The Octogon House Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Octogon House - Essay Example e house is credited for hosting one time president, James Madison, and First Lady Dolley Madison following the burning of the White House in 1812 during the War. Today the building has found a completely new use. It is used as a museum and hosts several galleries and architectural and design exhibitions. This paper will analyze the Octagon House in light of its design and features and will compare it to architectural designs of the 1700s and early 1800s. The Octagon House is has three stories, its plan featuring a triangle, two rectangles, and a circle. It was so designed such that its symmetrical wing meshes properly with its lot that is triangular in shape. The building has several rooms including the dining room, treaty room, kitchen, and parlor. The building which has six sides has chimneys and a furnace located on the basement as noted by Lonely Planet (2014). From these features, it is beyond doubt that the artwork was meant to be a residential house for a rich family. Its flat roof is made of cedar-shingle roof and balustrade is surmounted by a cupola as noted by Lonely Planet (2014).Furthermore, the building has its rooms so arranged that they seem to be symmetrical with a spiral staircase situated at the centre of the building. Figure one shows part of the Octagon House. The Octagon House building is simply designed although it is a slight departure from the traditional Georgian design that was common in Washington DC it the late 1700s and early 1800s. According to AIA (2014), the building partly is inspired by the Greek style for its interior while its exterior is partly inspired by the federal style. In this respect, the building is a fine example of the kind of architecture that prominently featured in federal buildings at the time. The building is also partly inspired by English architecture of the time. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many buildings in England were circular or octagonal in shape (Brown 2009). Such houses were perceived to be

Organizational Behavior Essay Example for Free

Organizational Behavior Essay 1) Think about your own work experiences and/or current job. Can you distinguish between your job values, attitudes and moods? Identify two of each, and state why you classify them as you do. I think that the job values that I have towards my career are the same in any position that I may hold. I think that with hard work and dedication, 2) Evaluate your level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with your current (or former) job (or role in a group or team) in terms of the various job facets discussed in this Lesson. How do you think your job-related behavior has been affected by your satisfaction/dissatisfaction with each of these facets (to the extent you can dissect the effects of each)? To what extent has your level of satisfaction changed over time? Why, or why not? Might this be related to how your needs have changed? In my opinion, the level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction that one may have in their plays a heavy role and influence on job longevity. Personally speaking, human relations supervision, creativity, coworkers, and ability utilization are some of the most important factors that may affect me and my outlook on my role and position in an organization. For example, I have been in job where I felt as though I was more qualified than my manager, and often found myself doing her job, and trying to cover up for her mistakes. I have also experienced severe job dissatisfaction with my role in the company, but stayed longer than intended because I genuinely liked my coworkers and had developed true friendships with them. Right now in my life, I would say that abillity utilization and creativity are two important factors that I consider when choosing a role. The relationships that I have with my co workers also play a major part, as for me spending 8-10 hour days in a small space with people you dont necessarily like can be pure torture. 3) Think about the Job Facet Model, Hertzbergs Motivator-Hygiene theory, and the Discrepancy Model as approaches to understanding how job satisfaction works. Which approach makes the most sense to you, and why? Relate your answer to your own work experience. 4) What do the leaders in your organization, group or team currently do to keep the level of member satisfaction high and/or improve the satisfaction of members? What effects, if any, do you see these actions as having on performance, absenteeism, lateness, turnover and organizational citizenship behavior? If their actions do little to keep satisfaction high, how would you evaluate the effects of low satisfaction on these five potential outcomes?

