 100 Dr. Mario Reda Table of Contents Chapter 1........................................................................................................................1 Chapter 2........................................................................................................................2 Organizational Culture Defined........................................................................2 Downsizing Defined...Read MoreOrganizational Structure Of The Organization1163 Words   |  5 PagesOver the years, most organizations have been urged to consider changing their organizational structure so as to promote employee flexibility as well as empower them with the discretion of making decisions. As a result, organizations across the world have resorted to de-layering or flattening their organizational structures with the hopes of achieving employee flexibility and improving the operations of the organization as well. De-layering or flattening, in this case, refers to the elimination ofRead MoreOrganizational Change And Personal Leadership Development Plan Essay1596 Words   |  7 Pages Assignment 5: Organizational Change and Personal Leadership Development Plan Anthony Bing Dr. Jimmie Flores December 12, 2016 Strayer University, Augusta Georgia Judy Stokley: Personal leadership development plan and organizational change Specific practices that successful project managers apply in exercising their leadership and management roles overall. Project management is one of the avenues through which individuals can be able to exhibit their leadership and management capabilitiesRead MoreEssay about Organizational Culture6678 Words   |  27 PagesDownsizing And Organizational Culture Thomas A. Hickok -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract In this article Hickok argues that, ultimately, the most prominent effects of downsizing will be in relation to culture change, not in relation to saved costs or short-term productivity gains. In particular, the author notes three observations in relation to the impact of downsizing on organizational culture. First, it clearly appears that powerRead More Management Essay1393 Words   |  6 Pagesmanagers have the tendency to focus on the expense of more important things, the discussion will be demonstrated from the following concepts: contemporary management challenges—downsizing, workplace diversity, restructuring, globalisation and quality; organisational culture in Australia, managers’ role in managing organisational culture. Managers today must be able to solve problems based on the skills and knowledge that they have, and help the organisation be more successful. Organisations that profit-orientatedRead MoreCase Study Report on Communicating Change1567 Words   |  7 Pages(2) Company also should use more than one strategy (Crossman 2011, p. 399), for example, combine withhold and uphold with underscore and explore strategy; (3) An effective communication before and during the change and staff reduction (lay-off , downsizing) process is also necessary; (4) Should give authority and encourage stakeholders to participate in the change process such as evaluation and implementation (Lewis et al. 2006). 1. Introduction Communication strategy plays a crucial roleRead MoreHuman Resource Management1748 Words   |  7 Pageskeeping morale high, keeping the budget down, making sure the employee is properly trained and oriented, to name just a few. First, explain the significance of human resource management and then identify and discuss the following: 1. How organizational restructuring has impacted staffing in healthcare organizations. 2. Does decreasing the number of employees always save an organization/company money? Why or why not? 3. How would you select a â€Å"qualified person† for a position? What aboutRead MoreReengineering the Corporation1547 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Reengineering the Corporation†, Hammer and Champy create a new frame of managerial relations and organizational bureaucracy. The authors address such important problems as impact of technology on business environment, new labor relations and organizational structures affected a modern corporation. The book consists of 13 chapters and an Epilogue discussing different problems and issue of modern organizational bureaucracy. The authors criticize old approaches to management based on Adam Smith s divisionRead MoreHrm Downsiz Case1451 Words   |  6 PagesRestructuring†¦ Focus on Downsizing as a Main HR Strategy†¦ why†¦? and How†¦? Benefits and Effects†¦ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Prepared by: 1- Essam Gayad 2- Majed Mourtada 3- Alaa AldIn Jajah MBA6 -HRM Profile Overview It is said that the only thing that is constant in this world is ‘change’. This particular maxim is clearly manifested in the ever-changing business organizations we have today. ï‚ § Downsizing is an extremely a relevantRead MoreBarriers to Effective Downsizing Change Management4479 Words   |  18 Pagesï » ¿Barriers to Effective Downsizing Change Management Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ Barriers to Effective Downsizing Change Management Table of Contents Introduction 2 Overview of Downsizing Change Management 3 Common Barriers to Effective Downsizing Change Management 4 i. Employee Retention Related Barrier 5 ii. Avoiding Hard Landings 6 iii. Employees and Employers Political

