Whether chemical residue damage human Research Paper

Whether chemical residue damage human - Research Paper Example A review of the literature reveals that the HAV is capable of surviving in and being transmitted through frozen foods. By design, the proposed study is a case-control study. The 27 people alleged to have contracted the virus after eating the said berries will serve as the cases while the remaining 38 will constitute the controls. The particulars of the participants will be obtained from the Department of Health. The results will be analyzed using SPSS. Data analysis will be followed by a discussion of the same and relevant recommendations made. In Australia, it is estimated that on any given day, there are 11,500 cases of food poisoning. In a year, food poisoning costs the country AU $2.6 billion (Center for Science in the Public Interest, 2005). As of March 17, 2015, 65 cases of Hepatitis A had been reported in Australia compared to 81 cases same time last year(Australina Government, 2015). Of the 65 cases, 27 were linked to Chinese frozen berries manufactured by Nanna. In all the 27 cases, the victims reported having eaten Nanna’s frozen berries within fifteen to fifty days of the onset of the symptoms. The strong epidemiological association is has been strengthened by genotyping. Following the incident, four products including the 1kg pack of Nanna’s Mixed Berries, were recalled from the Chinese market. Only Nanna’s Mixed Berries had been linked with the outbreak; the other three products were recalled as a precaution. During its media update on the outbreak in March, the Department of Health advise d anyone who had eaten the recalled frozen berries and felt unwell to see their GP soonest possible. China is the world’s largest agricultural economy and one the leading agricultural exporters (Food and Water Watch, 2011). However, since the 1990s, Chinese food standards have fallen below international standards, raising serious concerns over consumer safety (Ortega, Wang, Wu, Olynk, & Bai, 2012). The main factor that

