Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Accounting - Essay Example The company was started in 1939 and currently holds the 9th rank in the fortune 500 companies, as of 2009. The company has its headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif. The company’s total revenue as of July 2008 has been calculated to be whooping $113.1 billion. The company elected Mark Hurd as the CEO and President of the company on 29 March 2005. Since then Hurd has been working aggressively to ensure the company reaches higher levels of success. He has made a number of changes to the organization in terms of the culture, structure and the controls used. The main products of Hewlett Packard include Personal Computers, Laptops, Printers, Scanners and other utilities. The company also develops the software necessary for running its products such as the printers, scanners, webcams, etc (HP). The company’s code is HPQ in the NYSE. The company has moved up from the 14th position in the Fortune 500 to the 9th position. The company has seen a high level of increase in the revenue a nd earning, as much as 13% and 15% respectively. HP has been the leaders in core technology areas. The company has three main business groups, i.e. The personal Systems Group – deals with the business and consumer PCs and also with mobiles and computing devices, b) The Imaging and Printing Group – Deals with inkjet, LaserJet, supplies for printing, and many more and c) the Technology Solutions Group – which mainly deals with the business products like storage, servers and managed

Personal Exercise Plan - Rounders Essay Example for Free

Personal Exercise Plan Rounders Essay Rounders is played by boys and girls, men and women in every county, at different levels, from friendly games to International matches. It is a striking and fielding team game, which involves hitting a small hard leather cased ball with a round wooden or metal bat and then running around 4 bases or posts in order to score a rounder. Bowlers can bowl at over 60mph and batters can hit the ball at more than that. Rounders is supported by many Local Authority Leisure Services Departments and has media support to various degrees from local newspapers and radio stations and has featured on TV in local news items. Rounders is accepted by Sport England who give annual grant aid to the NRA for certain aspects of their work and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts has funded the setting up of the Awards Scheme. The rules are revised where necessary every 3 years, the last review was in 2002. The last major change was in 1999 when it was decided to award 1/2 rounder for reaching second base after hitting the ball The game of rounders has been played in England since Tudor Times, with the earliest reference being in 1744 in A Little Pretty Pocketbook where it is called baseball. This explains why the two games are similar, and in fact many students of baseball accept that their sport is derived from Rounders. This is the name used by Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey. The Boys Own Book of 1828 devoted a chapter to Rounders and in 1889 the Liverpool and Scottish Rounders Association was formed. The first official rules did away with the practice of putting a running batter out by hitting them with a thrown ball. Aims Of My Personal Excersise Programme Fitness Component 1 : Muscular Endurance Definition Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscle to continue to perform without fatigue. To improve your muscle endurance, try cardiorespiratory activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or dancing. Link to rounders Muscles need to be able to perform for a long period of time during rounders. As well as running round the posts, a player will also have to run to the ball in fielding, and use arm muscles, in throwing, bowling, and batting the ball. Fitness Component 2 : Cardiovascular Endurance Definition Improving the ability of your heart and lungs to supply adequate oxygen to working muscles during prolonged activity. Link to rounders For a player to be able to keep going for the whole game, they will need good cardiovascular endurance, so their body can keep going, and oxygen will be supplied to the lungs and muscles. I am going to improve Cardiovascular and Muscular endurance by different types of circuit training. I will also use interval training. I will see how much longer I can go on for at the end compared to the beginning of the programme. I will test my Cardiovascular and Muscular endurance at the beginning and end of the programme and measure the difference. To measure intensity, I will record my heart rate at 5-minute intervals to ensure I am working in my aerobic training zone. Each session I will record how long it takes my heart rate to return to its resting state. This will indicate improvement in fitness.