Strategic Analysis of Walmarts Advantages in its Environment

Strategic Analysis of Walmarts Advantages in its Environment Strategic Analysis is to analyse Walmart macro-environmental and micro-environmental. The analysis methods use such as PESTLE Analysis, Porters 5 Forces Analysis, SWOT Analysis and Competitive Advantage to analyse the corporate business environment. PESTLE Analysis PESTLE is the structure to investigate the volatile business environments in which Walmart operates by discovering the forces that effecting the corporate operation. Political and Legislations Environment As Walmart operates in the global scale; the performances of the corporate are influenced by the political and statutory law of the country invested. For instance, the employment statutory laws of a country are to ensure investors provide varieties of jobs to its population at large from flexible, locally based low paid jobs to centrally located high pay jobs (Balchin, 1994). Besides that, the go global strategies has its impacts on the local retails market when a giant company such as Walmart penetrate into the country it causes local retails shutting down due to incompetent to compete in term of its predatory pricing policy (Basker, 2007). The author indictment that Walmart paying low salary to its employees; to protect its competitiveness in its retails market but it leading to high turnover rate of its employees. Economical Environment For the past four years, the world facing global economic crisis which leading to high unemployment, increases of fuel prices, and losing consumer confidence  [1]  . However, the crises assist Walmart to sustain its retail businesses even though the fuel price escalating above US$ 100/barrel because consumers becoming price conscious on seeking products value for money. The strategic uses by Walmart Canada: 1. sharing the truckloads with the suppliers to ensure all fully loaded, 2. switching manual stocking shelves to automatic tilted shelves which will deliver next item to the front, and 3. lowering the lighting and increasing the roof insulation, (The Star, 2008), as to reduce its operating costs. Socio-Cultural Environment As Walmart go globalise, the corporate has to adapt the changes of social and cultural differences because it can easily affect employees morale in workplace and consumer experiences. Based WPP (2008), Americanisation is not easy to establish in foreign countries because of the heterogeneity of perception, language, cultural and needs especially in European, Asia-Pacific and Africa (Sorrell, 2008). Environment and technological Environment Environmental and technological plays a significant part in the Walmart products/services developments because it improves customer satisfaction and perception in their shopping experience and observation. Besides that Walmart is one of the fastest retailer to adopt latest technology in their business operation. For example: radio frequency identification technology (RFIT) which reduces its out-of-stock goods with this technology (Wilbert, 2006) and using thin film solar technology to boost its renewable energy uses which could produce up to 22.5 million kilowatts hours of clean energy annually (Walmart Stores Web Site, 2010). Besides that, Walmart adopt eco-friendly products such recycle bottle, shirt made of transitional cotton and sustainable coffees (Walmart, 2008). Porters 5 Forces Analysis In order for Walmart to find an effective source competitive advantage; the Porters five forces analysis is uses to analyse its market environment to sustain and develop its customer foundation and ensure a profit (Collins, 2010). Threat of substitute goods and services Threat of substitution in supermarket/grocery store is lower on foodstuffs but moderate to high on non-foodstuffs. In food retailing industry the main concern is the convenience store and the greengrocers which easily substituted by the consumers. However, it does not position a direct threat to Walmart because their market size relatively smaller and compare to Walmart they are no match in term of the corporate cost leadership generic strategy and its predatory pricing of everyday low price which make difficult for a small retail chain to compete (Hayden et al., 2002). Nonetheless, Walmart is always looking for economical substitutes on the market and to retain its loyal customers. Threat of entry of new competitors In supermarket/grocery stores threat of entry is minimise as it required a lump sum amount of money to build up brand name and competitiveness. However, the renowned leading food retailers have already secured its brand name globally such as Tesco, Carrefour, Aeon, etc  [2]  . Besides that, in order Walmart to set up a new supermarket it required extensive time and resources before the proposal authorised by the government. In addition, government protectionism  [3]  on local goods, suppliers and retails industry might create unforeseeable threat of entry into new market. Intensity of competitive rivalry Rivalry in supermarket/grocery stores is commonly high due to direct competition against local supermarket, multinational supermarket such as Tesco, Carrefour, Aeon, etc. These retailers will compete against pricing, products, promotions