Made in Chelsea analysis of an episode Essay Example for Free

Made in Chelsea analysis of an episode Essay From the episode of Made In Chelsea I watched, I can say that the representations we have of upwardly mobile young city dwellers are that they are social-oriented, whose lives seem to be some care-free that they can cavort around various places in London—and the world—without any problems. We also only see characters of a certain age range—none are, we assume, above the age of thirty—of which the majority have no jobs or business, leading us to believe that they come from families of ‘old money’, and so having a job themselves would seem rather pointless. Saying that, there are a few characters who do possess their own business or thereabouts. However, our perceptions of the characters are very one sided, as we are constricted to seeing only one side of that character—the one that fits their current storyline the best. This prevents us from seeing, per se, the kind heartedness of a character that has just cheated on their partner. The words ‘characters’ and ‘storylines’ fit well with my next point; the conversations and the events that take place throughout the episode seem far too rehearsed and coincidental for them to be actual ‘reality’. Location shots are used of London sights and attractions to establish the setting of the scene. They also are only of Central London attractions, and the shops and restaurants et al all seem to highlight the wealth of the individuals who shop there, eat there etc. Reactions, for the majority of the show, are shown using over-the-shoulder shots to portray the reaction of the person who is being told something. There is also usage of eye line matching shots that show you what the character may have been looking at from their angle. The episode seems to comprise of short segments that have then been edited in post production so that they can seek out the most entertaining of segments. This is obvious as the episode transitions from one group of people at a restaurant to a boxing arena and then back to the restaurant again. Tzvetan Torodov’s narrative theory that conventional narratives are structured into five stages; Equilibrium—disruption—recognition—repair—reinstatement, could be present within the episode, as you can apply it to the situation between Louis, Spencer and Jamie (the love triangle storyline). The fact that it fits so well with Torodov’s theory does support the question â€Å"How much of Made In Chelsea is actually reality? †