Real World Examples Of Price Ceiling Economics Essay

Real World Examples Of Price Ceiling Economics Essay The President of the Philippines, Arroyo placed the entire nation under a state of calamity on 2 October 2009 which is a week after tropical storm Ondoy, and a day before super typhoon Pepeng began. The onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng smashed up many parts of Philippines, caused over P30billion in damage and claimed nearly a thousand lives, primarily Metro Manila and north Luzon provinces. Despite devastation of typhoons, several oil companies raised oil prices which prompted public protests and criticisms and set off more than the common grumbling from consumers. With millions of Filipinos still suffering from the effects of those typhoons, the corporations were criticized as greedy, heartless and predatory. Royal Dutch Shell, Petron and Chevron (known here under the brand Caltex) increased the prices of diesel by 2pesos per-liter , or 4 cents, an increase of about 6.7 percent. Gasoline prices went up 1.25 pesos a liter, or 4.74 pesos a gallon, and kerosene by 1.50 pesos. Acc ording to the Ibon Foundation, an independent economic research group, the increases were the biggest of the year. The companies insist the increases reflect world oil prices. After Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng have left the country for some time, the entry of new typhoon Ramil make the imposition of price ceiling more necessary. To protect public interest, the government enforced a fuel price ceiling to prevent predatory pricing, unreasonable pricing and to lessen the adversities caused by those calamities by temporarily imposing price ceiling on oil. The president, through the EO, ordered the joint Department of Justice (DOE) task force to institute complaints against the violators of the EO as well as the provisions of RA 8479. President Arroyo revoked Executive Order 839 on the Philippines main island of Luzon, which kept the level of the price of petroleum products prevailing on 15 October 2009. The announcement was made after she met with Cabinet secretaries and representatives from the oil firms and transport sectors. Before the EO was issued, the President ordered a study of how to include petroleum products under price control, considering that fuel is an important product used by almost all consumers. Before revoking the edict, Arroyo sought petroleum companies assurance that they would continue to provide fuel discounts to transport groups for the next six months to keep fares down. Arroyo also proposed that dealers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can stagger their price over the Christmas season so consumers wont too harshly affect by increasing price. The Palace further pointed out it was based on the EO is Section 14 (e) of Republic Act 8479 or the Oil Industry Deregulation Law, which states that: In times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the DOE may, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operation of any person or entity engaged in the industry.The EO took effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper the next day. Reaction Many consumers and few companies praised the presidents decision because the imposition could help millions of Filipinos recover from those calamities moreover the changes in price when price ceiling was imposed was an insensitive move to the oil companies. Economists said the unprecedented interference could scare investors away from the country. The Joint Foreign Chambers, a collection of chambers of commerce whose members include major oil firms, argued in their letter that a price cap in the northern Philippines would lead to lower fuel imports, shortages and a black market. The order has prompted oil companies to warn of a shortage since they may be forced to sell their products at a loss if global fuel costs rise. It is because the oil prices are tied to world markets and the companies would think twice about importing more oil. Petron Corp., the Philippines largest oil company predicted that it may lose up to P1.5 billion pesos, or $32 million, in its fourth quarter for the last three months of the year since the executive order may force it to sell at a loss. Some people compelled the government to increase the price freezes nationwide especially because the price of oil in the Visayas and Mindanao ,which are the two other main island, are 5 to 7 pesos more expensive than price in Luzon. The companies have insisted that their prices are determined by the world market and did not prosecute for predatory pricing. However, because of the increasing of price all at once and the companies refused to open their books, suspicion has grown among the public. To comply with EO 839, oil firms reverted to prices before 19 October 2009. Most oil firms raised prices by P2.00 per liter for diesel, P0.85 per liter for regular, P1.50 per liter for kerosene and P1.25-1.50 per liter for fuel. Consequences MAP said that with the imposition of the order, the government is breaking its promise to provide oil investors stability and protection under the law and the government should subsidize the products. On 2 November 2009, foreign and local businessmen demanded the termination of President Arroyos Executive Order 839, to lessen the adverse influence of loses on the petroleum, risk of future stock products, and hindrance to future and appearance of black market. In a statement, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) said oil supply in Luzon, which accounts for 80 percent of the countrys petroleum market, will be reduced because importers will not sell at a loss. EO 389 will not really help the most needy of typhoon victims. It is because the poorest income groups are not consumers of petroleum products. This happens because the government is not clear what products they usually purchased and then imposed price ceiling on oil that provide low reconstruction and rehabilitation. Reports on fuel supply shortage coupled