and expansion of its stores occasionally (Duff, 2010). During post global recession 2010, Walmart profit boost 3.6 percent during second quarter from its cost cutting and strong global market growth in China, Brazil and Mexico (DInnocenzio, 2010). In additional, the reason Walmart growth is due its emphasis on foodstuffs which helps the corporate survive during recession period compare to others retailers which more emphasis on non-foodstuffs products suffer loses (Gregory, 2009). Bargaining power of buyers The buyer power is moderately high because goods especially the foodstuff in the retails can be easily substituted with other brand name since the switching cost is relatively lower. Besides that, most customers are price conscious which easily draw away by low prices since price can be easily compared and determined before purchase is done (Gregory, 2009). Bargaining power of suppliers The suppliers power is quite low because suppliers are always concern of losing its contract with giant retailers such as Walmart. Besides that, Walmart easily obtain lowest goods price from the suppliers since Walmart is the leader in retail industry (Chandran, 2003). SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis illustrates Walmart corporate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats Strengths Competent supplier chain management practices. To ensure Walmart products price remain competitive; Walmart carry out few techniques to lower its products costs as shown below. Obtaining goods directly from the producers; to reduce intermediaries costs. Owning private transportation system; to reduce transportation costs. Practicing cross docking technique where goods obtained from producers delivered directly to customers and by this the corporate could reduce the handling, operating and storage costs. Providing the latest IT and communications systems; to ensure effectiveness of tracking sales and stocks besides that it helps the corporate to reduce unproductive stocks. (Chandran, 2003) Predatory Pricing. Walmart goals are to ensure all goods remain lower pricing. According to ICMR (2004) mentioned that Walmart goods is 20 percent lower compared to its competitors. Besides that, the corporate manage to boost its price-conscious customers loyalty based its pricing strategy Weaknesses Unable to adapt to different countries. Walmart penetration into China and Germany is a failure as the corporate incapable to recognise the macro-environmental differences in those countries. Walmart China  [4]   Walmart is facing difficulty in market protectionism and its regionalism governmental across China. Besides that, the government is also eyeing and controlling foreign retailers movement- to ensure Chinese goods are being sold in the market, and cause Walmart unable to monopolise its supply chain and business prospect leading to higher operating costs (Huffman, 2003). Walmart Germany  [5]  6 Walmart failed to comprehend with the local culture as the CEO (Rob Tiarks) ignore to learn German language and make English as official language in the management level (Knorr Arndt, 2003); Its action has offended their Germans employees which shows that the corporate are lacking of management skills and intercultural competence in foreign countries. High law suits against the company. According to Knorr Arndt (2003) remarks said that Walmart Germany has against the Germany laws and regulations by disclosing financial information, predatory pricing by selling below its cost price and failed to show shareholders its business activities. It is a serious matter where Walmart ignoring the key principles of its globalisational strategies. Opportunities Unemployment could be reduced as Walmart expanding its market. It will help to reduce unemployment rate and provides over 22,000 jobs locally and internationally (Walmart, 2009). Increase in consumer purchasing. Walmart as Everyday Low Price retailer could attract lower and middle income families for its cheaper goods price especially in developing countries in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Threats Walmart facing bad publicity of their stagnant salary which never increases even though the corporate is earn profit. Based on UFCW statements saying that the salary paid unable to sustain a family, and besides that the organisation challenge Walmart of their worker rights, equal opportunities and corporate responsibility (UFCW Web Site, 2009) The competitors threats facing by Walmart is Kmart, Target, Home Depot, Kroger, Aeon, etc. Competitive Advantages Based ICMR (2003)  [7]  , Walmart has the most outstanding supply chain management with the use of the latest IT and communications system; e.g. barcode and RFIT to track sales and stocks inventories. Secondly, Walmart enjoy the benefits of low transportation costs as the corporate own the transportation system; to reduce costs. Thirdly, Walmart benefits from its bargaining power in buying large quantity of goods; to ensure the price remain competitiveness where the corporate can provide higher discounts to its customers. Lastly, the uses of the cross-docking system which is focus on the demand chain where goods only deliver upon customer request e.g. Walmart E-tailing (Chandran, 2003). [Words Count: 1486/1500]