Analysis of HMs Vietnam Expansion

Analysis of HMs Vietnam Expansion HM is a Swedish multinational clothing retail store that caters to young adults and children. Since its inception, the brand has evolved to include accessories, footwear, cosmetics and home furnishings. HM is one of the top retail stores in the world and has positioned itself as a low cost- quality clothing supplier. HM and its competitors occupy a niche segment of the retail clothing industry known as fast-fashion, characterized by the ability to serve consumers who demand the most up-to-date styles at an affordable price. Retailers must meet several specific customer expectations to remain competitive in this segment, as well as maintain a highly efficient internal operation to meet the requirements of the industry. HMs expansion into Vietnam is part of the companys larger overall global expansion strategy to open stores with a target of 10-15% sales growth coupled with an introduction of online retail to emerging and unexploited retail markets (HM Group, 2016). Vietnam has seen recent increased growth in foreign direct investment and expanding retail market. Consumers in Vietnam have a demand for large Western brands and have increased disposable income to spend in the market(Deloitte, 2014). In Vietnam, barriers to entry remain low for HM and other industry competitors. HM and other foreign retailers have the capability of opening their initial retail spaces in Vietnam without extreme difficulty (Deloitte, 2014).ÂÂ   In 2016, Zara, HMs largest competitor opened a retail store in Ho Chi Minh City signaling an increase in foreign retail investment in the country (Zara Enters Vietnam, 2016). It appears that the landscape in Vietnam is changing in the favor of foreign retail firms and governm ent policies are being shaped to attract more foreign investors. Industry Requirements and Expectations HM and its competitors occupy a niche segment of the retail clothing industry known as fast-fashion, characterized by the ability to serve consumers who demand the most up-to-date styles at an affordable price. Retailers must meet several specific customer expectations to remain competitive in this segment, as well as maintain a highly efficient internal operation to meet the requirements of the industry. Expectations within the fast-fashion industry have become increasingly more customer-focused and demanding with the success of retailers such as HM, Zara, and Forever 21. Because the industrys core market is highly sensitive to changes in trends and seasonality, retailers need a keen awareness of the fashion landscape to proactively update their inventory at locations worldwide. Successful players in the industry must also have an in-depth understanding of the local markets of their varying locations to serve their customers specific tastes. Fast-fashions most dedicated consumers also depend on the affordability that retailers offer to allow them to keep their wardrobes stocked with the latest styles. Highly efficient supply chain management is the cornerstone of the fast-fashion industry, and is the key requirement for any retailers success. Demands for rapid turnover and affordable prices hinge on the retailers ability to keep internal costs to a minimum to avoid passing on costs to the consumers. The industry requires retailers to keep an extremely low product life cycle (PLC), which is typically achieved through the combination of a just-in-time inventory system and a strategic distribution and fulfillment network within the countries of operation. Location is also a critical requirement when operating in fast-fashion, both for retail stores and proximity to distribution centers. In order to capitalize on the benefit of operating within this industry retailers must secure locations for their retail stores that are both highly visible and densely populated, while distribution and fulfillment centers require central location to serve the maximum number of retail locations as quickly as possible. Low Trade Barriers In 1986, Vietnam created an open-door policy with reforms in three essential areas: i) the right to foreign trade, ii) trade instruments and policies iii) liberalization of foreign trade. Since then, the Vietnamese economy has been growing at a rapid pace. Since Vietnams inception in WTO in 2001, Vietnam removed many non-tariff barriers including quantitative restrictions on imports, quotas, bans, permit requirements and licensing requirements. (U.S. Department of State, 2014). However, there are still some existing industry specific trade barriers in Vietnam. For example, price stabilization and restriction is implemented by the Vietnamese government when prices are too high or low for essential goods. Other examples of trade barriers include import taxes on automated products and services, permits on foreign investment in cinema construction only through local joint ventures and land use rights. Vietnamese land, a property of the state, cannot be owned by investors nor any Vietnamese nationals (U.S. Department of State, 2014). To HMs advantage, the retail industry in Vietnam has very few trade barriers and restrictions for foreign investment. Thus, being one of the fastest growing countries in the ASEAN economy along with liberal retail policies, Vietnam is an obvious country of interest for EU business expansion. The countrys openness to foreign investment has been the cause of many trade reforms and lower trade barriers. For example, Vietnam provides investment incentives to foreign investors such as exemption from import taxes on necessary materials required for manufacturing that cannot be found in Vietnam. Policies supporting FDI in Vietnam Since November 1, 2015, Vietnam has allowed foreign retailers to set up 100 percent foreign-owned enterprises under its commitments to the World Trade Organization. This gives them access to supply sources and ideal business locations to operate from. Most international brands are opening stores in Vietnam through franchising or the granting of rights to a local partner, as