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Federal elections and policy implications in 2012 Research Paper

Government races and strategy suggestions in 2012 - Research Paper Example There are regularly various sorts of government arrangements i...

Thursday, October 31, 2019

You choose the topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

You choose the topic - Essay Example The governments that exist today and related organization like the United Nations have attributed their democratic tastes from the theories of John Winthrop and Thomas Hobbes. In Social Contract, Hobbes states in his Second Law of Nature that preservations are self-sought communally and rationally. Winthrop’s Model of Christian Charity comes out with several rules that are necessary for carrying out various activities. It is through the ideas of the two renowned scholars that the ideals of democracy have been adapted. In Hobbes account of the widely respected field of human psychology, he illustrates the first law of nature (Fabre 32). The rule states that human beings are forbidden from carrying out acts that can destroy their lives or take away the means of preserving the very same lives. He further explains that self-preservation is sought rationally through a communal agreement (Fabre 34). It is, therefore, natural for individuals to give up on some freedom or liberty so as to attain the security of self-preservations. From this, Hobbes comes up with a concept that socials organizations and political settings that are present today are anchored on or pay much emphasis on them. The condition that forces individuals to give up rights at the expense of collective security is termed as a social contract. Contract emerges from the mutual transfer of the rights (Fabre 12). Nature has it that all are entitled to everything. There should be no limits to the right of natural freedom or liberty. So when individuals agree to transfer these rights to freedom, the social contract is achieved. In the place of natural right, a limited right comes in, for example, the right to property (Lijphart 45). According to Hobbes, these agreements are not made only because one is raised in a more civil society that has rules and conventions (Fabre 11). It is, therefore, by performance throughout experimentations regarding state of nature and adhering to the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Cult of Celebrity - Heroes & Celebrity Assignment

The Cult of Celebrity - Heroes & Celebrity - Assignment Example Whether it be a hero or a celebrity, each possesses the ability to draw intense loyalty from those who feel they are deserving of it. In most cases, celebrities garner far greater attention through media coverage but as is the case with heroes, each through action is taken, have the chance to make an impact on those around them. The similarity between celebrities and heroes would be the faithfulness they would draw from the general populous. A stark contrast between the two would be the underlying presence of garnering fame and attention, that many of those people labeled celebrities, seek to bring to themselves. For those in more of a hero position, they often times tend to do that which they do, from a standpoint of doing whats right versus whats wrong, instead of doing what may be socially acceptable and something that would give them great fame and power. In regards to an example of heroes, one that would come to mind, would be the men and women of the military that day in and day out, place themselves in harm's way for the greater good of all men. They seek to do so to assist others and not so that they'd be able to bring undue attention to themselves. With regards to the world of celebrity, those examples would include George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Individuals that place themselves in the public ey e and are attention grabbers. The individuals who grace the covers of magazines and newspaper advertisements. Especially in the era after September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, when millions were left scared and bewildered, the need for heroes became far greater than it had beforehand. The need to have those individuals that seek to fight and defeat any foe that may cross their path. Whether it be a physical opponent or an inanimate object, a hero is someone that many seek refuge with when it comes to regaining a sense of security and normalcy.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Analysis for Teslas Expansion into Russia

Analysis for Teslas Expansion into Russia List of abbreviations: MEDCs More Economically Developed CountriesNIC Newly Industrialized Country RUB RublePPP* Public-Private Partnership GDP Gross Domestic Product PPP Purchasing Power ParityFDI Foreign Direct InvestmentOECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentEV Electric VehicleWTO World Trade OrganizationIMF International Monetary FundBRICS emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Letter of Recomendation to the CEO To: Elon Musk CEO of Tesla, Inc Report on Russian Federation as a potential new market for Tesla, Inc. There is no doubt that eco-friendly vehicles will dominate a global car market in the future. Telsa already officially presented in most MEDC countries and now is a time to think about Transition economies (including NICs). The electric car market in Russia is still quite small but thanks to stabilising economy and sensible government policies there is a good potential to expand it. The ability to set up our dealership chain relatively quickly must be a consideration. Lack of charging facilities could be seen as a potential to insert and expand original Tesla Supercharger chain across