The Life Of Mozart Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My book report is from the biography of Mozart written by Robert W. Gutman. It was illustrated by the Jacket art courtesy of Music Lovers Society and was published by Harcourt Brace and Company. It was printed in New York City and the year of publication was 1999.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, the son of composer, musical author, and violinist, Leopold Mozart and his wife, Anna Maria Pertl. His given names were Johann Chrysostom Wolfgang Theophilus, the last of which is Gottlieb in German, and Amadeus in Latin. He used Wolfgang and Amadeus in his signature, so he is generally known by these two names.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He displayed marked musical gifts very early, playing the keyboard confidently when aged four, composing his first pieces for it aged five, and quickly mastering the violin. Leopold was keen to exhibit his son's extraordinary talents, along with those of his gifted pianist-daughter, Maria-Anna (called Nannerl) (1751--1829), and he undertook a series of tours across Europe with them when Mozart was just six years old.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1767 the family went to Vienna for five months, where Mozart wrote an opera buffa (comic opera) for the Emperor, La finta semplice (trans, the Pretend Simpleton); and a Singspiel (a German-language opera with some spoken dialogue), Bastien und Bastienne (1769), commissioned by Dr Franz Anton Mesmer. However, in Vienna, the Italian musicians at court, including the composer Antonio Salieri, made it difficult for him to produce his operas. He returned to Salzburg, and was appointed honorary Konzertmeister to Archbishop Sigismund von Schrattenbach.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There followed three extended visits by father and son to Italy (1770--2). Musical experience gained on these tours helped mold Mozart's style, especially in dramatic music. He was prolific, writing sacred vocal pieces and instrumental works too. By 1772 he had written about 25 symphonies (some are lost), and his first quartets. Further quartets and symphonies followed during and after a visit to Vienna in 1773, when he came into contact with Haydn's music. Between 1775--6 he composed two operas: La finta Giardiniera (trans The Lady Who Disguised Herself as a Gardener) and Il Re Pastore (The Shepherd King); five... ...apellmeister of St Stephen's Cathedral. His last complete works were the masonic Singspiel, Die Zauberflote (1791, The Magic Flute); an opera seria, La clemenze di Tito (1791, The mercy of Tito), and a clarinet concerto for Leopold's coronation. Commissioned by an unknown stranger to compose the Requiem Mass, Mozart became obsessed with the idea that it was for his own death, and he died before the work was finished after a three-week fever. No convincing evidence about the cause of death has come to light, although there has been much speculation about it. Deeply in debt at the time of his death, Mozart did not live long enough to enjoy the financial rewards from the success of The Magic Flute, and was buried in a pauper's grave.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Even though I did not get a chance to read the whole entire book, I thought that Mozart’s life was interesting and worthwhile. He seemed a little kooky at times, but his music is very beautiful. I thought that Robert W. Gutman did a very good job interpreting Mozarts’ life. The book was a little hard to follow but it gave me much to write about him and learned more about his work.

Phillips Food: King Crab

Phillips Foods, Inc. – Introducing King Crab to the Trade Executive Summary: The Phillips Foods, Inc. , case discusses target marketing for specialty seafood. Phillips Foods, Inc. was founded in 1914 by Augustus Phillips on Hoopers Island, Maryland. Phillips had developed a reputation for fresh seafood caught and sold locally. By 2006, Phillips Foods had three business units that were generating profits and became one of the largest seafood businesses in the United States. The restaurant division operates 8 full-service restaurants as well as fast food restaurants, mainly in airports.The food service division services restaurants and foodservice institutions. The retail products division services grocers and retail food merchants. The three division generated $160M in revenue in 2006. Brand image and production were keys in building the Phillips brand name. Phillips was renowned for its close associations to Maryland. Production was also a key in reinforcing the Phillips image and brand. The company decided early on to own and operate its own plants, this was important for preserve quality and safety.The Phillips brand was able to expand its production and keep its image as a local brand. By 2006, Phillips operated 13 plants overseas and 1 plant in Baltimore. Analysis of Problem: As the case opens two key decision makers are having a dialog regarding the success of the first phase of marketing and potential plans for phase two. Cherry Stockworth, vice-president of marketing, and Ron Birch, product manager of a new king crab product are discussing Ron’s use of the remaining