with spiking fuel prices brought fears to Cebuano consumers that these might create a negative impact towards the prices of other commodities. However, the price monitoring report of the Department of Trade and Industry showed that prices of goods in the market have not posted alarming changes because of the fuel supply shortage. Oil firms warned that more serious fuel supply shortage in less than two weeks from 11 November 2009 if the freeze on petroleum prices stays.13 days after that day they would run out of finished product stock. The big oil firms did not face any real financial difficulties or bankruptcy as they have over a decade of overpricing and accumulated super profits. How to settle the problem Government responded that the DOE and the oil companies must open their books and show the public that all the negative things attributed to them are just misperceptions because even though the price of crude has gone up to $80, the increase should not be affected immediately at least not until after 45 days. On 4 November 2009, Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the price freeze would remain in effect for the duration of the state of calamity in Luzon based on the recommendation of Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera. This was emphasized by deputy presidential spokesman Lorelei Fajardo on 2 November 2009 after the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) asked the termination date of Executive Order 839.However price caps can only be imposed for a maximum 60 days ,the imposition will be lifted sooner or later. The government opened to selective implementation of the oil price freeze after weeks of protests and warnings of a fuel supply crisis. Petron has agreed to open its books and the government hoped that the rest of the industry, especially the Big 3, would also be this transparent. Meanwhile, Malacaà ±ang said that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Dept. of Energy (DOE) will study proposals about price freezing as the ERC and DOE are in the best position to determine the merits of this proposal because they are aware of the factors involved in the incident. President Arroyo announced her decision on13 November 2009 at the end of an emergency meeting at Malacaà ±ang with representatives of oil companies as well as officials of labor and transport and ordered the lifting of the price freeze on petroleum products and basic commodities in Luzon, which was still officially under a state of calamity, effective on 15 November 2009.This decision was made after making oil firms and traders promise to recoup their losses on a staggered basis, stabilize prices and supply of products ,put in more investments for the poor to spur economic activity and create jobs and provide some form of subsidy or discount in selected areas, especially those affected by the calamities. The bottom line is to remain the same in the next six months, assuming that world markets remain stable. If international pump prices become very high, then the government can review this policy. Most of the corporations committed to hold the price for at least six months. It was agreed during the meeting that details of the price adjustments and subsidies would be finalized over the weekend. The DOE (Department of Energy) and the oil firms are given the weekend to go back to the drawing board and make their calculation or formula (on the price increase). Mrs. Arroyo also instructed Favila and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes to help transport groups set up a consortium that would allow them to directly import fuel. Favila said the National Development Corp. and the Philippine International Trading Corp., both government corporations, will help put up capital for the venture. The oil companies welcomed the move and have agreed not to increase their prices on a one-time basis. Earlier estimates showed that consumers may have to bear P4.50 to P5 per liter increase in pump prices once the EO is lifted. As to how much the first increase in price on 15 November 2009 depended on competitive forces. According to Martinez, the P1-billion fund which was earlier set aside by the government to assist the transport group in conversion to LPG may also be tapped to help cushion the impact of the expected surge in oil prices in the next few weeks. Martinez suggested that assistance or subsidy could come in the form of discount coupons for legitimate transport groups. The oil firms as well as manufacturers and traders agreed to his proposal to reduce prices in areas that continue to suffer from the effects of the storms. On 16 November 2009,President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that the government will not hesitate to re-impose the freeze on fuel prices in Luzon if oil companies will renege on their promise to stagger increases in the prices of their products. The oil companies, manufacturers and traders are fully aware that the government can again impose price controls. Drugs price control in Canada Government in Canada have imposed price controls on prescription medicine for many years for its citizens .Through this intention ,the affordable of Canadian citizens in purchasing the necessary drugs they need can be ensured .To achieve the efficiency in drug prices control ,several mechanisms have been instituted to control drug prices .These includes the establishment of a semi judicial by the federal government to control drug prices and several measurements to regulate the drug prices at the provincial level ,for instance ,formulary management ,use of generics ,reference-based pricing ,price control of patented medicine ,price freezes ,reimbursement rates ,cost sharing arrangements and limits on markups .These measurement have make effectiveness price control to a large range . Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRM) ,a federal quasi- judicial agency established under the Patent Act in 1987 to regulate drug prices .This agency take responsibility to control price of patented medicines only .The PMPRM was intended to avoid and prevent the prices of patented drug reach excessive which might result from manufactures new right to market exclusivity .Hence ,certain guidelines are used by PMPRB in determining the excessiveness of a drug price : The cost of therapy of new patented drugs must make sure not exceed the highest cost of therapy and in the range of existing drugs used to treat the same disease . Manufactures can charge the breakthrough drugs and those that offer a substantial improvement to the median of prices charges of the same drug in other specified countries which are United State ,United Kingdom ,Switzerland ,Sweden ,Italy ,France and Germany to ensuring that Canadian prices are not highest in the world . The increases of prices of existing patented drug cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index . The PMPRB gains control over the pricing of the drug once the drug accepts a patent of any sort and also review the drugs price when it was initially marketed . A company that consider out of compliance with the guidelines by the PMPRB must reduce the price .Moreover ,any excess revenue that have earned by that company from sales of the drugs will be relinquished and can order the repayment of the excess revenue of the company to the federal government . Purpose Federal price controls on patented drugs is to avoid brand-name companies from reducing prices on these products once a patent expires .The highest price of the exisying drugs in the same therapeutic class is take as a reference by Canadas Price-Control Policy .This is done to establish the maximum allowable for new patent-protected drug formulations entering the market .As a result ,due to fearness of makers of brand-name drugs of unintentionally lowering the maximum allowable entry price for new drugs in the same class ,the makers of brand-name drugs will reluctantly reduce the price of the original drug when it goes off-patent .An artificial incentive is created by Canadian price controls to resist competing for brand-name companies on the basis of price with generic firms for sales of off-patent drugs . Consequences of Drug Prices Control Although government of Canada have imposed drug price control system to ensure the prices of drugs are under control ,however ,cannot deny that ,the drug price control system also result in consequences . Price- controlled system of Canadian bureaucracy indirectly lead to decrease in producing fewer new drugs Canadians are often forced to wait to a year for more advanced medicines .As a result ,Canadians are routinely denied access to newer and better medicines ,and often travel to America to purchase them . Moreover,price discrimination is one of the consequences of drug price control .Drug companies and industry often engaging in price discrimination by charging the different buyers for different prices of the same product .Drug companies are prefer to sell the drugs for less in Canada and elsewhere only .This phenomena is happen due to the drug companies can sell for more in the United States. In addition ,the expensive development of drugs and moderately cheap to manufacture will indirectly lead to price discrimination works in the drug industry .Price discrimination causes drug companies in Canada to charge high prices of the same product of drugs in United States. Hence, companies can recoup their research development costs .Besides that, companies can make a profit in Canada and elsewhere by simply covering the cost of making the pill as long as the research development cost of companies can recoup. Further ,price controls make investing in research development less attractive .This is the result of the continuing of rising in costs and risks involved in developing new drugs .With extra risks and uncertainties ,companies never being sure of the selling prices of their future drugs and even find themselves having to reimburse sizable sums . For example, Schering Canada Inc. had to reimburse $7.8 million in 2003 because it charged a price judged as excessive for its infliximab (Remicade) drug. Price control causes a direct reduction in volume .Due to this ,a declining number of research development missions are obtaining by Canadian subsidiaries .As a result ,pharmaceutical innovation is indirectly become slower ,and lead to a remarkable drop in pharmaceutical research development .A decline of pharmaceutical research in Canada would hit Quebec hardest ,which is the home to Canadas largest concentration of pharmaceutical research development ,with 42.3% of total spending in2002.However there other major costs linked to drug price controls ,these include losses of highly skilled jobs ,corporate research centers and jobs forgone in the subcontracting of goods and services and in industries associated with research development . Downward pressure on the prices of older patented drugs and non-patented drugs since distortions caused by price controls would cease to exist . Pharmaceutical firms eliminate incentives to lower the prices of drugs already on the market is result from price control .As a consequence ,some generic drugs are more expensive in Canada .In order to fully recovery of research development ,launch and marketing costs ,companies tend to keep these prices higher .This condition will also lead to a higher selling prices of the goods by generic drug producers . Last but not least ,drug price control will lead to lower rates of substitution of generic versions of drugs by consumers in Canada for their brand name originals drugs .The possibility of price competition between off-patent ,brand-name drugs and generics altogether is eliminated by the public policies forcing substitution of generics .Generic companies no longer have to compete on price against consumer loyalties toward brand-name drugs when forcing generic substitution for brand-name drugs is done by government .As a result ,consumer need to purchase the drug at higher price due to the absence of alternative products .

