Business Plan for BSN Restaurant PowerPoint Presentation

Business Plan for BSN Restaurant - PowerPoint Presentation Example At times, customers have visited restaurants only to find that the kind of food they are served that not have the value for their money, perhaps because it is of low quality, it does not match their interest, or because it is completely not what they could have imagined getting. What’s more, customers have been forced to keep shifting from one restaurant to another because they cannot get staff that can respect them and understands their interest. Yet still, many customers have complained that the price of the foods they are sold is too high, yet the food its self is of low quality. These among many other customer frustrations have seen the need to establish BSN restaurant, which will plug these gaps, to give the customers an experience that is hard to get any other restaurant. BSN restaurant strives to be the leading restaurant in the provision and adaptable and customizable customer experience, in the local market. We strive to ensure our patrons receive outstandingly high-q uality meals and hospitable customer care whenever they visit our restaurant. Not only will our patrons receive high-quality meals, but they will also be provided with an atmosphere full of excitement and relaxation. Customer satisfaction will be our overriding principle. In pursuant of this principle, we shall have our motto reading, â€Å"Our customers first, other things second!† Generally, our services will appeal to a broad population, including singles and families, male or female, and young and old. The welfare of our employee will also take a center stage. All will be treated fairly and with the utmost respect so they can be able to give the customers the best of their services.

Business environment report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Business environment report - Essay Example 331). In evaluating the performance of a company, we analyze the economic and financial consequences of the decisions made by the management as applied in the organizational activities of the company (Clipici & Gadoiu 2009, p. 331). As such, organizations value evaluations since they manifest the extent to which systems, people, and company activities relate to the principles of business excellence. This paper evaluates the performance of Vodafone from an inter-disciplinary perspective. To achieve this, the paper will use the above named measures to evaluate the performance of Vodafone. However, the paper will not address employee satisfaction in the evaluation since data on employee satisfaction is not available. The evaluation of the company’s performance derives a clear understanding of the present business position and its overall performance. This assessment equally creates a general market perception, derives the value of the company, and helps the management to make fut ure business decisions. Increasing revenues and profits are good measures of the company’s performance although evaluation also involves variance analysis, key performance indicators, customer satisfaction measurement, and employee satisfaction (Hill, 2013, p.1). It also involves the calculation of financial ratios like ROE, IRR, and CFROI (Hagel, Brown & Davison, 2010, p. 1) community development, sustainability, and comparing the company with entire industry. Development Vodafone Group Plc. (Vodafone) is a mobile communications company that offers a range of communications services in over 30 countries and over 40 partner markets across the globe. Its headquarters are in Newbury, United Kingdom, its business operations include voice, messaging, data and fixed-line solutions, and all devices related to satisfying communications needs (Vodafone, 2013, p. 1). Ethical Behavior and Code of Conduct Vodafone Company has a code of conduct that sets out the business principles of th e company, which consequently define how every person at the company should behave. Indeed, the company is committed to a strong ethical conduct where the code of conduct mandates all employees to uphold high ethical standards. This complies with Section 406 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules issued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. This mandates all registered companies to adopt a written code of ethics applicable to all stakeholders of a reference company (U.S Securities And Exchange Commission, 2003, p. 1). Vodafone Group Plc. strictly abides with these provisions and do not intend to waive the requirements of this code of conduct to any employee (Vodafone, 2010, p 1-6). As a result, all employees of Vodafone Company seek to promote honesty and ethical conduct in the articulation of their duties. Moreover, the company promotes complete, accurate, true, and timely disclosure of the Company's financial results to all stakeholders as required by the law. The company promotes compliance to relevant laws, rules, and regulations as well as condemning illegalities. More so, the company abhors high standards of business ethics and prevents its employees from seeking competitive advantage through unlawful or unethical business practices (Vodafone, 2010,

