10 Prehistoric Battles That Could (and Probably Did) Happen

Societal Barriers in Robert Frosts Poem The Mending Wall...

Societal Barriers in Robert Frosts Poem The Mending Wall The Mending Wall by Robert Frost is one of the poems in his collection that he wrote after his encounters with back- country, New England farmers. The poem centers on a wall that separates one neighbor from the other. The introduction to the wall describes the large gaps in need of repair that appear after hunters accidentally shoot the wall while hunting rabbits. The narrator then lets his neighbor know that the wall is in need of repair and they walk with the wall between them in order to view what needs repair. The narrator then notices that the wall is not necessary because his apple trees will never get across to eat the cones under his pines. However, the other†¦show more content†¦The wall is continually rebuilt after it begins to disintegrate which is similar to the way old prejudices and segregations reappear after it seems that progress has been made to tear down these barriers. The first line of the poem states that nature does not love the wall. This is a strong statement that nature does not promote the way in which society separates itself from one another. Nature does not see differences based upon race, customs, or any social reason for segregation. In Mother Natures view we are all one in the same. The yapping dogs in line 9 represent the cries of society to keep the wall or barrier to separate themselves from what makes them uncomfortable. The fact that the two neighbors meet to talk about the mending of the wall yet do not cross the barrier to meet on common ground, is an example of how people can appear to integrate with each other yet maintain their own invisible barriers. In line 21 Frost compares the mending of the wall to an outdoor game. This is relative to the fact that society continually mends the barrier it maintains yet claims to hold no prejudices or want of separation. This game of pretending to integrate while holding on to invisible barriers is very similar to the building of the wall that separates the two farmers. In line 22 the narrator begins to question the need of this wall. He realizes that he has an apple orchardShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Poem A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words 1159 Words   |  5 Pagespicture or image that has been provided through words can convey a message, enhancing the reader s comprehension to where a story s main focus is leading. Author s like Robert Frost, William Faulkner, and Susan Glaspell all enrich literary genres through the use of symbolism to reveal the theme to their reader(s); Mending Wall, Barn Burning, and Trifles articulate the central meaning of these works with symbols. Symbolism provides depth beyond anything presented from its primary implication

Heavy Weather At American Airlines Essay Research free essay sample

Heavy Weather At American Airlines Essay, Research Paper Heavy Weather at American Airlines Business Week Heavy Weather at American Jan.27 1997 pg 32 There is a large shingle up at American Airlines. The pilots want more money but direction has already spent it. Another work stoppage you say. Yip, looks like it. The main executive of American Airlines was stunned when on January 8, by an overpowering ballot, pilots rejected a probationary contract. Pilots so got a message from the company president stating # 8220 ; For the first clip in many old ages, we fear for the hereafter of our company. # 8221 ; The ground that this work stoppage could spell catastrophe for one of the taking air hoses in the universe is the instead big order of new aircraft American ordered from Boeing. American says that holding to pay higher pilot wages and purchase new aircraft makes it an wasteful investing, in other words they can non make both and still remain in concern. We will write a custom essay sample on Heavy Weather At American Airlines Essay Research or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A work stoppage could even endanger a purposed confederation with British Airways. American in non entirely though. With industry net incomes on the changeless rise, employees of other air hoses are forcing for higher wage besides, but undeniably American is in the worst place right now. It looks to me like the pilots were non really happy with the determination to purchase new aircraft from Boeing back in November when it was foremost voted on. It seems as though alternatively of buying new aircraft the pilots wanted a wage addition. What the pilots want is a wage addition of 11 % over the following four old ages. What the have been offered is a 5 % addition. The statement that the pilots have put frontward is the fact that their offer does non even maintain up with rising prices. It looks as though a work stoppage would be really improbable because of the sum of money involved, someplace around 50 million a twenty-four hours would be lost by American. That large of a loss could be really damaging to any company. What can direction make with a quandary like this? It seem that they departed without cognizing where they were traveling to set down. They should hold made sure there would non hold been an rebellion in any portion of the company before the took steps every bit drastic as telling six-billion dollars in new aircraft. It expressions to me like there needs to be better communicating between all aspects of direction in this company. The lone manner out of this muss that I can see is to cut down the order from Boeing so that they can afford to give the pilots at that place cherished wage additions. This could do more jobs depending on how indulgent the contract between Boeing and American is. I # 8217 ; m pretty sure that Boeing would wish to do some money out of the trade excessively. So, I # 8217 ; m wagering that if American wanted to do a smaller order it would likely accommodate both companies better in the long tally. From the employees point of position, it would look like American is sort of a greedy clump. The wage rise that was offered does non even maintain up with current rising prices rates, yet they can warrant passing six-billion on new equipment, when the genuinely do non necessitate to replace it that rapidly. A little graduated table replacing of equipment would likely do everyone much happier. It could acquire pretty messy in the terminal even if the work stoppage ended. If Boeing wants to be greedy about the whole thing, there could be cases affecting rear of barrel of contract and all kinds of ugliness. I # 8217 ; m merely glad that I # 8217 ; m non in charge of cleaning up this muss.

To Know A Fly Essays - The Fly, Fly Fishing, Vincent Dethier, Fly

To Know A Fly Brief Synopsis Mr. Vincent Dethier goes into great detail in describing the flys different aspect of life. The fly is very complex with many human like characteristics. Flies and some people are very much alike in another respect; both prefer what taste good to what is nutritionally best, was stated by the author proving these similar characteristics exist. Many experiments and observations were made through the course of this brook. Such experiments included: testing the flies eating habits, adaptation to their environment, the different purposes of sensor organs, the reasons for hunger, their unique language, exercise patterns involving light, and their brain complexity. He presented the fly in a way that most people couldnt see the power and abilities a fly possesses. Through the course of this book each of these aspects were explained in greater detail with experiments proving many theories and observations. The best definition for an experiment was provided by Dethier as, An experiment is a scientists way of asking nature a question. This would explain many reasons for such a desire people convey to science. Analysis The authors intent was to inform the reader of the misconceptions most common, non-scientist have about the scientific process. He provided a very clear approach to explain his research of the fly to a typical reader. The terminology was very simple and to the point. He stated it best, The scientist who is great is the one who proposes a theory and then attempts to prove or disapprove it rather than the one who proposes a theory and then goes off grinning to greener pastures leaving to onerous job of proof or disproof to others. The author did accomplish his intent to inform the reader of the aspects that a fly possesses. Through many laboratory reports numerous discoveries have been publicized making the world more enriched with scientific knowledge. But throughout all the experiments that were preformed to the flies, one thing remains unique about them. Unlike all other animals and creatures, the fly can not be trained even after 15 years. I found this a very interesting point, bec ause in past experiments, a scientist has proven many ways to train animals to perform premeditated tasks. One instance was described as conditioning, when a scientist trained a dog to salivate to the ring of a bell. But unfortunately, there is not a conditioned response affiliated with the fly. Evaluation The authors purpose of informing the reader was well achieved. I now have a new outlook about the purpose of the fly. Before I read this book, I felt flies didnt have a purpose. They just fly around and become very annoying. But they do serve a purpose, with just as many functions and activities a human possesses. The most important things about flies are they are cheaper and more abundant in our society for scientists that do not have elaborate funds to experiment with. This fact proves very important when the experimenter doesnt know the outcome or effect an experiment has on the tested individual. I was very spectacle about reading a book called, To Know A Fly. But I feel the author did make a good attempt to add humor and situations that the average person could relate to. I did enjoy the way the author presented this information. His style of writing was direct and to the point. This made the reading and understanding of the text relaxing and enjoyable. I would not recommend this book to friends, but I would recommend it to fellow classmates interested in experimental sciences. I feel that Professor Gordon picked an excellent book to portray the lifestyles and misconceptions of scientists. I have gained a wide variety of information about the lifestyle and adaptation process a fly creates in his or her environment. Vincent Dethier said it best; To know the fly is to share a bit in the sublimity of knowledge. That is the challenge and the joy of science. In this statement, the purpose of this book is summed into two sentences. All humans have a desire to know and learn; proving science is an ideal subject that everyone has used. Its just a matter of how you use it. Science Essays

