Monday, September 30, 2019

Point paper

A program is a series of steps to be carried out for goals to be accomplished. In other words it is the group of activities directed towards achieving defined objectives and targets. A target audience is a group of people that are targeted by business organization, advertising campaign etc. for appealing there product.Waterfront job requires well knowledge in respect of protection of ship and protection of environment. It also included as how to avoid fire danger, prevent corrosion and electrolysis, follow safe procedures during fueling etc. So handling of all these activities require well equipped knowledge with the working of waterfront. Thus, from the above points it is clear that the position of person working as a waterfront is highly technical and risky as person is always play with his life while performing any of his duties.A pilot program includes the creation and use of new business associate classification. This program helps to distinguish different class of people on the basis of certain factors. There is lots of scope in waterfront job as there is growing interest in this field and new ideas are generating everyday. The course in relation to this undertakes a long apprenticeship training which makes the person expert in his field and to face any difficult circumstances. The persons undergoing this training are in great demand due to their special feature of job and also provide them opportunity to grow big in the respective industry. It is very appealing to young peoples who are adventurous in nature and always ready to take the risk. The job provides lots of scope for promotion in their field to members.If a person wants to grow his position into big and great, waterfront job provide a lot opportunity to achieve the target. The person holding the position as waterfront is in great demand due to function performed by Waterfront fitness Specialist working with various ships is to provide fitness assistance for physical program.As stated in the ques tion that less persons are going on training under this area. His indicates that the job is not much focused or paid attention but takes in him immense scope for attracting more and more person for training. The sum of money received in this job is very handsome due to its risky behavior but this special feature helps to increase the people for training. The position of waterfront is earlier seen in west coast but in recent days east coast are also actively involved for training position. The people are more and more becoming aware of the advantage of score in respective field comes to undergo training.The person acting as a trainer to attract more and more individuals in this job around the world a person is needed a four year degree from authorized university with a major in exercise physiology, physical education or related field. Must possess current fitness certification like (American College Sports Medicine (ACSM), Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research, National Strength and C onditioning Association, American Exercise Council (ACE) or other nationally recognizing certifying agencies. In depth knowledge of the principles of training to be imparted is needed. Ability to perform maintenance and minor repairs of fitness equipment are extensive oral and written communication skills.There is lot of scope of this course in university and colleges as young peoples study there and always willing to take risk at any cost. The money in this job is quite handsome; this will drag the attention of students. Therefore it is very successful to launch this internship program in the universities due to fresh environment and enthusiastic manner. The internship program time period is very long and very deep practical knowledge is imparted to the persons. With this training they become quite confident to take their task in effective manner. Thus, it is easily conclude that initiating of training program in universities and colleges is quite successful by dragging attention o f maximum numbers of person for training.Generally the company imparting internship program hire the same persons whom they provide training by providing effective job according to their area of interest. So they trainer can tap the resources from local universities and colleges by set up an internship program in the campus of university and hiring them for job increase the personnel in the respective field. With the internship program it is possible to appoint individuals after their program is completed and put qualified individuals on the areas and ships. The students completed their graduation can opt for this training at their own campus and after depositing the specified fees. The providing of training at university and college campus is very intelligent decision to tap the young talent in this field which is emerging field. This provides immense help to students who doesn’t know a bit about this training and course, so it is very convenient for them to take deep knowle dge of the course.Therefore, the above mentioned program is immensely helpful to the entire newcomer trying to take any such internship training or program. The success is guaranteed of providing training to students by trainer by its unique feature and freshness of the job. So the decision to impart training for waterfront job is very correct and very successful.REFRENCEReferred to sites:-1.   http://www.baycrossings.com/Archives/2001/10_November/working_waterfront.htmWorking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  WaterfrontDated 19th September 2007

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Coca-Cola in Brazil

1920s and 30s International expansion The Company began a major push to establish bottling operations outside the U. S. Plants were opened in France, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Belgium, Italy, Peru, Spain, Australia and South Africa. On May 8, 1886, a pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton carried a jug of Coca-Cola ® syrup to Jacobs’ Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta, where it was mixed with carbonated water and sold for five cents a glass. In 1942 Coca-Cola entered the Brazilian market. ? Brazil is Coca Cola’s third largest operation and second largest international market. ? Low average consumption (144 bottles/p/y) USA (462 bottles/p/y) ? Mexico (402 bottles/p/y) ? low profitability market ? 20th position ? ? ? ? ? ? From 1986 to 2003 nonalcoholic drink consumption AVG yearly growth of 13. 92%. ? Per Capita Consumption of Soft Drink in Brazil has increased by average rate of 17. 37% per year. Highly competitive market : ? AmBev: main competitor with 17% market share. It partnered with Pepsi increasing sales profitability. ? Other competitors have an average market share of 33,5% (within these, there are illegal manufacturers operating without permissions and without paying taxes). More than 3500 brands of soft drink in Brazil.More than 700 plants in 2004. Difficulty to reach rural communities. POS consumption. ? ? ? ? ? Cola was the Brazilian favorite flavor (41. 8%) followed by Guarana (23. 9%) and Orange (11. 4%). Soft drinks were sold in variety of containers made of glass, PET and aluminum, having capacities that varied from 200 ml to 2. 5 liters. The most favourite packaging is the disposable bottle from 2 to 2,5 litres with a total percentage average consumption of 72. 88*. Average sales growth rate in brazil between 1986-2003 in parcentage: 5,74 Consumers cares about price, flavor and quality, without being influeced by brand name.Poor distribution channels. ? Only 25% of soda sales are through supermarkets. ? Scarcity of vending machines. A- B: C: D-E: ?Most sophisticated class. ?They have the highest levels of income and education ? Typical worker ?Lack purchasing power ? Low/middle class ?Struggle to afford basic ? Compromise 12,6 million goods & services households ? 28% of total national consumption ? ? ? ? ? ? Worldwide top known brand. Distribution network (9000 vehicles). High quality products. Wide product mix. Large market share. Large scale of operations. ? Poor distribution network in rural areas Investment reduction in media and advertising in 67% of product categories ?The price of Coca-Cola is higher than that of competitors ? Price cutting strategy has effect only on market share and not on profitability ? Develop a more accurate distribution network in rural areas. ? Expanding product range (Guarana). ? Partnership/acquisition with local brands. ? Sponsoring more social events (Rio 2016) and contribute to social development. ? Coming up with more efficient promotion. ? Leveraging class C. ? Consumer b ehavior: strong price consciusness and low level of loyalty ? Intense competition. B brands competiting illegally (no legal existence thus not paying taxes) ? High threat of new entrants (ex. RC Cola) ? High elasticity of demand ’ ? Expanding the output of the company’s product (Guarana Kuat) planting 200ha of Guarana: Pros: they secured the 11% Guarana market in Brazil. Pros: they allowed to reach a cost benefit controlling the supply and quality of raw materials. ? Venture into Tubainas territory: Pros: acquisition and blocking of new competitors. Cons: acquiring a competitor does not signify securing from its future actions. ? Price cutting from $0,65 to 0,45 ? -30%:Cons: negative effect on profitability. ? Buying back franchise operations: Pros: market share back from 48% to 50%. Cons: negative effect on profitability. ’ ? Partnership with Norsa: Pros: market share from 42% in 2002 to 44,5% in 2003 and increasing operational profits by 40%, thus implies Toba inas’s market share dropping by 4%. ? Sponsoring national events (mostly Rio de Janeiro Carnival): Pros: dissemination of brand awareness. ? Renovation of the company’s plants: Pros: more effective and efficient operations. ?introducing returnable glass bottle: Pros: reducing cost of packaging. Strenghten its position in the south-east of Brazil widening its distribution network. ? Keep going on strategic partnerships with local competitors. ? Extend the existing product range and effectively advertise and market it. ? Use different types of packaging to arrive to customers thus increasing their demand ? introduce limited edition bottles maitaining the same price. ? Make the company organization and asset structure more flexible in order to better respond to an high competitive and fast changing environment. ? Increase promotional activities in order to fight price competition and improve the peirceived quality for the products.Achieve operational efficiency through ec onomies of scale. ? Exacerbate legal actions against B brands. ? Acquire or build Joint Ventures with Brazilian companies for exploiting their local knowledge. ? To be more involved in the local distribution, concentrating on the positioning of the products in the shelves. ? To better understand the customers needs and to adapt to local tastes. ? Make the customers understand that they are paying a premium price for a higher quality of products, and not because of the high promotion and advertising expenses.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

College Entrance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

College Entrance - Essay Example I am one of those employees. It was only by chance that I came across the Master of Science in Public Affairs program of the University of Massachusetts in Boston. For me, discovery of this masters program offering night-time classes was a gift from the universe because it will allow me to perfectly schedule my day and night time hours in order to pursue this much needed educational degree. Thanks to the short turn completion time , I can get my degree in 18 months instead of longer, I will be able to fast track my higher education while never skipping a beat at the office. Having worked for Anhauser - Busch in the past on their contemporary marketing team, then as a product merchandiser, before moving on to working for the state lottery as a sales representative, I am quite familiar with the need to perfectly balance my work, education, and personal time. Since the MSPA program will concentrate mostly on weekend classes and some weekend seminars, I am definite that the course load will never become too much for me to handle. When I decided to pursue a masters degree in Public Affairs, I told myself that the one thing I would not do is sit down to write a personal statement that would misrepresent myself. I am not going to do that because misrepresenting myself will not be beneficial to me should I be accepted into the program because I would have set myself up to fail due to the unreasonably high image that I would have created for myself just to get into the program. Instead, I am coming to you to present myself as a simple person, hoping to be awarded a slot in the MSPA program of your much admired academic institution. I began my career far away from the current field that I am working in as a State Lottery employee. During my younger days, I prided myself in being one of the most sought after DJs in the state. I made my money that way. Being paid to