Live Interpretation of Heritage

Live Interpretation of Heritage Historic Sites, Museums and Galleries Live interpretation of Heritage Introduction Over the past few decades heritage and culture has become an important part of people’s life, especially in respect of their leisure and tourist activities (Boyd 2003, p.1). This is particularly true in the case of tourism, where the historical demand for tourist and leisure activities have waned in favour of those filled with more cultural elements. There is an increasing desire to visit historic sites, museums and galleries in an attempt by the individual to learn more about their heritage and those of other cultures and social groups. At the same time, today’s heritage visitor has become more discerning about the manner that these venues present heritage experience to them (Boyd 2003, p.2). In essence therefore, heritage can be seen to relate to historical events and settings and the visitor wants to experience those historical experiences as an almost physical event. However, despite the numerous researches and survey results that supports this change in the visitor demand, there is still evidence that a number of heritage sites, museums and galleries are failing to react positively to these findings (Black 2005, p.10), which in many cases has resulted in a drop in visitor numbers at these venues. This situation can have serious consequences, especially for those heritage sites that rely upon entrance fees to bridge the gap between state funding and the running costs of the venue. Even where this not the case, for example where government funding is used to provide free admission, such venues are still accountable to the state and need to prove that their establishment is delivering to the needs of the public, which a reduction in visitor numbers will not achieve. In an effort to address this problem the last two decades have seen an increase in literature related specifically to the manner in which heritage is displayed and portrayed to the visi tor, creating a new discipline under the general title of heritage interpretation. Heritage interpretation relates equally to the understanding of the site or objects displayed for the visitor and the motivation determinant and needs of that visitor (Blockley and Hems 2006, p.1). Until recently, most academics agree that heritage interpretation has been the least developed aspect of the venue’s promotion to the visitor (Boyd 2003 and Blockley and Hems 2006). Interpretation forms and integral part of the visitor experience and will influence the experience that they take away from the visit (Boyd 2003, p.193). Therefore, it follows that understanding what motivates a visitor or group of visitors will enable the museum, gallery or heritage site to be better able to display and promote their product (ibid 2003, p.64). For most visitors that motivation will be to gain pleasure and learning from the object or activity being displayed. In most cases, as Blockley and Hems (2006, p.10) suggest in their research the motivation for the visit is to fulfil the individual’s need for pleasure and leaning and if the heritage venue or object does not achieve this the visitor will leave dissatisfied. In fact, the visitor has come to expect to be greeted with visual views, and animated displays when visiting heritage sites (Dicks 2003, p.17). Thus it is essential for the venue managers to ensure their destination and its contents meet these requirements. One aspect of interpretation that has come to the fore in the minds of the visitor during recent years, and an area that academics agree is an essential part of interpretation, is the level of interaction that exists between the visitor and the heritage venue or object. A recent development in this respect is the increasing use of various forms of live interpretation within the heritage display and other venue activities, and it this area of interpretation that will form the focal point for this study. Live Interpretation Live interpretation of heritage is the most direct form of interaction between the visitor and the artefacts and events that are being exhibited at heritage sites and venues. Visitors and tourists today expect to see live heritage and cultural displays rather than inanimate objects displayed in empty or one dimensional building and display boxes. For example, visitors to industrial museums have come to expect to be treated to visual and moving displays of historical machinery and even to feel the experience through a living example of the society of the time (Dicks 2003, p.29). The process of live interpretation can be delivered in a number of formats. One early example of live interpretation was achieved by allowing the visitor to interact with working models, which enabled them to better interpret the processes that were involved with that models operational purpose. As the process of interpretation continued to evolve, these working models were enhanced by the inclusion of audio and visual interpretation methods, which research indicated were perceived to be more rewarding for the visitor than written text material, such as leaflets and books (Boyd 2003, p.231). The use of information and communication technology is another area of live interpretation that can prove effective, through a process of interactive involvement or displaying films and holographic images (Atkinson 2007). As Atkinson (2007) report further explains, by using ICT it is possible for the heritage site management to be able to â€Å"personalise and tailor exhibits and experiences to the individual or specific group’s needs.† However, today the most direct form of live interpretation is deemed to be that which involves physical face to face interaction between the visitor and a representative or group of representatives directly involved with the heritage site, either on a voluntary or employed basis (Blockley and Hems 2006, p.184), which most researchers identify as an interpreter. As these author’s point out â€Å"face to face interpretation is seen as the best form of enlivening the visitor experience† and certainly make them consider that it is time well spent. One important aspect needs to be mentioned in respect of the actions of the interpreter. This relates to their level of competence and degree of competence. As Boyd (2003, p.195) explains, â€Å"Whilst live interpretation is deemed the most effective form of interaction between visitor and the heritage object, poor quality in live interpretation is worse than nothing.† However, the degree to which the â€Å"interpreter† brings the heritage experience to life will depend upon the venue and its content. For example, they can range from the inclusion of a tour guide to costumed characters who re-enact the history and culture that the heritage site is promoting. This degree of variation and the appropriateness for the heritage venue will be further addressed in the following sections of this study. Museums and Galleries A number of researches have been conducted with the intention of discovering how much time visitors spent in museums and to what extent the format and display of the exhibits influenced the length of visit. One such survey, conducted for the research carried out by Boyd (2003, pp.77-78) found that there was a point of time at which visitors interest in the exhibits began to wane and the inclination to â€Å"head for the exit† began to dominate their thought processes. This was especially found to be true where the interpretation of the exhibits relied solely upon the basic strategy of display. For example, unless the visitor has a specific historical or academic interest in the specific artefacts being displayed within the venue, which only relates to a small segment of the population, after a while one exhibit, be that a painting, vase or another kind of inanimate object, all began to look alike to the visitor. At that stage the pleasure and learning gained from the experienc e began to deteriorate. There still exists the purist view that will argue against the introduction of live interpretation has no place within museums and galleries. Their reasoning is that the visitor should be allowed to interpret the exhibit free from the influence of what those who hold this opinion perceive to be external interference. However, although as stated previous this might be relevant for those who have a dedicated reason for visiting the museum or galleries it was becoming apparent to the mangers of these venues that this was not concurred with by the majority of visitors upon whom these museums and galleries depended. Therefore, remedial and innovative action was seen to be required if the decline in visitor numbers was to be reversed. It became apparent that some of the key qualities that visitors expected to experience from viewing a particular exhibit were clarity, poignancy, attractiveness together with a dynamic presentation (Boyd 2003, p.224). However, in the case of many visitors it proved difficult achieve the satisfaction of many of these qualities unless the object or exhibit was appropriately interpreted in the first place. This did not mean that the museums and galleries had to introduce moving or highly interactive interpretation process for all of their exhibits. In many instances it was simply a question of introducing a tour guide (Dicks 2003, p.171). This would involve employing a person who had sufficient knowledge and experience about the exhibit to be able to provide an appropriate interpretation, which the visitor could consider and come to their own informed opinion. An example of where such a tour guide is frequently used is in the Royal heritage. Often professional interpreters are used to b ring the heritage to life, as is the case with the royal palaces (Blockley and Hems 2006, p.45). To maintain the dignity of these historical sites it would be inappropriate to introduce some of the more technological based live interpretation methods, such as videos, films and other gadgetry. In such cases therefore, the tour guide will be employed to act as the face-to-face interactive interpreter. The heritage visitor or tourist would not expect any greater level of interpretation in such delicate and reverent historical surroundings, and the same reasoning would be applied to heritage sites of religious significance, such as historical churches and cathedrals. Nevertheless, there are other museums and galleries where the more proactive and interactive live interpretation methods are useful in improving the visitor experience. Providing visitors with a method that allows personal live interpretation, for instance by using computer generated informational processes that explain the origins of the object or gives more information relating to its original use and purpose, can enhance the benefits that the visitor receives from viewing the object. Another method that is being used more frequently within the museum and gallery environment is to make the object or artefact live by introducing information and communication technology process that allow it to move and react (Atkinson 2007, p.7). Black 2005, p.264) promotes the increased use of files within the museum, arguing that this manner of interpretation is more likely to enable the visitor to experience the object as a living thing, thus creating a psychological connection. One area of museu ms where these methods have proven to be particularly successful is in the field of natural science. For example, presenting the dinosaur animal generation in an interactive and live interpretation method provides the visitor with a better idea of the size, power and a concept of the physical damage that such creatures could cause. Another recent development within the museum sector of heritage is the evolution of the open-air museum (Boyd 2003, p.224). Because of the difference of the environment for the exhibit, these venues have developed an interpretation process that is far more focused on its live element. In effect the visitor can almost touch a living exhibit and, through the detailed live interpretation process, is transported back to the historical times during which the object was created. In fact, by the use of costumes and special effects often in these cases the visitor will feel as if they have had a personal connection with these events. Research has shown that, where museums and galleries have adopted some of these live interpretation measures within their venues, and to provide a better understanding of the exhibit, this has resulted in a positive effect on the length of a visitor’s stay (Black 2005, p.257). Furthermore, it has also had a positive impact in that visitor numbers have seen improvement in many instances. Historic sites As Jane Malcolm-Davies (2003, p.1) mentions in the introduction to the process of using costumed robes for live heritage interpretation, historic sites are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in the competitive environment of the leisure and tourism industry, not least because of the reduction in government funding, but also because of the impact of competing sites. As a result they have to resort to new and innovative measures for interpreting theirs sites in a manner that will increase visitor numbers. To stand out from the crowd and gain a competitive advantage that will lead to an increase in visitor numbers, live interpretation of the heritage value of these sites often has to resort to making the historical event come alive, a process that is most commonly referred to as re-enactment. These live interpretation events can take a number of forms. Some of the best known would be the re-enactment of historical civil wars, with authenticity attempted in every aspect of the actor’s costumes and equipment, accompanied by the realistic noise of battle. In other cases, the event might involve a live reconstruction of a home or village as the actors perceived it to be in historical times. Alternative versions of these occur where industrial processes, plants, and retail business environments are re-created to resemble how it might have looked in yesteryear. In a number of cases there is an invitation for the visitor to join in with the experience, creating for them a unique memory of the occasion. However, as with the use of live interpretation developments in museums and galleries, there has been some intense disagreement inn the past between academics and members of the historical heritage groups regarding the use of re-enactment and the use of costumes, with the opponents considering it to be fake (Sansom 1996, p.134). Indeed, many of those who hold this opinion consider this approach little more than theatrical nonsense. It is probably partly because of this reaction that it took until the latter part of the 1980’s before heritage sites began to employ â€Å"paid, permanent, costumed staff as an integral part of their daily interpretation† activities (Hicks 1994, p.9). The difficulty was that, before the employment of professional interpreters or â€Å"actor† there could be said to be some truth in the opposing argument. However, to the extent that these objectors delayed the introduction of a more professional approach to the live interpretation, it could be said that they contributed to the poor standard of interpretation that previously existed. In his dissertation thesis in 1990, Robershaw (1990, p.31) found from his research into the situation with regard to costumed interpreters that whilst it had the cosmetic effect of creating a more realistic atmosphere, this was not at that time communicated to the visitor. The same author quoted other literature that, like his own, concluded that visitors were demanding that the historical site managers should deliver a more â€Å"interactive experience†, which was clearing not happening at that time. It was also argued that because of the educational leanings, the resultant experience lack ed any element of fun and entertainment. The remarkable thing is that, since the introduction of live costumed and professional methods of interpretation (Sansom 1996, p.122 and Malcolm-Davies 200, p.9), this element of interaction and increased in the value of entertainment and fun has become more evident. The improvement has led to a situation where it has been found to the level of recall and understanding that is experienced by the visitor. Most academics, including Black (2005, p.117) and Dicks (2003, p.49) are now firmly of the opinion that historic and cultural sites that adopt the live approach to interpretation and encourages interaction with the visitor, even to the extent of re-enacting historic events, do find that it leads to an increase in visitor numbers. Furthermore, it leads to a greater degree of satisfaction of their need for enjoyment and learning. The proponents of live interpretation for historical sites argue that these re-enactments, especially now that they are more professional in nature, can be considered to be displaying an improved and closer depiction of the actual event, and therefore should be viewed as being more authentic. Furthermore, they will also argue that these events are serving to deliver to the main demands of the visitor, in that they provide a much greater depth of learning, whilst at the same time satisfying the visitor demand for them to include an element of fun and entertainment. The managers of these historical sites will also argue that, the inclusion of live interpretation and re-enactment within the promotional element of the destination, such moves are also serving the objectives of the destination, which are a) to remain self-sufficient in terms of funding and b) to assist the destination in achieving a competitive advantage over other similar destinations. They would further argue that the reported visitor number increases for the industry sector as a whole, and many of the destinations individually, support their choice of interpretation methods. Conclusion As has been mentioned in the introduction section of this research, over the past few years there has been increasing pressure exerted upon the managers of historic sites, museums and galleries to become self sufficient and accountable for the value achieved as a result of the limited resources provided to them from the public purse. It is natural that, in order to meet these conditions, the managers of these sites have been forced to consider a more innovative solution to promoting their destinations (Dicks 2003, p.122). An increasing number have turned to the use of live interpretation as a means of providing a resolution to the problems they have been facing. In the past there may have been some merit to the argument raised by opponents to live interpretation. These might have been justified especially where those elements of this process went as far as the inclusion of costumes and re-enactment. This justification can be linked with the lack of professionalism that existed at that time. However, in most cases that position has changed and the introduction of professional actors, directors and costume designers have dramatically improved this element of live interpretation. However, in the final analysis of the appropriateness of these methods of live interpretation it is the results produced that determine their success or failure. When one poses the question whether the adoption of these new approaches to interpretation have had the desired effect in terms of increasing the numbers of visitors being seen at historic sites, museums and galleries, the external researches studied by the author all support a positive response. Similarly, looking at it from the viewpoint of the other main stakeholder, the heritage visitor, the question to be asked is whether â€Å"live† interpretation promotional methods have improved their enjoyment of the experience and is more completely meeting their demands and needs. Here, again, current research and survey results confirm that this is the case. In fact, as Hunt (2004, p.387) states in his detailed research on heritage and interpretation., â€Å"acting the part has now become almost essential, as most visitor s have come to expect it!† In conclusion therefore, it is found that live interpretation is more effective as a method of education and learning, and as a means of visitor entertainment, than has been the case with most of the other methods of destination promotion adopted by historic sites, museums and galleries in the past. It is therefore recommended that those destinations that have yet to adopt these methods, and are experiencing difficulty in meeting financial or public accountability standards, should seriously considered following the example of the many institutions that have benefitted from live interpretation. Bibliography Atkinson, S (2007) The value of information and communications technology in natural heritage interpretation Scottish Natural Heritage. Retrieved 8 August 2008 from: http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/ReportNo218.pdf Black, G (2005). The Engaging Museum: Developing Museums for Visitor Involvement. Routledge, Abingdon, UK Blockley, M and Hems, A (eds) (2006). Heritage Interpretation: Theory and Practice. Routledge, Abingdon, UK Boyd, S and Timothy, D (2003). Heritage Tourism. Pearson Education, Harlow, UK Dicks, B (2003). Culture on Display. Open University Press. Maidenhead, UK. Dray, C (1999). History as Re-enactment: R.G. Collingwoods â€Å"Idea of History†. Oxford University Press. Oxford, UK Hicks, D. (1994). The use of living history events at historic sites and buildings, master’s thesis, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Hunt, S.J (2004). Acting the part: ‘living history’ as a serious leisure pursuit. Leisure Studies, Vol.23, No.4, pp.387-403 Malcolm-Davies (2003). Borrowed Robes: The educational value of costumed interpretation at historic sites. Retrieved 8 August 2008 from http://www.esade.es/cedit2003/pdfs/malcomdaviesjm.pdf Robertshaw, A. (1990). Acts of imagination. Museums journal, Vol. 3, pp.30-31. Ransom, E. (1996). Peopling the past: current practices in archaeological site interpretation. In Archaeological displays and the public: methodology and interpretation (McManus, P. Ed.), pp.118-137, Institute of Archaeology, London’