The Arms Race, a History of Weapons

The Arms Race, a History of Weapons Free Online Research Papers The USSR and the US maintained an alliance through WWII, until the US produced the atomic bomb, a weapon of mass destruction and symbol of world domination. The Manhattan Project was held top-secret from 1942-1945, until the US uncovered a Soviet Union spy feeding top-secret atomic information back to the USSR (â€Å"Manhattan Project†). The Americans achieved the development of the atomic bomb before anyone on May 8, 1945. At the end of WWII, the Soviet Union sent a telegram to the US explaining the hostility the two countries possessed about communism versus democracy. The two dominant nations wanted to spread their ideological government structure all through the world. Due to the aftermath of WWII, the use of the atomic bomb on Japan, and the diverse ideological differences about government structure, the relationship between the US and USSR altered from allies to adversaries. Thus, the beginning of the Cold War and the clash of nuclear proliferation began between two glob al dominant nations. The arms race intensified during diplomatic discussions regarding the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) because of the fact that the Soviet Union disagreed with the US and UN on the requirements established. The Atomic Energy Commission â€Å"†¦was created in the wake of the U.S. atomic bombing of Japan, the effects of which demonstrated that nuclear energy needed not only to be developed, but controlled. The AEC legally had absolute control over both the development and use of atomic energy† (â€Å"Atomic Energy Commission†). In addition to the AEC, the United Nations created the Baruch Plan that stated that failure to comply with the requirements of the AEC would result in harsh penalties. The Soviet Union, infuriated by the plan, rejected it stating that the US was too far ahead in weapon development (Fuller). To obtain top-secret information the Soviet Union planted a spy, Klaus Fuchs, among the British scientists during the Manhattan Project. Fuchs had been pass ing top-secret information about nuclear bombs to the Soviet Union since 1945 (Etcheson 43). To the US’s surprise, the Soviets established their own atomic bomb in 1949, without any prior indication of testing the bomb (Levine 64). The Soviets launch their first atomic bomb on August 29, 1949. With the Soviets successfully launching their atomic bomb, the battle for arms supremacy began. The US government countered with the development of the hydrogen bomb on November 1, 1952 (Fuller). When the US thought they had developed the strongest weapon in the world, the Soviet Union received more top-secret information about the hydrogen bomb from Fuchs. The Soviets were able to test and produce their hydrogen bomb in late 1955. The USSR launched the first satellite into space by using intercontinental ballistic missile on October 4, 1957 (Roberts). It appeared that the Soviet Union was extremely advanced in space operations and military tactics, and this frightened the US because th e Soviets were able to launch missiles without the use of airplanes (Tirman). The arms race took another turn due to the Sino-Soviet relations in the 1950’s. The US became frightened when it learned China possessed nuclear weapons and had been influenced greatly by the USSR (Tirman). During the 1950s, China, guided by a large number of Soviet advisers, followed the Soviet model of development, with its emphasis on heavy industry funded by surpluses extracted from the peasantry, while making consumer goods a secondary priority (Levine 69). By the late 1950s, however, Mao Zedong had begun to develop new ideas about how China should advance directly to Communism through a mobilization of Chinas massive labor force (Fuller). The USSR and China maintained a strong relation leading up into the 1960’s because of the similar communistic ideologies (â€Å"Sino-Soviet Relations†). With the help of the USSR, China successfully exploded its first atomic bomb October 16, 1961 (Roberts). The havoc and chaos about nuclear proliferation and the spread of communism left the US in position to try and dissolve communism. The US wanted to dissolve the threat of communism due to the lack of government control and the possession of nuclear weapons (Roberts). Many communistic countries were spreading across the world in the 1960’s. With two of the most economic and militaristic countries under the influence of communism, President John F. Kennedy couldn’t let the world be inclined by the idea of communism. The US and Cuba are only 90 miles apart from one another. With the powerful technology of intercontinental ballistic missile able to launch without the use of an airplane, Kennedy invaded Cuba with Operation Bay of Pigs Invasion. Kennedy had the plan to overthrow the Cuban communist leader, Fidel Castro. Castro united with the USSR by trading sugar and other agricultural needs the USSR needed in trade for increased economic and military assistance (Levine 91). The operation failed when Kennedy called off the deployment of the bombers. With the failure of the Bay of Pigs, this left the USSR with world’s opinion of the most dominant nation. On October 15, 1962, the US gained intelligence of the USSR constructing numer ous missile silos off the coast of Cuba, only 90 miles off the coast of Florida (â€Å"Arms Race†). With the US and the USSR being the world’s leaders in nuclear weaponry, the world was petrified of a nuclear holocaust. President Kennedy rather than demanding the USSR to remove the missiles immediately, Kennedy deployed a naval blockade around Cuba to obstruct any USSR missiles from being transported. Suspense and tension with what would happen began to alleviate when Khrushchev sent a letter to Kennedy stating the removal of the silos if the US assured the USSR never to invade Cuba again (Fuller). At the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US and the Soviet Union recognized the concept of building a surplus amount of nuclear warheads could result in a catastrophic disaster on both nations if there was to be a nuclear war. Numerous actions were acquired in various treaties to avert any nuclear disaster to occur. On July 1968, the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was signed in Washington D.C., Moscow, and London (Roberts). Signed by 130 nations in 1968, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty went into effect on March 5, 1970 (Fuller). Its goal was to prevent the spread and development of nuclear weaponry. Notably, neither France nor China agreed to sign the treaty, and both countries have continued to develop their nuclear arsenal despite widespread condemnation from around the world (â€Å"Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty†). The most significant treaty was the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty held in 1972, known as SALT I. President Richard Nixon met with Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev in Moscow and signed an agreement that provided for a severe limitation on the placement of antiballistic missiles and a freeze on the deployment of intercontinental ballistic missiles by each nation (â€Å"Arms Race†). In 1973, Brezhnev traveled to Washington, D.C., where the leaders agreed never to use nuclear weapons offensively and agreed for a second treaty, known as SALT II. With both nations in a relaxing time with compromises be addressed, this period was a called a dà ©tente (Ungar 109). On June 18, 1979, Carter and Brezhnev signed the SALT II treaty in Vienna. SALT II would have set a limit on long-range missiles that each country could possess and provided for a decrease in these missiles by 1981 (Etcheson 126). Before the Senate could authorize the new treaty, however, the Soviets invaded Afghan istan in December 1979, an act of aggression that heightened U.S. fears in the Cold War (â€Å"Arms Race†). Even with these treaties, the Cold War and the arms race still continued until the election of Reagan and Gorbachev. Both political leaders realized the importance of reduction in nuclear arms (Levine 131). Even though the bombing of Japan ended WWII it was the beginning of the Cold War and the arms race between the US and the USSR, however through billions upon billions of dollars spent on nuclear proliferation the US and the USSR finally maintain a treaty to end the arms race (Fuller). In 1981, Ronald Reagan became president and confirmed his proposal of the reduction of nuclear weaponry. With great coincidence, Mikhail Gorbachev was the leader of the USSR, and he too believed in the reduction of nuclear weaponry (Levine 140). Regan began the funding of the â€Å"Star Wars† plan, which would design a state-of-the-art Anti-Ballistic Missile system that would use satellites to defend the US against missile attacks (Fuller). Finally, the US and the USSR developed a mutual poli tical relationship. The Star Wars plan was aborted after the US spent more than 80 billion dollars without any sufficient progress (Fuller). Reagan had been recognized for his advanced defense measures and his determination to overcome communism with the USSR, brought the USSR slowly crumbing in the late 1980’s. On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall collapsed uniting West and East Germany (Etcheson 164). The wall was a long-term symbol of communism. On December 25, 1991, the USSR finally came to halt, when Boris Yeltsin, a strong political figure in Russia rallied up the Russian people to revolt against communism. On that Christmas day, communism and what was called the USSR seized to exist. In the following years, President George W. Bush and Russian president, Vladimir Putin, signed the Treaty of Moscow on May 24, 2002 (â€Å"Arms Race†). The treaty put in place strategic offensive reductions, the most sweeping nuclear arms reductions in history. President Bush said the treaty erased, The last vestiges of the Cold War and forged a new Russian-American partnership (â€Å"Treaty of Moscow†). Wi th long and vigorous tensions between the US and the USSR about nuclear proliferation, communism versus democracy, and the perspective of being the worlds dominate leader, both nations have reconciled and maintained a partnership. Although, the nuclear proliferation between the US and USSR have ended, other countries around the world have obtained possession of weapons of mass destruction that could result into another arms race, or even another World War. Research Papers on The Arms Race, a History of WeaponsAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2PETSTEL analysis of IndiaAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaTwilight of the UAWThe Project Managment Office System19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraBringing Democracy to AfricaOpen Architechture a white paperDefinition of Export QuotasStandardized Testing

Present Participles in Spanish Known as Gerunds

Present Participles in Spanish Known as Gerunds The Spanish verb form equivalent to -ing verbs in English is known as the present participle or gerund. The gerund always ends in -ando,  iendo, or rarely -yendo. The Spanish gerunds are used much less than the -ing verbs of English, however. Conjugating Spanish Present Participles The Spanish present participle of regular verbs is formed by removing the -ar ending and replacing it with -ando, or by removing the -er or -ir ending and replacing it with -iendo. Here are examples of each of the verb types: hablar (to speak) - hablando (speaking)beber (to drink) - bebiendo (drinking)vivir (to live) - viviendo (living) The verbs that have irregular present participles almost always use the same -ando and -iendo endings, but they have changes in the stems. For example, the present participle of venir (to come) is viniendo (coming), and the present participle of decir (to say) is diciendo (saying). To prevent awkward spellings, a few verbs use a -yendo ending in the participle instead of -iendo. For example, the present participle of leer (to read) is leyendo (reading). Using Gerunds for the Progressive Tenses As a beginning Spanish student, the way you are most likely to use the present participle is with the verb estar (to be) to form what is known as the present progressive tense. Here are some examples of that usage: Estoy estudiando. (I am studying.) Est lavando la ropa. (He is washing the clothing.) Estamos comiendo el desayuno. (We are eating breakfast.)   Here is the present-tense indicative conjugation of estar combined with a sample present participle to form the present progressive tense: yo - Estoy escribiendo. - I am writing.tà º - Ests escribiendo. - You are writing.à ©l, ella, usted - Est escribiendo. - He/she/you is/is/are writing.nosotros, nosotras - Estamos escribiendo. - We are writing.vosotros, vosotras - Estis escribiendo. - You are writing.ellos, ellas, ustedes - Estn escribiendo. - They/you are writing. The same can be done with other tenses and moods. Although it isnt necessary to learn these yet if youre a beginner, here are some examples to demonstrate the concept: Estarà © escribiendo. - I will be writing.Espero que està © escribiendo. - I hope youre writing.Estaba escribiendo. - I/you/he/she was/were writing. The progressive tenses are used less in Spanish than they are in English. As a general rule, they place an emphasis on the continuing nature of the action. For example, the difference between leo and estoy leyendo is roughly the difference between I am reading and I am in the process of reading. (Leo can also mean simply I read, indicating a habitual action.) Present Participles Used Mostly With Other Verbs One of the major differences between the present participles in English and Spanish is that while the English present participle can frequently be used as an adjective or a noun, in Spanish the present participle is nearly always used in conjunction with other verbs. Here are some examples of the present participle in use: Estoy pensando en ti. (I am thinking about you.)Anda buscando el tenedor. (He is walking around looking for the fork.)Sigue estudiando los libros. (She keeps on studying the books.) Haces bien estudiando mucho. (Youre doing well by studying much.) At this stage, you do not need to analyze these sentences or understand the details of how the present participle is used. Note, however, that in all these examples the gerund is used to indicate some form of continuing action, and that it can be translated using an -ing verb (although it doesnt have to be). Cases where you wouldnt use the Spanish participle to translate an -ing verb include instances where the English present participle is used as a noun or adjective. Note these examples: Ver es creer. (Seeing is believing.)Tiene un tigre que come hombres. (She has a man-eating tiger.)Hablar espaà ±ol es divertido. (Speaking Spanish is fun.)Me gusta comer. (I like eating.)Comprà © los zapatos de correr. (I bought the running shoes.) Also note that while in English we can use the present progressive tense to refer to a future event (as in We are leaving tomorrow), that cant be done in Spanish. You must use either the simple present tense (salimos maà ±ana) or a future tense (saldremos maà ±ana or vamos a salir maà ±ana).