the country and could lead to PPP* agreement between the government and business where Tesla could take part not only in the creation of those facilities but also in the further operations of it. As our research shows, Russia has a huge domestic market which has a potential to expand and get more wealthy, what means potentially a big client base. There are many state support programs such as: (First Car, Family Car, Private Business, and public city electric transport) with financing of 17.4bn RUB, subsidies given to Russian credit organisations for the reimbursement of a shortfall in income from credits granted by Russian credit organisations in 2015–2016 to individuals for the purchase of cars (7.0bn RUB) and other similar programs. (PwC, 2017) Conditions for investment right now are perfect if Tesla wants to have a dominant position in that market in upcoming years. However, its important to consider all the risks and to understand that factors such as movements in the exchange rate of the ruble, access to auto loans, interest rates, amount and effectiveness of government support and expansion of transport infrastructure will predetermine demand more than anything else. Introduction This report will advise CEO of Tesla Inc on whether to expand their official stores into the Russian market. Currently, Tesla has its official stores in 28 countries including most of a western Europe, UAE, China, Taiwan, Australia and other and some other   MEDC countries. (Tesla, 2017) The aim of this report is to understand and conclude how perspective Russian market can be for the expansion of Tesla. By using PEST, Porters 5 Forces model analysis and SWOT we were able to outline advantages and disadvantages of investing in the Russian market with a more in-depth analysis on the relevance of bargaining power of buyers, rivalry among existing companies, political and economic factors. PEST Analysis Russia is the biggest country in the world in terms of area (CIA, 2017a) and 9th in terms of population with over 142 million people living there. (CIA, 2017b) Despite all of its huge economic potential, in recent years Russia has suffered an economic recession due to sanctions which were implemented by the US government on March 6, 2014 after an annexation of Crimea by Russian military forces. (U.S. Department of state, 2017) However recently situation in Russian started to improve and now there is a positive trend in its economic growth which is expected to be at the level of 1.8% in 2019. (The World Bank, 2017) (P)olitical Factors: Russian was the largest country to emerge from collapsed Soviet Union in December 1991 (CIA, 2017c) and went through the 90s with two Chechen Wars from 11th of September 1994 to May of 2000 but even so, the active phase of the war was over there still was a high level of tension in the region and Russian counter-terrorism operation officially finished only in April 2009. (Al Jazeera media network, 2014) However, since then there were no major conflicts within a country and regions such a Chechnya seen much of an economic growth and government stability mainly due to massive cash injections from Russia’s federal government which were aimed at stabilizing   recently unstable territory. (Financial Times, 2015) The Russian Federation today stands as one of the most powerful and influential   states in the world and   and it keeps diplomatic relations with 191 countries and has 144 embassies around the world.(ICD academy for cultural diplomacy, 2014) Government type is known as Semi-presidential federation which is also called a managed democracy due to a high level of Government intervention. (CIA, 2017d) Corruption Perceptions Index research from 2016 suggests that there is still a very high level of corruption in Russia with the score of 29/100 what ranks it 131st out of 176 countries studied.(Transparency International, 2016) (E)conomic factors: Russia is 6th country in the world in terms of GDP and PPP which is an indicator of a strong economy and prospective market. (World Bank, 2017). Its economy mainly dependent on natural resources such as oil and gas as they make up a huge part of Russian federal budget revenue. For example, in 2016 this figure was equivalent to 36% which were made up of mineral extraction taxes and export customs duties on crude oil and gas. (The U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2017) There is a positive trend in Russian economy today after a couple of years of recession which was caused by western sanctions and drop of oil prices. (World Bank 2017) Inflation significantly went down from 15.5% in 2015 to 7.1% in 2016 and is projected to reach the target level of 4% in 2018 and monetary policy is fairly balanced with the current inflation rate. These improvements lead to a better economic environment in general which caused a positive chain effect in a banking sector and improved terms of trade. (World Bank, 2017) An illustrative example of improving Economic environment in Russia is the fact that in 2015 the number of FDI project grew by 61% in comparison with a previous two years. (Invest in Russia – Russian investment agency, 2016) (S)ocial factors: Russian society went through a huge transformation after a collapse of a Soviet regime and has turned from autocratic structure society to more democratic one. There are nearly 200 national ethnic groups represented in Russias 2010 census which makes it one of the most multicultural societies in the world. (Cia, 2017e) Income inequality remains one of the big problems in Russian society. Gini index of Russia in 2015 was   37.7 which is much better than 46.1 back in 1996, however it is still very high in comparison with most western MEDC countries. (The World Bank, 2017). Russian society has some strengths and weaknesses against OECD countries, however, in recent years there was a significant progress in bringing up a quality of live standards. The table below represents a comparison of average scores of OECDs and partner countries in some key social aspects. (T)echnological Factors: Russia is a country with a rich history of scientific and technological traditions. The 1990s crisis caused by the collapse of the Soviet regime led to the significant reduction of the government support for science and technology.   