On the embedding of a commutative ring in a local ring

Let R be a commutative ring with identity. We consider conditions in order that there exists an embedding of R in a local ring.. This leads naturally to an examination of conditions in order that a quasilocal ring (R, m) be d ominated by a local ring. This, in turn, leads to a study of extensions of the residue field of a quasilocal ring.