Emirates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Emirates - Essay Example From this research it is clear that presently, Emirates caters to a world-wide market. The primary aim of this study is to examine the current management [practices of Emirates Airlines. To address the aim, the researcher explores the nature of Emirates Airlines business practices and the continuous changes that in give the avion industry in UAE and worldwide. In order to maintain a good performance in the global market and increase the opportunities for expanding its business activities in other country, Emirates Airlines has been successfully analyzing and overcoming its shortcoming or other weaknesses by executing effective strategies. Additionally, to accept the changes in the regional as well as international business environment, it creates an effective and/or flexible management structure which helps the company to maintain sustainable growth. This paper examines the relentless growth of Emirates, and investigates the various strategies that underpin its core competencies, which are responsible for its 20 years of consecutive profitability. The paper establishes that the underlying formula for Emirates’ success is largely attributed to its hub and spoke operation, competitive cost structure and the strong leverage of its brand. Overall these factors are contributing towards the Emirates Airlines' phenomenal growth.

Systems Feedback Loops for Deckers Outdoor Corporation Research Paper

Systems Feedback Loops for Deckers Outdoor Corporation - Research Paper Example   The two categories of feedback loops utilized at DOC are the balancing loops together with the reinforcing loops. Sources consider such loops as significant constituents of the thinking of Deckers outdoor corporation. Concisely, systems thinking to refer to ways in which different elements present in an organization interact with each other, therefore, culminating in their growth, or fall. The literature describes systems thinking as people, different structures, as well as inherent processes essential for the overall prosperity of an organization. The two of the roles identified in DOC execute various, divergent functions. For instance, balancing loops are endowed with the conscientiousness of enhancing an organization’s stability. Alternatively, a reinforcing loop performs the role of controlling the pace of growth of an organization (Burgoyne, Araujo & Easterby-Smith, 2000). At DOC, a suitable example of a reinforcing loop is notable after an appraisal of an employeeâ⠂¬â„¢s performance and the support they obtain from the management. It is notable that employees who have demonstrated excellence in their performances tend to acquire incalculable support from the management. The management directs such individuals by the provision of bonuses, additional training for skills development, as well as allocation of better assignments. As a result, the performance of such individuals continues to improve, and the company notes an addition of its profits. This is among the reasons for the sustained expansion of DOC to diverse locales. In a different scenario, the workforces’ performance may progressively slow down. Simultaneously, the management is unable to offer the much-needed support thus the decline. In such a case, the reinforcement loop applies. In the largest percentage of companies, the reinforcing loop cannot drive an organization towards attaining its stability, therefore, the necessity of looking into a different category known as the balancing loops (Burgoyne, Araujo & Easterby-Smith, 2000). The balancing loops As opposed to reinforcing loops that focus on the growth or decline of an organization, this loop aims at attaining a stated steady state, or an objective. An apt action is unavoidable when trying to move from a current state to the designated desired state. The DOC has enacted various strategies for purposes of devising apt techniques for enhancing its growth to other geographical locations across the globe. Therefore, it resorts into incorporating some balancing loops to aid in achieving its stated goals. At DOC, instances of this class of loops are numerous (Burgoyne, Araujo & Easterby-Smith, 2000). This is because DOC has many plans for bringing new products to the market, therefore, creating a balancing loop. The interaction occurring between the two states results into formation of the gap.  Ã‚  

Rich culture Essay Example for Free

Rich culture Essay Japan is known for its rich culture. Among its many customs and traditions, music is considered to be one of the most essential parts of its culture. The Japanese’ passion for music, particularly traditional folk song music, continues to be a part of their daily lives. Despite the fact that their musical culture has gone through evolution as a result of change in lifestyles and mass media development, they still look at music as an important part of their heritage. For the Japanese, folk music is a medium through which they are able to express their inner feelings, ideas and thoughts. It is also through these songs that they are able to relate their experiences in life and the many ways that they deal with them. These songs depict their daily ways of living such as farming, fishing, mining, and even religious events, to mention a few. To date, traditional folk songs still exist in the different provinces in Japan. It is common among the older generations and sung mostly for recreational purposes. Harich-Schneider believes that because of the influences brought about by Western music and global modernization, Japan’s traditional folk songs are no longer as popular as it was in the ancient times. Over the years, fans and professional folk song singers have decreased. However, the tradition is sustained not only in art music but in the rich variety of folk traditions all over Japan (E. Harich-Schneider: 1973). Just like the Japanese, music plays a vital role in the American culture particularly in the lives of Native Americans. Their music also depicts their regional traditions and customs, history as well as the education of tribes in North America. Rooted in the folk music of many countries such as Ireland, England, Africa, and Scotland, their folk songs introduced the birth of American folk dances such as the buck dance and square dance. Although still dependent on each of North America region’s tradition, their folk songs have developed and taken numerous regional styles especially in the kind of instruments used. Each region still maintains some of the more popular folk songs despite the differences in repertoire and style. Contrary to the perception that traditional folk songs are now unpopular among the Americans, they are actually still alive and well in many parts of the country. Musicians and bands all over the nation are putting great efforts to continue the folk songs tradition. One of these includes the establishment of folk music schools that provide instruction in old-time music. In California, there are summer camps for children and adults as well as families that offer many different concepts of folk music instruction. These programs, which are also available in other US states, saw an increase in people wanting to learn folk music. It can be noted that the Americans are committed to keep this unique tradition alive. Despite the thousands of songs and tunes that have evolved over the years, American folk musicians still heavily rely on this tradition and learn new folk songs. As has been the tradition, folk song writers aim to engage the listeners and evoke their emotions just like how the older counterparts did many years ago. The American traditional folk songs will continue to evolve for as long as there is music. Because it is the sound of the people, it will go on telling tales of their daily lives, the challenges they faced as well as the history of their struggle and triumph in the country, albeit in a more modern fashion. Hence, it can be stated that while both Japan and America put value in their traditions, the latter seems to enjoy folk songs more as they have implemented ways to keep this custom alive not only for the benefit of today’s generation but for the future, as well. On the Taiko drummers, it is indeed an artistic demonstration of superb blending of stick work during performances. Exhilarating energy and amazing speed during Taiko drumming is required. Similarly, percussion instruments such as drums and flutes also occupy an important role in the music of Native Americans. Like the Taiko drums, Native American drums are also huge and played by a group of individuals. The action required when playing these drums is high and often requires great strength. References: E. Harich-Schneider, A History of Japanese Music (1973). http://www. ctmsfolkmusic. org/about/programs/MusicInSchools. asp Japan is known for its rich culture. Among its many customs and traditions, music is considered to be one of the most essential parts of its culture. The Japanese’ passion for music, particularly traditional folk song music, continues to be a part of their daily lives. Despite the fact that their musical culture has gone through evolution as a result of change in lifestyles and mass media development, they still look at music as an important part of their heritage. For the Japanese, folk music is a medium through which they are able to express their inner feelings, ideas and thoughts. It is also through these songs that they are able to relate their experiences in life and the many ways that they deal with them. These songs depict their daily ways of living such as farming, fishing, mining, and even religious events, to mention a few. To date, traditional folk songs still exist in the different provinces in Japan. It is common among the older generations and sung mostly for recreational purposes. Harich-Schneider believes that because of the influences brought about by Western music and global modernization, Japan’s traditional folk songs are no longer as popular as it was in the ancient times. Over the years, fans and professional folk song singers have decreased. However, the tradition is sustained not only in art music but in the rich variety of folk traditions all over Japan (E. Harich-Schneider: 1973). Just like the Japanese, music plays a vital role in the American culture particularly in the lives of Native Americans. Their music also depicts their regional traditions and customs, history as well as the education of tribes in North America. Rooted in the folk music of many countries such as Ireland, England, Africa, and Scotland, their folk songs introduced the birth of American folk dances such as the buck dance and square dance. Although still dependent on each of North America region’s tradition, their folk songs have developed and taken numerous regional styles especially in the kind of instruments used. Each region still maintains some of the more popular folk songs despite the differences in repertoire and style. Contrary to the perception that traditional folk songs are now unpopular among the Americans, they are actually still alive and well in many parts of the country. Musicians and bands all over the nation are putting great efforts to continue the folk songs tradition. One of these includes the establishment of folk music schools that provide instruction in old-time music. In California, there are summer camps for children and adults as well as families that offer many different concepts of folk music instruction. These programs, which are also available in other US states, saw an increase in people wanting to learn folk music. It can be noted that the Americans are committed to keep this unique tradition alive. Despite the thousands of songs and tunes that have evolved over the years, American folk musicians still heavily rely on this tradition and learn new folk songs. As has been the tradition, folk song writers aim to engage the listeners and evoke their emotions just like how the older counterparts did many years ago. The American traditional folk songs will continue to evolve for as long as there is music. Because it is the sound of the people, it will go on telling tales of their daily lives, the challenges they faced as well as the history of their struggle and triumph in the country, albeit in a more modern fashion. Hence, it can be stated that while both Japan and America put value in their traditions, the latter seems to enjoy folk songs more as they have implemented ways to keep this custom alive not only for the benefit of today’s generation but for the future, as well. On the Taiko drummers, it is indeed an artistic demonstration of superb blending of stick work during performances. Exhilarating energy and amazing speed during Taiko drumming is required. Similarly, percussion instruments such as drums and flutes also occupy an important role in the music of Native Americans. Like the Taiko drums, Native American drums are also huge and played by a group of individuals. The action required when playing these drums is high and often requires great strength. References: E. Harich-Schneider, A History of Japanese Music (1973). http://www. ctmsfolkmusic. org/about/programs/MusicInSchools. asp