Many Russian scientists went to the United States or Europe in the so-called â€Å"brain-drain† migration. In the 2000s, on the wave of a new economic boom, the situation has started to improve, and the government launched a campaign which was aimed at innovation and modernisation. Current priorities for the Russias technological/scientific development include things such as energy efficiency, IT, nuclear energy and pharmaceuticals. (Sputnik, 2009) (Time, 2011) Also, due to western sanctions, Russia started to focus on replacement of foreign technologies and raw materials by domestic ones. This has worked as a push factor towards more develompment and reserch in some key sectors such as IT and energy. In September 2017 Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded of that strategy in meeting with Russian technology producers where he said that, in some spheres, state institutions could not work with companies running foreign software because that represented a risk for national cyber-security. (CNBC, 2017) Porters Five Forces Analysis Market defenition: Our analysis focuses on the new passenger cars market in Russia, particularly on electric/hybrid segment. Passenger cars are defined as vehicles with at least four wheels, used for the transportation of passengers from point A to point B, and consisting maximum of eight seats not including drivers seat. The Russian car market in 2016 decreased by 11% but it is expected to come back to moderate growth from the end of 2017 due to a positive trend in the Russian economy. (Automotive statistics ltd,  2017a) Competition in the industry:   The electric car market in Russia is relatively small in comparison with many MEDC countries, however, it is predicted to grow. There are 1,100 electric cars in Russia but most of them presented only by a few dominant models: Nissan Leaf 508 units, Mitsubishi i-MiEV 271 units and Tesla Model-S 181 units. (Automotive statistics ltd,  2017b) As we can see there is a high concentration ratio in the Electric car market in Russia as 89% of the cars are from top three firms in the market and Tesla already one of this three companies with a market share of 19% which is still quite a high number considering the fact that they dont have their official dealership in Russia yet. Potential of new entrants: The decree which allows standard petrol stations to operate charges for electric cars was signed in autumn 2015 and took force on November 1, 2016. Russian charging infrastructure is expanding. PJSC Russian Grids already operates 130 charging stations across Russia and by the end of December 2017 this number expected to rise up to 2017 and up to 1000 by the end of 2018.(Eurasia network, 2017) As there is a constant growth in a number of charging stations in Russia it could stimulate demand for electric cars and make them even more attractive therefore attract new entrants into the market. There are not many potential companies who could offer an electric car of a similar quality as Tesla right now, however, there are many hybrid options out there which are potential rivals and could easily enter the market as entry barriers are getting lower and lower with more Government incentives being introduced and new charging stations being built. Also, there are some big companies who are already looking into expanding into Russian market as well, such as Renault-Nissan coalition which is now the leader of the global EV market. (Eurasia network, 2017) (Bertel Schmitt, 2017)   Power of suppliers: In our report, we are looking for a potential expansion of Tesla dealership centres and not manufacturing sites. Therefore the power of suppliers is not important as cars and all needed materials for its maintenance will be imported by existing supply routes like in many other cases where Tesla operates. Power of customers: When considering an expansion into a Russian market, Tesla should have a clear understanding of what are the trends in consumer incomes, availability of car loans and perspectives of consumer confidence. Within nine months of 2017, there were 66 Telsa cars sold in Russia which represents a 92% rise in comparison to previous year. (Russian automotive news, 2017a)   Demand is likely to rise further and Teslas potential client base could increase enormously due to an amendment to the tax code which is discussed in State Duma right now. The idea proposed is to exempt transport tax for electric vehicles from 2018 onwards. (Russian automotive news, 2017b) Bargaining power of buyers would be low, as Tesla in Russia would be considered as high-end product particularly due to a low average income in Russia (37500RUB=650USD) comparing to most western countries. (Trading economics,  2017) Also, Tesla is one of the most advanced electro cars in the global market, therefore there are not many potential substitutions to it in that market segment what makes it quite a unique product and allows Telsa to have some power over its existing and potential client base in nearest future. Threat of substitutes: The main substitutes for electric cars, of course, would be considered standard petrol vehicles or a market of