Characteristics And The Theological Aims Of Marks Gospel Religion Essay

Characteristics And The Theological Aims Of Marks Gospel Religion Essay Marks gospel is known to be the earliest and shortest of the synoptic gospels and its purpose was to impart a written declaration of the redemption brought about through Jesus with an importance appropriate for Gentile Christians. Though it contains very few of Jesus parables compared to the other gospels, Mark tried to identify with Jesus through what he did rather that what he said. John Kilgallen wrote, If we are to know the events of Jesus life, we are brought to them only through Marks story telling. This essay is going to examine the characteristics and theological aims of Marks gospel, and further analyse and evaluate the discussions in order to find out of in what ways they should influence the churchs teaching. Marks gospel is symbolised with a lion which represents the sovereign authority and the effectual power of the son of God and perhaps thats why it is fully packed with action in regards to Jesus ministry. Referring to the prophecy in Isaiah, presumably Mark did not want his listeners to doubt about the testimony of Jesus who was on earth to complete the mission of redemption for mankind. The purpose and whole ministry of Jesus, according to Mark was to die and save sinners. (1: 14-15) Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. The fact that Mark explained the meanings of Jewish custom and translated some Aramaic words shows that his gospel was intended for the non Jewish audience and one could argue that he wanted to express a clearer message of the Gospel, with no obstruction of understanding the purpose of Jesus on earth. This implicated the importance of discipleship (1: 17) Jesus said to them, Follow me and I will make you fish for people., and faith in The Son of God being crucial to those who believed as in the case of the paralytic man who was brought to Jesus to be healed, but because of the massive crowd they showed the extremity of their faith when they broke through the roof in order to get the sick man in Jesus presence. May be that is why Mark recorded such high numbers of miracles compared to the other synoptic gospels. An illustration of the kind of opposition Jesus experienced from some of His family members, friends, followers, religious leaders and political figures was also expressed in Marks gospel, but Jesus took carriage and did not deviate from His purpose according to Mark who told of the many places that Jesus went to deliver His message. This shows that Jesus was always on the move. He indicated the major roles of Jesus ministry were to serve and suffer through his sacrificial love Marks intention could broadly be interpreted as a pastoral mission, that had a purpose of teaching and building up the faith of his listeners by showing the relevance of Jesus teachings in their own lives as it is in the church today. (3: 14-15) And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles,  to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons. Jesus entrusts His followers with the proclamation to all nations to the end. As Jesus gave authority then, it is the same authority given to the church today until the good news  is proclaimed to all nations. Overall, the characters and theological aim in Marks gospel can still be addressed in the church as a continuation of what Jesus started when He announced that the Kingdom of God was at hand. Therefore the call of repentance and belief should still be the theme in the church. Jesus came to serve not to be served, and he sacrificed his life for all mankind, so the church should illustrate this kind of servant hood as emphasised by Lightfoot, The purpose of the Lords manifestation in the future is not so much to introduce a new order of things, but rather to complete that which already exists. The church can be transformed through the influence of Marks gospel by compelling to a divine mission of not our own agenda but that of Christ and acknowledging for who He is (8: 29) He asked them, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered him, You are the Messiah. Dependency on God is a requirement today as much as interdependency to each other working in unity in order to continue reaching out with the gospel regardless of criticism and opposition as according to Mark. **Jesus often warned His disciples of the hardship and suffering that they would encounter as He did. The Church still faces persecution as in the days of Mark, but we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith as then. The characteristics and theological aims, of Marks Gospel teach the church, representative of Christ, to continue spreading the word of God. Discipleship is  a part of life for Christians as clearly demonstrated in Mark.   Known as missionaries today, discipleship duties of servant hood is still the core that is required, and through the teachings of Jesus who encountered both the sick and the sinful in this gospel transformation is relevant and still acts as a model for the church. Jesus has always been the representation of the just man, who was treated unjustly, but he responded with patience and he did not lose hope and trust in God. The theological aim of evangelism should be another influence in church as expressed in the first verse of Mark, to proclaim that Jesus is son of God and saviour. The need to lose one self remains as necessary and true now as it was then. In terms of discipleship it is from Jesus that discipleship started and that is still a relevant characteristic in church to follow the example of Jesus, which is another influence in understanding of Christian faith. Mark expressed a high degree of honesty in the disciples of Jesus then by giving an account about their misunderstanding of what Jesus was telling them and the fearful reaction of the events that surrounded the resurrection which mirrors the weakness in the church. Consumed by pride of who is the greatest and not confronting the fear of being misunderstood, has overwhelmed the church of the twenty first century. The church should continue to teach that true discipleship is only possible after the resurrection as stated in Mark, and thats when the full significance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus can be known. The church today has no excuse than those first followers if it does not teach the believers to take up the cross and follow Jesus. The Gospel of Mark strengthened his listeners to stand strong in their faith even through a period of persecution as Jesus did; it is a characteristic that still needs to influence the church as it has never stopped being persecuted even in this 21st century. The importance of faith is stressed as the ambience in which Jesus mighty works were performed (6: 5, 6) From the analysis of the main features in Marks gospel, it becomes possible to draw certain conclusions in regards to his intention. Jesus prepared himself to total obedience to God as introduced by Mark The Son of God. The church should continue to have total faith and obedience in God as Jesus did in order not to deviate from the truth. It could be argued to a certain extent that the teaching and actions of Jesus have a continuing value in both Christian life and death and that the death of Jesus was not in vain. Therefore, according to the examination of the above characteristics and theological aims in Marks gospel, the church should still be strongly influenced, by that same message of redemption by following the example of Jesus who was a servant of the Lord regardless of deeds of suffering, strengthening in the faith and continue to spread the good news according to the gospel of Mark. (10: 44-45) And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Golden Rice: Should It Be Our Future? :: Essays Papers

Golden Rice: Should It Be Our Future? At the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, scientists created golden rice by inserting three genes into a certain rice variety which will in turn produce a greater amount of beta-carotene. This rice has a sort of yellowish hue, which has given the rice its name, golden rice. The rice is still under research and testing before it will reach the markets, which is guessed to be around 2003. If this rice is found to be safe and effective it will be a tool in providing these rice dependent countries with the nutrients they need. Rice is the staple food of many Asian and South Pacific countries. Rice is a major portion of these countries economic and agricultural systems. In places such as India, they used to eat brown rice, which is more nutritious because the outer bran layer is not removed during the milling process. When the British came to India they introduced white rice, which means the milling process has been taken to one further step. This reduces the amount of nutrients such as thiamine. White rice is now the major type of rice eaten in these Asian and Pacific countries. This has led to serious problems of malnutrition. Since normal rice does not have any beta-carotene, which is the precursor to Vitamin A, these populations are having vitamin a deficiencies. The World Health Organization stated that about 250 million people worldwide are at risk of permanent blindness, iron deficiency in women, and other serious ailments due to their lack of vitamin A. This genetically modified rice, known as â€Å"golden rice† has been created to meet the nutritional needs of these malnourished populations. Genetic engineering has become a world-wide issue. Hungry countries in Africa, such as Zimbabwe, whose population is as risk for starvation and death are skeptical about receiving genetically altered food from countries such as the United States. In China, a rice known as â€Å"super rice† has been created which is more resilient; but it has not been accepted by the Chinese markets because it is genetically altered. People are more interested in their food than ever before, and are concerned about their overall safety. They want to know where it comes from and if it has been altered from its natural state.

