Monday, January 27, 2020

The Concept Of Tourism Marketing Marketing Essay

The Concept Of Tourism Marketing Marketing Essay The 15 Cs framework was firstly developed by Fyall et al. In 2006 (Destination management: challenges and opportunities-2010 (press release)) to provide a suitable combination of key challenges facing the competitor of that destination marketing and management. But levels will be most important on different destinations. If there is a failure in one of challenges of destination marketing then it will affect the whole plan. The 15 Cs can be identified as: Complexity, Control, Culture, Competition, Commodification, Creativity, Communication, Channels, Cyberspace, Consolidation, Collaboration, Change, Crisis, Customers and Complacency. First we will go on with the complexity factor, were the destination product is not in the argument state and what remains is a discussion about that destination future, it will be more complex due to countless stakeholders from both internal and external or tourist. The complexity of the tourist destination should be taken in consideration with the consumer and community of that place for marketing of it. So, every individual consumers of that destination will have a point of view concerning that the tourist place is cleanly enclose bundle of suppliers as form the case of suppliers expectancy (Buhalis 2000). Control is very closely related to complexity the destination marketers have an inability to control the elements of destination product and also its destiny in market place (Scott, parfitt, and Laws-2000, p.202) the strategic approach should be strong to control the difficulties in coordination in marketing a destination as there are many ways of approaching as campaigns which can be conducted with the help of various tourists business with no public review on the available information. The developments are made to make tourism better in that destination. The power, resources, experience, mutual trust, and respect stand as a significant challenge for those destinations for tourism marketing in future (Ritchie Ritchie, 2002) The cultural factor is most important for both supply and demand in destination marketing. Due to change their will be cultural diversification between private and public sector on tourism destinations. As in change the two cultures will be working together for foreseeable future, the demand side is depends on means of destination what is required for development of tourism. The change can be found everywhere but it is the only one of its kind to the marketing and management of destinations and positively responding to change is increasing day by day. Changes can be in anything prices, commodities, transport, etc. The crises and fear of it is present everywhere across tourism industry on different destinations and as per their location they are impacted in positive or negative or direct or indirect manner it can be natural or manmade. An example we can take is terrorism happening all over world or tsunami. Complacency has changed because customers have other choices of destinations with same features. It increases the competition among organisations in tourism industry. Going on with the competition factor the competition among organisations is increasing and the destinations everywhere are in intense pressure to make their profit and growth from tourism in these difficult years. there is an increase in destination product and in tourist destination. As in European scenario there is a decrease in prices of airlines and other transport but it is beneficial for tourist who goes on that destination. The competition is at its intense level where the natural or manmade disaster occurred and then the population of tourist to that destination is decreased, because of this tourist started to choose secured destinations and for some time the competition in different regions is increased due to same supply of features and facilities. In commodification factor a competition become more intense the market gets crowded and then they become more challengeable and competitive to manage and do marketing of that destination organisation. Due to increase in tourists many destination shares similar facilities and selling point. In response, destination are needed to do hard work to avoid the ease with which they can substituted. One of the primary means from which substitution can be challenged is creativity approach the energetic and different ideas can be used for destination branding. But branding and marketing a destination is not an easy task. All destinations are of different shapes and sizes those are influenced by a distance of political environment so, it makes down the decision making for marketers of that destinations and it makes low creativity in market place. (Caldwell Freire konecnik (2004), Morgan et al. (2002, 2003) and white (2004)). If the brand is properly identified and marketed with good creativity it will be on good position in competitive market. An advertisement in many regions of world is done through news paper but in some many different regions or parts of world the communication is important and is required on highly basis for highly educated and increasingly sophisticated clientele. The