budget for the king crab product line.Ron has successfully launched phase one of king crab in foodservice trade magazines and as 2007 approached the opportunity of participating in a tradeshow had become available. The International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS) presented the opportunity for Ron to market to a grocery stores and retail food merchants. IBSS was one of the largest se afood shows in the country and the attendees were generally serious merchandisers and industry heavy weights. Phillips king crab products were revolutionary in the seafood industry and were also consistent with consumer demands.The target market was evolving from food service institutions to inclusiveness of retail establishments. Phillips had discovered and perfected a process by which blue king crab (large Alaskan/Russian crab) could be fished, gutted, pasteurized, and packaged for immediate consumption through their production facilities. The product could be stored for up to 18 months as a result of effective pasteurization. The king crab introduction couldn’t come at a more opportune time for Phillips Foods as consumers purchasing habits were changing to more health conscious products.Consumers were averse to purchasing seafood from the market because of their inability to cook the products effectively, and the amount of time it took to clean and prepare the product. Kin g crab was a healthy ready to eat product, and Ron’s task was to get king crab into the prime real estate of grocery store refrigerators. Cherry Stockworth was convinced that the tradeshow would capitalize on the effects of removing king crab from the commodity seafood counters. Phillips had good success with its phase one marketing and was going to have the opportunity to attend IBSS for phase two.In her excitement Cherry offers to cover half the cost of the trade show if Ron were to agree on attending and using the balance of his marketing budget on the campaign. Ron was happy with the results of the first phase, but was not closed to the idea of attending the tradeshow. He would have to crunch some numbers and asses the return on investing in the tradeshow. Recommendations: My recommendation for Phillips Foods is for them to take the king crab product to the IBSS. In doing some analysis with the provided numbers in this case, I have concluded the feasibility of the trade s how to be high.Ron has spent roughly $80K (half) of his budget on the first phase of marketing King crab through trade publications. Ron can easily spend phase two on the same publications or he can take up Cherry on her offer. Appendix A, shows that Ron will need approximately 19 people to effectively manage the tradeshow and its volume. Based on this headcount, it will cost Phillips $164,700, of which Ron will be responsible for $82,350. Ron and Cherry are both understand the importance of spreading the word of their brand, since they have made progress in the food service industry.The tastes of consumers and purchasing habits in grocery stores is changing it would be a great opportunity to display their product. According to the case, tradeshows are an avenue to display products, set up tastings, and catch the eye of potential retailers and grocery store merchandisers. Appendix A further analyses the potential draw at the IBSS show and affirms that 8% capture will provide signifi cant traction in acquiring the attention of a new audience that actually shows interest and is looking for new products for their chain.Continuing to advertise in trade publications seems to have been effective in only two of the three advertisements that Ron has chosen thus far. The problem that seems to be existent in this strategy is that it limits the audience that Phillips is going to be able to attract. Unless the foodservice institutions began to advertise Phillips Foods direct to consumers it doesn’t seem plausible that consumers can be targeted through this avenue. The restaurant division is not going to be a good source of advertising to new consumers either. Restaurants are a great way to maintain the brand name and maintain the high quality food standards.Conclusion: According to my calculations in Appendix A, the tradeshow is a great value with the offer from Cherry on the board to cover half the cost. Management support seems to be in the tradeshow as well, and this will be part of Ron’s decision as he must please the organization. At this point Ron needs to make a decision that will have an immediate impact on the king crab product line. He stands to lose a lot more if he misses out on the tradeshow and places advertisements with only a decent response. In addition, Ron is looking to reach a new audience and doesn’t seem to have a plan set for reaching the retail and grocery customers.The tradeshow provides visibility in both target markets and is in line with the changing customer preferences. Phillips Foods, Inc. has placed itself in a position to succeed with its pasteurization process and its branding strategy. The king crab product line is a perfect complement to the Phillips Foods product portfolio by way of high quality and high margin. Moving a commodity into retail ready-to-eat space has created a value added product and the potential to help seafood consumers find quick, safe, and healthy cooking solutions at the s eafood counter. Appendix A