Something for Everybody: Brooks’ Reasoning for Monsterism in Frankenste

Like all works that have been taught in English classes, Frankenstein has been explicated and analyzed by students and teachers alike for much of the twentieth and all of the twenty-first century. Academia is correct for doing so because Frankenstein can appeal to the interests of students. Students, teachers and experts in the areas of medicine, psychology, and sociology can relevantly analyze Frankenstein in their respective fields. However, Peter Brooks explains in â€Å"Godlike Science/Unhallowed Arts: Language and Monstrosity in Frankenstein† that Shelly had presented the problem of â€Å"Monsterism† through her language. According to Brooks, Monsterism is explicitly and implicitly addressed in Shelly’s language. While this may be correct, Brooks does it in such a way that requires vast knowledge of subjects that many readers may not be knowledgeable in. After summarizing and analyzing the positive and negative qualities of Brooks’ work, I will explai n how the connection of many different fields of study in literature creates a better work. Brooks attempts to prove his thesis by first explaining how the language in parts of the book relates to how the Creature is monstrous. He alludes to how the descriptions of nature in Frankenstein are more fearful when the Creature is around. For instance, a terrible storm occurs during the Creature’s creation and the â€Å"cold gales† in the icy glaciers of Mont Blanc surround Frankenstein when he meets the Creature for the first time after its creation (Shelly 80). Also commenting on the Creature’s story, Brooks finds that his lack of spoken language and attempt to understand these languages allude to the Enlightenment’s noble savage (594). Brooks then associates the Creature with Satan and many top... ...ttempts to relate many fields to his paper so that even if the reader didn’t know some of the scholars that were cited, the reader could glean the basic idea and then truly understand a section that interested you if you knew about the sources he was using. Works Cited Brooks, Peter. "Godlike Science/Unhallowed Arts: Language and Monstrosity in Frankenstein." New Literary History 9.3 (1978): 591-605. JSTOR. Web. 15 Oct. 2010. . Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, Walter James Miller, and Harold Bloom. Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus. New York: New American Library, 2000. Print. Yale Office of Public Affairs. Humanities and Social Sciences. Yale Professor Peter Brooks Wins Prestigious Mellon Award. Yale University News. Yale University, 16 Jan. 2008. Web. 21 Oct. 2010. .

A Sunrise on the Veld Essay

â€Å"A Sunrise on the Veld† is a short story written by British author Doris Lessing. It tells the story of a boy who is filled with the excitement and wonder of life and the world around him. However, he soon discovers the darker side of reality, which is that living things must die. This story explores feelings of invincibility that many people have had in their youths. It also describes feelings of fear, anger and grief that most humans feel when they must face the reality of suffering and death. After witnessing the death of a small helpless buck, the boy comes to the realization that there are events and circumstances in life that he cannot control. At the beginning of the story, the boy awakens early in the morning and feels like he has control over himself and his environment. He has trained himself to wake at half-past four without the use of his alarm clock. He was feeling invincible, full of life and completely in control. He took his gun and went outdoors, taking his dogs with him. He was aware of every sensation he felt; the cold ground beneath his feet, the dew covered grass, and the chilled steel of his gun. He was filled with a fascination of the world around him. â€Å"Then he began to run, not carefully, as he had before , but madly, like a wild thing. He was clean crazy, yelling mad with the joy of living and a superfluity of youth.† He thought he could â€Å"contain the world and make of it what I want.† He soon learned otherwise. While in his state of exuberance, his celebration of life was interrupted by the small cries of a creature in pain. He saw a buck in the grass dying, and covered in black ants. He realized there was nothing he could do for the poor animal. He had no control over this. As he looked at the dying buck he said under his breath, â€Å"I can’t stop it. I can’t stop it. There is nothing I can do.† The ants were around him and he shouted defiantly at them saying, â€Å"Go away! I am not for you–not just yet at any rate. Go away.† â€Å"And he fancied that the ants turned and went away.† The boy still wanted to believe that he had control over things concerning his life. After the buck’s skeleton had been stripped clean by the ants, the boy went over to examine it closely. He thought about how it looked when it was alive. Perhaps it was running and romping in the veld earlier that morning, just as he had. He thought of how it must have sniffed at the cold morning air and walking through the grass. The boy came face to face with death, and knew it happens to all living creatures. He also realized that even though he could control what he does to some extent, there were things in this world that no one can control. The knowledge of fatality, of what has to be, had gripped him and for the first time in his life. Death is inevitable, every living thing or creature is destined to die one time during his life. The kind of beauty the boys valued differed in several ways as it’s is being unfolded in the story. The boy in â€Å"A Sunrise on the Veld† felt a love for nature without having a clear understanding of what nature is. In cooperation the two characters experienced an anxiety and enthusiasm towards their obsessions. He was very willing to wake up and go into the infinite fields of life. He felt a feeling of oneness when he came in touch with what nature displays to him. The author tries to showcase of the beauty in natural scenery as she tries to breakdown the restrictions found in isolation between what a mind of child and that of an adult.

How Japanese Shinto Related with Business Essay

The word Shinto was adopted from the written Chinese (ç ¥Å¾Ã© â€œ, pinyin: shà ©n dà  o), combining two words: â€Å"shin† (ç ¥Å¾?), meaning â€Å"spirit†Ã¢â‚¬ gods† or kami; and â€Å"tÃ… Ã¢â‚¬  (é â€œ?), meaning a philosophical path or study This is about â€Å" the study of Kami†, what is KAMI? Kami are defined in English as â€Å"spirits†, â€Å"essences† or â€Å"deities†, there are many ways to understanding this; in some cases being human-like, can be animals, and more abstract nature power in the world (mountains, rivers, lightning, wind, waves, trees, rocks). Shinto believers consider Kami and people are not separate; they exist within the same world and share its interrelated space. According to a history biography, one fact need to be emphasized, that is among all the things, not only the good, kind positive ones are the kami†, those what are evil, strange, or extremely horrible things are also referred to as GODS. History During 5 to 8 century AD, after absorbing Chinese Confucian and buddhist doctrine, Shinto had became a fairly complete system, After Meiji Restoration, the shinto continue to respect as a state religion, and it also became a government tool to teach people to be loyalty to the emperor. After Japan’s defeat in World War II in 1946, Emperor Hirohito issued a statement to deny his godhead status, which means he admitted that he is not a god, but just a human being, the Allied commander also called for the abolition of State Shinto in Japan, Shinto started to became a folk religion, not a state religion anymore. However, Shinto is still important to the religious people of Japan, accounted for more than 80% of the population are believe in it. Worship and Culture life about Shinto The principal worship of kami is done at public shrines or worship at small home shrines called kamidana (ç ¥Å¾Ã¦ £Å¡, lit. â€Å"god-shelf†). The public shrine is a building or place that functions as a conduit for kami. A fewer number of shrines are also natural places called mori. The most common of the mori are sacred groves of trees, or mountains, or waterfalls. All shrines are open to the public at some times or throughout the year. According to CIA, 83% of the Japanese people were born with a Shinto ceremony and 70% are dies as a Buddhist ceremony. Throughout the life of an ordinary Japanese people, they participated in many of the celebrations as an shintoist, after the 32nd day of a boy was born, and after the 33rd day a girl was born, they will be taken to the shrines of there birth place to do worship, and also when they are at the age 3, and 6,7 will also be take to the shrine to do a formal visit. And in very important days, like New year, other festivals and weddings, Japanese people also visit the kami in the shrine.