use of Web, blogs, online social networking like facebook and twitter is increased but the high percentage on marketing budget is spent on print based media like brochures and leaflets (Dore and Crouch 2003; Foley and Fahy 2004). The channel and cyberspace are closely related with each other as they are most important factor for tourism marketing and for distributing of the ideas or creativity of marketers of that destination. In consolidation factor we can take an example of Thomas cook there is a significant increase in recent years across the globe. This is strongly affected to tourism industry by the means of travel in form of airlines, hospitality in largely international and local groups, money exchange, etc. One means of marketing where corporate or marketers come face to face for collaboration within or among destinations. Customers can be from same region or from all over the globe with different religions and language like British, Indian, French, Chinese, etc. and they can be also of different age groups. (Progress in tourism marketing by M Kozak and L Andreu 2006) http://books.google.com/books?id=Uij4AdXkBqACpg=PA83dq=framework+for+15cs+in+tourismhl=enei=ADwXTZicJsOChQeNsKG4Dgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepageqf=true Case study:- The case study involves the beautiful tourist destination Dubai it is a modern city at southern shore and other sides covered by desert it is also known as a one of seven states which comprise United Arab Emirates. In 1830 it was a fishing and pearling port and it was taken over by the maktoum branch of the bani yas tribe who still rules dubai, due to port it makes attractive to traders and developed a center for regional commerce and it also become a part of trucial states with Britain. In 1972 it quitted and joined to united Arab emirate. In 1990 the Dubai population was 80,000 and by 1992 it increases by 529,000 here many of them are attracted for Dubai safe and financially flourishing environment. Dubai is well known for its oil resource but it is finite and it is a main resource that gives an income to the country which will help to develop tourism industry. Dubai gives many facilities and has many attractions to attract tourist. Dubai is famous for its Arabic life, safe environ ment, good international hotels, night life, grass golf course in dessert, warm seas, etc. it is also famous for its shopping festivals and great malls to do tax free shopping. Some of the newest attractions that Dubai had made one of the finest 5 star luxurious hotels and the world first seven star Hotel Burj-al-Arab then palms Jumeirah Island, etc. as dubai become one of the fastest growing tourist destination. (Tourist destination management-issues, analysis and policies by eric laws-1995) Sharpley, R 2008, Planning for Tourism: The Case of Dubai, Tourism and Hospitality: Planning Development, 5, 1, pp. 13-30, E-Journals, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?hid=12sid=fdaadb41-b7ea-4df7-b79a-ea642ddb773e%40sessionmgr10vid=8 Dubai culture is strongly rooted in Islamic traditions of Arabia. Islam is bigger than just a religion because it is a way of life which goes on in everyday events that what to wear and what to eat and drink. So, the culture is closely related with its religion. Islamic fundamentalism is on the leading place in media and it makes other peoples of world to adopt it, then also Dubai welcomes foreigners and they can be free with their own religion. The alcohol is served in hotels and dress codes are normal as per the peoples tradition. Dubai culture gives warmth and friendliness welcome to its tourist. Due to negative view of Islam it affect many Muslims living abroad but in Dubai all religion people leave together and work together like Muslims, Hindus, Christians, etc. and there are also different languages like English, Urdu, and Hindi approx this Arabic is main language but it is spoken as on official business purposes and English can be heard everywhere. Due to the rapid developmen t in recent years the life is changed because of increased different cultures and material goods so the Dubai rulers are keen to promote their tradition and cultural activities and also sporting events. (The lonely planet guide-Dubai by Terry Carter Lara Dunston- 2006) http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=QscSeQp8hxMCpg=PA11dq=dubai+culturehl=enei=ZaAgTYONE8mFhQfkzKG3Dgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=1sqi=2ved=0CCkQ6wEwAA#v=onepageq=dubai%20culturef=false (Dubai: the complete residents guide by Explorer publishing Distribution- 2006) http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=II2bdl4gcIMCpg=PA25dq=dubai+culturehl=enei=ZaAgTYONE8mFhQfkzKG3Dgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=8sqi=2ved=0CEwQ6wEwBw#v=onepageq=dubai%20culturef=false As Dubai is oil based state in UAE 1950 it was just like a village on seashore but by 1994 it gets developed to a city, it is developed by its own resources like oil. The hotel named Burj al Arab becomes a dream logo of Dubai even if guest does not stay in that hotel for a night the hotel can pay for itself. But Dubai has diversified its economy to tourism because of the reduction in economic dependence