Organic Chemis

CHEMISTRY HIGHER lEvEl PaPER 2 Monday 18 May 2009 (afternoon) 2 hours 15 minutes INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Write your session number in the boxes above. Do not open this examination paper until instructed to do so. Section A: answer all of Section A in the spaces provided. Section B: answer two questions from Section B. Write your answers on answer sheets. Write your session number on each answer sheet, and attach them to this examination paper and your cover sheet using the tag provided. At the end of the examination, indicate the numbers of the questions answered in the candidate box on your cover sheet and indicate the number of sheets used in the appropriate box on your cover sheet. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Candidate session number 0 0 2209-6108 19 pages  © International Baccalaureate Organization 2009 0119 –2– Section a Answer all the questions in the spaces provided. 1. M09/4/CHEMI/HP2/ENG/TZ1/XX+ Biodiesel makes use of plants’ ability to fix atmo spheric carbon by photosynthesis. Many companies and individuals are now using biodiesel as a fuel in order to reduce their carbon footprint.Biodiesel can be synthesized from vegetable oil according to the followingreaction. O H C O C R O H C O C R (l)+ 3CH3OH(l) O H C O C R H H H NaOH(s) H C OH H C OH (l)+3 CH3 H C OH H O O C R (l) vegetableoil (a) methanol glycerol biodiesel [1] Identifytheorganicfunctionalgrouppresentinbothvegetableoilandbiodiesel. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. (b) For part of her extended essay investigation into the efficiency of the process, a student reacted a pure sample of a vegetable oil (where R=C17H33) with methanol. Therawdatarecordedforthereactionisbelow. Massofoil = 1013. g Massofmethanol = 200. 0g Massofsodiumhydroxide = 3. 5g Massofbiodieselproduced= 811. 0g Therelativemolecularmassoftheoilusedbythestudentis885. 6. Ca lculatetheamount (inmoles)oftheoilandthemethanolused,andhencetheamount(inmoles)ofexcess [3] methanol.