Freud Dream Theory Essay Example

Freud Dream Theory Essay Example Freud Dream Theory Paper Freud Dream Theory Paper The Freud dream theory also known as â€Å"wish fulfillment† states that dreams are disguised as a way to satisfy unconscious urges or to resolve internal conflicts. That to humans is too hard or complex to deal with consciously (Douglas Bernstein, 2008). I am in accordance with Frauds theory, the brain is a very complex and mystifying organ. I feel that there is no way that these images, or scenes are a type of waste that the body produces, like your regular bowel movements. However I do believe just like any other theory that you have to have multiple dreams and recordings to successfully â€Å"decode† a person. Such as in the â€Å"Barbra Sanders case study† this study is based on various samples within a dream journal of about 3,116 dreams over a period of 20+ years from a middle-aged adult woman (Schneider, 2010). The findings helped researchers see patters and familiarities in her everyday life and what was being portrayed in her dreams. I am not saying that that your dreams will always be interpreted the same as someone else’s. That could all be tossed to an individual’s life experiences. Such as me, the reason that I saw spiders in a dream would be different to Jane Smith. Being as I hate spiders and am not keen on their presence, where as Jane may love them and have one for a pet. This also brings up my next point in â€Å"Lucid dreams† (Douglas Bernstein, 2008) there have been many individuals that have progressed in life because of what they had seen in a dream. : People, such as Salvador Dali saw images in his dreams and progressed with his craft to make interesting works of art, becoming a well renowned artist of his time. There is also Albert Einstein who will forever plague the world with his astounding brain and understanding of mathematical and scientific theories that were well beyond his time, that he saw in his dreams. If a dream was some sort of waste or things that the body did just to do it, I feel that there would not be so many case studies and experiments that go along with it. We all know that the body does everything for a reason. We sweat to cool down our core temperature; sleep to stay rested and alert thought the day. Our eyes water if there is dirt in them as a way to cleanse the eye. The body does nothing just to do it as an action; therefore I believe that dreams are a byproduct of the human body just like everything else. Individual

History Sample EssayEssay Writing Service

History Sample EssayEssay Writing Service History Sample Essay History Sample EssayIn current age of ubiquitous spread of mass culture, cinema as its most popular and widespread carrier is a rich source of information; moreover, it can be even said that the movie is the mirror of the history because every time period has it’s the most prominent movies which depict reality in rather interesting and realistic way. It is a well-known fact that in a world of rapidly evolving technology and the rapid pace of life, when the printed word, unfortunately, is relegated to the background, the movie takes on a special role in shaping the world outlook of whole generations. Reality in art culture is the most important aesthetic and philosophical problem. Version of reality in a â€Å"big staged life† in particular, on the screen defines our relationship to reality and this reality by itself. All of us know that our whole life is stereotyped, and whatever is our attitude to stereotypes, they became an evaluative criterion of reality, while man y judgments about historical facts, events, personalities, the own and other peoples are made on their base. So, cinema, being mouthpiece of the most common and widespread stereotypes, is a very bright example of the practical application of stereotypical thinking. But even in such a context, many movies can give their viewers rather realistic picture of past life, motivating people to explore the most interesting moments using historical evidences and documents. Thus, the thesis of the essay is the following: cinema, being a carrier of new information, can not only realistically depict historical events of the past, but it also motivates people to plunge into historical events with more attention and interest, helping people to make a first step in exploring life through the prism different from their ordinary view on events.Besides the fact that cinema has always been and remains one of the most popular media aimed at a broad audience, from the first minute of its existence, it is ranked among the arts, which it remains still, despite all the controversy that is conducted in this regard. Do not going into details in reflections on the right to existence of a so-called â€Å"mass culture,† it should be admitted that the products of Hollywood long won viewers around the world and successfully retain their primacy on the silver screens, despite attempts to resist the spread of American culture, which outpost, in fact, is the â€Å"Dream Factory†.Of course, there exist many American films which greatly depict the history of time period from 1863-2013, but we can not analyze all of them by the reason that it will take thousands of pages; so, we are going to dwell on a film that not only demonstrated historical events from interesting and extraordinary point, but also forced publicity to discuss it in hot debates. The film of our discussion is â€Å"Forrest Gump† directed by Robert Zemeckis in 1994. The film is made in several genres because i t combined in itself epic and romantic elements, while attentive viewer can also see in it elements of both comedy and drama. The film â€Å"Forrest Gump† was created on the base of the Winston Groom’s novel of the same title, but the novel was written in 1986[1]. Being short, we can note that the story presented in the film depicts several not easy decades from the life of Forrest Gump, who is rather naà ¯ve and slow-witted man, and who receives an opportunity to witness the changes of the world in the period of the latter half of the XX th century in the United States.As we know from the history course, the time period of the latter half of the XX th century was full of different events, and the film â€Å"Forrest Gump† has a complex plot, while it includes multilevel depiction of events, and is considered to be the film with elements of parable. For instance, focusing on the film’s details, we can say that the movie allows its viewers to learn the his tory of the United States through its scenes. Many events are mentioned in the film such as segregation, the Vietnam War, flower child movement, the Black Panthers, the Watergate scandal, etc. Even favorite American entertainments such as American football or idols of those times period are not forgotten to be depicted in the plot. Moreover, the film also includes mentioning of the best American movies, quotes of which are widely used in the film (for example, the scene in the camp, where pictures from â€Å"Apocalypse Now† to the music of Wagner are used as the background. The film is full of humor, both lying on the surface and veiled, while humor is frankly black and satirical. A huge number of minor characters appear in the frame once, giving people a chance to recognize them.To continue, the filmmakers used a specific technique of insert of documentary shots for the purpose to create an illusion of reality. For instance, scenes seem to be rather real when Forrest gives a n interview to John Lennon, or when he is rewarded to the audiences with four (!) Presidents of the USA. And of course, one of the best scenes is a demonstration of his combat wounds (in the buttocks) to the President Jackson. All scenes are imbued with nostalgia clothes, cars, houses, and all situations are very carefully recreated. Moreover, the film has also a lot of hints and allusions that can be hardly seen for the first glance. For instance, the wife of the lieutenant looks like Yoko Ono, while â€Å"fruit† company whose shareholder is Forrest, has an apple logo (Apple).In addition, the longer a person watches â€Å"Forrest Gump†, the more doubts appear in mental retardation of the main hero. He, who recognizes every person to be a good man and ready to believe to everything said to him, becomes inflexible when his moral principles are threaten by different circumstances and situations.[2] Forrest Gump is able to distinguish good from evil in a very good way, a nd whenever he opts for good. Of course, it can be said that such a choice seems to be idiotic, unprofitable, absurd, and it is also possible to realize that the main hero’s choice is the only true (if we remember about the conscience, of course). We may decide that the hero has low self-esteem, but it is possible to say that he is a modest man. We may think that he is hayseed, and we can also note that he is responsible and honest. We can conclude that he is a moron, but at the same time we see that he is a sage.Everything depends on the ability of the person to interpret actions of people around him because every person finds in others those features that disturb him or hurt him, the same situation with the depiction of historical events. If a person knows something about historical period depicted in the movie, he will find many evidences to own thoughts, but if the person knows nothing than he will considers everything to be a truth and will compose the own picture of the described events in a very limited format. So, some people, characterizing the image of Forrest Gump could say that fools are always lucky, but having other attitude to people and surrounding reality, we may say that he deserved it.The movie is significant in the context of the historical period we are studying because it not only attracts many viewers, but it also opens other side of well-known events. Very often historical documents demonstrate us only facts, dates and dry facts, while we can better understand something and form the own opinion on the base of emotions. Of course, the film can not be considered to be the ultimate truth because filmmakers showed their own subjective position regarding historical events and the place of every hero in them, but such films widen the world outlook of ordinary person, forcing him or her to remember the past events, and maybe even to look for additional details to understand sense of some scenes, words, and components better.And finally, if we consider the movie â€Å"Forrest Gump† carefully, we will enjoy the deepest, fascinating stories about the amazing and beautiful country with a rich history, the country populated by normal people with the same troubles and joys. So, even a foreign viewer, who has never been in the United States, may â€Å"touch† the country’s history through watching this film. To add, the film allows people to ponder the eternal truths, to cry and laugh during its watching, and to understand that this film-parable was filmed by a person who sincerely respects, loves and understands his country. Moreover, the filmmakers’ love for the country is not melodramatic scenes, not jingoism, and not politically correct talk shop, but it is sober, ironic, sometimes cynical view of the country’s problems and their causes. And a great desire to understand these problems made the film a subject of many debates from the day of its production till our times.In conclusion, we have demonstrated that cinema plays a significant role in considering and understanding many historical events. Moreover, we have also proved the thesis that cinema, depicting dry facts and dates in emotional and its specific way made really interested people to begin their own searches of the truth, while it can be also added that cinema even makes much more people researchers and historians in their hearts and minds. We illustrated our discussions by the use of the movie â€Å"Forrest Gump†, and demonstrated with its help that it is not always necessary to be a hero, but it always necessary to stay a real man in spite of all hardships and problems on the way to success and survival.[1] Vicki K. Janik and Emmanuel S. Nelson, Fools and Jesters in Literature, Art, and History: A Bio-Bibliographical Sourcebook. (Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1998).[2] Owen W. Gilman, Vietnam and the Southern Imagination. (Manchester, England: University Press of Mississippi, 1992).

Feeling Like a Fraud

Feeling Like a Fraud Every time I begin a new book, I doubt my skills to make it happen. Just last week I told my husband as we cooked dinner: I keep wondering if my first books were chance, luck, my best ideas used up. He shook his head, marveling at my silliness, telling me as always that I think too hard. But invariably when I write, I wonder, Am I pretending to be a writer or am I really a writer, and how do I know the difference? Any writer who thinks they have arrived are not writers to read. Ive learned that much in this crazy business. The biggest names in the business continue to improve on their craft, their brand, their storytelling ability. We start as novices, then we advance to mid-level where weve learned a few things, but we arent masters. We make some money, but not enough to crow about. Many of us quit along the way, because that doubt takes hold and wins. Others weather through that insecurity over and over, dying at a higher rung on the ladder or choosing to climb higher. But nobody is immune to the feeling that they are trying to be something they are not. Just like were supposed to turn off our internal editor as we write, we should invest ourselves in a story for the sake of storytelling, not for the dream of fame and wealth. Its those who continue writing, those who write because they simply enjoy the experience, those who fight to be better without putting a dollars and cents measurement on the investment, who wake up one day after writing day after day and realize theyve actually done something decent and earned a degree of respect. Its not a flash in the pan. It sneaks up on you . . . assuming youre still around. The legitimate reward of writing is the writing itself. Your job is to write and make it a part of your being. Of course you want people to appreciate your work, but thats the gravy, people. Improve, improve, improve. Then after years of daily diligence, someone just might recognize you as an overnight wonder. But if not, no big deal. Writing is what you would do with your life anyway.