due to diminishing in amount of oil. Sharpley, R 2008, Planning for Tourism: The Case of Dubai, Tourism Hospitality: Planning Development, 5, 1, pp. 13-30, Hospitality Tourism Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=3bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=hjhAN=31373124 (Tourism destination management-issues, analysis and policies by Eric Laws-1995) For development there will be consolidation between real estate firms and banks. In recent time Dubai Aluminium Company limited has been sponsoring ladies masters golf tournament from past three years at emirates golf club. Another consolidation is done to develop property market in Dubai the two organizations as Emaar properties PJSC and Dubai holding commercial operation group (DHCOG) are merged with each other. This is for residential property and land, some of the major property works will be for Dubai Metro (public transportation) and Burj Dubai (The world tallest skyscraper). Dubai 2008, Dubai banks, property firms seen consolidating, TradeArabia (Manama, Bahrain), 24 December, NewsBank, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=7bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=edsnbkAN=127B89592871B2E0 Excellent forum for consolidating partnerships, 2009, Gulf News (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), 11 December, NewsBank, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=10bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=edsnbkAN=12C87F17162A0E98 Sinnock, B 2009, Consolidation to Shape Dubai Residential Markets Future, National Mortgage News, 33, 43, p. 11, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=15bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=43690269 UAE tourism authorities are working out for the development of the tourism with the help of collaborations with other countries like Singapore. Clarence Michael In, D 2006, Spore explores tourism cooperation with UAE; Officials looking at developing joint marketing, Business Times, The (Singapore), 27 February, NewsBank, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=f1a36d1c-8e70-4441-af0a-d154ed6e18f3%40sessionmgr104vid=36bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=edsnbkAN=11008F1046F645B8 the world first hotel developed by Armani hotels and resorts is under the collaboration with Dubai developer Emaar properties and as opened it in the tallest building the burj khalifa. Dubai 2010, Armani hotel opens in Burj Khalifa, TradeArabia (Manama, Bahrain), 27 April, NewsBank, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=f1a36d1c-8e70-4441-af0a-d154ed6e18f3%40sessionmgr104vid=38bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=edsnbkAN=12F7F251D2802520 Dubai tourism and commerce marketing company (DTCM) has collaborated with five major companies like Virgin Holidays Ltd., Gold Medal, Lastminute.com, Hayes and Jarvis, and Emirates Tours for attracting families and childrens. They also go for creativity to attract childrens by Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo, SEGA republic, free entry to Aquaventure, Lost chambers and Dolphin Bay. Dubai is affordable for families 2009, Travel Weekly (UK), p. 8, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 3 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=23bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=43583422 Dubai in a different way is focusing on the creativity by commodifying land and water into artificial islands creating an attraction to the tourist, gulf emirate of Dubai is planning to construct Third Island in a shape of palm. Dubai to build third Palm Island, 2004, Agence France-Presse, 5 October, NewsBank Archives, EBSCOhost, viewed 2 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=f1a36d1c-8e70-4441-af0a-d154ed6e18f3%40sessionmgr104vid=48bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=edsnbaAN=1058F077C4FE6DB0 In the growing competitive world Gulf States are also competing for the growing international tourism and travel market their major competitors are South East Asia and Singapore and Europe also plays a major role in the competition. (World geography of travel and tourism: a regional approach by Alen Lew, C. Michael Hall, Dallen J, Timothy-2008) http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=BBa_LZhCPYoCpg=PA163dq=dubai+competitors+in+tourismhl=enei=Y00hTdihD4GKhQfDxq23Dgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3ved=0CDsQ6AEwAg#v=onepageqf=false Dubai has started to work a lot for the promotion of tourism now it gets teamed up with Microsoft digital solution to create its own site and also online ads on MSN Dubai Tourism runs digital ads on MSN to break stereotypes 2007, New Media Age, pp. 7-07, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 3 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=25bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=bthAN=25325976 In the fast moving world Dubai as also get into cyberspace by creating its own official tourism site as www.dubaitourism.ae with SCOTT, P 2007, Site seeing, Sunday Mail (Adelaide, Australia), 8 July, NewsBank, EBSCOhost, viewed 3 January 2011. http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?hid=114sid=90099d0a-9de1-4ecb-bd34-c9a388aad85a%40sessionmgr114vid=30bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=edsnbkAN=11A441E9F2113320