Arab Spring Free Essays

In order to eliminate the autocratic regimes that were in control of their nations ‘destinies, many countries In the Middle East engaged In a revolution for freedom. Beginning In Tunisia, protesters In other countries of the Middle East gathered in a popular movement, known as the Arab Spring. Although the purpose of the Arab Spring movement to obtain freedom can be considered successful, the political situation in the countries associated with this type of movement Isn’t the best. We will write a custom essay sample on Arab Spring or any similar topic only for you Order Now As mentioned In the article, a leader of opposition In Tunnels was assassinated recently, on top of the several killings that previously took place in the country. Another nation, Libya, is facing similar problems it did with the old regime. Even though Shady is no longer the ruler, the country is still experiencing political instabilities due mainly to the lack of dialogue. As mentioned in the article, the Middle East still get a poor number of translated books per year, proving Its non-lintiest In teaching the populace various topics to favor debates. Like several countries In the Middle East, Israel shows a strong consideration for public opinion. In fact, the country’s values for people ‘rights originated from the Talmud, which supports the learning of history; philosophy and other great topics that would enable people to better understand today’s society. Perhaps by applying great principles from the Quern, without any distortion of its content, Arab-Spring affiliated countries may possibly learn the vitality of having freedom of speech. Salary to Jews, these Muslims may also refer to Abraham’s How to cite Arab Spring, Papers

The Great Cat Massacre-Free-Samples for Students-Free-Samples

Question: How Does Darntons Discussion Of The Cat Massacre Exemplify His Exploration Of History In An Ethnographic Grain? What Does It Suggest More Generally About What Cultural History Is And How To Do It? Answer: The great cat massacre The starting of the modern age is marked by many scholars as the date when the printing revolution happened, and people started printing books. The Renaissance which gave rise to the age of logic reasoning and questioning, allowed men to understand things far beyond what they already have known for all these days. However, after the printing revolution had happened there were many entrepreneurs who were rich and took up printing as the business, the people who were working in these printing shops, were invariably discriminated and tortured by their owners as was the standard practice in the middle ages[1]. These workers were not given basic facilities for life and very little to survive on. The cats of the wives of the printing shop owners used to get better food to eat and lead a better life than the workers[2]. The workers had to eat the food which even the cats would not eat. However, as an irony the cats outside were considered as the representatives of the Devil and were hated by most of the people. In the narrative of Nicolas Contant who used to work in the printing shop of Jacques Vincent, has stated how the cats from the roads, who used to howl, were smashed by sticks, the half dead cats were brought together in a place, and it was pronounced that the cats were guilty of witchcraft and hence they were hung from the ceiling. However, when the wife of the shop owner screamed thinking it was her cat, she was told by the workers that it is not her cat and they have deep regard for their cat. The difference of the cats on road and the cat owned by the wife of the owner of the shop is the irony that reflected in the society as well. The worker class of men and who were not strong enough economically and politically were discriminated in many ways and the higher and lower strata of the people were celebrated by carnivals in which there were all immoral and discriminating practices followed. Cats played one of the most important roles in these carnivals where they were brought put into a container and burnt alive, which signified the killing of the power of the devil. The workers working with these printers lead a life so miserable that they have to laugh at the expense of each other. Usually a person is made the butt of practical jokes on whom all kinds of tricks are applied in order to generate some laughter among the workers. Ethnography is the study of people from different cultures and the differences in their customs and practices. In this essay the ethnographic difference lies in the fact that the social strata were divided into two very distinct section, the powerful section who had power and money and the section on whom they exerted their control[3]. This was the situation in all the regions of Europe especially before the period of industrialization when there was need of manual labor to a large extent[4]. The workers had no recognized rights and their life as portrayed in this essay was worse than the pets of their owners. They had an inferiority complex from even the cats who used to be pampered and hence there were plans to eliminate these cats just to