Sterioids in baseball :: essays research papers

80.3 million, 80 million, 42 million, and 35 million all have something in common (The Best-Paid Athletes). Could it be the population of the 4 most populated countries in the world? No, it’s the amount of money that the top four athletes will make each year. Tiger Woods, Michael Schumacher, Peyton Manning, and Michael Jordan in that order will make the following dominations as a paycheck each year (The Best-Paid Athletes). Many Americans make less than 1.7 million dollars in a life time [40 years in the work force]. Yet these athletes will make a combined 157.38 million dollars. Do athletes make to much money for their own good? What about our policemen, firefighters, and teachers who are also role models too our youths. They should be getting paid more for what they do for each other and our communities. All the listed professions are lucky if they make over seventy thousand dollars annually. Not to take away from any academic achievements that the athletes have received, but many police officers and all teachers, all have college degrees. Many athletes leave high school or college early because they want to make money like other famous professional athletes. Is money the only thing on athletes' minds? Sports entertain the public to make them love the game. In the 50's and 60's athletes' just played for the love of the game. Athletes would take the time out to sign autographs for the kids without charging them for it. Now, athletes rarely take the time out to sign autographs. If athletes do take the time out to sign something, they charge ten dollars for it, which the fans can buy at souvenir shops. The ple asure for athletes then was to see all the people that came out to see them play. Athletes are paid too much because they fall in love with the money not the sport. Money has taken over many athletes' minds and hearts. Many people come out to see these athletes play. The crowd is always full of students, teachers, labor workers, and lawyers that pay a lot of money to watch their favorite players get on the court or field. Some athletes have more than a high school education, but others just came right out of high school to play sports. For some of the athletes that probably is a good idea and for others, it was a bad idea.