Performance Assesments Essay -- essays papers

Performance Assesments Due to the implementation of this new law, states are required to annually test all students in public schools. Anthony Rebora (2004) states that â€Å"by the 2005-2006 school years, states must begin testing students in grades 3-8 in the areas of reading, math, and writing† (p. 1). In the 2007-2008 school years, science will be added in to the testing material. The tests must meet the requirements of the states academic standards. They are supposed to bring all students up to the proficient level on their assessments by the 2013-2014 school years. Rebora (2004) also observed that the academic content and achievement standards define what all children should know in order to be considered proficient in each state (p. 2). These state assessments are a mechanism for checking whether schools have been successful in teaching students the knowledge and skills characterized by the content standards. In an article, titled â€Å"test and punish† in NEA Today, â€Å"the number of schools that missed Adequate Yearly Progress for two or more years reached 6, 794 or 12 percent of the schools in those states† (Lochert, 2004, p. 10). Although former Education Secretary, Rod Paige believes that results show that No Child Left Behind is working and test scores are rising, other officials say that the credit associated with the rising scores go to other factors. These factors include, teaching students test taking skills, the new regulations that permit some to exempt some students’ scores, and there are more students taking the required tests. In previous years, some schools were labeled inadequate because not enough students took the assessments. (Toppo, 2004) It has become largely popular for teachers to focus more on... ...ents being able to interact with their environment. Lochert, K. (2004, November). Test and Punish. NEA Today, 10. This article talks about Adequate Yearly Progress. The standards that each school must meet to comply with the No Child Left Behind Law. It gives statistics that attempt to show that many schools will not reach the goal. Schemo, D. J. (2004, March 25). 14 States Ask U.S. to Revise Some Education Law Rules. The New York Times. There are many states that disagree with the law and feel that its requirements are far too strict. This article explains why the states think the law is unfair. They feel that any progress in the academic rates or proficiencies of students should be more important than ensuring that one hundred percent of students are at a sufficient level by a certain date. They signed a letter asking for it to be redesigned.

Military Compensation versus Civilian Compensation

The advantages of a career in the U. S. military greatly outweigh working in a civilian career when considering compensation such as education, salary, health care, and retirement. In today’s economy, everyone is looking to receive the most from his or her employer. A person wants a salary that can provide for his or her family, a healthcare plan with little out-of-pocket cost, retirement benefits to plan for the future, and an education that makes it all that possible.The military offers exemplary tuition assistance and salary when benefits such as the basic housing allowance are taken into consideration. In the same way, the military’s retirement plans and health care benefits are superior to that of civilian employers because of its low cost. The following will compare military compensation to civilian compensation, and why a career in the military provides a superior benefit package. Although there are some benefits to civilian compensation packages, the military of fers the best educational program. Few civilian employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees.Those that do offer tuition reimbursement; require that the employee pay the cost of tuition up front and complete the class before receiving reimbursement. The employee must also maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to qualify for tuition reimbursement. Once an employee has completed his or her education, the employer often requires the person to remain employed for a certain amount of time after receiving tuition reimbursement. If the employee terminates employment before the agreed upon timeframe, the employee may have to repay tuition reimbursement funds, (Smith, 2008).Unlike civilian employers, the military offers a superior education program called the GI Bill. The GI Bill pays full tuition and fees to the school, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual books and supplies stipend, (U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2011). In the same way, The GI Bill requires that the service member maintains a certain GPA and consequently, if a service member fails to complete or pass a class, he or she must reimburse the Veteran Affairs Educational Department. An additional advantage of The GI Bill is the ability to relinquish benefits to a spouse or a child.Therefore, by choosing a career in the military a person has many more opportunities to advance his or her education versus choosing a civilian career, where educational opportunities are limited. Admittedly, there are some benefits to the civilian compensation structure, the total military compensation package is better. According to â€Å"Entry Level Salary† (n. d), the average salary for an entry-level civilian position is $37,000. 00 per year, whereas as entry-level military base salary is $16,000. 00 per year, (Dyer, 2008).Compensating for low salaries, the military offers sign on bonuses of up to $40,000.00, (The Scoop On Army Enlistment Bonuses, 2010), basic housing allowances, basic allow ance for subsistence, overseas pay when stationed in another country, and hazard duty pay when deployed to a hazardous theater. Another significant difference between the two employers is how wage increases and promotions are received. The majority of civilian employers use annual performance reviews to reward employees with a pay raise or a promotion whereas military service members must meet time in service, time in grade, performance and education standards to receive a promotion and a raise.In conclusion, the military does receive a better compensation package when bonuses, basic housing allowance, and other itemized pay are taken into consideration. While civilian and military employers both offer similar retirement plans, military employees have a more cost-efficient plan. Civilians have two types of retirement plans to choose from: a defined-benefit plan and a defined-contribution plan. Defined-benefit plans have a pension of some kind that the employer pays for and a defined -contribution plan is typically a 401k that an employee invests his or her own money in to, (The CNA Corporation, 2008).Becoming eligible for a defined-benefit plan requires that employees work for the company for a minimum of five years; however, retirement payouts are larger the longer an employee stays with a company. Civilian employees must also wait until at least age 62 to retire and can retire anytime between the age 62 and 70; however, retirement benefits are reduced when an employee retires early. Military retirement plans are very different from their civilian counterparts, in that military service members do not invest any money into their retirement plan.After 15 years of service a military employee can choose between two plans: a standard High-3 plan or a Redux retirement plan. The standard High-3 plan bases retirement pay on the highest average basic pay for 36 months of a service member’s career. Choosing the Redux retirement plan, a service member will receive a $30,000. 00 bonus, a percentage-based annuity, and basic pay. Military employees can retire after 20 years of service, so the average age of a service member at retirement is age 40. Another remarkable benefit that military service members can use for retirement is a thrift savings plan that resembles a civilian 401k.The most significant difference in a thrift savings plan is that the military does not match any employee contributions. By not matching what a service member invests into a thrift savings plan the employee can contribute more money into a tax-deferred plan than he or she could contribute to an individual retirement account, (The CNA Corporation, 2008). By not contributing to a retirement plan, military service members will save more money and be able to invest more toward a future than civilian employees.Although military and civilian employers both offer health care benefits, the benefits offered by the military are more cost efficient. Civilian employer’s h ealth care packages require an employee to pay an average annual premium of $13,000. 00 to cover a family’s health care. Employees must also incur the cost of copays, an amount a person pays at the time of service; and deductibles, an amount that the insured person must meet before health benefits are used. When choosing a doctor, hospital, or specialist; a civilian healthcare plan has several limitations to overcome.On the contrary, active duty service members pay no premiums, copays, or deductibles for health care benefits. Unlike civilian employers, the military offers health care benefits to reserve (part-time) service members, veterans, and retired personnel at low-cost, affordable rates and service members can use any doctor, hospital, or specialist that accepts TRICARE, the military’s main healthcare provider. The government is working on raising the standards of civilian health care to the more cost-efficient plan the military has incorporated; however, there i s still much to accomplish.In conclusion, when choosing a compensation package based on education, salary, retirement, and health care; the military offers a superior compensation package than that of a civilian career. Choosing a military career will not only provide compensation and health care to take care of a family, it will provide a retirement plan for the future and an education to better oneself. Most of all, when looking at civilian and military compensation packages side-by-side a potential employee can determine that the best option is a military career for its stability and cost-efficient compensation packages.

Business and Society Case 1 Essay

Business and Society have a complicated relationship. Organizations make products or deliver services with the goal of making a profit. Human beings and social structures that humans create together make up society. Businesses and society are of an interactive system. Business firms participate in continuous interactions or exchanges with its external environment. Society and business make up a cooperative social system where each other’s actions affect one another. In the stakeholder theory of the firm, all businesses have a purpose to create value for its diverse stakeholders. For these organizations to stick around, they must make a profit for their owners and, in addition, businesses must understand and take all stakeholders’ interests, power, and alliances into account and thus try to create different kinds of value for their stakeholders, whether for employees, communities, or others. Businesses must recognize who the corporation’s market and nonmarket stakeholders are. Every business firm has economic and social relationships with society, whether they affect positively or negatively; are intended or unintended. Stakeholders are those who affect or are affected by the firm, whether they have a market relationship or not. Often with multiple interests in mind, the stakeholders can implement their economic, political, and other powers in ways that can help or defy the organization. Stakeholders may act independent or together to impact the companies. Modern corporations developed a range of complex, boundary-crossing departments that manage of interactions with stakeholders and society. For instance, Walmart has a huge impact on society and must effectively and efficiently deal with stakeholders interests. A number of vast factors mold the relationship between business and society. These include changing societal and ethical expectations, shifting public expectations and government policies, fast paced global economy, dealing with ecological concerns , and changing the transformational role of technology and innovation. Corporate strategy has to deal with expectations of all stakeholders and even society itself. Application Points Chapter 1 Discussion Questions 1. The issue in this case is simply that Disney had a vision of making people feel like they are â€Å"in another world† while they were in Disneyland. Although, this interferes with companies coming into their territory and building affordable housing for people who work within the walls of Disneyland. Disney ultimately has the final say in the matter because of their continuous revenue stream for the city of Anaheim. This means that no matter what Disney will get what it wants. 2. The relevant market stakeholders include the employees, customers, suppliers, and creditors. The nonmarket stakeholders include the community, governments, and the general public. 3. Stakeholder interests a. Employees – have a more affordable housing complex near Disneyland (support SunCal’s plan) b. Customers – have a fun and memorable time at Disneyland (most likely indifferent to the situation, but are affected indirectly) c. Suppliers – Ultimately make or lose money geared on the success of Disneyland (do not support SunCal) d. Creditors – Also rely on Disney revenue stream (do not support SunCal) e. Community – The city of Anaheim benefits with Disneyland tax payments (do not support SunCal) f. Governments – Same as Community g. General Public – benefit from Disneyland revenue (do not support SunCal) 4. The employees obviously have the right to quit or abstain from working for Disneyland, the customers can choose to not come to the park, the suppliers really have no power seeing the Disneyland is most likely their main source of revenue, and the creditors can chose to finance elsewhere. 6. The best possible solution would be for SunCal to move their projected idea of building the affordable housing further away from right next door to Disneyland. The employees would be more than happy to agree to an affordable housing that is a couple of miles away than having to live outside of the city and commute into work. Everyone then becomes happy with the situation from this simple solution.