used cars. Especially used car segment seems to be the most promising one in upcoming years due to the average length of car ownership declining thanks to the recovery from the recent economic crisis. (Invest in Russia, 2017a) Some may consider public transport such as trains, buses, public bicycles or even planes as an alternative to electric/petrol cars. However Michael E. Porter‟s definition of a substitute is: â€Å"A substitute performs the same or a similar function as an industry‟s product by a different means†. (Porter, 2008)   Therefore we can say that most of those wont be considered as substitutes because they are unable to fulfil such key passenger car features such as representing social status, providing comfort, immediate availability, independence of destination choice and flexible route change, what makes their substituting force pretty low. Nevertheless, a used car segment is more or less capable of performing most of the functions listed above. SWOT Analysis To conclude PEST and Porter’s Five Forces research we will use a SWOT analysis: (Invest in Russia , 2017b) Content: Al jazeera media network.  2014.  Chechnya, Russia and 20 years of conflict.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/12/chechnya-russia-20-years-conflict-2014121161310580523.html [10 November 2017]. Automotive statistics ltd.  2017a.  The Russian car market in 2016 decreased by 11%.  [Online].  Available from: https://eng.autostat.ru/news/view/13836/ [21 November 2017]. Automotive statistics ltd.  2017b .  The number of electric vehicles has exceeded 1000 units in Russia.  [Online].Available from: http://eng.autostat.ru/news/view/14483/  [21 November 2017]. Bertel schmitt.  2017.  Who Is The Worlds Leading EV Maker? Its Not Tesla.  01 MAY 2017.  Forbes.  [Online].  Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bertelschmitt/2017/05/01/who-is-the-worlds-leading-ev-marker-no-its-not-tesla/ [23 November 2017].   CIA. 2017a.  The World Factbook (geography). [ONLINE] Available from:  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2113.html#rs. [Accessed 9 November 2017]. CIA. 2017b.  The World Factbook (population). [ONLINE] Available from:  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2119.html#rs. [Accessed 9 November 2017]. CIA.  2017c.  The World Bank in Russia (Background).  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2028.html#rs [10 November 2017]. CIA .  2017d.  The World Bank in Russia (Government Type).  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2128.html#rs [10 November 2017]. CIA.  2017e.  The World Bank in Russia (Ethnic groups).  [Online].  Available from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html#rs [11 November 2017]. CNBC. 2017.Putin tells Russias tech sector: Ditch foreign software or lose out [Online]. Available from: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/09/putin-tells-russias-tech-sector-ditch-foreign-software-or-lose-out.html [17 November 2017]. Eurasia network.  2017 .  7 things to know about electric cars in Russia.  [Online].  Available from: https://eurasianetwork.eu/2017/08/19/7-things-to-know-about-electric-cars-in-russia/  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   [21 November 2017].   Financial times.  2015.  Chechnya’s economic recovery tested by slowdown.  [Online].  Available from: https://www.ft.com/content/8233d33c-ecd0-11e4-a81a-00144feab7de [10 November 2017]. ICD academy for cultural diplomacy.  2014 .  Summit Overview.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy/index.php?cccs-20131-moscow [10 November 2017]. Invest in Russia .  2017a.  Overview of the Russian and CIS automotive industry.  [Online].  Available from: http://investinrussia.com/data/files/sectors/Overview-of-the-Russian-and-CIS.pdf [27 November 2017]. Invest in Russia .  2017b.  Key Facts.  [Online].  Available from: http://investinrussia.com/key-facts   [28 November 2017]. Invest In Russia – Russian investment agency.  2016.  EUROPEAN ATTRACTIVENESS SURVEY 2016 RUSSIA FINDINGS.  [Online].  .  Available from: https://www.investment-in-russia.com/uploads/European_attractiveness_survey_Eng.pdf [11 November 2017] Organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd).  2017.  How’s Life in the Russian Federation?.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: https://www.oecd.org/statistics/Better-Life-Initiative-country-note-Russian-Federation.pdf [17 November 2017]. Porter M. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. HarvardBusinessReview, January 2008, pp. 2-18. PwC.  2017.  In 2017, the extention of the traditional state support programmes and introduction of new more target-oriented measures is planned.  [Online].  Available from: https://www.pwc.ru/en/automotive/publications/assets/auto-report-eng.pdf  [28 November 2017]. Russian automotive news.  2017a.  Tesla electric cars sales have grown by 92% in Russia . [Online]. Available from: http://rusautonews.com/2017/10/31/tesla-electric-cars-sales-have-grown-by-92-in-russia/  [23 November 2017].   Russian automotive news.  2017b.  Russian government has proposed transport tax exemption for electric vehicles.  [Online]. Available from: http://rusautonews.com/2017/11/15/russian-government-has-proposed-transport-tax-exemption-for-electric-vehicles/  [23 November 2017].   Sputnik. 2009.  Medvedev outlines priorities for Russian economys modernization. [Online] Available from:  https://sputniknews.com/russia/20091011156428675/   [17 November 2017]. Tesla. 2017.  Find us. [ONLINE] Available from:  https://www.tesla.com/en_EU/findus/list. [Accessed 9 November 2017]. The U.S. Energy Information Administration.  2017.  Russia.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/analysis.cfm?iso=RUS&src=home-b2 [11 November 2017]. The World Bank.  2017.  