Friday, September 27, 2019

Health and Safety reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health and Safety reflection - Essay Example Likewise, I also exemplify strengths in selecting the most appropriate and effective contraception. In addition, the assessment on the genetic history has been illuminating in terms of discussing any potential genetic disorders or health problems by bringing the subject matter to one’s parents, who are knowledgeable in one’s genetic history of illnesses. The knowledge and awareness gives one the opportunity to address any potential risks and to be more vigilant in factors that might increase propensities to these illnesses. These strengths in awareness and knowledge on the subject matter of health relationships, sexuality, reproductive choices, and genetic disorders, among others, could be shared with family members, friends and associates to likewise enhance their knowledge on these subject matters and assist any of them who might be experiences some challenges, problems, or difficulties in any of the abovementioned topics I= Improvements: Discuss areas for personal im provement in regards to your results of this/these assessment (s) . Summarize an action plan to make these improvements. Despite the strengths, I admit that there is always room for improvement. Under the topic on reproductive choices, for instance, there are target behaviors that include the need to be more selective and aware of eating health food and in going through regular physical activities and exercises. Although at the moment, one has been observing eating a balanced diet, there are times when one gives in to eating sweets or drinking colas, once in a while. In this regard, the action plan is to schedule a regular routine for exercising, especially when one is aware that indulgence in unhealthy foods has been undertaken. As suggested, I need to set goals, monitor my behavior, and provide a definite timeline to observe and note the improvements. By giving myself a potential reward, I would be motivated to improve. A reward could be in terms of buying a favorite outfit that I had been eyeing for quite some time or sharing my experience to others who most need the same improvement. Under healthy relationships and sexuality, I strongly believe that despite having strengths in communicating with others, this facet could still be improved by being more open and receptive to others. Likewise, with increasing focus and thrust on cultural diversity, I admit that there is a need to develop and enhance awareness on diversity in cultural communication patterns that would assist in the development and growth of health relationships. The same process would be undertaken: set a goal, monitor one’s changes in behavior, provide a definite timeline, provide motivation and rewards, and commit to the needed change. I= Insights: Discuss any new things you learned about yourself after completing these assessments? Light bulbs that have gone off? New â€Å"ah ha† moments generated by these assessment results. How might this insight motivate you to make a healt hy behavior change? After completing these assessments, I realized that I am open to embrace new learning, knowledge with the objective of improving oneself through establishing diverse relationships and keeping or maintaining strong bonds with loved ones. I learned that I

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Project Management - Essay Example Moreover, these activities are assumed to accomplish, their objectives within financial constraints as well. In the light of above discussion the projects are conceived to attain the certain goal or set of goals in a given time frame, therefore it could be established, that the time is the most important feature of these activities. Generally, the resources are deployed in an organization to carry out its normal functions, but the nature of a firm is pretty much stable, as compared to that of a project. This fact places a premium on the timely execution of the projects. The project could also be defined, a set of interconnected tasks, which should be completed to execute, the entire project (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009). However, this observation leads to the implication of interdependence of one task on to the completion of another one. This interconnectivity compels the project management to hire experts of every area affected by the project. Next, this paper will shed some li ght on the interesting facts, about the revolution of project management as a science, which are as follows The process of project costing got better, because the cost overruns dropped from 180% to just 56%, in past ten years (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009) The time overruns are also decreased from 164% to 84% in the same period of time (Blackstone, Cox, & Schleier 2009) These improvements are caused, by the excessive utilization of information technology, to integrate the decision process, between various people working on the project. However management information systems helped a lot in terms of effective and efficient project execution, but they by themselves are the most difficult ones to manage. The case of NHS IT program is a real world example. The major purpose of projects is to create something new, such as new product development. Therefore, they carry a higher level of risk, which requires an able management team that was lacking in the NHS project. The projects are believed to be the only credible source of development in the dynamic world of management, because they provide, the opportunity to the business persons around the world to experiment with something new (Zdanyte & Neverauskas 2011). However the rate of failures among these activities is overwhelmingly high. This fact is partially caused by the inadequate level of knowledge about this particular field among practitioners. This trend also played a significant role in making the IT project of NHS a failure, where the large level execution was attempted without any prior planning. The modern method of project management entails, dividing a whole project into smaller ones, and then considering each one separately (Gorog 2011). In this way the commitment of resources is well divided among the various stages of the project, so it becomes relatively simple to track the investments. Another benefit of this approach is the clear and logical interdependence between the different phases of the project gets highlighted, which gives clear sense of direction to those working on it. This above mentioned approach was the ideal one to implement on the venture

Tracing the development of painting Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Tracing the development of painting - Term Paper Example The essay "Tracing the development of painting" discovers the development of painting. The chronological discussion of painting styles proves the difference in visual characteristics but with a number of similarities and are related to each other in some way or other. This painting style was originated around 1600s and influenced the following centuries. Besides, this form of painting style is rich and deep in color, and the intense usage of light and shadow. The exponents of Baroque style made use of the most exact moment or the dramatic point of events arouse emotionality in the minds of viewers. One of the best examples for Baroque as a painting style is The Deposition by Caravaggio. Neoclassicism dominated the European art from 18th century to 19th century. Neoclassicism was basically a reaction against Rococo style in European Art. As a painting style, Neoclassicism gave due importance to Roman and Greek art. Its influence is not limited to the sphere of painting, but it extends to other forms of art like literature and architecture. One of the best examples for Neoclassicism as a painting style is The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David. Realism originated in Europe, especially in France, in 1850s. Besides, it was a movement against Romanticism. Realism was totally against the emotionalism projected by Romanticism, and was in favor of the ideology of Objective Realism. So, truth and accuracy were the fundamental principles of Realism in painting. In short, realism gave due importance.... Impressionism: Impressionism originated in Paris, as an Art movement in 19th century. The name Impressionism is originated from Claude Monet’s art work, namely ‘Impression, Sunrise’. The usage of thin brushstrokes, perfect lighting, usage of ordinary subjects, and strange visual angles are some of its main characteristics. One of the best examples for Impressionism is The Abduction of Egypt by Shwidkiy Andrey (see appendix -4). Post-Impressionism: Post-Impressionism was developed in France during 1880s. Roger Fry, the renowned British Art critic was behind the creation of the term Post-Impressionism. Post-Impressionism was an extension of Impressionism, but rejected the limitations of Impressionism. The exponents of Post-Impressionism gave more importance to geometric forms. The usage of unnatural color in paintings is one of the most important features of Post-Impressionism. One of the best examples for Post-Impressionism is Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh (See ap pendix – 5). Cubism: Cubism transformed the scenario of painting in Europe and deeply influenced other forms of art like sculpture and music. The basic element of Cubism is to break down the object, analyze it, and to re- assemble the same. This helps the painter to present the art work with difference in subject matter. The usage of random angles is the most important aspect of cubism. One of the best examples for Cubism is Guernica by Pablo Picasso (see appendix-7). Geometric abstraction: Geometric abstraction is based on abstract art. Besides, it is based on non-objective and two dimensional models. It rejects exaggeration and illusionistic modes of painting and makes use of canvas as

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Characterizing Carbonated Soft Drink Industry in the US Case Study - 35

Characterizing Carbonated Soft Drink Industry in the US - Case Study Example According to the paper, the major soft drink companies include Coca-Cola and Pepsi. These companies are distributed all over the country each having branches and distributers in cities and towns. For instance, Coca-Cola North America and the Bottling Company of Southern California introduced Fanta and Manzana Lift. This came about because a research conducted showed that fruit-flavored drinks were the best choice for many Hispanics. Therefore, these two drinks are the ones that met the consumers’ preferences. Pepsi, a stiff competitor has Mountain Dew, which is the fourth best-selling soft drink in the U.S and best-flavored drink. To improve its marketing, they have commercials that only focus on the Hispanics among other diverse advertisements because ethnic markets are so profitable for these firms. This brand focuses mostly on teens and the 20-39 year population is its secondary market. Squirt soft drink originates from Great Depression of 1930 but Cadbury Schweppes was the main marketer for Squirt since 1993 until Dr. Pepper/Seven Up, Inc. took over since 1995. The drink came to market in 1938 and to heighten its market, the owners introduced an appeal called little squirt for advertisements, hence popularizing its recognition. After change of ownership in 1977, the drink rebranded its logo and due to new upcoming trends, squirt made the first low calorie drink in 1983. Squirt is bottled and distributed by 250 bottlers in America, a third are independent and some owned by Dr. Pepper/Seven Up, Inc. whereas two-thirds are part of Coca-Cola and Pepsi. This wide distribution makes it possible for supply of the product amounting to over 85% of Americans’ soft drink by volume. Squirt has a diverse range of products with diet and ruby red Squirts being the leading products having generated 20% of the total sales. Its products compete stiffly with those of Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the market.  