Saturday, January 18, 2020

The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 37

This Square in My Hand My father refuses to go with Mom, so I put on the new suit she bought me earlier this month and accompany her to the candlelit Mass at St. Joseph's. It is a crisp night, but we walk the few blocks required, and soon we are in the very sanctuary where I was confirmed so many years ago. Rows of red and white poinsettias are lined up on the altar, and antique wrought-iron lamps stand guard at the ends of the pews, just like every other Christmas Eve. The candlelight makes the stone building look even more antiquated – almost medieval. And sitting down in the pew again reminds me of when Jake and I were just boys. We'd come to Christmas Eve Mass so excited for the next day, ready to tear into all those presents. But tonight it's just Mom and me, as Jake and Caitlin are spending Christmas Eve in New York City with Caitlin's parents, and Dad is home drinking beer. After some announcements and Christmas hymns, the priest talks about stars and angels and mangers and donkeys and miracles, and somewhere in the story, I start praying. Dear God, I know it would take a miracle to get Nikki to show up tomorrow at the place where we were engaged, but lucky for me, You and I both believe in miracles. As I sit here thinking about this, I wonder if You actually believe in miracles, since You are all-powerful and can do anything. So technically, Your making Nikki show up tomorrow or putting Baby Jesus inside of the Virgin Mary is no more difficult for You than, say, watching an Eagles game – which has been pretty easy since backup QB Jeff Garcia has managed to win three straight. It's sort of funny when I think about it now. If You created the world in only a week, sending Your Son down to do a mission must have been no sweat for You. But I am still glad You took the time to send Jesus to teach us all about miracles, because the possibility of miracles happening keeps a lot of people moving forward down here. I don't have to tell You that I have been working pretty hard on bettering myself since apart time began. I actually want to thank You for disrupting my life, because I would never have taken the time to improve my character if I did not get sent to the bad place, nor would I have met Cliff, or even Tiffany for that matter, and I know this journey has been for a reason. I trust that there is a divine plan in effect, and that is why I believe You will make sure Nikki shows up tomorrow. I want to thank You in advance for helping me get my wife back. I am looking forward to the years ahead, when I can treat Nikki how a woman should be treated. Also, if it is not too much trouble, please allow the Eagles to win on Christmas Day, because a win over the Cowboys will put the Eagles in first place and then my dad might be in a good mood and maybe he will even talk to Mom and me. It's strange, even with the Birds in play-off contention, Dad has been a grinch this holiday season, and it has really made Mom sad. I've caught her crying several times, but You probably already know that since You are all-knowing. I love You, God. I cross myself just as the priest finishes the homily, and then the candles are passed out and lighted while the people sing â€Å"Silent Night.† Mom is sort of leaning against me, so I throw an arm around her shoulder and give her a little squeeze. She looks up at me and smiles. â€Å"My good boy,† her lips mouth, bathed in candlelight, and then we both join in with the singing. My father is in bed asleep when we return home. Mom pours some eggnog and plugs in the lights, and we sip in the glow of the Christmas tree. Mom talks about all the ornaments Jake and I made as little kids. She keeps pointing to painted pinecones, little Popsicle-stick picture frames with our grade school photos inside, and reindeers made from clothespins and pipe cleaners. â€Å"Remember when you made this in so-and-so's class?† she keeps saying, and I nod every time, even though I don't remember making any of the ornaments. It's funny how Mom remembers everything about Jake and me, and somehow I know that Nikki will never love me as much – no matter how much I improve my character – and that's what I really truly love about my mom. Just when we are finishing the last sips of our eggnog, the doorbell rings. â€Å"Who could that be?† Mom asks in a dramatic way, suggesting she knows exactly who it could be. I start to get excited because I think that it might be Nikki, that Mom has arranged the best Christmas present ever. But when I answer the door, it's only Ronnie, Veronica, Tiffany, and little Emily. They all but skip into the foyer and start singing, â€Å"We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.