franchisees are required to have a zero-loss business record and must be able to present their business development plan to the franchisor during the bidding process, which increases the likelihood of success for foreign investors in Vietnam. (VN Express Retail market share,2016). These policies make expanding to Vietnam attractive for HM. Franchising their retail stores in Vietnam is safer for HM now because of these policies. FDI As Vietnam is becoming increasingly accessible to foreign investments, FDI inflows have seen a steady and strong increase over the previous years. In 2016, FDI inflows climbed to US$24.4 billion with a 9% increase from 2015. Out of these, US$15.1 billion flew to 2,556 newly registered projects, US$5.76 billion came from 1,225 existing projects adding to their capital, and US$3.4 billion flew in from foreign investors purchasing stakes in 2,547 companies. Vietnams rapid pace of integration into global commerce is likely to yield great opportunities for foreign investors. So, this is the right time for HM to invest and expand into Vietnam. (Vietnams FDI Outlook for 2016) In January 2017, foreign investors invested in 16 sectors in Vietnam, out of which Wholesale and retail ranked third with total registered capital of US$ 88.75 million, accounting for 5.6% of the total foreign direct investment. Relative high investment in Wholesale and Retail market bodes well for HM. HM is planning to open up its first retail shop in Ho Chi Minh City, where FDI investments are high. (Ministry of planning and Investment of Vietnam, 2017) Vietnams retail industry has witnessed healthy growth rates of 8 10 percent annually in recent years. To continue, the industry is forecasted to reach $109 billion by 2017. With the population of more than 90 million, Vietnams retail market is growing rapidly, making it highly attractive for foreign investors. The country is currently ranked top 5 and 11 in Asia and globally respectively in terms of retail growth. (VN Express Vietnams rapidly growing retail Industry, 2016) Ease of doing business The countrys ease of doing business while still leaving room for improvement is developing, Vietnam ranked 82nd out of 190 countries, up nine positions from 2016. Government of Vietnam is actively privatizing its state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on top of its trade agreements and foreign direct investment policies. Since 2015, nearly 170 companies have been privatized and this trend will continue in the coming years. This creates many opportunities for foreign investors. (Vinkenborg, M. (2017). Vietnam in 2017: Spotting opportunities for FDI) Policies restricting FDI in Vietnam One complication for FDI in Vietnam is Vietnamese authorities have different definitions of a foreign invested enterprise. In practice the level of foreign investment that qualifies an entity as foreign differs from province to province. Unlike other countries in the region, such as China or some of the other ASEAN member states, Vietnam does not maintain a Negative List of industries with foreign equity ownership caps. (Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam, 2015) With the enactment of the Law on Investment and the Law on Enterprises however, the country is moving in the direction of such a Negative List system. The two laws, in addition to various other laws and regulations are applicable to industries that are termed conditional. When investing in conditional industries, the government examines the investment proposal and may choose to impose additional requirements. Distribution sector such as retail is considered conditional in Vietnam and may prone to additional requirements from government of Vietnam. (Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam, 2015) Works Cited Deloitte (2014). Retail in Vietnam. Retrieved: http://www.iberglobal.com/files/2016/vietnam_retail.pdf Hong, A. (2016). Vietnams rapidly growing retail industry partially offsets economic slowdown. Retrieved:http://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/vietnam-s-rapidly-growing-retail-industry-partially-offsets-economic-slowdown-3448240.html HM Group. Retrieved: https://about.hm.com/en/about-us/markets-and-expansion.html Indiaretailing Bureau. Retrieved: http://www.indiaretailing.com/2016/09/27/fashion/zara-enters-vietnam-first-store-vincom-center/ Ministry of Planning and Investment. (2017). Retrieved: http://www.mpi.gov.vn/en/Pages/tinbai.aspx?idTin=35921idcm=122 Shira, D. (2015). Restrictions of Foreign Direct Investment on Vietnam. Retrieved: http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/restrictions-foreign-direct-investment-vietnam.html/ SwedenÂÂ   and Vietnam Boost BUsiness and Investment Cooperation (2016). Retrieved: https://nsnbc.me/2016/10/08/sweden-vietnam-boost-business-and-investment-cooperation U.S. Department of State (2014). Retrieved: https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/229305.pdf Vietnams FDI Outlook for 2016: Trends and Opportunities. Retrieved: http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnamese-fdi-2016-outlook.html/ Vinkenborg, M. (2017). Vietnam in 2017: Spotting opportunities for FDI. Retrieved: http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnam-2017-spotting-opportunities-fdi.html/ http://www.eightyquartier.com/hm-announces-first-store-in-vietnam/ Ministry of planning and Investment of Vietnam, 2017 Retrieved: http://www.mpi.gov.vn/en/Pages/tinbai.aspx?idTin=35921idcm=122 VN Express Vietnams rapidly growing retail Industry, 2016 Retrieved: http://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/vietnam-s-rapidly-growing-retail-industry-partially-offsets-economic-slowdown-3448240.html VN Express Retail market share,2016 Retrieved: http://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/markets/foreign-invasion-threatens-domestic-retail-market-share-3406399.html Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam, 2015 Retrieved: http://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/restrictions-foreign-direct-investment-vietnam.html/