Monday, September 23, 2019

Cap Gemini - recommended global strategy for 2012 2016 Research Paper

Cap Gemini - recommended global strategy for 2012 2016 - Research Paper Example The success of the organization in the global market is depended on its ability to identify an effective international strategy. Such strategy would allow the firm to increase its competitiveness towards its rivals and secure its position as a major competitor in its industry. In case that the entry in a particular market is attempted, it is necessary that all this market’s characteristics and risks are carefully reviewed in advance, i.e. before developing the firm’s strategy for entering the particular market (Hitt et al. 2008). Cap Gemini is a major competitor in the consulting, outsourcing and IT services industry worldwide. The firm is already member of the international market; however, the stabilization of its performance requires the change of the firm’s existing global strategy under the terms that markets worldwide suffer from strong economic and political/ social turbulences. Such perspective is made clear through the following example: in 2002 the perf ormance of firm was reduced under the influence of the events of September the 11th (Selva 2002); the above fact revealed the lack of inability of the firm’s global strategy to face strong market turbulences. Cap Gemini, like all other international firms, needs to re-evaluate its global strategy in order to avoid the risk of unexpected organizational failures, a phenomenon that could result to severe losses. In order to understand the needs of Cap Gemini in terms of its global strategy it would be necessary to understand the context of this strategy, in its most common form. In accordance with Peng (2008) the global strategy should be described as ‘a strategy around the globe and not as the strategy of a particular multinational enterprise’ (Peng 2008, p.21). A potential international strategy for Cap Gemini for the years 2012-2016, i.e. for a four-years period, is described below. Primarily, reference is made to the market trends, meaning the industry in which the firm operates. Also, the firm’s existing position and potentials in the global market is analyzed using appropriate methods of strategic analysis. 2. Company Overview Cap Gemini provides consulting, outsourcing, IT and general professional services to firms worldwide. The firm is already well established in the global market employing 115,000 people in its units internationally. The firm is established in France but it has developed an extended network of units in most countries, including those of the Asia Pacific region and America. Among the firm’s services, those most developed are: systems integration (42%) and outsourcing (36%), see Figure 1, Appendix. On the other hand, particular emphasis is given on public sector (at a percentage of 27%), rather than on other industrial sectors, such as financial

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Managing Legal Relationship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing Legal Relationship - Essay Example This issue had not been addressed by SBL management even after the issue was raised by the staff and this had demoralised the staff. Tony, a four year old child who almost chocked to death on what appeared to be piece of string which had somehow been baked in a loaf and was contained in a slice of bread given to him by his mother. The mother has right of bring a case against SBL concerning the choking of her son. Cherie (Tony's Mother) can also bring a case against SBL for she had experienced trauma after she saw her son Tony being chocked by a string in the slices of bread she had given him. This lead he to being prescribed tranquilisers as she could not cope with as did before her son was choked. Annie, a sales lady who was selling SBL products from a van, door to door can also bring claims against SBL for falling to release her as she wanted to leave the company. She wanted to witch so that she can start selling Barrowmill's bread but she would not be released by SBL unless she paid them compensation for the remaining four months of her contract. The customer can also bring claims against SBL since they were selling inferior products. The customers had started complaining that the quality of bread was deteriorating and that they were selling inferior products. On the case where Stoneygro... The customer can also bring claims against SBL since they were selling inferior products. The customers had started complaining that the quality of bread was deteriorating and that they were selling inferior products. Chapter Two: Discussion Question Two Legal Rules governing the above legal Action On the case where Stoneyground Bakeries Ltd (SBL) is bring an action against Tyre Heaven for selling to them cheap imported tyres that cause injuries to the company's driver a week after they were fitted. The Van driver crushed into a wall after the tyre's tread came off causing him to suffer injuries. This was a clear indication that the tyres were of very low standards hence Tyre Heaven were liable for the injuries caused to the SBL van together with the driver since the van crushed as a result of tread coming of the tyre. When SBL bought the tyres from Tyre Heaven there was an implied condition. A condition is usually a term of greater importance going to the root of the contract. A buyer may waive the condition or may elect to treat the breach of such condition as a breach of warranty, and consequently claim damages instead of repudiating the contract all together. The buyer is bound to treat the breach of condition as a breach of warranty where the contract is not severable and he has accepted the goods, or part thereof or where the contract is for the sale of specific goods, and the property in them has already passed to the buyer. The parties are, however free to contract themselves out of this rule by including a stipulation to that effect in which case the terms of the contract will not be affected by the provisions. For the case of sale of tyres by Tire Heaven, there was an implied condition as to merchantability. A

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Human Facial Expressions and Emotions Essay Example for Free