Country Context.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/russia/overview#1 [11 November 2017]. The World bank.  2017.  GDP, PPP (current international $) .  [Online].  Available from: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.PP.CD?locations=RU   [11 November 2017]. The World Bank .  2017.  Poverty & Equity Data Portal (Russia).  [Online].  Available from: http://povertydata.worldbank.org/poverty/country/RUS [11 November 2017]. The World Bank.  2017.  Recent Economic Developments.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/russia/overview#3 [11 November 2017]. The World Bank.  2017.  The World Bank in Russia (Overview).  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/russia/overview#1   [10 November 2017]. Time. 2011.  Russia Looking to Reverse Brain Drain of Young Scientists. [Online].Available from:  http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2099861,00.html [17 November 2017]. https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1816338 Russian version.  Ã‚   Trading economics.  2017.  Russia Average Monthly Wages.  [Online].  Available from: https://tradingeconomics.com/russia/wages  [23 November 2017]. Transparency international .  2016.  Russia.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: https://www.transparency.org/country/RUS   [10 November 2017]. U.S. department of state .  2017.  Ukraine and Russia Sanctions.  [Online].  Ã‚  Available from: https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/ukrainerussia/ [Accessed 9 November 2017].

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essays --

Statement of Purpose Four years of undergraduate study in the field of Electronics and Communications and a strong predilection towards research have made the choice of further study an obvious one for me. My ultimate objective is to pursue a career in research, either in industry or in academia. I strongly believe that a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from your esteemed University will act as a crucial first step in the process of realizing my career objectives. I have always cherished a dream to become an Engineer, a dream that was innate and developed slowly over the years. Right from my school days I found myself fascinated by the intricacies of mathematics and physics, which spun their web of aura around me, a web that I sought to unravel in countless problem solving sessions I have always felt a strong need for achievement, which has been the motivating force behind whatever I have achieved in my academic career. Electrical department staff in my college gave the strong support to my feeling saying that I can achieve anything. We being the Electrical Engineering students can make the world and we can move the world. During my under graduate course study, I was exposed to a plethora of diverse subjects in Mathematics, Pure Sciences, Engineering and computer besides the intensive lab works in related subjects. During my freshman a series of courses in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry reintroduced me into these subjects, but now with an Engineering bent courses like Tele Communicaton Switching System, Embedded Sytems,Vlsi Design laid in me the strong fundamentals and problem solving techniques. Further courses like Digital Signal Processing, Control Systems, Communication Systems exposed me to ne... ...aracteristic of the American culture. It would also help me to learn global standards in this field and become aware of the worldwide competition, which I consider would be a great help for me to make a strong contribution in the field of Electrical Engineering. Your university with its unique graduate program in Electrical Engineering and with its commitment to foster intellectual excellence is remarkable and attractive to embark upon an academic career. I look forward to a challenging career in research which may even be arduous and demanding at times but I am confident that with my sincerity and dedication, I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing research developments and live up to the high standards of your university. Given an opportunity, I shall strive to channel my unbridled efforts into more productive avenues.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The Perfect Customer Service Model

After looking over the customer service model I would use what I thought I would want to receive as a customer calling in for help. You have a preconceived notion as to what your customer service call would be like. For instance if I had a customer call I would like to greet them warmly and get right to the point as to what the problem is and what I am prepared to do in order to help them. A customer expects professionalism but they also expect understanding and dedication to their issue, so being very attentive is key.This would be a part of my strategy. As far as the systems I would make sure that the use of the state of the art facility was used as well as up to date equipment and software, being on top of the newest technological trends and software will ensure fast and accurate repairs. Another important aspect of customer service is the representatives taking the calls. It is my duty to the customer to make sure that every individual they speak to has been trained and is qualif ied to help them.I have had experiences where the responses are from a text and often times you get shifted to different people that are qualified in different areas. I think that making sure the persons receiving calls are qualified leads to a better customer service experiment the less run around and hold time the better. The management of the facility as well as other personnel must have a background in the customer service area as well as technology because they support the frontline.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Sunset on a Beach