Free Essays on Pediatric Strokes

Pediatric Stroke A pediatric stroke is a life threatening event in which part of the brain is deprived of oxygen. Strokes can occur in children of all ages. It can even occur in the fetus. (Pathak 2000 p.1) Children are much less likely to have a stroke than older adults. (Behrman, Kliegman, Jenson 2000) They are at higher risk for a stroke if they have congenital heart disease, sickle cell anemia, or a wide variety of other conditions and possible traumas. Although children suffering a stroke will have similar signs as an adult, it takes the family longer to realize what is going on. Adult symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination, severe headache with no known causes. When a pediatric stoke is treated as soon as possible, the child has a significantly greater chance of a voiding permanent medical affects, such as cerebral palsy or paralysis on one side of the body. Dr. Mayank Pathak states that â€Å"there are two major categories of strokes. These are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes†(2000 p.2). The most common type is the ischemic stroke, which is caused by a prolonged lack of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Dr. Pathak has concluded that ischemic strokes are usually associated with disorders that promote the clotting of blood or cause inflammation of the arteries, which in turn promotes clotting within them† (2000 p.3). Dr. Pathak also states that the â€Å"second Pediatric Stroke 3 type of stroke is a hemorrhagic. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks open or develops a hole in its wall through which blood begins to leak directly into the brain tissue or into the clear liquid which surround the brain and fills its central cavities† (2000 p. 3). Symptoms of an is... Free Essays on Pediatric Strokes Free Essays on Pediatric Strokes Pediatric Stroke A pediatric stroke is a life threatening event in which part of the brain is deprived of oxygen. Strokes can occur in children of all ages. It can even occur in the fetus. (Pathak 2000 p.1) Children are much less likely to have a stroke than older adults. (Behrman, Kliegman, Jenson 2000) They are at higher risk for a stroke if they have congenital heart disease, sickle cell anemia, or a wide variety of other conditions and possible traumas. Although children suffering a stroke will have similar signs as an adult, it takes the family longer to realize what is going on. Adult symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination, severe headache with no known causes. When a pediatric stoke is treated as soon as possible, the child has a significantly greater chance of a voiding permanent medical affects, such as cerebral palsy or paralysis on one side of the body. Dr. Mayank Pathak states that â€Å"there are two major categories of strokes. These are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes†(2000 p.2). The most common type is the ischemic stroke, which is caused by a prolonged lack of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Dr. Pathak has concluded that ischemic strokes are usually associated with disorders that promote the clotting of blood or cause inflammation of the arteries, which in turn promotes clotting within them† (2000 p.3). Dr. Pathak also states that the â€Å"second Pediatric Stroke 3 type of stroke is a hemorrhagic. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks open or develops a hole in its wall through which blood begins to leak directly into the brain tissue or into the clear liquid which surround the brain and fills its central cavities† (2000 p. 3). Symptoms of an is...

New Horizons in the Outer Solar System

New Horizons in the Outer Solar System The outer solar system  is  the region of space  beyond the planet Neptune,  and the last frontier. The Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft have passed beyond the orbit of Neptune, but have not encountered any more worlds. That all changed with the  New Horizons mission.  The spacecraft spent 10 years flying out to Pluto, and then swept past the ​dwarf planet  on July 14, 2015. It not only looked at Pluto and its five  known moons, but the spacecrafts cameras mapped part of the surface. Other instruments concentrated on finding out more about the atmosphere. New Horizons mages  show that Pluto has a complex surface  with icy plains made of nitrogen ice, surrounded by jagged mountains consisting mostly of water ice. It turns out that Pluto was far more fascinating than anyone expected!   Now that it has passed Pluto, New Horizons  will explore the Kuiper Belt - a region of the solar system that stretches out beyond the planet Neptune and  populated with so-called  Kuiper Belt Objects  (KBOs). The best-known KBOs are  dwarf planets  Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, Eris, and Haumea.  The mission has been approved to visit another dwarf planet called 2014 MU69, and will sweep past it on January 1, 2018. Luckily, this little world lies right along the missions flight path.   In the far distant future,  New Horizons  will enter the fringes of the Oort Cloud (the shell of icy particles that surrounds the solar system, named for  astronomer Jan Oort).   After that, it will traverse space forever.   New Horizons:ItsEyes and Ears New Horizons  science instruments were designed to answer questions about Pluto, such as: what does its surface look like? What surface features does it have, such as impact craters or canyons, or mountains?  Whats in its atmosphere? Lets take a look at the spacecraft and its specialized eyes and ears that have shown us so much about Pluto.   Ralph:  a high-resolution mapper with visible and infrared cameras to gather data that will help create very good maps of Pluto and Charon. Alice:  an imaging spectrometer sensitive to ultraviolet light, and built to probe Pluto’s atmosphere. A spectrometer separates light into its wavelengths, like a prism does. Alice  works to produce an image of the target at each wavelength, and will be able to study the â€Å"airglow† at Pluto. Airglow happens when gases in the atmosphere are excited (heated). Alice will track light from a distant star or the Sun through Pluto’s atmosphere to pick out wavelengths of light absorbed by Plutos air, which tells us what the atmosphere contains. REX:  short for radio experiment. It contains sophisticated electronics and is part of the radio telecommunications system. It can measure the weak radio emission from Pluto, and take the temperature of its night side.   LORRI:  the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager,a telescope with a 8.2-inch (20.8-centimeter) aperture that focuses visible light onto a charge coupled device (CCD). Near the time of closest approach, LORRI was built to look at Plutos surface at football-field size resolution.You can see some early images from LORRI here. Pluto travels through the solar wind, a stream of charged particles sweeping out from the Sun. So, New Horizons has the Solar Wind Around Pluto (SWAP) detector to measure charged particles from the solar wind to determine whether Pluto has a magnetosphere (a zone of protection created by its magnetic field) and how fast the Plutonian atmosphere is escaping. New Horizons has another plasma-sensing instrument called the Pluto Energetic Particle Spectrometer Science Investigation (PEPSSI). It will search for neutral atoms that escape Plutos atmosphere and subsequently become charged by their interaction with the solar wind. New Horizons involved college students from the University of Colorado as builders of the Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter, which counts and measures the sizes of dust particles in interplanetary space.

Ethical case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Ethical case - Essay Example This paper thus discusses the issues facing Lisa when challenging current policies and procedures of the acquired company from both ethical and professional perspectives. One ethical issue Lisa applied was ensuring that the corporate assets were secure. In her one year in charge as the financial manager, she faced a significant acquisition with a total cost of $10 billion. Her company acquired a prestige fragrance company. Lisa’s challenge in this case was to ensure that the acquired company came together with the parent organization in an ethical, appropriate manner. She also had to ensure that there were no unethical practices on the part of the project. Also, the management team responsible for the acquisition and integration of the company. Additionally, she had to ensure that the acquired companies were not practicing inappropriate accounting practices in order to inflate their sales or earnings. One of the stakeholders involved in ethical issue is Lisa, but he faced opposition from the controller Mr. Anderson. Lisa prepared a meeting with the parent company with a focus on accounting manual and a plan for valuation of the company’s assets. It was apparent that these documents were of little interest to Mr. Anderson. He was polite and professional, but his management style was clearly dictatorial. Anderson had worked for twelve years in the Prestige Fragrance Company and attained some several promotions. He was a CPA, who had a background in major accounting firm and had contributed a lot in the growth of the company. All this earned him respect from the Board of Directors, but it was evident that he was not happy to be in part of a smaller division in a much larger company. Lisa was very concerned about the acquired assets and the unusually high proportion of â€Å"other assets† on the balance sheet. This made her to review her preliminary observation with Anderson. She was of the view that often items in this category

The future of healthcare Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The future of healthcare - Coursework Example The administrators have to keep up with advances technology by updating their skills in technology to offer guidance on the use of these technologies (Mandl & Kohane, 2012). In the next decade, the proportion of America senior citizens will increase. The average life expectancy in the US has risen from 47 years in 1900 to about 79 years, and it is estimated that it will be around 84 in 2050 (Schiller et al., 2012). Death rates are gradually reducing as the life expectancy of the people goes up. The changing trend will compel health care administrators to increase funds for the long-term care and develop substitutes for nursing homes. The rise in the number of older patients from the Boomer generation and the loss of providers is a significant challenge to the health care system in the country (Schiller et al., 2012). Administrators have to ensure that they set aside enough resources to guarantee that the aged patients receive the much-needed medical services. Improved funding will ensure that the old generation receives the best medical services. Schiller, S., Lucas, W., Ward, W., & Peregoy, A. (2012). Summary health statistics for US Adults: National health interview survey, 2010. Vital and Health Statistics. Series 10, Data from The National Health Survey, (252),