have that inhumane satisfaction because mentally these workers were depressed and denied of their basic human rights. Another cultural difference that is very evident from the reading is, when the cats were killed that was a point of laughter and amusement for the workers of that time. However, in todays times it gives shivers to the reader to read such horrific accounts of animal cruelty. This is because in those days superstition made people believe that the cats were directly representatives of the devil[5], and apart from that the torture that the workers had to go through everyday made them inhuman and unstable in mind, and removed basic human qualities such as kindness and compassion. Therefore, they found it amusing that the cats which were witches were killed and burnt alive, or smashed and hanged. However, in todays times with awareness and education people have come to believe that compassion should be shown to all living beings, and they will find the narrative too much disturbing. The cats were believed to be form of witches, and women usually had sexualized and objectified position in the society which made the cats sexualized and related to witchcraft. The sexual slangs related to cats are still prevalent these days, The historian Robert Darnton who specialized in French history had expertly through this account has explained the degrading situation of the social order of the early 18th Century through the narration of the workers References: Darnton, R. (2009).The great cat massacre: And other episodes in French cultural history. Basic Books. Engels, D. W. (2015).Classical cats: the rise and fall of the sacred cat. Routledge. Erickson, P. A., Murphy, L. D. (Eds.). (2013).Readings for a history of anthropological theory. University of Toronto Press. Floud, R., Humphries, J., Johnson, P. (Eds.). (2014).The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Britain: Volume 1, Industrialisation, 17001870. Cambridge University Press. Walker, B. L. (2013). Animals and the Intimacy of History.History and Theory,52(4), 45-67 Darnton, R. (2009). The great cat massacre: And other episodes in French cultural history. Basic Books. Walker, B. L. (2013). Animals and the Intimacy of History.History and Theory,52(4), 45-67. Erickson, P. A., Murphy, L. D. (Eds.). (2013). Readings for a history of anthropological theory. University of Toronto Press. Floud, R., Humphries, J., Johnson, P. (Eds.). (2014). The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Britain: Volume 1, Industrialisation, 17001870. Cambridge University Press. Engels, D. W. (2015).Classical cats: the rise and fall of the sacred cat. Routledge

The Book of Isaiah

Theological Message of the Book of Isaiah The book of Isaiah is very important because it prophesies the birth and life of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of Christ is a testament of hope in God1. Prophet Isaiah describes how Christ will save all believers on the Judgment Day. The main theological theme of this book is found in Isaiah 12: 2.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Book of Isaiah specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This verse states that God is the salvation of every Christian2. Believers should therefore trust and worship their God. The first 39 chapters of this book focus on the issue of judgment. This portrayal of judgment is relevant because it creates room for salvation. According to many scholars of the Bible, Christians should be in need of salvation. This argument explains why the themes of judgment and salvation go hand-in-hand in this book. The first chapters of Isaiah explain how sinners will be ju dged. The faithful ones will receive God’s blessings. Such believers will eventually live in a renewed world full of happiness. Summary Statement: The book of Isaiah describes how God will destroy those who have sinned and save the faithful. Theological Themes in the Book of Isaiah The concept of dualism is notable in many prophetic books in the Holy Bible. This is the same case with the book of Isaiah. The author of the book begins by giving the prophecies associated with his time3. The author then tackles a greater fulfillment that will occur after Jesus Christ returns for the second time. The book of Isaiah shows clearly that a great judgment awaits all believers. The verdict will take place after the end of this present era. This message of judgment is presented to the reader using four unique themes. This essay offers a detailed analysis and meaning of each of the four themes. Jesus Christ The theme of Christ occurs throughout this book. Most of the chapters in Isaiah co ntain prophesies of the Messiah. The book identifies Jesus’ first coming. The theme of Jesus Christ makes it easier for believers to understand God’s prophecies. The New Testament is a fulfillment of these prophecies by Isaiah4.