SAM 340 UNIT 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SAM 340 UNIT 6 - Essay Example There are sports like indoor and outdoor games. The indoor games don’t require any open place. But to play outdoor games there are certain criteria that we need to consider and have the playground. This forms an integral part. There are games such as football, baseball, tennis that needs the ground which is formed with certain measurements. This can be in regards to the school playground. It can be about the open place that we consider for playing. To make it function successfully we need the open place that can be useful for sporting event. The word stadium is arrived from the Greek term stade and it relates to the site or the place for Olympic style competition. It’s also called forum, live theater. There are tournaments that are arranged in the stadiums and there are spectators who come and watch the play with lots of enthusiasm. The facility management has to provide the spectators with safe and joyful experience. There are various factors that have to be taken care and worked upon. In the olden days the stadiums were constructed by the team owners with the intention to provide facilities to their own team members. Gradually, it couldn’t give them the profit and were not able to provide the amenities that are required. The annoyance of the fans is some of the critical issues that have to be dealt with proper facility. By 1960’s Arena construction came into existence which had modern facilities. They lease it with the team owners .There were intercollegiate competitions that were held. One of the games that has been given importance and has been included in the sporting competition status is the kickboxing. It is various forms of martial arts .It is a Japanese game with traditional styles, that originated in the year 1960’s.American Kickboxing came into existence by 1970’s.It involves punching and kicking .It is liked by most of them. There is no international governing body for this particular

The Arab-Israeli Peace Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Arab-Israeli Peace Process - Essay Example The Oslo process made Israeli forces withdraw from West Bank territory that contained Palestine and was made to be under Palestinians. The treaty brought peace in Palestine. Both the countries had to ensure they provide maximum security to their citizens and prevent the terror attack. There was peace in Palestine because it was their responsibility to ensure that they avoid terror against the Israelis. The Oslo process had some shortcomings in it. The Oslo process broke down because of improper negotiation habits thus turning the peace that was created to the charade. This provided a much safe platform for the Israelis to keep on doing their projects in West Bank and go unpunished (Rothstein, Maoz & Shiqāqī, 2002). Some of these projects harmed the Palestine. The Oslo process led to loose of trust between the countries and there was no peace. The Palestinians are unsatisfied and grieve thinking of what was to yield a wave of peace in their country is bringing harm. The Palestinians lands have been taken because of a construction of roads and walls thus separating the Palestinians communities (Rothstein, Maoz & Shiqāqī, 2002). The number of deaths has increased evidently in the recent killing in Gaza strip and there were more than a thousand individuals killed in the process. After the Oslo process failed there was no room left for subsequent peace talk between the Israelis and Palestinians because of lack of trust, which is a foundation for establishing treaties. From the shortcoming, we see Oslo process as an inappropriate aid, which is falsely framed to bring peace to the

Introduction to Tourism Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Introduction to Tourism Management - Essay Example Tourists are people who Are staying in another place away from home (for a maximum period of one year), but will eventually return home; Are part of leisure and tourism related activities; Visit for temporary short periods; Are on day trips (they may not be outside overnight); Are on business trips, which may not be holidays (Rowe, Smith and Borein, 2002, 3-4). The basic components of trade and tourism are: Fig 1: The core components of tourism management (Source: Rowe, Smith and Borein, 2002, 6). B. ‘Generating’ countries: The countries from where people tend to visit other places as tourists, or countries from where there is more outbound tourism, are known as tourist-generating countries. The term refers to places where people travel away from their home countries to other international places, for leisure purposes or for conducting business. This is a form of outbound tourism (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2010, 109). As for example, a busin ess group travelling from UK to US, for some important exhibition; or a family travelling from UK to France for a holiday. Here, UK is the generating country. C. Receiving countries: The countries to which people travel for leisure purposes or for conducting business related activities, are known as receiving countries. As for example, teams from various international destinations travelling to UK for taking part in the Olympics; or a group of Chinese tourists going to UK for sightseeing, or for visiting family and friends. D. Main tourism ‘receiving' countries of the world: Travel and Tourism is a popular worldwide activity, associated with leisure and holidays. In 2010, figures revealed that more 940 million tourists from all parts of the world entered various receiving countries, leading to an increase of 6.6% in tourism when compared to the 2009 figures, and the total receiving global tourism numbers rose to   euro  693 billion in 2010, equivalent to a 4.7% rise in   actual terms (UNWTO, 2011, 2). Owing to the 2007-08 economic downturns, international  tourism  suffered a setback, which started around June 2008. Here we find that the rise the global tourism arrivals in various receiving countries falling to 2% (especially during the summer season) (UNWTO, 2008, 1). This trend continued into 2009, when some countries were more affected than others owing to the worldwide outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, and in an average almost a 6% fall in tourism for the receiving countries (fall of 4% in global arrival numbers, resulting in around 880 million international tourist ‘arrivals’ in 2009) (ibid). Travel and tourism is an important segment in the economic sector of many ‘receiving’ countries, while for some ‘receiving’ countries tourism is a vital sector where the nation’s entire economy depends on the revenues earned from travel and tourism for an overall growth and development. Receiving countr ies where tourism earns large revenue  are USA, UK, Spain, France,  Italy, Greece, Egypt,  Ã‚   Israel,  Lebanon,  Thailand, Fiji, Seychelles, The Bahamas,  Maldives,  and Philippines. Tourism brings in revenue from the payments made by the tourists for  the services and goods received; it creates various job opportunities within the  hospitality and service  that function within the travel and tourism. The hospitality and se

Personal Philosophy paper Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Philosophy paper - Personal Statement Example However, sadly, the knowledge and the education that is being imparted in schools today is nothing but ‘ignorance’, because rather than making the students wise and happy, it is making them into robots who are hungry for ‘achievement’, ‘success’ and ‘power’. In today’s fast paced life and in hurry to reach the top, teachers have forgotten the real essence of education. Life is not about ‘power’ or ‘achievement’ but is about finding the unique purpose in life and in being happy and content. In psychologist Abraham Maslow’s words, life is about being a ‘self-actualized’ human being, i.e. achieving the highest potential that one is capable of achieving (Malsow, 1971, p.169). Today’s education system thinks that its job is complete by making students ‘qualified’ and ‘intellectuals’. However, the fact is that although educational qualification does help in achieving professional success, it is not enough to attain the complete potential in life. Hence, in my opinion, the purpose of education should be to mold the children into being wise, mature and intelligent human beings, rather than just making them ‘intellectual’ and ‘qualified’ human beings. The purpose of life has been a matter of interest for experts from different fields like psychology, philosophy, religion and spirituality. Different philosophical theories and ideas came into existence with the aim of making this world a better place to live and to help human beings attain happiness and bliss. However, as human being is not just an individual but is a part of the society, the attainment of satisfaction and happiness has become difficult for him. His actions and his behavior depend on people around him. Before taking any action, he spends a lot of time thinking about what others will say if he does it. Hence, human beings have lost touch with spontaneity and natural behavior. In an attempt to

Module 5 BHS427 Health Care Finance (AUG2014-1) Capital Budgeting Essay

Module 5 BHS427 Health Care Finance (AUG2014-1) Capital Budgeting (CASE) - Essay Example is referred to as the time it takes a firm to recover its initial cash expenditure from the cash inflow it gets from a certain project or investment. Academics usually advocate the NPV method followed by IRR measure. The payback period method serves as a supplementary tool to decision making. The payback period is quite attractive, but its shortcomings make it less practically relevant. Its shortcomings include; the lack of consideration of the time value of money that can influence wrong decision-making and, it also ignores any cash flows which accrue after the payback period. Despite its shortcomings, the payback period method is still used by firms in appraising capital budgeting decisions (Avery, 2011). The continual use of the payback period by firms and managers implies that there is value realized from its results. Thus, considering a constant growth rate of cash flows the payback period can be calculated by using two main factors of cash flow. The factors are â€Å"the ratio (I) of the initial outlay to the next period projected cash flow, and the projected cash flow growth rate (g)† (Avery, 2011., p.1). Therefore, if the payback period is negatively associated to g and positively related to the ratio I, the management is at a better position to evaluate the expenses and gains of a certain project. Money time value can be adjusted via the discounted cash flows. This approach suggests that there is an expected constant growth in cash flows; choosing the value of g depends on existing knowledge of the activity and foresight of a firm. The ratio I will be the initial investment divided by 1. The cash flow is also assumed to be growing â€Å"at a constant rate of g percent per period.† Thus from calculations the payback period (T) is directly proportional to I, and inversely proportional to g. That is; a high value of I imply a high initial investment cost as compared to the projected first period cash flow. Hence, an investor will take a longer time to