Human Facial Expressions and Emotions Essay To accept that the implications of human emotions are universal is indeed very extensive. It speaks to an issue that is deeply entrenched in human nature and it is by no means a trivial question. Much research has been conducted in this field of emotions through the analysis of facial expressions, categorizing evidence into two primary categories: those in favor of the universality of emotions, known as the Universality thesis, or those in favor of cultural influence on emotions. While it has been largely accepted that there is a basic universal language in the field, the bulk of the debate centers on where exactly factors controlling expression of facial expressions lie on this spectrum. There is undeniably overwhelming evidence in support of the universality thesis with both qualitative (judgment studies) and quantitative (muscle unit measurements and brain mapping techniques) data; however, one could not overlook the behavioral and anatomical evidence in favor of culture-specific expressions. Therefore, universal emotions may serve as a very fundamental framework among all humans; yet, it is cultural differences that fine-tune this structure into the emotions each individual expresses. Introduction to Universality Thesis: The Darwinian Hypothesis Principles for the Expression of Emotions The Work of Charles Darwin. Many of the ideas that Darwin formulated in his 1872 book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals have led to this field of research. On the book’s most basic level, he defended that emotion expressions are evolved and adaptive (Hess Thibault, 2009). However, Darwin also posits three crucial principles from which many of the subsequent fundamental questions and debate over emotions and their purpose stem. The Principle of Serviceable Habits. As Hess and Thibault (2009) note, this first principle takes a Lamarckian view of the inheritance of emotions genetically through the force of habits. Darwin explicitly underscores the concept and force of habit. It also speaks very much to the functionality of emotions and their expressions, although most of them are vestigial. However, these traits could still be observed in animals because the civilization of humans would suppress such instinctual tendencies. A common example is that of rage and aggression as a â€Å"playful sneer† or â€Å"ferocious snarl† (Darwin, 1872) reveals animal descent. The Principle of Antithesis. In a reversal of the first principle, the second principle asserts that some expressions are so directly opposite to nature that the only means is that of expressive communication (Darwin 1872). This makes the expression almost analogous to the voice for the purpose of intercommunication. It is worth noting, however, the Darwin extends this principle to not only states, but to traits as well (Hess Thibault, 2009). For instance, Darwin (1872) postulates that the enigmatic action of a gaping mouth could indicate a feebleness of character. Such actions eventually become ingrained through habit. The Principle of the Direct Action of the Excited Nervous System on the Body.  This final principle that Darwin outlines could be considered the direct product of the nervous system. Therefore, some expressions occur to balance excess emotions. For instance, consider the absurd nature of laughter (Hess Thibault, 2009). Heckler (1873) proposed that laughter could in fact be a protective reflex that compromises the excess of the circulatory and respiratory systems through the irritation of vasomotor nerves. The work of Darwin and universality thesis will later by revived in the late 19 60s and early 1970s by the judgments studies of Paul Ekman. Evidence in Support of Universality Evidence derived from Judgment Studies Introduction. The universality thesis is most contingent upon judgment data, evidence of observers seeing the same emotions in all faces (Russell, 1994). Paul Ekman is largely considered to be the pioneer and preeminent scholar in the field of emotions, and his judgment studies with overwhelming evidence supporting the universality of facial expressions are frequently cited in subsequent studies on this topic. The earlier view before studies conducted by Ekman and Friesen from the late 1960s was that facial expressions completely differed from culture to culture (La Barre, 1947). With Ekman and Friesen’s groundbreaking work on the constancy of facial expressions throughout cultures in 1971, however, the tremendous evidence has persuaded much of the psychology world to accept the universality thesis although skeptics still remain (Ekman Friesen, 1987). Pan-cultural udgment studies. Among the first of these pan-cultural judgment studies was conducted by Ekman, Sorenson, and Friesen (1969) in New Guinea, Borneo, Brazil, the United States, and Japan where they found evidence in favor of pan-cultural elements in facial displays; observers in these cultures were able to recognize similar emotions in the a standard set of photographs. They first obtained samples of photographed facial expressions that were free of cultural differences. The subjects, too, were carefully selected as data needed to be collected from virtually isolated preliterate societies to eliminate the variable of mass media (Ekman et al. , 1969). Photographs of Caucasians—male and female, adult and children—were used, all of whom were professional and amateur actors. The observers observed primarily the preliterate societies from New Guinea and Borneo, two isolated communities that required translators. 1] The emotion Happy (H) was most universally recognized with tremendous accuracy in responses—United States: 97 H; Brazil: 97 H; Japan: 87 H; New Guinea: 99 H (Pidgin) and 82 H (Fore); and Borneo: 92 H. Fear (F), however, seem to generate a more varied response between different cultures, with Surprise (SU) and Anger (A) as answers as well—United States: 88 F; Japan: 71 F, 26 SU; New Guinea: 46 F, 31 A (Pidgin) and 54 F, 25 A (Fore); Borneo: 40 F, 33 SU. There were also variations within Disgust-Contempt (D) with some mixtures of A and in the Borneo society, even H; A included some D and F; SU included F and A, which these variations occurring primarily in the isolated societies; and finally, Sadness (SA) was sometimes interpreted as A, with A being the only given response in the Fore group of New Guinea. While there is certainly evidence for some basic universality, Ekman, Sorenson, and Friesen attributed the discrepancies to language barriers and task unfamiliarity in the illiterate societies. Flaws and how they were subsequently addressed. Ekman and Friesen (1987) later published a study in which they acknowledge some flaws of previous judgment studies. With respect to the study above, three problems that limited them are: (1) there has only been one such study, (2) not all six emotions were accurately recognized, and (3) the facial expressions were posed as opposed to spontaneous (Ekman Friesen, 1987). In response to the last criticism, Ekman and Friesen (1972) designed a study of facial expressions shown by Japanese and Americans while watching stress-inducing films of body mutilation and neutral films of natural andscape. When subjects from each of the two cultures viewed the films in the absence of a scientist with a hidden video camera, the facial expressions from both groups were virtually identical; when viewing the same films in the presence of a scientist, however, the Japanese tended to mask negative expressions with smile, lending support to the presence of cultural display rules when different cultures man age and mask universal expressions. The primary criticism, however, was (1) again, there has only been one such study, and (2) the films only elicit two emotions (disgust and fear)—other universal expressions were not determined for (Ekman Friesen, 1987). Later studies, however, involving photographs of facial expressions shown to observers of across 12 literature cultures found very high agreement by multiple researchers including Ekman, Friesen, Sorenson, and Izard (Ekman et at. , 1969; Izard, 1971). The multiple replications of this design lends to its credibility (Ekman Friesen, 1987). Universality of the recognizing intensity. Ekman and Friesen (1987) sought to further extend their basic judgment studies by testing for four different hypotheses of cross-cultural agreement for (1) single-choice judgment tasks; (2) the strongest emotion; (3) the second strongest emotion; and (4) strength of emotion. The nations that were chosen included 8 different languages from both Western and non-Western countries. In (1), the single-choice judgment task that replicated previous studies, once again, produced accurate results in terms of the percentage of subjects in a country correctly identifying with a predicted emotion. For instance, two examples include Happiness, in which the percentage ranged from 98% (Scotland) to 69% (Sumatra); for Surprise, 94% (Japan) to 78% (Sumatra), while Sadness, ranged from 92% (U. S. ) to 76% (Turkey). Overall, the emotional term chosen by the majority of the subjects in each culture was accurate 178 out of 180 times. Hypothesis (2) was also supported: 177 out of 180 times, the emotion that was judged to be the most prominent by the majority of each culture was also the predicted emotion. Hypothesis (3), which predicted the universality of the secondary emotion, was sustained as well: in every culture, there was complete agreement about the secondary emotion signaled by expressions of disgust and fear. The results for sadness and surprise, however, were too infrequent to be conclusive (5 out of 30 opportunities and 8 out of 30 respectively). Further research needs to be conducted to determine the cause for this discrepancy (Ekman Friesen, 1987). Hypothesis (4) required subjects to judge the intensity of emotions on an 8-point scale (1-slight, 4-moderate, 8-strong) to predict the universality of judging. This, according to Ekman and Friesen (1987) however, led to inconclusive results. Using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), F(54,2743)=3. 95, signifies a moderate association between culture and intensity judgments. However, instead, the six univariate tests ranged from 2. 3 in Sadness to 6. 66 in Surprise, indicating that there are significant differences among cultures in this respect. These differences, according, to Ekman and Friesen, could have 2 possibilities: (1) politeness and a greater uncertainty about a foreigner or (2) the language barrier, as observers had make judgments in language other than English (Ekman Friesen, 1987). Nevertheless, with three of these hypotheses confirmed, the evidence for universal facial expressions is undeniably overwhelming despite these flaws. Evidence based on Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and Action Units Introduction. Based on the evidence for the presence of six basic emotions across cultures,—happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise—qualitative descriptions of facial muscles associated with each of them have been identified. For instance, happy expressions include tense lower eyelids, raised cheeks and lip corners pulled up, while sad expressions include inner eyebrows raised and drawn together, and lip corners pulled down (Kohler et al. 2004). Based on such observations, Ekman and Friesen (1978) developed the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) by identifying the presence of action units (AU). They serve as the standard set of facial expressions. Target AUs in universal emotions. Kohler et al (2004) sought to identify which AUs characterized the four universal emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. A total of 128 images of emotional expressions were used in a sample of 105 sub jects from Drexel University. Of these subjects, 63 were men and 42 were women. There were also 71 Caucasian, 9 Africa-American, 4 Hispanic/Latino, and 21 Asian-American participants, indicating ethnic diversity. They were then asked whether each facial expression matched the target emotion. FACS ratings revealed that uniquely absent and present AUs were found for each emotion (Kohler et al, 2004). In Happy, the presence of AU 6, 7, and 26 was ositively associated with happy recognition, and determined that the presence of 6 increased recognition four times; in Sad, AU 4, 17, and 25 were positively while 15 was negatively associated; in Anger, AU 4, 5, and 16 were positively while 23 was negatively associated[2]; and in Fear, AU 5, 1, and 26 were positively while 4 was negatively associated. By defining expressions quantitatively with unique muscle patterns over a diverse subject group, the universality thesis is further strengthened. The 2004 Athens Olympics Game. Psychologist David Matsmoto[3] (2006) conducted a field behavioral study of the facial expressions displayed by medal winners of the judo competition during the 2004 Athens Olympics Games using F F ACS. With judo photographer Bob Willingham, they captured the spontaneous reactions of 84 medal winners from 35 different countries—the most diverse ethnic group in a spontaneously intense emotional field study—at 3 different times: (1) when they completed the match, (2) when they received their medals from the dignitary, and (3) when they posed on the podium. Matsumoto (2006) found that independent of cultural backgrounds, there are very specific facial expressions that occur in emotionally-charged contexts. This study was designed in response to some criticisms of judgments studies and previous field studies conducted in other sporting events including bowling and soccer (Kraut Johnson, 1979; Ruiz-Belda et al. , 2003). A crucial concern about judgments studies held in laboratories is their posed stimuli and artificial nature because they lack the investigation of the expression within a social context (Matsumoto, 2006). While later field studies were conducted in order to address this concern, there were three flaws that Matsumoto (2006) in turn addresses. The first two are the strength of the elicited emotional response—a factor that is not intense enough with bowling spares and strikes—and the time allowed for expressions to unfold. The third and most important aspect of the study was the type of smile elicited in the social context, something that Kraut and Johnson (1979) had failed to distinguish. Matsumoto determines two types of smiles: the Duchenne smile and the non-Duchenne smile; the former is associated with enjoyment and the latter is associated with pleasantry or social convenience even though the person does not feel positive emotions. While Ruiz-Belda et al (2003) uses the FACS, which detects the muscle movements associated with these smiles, they were not differentiated. In order to isolate photos or victory, Willingham took pictures from the gold and bronze matches (Matsumoto, 2006), the most emotionally intense matches as they both occur at the margin; the former wins the first place while the latter made the cut for a medal. Negative emotions of defeat were searched for in silver medal winners and athletes who placed fifth. Again, as aforementioned, it is important to distinguish the timing of emotions, as the first expressions upon completing a match are often the most instinctual and natural ones. Thirteen out of 14 gold medalists and 18 out of 16 bronze medalists smiled for a total of 31 smiles; of those 31 smiles, 29 were Duchenne and 24 were open-mouthed. In the defeat silver medalists, none smiled and 1 of the 26 fifth placers smiled. Instead, 43% of silver medalists and 35% of fifth placers showed sadness, 29% and 23% showed nothing (respectively), and 14% and 15% showed contempt (again, respectively). Upon receiving the medal, which is a much more public event than initial expressions, 54 of the 56 athletes smiled. All 14 gold medalists (12 open-mouthed), 6 silver medalists (out of the 14), and 20 bronze medalists (out of 28) had Duchenne smiles. Cultural differences were tested for, but none were found. In the final situation, the most public of the three, the athletes’ expressions were taken on the podium. Again, all the gold medalists smiled; only 9 silver medalists of the 14 smiled (only 5 of these were uncontrolled, of which 3 were controlled Duchenne); and 26 bronze medalists of the 28 smiled (13 of which were open-mouthed and Duchenne). Interestingly in this last scenario, cultural differences was evident: gold and bronze medalists from North America-Western Europe and East Asia were much more prone to displaying Duchenne smiles (96%) as opposed to gold and bronze medalists from other countries (47%). This study of facial expressions further reinforces the notion of universal emotions. Because no other emotion other than the Duchenne smile was prominent in these expressions of victory, the data suggests that it may be the only facial marker of the joy of victory (Matsumoto, 2006). Matsumoto then proposed an evolutionary reason why this may be the case along the lines of behavioral ecology: facial expressions provide rapid means of communication, and it may not have been absolutely adaptively necessary to communicate various emotions of enjoyment. However, while this last point is highly speculative, the data that Matsumoto provides for universal facial expressions, which were displayed most prominently in more private settings but still detectable in more public ones using FACS, is very thorough and convincing.