Deer Hunting Essay -- Process Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people have misconceptions about hunting. One such misconception is that hunting is easy and any person can go sit in the woods and wait for an animal to cross the hunter’s path. However, people who believe this are sorely mistaken. Hunting is not just sitting in the woods with a rifle; there are many other aspects that must be considered. An individual must have all preparations complete, purchase or gather the equipment needed, and know what to listen for while in the woods.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, an individual must get prepared for the beginning of the deer-hunting season. Contact your local parks and wildlife organization to find out the rules and regulations for that particular season, the dates for the season, and bag limits. Once you have gathered this information, go to any sporting goods or hardware store to purchase a hunting license. A combination hunting and fishing license usually costs around $55. In preparing for the season, you also need to find a hunting club or lease. When looking for a hunting club or lease, it is important to find an area that has plenty of hardwoods and a water source; otherwise you will be wasting your time. Now that you have found the club or lease that is right for your hunting needs, there are dues that are owed to your club or lease and the clubs or leases own rules and regulations that need to be gone over. Since, the rules and regulations, club or lease, and license are taken care of, you need to figure out what type of equi...

True Feelings in Billy Collins Taking Off Emily Dickinsons Clothes Es

True Feelings in Billy Collins' Taking Off Emily Dickinson's Clothes Upon first look, Billy Collins â€Å"Taking Off Emily Dickinson’s Clothes† seems to be a wild fantasy for Emily Dickinson that he is entertaining. Upon closer examination, however, the poem reveals his subconscious desire to have sex with his mother and his frustration about his inability to do so, resulting in the displacement of his sexual desires onto Dickinson. From the beginning, Collins is very detailed with his description. In fact he is quite anal retentive in explaining everything about the encounter. He starts from her outside clothing, â€Å"first, her tippet made of tulle† (1) and on through her mass of clothing until finally reaching her â€Å"corset† (41). Collins proclaims that the tippet is â€Å"easily lifted off her shoulders† (2), which lets people know that he is doing the work. Dickinson is simply standing there allowing him to touch and undress her. Perhaps this reflects that Collins is not often in control and never in control when it concerns his mother. He is probably constantly being told what to do, so it is very important that the reader realizes that he is in control of this situation. This may be why he projects Dickinson as immobile; he is simply projecting his inability to be in control onto Dickson. Collins then turns towards her â€Å"bonnet, the bow undone with a light forward pull† (4-5). The way he pulls the bonnet with a â€Å"light† (5) pulls shows how he feels it necessary to go about this situation very carefully and gently. He is using Dickinson to hide his feelings for his mother, and if he does not tread lightly, he may be found out. It can be easily inferred who he does not want to know, namely his father becau... ...laims that â€Å"Hope has feathers/ that reason is a plank/ that life is a loaded gun† (44-46). In essence he seems to be saying that while maybe how he feels is not right, that there is hope, and reason is such a narrow thing, and that life can blow up at anytime, so why bother with pretences. He seems to conclude that the definition between wrong and right can constitute a gray area, and in doing so redeems himself from the idea that lusting after his mother is immoral. While on the surface Collins seems to want Emily Dickinson, with a close reading it becomes clear that he is actually obsessed with his mother. His displacement shows how he at least tries to hide is incestuous desires, while his anal retentiveness shows his wish to be in control. The indications that run throughout the poem reveal Collins’ true feelings, and his inability to hide them.

