Different Ideas Of What Is True :: essays research papers

As a child I repeatedly stood in line with my mother at the supermarket waiting to pay for our groceries. I often grew bored and found cheap entertainment in reading the thick, dark print of the supermarket tabloids. I would gaze my eyes and drop my jaw in shock at their stories; but, the one thing I never did doubt was the drama of their plots. As I grew older, I would watch television news magazine programs and think how different the facts, and pictures, as presented on television were from those of the supermarket tabloids. Now I have learned that in order to be constantly informed I must become a media critic, and I must judge for myself the facts which stories are correct. For some time I have found myself straining away from the supermarket tabloids and towards magazines I think I can trust. Upon examination of two periodicals, Time and Globe, it is easy to see the distinction between reputable and irreputable media, with regard to the JonBenet Ramsey case. Through the use of facts, photographs, and aim towards a certain audience a discrimination between drama and information is clear. It is disturbing that the Globe magazine uses melodrama and tension to sell a story in which the drama lies not in the pages of a magazine, but in the heart of all the victims.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The facts discussed in both magazines contradict one another, and further the confusion of the reader. Time magazine challenges its readers to weigh the evidence and decide upon the guilt or innocence of John and Patsy Ramsey. Time magazine concludes that the investigation of the parents has come to a halt, due to the fact that no new evidence has been brought forward for months. This information does nothing to clear the Ramseys of murder, but does nothing to encourage their punishment. In the Globe magazine, a mention of a nylon cord is made to imply that the Ramseys will be arrested and charged with the murder of their daughter. There is no discussion of this report in Time magazine, and Globe magazine does not mention a source leading one to believe that this report is false, or concocted. By linking the Ramseys to the murder of their daughter by the use of fabricated evidence, the Globe encourages the readers to prosecute the Ramseys while destroying their na me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Photographs spread across the pages of Time magazine do nothing to add drama to the JonBenet Ramsey case, whereas Globe photographs add emotional illustrations to a excessive story.

Management planning of Arthur Andersen

Introduction The Arthur Andersen Company is an accounting firm that was founded in the year 1913 by Clarence Delaney and Arthur Andersen. It is an accountancy firm that deals in auditing, consulting and tax evaluation services. It is based in Illinois. About five years ago, the company was one of the most successful accounting firms with an employee base of about eighty five thousand. Presently, the firm has only two hundred employees under its name. Similarly, its revenue has fallen from 9.3 billion dollars in the year 2002 to very low amounts in 2007. In that fateful year 2002, the firm lost its accounting license as a result of fraudulent dealings. Consequently, the firm has lost its business, and is no longer in serious operation. It is a good example of a company that did not apply management skills in its operations. (Harold, 2003) Planning function of management in The Arthur Andersen Company Management within any organization is normally assigned four main roles, these include; leading, controlling, organization and planning. The planning function of management involves developing an organization’s mission and defining specific methods of accomplishing it. This encompasses a variety of ideas. Planning may be applied when starting a project or organization or it may be applied in the day to day running of the organization. The organization under review was already in existence so we shall examine its day to day planning functions. (Norbert, 1967) The first management planning issue that the company under review failed to analyze was financial planning. The company did not allocate its budget to projects that would generate long term income. It focused on short term gains like the WorldCom audit that preceded its bankruptcy. Financial planning involves monitoring the amount of money coming in and out of the organization and noting any fund misappropriation. This was clearly a duty that the Arthur Andersen Company failed since it lost a lot of finances. This aspect also involves planning salary packages, employee benefits, insurance and retirement packages. Before the great fall of the Andersen Company, this aspect was looked into. The employee base was quite large and complaints were quite rare. Another aspect of planning is policy formulation. This entails coming up with strategies that counter the effect of competitors. The Andersen Company played its part in good policy formulation during the 80’s and 90’s. It knew that IT consultancy was receiving a lot of attention; it therefore decided to focus on this sector and tripled its revenue. But in the years following 