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Several verses in the book give a detailed analysis of Jesus’ role as the son of God. For instance, Isaiah 2:4 indicates clearly that Jesus will judge every nation. According to the book, Christ will be the child of a virgin. His name â€Å"shall be Immanuel† (Isaiah 8: 8-10). According to Isaiah (28: 16), Jesus Christ will be the foundation of every soul. Chapter 53 of the book explains how Christ will suffer on earth. The prophet also indicates how Jesus will die to save mankind. This chapter shows clearly that Jesus will come to give his precious life on the cross in order to redeem mankin d. The Passover lamp mentioned in Isaiah (53:7) symbolizes this act of heroism. God uses Isaiah’s prophecies to reveal why Jesus Christ will have a human soul5. This approach will make it easier for Christ to deal with the sins affecting mankind. God also showed Isaiah how Jesus will be crucified and resurrect after three days. Similar prophecies had been made by great leaders such as King David. The theme of Jesus Christ goes further to explain how God shall save mankind. God will judge and save those who shall repent. The role of Christ will be to bring more people to their creator. Warnings and Assurances to Israelites The first ten chapters of this book highlight most of the sins committed by many people during the time of Isaiah. Such are comparable to the ones committed by different Christians today6. The book of Isaiah gives a detailed analysis of the Judgment Day. Chapters 41-50 of the book also highlight the sins committed by the people of Judah and Israel. Many vers es in these chapters describe how God shall redeem his people from such sins. Chapter 56 warns believers against their actions. God will punish people for such sins. Christians should therefore be warned and put their eyes on the Lord7. The issue of hypocrisy is also mentioned in chapters 56 and 58. Such chapters describe why many Israelites had stopped keeping the Sabbath. Many people were also fasting without proper reasons. This theme encourages many believers to repent and focus on God’s deliverance.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Book of Isaiah specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Believers should therefore pray in order to receive God’s mercies. They will eventually be delivered and see God’s kingdom. This theme encourages many Christians and believers to obey God’s commandments. They should do so by keeping the covenant. God shall â€Å"rescue his people from captivity† (Isaiah 11:11). This theme encourages Christians to repent. Modern believers should also consider these warnings and assurances in order to achieve their religious goals8. The Day of the Lord The world has been characterized by many evil occurrences. This fact explains why many Biblical books have described the Day of the Lord. This Day of the Lord is yet to come9. The book of Isaiah describes a time when frightening events shall occur. Such events will create room for Jesus Christ’s second coming. The Day of the Lord will put an end to this present age10. The book indicates that â€Å"this Day of the Lord shall last for a year† (Isaiah 61: 1). This one year shall be characterized by God’s wrath and vengeance (Revelations 6:17). During this day, God’s wrath will be felt in every corner of the world. The book of Isaiah also describes â€Å"how the earth shall be shaken and moved out of its orbit† (Isaiah 13:13). This Day of the Lord will also be ch aracterized by war. The book of Revelation also gives similar views of this day. The daughters of Babylon will also be destroyed during this fateful day. The word â€Å"Babylon† denotes different earthly regimes that shall be obliterated before Christ’s second coming11. According to the Holy Bible, the Day of the Lord â€Å"shall end when the great trumpet will be blown† (Isaiah 27:13). The Messiah shall return after the end of this Day of the Lord. This theme is meaningful because it describes the events that will occur before God’s second coming12.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Believers should therefore be vigilant in order to inherit God’s kingdom. Every government and earthly system shall be destroyed during this period (Isaiah 47: 1, 5, 7, 9). God’s Kingdom Every chapter in this book addresses the issues surrounding the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ will usher this new kingdom after his second coming. It is notable that the word â€Å"Kingdom† is not used in the book. However, Prophet Isaiah gives a detailed analysis of a future age that will prevail after the Day of the Lord. Several verses in the book prophesy this kingdom. For instance, Isaiah (4: 2-6) indicates that â€Å"God will establish a New Jerusalem†. The righteous shall live in this blessed city. The book also indicates that this new kingdom shall dwell forever. The â€Å"son of God will be called the Prince of Peace† (Isaiah 9: 6-7). The Holy Bible also indicates that â€Å"the deaf shall hear, the blind will see, and Jacob’s children will praise G od’s name forever† (Isaiah 29: 18). The book of Isaiah presents many prophecies about this awaited kingdom. Chapters 44-66 describe how the current world shall be destroyed in order to give room for a new government. According to Hagerland, everything written in this book focuses on an eternal government led by God13. The whole world shall disappear and a new one will emerge. Every person in this new world will be blessed, happy, and successful. The above prophesies are relevant because they support the religious needs of every believer. Jesus Christ will come back in order to establish God’s kingdom. Human beings should therefore embrace these teachings in order to achieve their religious goals. Christians should also repent, forgive one another, and change their lives. These practices will make it easier for many believers to achieve their spiritual goals. Such individuals will become part of God’s kingdom. Bibliography Hagerland, Tobias. Jesus and the F orgiveness of Sins: An Aspect of his Prophetic Mission. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Peterson, David. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction. New York, NY: Wiley, 2002. Roberts, Jimmy. â€Å"Isaiah in Old Testament Theology.† Interpretation 36, no. 2 (1982): 130-143. Webb, Barry. The Message of Isaiah. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997. Young, Edward. The Book of Isaiah. New York, NY: Longman, 2002. Footnotes 1 Edward Young. The Book of Isaiah, (New York, NY: Longman, 2002), 36. 2 Tobias Hagerland. Jesus and the Forgiveness of Sins: An Aspect of his Prophetic Mission, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011), 63. 3 Jimmy Roberts. â€Å"Isaiah in Old Testament Theology,† Interpretation 36, no. 2 (1982): 133. 4 David Peterson. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction, (New York, NY: Wiley, 2002), 22. 5 Edward Young. The Book of Isaiah, (New York, NY: Longman, 2002), 36. 6 Edward Young. The Book of Isaiah, (New York, NY: Longman, 2002), 36. 7 Barry Webb. The Message of Isaiah, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 82. 8 Jimmy Roberts. â€Å"Isaiah in Old Testament Theology,† Interpretation 36, no. 2 (1982): 136. 9 David Peterson. The Prophetic Literature: An Introduction, (New York, NY: Wiley, 2002), 22. 10 Tobias Hagerland. Jesus and the Forgiveness of Sins: An Aspect of his Prophetic Mission, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011), 69. 11 Edward Young. The Book of Isaiah, (New York, NY: Longman, 2002), 73. 12 Barry Webb. The Message of Isaiah, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 86. 13 Edward Young. The Book of Isaiah, (New York, NY: Longman, 2002), 36. This essay on The Book of Isaiah was written and submitted by user Aryana P. 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.

Using a Sample Essay Band to Make Your College Essay Compelling

Using a Sample Essay Band to Make Your College Essay CompellingThe Sample Essay Band is a great invention that can help you put together a complete essay for your next class. It has been developed to make writing an essay much easier and faster. Students can also learn the proper techniques needed to write and type their essay on their computer, which makes it even more convenient. The use of this essay help tool comes in handy for many people who have trouble writing their own essays.Most students prefer to write an essay than doing research for their essays. They believe that if they write their own essay they will feel as though they are better writer. However, doing research first can lead to a more thorough essay that they could have written if they had first written a few paragraphs for their essays.If you wish to write an essay, it is imperative that you give it more thought and research prior to the actual writing of the essay. The sample essay band is used to help students t ake their essays that have not had enough thought and research prior to them. A sample essay band can be an invaluable resource for students who want to get started with their own essays.You will find that the sample essay band comes in various forms. There are some that are used to compose essays on a particular topic. Other examples include essays that help students write letters of recommendation. The main difference between these two is that the former are used to compose an essay on a particular topic while the latter are used to help students write letters of recommendation.A student should always be reminded when they are taking an assignment that they are making an effort to remember this advice as they progress through the assignment. The same holds true for any assignment that involves writing. The good thing about using a sample essay band is that you can experiment with different subjects that are sure to have you writing interesting essays.The key is to ensure that stud ents understand that they are allowed to write and type their own essays and as long as they do not write an essay based on facts. Research is often times required when composing essays. In other words, a student is not expected to do research themselves.Students who are contemplating taking an academic essay may find the sample essay band helpful. It will help them to see what the entire essay will look like before they begin working on it. Additionally, it can also be used to help students in putting together an essay. By writing an essay on your own you will find that the time that you spend planning the project has actually been well spent.The most excellent technique when composing an essay is to organize the ideas that you are going to use before you begin writing. This allows you to have a plan before you begin thinking of the ideas. Furthermore, it will prevent you from running out of ideas during the essay writing process. Students can choose to do this by using a sample es say band.