Civil War Poetry Essay -- Pablo Neruda Poets Literature Essays

Civil War Poetry The American Civil War and the Spanish Civil War were primarily wars of principle. The conflicts represented a critical point for each respective nation, a time of either death or continuation for the countries. Both Whitman and Neruda exibit a key shared element in the poets' works of the concept of a cosmic rebirth illustrated in their poetry through a celebration of the perpetual cycle of life and death fostering optimism. This mutual philosophy is manifested in Neruda and Whitman's poetry in several interesting ways. One of the most striking biographical parallels between the two poets originates from their direct involvement in civil war. Whitman served as a nurse in war hospitals during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and his poem Drum Taps, published just after the war ended, chronicles his war experience and serves as a record of the conflict. Nearly seventy years later, Pablo Neruda found himself entangled in a different intra-national conflict, the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Neruda served as Chilean consul to Spain in the Republican capital city of Madrid during its bombardment by Federalist forces and later rallied for the Republican cause after being removed from his position. Neruda's poem Spain in the Heart: Hymn to the Glories of the People at War, published as the war still raged in 1937, follows in the tradition of Whitman's Drum Taps, offering an intimate eye witness account of civil war. Through the volumes of Drum Taps and Spain in the Heart, Whitman and Neruda offer poetic responses to their profound experiences during civil war, depicting the potential rebirth of society out of the destruction of war through the victory of democracy. Within thes... ...ope emerging from their tragic but crucial deaths. Neruda represented Whitman's men so intimately tied to the land in the metaphor for renewal out of destruction. The poets in "Eighteen Sixty-One" and "Arrival in Madrid of the International Brigade" assume the role of the voice and interpretive validator of the men using the image of the gathering troops as a vehicle for validating the cause of the conflicts while lamenting the heroic loss of such good men. By intimately connecting with the soldiers through solidarity, the recognition of their sacrifice assumes a more profound significance. The portrait of the soldiers presents these men as heroes who will be able to bring order out of the chaos. The philosophy of cosmic rebirth that Neruda and Whitman share unites the work of the men as it is expressed through their common experience of civil war.

Siddhartha Dualism vs Monoism

Western thought also states that e must live moral and just lives, free of sin. If I had to decide which philosophy is more forgiving and nurturing towards people, I would have to say that the Eastern realm of thought is less biased than the Western thought. Although I do not believe in a certain faith or god, Eastern thought appeals to me greater as opposed to the biased Western thought. The divine nature of the Eastern faith is more lenient and clear on underlying their concept and principles of a moral life. Western philosophy, as stated before is more biased towards its own beliefs.Western thought states that in order to reach salvation, you must follow the bible and live by Its guidelines and that you only get one chance at redemption and that everything else Is evil and a sure way to damnation. Eastern thought Is more lenient towards achieving the ultimate goal. Monism states that you don't have to be a monk or a spiritual man to achieve salvation but you can learn to achieve s alvation introspectively through your own way. Where as Dualism weighs people on sin, Monism weighs people based on Karma. Karma is the basic concept that every action will have an equal reaction in the future.Dualism states that we are all Judged by our Karma. Monism is clearer on the cycle of life and says that our Karma will determine what we will be reincarnated as. Western thought however states that we are weighed by our bad actions and that we only get one more chance at redemption or we do not reach salvation at all. To sum It up, monism has a very forgiving policy on redemption. In Western faith, It Is said that after one has parted from the physical world, he or he shall be Judged by the ultimate Judger to see If he or she Is worthy of salvation.In Eastern faith, once one has parted into the spirit world and has reached enlightenment, he or she shall live in everlasting bliss and get answers to all his or he questions. In all honesty, I think the afterlife is an illusion a nd that once we part from this world, it's over. The afterlife seems to be a little farfetched and too vague for it to be true. And even if there are spirits resembling about, we never seem to see them come alive. Eastern thought however seems a little more reasonable and self- explanatory rather than the west's notion of the afterlife.There are many deferent faiths in this world that millions believe in. Religion is a very powerful, very influential force in the world. There are many different view, different morals and different guidelines. One thing they all have in common Is the goal to reach salvation In an unknown afterlife. There are many evils that come from religion but good can also come from It as well. No belief Is true, there Is no one proper way how to live one's life. Society may set the laws and regulations that