Friday, September 20, 2019

New Restaurant Business and Operations Plan

New Restaurant Business and Operations Plan Executive Summary Delicias, unlike other typical restaurants, will provide a unique excellent food at value pricing within an entertaining atmosphere. Delicias will be setup due to an increasing demand in value for everything the food purchased; customers are not willing to accept anything that does not meettheir expectations and a need for entertaining while dining. Delicias will provide soups/salads, appetizers, desserts and entrees to the San Diego market. I will setup this business to provide the customers with value for their purchase and to realize profits from the business. The business will be able to meet its objective by offering value pricing and entertaining environment to its customers. This will be a lucrative business and I expect to open other restaurants with a similar setup in future. Restaurant Description/Concept Statement The restaurant will start out as a simple sole proprietorship I will be the owner. The founder will focus on both the operation and financial management of the restaurant. The founder has a Masters Degree in Business Management and Administration and has been working for various restaurant companies for over 5 years. The wealth of experienced gained and the educational background of the founder enables the founder to successfully manage and run the restaurant. The founder has chosen to engage in sole proprietorship to ensure that business decisions are made quickly. Secondly, sole proprietorship has been preferred because the founder has not found any other people with similar business ideas. The business will be small thereby generating a small profit margin and there could be problems while sharing profits. Mission Statement Delicias will be a great place to eat since it will be combining an intriguing atmosphere with excellent and interesting food that is also very good for the people who eat within the restaurant. I am looking for fair profit and a rewarding place where my employees can work. Vision Statement: Delicias restaurant is a place where customers come to relax, get enteretained while they relax and enjoy delicios food. From the moment our customers walk into the the restaurant, they are welcomed by a warm atmosphere, entertaining music and courteous employes. Restaurant Concept Physical Location Delicias restaurant will be located in San Diego, California at La Jolla. La Jolla has been chosen for the restaurant location because it has higher scale neighborhoods, where the people would more easily pay for a more expensive lunch or dinner. The restaurant will be a modern style architecture, simple yet elegant. Restaurant design The patio area will be full of seasonal flowers and palm trees and a nice water fountain to accent the outdoor ambiance. The inside will have high ceilings and a stone floor with modern tables and chairs. The kitchen will be at one end of the restaurant, with a long horizontal window, so the guests can enjoy the process of their food. A variety of good wines is also necessary in a great restaurant, so it will need to have a wine cellar, I would like it to be also visible to the guests so they can see our wide variety and how beautiful a wine cellar can be. Tablecloths, plates, glasses and silverware will also be simple, very modern and spacious to provide the look for my plates. A study conducted in Britain in 2003 among the restaurant owners showed that the restaurants can increase their profit margins by playing classical music within the restaurant while customers eat. This is because diners spend an average of 10% more per meal while listening to classical music than while listening to other forms of music such as pop music. A restaurant which has no music is unlikely to record high sales because the customers are likely to be bored and this reduces their spending. The ambience of a restaurant is a very important aspect. At Delicias, clients will expect to have a nice time, where they eat delicious food and relax. Therefore, my clients will enjoy a nice classic music while they are eating and bounding. Services Delicias will focus on soups/salads, appetizers and entrees. Salad recipes will be used to provide the customers with a diverse and unusual menu. Delicias has also realized the demand of the customers in San Diego for healthy dishes and will be providing a wide mix of healthy food to meet this demand. The customers around San Diego like going out with their friends and family members to places where they can relax and get entertained and are willing to spend money to get these services. Therefore, I want an American style so they can feel comfortable like if they were going to eat at home, but with the touch of fine dining. The touch of fine dining will be giving by the ambience, decoration and food presentation. Collateral Several items will be given to the customers as collaterals. The aim of these items will be to ensure that the customers are assured of the quality of the service and products the restaurant offers them. The collaterals will also create a good relationship between the management, the employees and the customers. Some of the collaterals which will be given include printed menus, business cards and gift cards. Marketing Plan An effective marketing plan will be drafted and implemented and will comprise a combination of local media and the restaurant marketing programs. The in-store marketing programs are considered more effective because they will be utilized at the restaurant while having direct contact with the customers. This will include the use of table tents, in-store tour given to every new customer, outdoor marquee message changed weekly, wall posters, yearly birthday parties and grand opening celebration. Other media will be engaged once the restaurant expands. For example, Radio campaign will be used to advertise our products and services and the management will make live presentation on the radio about its services. Newspaper campaign will also be used to place several large adverts throughout the month to explain the restaurant concept to the customers in San Diego. The best form of advertisement will be word of mouth. The restaurant will attract more customers by providing quality and healthy food within a cool and entertaining environment to the customers. The prices will be affordable and the food will be served in a clean and friendly environment. Emails containing interior pictures of the restaurant will be sent to prospective customers. The management will employ three different marketing tactics to increase customer awareness of the restaurant. Delicias most important tactic will be word of mouth or in-store marketing. This marketing strategy has been chosen because it is cheap but has a great potential of attracting more customers. The Local Store Marketing (LSM) will be the second marketing tactic. These marketing plans require low budget plans. However, the use of the media has a wider customer effect but this will not used because the business is just starting and has not generated enough money for the adverts. Delicias main focus in marketing will be to increase customer awareness among the customers in San Diego and the neighboring towns. Delicias will also direct all of its tactics and programs toward the goal of explaining what the restaurant offers and how it offers to the existing and prospective customers. The products will be priced fairly, keeping standards high, and executing the concept. Furthermore, there will be no outside marketing for the first sixty days of business. The restaurant will also target festival seasons to attract more customers. However, the management of the restaurant will be careful not to bring in more customers than the restaurant can accommodate and serve effectively. Pricing Strategy All menu items will be moderately priced. This will be done by ensuring that the food are of high quality and this will assist the restaurant in being the value leader in the restaurant business within San Diego. Value Proposition Competitive Advantage The restaurant will be properly decorated to add value to the food we are offering at the restaurant. For example, the use of seasonal flowers and palm trees and nice water fountain to accent the outdoor ambiance while the inside will have high ceilings and a stone floor with modern tables and chairs. Serving a variety of food will ensure that the customer gets what they want at once. The restaurant will also host both VIP lunch and dinner and this will be done to assist the management train and introduce the staff to the restaurant customers. The customers will mainly be residents of San Diego, California but we will also invite visitors from other regions. All the visitors at the dual event will receive an invitation for themselves and additional one for their friends/family members free-of-charge. In order to gain a competitive advantage, we will also be serving top quality desserts, soups and appetizers on the premises and seasoned to perfection. With our high dinner volume, ther e will be no waiting for a food since we will have the restaurant stocked with every degree of doneness. It is apparent that no restaurant has tapped this market. Target Market Delicias is faced with the exciting opportunity of being the first mover in a restaurant where quality food is offered in an entertaining environment. The consistent popularity of soup, appetizers and desserts combined with a value price has proven to be the winning concept in other markets and will produce the same results in this venture. The market has been defined in the following groups as targeted segments. Below are the targeted market segments for the restaurant. Age Delicias will offer food to a wide variety of people across all ages. Location Delicias restaurant will be located in San Diego, California at La Jolla. Gender the restaurant will target both sexes with a slight skew for females due to their heavy consumption of salads. Income level the products and services will mainly target the high side of low income earners and to all in the middle and upper income bracket. Social class and occupation The restaurant will target the white collar workers and young professionals with families. Education the restaurant will target both high school graduates and individuals with some college education. By our definition, we will have very broad appeal for our concept. It is our goal to be the restaurant of choice for the largest community in San Diego. Competition In every business, there has to be some form of competition. The direct competitor to my family friendly restaurant would be Sammys Woodfired Pizza, California Pizza Kitchen and Cheescake factory. The business is unlikely to encounter stiff competition from California Pizza Kitchen and Cheescake factory due to their portions and prices. The restaurant will more gourmet and will be able to compete favorably. Besides the competition from these already established restaurants, there are certain barriers which might affect the restaurant. For example, I still do not have adequate startup funds coupled with high production costs and high marketing costs. Acquiring new customers in San Diego has never been easy for a new business and this is because most customers like attending the restaurants they are conversant with. Most of the staff do not have enough experience in the restaurant business and will require training. The market niche is also over-served with the current restaurants in S an Diego and this will make it difficult to acquire a large pool of customers. There are other factors which might affect the business and these include change in technology, change in government regulations, change in the economy and change in the food industry. Marketing Strategy Dalicias intends to cater to the bulk of the San Diego customers. The restaurant will have an average capacity of 400 customers and it is the business goal to fill all the seats and have everything for everyone every day on the menu. The customers in San Diego are on both fixed limited incomes and seek a value/price kind of service. It is therefore the restaurants objective to meet these needs and desires and this will assist in improving sales within the subsequent years. The restaurant will remain focused on the changing customer needs and change the menus accordingly. The restaurant will establish two marketing strategies. The first strategy will aim at attracting more customers at lunch time while the second strategy will aim at providing competitive price advantage. Offering a wide mix of food at lunch time will ensure that customers dont miss what they want to eat at lunch time. We will offer quick and light meals at lunch time and avoid heavy meals. The visitors will also be offered French fries seasoned with special blend of spices and these will be displayed on the grill. The pricing strategy will be to keep the price point at lunch time as low as possible in order to keep the business in competition within the restaurant business in San Diego. A single price will be offered which enables the customers get the salads, dessert in addition to the drinks and fries. For example, at $13 the customers will be able to get Roasted Turkey Sandwich served on marble rye bread, pancetta, avocado mayonnaise and mixed sweet potato fries. The customers wil l also get Banana Coconut Tapioca topped with a fresh berries and a lemon tuile at $6. These strategies will be adopted to establish a winning strategy for the restaurant that will broaden the business customer base at lunch. The customers targeted at this time will include teens, singles and professionals while still maintaining our core market segment. Promotion The business will mainly rely on advertisement as a means of promoting its products and services. Dalicias will make adverts on table tents, newspapers and brochures. There will also be in-house tour for the customers. The local media will be used from time to time to reach a large number of customers. The use of table tents and brochures are considered the cheapest but are unlikely to get to a large audience. The aim of these promotions will be to enable the customers understand the kind of services that the restaurant is offering and differentiate the restaurant with other restaurants in San Diego. In addition to these advertisements, the management will display the restaurants logo on letter head and business cards. The interior of the restaurant will be decorated with attractive colors and also utilizing the colors in the restaurants logo. Pricing There are several factors which will determine the price of the food. The prices will vary according to the time of the day, the season and the food composition. For example, the meals offered at lunch will have a low price as compared to the meals of the same composition in the evenings. This will be done to attract more customers at lunch time. The prices will also be high during the festive seasons and this is because there will be more customers coming to the restaurant than other none festive seasons. Customers who require a wide variety of food composition within a single purchase will enjoy quantity discount and this will see the prices go down. However, the customers who require only a single meal will pay the standard price of the food as stated in the menu. The customers base at San Diego dont necessary make their purchasing decisions based on price but on the quality of the product and service offered. In order to effective implement the pricing strategy; the restaurant will have to provide other services to the customers such as entertainment within the restaurant and a clean atmosphere.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Epic of Beowulf Essay - The Author/Poet of Beowulf -- Epic Beowulf ess