2000, the organization did not plan its policies well. It decided to focus on client’s wishes instead of establishing a reputation for being a straight forward firm. This policy planning should be put together with policy development and policy implementation. (Norbert, 1967) Thirdly, management involves human resource planning. This begins from recruitment of new employees when beginning the organization to hiring of new employees. This was well done by the Arthur Andersen Company at its inception because most of its employees were in line with the companies’ mission. In the mid twentieth century, the company founder frequently took his employees for training and ensured that they were in top notch condition. But this was later forgotten because the firm hired employees that were dishonest and untrustworthy. The company did not evaluate its employees to ensure that they were inline with its founding principles. It should be noted that the employees considered during planning encompass all the departments in an organization including managerial posts. The Andersen Company failed in this area because one of its senior representatives in the Legal Department Madam Nancy Temple clearly did not follow due procedures. She failed to withhold company principles. This could have been prevented if employee evaluation was done. Impact of legal issues, ethics and corporate responsibility on management planning. A code of ethics within an organization is a sure recipe to bring about returns on one’s investment. Contrary to what people believe; that ethics are quite theoretical, a recent research by the Ethics Resource Centre in Washington has shown that employees who feel that their management adheres to strict moral standards and codes of ethics, feel valued by their organization. Consequently, productivity will be increased by these employees and company profits will be improved. It was quite clear that the Arthur Andersen Company did not realize this hidden truth before the great Enron scandal that led to its downfall. The Company did not adhere to accounting code of ethics as it allowed numerous irregularities to continue within the Enron Company which it was auditing at that time. All the auditors were focusing on was whether their client’s share prices were increasing. They didn’t pay attention to how the income was being generated. Legalities are a key aspect to be considered during a company’s operations. Companies ought to strike deals that are acceptable within the law of the land. The repercussions from lawsuits are quite severe because they can cause irreparable damage to the company name thus preventing any further business. A case in point is when the Arthur Andersen Company audited the Enron Company is engaged in a deal which it knew was unethical but claimed not to know that it was unlawful. These legalities should have been considered before the firm proceeded with its activities. The consequence of these illegalities was loss of its license authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Even though the decision of the commission was reversed in the year 2005, the company had an ill reputation and no company worth its salt would allow them to audit their firm. (Harold, 2003) Corporate social responsibility encompasses giving back to the community. It is a way of saying thank you to the people who have contributed to company growth. The Arthur Andersen Company did not involve this aspect in its management plans. In the late 90’s and twenty first century, the company began focusing on expanding its client’s base and maximizing profits. It did not realize that giving back to the community would increase its authenticity. This is because, the community would feel like they were partnering or cost sharing when investing in the Company’s stocks or doing business with it. Factors that influenced the company’s strategic, tactical, operational and contingency planning. Strategy can be defined as an action that facilitates realization of long term goals while planning is the coordination of resources within an organization. Therefore strategic planning is analysis of all the information available to come up with the best goals for an organization. One factor that influenced the Arthur Andersen Strategic planning was establishing a reputation in the accounting field. It wanted to be identified with good intentions and strong principles. This was viable during its inception by the founding member. Tactical planning involves putting the strategical plan into action. It usually involves the budgeting process, considering alternatives, studying the market and its competitors. In addition, reviews must be made and reports be made. One factor that influenced this aspect of the company was its revenue. The company wanted to make as much as it could. This meant that it could overlook ethical issues as long as a return on investment was plausible thus causing the company’s downfall. (Erica, 2006) Lastly, operational planning involves the day to day running of the company. This normally involves proper communication between management and its employees. One factor that influenced this aspect was output generated. The company did not adhere to good communication practices within its structure and instead focused on input. Poor communication led to the company’s fall. Conclusion Good management practices are backbone of success within any organization. The Arthur Andersen Company had started out with these practices but was swayed away from them in latter years. If it had stuck to its founding principles, it would still be in operation today. Reference Harold, K. (2003): Project Management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling and Controlling; Blackwell publishing Erica, W. (2006): Strategic public relations management planning; University of York Publishers. Norbert, E. (1967): Management planning: a systems approach; Melbourne publishers                           