Poetry and themes Essays

Poetry and themes Essays Poetry and themes Paper Poetry and themes Paper Essay Topic: Poetry Theme: This poem explores how a person could analyze a poem The Secret Levertov Theme: The speaker is literally saying what the title implies This is Just to Say Williams Theme: The form and diction of this poem relay its meaning The Red Wheelbarrow Williams Theme: A father recollects his daughters growth in writing. The Writer Wilbur Theme: A sons mother does so much for him and all he can do is give a lousy gift. The Lanyard Collins Theme: Isolation is explored. Acquainted with the Night Frost Theme: Permanent relationships can be terrifying. My First Poem for You Addonizzio Theme: A comparison between the permanence of stars and his love Bright Star Keats Theme: Old age and beauty do not correlate What Lips My Lips Have Kissed Millay Theme: Publications can be hard to make and must be cared for and well created The Author to her Book Bradstreet Theme: Swans are compared with rape Leda and the Swan Yeats Theme: The speaker dislikes the hypocritical Cambridge ladies The Cambridge Ladies Cummings Theme: A post-traumatic incident is explored from this fairy tale Gretel in Darkness Gluck Theme: Age is unfortunate and people see what they want in themselves Mirror Plath Theme: We shouldnt let our mistakes control our futures Icarus Field Theme: Risks are taken to do anything but its good to take risks To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph Sexton Theme: Losing stuff may seem little at first, but can be extremely challenging in the long run. One Art Bishop Theme: Difficult to find someone to love or for someone to love yourself Lonely Hearts Cope Theme: Death sucks Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night Thomas Theme: The speaker addresses his love Sonnet 73 Sheakespeare Theme: There exists no perfect woman; all woman are insane Song: Go and Catch a Falling Star Donne Theme: Dont be upset because our love transcends distance A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning Donne Theme: This poem focuses on the valuability / invaluability of art Museum Piece Wilbur Theme: People can become accustomed to basically anything, including killing farm animals Early Purges Heaney Theme: The atrocities of war; war is not what you see on TV Death of the Ball Turret Gunner Jarrell Theme: Sometimes you have to do things that you dont want to do to protect others Travelling through the Dark Stafford Theme: warfare has gotten so destructive that Armageddon, the final battle at the end of the world, is at hand, and the dead are awakened for Judgment Day Channel Firing Hardy Theme: The statement it is sweet and fitting to die for ones country is undermined by showing the ignominy of death in modern war Dulce et Decorum Est Owen Theme: Poetry needs to be risky to be good Constantly Risking Absurdity Ferlinghetti Theme: Women are not something you can keep trimmed down; men hold women back A Work of Artifice Piercy Theme: Love is never what you think Porphyrias Lover Browning Theme: We should be led by our hearts and not our heads For the Sleepwalkers Hirsch Theme: Love is weird; love must be revamped from time to time and love is not what it seems Living in Sin Rich Q Q Theme: Your past lies with the people that have affected you in some way. The Albuquerque Graveyard Wright

Alfred Hitchcock - Profile of the Famous British Film Director

Alfred Hitchcock - Profile of the Famous British Film Director Known as the â€Å"Master of Suspense,† Alfred Hitchcock was one of the most famous film directors of the 20th century. He directed more than 50 feature-length films from the 1920s into the 1970s. Hitchcock’s image, seen during Hitchcock’s frequent cameos in his own films and before each episode of the hit TV show Alfred Hitchcock Presents, has become synonymous with suspense. Dates: August 13, 1899 – April 29, 1980 Also Known As: Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Hitch, Master of Suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock Growing Up with a Fear of Authority Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899, in Leytonstone in the East End of London. His parents were Emma Jane Hitchcock (neà © Whelan), who was known to be stubborn, and William Hitchcock, a grocer, who was known to be stern. Alfred had two older siblings: a brother, William (born 1890) and a sister, Eileen (born 1892). When Hitchcock was just five years old, his strict, Catholic father gave him quite a fright. Attempting to teach Hitchcock a valuable lesson, Hitchcock’s father sent him to the local police station with a note. Once the police officer on duty read the note, the officer locked young Hitchcock in a cell for several minutes. The effect was devastating. Although his father was trying to teach him a lesson about what happened to people who did bad things, the experience left Hitchcock shaken to the core. As a result, Hitchcock was forever fearful of the police. A bit of a loner, Hitchcock liked to draw and invent games on maps in his spare time. He attended St. Ignatius College boarding school where he stayed out of trouble, fearful of the strict Jesuits and their public canings of boys who misbehaved. Hitchcock learned draftsmanship at the London County Council School of Engineering and Navigation in Poplar from 1913 to 1915. Hitchcock’s First Job After graduating, Hitchcock got his first job in 1915 as an estimator for W.T. Henley Telegraph Company, a manufacturer of electric cable. Bored by his job, he regularly attended the cinema by himself in the evenings, read the cinema trade papers, and took drawing classes at London University. Hitchcock gained confidence and began to show a dry, witty side at work. He drew caricatures of his colleagues and wrote short stories with twist endings, to which he signed the name â€Å"Hitch.