The Author/Poet of Beowulf      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Little is known about the poet who wrote Beowulf; we have only what information we can deduce from logically reasoning from whatever evidence scholars find in the poem itself.    First of all, consistency of style suggests that the poem was written by one person only (Thompson 14). There is no appreciable variation from uniform linguistic and metrical characteristics. Antithesis is a strong feature of the style:â€Å"This tendency to antithesis, frequently verging on paradox, and the constant play of irony are but stylistic manifestations of those movements of the poet’s thought which shape the very stuff of the poem† (Blomfield 58). There is the reference to the burning of Heorot woven into the description of its first glories, and the prediction of family strife while yet all is well in Hrothgar’s court. The writer’s style includes depth and vibrancy, and â€Å"a high degree of abstraction and formalism† (Blomfield 64). There are many digressions in the poem: â€Å"the poet’s digressive, revaluative style† (Tripp 64). The author is omniscient: â€Å"The poet reserves the right to say what people are thinking † (Shippey 39).    Secondly, the employment of several conventional poetic devices suggests that the author was an educated person. Beowulf is distinguished primarily by its heavy use of   allliteration, or the repetition of the initial sounds of words. The Old English poet would â€Å"tie† the two half-lines together by their stressed alliteration (Chickering 4). Each line of poetry ideally contains four principal stresses, two on each side of a strong medial caesura, or pause. â€Å"At least one of the two stressed swords in the first half-line, and usually both of them, begin with the same sound as... ...raki, translated by Jesse L. Byock. New York: Penguin Books, 1998.    Shippey, T.A.. â€Å"The World of the Poem.† In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.    Tharaud, Barry. â€Å"Anglo-Saxon Language and Traditions in Beowulf.† In Readings on Beowulf, edited by Stephen P. Thompson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,1998.    Thompson, Stephen P. â€Å"The Beowulf poet and His World.† In Readings on Beowulf, edited by Stephen P. Thompson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,1998.    Tripp, Raymond P. â€Å"Digressive Revaluation(s).† In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.    Ward & Trent, et al. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907–21; New York: Bartleby.com, 2000   

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

A History Of Marriage And Divorce: Cohabitacion Can Result in a Positi

In the past fourteen billion years, the world has evolved numerous times. From creatures’ extinctions to the rise of technology, the world is constantly on a path of changes. And, even though not all events have been pleasant experiences, humans have definitely had the chance to learn from those happenings: one example being, marriage and its effects on family development. Since the beginning of time, open relationships between people, one reason being for the purpose of reproduction, have existed. It is simply part of human nature to bond with others; human instinct. History also shows that legal contracts did not tie up the first relationships during the Stone Age. However, due to society, marriage has been represented as the basis of a family, therefore, portraying that a legal contract amongst two heterosexual people is required in order to have the â€Å"happily ever after† story. But what happens when problems within a marriage exist, and the people involved are n o longer happy? What about those cohabitants who have gone through rough situations and still remain together for many years? So does a legal contract really determine the longevity of a marriage? What is the real definition of marriage? From the start of the Stone Age to current day, humans have witnessed the evolution of marriage, and the benefits of opting for cohabitation. The definition of marriage has gone from being a mandatory arrangement, to being part of the civil right movement, to cohabitation being the best or only alternative to marriage. Once humanity became civilized, the meaning of intercourse relationships went from it being a human instinct to a social requirement: â€Å"Apparently the single most important function of marriage throughout history has been... ... Moral Communities On Cohabitation.† Review Of Religious Research 54.1 (2012): 45- 67. Academic Search Premier. Web. 22 Apri. 2014. Kuby, William. â€Å"Making Marriage Work: A History Of Marriage And Divorce In The Twentieth-Century United States.† Journal Of American Culture 35.3 (2012): 279-280. Literary Reference Center. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. â€Å"Marriage.† Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster Incorporation, 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Murray, Melissa. â€Å"Marriage As Punishment.† Columbia Law Review. 112.1 (2012): 1-65. Academic Search Premier. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. Staub, August W. â€Å"Marriage, A History† Magill’s Literary Annual 2006 (2006): 1-3. Literary Reference Center. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. Stevenson, Betsey, and Justin Wolfers. â€Å"Marriage And Divorce: Changes And Their Driving Forces.† Journal of Economic Perspective 21.2 (2007): 27-52. Business Source Elite. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Charlemagne’s Imperial Coronation :: essays research papers

Charlemagne’s Imperial Coronation The imperial coronation of Charlemagne has been a source of dispute between scholars of this era for a period of time, perhaps due to the fact that the sources available are often biased and the historical information, often vague. Historians have argued that perhaps it had been Charlemagne himself who instigated the coronation possibly as a means to consolidate his power and place himself and the Frankish empire on a par with the model in place in the Byzantine regions. Others have suggested that it was in fact the doing of the papacy at the time. Charlemagne had offered great support and interest in religious affairs and could be suggested that it had been a pre-emptive strike to ensure that the ruler did not take advantage of the weakening state of the papacy in this period. Also, Charlemagne offered to the papacy a strong figure of protection, some one that would defend their interests and aid a shift of religious power from Constantinople to Rome. However, the events leading up to his imperial coronation can not be established without first examining the relations between Charlemagne and the religious section, nor can either argument as to how the coronation came about, be dismissed without establishing the background to the event. Charlemagne is known to be one of the most notable leaders from the Frankish reign and era. After Pepin the Short died in 768, his lands, the Frankish kingdom which he established had been divided by tradition between his two sons, Charlemagne and Carloman. However, after Carloman's death and the quick disposition of his two sons, the heirs to his portion of the kingdom, Charlemagne soon became the sole leader of the Franks. This consolidation of power on Charlemagne’s part soon left him in a position of great supremacy and soon he began the military conquests that would mark his reign. By doing so, he not only was able to extend his control by establishing a supreme Frankish empire but also elated him into the realm of a ‘great’ leader. The first ten years of his reign were marked by the traditional business of his house- fighting and military conquest. However, soon afterwards his military campaigns took on another role, not only that of conquest, expansion and plunder but now could be seen within his campaigns a growing sense of his Christian mission. One of the most notable crusades of this era is perhaps his fight against the Saxons, whom to Charlemagne were a fierce pagan people, settled along the course of the Wiser and Elbe rivers and east of the Rhine. Charlemagne’s Imperial Coronation :: essays research papers Charlemagne’s Imperial Coronation The imperial coronation of Charlemagne has been a source of dispute between scholars of this era for a period of time, perhaps due to the fact that the sources available are often biased and the historical information, often vague. Historians have argued that perhaps it had been Charlemagne himself who instigated the coronation possibly as a means to consolidate his power and place himself and the Frankish empire on a par with the model in place in the Byzantine regions. Others have suggested that it was in fact the doing of the papacy at the time. Charlemagne had offered great support and interest in religious affairs and could be suggested that it had been a pre-emptive strike to ensure that the ruler did not take advantage of the weakening state of the papacy in this period. Also, Charlemagne offered to the papacy a strong figure of protection, some one that would defend their interests and aid a shift of religious power from Constantinople to Rome. However, the events leading up to his imperial coronation can not be established without first examining the relations between Charlemagne and the religious section, nor can either argument as to how the coronation came about, be dismissed without establishing the background to the event. Charlemagne is known to be one of the most notable leaders from the Frankish reign and era. After Pepin the Short died in 768, his lands, the Frankish kingdom which he established had been divided by tradition between his two sons, Charlemagne and Carloman. However, after Carloman's death and the quick disposition of his two sons, the heirs to his portion of the kingdom, Charlemagne soon became the sole leader of the Franks. This consolidation of power on Charlemagne’s part soon left him in a position of great supremacy and soon he began the military conquests that would mark his reign. By doing so, he not only was able to extend his control by establishing a supreme Frankish empire but also elated him into the realm of a ‘great’ leader. The first ten years of his reign were marked by the traditional business of his house- fighting and military conquest. However, soon afterwards his military campaigns took on another role, not only that of conquest, expansion and plunder but now could be seen within his campaigns a growing sense of his Christian mission. One of the most notable crusades of this era is perhaps his fight against the Saxons, whom to Charlemagne were a fierce pagan people, settled along the course of the Wiser and Elbe rivers and east of the Rhine.