Lyndon B. Johnson Portrait of a President by Robert Dallek

Lyndon B. Johnson Portrait of a President by Robert Dallek Introduction The book â€Å"Lyndon B. Johnson: Portrait of a President† is a condensed version of a two volume work on the life of Lyndon B. Johnson – â€Å"Lone Star Rising† (1991) and â€Å"Flawed Giant† (1998). Written by Robert Dallek, winner of the prestigious Bancroft Prize, the book gives a wonderful portrait of President Lyndon Johnson, one of America’s well known politicians.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on â€Å"Lyndon B. Johnson: Portrait of a President by Robert Dallek A Book specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In his preface, Dallek says that he has abridged his two books so that it would appeal to more people particularly students. The book is based on fourteen years of dedicated research by the author that involved personal interviews, research of about 450 historical documents and oral histories. The book offers the reader an opportunity to think about the extraordin ary man Lyndon B. Johnson and how he influenced the country. The legacy left behind by President Johnson is highly debated by historians. But Dallek is convinced that President Johnson’s influenced the nation positively during the period extending from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The book depicts in an authentic manner, Lyndon B. Johnson as a complex personality with various shades in his character. Theme The book discusses in detail the conflicts and inner turmoil of Johnson’s early life and career and how he achieved his goals as a congressman, senator and majority leader. Lyndon Johnson was a man with a dubious background as he was involved in ballot box manipulation, back room deals, use of political contacts and control of Senators. However, he ardently supported the New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt and was truly committed to the eradication of poverty. While on hand, he showed a ruthless streak, egoism, and vindictive behavior, he was also a soft hearted, sh y, magnanimous person of extraordinary dedication, commitment, leadership and hardwork. By tracing his career and life, Robert Dallek writes about American politics, foreign policy and crucial historical changes in the American political system. The book shows Johnson as the frustrated boy who runs away from home, as the twenty three year old aide to a rich Congressman, as a forty year old Senator, and as a very unpopular president in his later days. Robert Dallek, in his book, explains the inner workings of this remarkable man – of extraordinary ambitions, lofty visions and high energy who loved working really hard to achieve his political goals. People did not always approve of the reforms he introduced. But time shows that they were truly for the welfare of the country.Advertising Looking for report on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Contents The book traces the life of President Lyndon Johnson as he starts out as a poor boy with high ambitions from a remote Texas town and how he lands in the White House, makes an impact on the nation and finally comes back to Texas in retirement. Lyndon B. Johnsons childhood is described using his own words When I was young, poverty was so common we didn’t know it had a name (quoted on p. 1). He was a very ambitious child who firmly believed he had a right to govern and lead. Lyndon Johnson was born to Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr. and Rebekah Baines who lived a hard pioneer life on Hill Country Farm. Sam was a politician and Lyndon was much influenced by the political aspirations and activities of his father. He often accompanied his father to the legislature and developed a love for campaigning. Lyndon Johnson, as a student was indifferent and lacked interest in religion. He seemed irresponsible and enjoyed drinking and wasting time with his friends. He also ran away from home on frequent trips in his childhood. He was basically a rebell ious child who had high ambitions. Without studying, he could not achieve much and that frustrated him. As a boy, he was once beaten by up a German farm boy and this event changed the course of his life. He decided to pursue his education as per his parents’ wishes and went to San Marcos College, a small provincial school in 1927. While he studied, he also took up odd jobs to pay his fees. In May 1929, Lyndon completed his teaching course at San Marcos and with the help of his uncle, George, got himself a good job in Sam Houston High School. Though he worked with passion as a teacher, Lyndons heart was in politics and in November 1931 he accepted appointment as secretary to new U.S. congressman from Texas, Richard Kleberg and moved to Washington. This marked the first major step into the political world for Lyndon. He supported Franklin Roosevelts New Deal and was much inspired by him. Lyndon’s main assets were his high ambitions and knack for practical politics. In 19 32, he returned to Texas to run Klebergs primary campaign against three other democrats. Lyndons work paid off and Kleberg won the primaries. It was during this period he met and fell in love with Claudia Alta Taylor. He proposed and married her within three months of meeting. With his aggressive style of promotion, Lyndon got the job of running the Texas National Youth Administration and made it a great success with his hardwork and won the recognition of top officials.