† At this point Tiffany stops singing, but Ronnie and Veronica continue to belt out the first verse, and my mother is all smiles as she listens to the good tidings they bring. Little Emily looks like an Eskimo, all bundled up, but her parents' singing makes her little round face look content. I can even see the Christmas tree lights reflected in her dark eyes. As they sing, Ronnie's family looks like a happy one, and I envy my friend. Tiffany is looking at her feet, but she rejoins the singing when they get to the chorus again. The song ends with Ronnie holding the last note too long, but my mother claps anyway, and then we are all seated around the Christmas tree drinking more eggnog. â€Å"Maybe you want to give your friends their presents,† Mom says. Mom had taken me shopping many times in the past few weeks, and we picked out presents for the people who have helped me get better, because Mom says it's important to recognize the special people in your life around the holidays. Cliff loved his Eagles dartboard, and it turns out that Veronica and Tiffany both like the perfume we purchased – thank God, as I did sniff just about every bottle in the Cherry Hill Mall. Ronnie loves the official NFL leather football I picked out for him so that he can work on his throws, and little Emily hugs the stuffed eagle wearing an Eagles jersey that I picked out special for her, and she even begins to chew on the yellow beak just as soon as she finishes ripping off the paper. For my mom's sake, I keep hoping my father might come downstairs and join the party, but he doesn't. â€Å"And we have a present for you too,† Ronnie tells me. â€Å"Come on, Em. Let's give Uncle Pat his present.† He hands Emily a box, which is too heavy for her to carry, even though she is walking pretty well now, so he and Emily both carry the present over to me. â€Å"For Pap!† Emily says, and then starts to rip off the wrapping paper. â€Å"You want to help me?† I ask her, and she tears the rest of the paper off as everyone watches. Once Emily finishes with the paper, I open the box and fish through the Styrofoam peanuts and find what feels like a plaque of some sort. I pull it out of the peanuts and can see it is a framed picture of Hank Baskett. He's in the end zone with a football in his hand. â€Å"It was taken during the Dallas game,† Ronnie says. â€Å"Read what's written on the picture,† says Veronica. To Pat, You're on the road to victory! Hank Baskett #84 â€Å"This is the greatest present ever! How did you get Baskett to sign the picture?† â€Å"Veronica's cousin's a barber,† Ronnie explains, â€Å"and one of his customers works for the Eagles promotions department, so we were able to pull a few strings. Vinnie said that this was the first request his contact got for a Baskett autograph, and Baskett was actually pretty excited to get a specific request, since his autograph is not in such high demand.† â€Å"Thanks, Ronnie,† I say, and then we give each other one-armed manly hugs. â€Å"Merry Christmas,† Ronnie says to me as he thumps my back. â€Å"Well, I hate to break up the party, but we need to get Emily in bed before Santa comes down the chimney,† Veronica says. As they put on their coats, my mom is putting their presents into a holiday bag with fancy handles and thanking everyone for coming over, saying, â€Å"You don't know how much it means to Pat and me. You've been so good to us this year. You're good people. All of you. Such great people.† And then Mom is crying again, saying, â€Å"I'm sorry. Thanks. Merry Christmas. Don't mind me. God bless you.† Just before everyone leaves, Tiffany grabs my hand, kisses me on the cheek, and says, â€Å"Merry Christmas, Pat.† When she pulls her palm away from mine, I have a square in my hand, but the look in Tiffany's eyes commands silence, so I stick the square in my pocket and say goodbye to Ronnie's family. I help my mother clean up the wrapping paper and empty eggnog mugs, and then she catches me under the mistletoe in the hallway. She's pointing up and smiling, so I kiss her good night, and she reaches up to hug me. â€Å"I'm so glad I have you in my life right now, Pat,† my mother says to me, flexing her arm muscles so hard, pulling my head down so that her shoulder juts up into my throat and it becomes a little harder to breathe. In my room, by the light of the electric Christmas candle Mom has stuck in my window for the holiday season, I unfold the note Tiffany passed me.

Friday, January 10, 2020

English Speaking Proficiency of Ip Student in the University of Mindanao Essay

Research Design This research was designed using qualitative way of gathering information such as opinion, ideas, and knowledge of every respondent. The researchers preferred to use an interview guide for the participant within the campus of the University of Mindanao. The method was design and suited to facilitate the respondents of giving their answer that will be helpful on pushing down the information needed to this study to attain. The goal of their research and answer the question stated in chapter 1. The researchers used this kind of method because it was a fact-finding study with fully sufficient and accurate interpretations of the findings. The researchers also believed that this was the most suitable method to use. Research Subjects In order to accumulate information such as opinion, ideas, and knowledge, the researchers preferred the research subjects of this study are the two (2) respondents coming from the students of the University of Mindanao. There were 2 researchers subjects who were interviewed for this study. Respondents one (1) is a 19 years old coming from the