Rodney Dangerfields Best One-Liners

Rodney Dangerfield had captured the minds of his audience with his ribald, in-your-face humor. Dangerfield expired on October 6, 2004, and his death created a void. It is almost difficult to smile at jokes, but his quotes remind us that laughter is the essence of life. So lets go on with the memory of the legendary comedian while we read  Rodney Dangerfield  quotes. General Humor People say fish is good for a diet. But fish should never be cooked in butter. Fish should be cooked in its natural oils - Texaco, Mobil, Exxon... Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is not putting up a mask. Each time an actor acts he does not hide; he exposes himself. Men who do things without being told draw the most wages. I bought a new Japanese car. I turned on the radio... I dont understand a word theyre saying. I bought a perfect second car... a tow truck. I have three kids, one of each. I have nothing but troubles with my car. Every Sunday I take my family out for a push. Boy  what a hotel that was. Why, they stole my towel! I was so depressed that I decided to jump from the tenth floor. They sent up a priest. He said, On your mark... What a dog I got, he found out we look alike, so he killed himself. Childhood Oh, when I was a kid in show business I was poor. I used to go to orgies to eat the grapes. When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them. I came from a real tough neighborhood. I bought a waterbed and found a guy at the bottom of it. I came from a real tough neighborhood. In the local  restaurant,  I sat down and had  broken  leg of lamb. I came from a real tough neighborhood.  Why,  every time I shut the window, I hurt somebodys fingers. I was so ugly my mother used to feed me with a  sling shot. I had plenty of pimples as a kid. One day I fell asleep in the library. When I woke up, a blind man was reading my face. In the school I went to, they asked a kid to prove the law of gravity and he threw the teacher out of the window. I came from a real tough neighborhood. On my street, the kids take hubcaps†¦ from moving cars. I came from a real tough neighborhood. Once, a guy pulled a knife on me. I knew he wasnt a professional; the knife had butter on it. Family My cousin is gay; in school while other kids were dissecting frogs, he was opening flies. My cousin is gay; he went to London only to find out that Big Ben was a clock. My cousin is gay; I always tell him that in our family tree, hes in the fruit section. I looked up my family tree and found three dogs using it. My kid wants to be a prison warden when he grows up so he can put thumb tacks on the electric chairs. One time my whole family played hide and seek. They found my mother in Pittsburgh! With my old  man  I got no respect. I asked him, How can I get my kite in the air? He told me to run off a cliff. My old man, I told him Im tired of running around in circles. So he nailed my other foot to the floor. When I was born, the doctor came out to the waiting room and said to my father, Im very  sorry. We did everything we could. But he pulled through. I come from a stupid family. During the Civil War  my great uncle fought for the West. I could tell that my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio. I come from a stupid family. My father worked in a bank. They caught him stealing pens. I looked up my family tree and found out I was the sap. When my old man wanted sex, my mother would show him a picture of me. Im so ugly - my father carries around a picture of the kid who came with his wallet. Boy,  is my wife stupid! It takes her an hour and a half to watch 60 minutes. My daughters no bargain either. In public  school  she was voted most likely to conceive. Age Last year my birthday cake looked like a prairie fire. At twenty, a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy, he still wants to reform the world, but he knows he cant. I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous†¦ everyone hasnt met me yet. Funny Incidents For two hours, some guy followed me around with a pooper scooper. The other night a mugger took off his mask and made me wear it. Last week I was walking by a cemetery, two guys came after me with shovels. It was all about money. A travel agent told I could spend seven nights in Hawaii†¦ no days, just nights. Last week, my tie caught on fire; some guy tried to put it out with an  axe. Doctors I met the surgeon general - he offered me a cigarette. I went to the doctor because Id swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills. My doctor told me to have a few drinks and get some rest. My doctor told me to watch my drinking. Now I drink in front of a mirror. And I drink too much, way too much; my doctor drew blood -  he ran a tab! I went to see my doctor. Doctor, every morning when I get up and look in the mirror... I feel like throwing up. Whats wrong with me? He said, I dont know but your eyesight is perfect. Last week I told my psychiatrist, I keep thinking about suicide. He told me from now on I have to pay in advance. Sex Im at the age where I want two girls. In case I fall asleep, they will have someone to talk to. My sex life is terrible; my wife put a mirror over the dogs bed.  