History of Internal Combustion Engine Literature review

History of Internal Combustion Engine - Literature review Example Resonance intake manifold The structure of the internal combustion engine requires a particular length of the manifold. The ability and the efficiency of an internal combustion engine will be determined by the size of the manifold. Short manifolds reduce the performance of the engine. Consequently, manufacturers have developed a system that allows for the length of the manifold to be controlled. Because a vacuum is created when the air is forced out by the piston, the fuel in form of vapour enters and creates energy. The valve that allows the fuel in closes and adds pressure to the fuel. When the fuel mixture is accelerated oscillations are developed depending on the length of the manifold. When the length of the manifold varies, it is also possible to vary the oscillations. Variability in length of the manifold usually affects the power, the speed of the operation and efficiency in fuel use. To maximize the efficiency of this system two intakes are refashioned each of which is regul ated by a valve connected to two manifolds. A short manifold usually functions when the engine is fully loaded while the long one operates when the engine is not fully loaded. ... This spin usually assists in distributing the fuel (in form of vapor) and makes the air and fuel vapor to uniformly mix. With this mixture the process of combustion is enhanced, completed and can even to an extent prevent the engine from knocking. When few revolutions per minute are recorded the velocity of the air is enhanced, while with more revolutions increases per minute, most paths are opened thereby increasing the load. A high volume of air therefore generally leads to increase in the power of the engine3. Vacuum boost theory The difference in pressure between the inlet manifold and the outside atmosphere is referred to as manifold vacuum. Therefore it acts as a measure of the amount of the airflow which is restricted in the engine. The amount of power the engine generates has a relationship with the amount of air that enters the internal combustion engine. For engines that use diesel in the internal combustion engine, greater dependence lies on the amount of fuel that is supp lied while those using gasoline will depend on the restrictions of the airflow. Manifold vacuum is usually in all the engines that use natural fuel as source of energy. The engine’s geometry and the speed of rotation affect the input flow in the engine, because geometry cannot be adjusted while the engine has commenced to run. The input flow in the intake manifold should not be restricted as this will interfere with the power of the engine and the possibilities of the engine breaking down. When the air from the atmosphere is allowed in the engine there is possibility that the pressure will automatic increase thereby creating the vacuum. The engine is now powered. We can conclude that engines running on natural fuel such as diesel generate

Module 5 BHS427 Health Care Finance (AUG2014-1) Capital Budgeting Essay

Module 5 BHS427 Health Care Finance (AUG2014-1) Capital Budgeting (CASE) - Essay Example is referred to as the time it takes a firm to recover its initial cash expenditure from the cash inflow it gets from a certain project or investment. Academics usually advocate the NPV method followed by IRR measure. The payback period method serves as a supplementary tool to decision making. The payback period is quite attractive, but its shortcomings make it less practically relevant. Its shortcomings include; the lack of consideration of the time value of money that can influence wrong decision-making and, it also ignores any cash flows which accrue after the payback period. Despite its shortcomings, the payback period method is still used by firms in appraising capital budgeting decisions (Avery, 2011). The continual use of the payback period by firms and managers implies that there is value realized from its results. Thus, considering a constant growth rate of cash flows the payback period can be calculated by using two main factors of cash flow. The factors are â€Å"the ratio (I) of the initial outlay to the next period projected cash flow, and the projected cash flow growth rate (g)† (Avery, 2011., p.1). Therefore, if the payback period is negatively associated to g and positively related to the ratio I, the management is at a better position to evaluate the expenses and gains of a certain project. Money time value can be adjusted via the discounted cash flows. This approach suggests that there is an expected constant growth in cash flows; choosing the value of g depends on existing knowledge of the activity and foresight of a firm. The ratio I will be the initial investment divided by 1. The cash flow is also assumed to be growing â€Å"at a constant rate of g percent per period.† Thus from calculations the payback period (T) is directly proportional to I, and inversely proportional to g. That is; a high value of I imply a high initial investment cost as compared to the projected first period cash flow. Hence, an investor will take a longer time to

How Is Animal Abuse Linked to Human Abuse Essay Example for Free

How Is Animal Abuse Linked to Human Abuse Essay How is animal abuse linked to human abuse? What is animal abuse? Abuse is define to be a misuse or mistreatment and attempt to harm another person or thing. Several studies have shown that animal abuse and neglect may indicate that others in the home maybe at risk of abuse and neglect, also. Abuse has become a common place across the nation and taking on many different forms of abuse. It is believed that animals as well as humans have every right to a good life just as those who physically, psychologically, and sexually perform such act against them. Physical abuse is known as to involving contact intended to cause feelings of intimidation, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm. It is said, â€Å"Physical abuse is when a person hits, slam, pulls hair, harms by use of weaponry, murder, bites, or burns. Whereas physical neglect is failure or delay to provide healthcare, abandonment an expulsion. Neglect is also includes leaving a child under inadequate supervision, nutrition, hygiene and clothing as well as in regards to safety and welfare†(Jilani. Difference between Abuse and Neglect. May 6, 2010) Animal and human abuse fall hand in hand when coming to such situations. There are countless abuse cases of animals being cared for with cruelty and has related in every situation involving a human. Both relate very similarly when being faced with such harmful and abusive environment. The pain, suffering and death upon an animal being physically abused can compare to a human being physically abused by their spouse or one who is the abuser. The list can go on different ways an individual will perform acts of abuse toward the subjects. Thesis statement: In today’s society, cruelty towards animals is a growing epidemic because people do not have the value this worth of animal life. These acts of have placed many innocent lives into danger and until this day it still occurs. Studies have shown that â€Å"In 88 percent of 53 families where various forms of child abuse had taken place, animal abuse had also occurred. In two thirds of these families the animal abuser was the father figure; in one third it was a child. The researchers suggested that, in s uch cases, pet abuse by children was often a manifestation of children was often a manifestation of children’s response to their own victimization; a replication of the dynamics of their own abuse  on powerless pet figures. Of 233 British families with a history of animals neglect. In one study of battered women, 57 percent of those with pets said their partners had harmed or killed the animals. One in four said that she stayed with the batterer because she feared leaving the pet behind† (Pet-Abuse.com, 2001) These are the relationships of animals and humans when in dealing in such physical within a household or just an abuser who has no heart to give proper care for one of the two. This article also states of families who are being abused by other members within the family hood would tend to do the same well aware of his or her actions and is careless of their actions. Here is where an individual’s rights will come into play to protect themselves from being harmed in every way such. An animal should be given every equal right to live a good life and be given the nurture and care that is needed. There are lists of abuses an animal or human may face on a daily basis but another abuse that is popular in dealing with abuse cases is being psychologically abused. Psychological abuse is defined as emotional or mental abuse. These two characters of abuse basically are being abused imperceptibly when dealing with the mind. This is known to be more harmful only due to it affecting how a person may think and feel about themselves. An animal abuse in a psychological form may be similar. The abuser will teach the animal of thinking in ways that may cause the innocent animal to feel harmed and afraid. In this type of environment an animal or human might believe what the abuser is saying and continue to follow with the mentality of feeling frightful that if they disobey they will be abused. It states that â€Å"the abuser projects their word, attitude or actions onto an unsuspecting victim usually because they themselves have not dealt with childhood wounds that are now causing them to h arm others† (BOGDANOS, 2013). There is huge relationship of animal being abused linked to a human that is sin the same position. They will be verbally being hit with harsh words that will hurt how they will react to such abusive actions psychologically. As we understand that being psychologically abused may not cause physical damage but it may cause those being abused pain and scarring. The National Coalition against Domestic Violence stated â€Å"Psychological abuse is the systematic perpetration of malicious and explicit nonphysical health of the  victim and victim’s loved ones, controlling the victim’s freedom, and effectively acting to destabilize or isolate the victim. Psychological abuse frequently occurs prior to or concurrently with physical or sexually abuse. While psychological abuse increases the trauma of physical and sexual abuse, a number of studies have demonstrated that psychological abuse independently causes long-term damage to its victims, mental health† (VIOLENCE,2005-2011). This can lead into an unhealthy relationship if the abusiveness continues and may result into physical violence. It can result in depression, problems with self-esteem, poor sleep, alcohol or drug use, and becoming suicidal, among other things. People who are being abused may feel absolutely trapped in a relationship that they cannot escape, and begin to feel that they somehow deserve the abuse. Being abused with your emotions and mind may cause a thing or person to believe even more the self –esteem drops, you lose confidence and you find it hard to get back on the right track of mind. A few example of psychological abuse as stated in a site are â€Å"emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or â€Å"checking in†, excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation or stalking† (loveisrespect.org, 2007-2013). It is when someone’s insult and disrespect you verbally. It causes a person pain mentally and emotionally. Effects that may occur in facing psychological abuse are well known to those who are the abuser and to every other individually who is willing lend a helping in saving a life. There may be a list of ways to heal and solve the iss ue of being abused but it is up to the individually that will not let anyone nor their words or actions falter you from living life. Last but not least another link of abuse between animals and humans is sexual abuse. The American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as â€Å"sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent. Most victims and perpetrators know each other. Immediate reactions to sexual abuse include shock, fear or disbelief. Long-term symptoms include anxiety, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder. While efforts to treat sex offenders remain unpromising, psychological interventions for survivors, especially group therapy that appears effective† (ASSOCISTION, 2013). This information has shared quite a link between animals and humans when dealing with sexual  abuse. The relationship of being sexually abused is similar. For instance, the abuser will force themselves unto an animal or human and perform unwanted acts sexually that is not pleasing and very harmful to this innocent life. There are many other relationships as of humans performing sexual activity upon animals, which are against the law and should not even be thought upon in the first place. Others may be of another human against another human. They may show sexual abusive actions that may cause fear to the victim and forcefully perform such actions. These are some ways that are mostly known of how animals or humans may be sexually abused. Some could be of two individuals who practically know each other well, but one may feel in need of sexual activity and will forcefully do so while the victim is refusing. Here is another infamous way that we most often hear when it comes down it sexu al abuse. Sexual abuse has been around for many of years. As for animals, there are several of reasons why humans sexually abuse animals. They use animals as to experiments, in pornography, as sexual partner to gain satisfaction of their wants of pleasures and needs. For these reasons it has become as to force an animal, physical violence involves the use of animals for degradation and sexual exploitation of the battered partner. According to Lenore Walker (1979), bestiality may be a part of further tormenting and humiliating the victim. In Walker’s (1984) interviews with battered women, bestiality was mentioned as one of the â€Å"unusual sex acts† desired by their partners, it was found that this experience occurred with 41% of the battering partners and 5% of the non-battering partners. Child sexual abusers may also sexually abuse animals to enhance, expand or extend the abuse of the genuinely powerless and unsuspecting victim (Adam, 1994). Some case studies of sexual abuse of children include reports of forcing children to interact sexually with animals (Ascione, 1993). A child’s sexual abuse of an animal may be a warning sign that the child is a victim or witness of physical, sexual or emotional abuse† (SHEET). In conclusion, we have come to an understanding of all the different types if animal and within this research. As we know that the rate of abused animals and humans has risen dramatically over the past years. There has not  been much of a change from a day basis. Physical abuse as we all knows that it is the most well-known form of abuse that is being faced and is the traumatic one deal with. In other cases, Psychological abuse is another serious form of abuse although it is not as harmful as being physically abused. As to being sexually abused is another form which adds on to the list of abuses. These few forms have not only harmed innocent lives but have caused so much hurt and taken time away to heal. Animals and humans may be saved if dealt and prevented in the early stages of abuse. Others times it might be too late which may cost one to lose their life over carelessness and being mistreated or misused. Today’s society continue to strive in searching for ways to save lives of those being abused and to educate those in whom are abusers of what wrong doings they have become. Being that animals are not humans but their relationship is similar to each other and how they are treated. This is why I believe that animals and humans should be treated equally along with the rights against abusers in order to save their innocent lives from falling into hands of the abusers. References ASSOCIATION, A.P. (2013). SEXUAL ABUSE. Retrieved from AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION: http://www.apa.org/topics/sexual-abuse/ BOGDANOS, M. (2013, 05 31). SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE. Retrieved from PSCH CENTRAL: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/02/20/signs-of-emotional-abuse/ Loveisrespect.org. (2007-2013). Emotional and verbal abuse. Retrived feom loveisrespect.org: http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/what-is-emotional-verbal-abuse Pet-Abuse.com. (2001). Pet-Abuse.com. Retrieved from Pet-Abuse.com: http://www.pet- abuse.com/pages/abused_connection/whole_pictures.php SHEET, A. S. (n.d). ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS SHEET. Retrived from ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE FACTS SHEET: http://www.vactf.org/pdfs/bestiality-factsheet.pdf VIOLENCE, N.C. (2005-2011). PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE. Retrieved from NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: http://www.ncadv.org/files/Psychological Abuse.pdf