Kings of Pastry Review

Kings Of Pastry Throughout history the French have maintained a culture that, when viewed by the outside world, is synonymous with fine cuisine, artistically beautiful architecture, and the overall presence of an elitist attitude to the folks who simply don’t belong within their borders. When discussing artistic craftsmanship and French cuisine in the same note, it is impossible for those who are aware of its existence not to mention the, Meillur Ouvrier de France.Commonly abbreviated, MOF, the Meillur Ouvrier de France, is a prestigious award that is earned by only the best pastry chefs in the business. To win the collar awarded to MOF’s is the ultimate acknowledgment of a pastry chef’s skills. Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker’s film, King’s of Pastry, speaks to the artistic genius in all of us, delving into the mental, physical, and creative ability required to win such a competition. This revealing film leads viewers to the realization that bec oming an MOF is to win the most difficult competition in the entire cooking realm.Following expert French pastry chef’s Jacquy Pfeiffer, Sebastien Canonne and Philippe Rigollot, the viewer is placed in the passenger seat on their obsessive quest for the quaint yet distinct collar that represents more than just a prestigious award. Though universally bided together by the competitions regulations, the candidates experience uniquely different trials and tribulations on their endeavors to have the chance to be declared forever one of the best in France.Not an aluminum, Iron, or any type of malleable metal Chef, not the winner of the fouled mouthed Gordon Ramsay’s train wreck of a show, Hell’s Kitchen, but a Meillur de France. King’s of Pastry begins with various scenes from French cities accompanied by subtitles that function as vocally silent narration. The opening narration is utilized to give background to the award, Meillur Ouvrier de France, and the env ironment in which the competitions are held. As the opening scenes of French architecture and culture subside, the film transitions into an introduction of the French chef Jacquy Pfeiffer.Pfeiffer manages the The French Pastry School in Chicago. Considered to be one of the most prominent cooking schools in the country, and the only one that exclusively teaches pastry, The French Pastry School thrives itself on engaging students while they learn the techniques necessary for mastering the art of French Pastry. As the camera follows Pfeiffer at work, the viewer is exposed to the surgeon like dexterity required to craft tasty and aesthetically pleasing pastry dishes.Along with the help of already renowned MOF’s, Pfeiffer and his team not only teach daily classes but are also in the midst of training for the upcoming MOF competition. In Olympic style, this three-day competition is held every four years and is a mental and physically draining process. After a somewhat long-winded i ntroduction, Pfeiffer finally bids his family adieu and embarks on his journey to France. As the film brings the audience back within French borders, a faster paced tempo is desired but not delivered. At this point in the film, we are introduced to more competitors of the MOF competition in a tangent like manner.Hardly any background is given to these competitors, which makes it difficult for the viewer to feel empathy or any other emotion towards them. Moreover, if it weren’t for the collars on the MOF’s it would be near impossible to differentiate which chefs are actually competing due to the plethora that appear in a single kitchen at any given moment. This middle part of the film also leads the viewer to realize how much preparation goes into such a competition. While I retained respect and understanding of this notion, I still found myself rolling my eyes every so often at the dragging manner in which the film presents itself.Despite the slow tempo and mono toned commentaries, the breathtaking sugar sculptures and mouth-watering pastry dishes suffice as a motive for the audience to be drawn into the film and left in awe at the craftsmanship required to create these dishes. Furthermore, these dishes more aptly resemble art sculptures that would be found in an art gallery rather than something on the desert menu at a restaurant. Consequently, it becomes apparent through commentary that transporting these sculptures is half the battle.At one instance Pfeiffer and company is seen moving one of the sculptures and at an erroneous placement the sculpture crumbles. Why these competitors would have to haul these magnificent sculptures anywhere was elusive at first. However, in light of the fact that the competition does in fact require the competitors to move their sculptures from the kitchen to the gallery was enough to rationalize how the entire competition could be reduced to a balancing act. It is for this reason that the MOF is a long-shot of a competition; one that requires dexterity and creativeness to craft the pastries, but also luck when required to move them.As the practice and preparation stages come into cessation, the competitors are eager for the anticipated three-day event to begin. As the first day of competition commences the competitors are required to work in the same kitchen at different stations. Cheating is unthinkable and impossible as countless MOFs pace about the kitchen scrutinizing every move the participants make. As the film finally transitions into a speedy pace it greatly exposes that in order to succeed, time management, efficient skills, and quickness are all equally imperative factors when creating dishes.The implication is surely one that speaks to most high-level competitions. An implication that a lifetime of skill and practice is not enough, rather a competitors entire repertoire is tested within a matter of hours. The competitors must obtain perfection that day, a task that requires both proficiency and chance. The second day of the competition entails the competitors to create ten cupcake resembling pastries called, â€Å"verrines. † Five of these must have the bride’s name, the other five must include the groom’s. The final day consists of creating the fragile sugar sculpture and then transporting it to the gallery room.