Characteristics and Statement

Peninsula Boulevard Hempstead, NY 1 1 550 Attention: Dry. Rodney Gilmore, Associate Superintendent for Personnel Services Dear Dry. Gilmore: I am Interested In applying for a Social Worker or Counselor position In your organization that was advertised on alas. Com. It Is my goal to utilize my experience and skills to create an environment both enjoyable and conducive to learning.I am passionate and enthusiastic about giving back to the community and to make a costive contribution to this school. As a school counselor or social worker, I will demonstrate passion for supporting the success of all the students, with emphasis on the populations who need It most. I would bring this passion to my role at your school and I look forward to working as a part of a team of service providers to ensure the success of our students.I would also provide diverse and specialized services to students, families and communities, in order to help students attain axiom benefits from the school program. St udents are the primary focus of the educational process. I could contribute knowledge and concern for the wide range of social, emotional, cultural and economic differences among children, families and communities.The current characteristics that I possess are as follows: Appropriate empathy skills – eventually able to be helpful In the situation or Issue Good listening skills ? screening situations to get to the heart of an Issue or complaint, while still extending compassion and support Ability to organize – case situations and identify and prioritize interventionsÃ'› identify and organize resources in relation to parental concerns Objectivity – do not personalize situations, allow clients to vent, then assess the situation or concern Clarifying central issues for the parent that may not be easily seen because of the anger, frustration or disappointment Interviewing skills Confidentially – being able to be confident, but able to help the clients The f ollowing heartsickness are necessary to be an effective helper: Genuineness Self-Awareness Acceptance Desire to help Patience Listening Communicating Giving Feedback Observing Confronting I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the Hempstead School District social work team. I have enclosed my resume, and will call much for your time and consideration

Monday, September 16, 2019

Assessment of Vulnerability and Adaption to Climate Change

ASSESSMENT OF THE VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTION TO CLIMATE CHANGEQUESTIONNAIRE No.INTERVIEWEE NAMEINTERVIEWED DATE____/____/2014Part A: Family Information 1. Name of interviewee: ____________________________________________________Male ___ Female____ 2. Relation to the family held: ____________________________________ Telephone: ____________________ 3. Religion a. Islam _______ b. Christian__________ c. Others _______ 4. Name of small town: 1. Kipini _______________ 2. Ozi ___________________ 3. Kilelengwani ____________ Part B: Composition OF HOUSEHOLD AND HUMAN CAPITALFamily memberPresently present ( P/A )Gender ( M/F )Age ( old ages )Marital position ( 1. Married 2. Unmarried 3. OthersEducation degree 0 – none 1. Primary 2. Secondary 3. High school 4. Certificate/Diploma 5. Bachelor 6. MaestroCondition of wellnessTechnical accomplishmentsNumber of yearss in the past 12 months unable to transport out support activitiesNameNumberPart C. PHYSICAL AND NATURAL CAPITALName of Rhizophora mangle related physical capitalMeasureValue at market monetary valueObservations/ notesPart B. ( PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES ) OF YOUR FAMILY ( KEY NATURAL RESOURCE DEPENDENT LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES ) 1. What is your family’s chief beginning of income? ( What is your family’s cardinal support? ) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — – — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — – 2. Could you delight name the other beginnings of income, in order of importance?Livelihood/jobWhereRating3. Calendar of support activities:Support activitiesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec4. Please rate the importance ( value ) of natural resources ( Rhizophora mangles ) in to your support and day-to-day life:Natural resourceImportance5. Changes ( e.g. , Total country, location and quality ) of natural resources that relate to your support from 2000 up to nowNatural resourceChanges in 2000 – 2011AreaLocationQuality6. Make your family own a house? 1. Yes 2. No 7. If yes, what is the current market value ( Kshs ) _________ 8. How many roomw does the house have _______________ Family ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATED FINANCIAL CAPITALFamily memberBeginning of incomeEstimate of clip invested ( days/ twelvemonth )Estimate of income degree ( Kshs/yr )1.2.FisheriesAgribusinessAgricultural labourerCattle/ domestic fowl rise upingBusinessOccupationSelling firewood3. OthersInterest from deposited moneyInterest from money loaningRentSocial security benefitsOthers ( relations, contribution )OtherSocial capital C. NATURAL HAZARD RISKS, HUMAN IMPACTS AND RESPONSE 10. Make you retrieve, in the past 10 old ages, that your local community experienced any natural jeopardies or unusual conditions conditions ( delight grade X on the months that it happened ) ?JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDecHigh temperature ( warm )DroughtsFloodTidal inundationLow temperature ( cold )Other unusual jeopardies11. Compared to the past 10 old ages, how have the usual conditions conditions changed?JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDecHigh temperature ( warm )DroughtsFloodTidal inundationLow temperature ( cold )Other unusual jeopardies12. In the past 10 old ages, did your community experience any troubles ensuing from authorities ordinances on land/crops/hydro-construction or were there any self-generated activities of local occupants that affected the area’s support ( please list in the tabular array below ) ?Factors/ causesLivelihood/agricultural production theoretical accountDamage13. Loss in production and day-to-day life due to unusual conditions conditi ons in the past 10 old ages,JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDecPoor harvestsLack of imbibing H2OCattle diseasePlant diseasesHuman diseasesHouse harmLosing occupationPlease explicate harm causes? _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ 14. Loss in production and day-to-day life due to presently unusual conditions conditions?JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDecPoor harvestsLack of imbibing H2OCattle diseasePlant diseasesHuman diseasesHouse harmLosing occupationPlease explicate harm causes? _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Respondents will be asked to name the types and Numberss of conditions and clime events impacting them and so name down their impact degrees. Three different impact degrees will be used: Increased, Stable and Decreas C. HOUSEHOLD HISTORY 1. Is the above reference family head’s birth topographic point? Yes ( 1 ) / No ( 0 ) If no go inquiry 2 ; if yes go inquiry 4. 2. When have your family migrated? 3. From where have you come here? ( Village: Union: Upazila: ) 4. Why did your family move to this small town? 5. When did your ain family start? 6. Please reference all the old economic activities of your familyYear ( from, to )Previous economic activitiesReason for altering occupation/activitiesObservation/notesAppendix B – Checklists for Oral History Interviews Purpose Oral history interviews were used to garner in-depth information on impacts, responses ( both short- and long-run ) and restraints to responses to climatic dazes and emphasiss of families and their supports in each community. Common checklists for the families of all three survey communities How climatic dazes and emphasiss impact your family ( negatively or positively ) both inland and at sea? Dazes and emphasiss include: – cyclones – inundations – sea degree alterations – land eroding, and – fluctuations in temperature and rainfall – others Impacts on – support capital assets, – substructure, societal services, markets, transforming constructions and procedures, – support activities and schemes ( piscaries or non-fisheries related ) and – overall supports. How you tackle these, both in the short-run and in the longer-term? What things facilitate or constrain while undertaking these? What things help most while undertaking these and how? What things constrain most while undertaking these and how? What are the tendencies ( both frequence and strength ) in the above dazes and emphasiss? What have you learned from the above? In future how are you traveling to undertake these? How can others, outside your families, aid undertake these? – 229 – Extra checklists for the families of Kutubdia Para Why and how did your family migrate? Why did you migrate to Kutubdia Para? Why did you non migrate to other topographic points? Which factors influenced you to travel? Was there any support from non-government beginnings? Was there any support from authorities? How did migration impact your life? What things and how helped or constrained you go oning or bettering your life here? Can you state whether migration is/was a successful or unsuccessful scheme? How is your life traveling to be here in future? Extra checklists for the families of Kutubdia Island Could you speak about the history of your colony here? Why did your family non migrate? Which factors influenced your family non to travel from Kutubdia Island to Kutubdia Para or to other mainland countries? What have been the impacts of non traveling on supports / flights / passages taking topographic point? Do you believe that your family has taken the right determination non to migrate? Is your family more or less successful in relation to livelihood than the families who hold migrated? What are your household’s future programs – migration or remaining on the island? If staying, so how will your family tackle future climatic emphasiss and dazes? How could your current supports be improved? If migration, so how will your family overcome the limitations of migration? How can others, outside your household aid you in migration?