The Mission of Ben Jerrys

The Mission of Ben Jerrys Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded Ben Jerrys Homemade Ice Cream in 1978. Back in 1966, when they were working out in a school gym, they both realised that they hated running but loved food. Years later in 1978, Ben had been fired from a series of jobs while Jerry had failed for the second time to get into medical school. So, they decided to do a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making and later opened their first scoop shop in a dilapidated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. They soon became popular in the local community for the best all natural ice cream. By 1979, they began wholesaling pints of ice cream out of Bens VW campervan.Over the years, Ben Jerrys evolved into a socially-oriented, independent-minded industry leader in the super-premium ice cream market.All Ben Jerrys frozen dessert products are being manufactured in the companys three plants located in Vermont. The company distributes ice cream, low fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and other novelty produ cts (1). While the majority of corporate managers were under constant pressure to meet their shareholders demands, Ben and Jerry were quite the opposite; they were only interested in short-term gains and large profits. In fact, at first they panicked by their quick business growth, as they thought about severing ties with the fast growing company. They did not place any emphasis on cash, equipment and inventories which are considered to be the tangible assets of the firm. Instead, their focus was on intangible` assets such as reputation, quality of life, joy, social concerns; all of which they considered to be as valuable as material assets- and as Jerry put it ‘if its not fun, why do it?. Recently, Unilever, a multinational food and personal products company acquired Ben Jerrys in spring 2000. The Ben Jerrys Board of Directors approved Unilevers worth  £ 230m. Under the terms conditions of the agreement, Ben Jerrys will function separately from Unilevers existing ice cream business. There will be an independent Board of Directors and their main role would be to maintain Ben Jerrys social mission and brand integrity. Both co-founders will keep on working with Ben Jerrys, and the company will continue to be Vermont-based (3).So, although it is under Unilever but it still continues to maintain its individual identity. Ben Jerrys Mission The underlying mission of Ben Jerrys is to search for new and innovative ways of addressing all three parts (social, product and economic), while holding a profound respect for the community of which they are a part and also to the individuals inside and outside the company. Their mission consists of three interrelated parts shown below. â€Å"To operate the company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally and internationally† (2). â€Å"To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment† (2). â€Å"To operate the company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for the stakeholders and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for the employees† (2). There has been an increasing demand for indulgent ‘treats in the British diet. Around  £1.3 billion ice cream market is tapping into this demand with rising sales in luxury and premium ice creams at the expense of standard varieties. About 14million adults buy ice cream as a treat. The growing demand for indulgent desserts has helped grow the sales of ice cream. Since 2007, value sales of ice cream have grown by 8% (4). All these statistics show that Ben Jerrys have great potential in the U.K. market. Strategic Analysis Political factors There had been rumours accusing Ben Jerrys of supporting the defence ofMumia Abu-Jamal, who was convicted in 1982 of killing Philadelphia Police officerDaniel Faulkner. Misunderstanding stemmed from the fact that Ben Cohen, one of the co-founders, joined hundreds of other people in signing a petition in 1995 asking that American justice should be followed fully in the case. Apart from these reports, there had been allegations that Ben Jerrys had introduced an ice cream flavour whose name is connected to this case.As a consequence of this alleged support, the National Fraternal Order of Police had publicly called for a boycott of all Ben Jerrys products (6). Again in 2006, Ben Jerrys had to apologise to Irish consumers for launching a new flavour â€Å"Black and Tan† evoking their worst days of British military oppression. Black and Tans was the term used for recruiting an irregular force of British ex-servicemen during the Irish war of independence and renowned for their brutality (9). Ben Jerrys were again in news when PETA sent them a letter asking them to use breast milk instead of cows to prevent cruelty to the dairy cows (5). Moreover, ever since Ben Jerrys have been taken over by Unilever, the Vermont firm, famous for donating part of its profits to charity, has been criticised for having changed their commercial focus. Economic factors The high costs related to manufacturing each different unique flavour. Ben Jerrys primary marketing goal is to create products that cannot be reproduced but the technological developments of the company has not allowed them to launch the products within a realistic time limit. It takes them many years to come up with a new different flavour. Even after that there is no surety if the product would be successful or able to penetrate in the market. Not only this, it also gives the competitors a chance to take over their place in the market. Back in 1994 also, sales dropped, profits went down, and the companys stock prices fell to half its value. Cost of sales increased approximately $9.6 million or 9.5% over the same period in 1993, and the overall gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased from 28.6% in 1993 to 26.2% in 1994. This loss might have been a result of several reasons, such as high administration and selling costs, a negative impact of inventory management, and start up costs associated with certain flavours (8). The company realising its fall in sales, quickly responded to the changes in consumer demands and introduced Ben Jerrys ‘Lite. The line failed miserably. It looked like that Ben Jerry failed to forecast and acknowledge the changes in consumer tastes, and was faced with increasing competition with Haagen-Dazs, which introduced its ‘low-fat Ultra Premium ice-cream. Social factors Partnershops are Ben Jerrys scoop shops that are independently owned and operated by community-based non-profitable organizations. These organizations use the funds generated to train and counsel disenfranchised youth who are in need of a helping hand to get back into the work environment. Other than this, they are working on sustainable dairy farming programme and fair-trade (which is the premium they pay for the ingredients which enables the farmer to take positive steps towards providing basic needs for their families, such as healthcare, education and safe housing) (1). Such efforts had been made to attract over ‘like-minded consumers, however its debatable as in to what extent this will have an impact on appealing the hearts of their consumers. The question then arises as to how much their social unique image gets affected by their consumer behaviour. Environmental factors U.K. experienced poor weather in the summer of 2007 in comparison to that of 2006, with an average temperature of 14.10C compared to 15.80C in 2006. This had a negative effect on the ice cream market, especially in the impulse sector, and value sales went down 1.5% compared to 2006. In the last two years (2008 and 2009), summer temperatures appear to have picked up, reaching approximately 14.70C in 2009 (4). UK Mean seasonal temperature ( °C), 2004-09* January-August Seasons: Winter=Dec-Feb, Spring=Mar-May, Summer=June-Aug, Autumn=Sept-Nov Data are provisional from December 2008 and Winter 2008/09 Source: Met Office/Mintel Technological factors In order to improve the companys infrastructure and with the aim to automate their production to keep up the intense competition, they invested a lot of money in property and equipments in 1994 increasing their long term debts by almost 45%. SWOT analysis Strengths Prestigious, established and recognized brand name and successfully operating in many countries. Ben Jerrys make a yearly contribution of minimum $1.1 million from pre-tax profits to charitable foundation. It also sponsors Partnershops, Ben Jerrys scoop shops, which are operated by non-profitable organizations. These organizations help the disenfranchised youth to get them back in the working environment. They also have a long term partnership with Fairtrade foundation which works toward paying farmers the premium that enables them to fulfil the basic needs of their families. Till now, they have launched four Fairtrade certified ice cream flavours. Product differentiation- the use of natural, good quality ingredient, different flavours and the strategic use of quirky flavour names such as Wavy Gravy, Chubby Hubby, Phish Food and Chunky Monkey gives them a competitive edge over other conventional ice cream products of other companies. Ben Jerrys have also introduced other products like sorbets and frozen yoghurts along with their ice cream range for targeting customers demanding for healthy desserts. Ben Jerrys acquisition by Unilever in 2000 has provided the company with greater financial backing allowing them to be even more productive and socially active in the ice cream business. Thermoacoustic refrigeration- Ben Jerrys company developed the first prototype eco-chilling unit which recycles and re-uses the energy used to maintain the ice surface. Advertising support- introducing flavours with clever names in order to promote them. For example, ‘Yes Pecan referring to the Barack Obamas winning the presidency elections (7), ‘Hubby Hubby in order to support the cause of marriage equality for same-sex couples (11). Weaknesses: Limited target market as Ben Jerrys is a super-premium brand and is seen as a special treat by consumers and depends on their level of indulgence. Too much focus on charity work which has added up to the unnecessary costs and has caused them to neglect the upcoming changes in trends. Lack of professionalism in management and due to their employee oriented approach has made them to suffer a great loss in 1994. In order to fulfil their mission statement of providing consumers with ice creams of innovative flavour, they take a really long time to come up with a new flavour which is absolutely unnecessary as even after that there is no guarantee if the product would be successful in market. In fact, it gives the competitors a chance to take over their market share. High cost involved in transportation as most of their suppliers are scattered throughout the world. For example, nuts from South African rain forests, peaches from Georgia, etc. Opportunities As people are becoming more and more health conscious, Ben Jerrys should launch more variety in fat-free ice creams and even greater range in healthy alternatives like frozen yoghurts. They should work towards globalizing their product to compete effectively in the market. Their geographical reach is limited to North America and Western Europe mainly. Environment friendly freezers- In 2009, they have announced the plans to roll out (Hydrofluorocarbons) HFCs-free freezer which is a major step towards saving the planet as HFCs are one of the major factor responsible for ozone depletion (10). Ben Jerrys are currently working on using bio-gas digester to convert the waste produced during the manufacturing of ice creams into energy (1). Packaging- Ben Jerrys ice cream tubs are presently made from 90% renewable paper stock but to prevent it from leaking, they coat it with polyethylene which makes it difficult to recycle them. So, they should work on making tubs which are fully recyclable. Threats Consumers tend to change their product preferences based on their discretionary income and the extent to which they want to indulge in these fattening dessert products. There are many substitute products available within the desserts and frozen food industry. Therefore, they not only suffer competition from other ice cream brands but also from other desserts such as chocolates, cookies, pies, etc. Slow product development- the duration during which a new flavour is launched is really long which gives competitors a chance to take over the market during that time. Their major competitor is Haagen dazs as can be deduced from the table below which gives the take-home sales from 2007 to 2009 (4). Haagen dazss ‘low fat ultra-premium ice cream range is extremely popular. Moreover, they have a competitive edge over Ben Jerrys as it is geographically more spread than Ben Jerrys as the brand is marketed by two multinational companies- Nestle and General Mills. Take Home sales 2007-09 2007 % 2008 % 2009 % % change  £m  £m  £m 2007-09 Unilever 242 40 263 42 285 43 17.8 Walls (Heart) 116 19 125 20 139 21 20.2 Carte DOr 39 6 44 7 46 7 19.2 Viennetta 30 5 26 4 24 4 -20 Ben Jerrys 36 6 43 7 50 8 38.3 Other 21 3 25 4 26 4 23.3 General Mills Hà ¤agen-Dazs 30 5 38 6 40 6 32.8 Fredericks Dairies 49 8 44 7 46 7 -5.1 RR 55 9 50 8 53 8 -3.4 Skinny Cow 6 1 6 1 7 1 10.7 Other brands 61 10 39 6 40 6 -34.4 Own-label 139 23 156 25 159 24 14.3 Total 606 100 625 100 664 100 9.6 Source: Mintel Recommendations Recent acquisition by Unilever could create a negative image in public which need to be cleared by ensuring them that even after being taken over by Unilever, their missions have not changed and they would continue to produce new innovative flavours of ice creams. They should maintain a balance between their social and product mission. Instead of focussing more on social causes and adding up the unnecessary costs, they should rather study the upcoming change in trends and launch new flavours to maintain or increase their share in the market. Since it is now owned by Unilever, they have the financial support required for them to expand their production globally. They should decrease the duration of product development process so that they can launch a new flavour every month or so to keep the customers engaged on a regular basis. They should continue to implement their recycling programs in order to lower down the production costs. They should develop additional manufacturing plants and distribution centres outside of Vermont to cut down on the transportation costs. They should change the consumer perception of having the ice cream only in summers or spring time to anytime dessert i.e. they should work towards deseasonalising their sales. Conclusion Ben Jerrys even after acquisition by Unilever in 2000 has continued to maintain its own identity. Their strong product differentiation gives them a competitive edge over their competitors. The only need is to expand globally to compete effectively with other brands. The innovation factor in their ice creams distinguishes them from the conventional flavours of other brands. Their efforts in becoming green e.g. by planning to launch environment friendly freezers which would reduce green house gases emission sets them apart from other companies. All they need to do is to remain focussed on their missions with equal emphasis on all of them keeping in mind the customers demands.