A Literary Critic of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” Essay

The story â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty† is a form of a short story genre variety. This story was written by James Thurber, and published in The New Yorker in 1939 (Clugston, 2010). This is an intriguing story of a daydreaming husband, Walter Mitty, and his domineering wife as they run a few errands to town. I will make use of literary criticism by explaining my connection to the story, analyzing the meaning of the story, and taking the formalistic approach in discussing James Thurber’s story. My connection to this story is strongly held by the fact that I am also a daydreamer. I will admit this is a frustrating characteristic for others, but for one’s self as well; eventhough, the situations discussed in the story seem quite humorous to the reader. Mr. Thurber presents the tone, or mood, of frustration throughout this story. As Walter is daydreaming and driving faster than Mrs. Mitty likes, she abruptly interrupts him. Although the daydream breaks for an instance, he quickly returns to his daydream. Mrs. Mitty is quick to interrupt again, â€Å"It’s one of your days. I wish you’d let Dr. Renshaw look you over.† Her frustration is evident because she thinks that something must be wrong with him. Later when Walter is not wearing his gloves, Mrs. Mitty is certain he has lost them. James Thurber has reinforced her frustration. Walter’s frustration is expressed in the story several times as well. An instance when a parking attendant awakens Walter from another daydream, the story reads â€Å"Mitty becomes a little testy.† When Walter makes several mistakes trying to park the car, the frustrated attendant tells him to â€Å"leave her sit there, I’ll put her away.† When the attendant parks the car with some expertise, Walter replies â€Å"they’re so damn cocky, they think they know everything.† Probably the sharpest image portrayed in the story is  when Mrs. Mitty is hassling Walter for not having the sense to put on his overshoes. Walter’s reaction is one of self-defense stating â€Å"Does it ever occur to you that I am sometimes thinking.† This set the tone that Walter is letting his wife know that just because he may seem lost, does not make him senseless, or that she needs to keep after him the way she does. As a daydreamer myself, I have experienc ed some of the same frustrations depicted in this story, so I connected with the story immediately. Now moving on to the analysis of this story, there are several meanings illustrated. According to Koger, there are four themes or meanings conveyed through this story which are â€Å"the contrast between a human being’s hopes for life and its actuality, the power of the mind or imagination, the conflict between the individual and authority, and the ascendancy of technology and materialism in the twentieth century† (Koger, 2004). I agree that all of these themes are displayed throughout the story; however, I believe one has been overlooked. I feel that Walter Mitty may have self-esteem issues that he is able to overcome in his daydreams or, even better, they do not exist. Many examples are apparent contrasting one’s hopes and reality. Walter’s â€Å"heroic ability† in his daydreams versus his inadequacies in the reality of the story is one example (Koger, 2004). Another fine example is Mitty’s ability to master technology in his daydreams versus his inability to maneuver his car, or appropriately unwind tire chains (Koger, 2004). Another example, of my own accord, is the confidence that is portrayed in the fantasies that do not exist in the reality. For example, in the first daydream he is a commander taking charge of a ship and traveling through a storm versus being told to wait in front of the drug store, in the rain, for his wife as though he were a child. The power of the mind and imagination another theme to the story is exemplified through Mitty’s daydreams. Mitty is able to overcome every dilemma he faces in reality through his daydreams. He becomes an expert of machinery, and he no longer fears authority figures, but instead becomes an authority figure. He even boosts his self-esteem by allowing the phrase â€Å"the old man ain’t afraid of hell.† Self-esteem is an important characteristic of the story. The persona or narrator may or may not reflect the author’s perspective (Clugston, 2010). However; Thurber lost an eye as a child (Clugston, 2010). I find it very symbolic that in Walter Mitty’s first daydream; the narrator describes the commander â€Å"with the heavily braided white cap pulled down rakishly over one cold gray eye.