† Henley’s Social Club magazine, The Henley, began publishing Hitchcock’s drawings and stories. As a result, Hitchcock was promoted to Henley’s advertising department, where he was much happier as a creative advertising illustrator. Hitchcock Gets Into Filmmaking In 1919, Hitchcock saw an ad in one of the cinema trade papers that a Hollywood company named Famous Players-Lasky (which later became Paramount) was building a studio in Islington, a neighborhood in Greater London. At the time, American filmmakers were considered superior to their British counterparts and thus Hitchcock was extremely excited about them opening up a studio locally. Hoping to impress those in charge of the new studio, Hitchcock discovered the subject of what was to be their first motion picture, bought the book it was based on, and read it. Hitchcock then drew up mock title cards (graphic cards inserted into silent movies to show dialogue or explain action). He took his title cards to the studio, only to find that they had decided to film a different movie. Undaunted, Hitchcock quickly read the new book, drew up new title cards, and again took them to the studio. Impressed by his graphics as well as his determination, Islington Studio hired him to moonlight as their title-card designer. Within a few months, the studio offered 20-year-old Hitchcock a full-time job. Hitchcock accepted the position and left his steady job at Henley to enter the unsteady world of filmmaking. With calm confidence and a desire to make movies, Hitchcock began to help out as a screenwriter, assistant director, and set designer. Here, Hitchcock met Alma Reville, who was in charge of film editing and continuity. When the director fell ill while filming the comedy, Always Tell Your Wife (1923), Hitchcock stepped in and finished the film. He was then offered the opportunity to direct Number Thirteen (never completed). Due to a lack of funds, the motion picture abruptly stopped filming after a few scenes were shot and the entire studio shut down. When Balcon-Saville-Freedman took over the studio, Hitchcock was one of just a few people asked to stay on. Hitchcock became the assistant director and screenwriter for Woman to Woman (1923). Hitchcock hired Alma Reville back for continuity and editing. The picture was a box-office success; however, the studio’s next picture, The White Shadow (1924), failed at the box-office and again the studio shut down. This time, Gainsborough Pictures took over the studio and Hitchcock was again asked to stay. Hitchcock Becomes a Director In 1924, Hitchcock was the assistant director for The Blackguard (1925), a film shot in Berlin. This was a co-production deal between Gainsborough Pictures and UFA Studios in Berlin. Not only did Hitchcock take advantage of the Germans’ extraordinary sets, but he also observed the German filmmakers using sophisticated camera pans, tilts, zooms, and tricks for forced perspective in set design. Known as German Expressionism, the Germans used dark, moody thought-provoking topics such as madness and betrayal rather than adventure, comedy, and romance. The German filmmakers were equally happy to learn an American technique from Hitchcock whereby scenery was painted onto the camera lens as a foreground. In 1925, Hitchcock got his directorial debut for The Pleasure Garden (1926), which was filmed in both Germany and Italy. Again Hitchcock chose Alma to work with him; this time as his assistant director for the silent film. During filming, a budding romance between Hitchcock and Alma began. The film itself is remembered for the myriad of troubles the crew ran into during filming, including having customs confiscate all of their unexposed film as they crossed the international border. Hitchcock Gets â€Å"Hitched† and Directs a Hit Hitchcock and Alma married on February 12, 1926; she would become his chief collaborator on all his films. Also in 1926, Hitchcock directed The Lodger, a suspense movie filmed in Britain about a â€Å"wrongly accused man.