Island City of Samal, singe, and presently pursuing the degree of Education major in English. She is one of the Indigenous Student in the University of Mindanao as one of the privilege scholar in the said institution. She belongs to the Uvo Manuvu tribe. Subject/respondents two (2) is also an Indigenous student in the University of Mindanao, she’s proud to represent her tribe as Ata. She is 20 years-old, taking up Bachelor of Secondary of Education major in English as one of the Government scholar in the said institution. She was crowned as â€Å"Hiyas ng Kadayawan† way back 2010. The two (2) respondents was driven down to the list ing of all courses and year level in the university to prevent biases. For purpose of confidentiality, the names of respondents are kept. Letter for memo CHOCOLATE HEAVEN EMPORIUM MEMORANDUM TO: All Staff FROM: Management T.C. DATE: November 9th, 20– SUBJECT: STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY It’s that time of year again. As you all know, Christmas is our busiest season of the year. Every year it is a struggle for management and supervisors to find the time and energy to organize a staff Christmas party. This year, we have decided to postpone the Christmas party until after our busy season. Party Details * Date: Second or third Saturday in January (T.B.A) * Theme: Beach * Food: Caribbean * Special events: Karaoke and belly dancing We apologize that the celebration will have to wait until the new year, but we guarantee that it will be worth the wait. Anyone interested in volunteering to help out with the event is encouraged to call Lucy, our events coordinator. Lucy’s cell phone number is 222-3098. Please contact Lucy outside of business hours regarding this matter. Thank you. T.C. Cover Letter for Trainer Peggy Wesson 54 Pinehurst Street, Apt. 4 San Francisco, CA 12345 123-555-1234 pwesson@unknown.com March 30, 20xx Ms. Carol Pilsner Director of Human Resources Do-Right Weavers 250 Bradonton Road South San Francisco, CA 12345 Dear Ms. Pilsner, Thank you for spending time on the phone with me this afternoon. I am definitely enthusiastic about applying for the position of trainer. I’m willing to do the required coursework on my own. In two months I can complete: * The â€Å"Train the Trainer† program at UC Berkeley Extension * John Capers Training Certification Is your schedule free for an interview soon? I’ll call you to see when we can meet. Again, thank you for encouraging me to take advantage of this career opportunity. Sincerely, Peggy Wesson Enclosure: resume

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Battle of Hampton Road in the American Civil War

The Battle of Hampton Roads was fought March 8-9, 1862, and was part of the American Civil War (1861-1865). One of the most famous naval battles of the conflict, the engagement is noteworthy as it marked the first time two armored, ironclad warships met in combat. Emerging from Norfolk on March 8, CSS Virginia inflicted heavy losses on the wooden warships of the Union squadron in Hampton Roads. That night, the Union ironclad USS Monitor arrived on the scene. The next day, the two ships met in battle and after several hours of fighting were unable to inflict significant damage on each other. After Virginia withdrew, a stalemate ensued in the waters around Hampton Roads. The clash between the ironclads marked a turning point in naval history and signaled the demise of wooden navies. Background Following the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1860, Confederate forces seized the Norfolk Navy Yard from the US Navy. Prior to evacuating, the Navy burned several ships in the yard including the relatively new steam frigate USS Merrimack. Commissioned in 1856, Merrimack only burned to the waterline and most of its machinery remained intact. With the Union blockade of the Confederacy tightening, Confederate Secretary of the Navy Stephen Mallory began searching for ways in which his small force could challenge the enemy. Ironclads One avenue that Mallory elected to follow was the development of ironclad, armored warships. The first of these, the French La Gloire and British HMS Warrior, had appeared in the last year. Consulting John M. Brooke, John L. Porter, and William P. Williamson, Mallory began pushing the ironclad program forward but found that the South lacked the industrial capacity to build the needed steam engines in a timely manner. Upon learning this, Williamson suggested using the engines and remains of the former Merrimack. Porter soon submitted revised plans to Mallory that based the new ship around Merrimacks powerplant. CSS Virginia under construction. US Naval History and Heritage Command Approved on July 11, 1861, work soon began at Norfolk on the casemate ironclad CSS Virginia. The interest in ironclad technology was also shared by the Union Navy which placed orders for three experimental ironclads in mid-1861. Key among these was inventor John Ericssons USS Monitor which mounted two guns in a revolving turret. Launched January 30, 1862, Monitor was commissioned in late February with Lieutenant John L. Worden in command. Aware of Confederate ironclad efforts at Norfolk, the new ship departed New York Navy Yard on March 6. Battle of Hampton