Reinsurance Business :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Reinsurance Business ARTICLE I – PARTIES TO AGREEMENT This Agreement is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer and the performance of obligations of each party under this Agreement shall be rendered solely to the other party. In no instances shall anyone other than the Company or the Reinsurer have any rights under this Agreement except recognizing the Company has the sole responsibility for the evaluation and appointment of the Underwriting Manager, Managed Care Concepts of Delaware, Inc. (MCCI). Further, it is agreed that Associated Accident and Health Reinsurance Underwriters (AAHRU), a participating Reinsurer, is deemed to be the Lead Reinsurer. In that capacity, any and all actions of the Lead Reinsurer shall be made in the best interest of this Agreement and binding upon the other reinsurers. Should the Company appoint a new Underwriting Manager, the Reinsurer must approve any change in the Underwriting Manager, otherwise the Reinsurer has the right to cancel at the time of change. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, and successors, if any. ARTICLE II – BASIS OF REINSURANCE On and after the effective date of this Agreement, the Company shall cede and the Reinsurer shall accept as reinsurance, a Quota Share portion, as shown within ARTICLE XXXII – EXECUTION, of the liability on policies, binders, contracts or agreements of insurance, hereinafter referred to as policies, issued or renewed by the Company on or after the effective date of this Agreement and underwritten for and on behalf of the Company by the Underwriting Manager and classified as Basic College Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Insurance, as described below: ï‚ · Basic College Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Insurance: Excess of all other valid and collectible insurance issued to the eligible students (various classes including, domestic undergraduate, domestic graduate and foreign students) and their eligible dependents. If the eligible student does not have primary insurance, this plan will be primary. Some plans may be written on a primary basis for which benefits will then be coordinated with any other plan in which the student is covered as a dependent. Premiums must be paid before insurance is in force and valid. The maximum benefit per individual covered insured is $500,000. ARTICLE III – RETENTION AND LIMIT The Reinsurer agrees to accept a fixed proportion of 85% of the first $500,000 per person per risk for all business subject to this Agreement.

growaw Edna Pontellier’s Identity in Kate Chopins The Awakening :: Chopin Awakening Essays

Identity in The Awakening Kate Chopin's The Awakening is about a woman's growing sense of identity. The novel takes place on an island south of New Orleans and in New Orleans. Edna Pontellier is 28 years old when she "wakes up". Her husband Leonce Pontellier is much older than she - forty years old. The Awakening opens when Mr. Pontellier - a businessman- is disturbed by the noise some parrots are doing. They repeat "Allez vous-en!" which means go away. It sounds such as an invitation to Edna to leave her cage of marriage. This is what she is doing in steps throughout the novel. The "parrot" image is very interesting because parrots can be trained to talk, and they repeat only what someone taught them. Edna refuses more and more to follow the rules women are trained in. She starts to look for a self-determined life. In Chapter VI Chopin writes "Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being." She realizes this after going to the beach with Robert for a bath in the sea. The sea and swimming play an important role in this novel. The sea is an archetype of death and rebirth. In the beginning Edna experiences "the touch of the sea" as sensuous, and she seems to feel renewed. At the end she enters the water of the Gulf naked and feels "like som e newborn creature." When she dies, it seems that death and rebirth have met and the circle has closed. ( Teachers comment: Something is very wrong with the grammar here). To underline that Edna is different from the typical women at Grand Isle and New OrleansChopin creates the character of Adele Ratignolle. She is described as the embodiment of the "mother- woman." She seems to accept and enjoy her role as a wife and mother. She knows her duties and (in XIV) leaves Edna alone because Monsieur Ratignolle is alone at home and "he detested above all things to be left alone." When Edna tells Adele "that she would never sacrifice herself for her children," Adele does not understand. She fulfills her role as a mother and wife, whereas Edna wants to define her role new. She asks in Chapter XIII "How many years have I slept?" and Robert mentions later "All but the hundred years when you were sleeping.