Hilton Hotels Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Hilton Hotels - Case Study Example 2The following are the roles that human resources have been played at the Hilton Hotels all over the world. Employees at the Hilton Hotels are extremely efficient in the delivery of services, the employees have been receiving training with an attempt to see to it that they are seen to be efficient, training is also a way by which workers are empowered and therefore this is a strategy aimed at achieving employee loyalty.3 Efficiency in economics refers to a situation in which a firm production process is optimum to avoid unnecessary expenses.4 Any guest visiting any of the Resorts leaves no room to complain after having been served by the company's employees who are highly trained. While inside the hotels the customers are attended to by the employees, who are on duty during the day and night. 5 All the 48000 rooms are fixed with telephones services just to ensure that the customers regardless of the status are attended to as he or she wishes. Orders made at the hotel Are delivered with the shortest time possible, this is mainly facilitated by the efficiency of the Chefs and the Waiters and the waitresses.6 The Hilton Hotel rooms are serviced daily and beddings and other e... fe saver attendants whose work is to ensure the safety of the guests enjoying their stay and taking a swim at the pool, should any emergency occur, the attendants who are at the pools at any time of the day and night attend to this and therefore reducing fatalities, a report on Five star Hotels in Europe showed that Hilton Resorts was top three in Efficiency with less that sixteen percent accidents 2006.Hilton Hotels therefore maintains high levels of efficiency.7 2. Customer satisfaction There are several ways to know whether a customer has been satisfied by the services and goods you are offering them, the aim of this findings is to ensure that those customers coming back and also is to see that customers responses are positive at all times. Customer's example tourists and government officials who visit various countries have been accommodated by Hilton Hotels. Various dignitaries including Presidents, ambassadors, have developed the tendency of making sure that they are booked to Hilton Hotels wherever they go, they shows that they have been getting satisfaction in the process of being the guest of the hotels. The human resources department in all the Hilton hotel resorts have trained their employees to ensure they impress their guests by way of ensuring that they are handled with care right from the time they show up at the reception with their luggage's being taken care of by attendants, and the Hotels have a policy of ensuring that each guest is assigned to a particular hospitable staff who attends to his or her need during the time period the customer stays at the hotel.8 The Hilton Hotel employee makes sure that their guests are extremely impressed with the services offered at the hotel. This ultimately ensures that the customers are satisfied with the

Case Study Templeton hardware

Case Study Templeton hardware Executive Summary This report provides an analysis on the case study of Templeton hardware and its acquisition of the two companies, namely lodestone landscapes and the great outdoors. Through this case study of Templeton hardware, it can be seen that the acquisition of this two companies have had its detrimental effects, therefore requiring the need to accurately identify the source problems. Three toolkits are used in this report to diagnose the issues that are present. They are namely SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), six thinking hats and brainstorming. These toolkits help to remove the communication barriers and organisational conflicts which are present. Adding to the toolkits, interventions could be used together with the toolkits to ease the change process in the organisation. The report proceeds on to provide further recommendation which could be used as a platform to make necessary changes to curb the economic downfall of Templeton Hardware. The recommendation s thus aim to aid in the recovery process. It is recommended that Templeton Hardware should set goals and targets with their employees which are both challenging and achievable. This would enhance cooperation and cohesiveness among the employees in the company. Intervention strategies can also be used to achieve the organizations overall effectiveness. 1. Introduction This report recommends measures and solutions to Templeton Hardware on improving business prospects and helping the organization restructure in the best approach to enhance its performance. The toolkits that have been used to diagnose and identify key issues are the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), six thinking hats and brainstorming. 1.1 Case Overview and Key Issues Templeton Hardware was Australias leading hardware chain. It acquired The Great Outdoors and Lodestone Landscapes to cement its place as the leading retailer of â€Å"all things outdoor†. Its CEO, Jacquie Todori overconfidence had drove what was later discovered as a poor business decision with detrimental effects for the organisation. The Difference in management styles caused organisational conflicts and problems started to arise one at a time. Expectations were not met and the business as a whole was spiralling downwards at an alarming rate. The board was not happy with Jacquies decision and was anticipating changes to the company. 2. Diagnosis 2.1 SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is employed at a management level to evaluate the current position of the business and determine future management strategies by putting problems into perspective. It also helps to uncover opportunities that can be exploited, manage and minimise threats, understand business weaknesses and capatalise on company strengths (Clark, 2008). 2.1.1 Strengths Strengths are the internal characteristics of the business that give it a competitive edge over others(Marketing Teacher, 2000). Templeton Hardware was recognised as Australias biggest hardware chain which shows its position as a market leader. They secured a significant portion of the market share and had the capability to acquire two established companies. Templeton Hardware had a constant growth vision to expand and diversify its companys products and to enter different market segments to make it more profitable. Part of its growth vision required decisions which had adverse effects and Templeton Hardwares willingness to take the risk to acquire the two companies can be considered a strength. Templeton Hardwares decision to offer jobs to the franchisees shows the necessary measures taken to retain employees and keep them in employment without retrenching them. 2.1.2 Weaknesses Weaknesses are internal aspects that could possibly endanger the business or obstruct further economic growth (Mindtools, 1996). Insufficient market research and lack of foresight led to a decline in sales targets and failing to achieve its profit expectations. The loss of product exclusivity resulted in Templeton Caravans not being able to attract its primary target audience, essentially the baby boomers, whom were perceived as having the capital and mindset to purchase caravans. Templeton Caravans had clearly failed to understand the trends, mindset and spending patterns of baby boomers and that led to dissatisfaction and avoidance. The change in management style saw few franchisees from Lodestone Landscapes accept offers in the new organisation, namely Templeton Landscape Solutions, and even they decided to leave after a period of time. The acquisition of The Great Outdoors led to generic products being produced. Products were generally seen as being mass produced and not client s pecific. By outsourcing the projects it had received, Templeton Landscape Solutions managed its talents poorly and overall service standards dropped. The company as a whole saw negative survey comments and this poor feedback started to feed its growing unfavourable reputation. The organisation also had ineffective management of its resources and had not been hiring enough staff to ensure work ran efficiently in the optimum manner. 2.1.3 Opportunities Opportunities are external aspects that an organisation can use to its advantage to improve existing conditions (The Economic Times, 2014). Templeton Hardware should first look into achieving a good financial position which would improve its declining reputation and would enable it to secure bank loans for future investments. It should also look into sending its employees and management executives for team building activities and to increase the cohesiveness among them. By providing its staff with the relevant skills, its workforce can be effectively managed and relevant departments could have job specialists who have broad knowledge on their job scope. This helps to reduce the role ambiguity among its staff since an employee is assigned to few specific tasks and not many interdepartmental roles. Templeton Hardware could also invest in technological infrastructure to improve its customer management system. Employees can then follow up with clients in a more efficient manner and this removes the need for clients to repeat themselves which dealing with different. This system could also record a history of transactions to facilitate future purchases or warranty conditions. Templeton Hardware could move into creating a conglomerate-like business model by having unrelated businesses running under one roof, move its existing products into new market sectors or seek takeover opportunities from competitors whom are on the verge of bankruptcy. 2.1.4 Threats Threats are components in the business environment that could cause potentially cause trouble for the organisation (The Economic Times, 2014). The large and increasing number of competitors could give potential choices to its customers and could deter them from purchasing at Templeton Hardware. This could lead to loss of market share and revenue and pave further downfall. Continuous usage of outsourcing its projects can result in its outsourcing companies becoming competitors in the future as they will now have direct contact with the clients. With respect to its employees, the companys inability to retain existing employees would cause a loss in tacit knowledge and staffs years of experience and it may have to consume time and resources to train new employees. The rising cost of wages and higher employer to employee contributions could affect the profitability of the business. Also, if Templetons existing products lines become unpopular or not needed in large quantities, downsizing of the organisation would be a looming possibility. The SWOT analysis diagnoses in a prioritised manner and actions can be taken accordingly. The SWOT analysis offers a way of collecting data but can sometimes be used as an overview of the situation. 2.2 Six Thinking Hats The Six Thinking Hats is used in business settings by various organizations. During meetings, everyone present would have to put on different hats and approach the problems from different perspectives. This notion allows organizations to diagnose issues effectively, make better decisions and come up with creative ideas (De Bono Consulting, 2000). There is no one best approach to using the six thinking hats with reference to which hat should be used first. 2.2.1 White Thinking Hat This hat is used to gather information that is required to address the issue at hand. Data is presented objectively without the presence of arguments and beliefs. (Volunteering North Queensland Inc, 2003) In the case of Templeton Hardware, it can be seen that it is currently facing an economic downfall and the presence of a new competitor in the market added pressure. Templeton Hardware had acquired two reputable companies, namely The Great Outdoors and Lodestone Landscapes. After the acquisitions, the franchisees were offered jobs but they were rejected. The centralized outlook was seen by the baby boomers as a big generic business which impacted the exclusivity of the caravans. Feedback from customers projected poor customer follow-up, constant rotation of sales persons and poor time management. The customers also disliked the impersonal approach of Templeton Hardware and outsourcing. Lastly, the board was unhappy as the business was declining. 2.2.2 Red Thinking Hat Feelings and emotions are addressed when using this hat. (De Bono Thinking Systems, 1992). The red hat identified the boards unhappiness and frustrations with the company’s performance. In addition, the franchisees who were offered jobs after Templeton Hardwares acquisition left after sometime due to conflicting management styles. The board was also fearful of losing the companys image and reputation to a competitor. The annoyance and dissatisfaction among customers was evident through the feedback received and the baby boomers were disappointed with the lack of exclusivity of the caravans. 2.2.3 Black Thinking Hat This hat helps to identify complications and limitations in a situation and helps to steer the organization into the right path. (Mercier Associates, 2012). The lack of market research conducted prior to the two acquisitions and the overconfidence of the board led to the downfall of Templeton Hardware. The board was not prepared for failure and there was no contingency plans in the event of a failure. Templeton Hardware did not understand the spending trends and mindset of their target audience, namely the baby-boomers, which led to the outlook of low brand exclusivity. This resulted in declining sales and possible bankruptcy. Poor customer service was evident from the customer feedback. Clients were unhappy that Templeton Hardware outsourced their projects instead of getting it done on their own. However, the shortage of manpower could be one of the factors why it had done so. It may be necessary for Templeton Hardware to increase their expenditure with regards to hiring new staff and training them. 2.2.4 Yellow Thinking Hat This hat signifies positive thinking, new possibilities and advantages. (Volunteering North Queensland Inc, 2003). The acquisitions of the two companies showed Templeton Hardwares plans to enter a new market segment and increase its profits. By increasing its staff, its efficiency can improve and can lead to a positive impact on sales targets and customer satisfaction. Better sales numbers can also increase the long-term sustainability of the organization and market share with the possibility of overthrowing its competitor. 2.2.5 Green Thinking Hat This hat helps individuals to come up with new recommendations and alternatives to solve the company’s problems through creative thinking (Marissa Martinez, 2009). Templeton Hardwares board could restructure the organization into a more de-centralized one and re-brand its products to increase its exclusivity. Templeton Hardware can improve productivity and time management standards by looking at how other companies operate. Advertisements can be placed in the media for job positions and opportunities to bring in an influx of employees to solve the shortage of staff. Employees should be given opportunities to voice out their concerns and put through special programs to enhance their level of service orientation and communication skills when handling customers. Job scopes can also be better enlarged and enriched in order to improve performance standards. 2.2.6 Blue Thinking Hat This hat sets the agenda for meetings, manages the processes and helps to reach productive conclusions (De Bono Consulting, 2000). There is a primary need to identify the issues, analyse them and solve the problems. Some of the key objectives would be to ensure the long-term sustainability of the company, improving the job security of employees so as to prevent the shortage of manpower, improving customer satisfaction by sending the employees for training and lastly to regain a bigger piece of the market share in order to have a competitive edge over the new competitor. Templeton Hardware can reach these objectives by adopting a change in management. The staff should also be briefed about the challenges during and after the change (Holley et al, 2011). In addition, the creation of a clear company vision would better inform its employees of the company’s core values. It is also imperative that the transition is managed effectively and a momentum is sustained after this transiti on. After the transition period is over, the team can strategise to increase the profitability of the organization. 2.3 Brainstorming Brainstorming is often used as an effective tool to come up with innovative solutions for problems which may exist internally or externally in an organisation. A general process can be used to create an outline of the issues and solutions to the key problems (Oslapas, 1993). 2.3.1 Problem Definition The main problem to be addressed would be the declining yields and returns in Templeton Hardwares business model. The customers, the companys board and management and organisations circumstances are established criterias to be used to convene the brainstorming. 2.3.2 Collating Data Creating Solutions The management decision to acquire two new companies without enough market research and its lack of foresight is evident. It failed to foresee all the outcomes that may arise from the acquistion and was overconfident that the outcome would be a positive one. The solution would simply be to conduct more extensive research on market conditions and develop products according to the market needs and requirements. Templeton Hardware should also look into enhancing its brand value and exclusivity. The companys board should take a more proactive role in making major decisions from a broader perspective and contingency plans can be drawn up in the event of an adverse outcome. The change in management styles and poor employee management led to high job dissatisfaction levels. This impacted employee retention numbers and the employees willingness to remain at the organisation as they did not feel appreciated. The employees felt overworked and were unsure of their own job scope as they had been tasked with interdepartmental duties. Team building and bonding enables each of their staff to get to know one another better and increases the staff unity and morale (Spaho, 2013). To prevent the staff from feeling stagnant in their job, they should implement job enlargement measures by retaining its existing staff and retraining them with the necessary skills (Cloke et al, 2000). Employees can also be more involved in decision making as this would give them a sense of responsibility and make them feel valued in the company. A flatter organisation structure would bridge the gap between the management and the employees and help the management to get a bottom up persp ective from ground zero. Customer service declined as employees were usually engaged in multiple responsibilities. This made customers dissatisfied and sales targets were not achieved. Previously, it was perceived that if a customer had patronised the store and purchased something, he/she would return to make future transactions. However, this is a wrong perspective and Templeton Hardware should look into providing something which surpasses its competitors marketing strategies. This could be customer service or the use of an â€Å"no frills, rock bottom pricing† marketing strategy. By adopting a customer centric structure, they need to train staff to have higher service standards (Pathak, 2010). The staff should understand customer needs and should be rewarded accordingly using performance appraisals or awards as a form of recognition (Lucas, 2009). 3. Recommendations Templeton Hardware should look into team building and team bonding activities to enhance cohesiveness while increasing its autonomy to involved more employees in the decision making. It should retain and retrain existing staff to increase job productivity and specialisation. Temporary downsizing should be implemented if the situation calls for. Through investments in technological infrastructure and by adopting a customer centric structure, it can enhance its customer management system. Templeton Hardware can also create a RD department to conduct extensive market and product research. The board should also contribute by increasing its pro-activeness in making decisions and contingency planning. It can also look into potentially enhancing the brand value and image through marketing campaigns or word of mouth. 4. Conclusion In conclusion, by using the appropriate Organization Development Consultant’s Toolkits such as SWOT Analysis, Six Thinking Hats and brainstorming, a deeper perspective of the companys situation has been attained. The main problems have been identified and a constructive approach can be taken towards resolving the problems. From the diagnosis conducted using these toolkits, enhancing Templeton Hardwares overall cohesiveness while maintaining the level of employee performance and management is a realistic target. Furthermore, implementing structural change strategies during organization change would further enhance organization effectiveness and better facilitate the transition period.