Actually  she did put a mirror over our bed. She says she likes to watch herself laugh. The big difference between sex for money and sex for free is that sex for money usually costs a lot less. A girl phoned me the other day and said, Come on over, theres nobody home. I went over. Nobody was home. During sex, my girlfriend always wants to talk to me. Just the other night she called me from a hotel. I once went out with this wild girl. She made French toast and got her tongue caught in the toaster. My wife only has sex with me for a purpose. Last night it was to time an egg. With girls, I dont think right. I had a date with one girl, she had mirrors all over her bedroom. She told me to come over and bring a bottle. I got Windex. Im taking Viagra and drinking prune juice - I dont know if Im coming or going. I got myself good this morning too. I did my pushups in the nude; I didnt see the mouse trap. I know the best way to get girls. I hang out at prisons and wait for parolees. I asked my wife if she enjoys a cigarette after sex and she said, No, one drag is enough. I saved a girl from being attacked last night. I controlled myself. Im a bad lover. I once caught a peeping tom booing me. Self My problem is that I appeal to everyone that can do me absolutely no good. One year they asked me to be poster boy - for birth control. You wanna  have  laughs? Do what I do. When I go through a tollbooth, I keep going. I tell the guy, The car behind me is paying for two. I found there was only one way to look thin:  hang out with fat people. My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said,  okay, youre ugly too. Im so ugly... I worked in a pet shop, and people kept asking how big Id get. I was such an ugly kid†¦ when I played in the sandbox, the cat kept covering me up. I get no respect. The way my luck is running, if I was a politician, I would be honest. I went to a freak show and they let me in for nothing. I had a good time last week. I did a show; the whole audience was midgets. I got a standing ovation - I didnt even know it! Oh, last week was a rough week. I noticed my gums were shrinking. I was brushing my teeth with Preparation H. I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it. This morning, when I put on my underwear, I could hear the Fruit-of-the-Loom guys laughing at me. His Wife My wife has to be the worst cook. Her specialty is indigestion. One day as I came home early from work... I saw a guy jogging naked. I said to the guy, Hey buddy, why are you doing that? He said, Because you came home early. My wife made me join a bridge club. I jump off next Tuesday. I havent spoken to my wife in years. I didnt want to interrupt her. Once, somebody stole our car. I asked my wife if she saw who it was. She said, No, but I did get the license number. With my  wife,  I  dont get no  respect. I made a toast on her birthday to the best woman a man ever had. The waiter joined me. My wife had her drivers test the other day. She got 8 out of 10. The other 2 guys jumped clear. I asked him, Who said you could fool around with my wife? He said, Everybody. Ill tell you one thing, I know how to satisfy my wife in bed.  Yeah, I leave. I told my wife the truth. I told her I was seeing a psychiatrist. Then she told me the truth: that she was seeing a psychiatrist, two plumbers, and a bartender. My wifes not too smart. I told her  our kids were spoiled. She said, All kids smell that way. My wife has to be the worst cook. Ive got the only dog who begs for Alka-Seltzer. Theres only one thing wrong with my wifes face - it shows. †¦went to a bar for a few drinks. The bartender asked what I wanted. Surprise me, I said. So he showed me a naked picture of my wife. My wife has to be the worst cook. I dont believe meatloaf should glow in the dark. My wife has to be the worst cook. In my house, we pray after we eat. I have good looking kids. Thank goodness my wife cheats on me. I went to look for a used car and found my wifes dress in the back seat. I remember one guy gave her a good piece of his mind. Yeah, it was right after she took a good piece of his leg. My marriage is on the rocks again.  Yeah, my wife just broke up with her  boyfriend. My wifes a great driver; she once hit a deer. It was in a zoo. There is a pair of shoes on the dashboard. They belong to the last guy she hit. My wife was afraid of the dark†¦ then she saw me naked and now shes afraid of the light. Why,  her cooking is so bad that the flies pitched in to fix the screen door. I leave dental floss in the kitchen and watch the roaches hang themselves.