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on â€Å"Lyndon B. Johnson: Portrait of a President by Robert Dallek A Book specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Lyndon decided to run for the House. Deciding to capitalize on the popularity of FDR, he designed a campaign strategy that would link him to FDR and his programs. He campaigned hard and met as many voters as possible. He also resorted to bribing the voters and finally won the election. Dallek writes eloquently: Johnson was a self-serving opportunist who used his connections to advance himself†¦. He was not only a shrewd operator with his eyes on the main chance but also a man of vision who worked effectively for a larger good (p. 46). Lyndon Johnson learnt very early that violating campaign finance laws and ballot box manipulations were part of the election game. He soon became adept at seeking political advantage in all ways. He also was good at business, and used his political contacts to develop his businesses. He acquired a radio station for his wife and made it hugely profitable through favorable rulings from the Federal Communications Commission. After the death of President Roosevelt, Lyndon decided to become a Senator. He wanted to run for the Senate from Texas. He campaigned hard but also broke many rules in the process. He spent a lot more than what was allowed for election campaigning. By last minute manipulation of votes, Lyndon Johnson won the election. The fraud became known to the public and due to this accusation Lyndon became very determined to be a good senator in Texas. At age 40, Lyndon Johnson became Senator. He was basically a workaholic and work was a major part of his life. He forged vital political connections. He was soon running for the post of party Whip. By 1952, Lyndon achieved the Democratic Partys Senate leadership post. With his hard work and strategic movies, Johnson ensured that the Democrats gained control of Congress in 1956 elections. He now became the youngest majority leader in Senate history. According to Bryce Harlow, Eisenhowers aide, Johnson had a special gift, an indefinable talent for leadership that created fear, admiration and a desire in others to follow (p. 82). He was good at acting, dramatizing, persuading and cajoling. He was an expert at manipulating other senators to his advantage. In 1957, Johnson chose the issue of Civil rights to upgrade his political image and decided to work to protect black rights in the South. He supported a civil rights law in 1957 which was viewed skeptically by some people and as a historical achievement by some others. A major achievement of Lyndon Johnson was the creation of NASA as a civilian controlled space agency. In 1960, he became vice presidential nominee for presidential candidate Jack Kennedy.Advertising Looking for report on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On November 8, Kennedy won the presidency and Lyndon became Vice-President. Lyndon Johnson did not enjoy the passive role accorded to him. As a good will ambassador Lyndon visited many countries but his eccentric behavior abroad made people view him as a comic character. Lyndon Johnson succeeded John F Kennedy as president. He supported the Vietnam War but he did not want it to come in the way of the elections. So he wanted the military to wait till the elections were over in 1964. He won the presidential election easily and soon after, sent the US troops to South Vietnam. In early 1965, Johnson authorized ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’ that involved bombing of North Vietnam and NLF held regions in South Vietnam. It was expected to be over in eight weeks but lasted for three years and as the war dragged on Americans wanted the war to be over. In the meantime, President Lyndon introduced many programs to change race relations, reduce the suffering of the poor and improve th e overall quality of life among the underprivileged. Through his support for the Civil rights and voting rights of the black community he paved the way for the rise of a larger and richer black middle class. He is also responsible for introducing â€Å"Medicare, Medicaid, urban renewal, aid to education, immigration reform, and safety and consumer regulations† (p. 374). But towards the beginning of 1967, there was extensive disillusionment among the public over the sensibility of his reforms and the Vietnam War. Writing Style The book is written chronologically and begins with descriptions of the origins of Lyndon B. Johnson and traces his growth into adulthood and how he forged ahead in his political career. The author uses an easy to read style and the book can be understood by anyone with an interest in the character of Lyndon Johnson. The authors describe the historical background at every stage in Lyndon’s life. There are many direct quotes included in this book t hat add a lot of authenticity to the book. While some