Midieval Technology And Social Change :: essays research papers

Medieval Technology and Social Change Medieval Technology and Social Change Oxford University Press first published Medieval Technology and Social Change in 1962. It discusses the technological advances during the medieval times and how these changes affected society. The book's author, Lynn White, Jr., was born in San Francisco in 1907. Educated at Stanford, Union Theological, and Princeton, White taught at Princeton and the University of California at Los Angeles. He was also president of Mills College in Oakland from the 1940s to the 1960s. His other works include Medieval Religion and Technology: Collected Essays, published in 1978 and Life & Work in Medieval Europe, the Evolution of Medieval Economy from the Fifth to the Fifteenth Century, published in 1982. White's work has been influential both in medieval history and the history of science. In Medieval Technology and Social Change, White examines the role of technological innovation during the rise of social groups in the Middle Ages. White begins with the in vention of the stirrup. He shows how this innovation, in turn, introduced heavy, long-range cavalry to the medieval battlefield. The development thus escalated small-scale conflict to "shock combat." Cannons and flame-throwers followed, as did more peaceful inventions, such as watermills and reapers. White also reviews the development of the manorial system with the introduction of new kinds of plows and new methods of crop rotation. He reviews the evolution of the scratch plow into the heavy plow and explains the use of each type in different areas of Europe. White next discusses the social effects of feudalism and how it spread from the Franks to Spain and later to England. He shows that military service became a matter of class, with lands and titles being exchanged for the commitment to serve as mounted warriors. The concept of the knight's duty to his lord translated into chivalry and noble obligation. White then ventures into the slow collapse of feudalism, coming ab out with the development of machines and tools. This caused the introduction of factories, which took the place of cottage industries. Although White's work falls short in a few areas, it is valuable for the attention that it pays to aspects of medieval history that too often go ignored White's work is important because he advocates the importance of science and technology to medieval history. Before White, few scholars thought that any significant science or engineering was done in Europe during the Middle.