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Book to Movie Comparison

The Beowulf legend has endured for centuries, having been retold time and time again. Dating back to the 8th century, this epic heroic poem employs many features that have long appealed to countless storytellers, authors, graphic novelists, and filmmakers. In Robert Zemeckis’s film Beowulf, modern technology allows a centuries-old story to be retold in a vivid, dynamic way. Still, in this day and age, it would be nearly impossible to translate a literal translation of the poem to the screen without making certain changes. Zemeckis’s film is no different. Some of these changes are obvious, while others remain curious diversions from the text.Whatever the case, each new retelling of Beowulf says as much about the time when it was created as it does about the narrative aspects that have survived throughout the centuries. Zemeckis, who has done similar experiments with computer-generated storytelling in his film The Polar Express, apparently believes that Beowulf is ripe fo r a contemporary facelift. While the actors and action are all animated, the technology is not the only thing that is advanced. The story has been updated as well, keeping some aspects intact while completely rewriting others.The film retains the complex family lineages and historical contexts that root the poem in reality. It also keeps most of the main characters (Beowulf, King Hrothgar, Grendel, Grendel’s mother) but explains their motivations in ways the poem did not. One of the major differences between the film and the original poem is the treatment of Grendel and Grendel’s mother; when Beowulf kills Grendel, the monster is reduced to a sniveling, frightened child. It is also worth noting that Beowulf fights Grendel in the nude, which is not described in the poem.The comparisons between Grendel and the Biblical Cain are completely thrown out as well, making Grendel more of a misunderstood Frankenstein’s monster than a true monster, ugly inside and out. The fifty-year gap between Beowulf visiting Grendel’s mother’s cave is also depicted in the film, whereas it is only alluded to in the poem. This allows the filmmakers to expand the poem into a feature-length film, in order to â€Å"fill in the gaps† with what they imagined occurred. This calls into question if Beowulf, who tells his story in the poem, is actually telling the truth.His relationship with Grendel’s mother is far different than in the story, wherein she is simply slain. Grendel’s mother is drawn as a strangely beautiful woman (Angelina Jolie) who seduces Beowulf. This change, like the others, is played for entertainment purposes. Like Beowulf’s physique, Grendel’s mother is his equal in physical form and advertising value. The film also makes a curious addition in that Hrothgar is the father of Grendel and Beowulf is the father of the dragon, which make sense in a Hollywood sort of way, but do not add anything new or powerf ul back to the original poem.These additions are simply to give characters more motivation, though it is difficult to say whether they gain any new depth. Most mentions of God and allusions to Biblical characters have been stripped away, despite the kingdom of Beowulf becoming Christian. It is as though Zemeckis has tried to make Beowulf as â€Å"un-literary† as possible. He has turned an epic poem into a comic book adventure. In many ways, the poem almost becomes secondary to the spectacle. Zemeckis desperately wants to render the world of Beowulf into one that fans of Lord of the Rings can identify with.The becomes more a springboard for special effects. The poem’s narrative is stretched so thin that it is impossible not to add to the original story, though the changes never add anything that matters. The story is sometimes as hollow and empty as the animated characters; it is all superficial. Beowulf never celebrates the poem as being truly great and proves that fil ms can never been grander than their source material. Works Cited Beowulf. Dir. Robert Zemeckis. Perf. Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie. Paramount, 2007. Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. New York : W. W. Norton & Co. , 2001.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

How Many Miles to Babylon Essay

Describe Alecs journey and discuss the valuable insight or lessons that you gained through the study of the theme of the journey? The novel how many miles to Babylon by Jennifer Johnson highlights Alec Moore’s tragic journey. We see his journey true childhood to adulthood. Interestingly, the novel begins at the end of Alec’s journey as he waits execution â€Å"because I am no officer & a gentlemen they have given me my notebook, ink, pen, paper† and comes full circle. Immediately we wonder how Alec someone so high up in the war is being executed, then as we read on we begin to realise how his journey through life has left him isolated and cold, returning to his prison cell at the close of the novel. Despite Alec’s privileged background or rather because of it, I now realise that the heart breaking ending was inevitable. Having studied the protagonists journey I have gained many insights into how isolated children can be despite having a privileged background, isolation and control his mother had over him was a major obstacle, with the support of friendship obstacles can seem meaningless, psychology and Alec’s coping strategies, the impact the journey had on the protagonist and how people dealt with the trauma of war differently. Alec led a very controlled and confined life due to his mothers control and rein over him. Throughout the novel we see how Alec’s mother has very little love for him which makes Alec the way he is, Alec has a dysfunctional family and a cruel cold hearted mother who shows no sense of motherly love towards him. He grew up as a lonely young boy â€Å"As a child I was alone†¦ I was isolated from surrounding children of my own age†. Alec once said â€Å"if I were to be born again I would choose to be a rook. They lead such joyful, public lives† unlike him, from this we can note that Alec is very unhappy in his life. Despite Alecs privileged life with no shortage of material goods he was deprived love and compassion from his mother. His parents were only together for appearances and status. We know this from when Alec says â€Å"My father’s face would show little emotion†. The insight I gained from send him to this was that â€Å"money really cannot buy you happiness†. During the novel we see how isolation plays a major obstacle in Alec’s journey. Alec wasn’t allowed go to school â€Å"he is delicate, Frederick my dear† From this quote it is clear how controlled Alec is by Alicia and the power she has over her so, she isolates him. As we know his mother controlled his life and had a big influence on his journey. Alec was cut off socially in many aspects. Alicia was not happy about him making friends this is clear when she sends Europe to stop his friendship with Frederick. In her eyes it is an â€Å"unsuitable relationship†. Alec’s mother Alicia had a powerful upper hand over her son. Whatever she wanted was done. Her orders were obeyed. It wasn’t until the end of the novel that we see Alec trying to get back at his mother which costs him his own life. Alec went to war because his mother wanted him to â€Å"I want you to go for all the right reasons as well as a few of the wrong ones†. From this we can note that Alicia has the last say in everything and is the decision maker. She forced Alec to go to war just so she could boast to her women friends over lunch about having a son in the war. But that didn’t work out as well as planned as Alec deliberately orchestrated his own execution. Therefore Alicia couldn’t gloat about her son being off at war and most certainly couldn’t tell them how he died as this was something to be ashamed of in her eyes. The power of friendship between Jerry and Alec helped the protagonist through his journey. The insight I gained from this was friendship is vital, it can help you through some of the hardest things in life and we see this at first hand in the novel â€Å"How Many Miles†. Alec for the first time experienced love; he had never experienced this emotion before up to this point he was a very emotionless character. Alec and Jerry were so in sync and understood each other so well â€Å"the beating of our hearts was like the cracking wings of a swan†. Jerry and Alec were like â€Å"tweedledum and tweedledee†. They both were extremely close and very innocent â€Å"ever had a sup before?’ I considered my chances of getting away with a lie and then shook my head†, â€Å"I’d of thought you’d have been with a girl†. From this we can take that both of these characters were very innocent and open with each other, they have great trust in one another and can confide in each other. Their friendship was the only thing Alec had; they never let each other down and always supported one another. From my reading of the novel I learnt that Alec and Jerry always had each other’s backs â€Å"of course I’ll speak for you but my voice is not very loud†. From this quote it certifies that my above statement is true. With the support of Jerry on Alec’s journey, his obstacles of isolation, Alicia, Glendenning, no father figure and his Anglo/Irish class all seem meaningless and in ways we can see Alec’s life improve after he befriends Jerry. I gained a very valuable insight that friendship is vital in every walk of life and it really can make problems seem meaningless when you feel you have someone else on your side willing to take the fall with you. I learnt a very valuable lesson on psychology trough out this novel. From the very beginning right up until the end we see how twisted and devious Alicia is. She is willing to put her only child’s life at risk by forcing him off to war, his opinion does not matter. The way Alicia’s mind functions is very interesting. I personally was engrossed with Alicia’s character. I had never even considered the fact that one’s mother could have such a negative influence on her own child’s life especially in these circumstances where Alec’s mother present and the wealthy background they had. Alicia also intentionally sets out to upset her child when she drops the bomb shell â€Å"Perhaps he were not your father†. This really helps me understand how crafty and devious Alec’s mother is. I had never even anticipated how cruel a mother could be to her own flesh and blood. She was so blunt and carefree. I also found it tantalizing on how Alec evoked his mother. He obeyed her wish about going to war but purposely left early so Alicia could not celebrate his departure with the neighbours like she had planned. Also how Alec did not write to his mother at the start, he rejected his mother. Alec also made sure that Alicia did not get her way at the very end when he orchestrated his own execution. He felt he had no more reason to live, nothing worth to live for â€Å"I love no living person†. This really emphasises how Alec did not have any love for his mother. I learnt a valuable lesson on psychology and an insight into how Alec and Alicia feel about each other. How their relationship is not a usual mother/son type. Alec dealt with issues in his life a very different way than most, he would try his utmost best to ignore the problem and forget it even happened. Alec was like a child in the way he dealt with his problems; he didn’t stand up and face the face problem head on like most men. The title â€Å"How Many Miles to Babylon† is a perfect example of this; it is a nursery rhyme which hints to us that Alec is not very mature with his coping strategies. He also uses escapism as a way to block out the real issue, a perfect example of this is his plan to open up a riding school with Jerry. Which he knows deep down is not going to happen but forces himself to believe so. He focuses on the physical pain of war not the reality of it. Alec’s journey had a major impact on him. Throughout the novel we can see Alec’s character grow and mature. We see Alec connect with emotions we didn’t think he had for example he felt love for the first time, we know this from when Alec says after Jerry has died â€Å" I love no living thing†. From this we can note that Alec had deep feelings for Alec as a friend, he loved him like a brother. Alec journey makes him more of life, he led a very secured and protected up bringing he did not know the evil of this world they lived in. In ways going to war helped him understand and get a better grasp of life. Alec’s journey also allows him to open up more. We see this mainly with Jerry they express feelings and thoughts to each other. As i mentioned above we saw him love and care for another human being but we also saw him express anger â€Å" I picked up the poker and beat at the fire†. All in all this journey had a major affect on Alec in numerous aspects, but i got an insight into how it allowed him to connect with his feelings and allowed him to open up more. In conclusion, after studying this novel I gained an insight into many different aspects of Alec’s life which I would never have considered before, I learnt how Jerry assisted Alec on his journey and that with a friendship like that you get the feeling like you are in control and nothing can stop you. I also learnt a lot about how Alec and Alicia feel about each other after reading more into the novel.