The sun peaked through the horizon, if saying a final goodbye to this California beach bed. Before leaving she gave me a gift of pure peace and serenity. Holding my eyes prisoner to the heavenly sight she put in front of me. While my feet were held into the grainy sand in desperate need of warmth and the smell of salt invading my nostrils. The beach is warm, with a captivating view, and has pure peace. The beach is where my problems and stressed are released, where nothing goes wrong, it all just fades away along with the sunset.The struggle to open ten pound eyelids after a nap leaving you drooling and wanting more especially for what feels like the worst day is the worst possible feeling, and to the most irritating ringing noise makes it even harder. Once you remember the reason for this makes you eager to wake up quicker than realizing you have five minutes to get to school, and school is a fifteen minute drive. Stepping out of the bed to feel the unforgiving wood under my feet, t ip toing as if waling on ice, my body soon got used to floor. In search of a black and white bikini this room has become the aftermath of a tornado.In the middle of the disaster something sticks out at the corner and see there lies the bikini. Attempting to rush out of the house the clock tells there is still enough time till sunset. Throwing on shorts over the bikini and a black hoodie, trying to balance an apple in my mouth with keys entwined with my fingers, and hopping on one foot trying to force a shoe onto the wrong foot. Finally, making it to the car and putting the keys in the ignitions the car roars to life, beginning the ten minute drive down Sunset Blvd.  which is quick.A smile begins to erupt my face when the view of the ocean is seen, then pulling up to the perfect parking spot in view of the ocean. The chaos and failures of today begin to fade and the peace begins. Getting out of the car the sun’s rays instantly hits my eyes indicating she is getting ready to leave. Looking on the phone it reads six-thirty, the sunsets today at six forty-eight, having almost only thirty minutes before she goes to enjoy alone to have with her.Taking off my shoes so sand will have no chance at irritating my feet later, the warm beady sand gets in-between my toes sending them cozy vibration, along with the smell of the sea invading my nostrils. Walking in search for a seat, my eyes spot children running alongside each other playing and building castles, while couples stroll along the waves that invade their toes every eight seconds. While walking you can see their footprints imprinted into the sand temporarily before being taken back by the ocean. Laying a plaid red blanket so sand will not creep into my clothes, my body collapse onto the sand.Pulling my knees to my chest and laying my head onto my knees and begin to let all the stress and negative energy flow gently with the wind capturing them like a dream catchier sending them off to be killed by the sun ’s rays. Closing my eyes envisioning at this moment the beach reminding me of a sweet grandmother, there is no need for speaking because she already seen and felt the pain from past experiences that mom and dad had forgotten. When you cry she gently wipes away and tells you stories from her past mistakes so you feel like someone understands and makes you laugh at her past altercations.When you have anger she shows you peace with a simple smile that warms the heart. Opening my eyes and hear again the beautiful sound of giggles coming from children running along the sand with the waves violating the shores, and seagull’s scavenger hunting for their next meal. Soon people begin to sit in their towels or blankets holding each other smiling and laughing, all comes to a halt when the sun begins to return to rise in her new home, but not before she leaves us all with a breathtaking view of her heart that holds us prisoner till she finally leaves.What seems like hours the stre et lights finally begin to flicker on, and that is when everyone begins to pack their belongings to leave yet another beautiful sunset at a California beach. Packing my belongings and taking one final glance of where once shined a light of pure passion and serenity, a smile again tugs on my lips to remember that feeling of getting a gift. A gift to which that is imprinted into my memory till my death bed. Putting my belongings in my car a thought pops in my head.That everyone has their place of peace where nothing can go wrong, where you can smile for no reason but for the memories that no camera could capture, and to unwind and surrender to a place of tranquility, for some it is home or their mind, but for me it is the beach. The atmosphere the beach has from the weather, the feeling, and the view is what draws one in like a melody. The weather ever so warm with a gentle breeze that blows hair like a blow dryer on cool. The feeling of pure peace and serenity, having a full body cle anse from all the negative energy.Then a view that can captivate any onlooker’s eyes, like an angel falling out of the heavens to disappear as if nothing happened. Putting instant memories with family and friends like a video tape in a VCR replaying the laughs and smiles. The beach can always leave you with a smile on anyone’s face no matter the stress or torment the dealt with that day. The beach is like a gift; something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present. It might not be in your hands but it can always be felt, and never seems to fail at satisfying.