The Bully – Original Writing

Susan stood sobbing quietly in a toilet cubicle. She waited for the pounding footsteps to die away before emerging. Cautiously she gazed out of the entrance and then turned to face the dirty mirrors in front of her. She gently prodded the skin below her swelling left eye and flinched with pain. On examining her face she saw that as well as the blotchy redness that appears on your face after crying the beginnings of bruising were also emerging. She heard footsteps approaching and ran quickly back into the cubicle and locked the door. â€Å"Susan! Susan are you in here?† called a voice softly, â€Å"It's me, Nadine.† The door to the cubicle opened slowly and Susan emerged. â€Å"Oh my God!† exclaimed Nadine, â€Å"I heard them laughing and talking but I didn't think they'd actually done anything! Are you ok? Does it hurt?† â€Å"I'm fine!† snapped Susan â€Å"It doesn't matter now anyway. Do you have any foundation? I can't let Mom and Dad see this.† â€Å"Yeah, yeah of course I do† murmured Nadine; she had given up trying to persuade Susan to tell her parents about the bullies a long time ago. Nadine delved into her bag and pulled out a stick of foundation. The two girls went over the afternoons happenings as Susan carefully applied foundation to cover the bruising which was now a shade of red on her pale face. By the time she was finished the bell had rung and it was lunchtime. Susan and Nadine said goodbye and Susan left for home. â€Å"Susan? Is that you?† she heard her mother's voice sing from the sitting room. â€Å"Yeah, I wasn't feeling too good so I came home.† Susan mumbled. You should have called and asked me to pick you up† her mother replied sharply, † We bought you that mobile phone for a reason.† Susan, who was still standing in the hallway, hadn't told her parents about the gang of girls who tormented her. Therefore they did not know that her new Nokia phone had been stolen from her bag last week and by now had probably been sold on to someone for half the price Susan's parents had paid for it. â€Å"Susan? Come sit in here with me and I'll make you a nice cup of camomile tea.† â€Å"No it's ok mom,† Susan wondered why camomile tea was her mother's answer for everything, â€Å"I think I'll just go lie in my room for a while I've got a really bad headache.† And with that Susan trudged upstairs. â€Å"Susan! Nadine's on the phone!† her mother called upstairs sometime later. Susan padded across the hallway and picked up the extension in her parent's room she spoke to Nadine and assured her that she was all right, whilst going over the day's events in her head. She had not gone down for dinner that evening but had called hello to her father from the top of the stairs when he arrived home from work so that he would not get suspicious. Half an hour later Susan had hung up the phone and was trying to do a little revision for the GCSE's she had coming up later that year but her thoughts continued to return to the bullies. She wondered what would happen if she told her parents of the suffering she had endured due to her persecutors. She could imagine her mothers reaction, a completely over the top drama queen act during which she would insist on going directly to talk to the headmaster in whose office she would continually sob about her daughter's anguish and demand justice as though it were a court room. Her father on the other hand would tell her to stand up for herself and fight back. â€Å"You're a big girl now.† He would tell her in that patronising tone of voice she knew so well, â€Å"You can't continue to rely upon your mother and I to fight your battles for you. You have simply got to stand up for yourself.† Yeah, a fat lot of good telling them would do she told herself before falling in a fitful sleep. The next morning she heard her mother come bustling into the bedroom, â€Å"How are feeling today dear?† she asked in that singsong tone of voice that got on Susan's nerves. Remembering what had happened the previous day Susan quickly drew her head under her covers and told her mother in a muffled voice that she was feeling no better but agreed to have some breakfast and asked for a head ache tablet. As soon as her mom left the room Susan clambered out of her bed and looked into the mirror that hung above her dressing table. The bruising was not as bad as it had looked like it was going to be yesterday although, it was dark under her eye and along the left side of her face. Susan scurried into the bathroom, foundation in hand. By the time she went downstairs for breakfast it was impossible to see the bruising. Susan took that Friday off and by the time Monday morning arrived the violent wave of purple bruising was almost gone. Nadine arrived at Susan's house at 8-30am on Monday morning so that the two friends could walk to school together. â€Å"I thought I was never gonna get out of there!† exclaimed Susan as she locked the front gate on her way out. â€Å"Did they not notice the bruising at all?† Nadine asked looking at Susan's face, Susan had covered it with foundation and you couldn't tell there were any marks on her face whatsoever. â€Å"Nope. And even if they did they didn't say anything to me.† The girls walked in silence until they reached the school. Susan froze outside. â€Å"It'll be fine. They won't say anything.† Nadine assured her. † Yeah, it'll be fine.† Echoed Susan, speaking more to herself then Nadine. Susan walked into her registration class and immediately she saw them, Lauren and Sophie glared at her as she marched purposefully to her teacher's desk, taking out the note her mother had written Susan handed it to Mrs. Fraeser and sat down at her seat beside Nadine. Susan felt that the next few weeks were fairly manageable, the two bullies did not go out of their way to intimidate her. Instead they stuck to small things, tripping her in hallways and throwing Polo's at her, but she was able to cope with all the little things that Sophie and Lauren did to put her down. Soon, Susan found that she was feeling better than she had done in a long while, the bruising had completely vanished and she and Nadine were getting along fine. One Friday morning about four weeks after returning to school Susan and Nadine arranged to go shopping in town. â€Å"I'll pick you up at about 10am tomorrow morning!† called Nadine as the bell signalling the end of the lunch break rang. â€Å"Ok!† was Susan's reply as she gathered her bag and made her way out of the toilets. She felt someone bump into her and glanced up to apologise when she saw Sophie and Lauren standing in front of the door. Susan straightened up and looked about her, the three of them were alone except for a girl who was applying make-up at the sink. Hastily Susan grabbed her things and headed for the door but before she got there she felt someone grab her roughly by the arm, spinning round she saw Sophie's leering face. â€Å"You!† Lauren called to the little girl at the sink, â€Å"Get out!† The girl looked up questioningly but left the bathroom anyway. â€Å"Long time, no see. Wouldn't you say so?† muttered Sophie, tightening her grip. â€Å"Let me go!† said Susan through gritted teeth. â€Å"Now, now.† Lauren chided sarcastically â€Å"That's no way to talk is it? Not very nice at all.† â€Å"Let me go! I'll scream if I have to.† Susan's voice was becoming high-pitched and her eyes were filling with tears. â€Å"Ooh! Poor ickle baby gonna have a cry. Here, I'll give you something to cry about.† Muttered Sophie letting go of Susan's arm and punching her. Susan tried to hit back but the two bullies wouldn't back off, Susan felt the punches and kicks rain down on her body. She sank to the ground but Lauren pulled her back to her feet. â€Å"No, we're going to do it properly this time!† she yelled banging Susan's head on the tiled walls. After that Susan could not tell how many times she was punched and she felt as if there were more than two people hitting her, suddenly she felt someone grab her throat and felt her head bang off something solid. She slumped to the ground and felt warm, sticky blood running down the back of her neck and the last thing she heard before slipping out of consciousness was the sound of laughter and running footsteps. It was a few hours later when she woke up in a hospital room and heard her father's voice, â€Å"Susan? How do you feel?† he asked. â€Å"I've got a headache.† Susan answered groggily, looking around her. Immediately a nurse bustled into the room and began fluffing pillows and checking Susan's pupils and pulse. After the nurse left Susan saw her mother sitting in a chair at the foot of the bed. â€Å"We're so sorry that we let this happen to you. But you've got a very good friend who told us what has been going on.† Said her mother with tears in her eyes. At that Nadine stepped in from behind the curtains and smiled at Susan. â€Å"They're going to be expelled, They're never gong to be able to get at you again.† Nadine said approaching Susan's bed and squeezing her hand. Susan nodded before finally falling into a much yearned for peaceful slumber.

How does Salinger present the character of Holden in the opening pages of the text? Essay

Salinger uses a variety of linguistic and literary techniques to create a realistic voice for the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, and to give the reader an idea of how this is achieved and presents the major concerns and thoughts of the character and the novel through these techniques. Salinger attempts to create the voice of a contemporary teenager through writing in the vernacular of this intended voice – the use of crude, colloquial lexis that Holden uses resembles this through his repetitive and continuous use of â€Å"phony† throughout the novel, for example â€Å"what a phony slob he is.† The use of colloquial language, coupled with the protagonists conditional direct address to the reader â€Å"If you really want to know†, is used by Salinger as an allusion to Holden being somewhat reluctant to telling us about himself and his past which leans the reader towards thinking that Holden is not well and that there may be something in his past which has caused Holden to be the way he is. The conditional also suggests that Holden views his life as boring and uninteresting, ergo the intensifier â€Å"really† and the conditional â€Å"if† are used by Salinger to convey Holden’s minor reluctance. In addition, the direct address also creates an immediate tenor with the audience which is engaging for the reader. Moreover, the reader learns that the protagonist is a social pariah –â€Å"the whole school was there except me† – an outcast that actively rebels against society and life and this is the reason the character adopts a studied boredom approach to questions. Furthermore, Salinger reinforces Holden’s apparent dismissive attitude towards his own life through the use of the literary reference â€Å"David Copperfield kind of crap†. This conveys the impression that the protagonist does not think his life is worth telling when, further on, it becomes apparent that Holden does actually want to tell the reader about the â€Å"madman stuff† that has happened to him. The reader learns that Holden is uncertain about his future and, indeed, his life in general through the vague expression â€Å"when I go home next month maybe.† This makes the reader wonder if Holden is well mentally and physically, which would explain the â€Å"madman stuff.† The reader becomes aware that Holden as a character has a very limited ability to express himself, and often relies on idiosyncratic phrases to convey his thoughts and feelings where he is unable to with words. An example of this would be Holden’s use of the adjective â€Å"old† in â€Å"old Selma Thurner† which he uses to convey friendly affection feelings towards the character. The protagonist also uses hyperbole to convey his emotions and thoughts, too, though generally in a much more sarcastic manner as illustrated by â€Å"supposed to commit suicide if old Pencey didn’t win†. As noted above, the reader learns that Holden uses the adjective â€Å"old† in a usually affectionate way, but in this instance he is using it sarcastically to convey a negative opinion toward his school. When the reader reads on, they learn that not only is Holden iconoclastically rejecting the education system but he is also rejecting the ideology of capitalism wh ich he views as the main source of the â€Å"phony† population. From this, the reader realises that not only is Holden a countercultural figure but also a cynic towards the capitalism ideology his society is based on. In addition, the protagonist’s repetitive use of blasphemy is used to express his thoughts on a topic, for example â€Å"cost him damn near four thousand bucks† though the reader realises he does not mean the blasphemy – seemingly, Holden does not notice it; it is simply part of his idiolect and is used by the protagonist in an effort to connect with the reader, creating an informal tenor between Holden and the audience. The use of contractions is used by Salinger to create an informal tenor between the protagonist and the reader and are shown to be common in Holden’s idiolect, and indeed the teenage sociolect that Salinger was writing in throughout the novel. This use of contractions, along with the taboo language used throughout the novel, is used to reinforce this image of Holden being a countercultural, rebellious teenager that controversially rejects capitalism and the education system through his countercultural behaviour. Furthermore, the reader becomes aware of Holden’s seemingly strained relationship with his family, particularly his seemingly implied coldness towards his brother, D.B. who is a writer. The italics â€Å"and he’s my brother and all† is used by Salinger to convey the mixed feelings of the protagonist to the reader. The italics is used by Salinger to reflect the sarcastic, verbal intonation of Holden and implies that Holden once liked and possibly admired his brother, but now he views him as â€Å"being a prostitute† – a sell-out, in Holden’s eyes. This reveals to the reader that Holden does not approve of â€Å"phony† actions like selling out your talent just to be successful. In addition, the audience also becomes aware that Holden’s strained relationships extend not only to the general public but to his own mother and father, too; â€Å"my parents would have about two haemorrhages apiece† illustrates to the audience that Holden has little avenue for expressing his emotions which causes the reader to wonder what the cause of Holden’s introversion is, later revealed to be the death of his younger brother who he was close to, Allie. In addition, the reader becomes aware of the protagonists opinions and thoughts on certain topics and their views on people in particular through the constant digression of the main character; Holden uses digression in place of actively expressing himself and it is present throughout the entire novel. Through this digression, the reader gains a valuable insight into Holden’s mind, especially when family and women are concerned: â€Å"she’s a pretty nice girl† reveals to the readers that Holden, despite being a teenager, is not interested in sex with girls despite his later claims to be a maniac, which illustrates an insecurity in Holden towards sex.