A areer in ice sculpting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A areer in ice sculpting - Essay Example When we see an ice sculpture glistening in the light we are mesmerized by the intricate designs that have the look of solid crystal.The beautiful piece of art is appreciated for its stunning form as it slowly melts away into the pool of water where it started. When the ice has melted and the sculpture gone, little thought is given to the artist that was at the core of its creation. Yet, someone took the initiative to learn this craft, to practice the trade, and apply their knowledge to generate an additional outlet for their artistry and an additional source of income. We are in awe as we wonder; how did they learn the art of ice sculpting and how do they apply it in the culinary trade For those people fortunate enough to know how to skillfully carve blocks of ice, life has been a series of instruction, catering events, and ice sculpting competitions.Learning the fine art of ice sculpting is done through advanced culinary training academies or professional associations that offer cla sses and seminars. The Academy of Ice Carving and Design offers classes that feature skill levels that start at basic sculpting for caterers to advanced classes in "sculpture skills; computer enhanced custom design; closed-cell ice engraving; multiple block fusing; [and] high-tech special effects" as well as safety and marketing (Ice Carving Training Certification Programs).

Investment Fundamentals and Portfolio Management Research Paper

Investment Fundamentals and Portfolio Management - Research Paper Example The company has registered gross profit of $24.3 billion in the fiscal 2011 that is an increase of 4.1% over previous year. That has been achieved through better management practices and customer focused policies (The Home Depot, Inc., 2012). A significant increase in operating income at $6.7 billion has been registered compared to $5.8 billion posted in fiscal year 2010 – that means an impressive 14.1% increase in operating income on yearly basis (The Home Depot, Inc., 2012). The remarkable performance has been possible through four major key initiatives: focusing on customer service, increasing productivity and efficiency, innovation and portfolio strategy providing value to the customers (The Home Depot, Inc., 2012). Increasing shareholder value has been one of the major objectives of the Home Depot. Accordingly, the company resorted to buy-back its own shares and garnered 97 million shares from the market amounting to $3.5 billion during the year ended January 2012. In November 2011, the company rewarded its shareholders by declaring a cash dividend of 29 cents per share, a 16% increase over previous quarter proving that the company values its shareholders (The Home Depot, Inc., 2012). As per Federal Reserve Report of June 2012, economic growth has taken a dip. GDP growth rate reduced to 2% annually in the first quarter this year after touching a 3% growth rate in the last quarter of 2011. Employment conditions though improved in the last quarter of 2011 and first quarter of 2012; however, it slowed down during April and May this year. The unemployment rate, a crucial macroeconomic factor, was registered 8.2 percent in the second quarter of 2012. The forecast has it that the economic growth is likely to be at moderate levels in coming quarters. The depressed housing market is one of the major bottlenecks for the economy to grow at a faster