Roads Conflict: American Civil War (1861-1865)Date: March 8-9, 1862Armies and Commanders:UnionFlag Officer Louis M. GoldsboroughLieutenant John L. Worden1 ironclad, 2 screw frigates, 2 frigates, 1 sloop of warConfederatesFlag Officer Franklin Buchanan1 ironclad, 3 gunboats, 2 tendersCasualties:Union: 261 killed and 108 woundedConfederate: 7 killed and 17 wounded CSS Virginia Strikes At Norfolk, work on Virginia continued and the ship was commissioned on February 17, 1862, with Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan in command. Armed with ten heavy guns, Virginia also featured a heavy iron ram on its bow. This was incorporated due to the designers belief that ironclads would be unable to harm each other with gunfire. A distinguished veteran of the US Navy, Buchanan was eager to test the ship and sailed on March 8 to attack Union warships in Hampton Roads despite the fact that workmen were still on board. The tenders CSS Raleigh and CSS Beaufort accompanied Buchanan. Steaming down the Elizabeth River, Virginia found five warships of Flag Officer Louis Goldsboroughs North Atlantic Blockading Squadron anchored in Hampton Roads near the protective guns of Fortress Monroe. Joined by three gunboats from the James River Squadron, Buchanan singled out the sloop of war USS Cumberland (24 guns) and charged forward. Though initially unsure what to make of the strange new ship, Union sailors aboard the frigate USS Congress (44) opened fire as Virginia passed. Returning fire, Buchanans guns inflicted significant damage on Congress. Death of Cumberland Engaging Cumberland, Virginia pounded the wooden ship as the Union shells bounced off its armor. After crossing Cumberlands bow and raking it with fire, Buchanan rammed it in an effort to save gunpowder. Piercing the Union ships side, part of Virginias ram detached as it was withdrawn. Sinking, Cumberlands crew gallantly fought the ship until the end. Next, Virginia turned its attention to Congress which had grounded in an attempt to close with the Confederate ironclad. Joined by his gunboats, Buchanan engaged the frigate from a distance and compelled it to strike its colors after an hour of fighting. CSS Virginia rams and sinks USS Cumberland, 1962. Library of Congress The First Day Ends Ordering his tenders forward to receive the ships surrender, Buchanan was angered when Union troops ashore, not understanding the situation, opened fire. Returning fire from Virginias deck with a carbine, he was wounded in the thigh by a Union bullet. In retaliation, Buchanan ordered Congress be shelled with incendiary hot shot. Catching on fire, Congress burned throughout the rest of the day exploded that night. Pressing his attack, Buchanan attempted to move against the steam frigate USS Minnesota (50), but was unable to inflict any damage as the Union ship fled into shallow water and ran aground. Withdrawing due to darkness, Virginia had won a stunning victory, but had taken damage amounting to two guns disabled, its ram lost, several armored plates damaged, and its smoke stack riddled. USS Monitor, 1862. US Naval History and Heritage Command As temporary repairs were made during the night, command devolved to Lieutenant Catesby ap Roger Jones. In Hampton Roads, the situation of the Union fleet improved dramatically that night with the arrival of Monitor from New York. Taking a defensive position to protect Minnesota and the frigate USS St. Lawrence (44), the ironclad awaited Virginias return. Clash of the Ironclads Returning to Hampton Roads in the morning, Jones anticipated an easy victory and initially ignored the strange-looking Monitor. Moving to engage, the two ships soon opened the first battle between ironclad warships. Pounding each other for over four hours, neither was able to inflict significant damage on the other. Though Monitors heavier guns were able to crack Virginias armor, the Confederates scored a hit on their adversarys pilot house temporarily blinding Worden. Taking command, Lieutenant Samuel D. Greene drew the ship away, leading Jones to believe that he had won. Unable to reach Minnesota, and with his ship damaged, Jones began moving towards Norfolk. At this time, Monitor returned to the fight. Seeing Virginia retreating and with orders to protect Minnesota, Greene elected not to pursue. Aftermath The fighting at Hampton Roads cost the Union navy the loss of USS Cumberland and Congress, as well as 261 killed and 108 wounded. Confederate casualties were 7 killed and 17 wounded. Despite the heavier losses, Hampton Roads proved a strategic victory for the Union as the blockade remained intact. The battle itself signaled the demise of wooden warships and the rise of armored vessels built of iron and steel. Over the next several weeks a standoff ensued as Virginia attempted to engage Monitor on several occasions but was refused as Monitor was under presidential orders to avoid battle unless absolutely required. This was due to President Abraham Lincolns fear that the ship would be lost allowing Virginia to take control of the Chesapeake Bay. On May 11, after Union troops captured Norfolk, the Confederates burned Virginia to prevent its capture. Monitor was lost in a storm off Cape Hatteras on December 31, 1862.