† Hitchcock had chosen the story, used fewer title cards than usual, and tossed in bits of humor. Due to a shortage of extras, he had made a cameo appearance in the film. The distributor didn’t like it and shelved it. Stunned, Hitchcock felt like a failure. He was so despondent that he even contemplated a career change. Luckily, the film was released a few months later by the distributor, who had been running short on films. The Lodger (1927) became a huge hit with the public. Britain’s Best Director in the 1930s The Hitchcocks became very busy with filmmaking. They lived in a country house (named Shamley Green) on the weekends and lived in a London flat during the week. In 1928, Alma delivered a baby girl, Patricia – the couple’s only child. Hitchcock’s next big hit was Blackmail (1929), the first British talkie (film with sound). During the 1930s, Hitchcock made picture after picture and invented the term â€Å"MacGuffin† to illustrate that the object the villains were after needed no explanation; it was just something used to drive the story. Hitchcock felt he didn’t need to bore the audience with details; it didn’t matter where the MacGuffin came from, just who was after it. The term is still used in contemporary filmmaking. Having made several box-office flops in the early 1930s, Hitchcock then made The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934). The film was a British and American success, as were his next five films: The 39 Steps (1935), Secret Agent (1936), Sabotage (1936), Young and Innocent (1937), and The Lady Vanishes (1938). The latter won the New York Critics’ Award for Best Film of 1938. Hitchcock caught the attention of David O. Selznick, an American film producer and owner of Selznick Studios in Hollywood. In 1939, Hitchcock, the number one British director at the time, accepted a contract from Selznick and moved his family to Hollywood. Hollywood Hitchcock While Alma and Patricia loved the weather in Southern California, Hitchcock was not fond of it. He continued to wear his dark English suits no matter how hot the weather. In the studio, he worked diligently on his first American film, Rebecca (1940), a psychological thriller. After the small budgets he had worked with in England, Hitchcock delighted in the large Hollywood resources he could use to build elaborate sets. Rebecca won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1940. Hitchcock was up for Best Director, but lost to John Ford for The Grapes of Wrath. Memorable Scenes Fearing suspense in real life (Hitchcock didn’t even like driving a car), he did enjoy capturing suspense on screen in memorable scenes, which often included monuments and famous landmarks. Hitchcock planned every shot for his motion pictures beforehand to such an extent that filming was said to be the boring part to him. Hitchcock took his audiences to the domed roof of the British Museum for a chase scene in Blackmail (1929), to the Statue of Liberty for a free fall in Saboteur (1942), to the streets of Monte Carlo for a wild drive in To Catch a Thief (1955), to the Royal Albert Hall for an assassination misfire in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956),underneath the Golden Gate Bridge for a suicide attempt in Vertigo (1958), and to Mt. Rushmore for a chase scene in North by Northwest (1959). Other Hitchcock memorable scenes include a glowing poisoned glass of milk in Suspicion (1941), a man chased by a crop duster in North by Northwest (1959), a stabbing scene in the shower to shrieking violins in Psycho (1960), and killer birds gathering in a schoolyard in The Birds (1963). Hitchcock and Cool Blondes Hitchcock was known for engaging the audience with suspense, accusing the wrong man of something, and portraying a fear of authority. He also threw in comic relief, portrayed villains as charming, used unusual camera angles, and preferred classic blondes for his leading ladies. His leads (both male and female) portrayed poise, intelligence, underlying passion, and glamour. Hitchcock said audiences found classic blonde females to be innocent looking and an escape for the bored housewife. He didn’t think a woman should wash the dishes and go see a movie about a woman washing the dishes. Hitchcock’s leading ladies also had a cool, icy attitude for added suspense never warm and bubbly. Hitchcock’s leading ladies included Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Eva Marie Saint, and Tippi Hedron. Hitchcock’s TV Show In 1955, Hitchcock started Shamley Productions, named after his country home back in England, and produced Alfred Hitchcock Presents, which turned into the Alfred Hitchcock Hour. This successful TV show aired from 1955 to 1965. The show was Hitchcock’s way of featuring mystery dramas written by various writers, mostly directed by directors other than himself. Before each episode, Hitchcock presented a monologue to set up the drama, beginning with â€Å"Good Evening.† He came back at the end of each episode to tie up any loose ends about the culprit being caught. Hitchcock’s popular horror movie, Psycho (1960), was filmed inexpensively by his Shamley Productions TV crew. In 1956, Hitchcock became a U.S. citizen, but remained a British subject. Awards, Knighthood, and Death of Hitchcock Despite being nominated five times for Best Director, Hitchcock never won the Oscar. While accepting the Irving Thalberg Memorial Award at the 1967 Oscars, he simply said, â€Å"Thank you.† In 1979, the American Film Institute presented Hitchcock with its Life Achievement Award at a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. He joked that he must be about to die soon. In 1980, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Hitchcock. Three months later Sir Alfred Hitchcock died of kidney failure at the age of 80 in his home in Bel Air. His remains were cremated and scattered over the Pacific Ocean.