† I am inclined to think that James Thurber may be the Walter Mitty in the story. That being said, I also understand where the lack of confidence has played into the story. Mr. Thurber is able to cover his bad eye through the words that he writes. Thompson describes Mitty as a â€Å"docile nobody muffled in layers of winter clothing with a loquacious and overprotective wife beside him† (Thompson, 2008). This is yet more evidence of the poor self-esteem portrayed characteristically through Walter Mitty. The formalistic approach is â€Å"the most widely used in literary criticism; it focuses on the form and development of the literary work itself† (Clugston, 2010). The setting of the story is memorable because it is cold, and the characters must drive into town to run errands giving clues that the Mitty’s live in the country or a very small town. James Thurber also creatively interrupts the daydreams at their climax, adding to the jolt back to reality. This gives the readers a chance to get lost in the daydreams, and be jolted back to reality as well. Walter is described as a middle aged man unhappy with his life. The evidence of his unhappiness is portrayed through his daydreams where his life is almost perfect. Mrs. Mitty is described as a nagging old woman who is constantly frustrated with her husband’s absentmindedness. She is constantly telling him what to do and how to act. When he does not, she assumes he has fallen ill. Thurber also uses the same simple phrases such as â€Å"pocketa-pocketa-pocketa† for every machine giving the reader the sense that in reality, all machines have the same amount of value in Walter’s mind. Using the simple fountain pen to fix an expensive piece of machinery also gives clues to Walters’s lack of intelligence when it comes to technology. The author also uses very explicit daydreams allowing the reader to understand how far Walter Mitty had escaped from reality. In conclusion, I have discussed my connection, analyzed the meaning, and taken a formalistic approach to critic this wonderful piece of literature. The connection to the story is easy to come by as every person daydreams occasionally. The story consists of five different meanings or themes as I have discussed. I have also discussed the several different literary actions and the artistic ability used to create an amazingly humorous piece of art. References Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUENG125.10.2/sections/ Koger, G. (2004). Masterplots ii: Short story series, revised edition. (2nd ed. ed., Vol. 1). United Kingdom; England: Salem Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? Thompson, T. (2008). â€Å"he sprang to the machine† : â€Å"the secret [technological] life of walter mitty. (1 ed., Vol. 41, pp. 110-115). Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/lrc/detail?vid=5&hid=19&sid=280101a3-6742-45d0-88ee-24b153429c1a@sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9bHJjLXBsdXM=

10 Humorous, Derisive, or Slang Synonyms for Leader or Official

10 Humorous, Derisive, or Slang Synonyms for Leader or Official 10 Humorous, Derisive, or Slang Synonyms for â€Å"Leader† or â€Å"Official† 10 Humorous, Derisive, or Slang Synonyms for â€Å"Leader† or â€Å"Official† By Mark Nichol Sometimes it just won’t do to be sober and serious when referring to someone in authority. These terms help convey an irreverent tone about a lordly leader or an officious official. 1. Big cheese: Interestingly, this slang phrase for an important person has nothing to do with dairy products; derived from a Persian word, chiz, that means â€Å"thing,† it was adopted by British civil servants and others who lived in India during the early nineteenth century, whence it spread to Britain and other English-speaking countries. 2. Big wheel: This slang term for an influential person probably derives from the idea that such a personage, like the wheels on a vehicle, facilitates progress (and the bigger, the better). 3. Bigwig: This word for an important (and self-important) person likely stems from the custom in European countries several hundred years ago of men wearing wigs: Some wealthy and/or powerful men tried to outdo each other by wearing outsize specimens and so were mocked as bigwigs. 4. High muck-a-muck (or high muckety-muck, muckety-muck, muck-a-muck, or mucky-muck): These terms refer to a haughty personage. 5. Honcho: This slang term for a leader, especially a business executive, derives from the Japanese term hancho, which refers to a squad leader in a military unit. 6. Kahuna: This Hawaiian word originally applied to influential members of native society, but it entered general usage when, in the mid-twentieth century, surfers began to refer to the best among them as kahunas or big kahunas. 7. Kingpin: Several theories exist about the origin of this word for a leader, especially one in a criminal enterprise, but it most likely derives from the idea of a key component in a machine. (An alternate possible origin is the name for the pin at the apex of an array of pins in bowling games; if you strike the kingpin, presumably all the other pins will fall. But the analogy of a part holding a machine together is stronger.) 8. Mandarin: This word, ultimately derived from the Sanskrit term mantra yes, that mantra originally came from a Portuguese word referring to Chinese officials. (Portugal was among the first Western nations to have any influence in China.) By extension, it applies now to bureaucrats, especially officious ones, though it also connotes an influential member of the intelligentsia or the literary elite, especially a conservative one. 9. Panjandrum: This coinage by eighteenth-century playwright and actor Samuel Foote refers to a powerful or pretentious official or other person of influence. 10. Pooh-bah (or grand pooh-bah): A pooh-bah the word is inspired by the name of an arrogant character from the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera The Mikado whose impressive string of official titles terminates with â€Å"Lord High Everything Else† is an influential person or one holding multiple offices. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Idioms About Legs, Feet, and ToesBest Websites to Learn English10 Tips for Clean, Clear Writing