of the quotes are by President Lyndon Johnson, there are quotes by other historical people. Moreover, almost all significant events in Lyndon’s life are dated accurately. The book is written in third person and takes a neutral viewpoint. It does not have any bias in its portrayal of President Lyndon Johnson. In fact, there is equal focus on both his good and bad sides. The book allows the reader to understand that the boy Lyndon Johnson was frustrated and torn apart by his high political ambitions and the harsh realities of life. He was intelligent but unable to focus in his studies due to his unstable financial status. He is forced to take up odd jobs during his school days. He is forced to take up a teaching career before completing his teaching course. However, he was always a hardworking person. His work ethic is very strong as he often is said to work more than twelve hours in a day. However, Dallek also exposes the f act that Lyndon Johnson always sought political mileage and would stoop to any level to exploit situations to his advantage. Of particular note is the scene in which he and his wife Lady Bird are abused verbally and physically by a crowd in Dallas. Johnson prevented the police from protecting him and spent more time among the abusive crowd so that it could be recorded and televised. He used it to label the Republicans as extremists. Dallek also reveals that Lyndon Johnson was not averse to using bribes and manipulation of ballots in order to win an election. But the same Lyndon Johnson never wasted an opportunity to serve the youth and downtrodden of this country. In fact, according to Dallek, Johnson played a crucial role in creating national change by bringing the South into active politics. Thus the book gives adequate glimpses to both the sides of Lyndon Johnson. The validity of the author’s theories rests on the fact that this book is based on an extensive research condu cted on historical manuscripts, oral histories and personal interviews. Dallek does not ignore the weaker side of Lyndon Johnson. He talks about his passion to reach the top by any means – straight or crooked and also his sheer brilliance as a politician. President Lyndon Johnson is not a very popular historical figure as many people disapproved of the Vietnam War and many of his good intentioned reforms. This book, by focusing on the good side of Lyndon Johnson reminds the readers that he was a great visionary who worked to bring the South into the mainstream of society and worked to improve the living conditions of the poor and downtrodden. Personal Reflection The author depicts Lyndon Johnson as a man in eternal conflict. He always desired for higher political positions in life and the reason according to the author is that he desired power so that he could give things to the needy people. This seems to be a very superficial inference. When one reads about â€Å"The Treat ment† that Lyndon Johnson gives the fellow members of the Senate in order to get bills passed, one can understand that he was someone who loved power for its own sake. He enjoyed intimidating people with his theatrics. Also there are some instances in the book where the author does not explain why Lyndon was behaving the way he did. For example, when Joe Kennedy approaches him with an offer that he would get him a ticket if he expressed his intent to stand for presidency and include Jack Kennedy as Vice President, Lyndon lets go of the opportunity. It’s not in his true nature to let go of real opportunities. I personally wish the author could have added more details regarding his decisions. Moreover, the relationship between Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson is very confusing in the book. While on one hand Kennedy chooses Lyndon to be the Vice President, he also tries to keep him far away from foreign policy matters and important decisions such as the Vietnam War. Dallek write s about this gap while at the same time, Dallek also says that Kennedy invited Johnson to all cabinet meetings and important gatherings. The relationship between President Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson could have been elaborated further. Conclusion Despite the fact that one desires more from this book, what cannot be denied is that this book is tremendously thought provoking. This book serves as a biography of Lyndon Johnson while at the same time it serves as a guide to American history. It also traces the psychological evolution of Lyndon Johnson from an ambitious boy to a shrewd politician. Dallek’s research is relevant to the study of present day politics in the United States as it helps in understanding the workings of the mind of an intelligent politician with personal ambitions and good intentions. The book helps us understand that behind the smiling face of successful leaders, there is a lot of hard work, sacrifices, and compromises. Whether a leader stands out in histor y as a hero depends on how high his values are and how he makes crucial decisions. Lyndon Johnson seems more representative of present day politicians who try to exploit every possible opportunity to their own political advantage. Bibliography Dallek, R. (2004). Lyndon B. Johnson: Portrait of a President. Oxford University Press.