Entrance Nursing

Children pretend and use their imaginations to carry out their inner dreams. From playing doctor to wearing a firefighter’s hat as children we already have it set in our minds the roles we want to play in our adult lives. As a child I always had the desire to help people in need. If a friend fell while playing tag I would stop to help, when my younger siblings would cry I would always offer my candy and a hug. I learned that helping others made me feel good. It was something I loved.While becoming a woman I only embrace this love even more. Although I did not comprehend that these small gestures as a child would soon lead me into a path of nursing, I am truly aware that they have opened a place in my heart for a career as a nurse. Over the years I have assimilated the remedy of caring and understanding the medical needs of various individuals. I now understand that medical needs are not just cured with medicine alone; but with care, nurture and support received during the reco very period.For example, if you treat someone as if they are sick and not reinsure him or her that they can possibly get better; that person will continue to feel sick and have no ambition in recovery. I understand through my own personal experience that nurses/caregivers/doctors can pave the way for a person to find a balance and harmony within the mind, body and soul; which would promote a greater amount of health in a person and a sense of serenity. I believe through my life changing experiences I can make a difference in the lives of those in need and also helping those recover from their ailments.My first life changing experience was my first job at the age of 14. I received my working documents and had the privilege to work in the Admissions department at Metropolitan Hospital. The office was right outside the Emergency Room. I remember having front row seats to the different traumas that entered the hospital. The one experience that I will not forget was the time a teenage bo y was rushed in after being hit by a car while riding his bike. He was not severely hurt, just in pain waiting for his parents to arrive.My initial reaction was to help him and keep him company until his parents arrived. I was completely helpless but still felt the need to do something. The only thing that came to mind was purchasing the young boy a bag of potato chips and a can of soda from the vending machine. I gave it to him and he smiled and thanked me. I felt a sense of gratification but did not realize how much that small gesture helped him with his fear of being in the hospital. It made him comfortable and open to receiving care from the doctor if necessary and made me realize I wanted to pursue a career in nursing.My second life changing experience was in the year of 2007 in which I had the chance to participate in the delivery of a baby. My friend asked me to accompany her while she gave birth to her daughter. I was honored and extremely excited. I recall being extra suppo rtive during her periods of contractions; rubbing her back, getting her ice, assuring her that everything will be okay and telling her to breathe. I do not have any children of my own so this was all new to me yet I was ecstatic and prepared give all the help I could.I recall when it was time for her to deliver her baby; I held one leg while the nurse held the other. We both encouraged her to push and I held her hand at her request. I will never forget the feeling that I had from watching life being brought to this world. I also had a newfound respect for mothers, but also for nurses and doctors. I realized that working in this field is not a job but a lifestyle. You must prepare yourself for different situations such as births, deaths, and ailments. You have to be supportive and considerate to different kind of emotions.After taking place in this experience I have decided that I when I become a nurse I want to work in the Labor and Delivery unit. I want to contribute with bringing life to the world and happiness to an entire family. I enjoy being a part of that support system, especially for those mothers that do not have a support team of their own outside of the hospital staff. My final, but most important, life changing experience occurred in 2008. This was the year that I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).As a teen many circumstances forced me to live on my own at the age of 16, yet I managed to graduate from high school and find a job working with the mentally disabled. At 18 years old, I got my own apartment and had took on the responsibility of caring for my two younger brothers, whom I provided both emotional and financial support to. I had to provide housing and try my hardest to teach them responsibility although I was learning myself. This caused me to have to take on more hours at work and play a major role I was much unprepared for.Throughout life I have been so focused on providing and supporting others that I forgot to properly care fo r myself. I ignored all the symptoms of my disease for years until my body finally gave up and I had to be hospitalized. Though this may seem like a detrimental period of my life, it wasn’t. I had lots of love from family and friends but the nurses played a significant role in my recovery; not just physically but emotionally, mentally and spiritually. They were very helpful, nurturing, kind, and thoughtful and gave me the confidence needed to pull through this tragic moment in my life.The nurses and doctors vigorously reassured me that things would get better. They gave me energy, made me smile, and most of all they helped prepare me for my journey ahead allowing me to deal with my life long friend (MS). This life changing experience gave me the opportunity to intertwine the incident of being the patient and learning how to properly treat and care for a patient when I start in my career of being a nurse. Medical care is much more than a prescription from a pad, a needle to th e vein, an x-ray or a simple checkup. It includes the love and care that comes from within.You need an attitude that will stand firm with the fight against an ailment as well as be understanding when a patient is giving a hard time because he or she is afraid and does not comprehend their situation. If given the opportunity of _________ (to attend your school or receive the scholarship, include names) _______________I am confident that it will lead to a better career and lifestyle not only for me but also for others. I plan to complete my degree in nursing and pursue a career as a nurse but most importantly as a great leader encouraging others with obstacles that their goals can be achieved.Although I have been faced with many obstacles in my life, I do not feel these obstacles should prevent me from achieving my goals therefore I do not plan to allow any circumstances to prohibit me from what I am striving for. My life changing experience has molded me into the woman I am today, pu shing me to work harder towards my goals. I am ready to combine both the knowledge that I have gained from my own personal experience and the knowledge I will embrace from attending classes, working with other individuals in this field, and research to actualize what I am destined to do; helping others.

Survival in Auschwitz - The Nazi Assault on Humanity essays

Survival in Auschwitz - The Nazi Assault on Humanity essays Twenty five year old Primo Levi, a chemist (and poet) who was an Italian citizen of Jewish Race, was arrested for being a member of the anti-Fascist resistance by Italian fascists and taken from his native Turin in Northern Italy to Auschwitz. Along with about 650 others he was transported by freight train. There were 45 people in Primos car. Only four of them saw their homes again. The trip took about 4 days and they were not given any food or water, and were not permitted to leave the train for any reason on its many stops. When they arrived at Auschwitz, Poland, they were subjected to the first of several selections into groups. The German SS soldiers divided them into two groups, the ones who could work and the ones who couldnt such as women, children, and older men. Husbands and wives were split from each other with the promise they would be together again later. One hundred and thirty-five on Levis train went into Auschwitz and the rest straight to the gas chamber. Of the 650 or so people who went on the train with Primo, fifteen men and nine women survived. They were herded into the camp after being stripped naked and having their heads shaved. They were given old striped uniforms and shoes made of cloth with wooden souls to wear. They each had an identification number tattooed on their arms just above the wrist. Primos number was 174517 (Hundert Vierundsiebzig Funf Hundert Siebzehn). The numbers signified the group they were with. The higher the number, the shorter the time they had been there. Primo felt humiliation as he was forced to grow accustomed to his new surroundings. The food rations were too small to ward off the hunger and thousands suffered and died as a result. Even though he was new to the camp, his own observations and his experience with others told him any protests or disobedience would end swiftly with a beating or death. Upon entering the front gate at A...

pulp essays

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Core and Periphery, Two Types That Make the World

Core and Periphery, Two Types That Make the World The countries of the world can be divided into two major world regions: the core and the periphery. The core includes major world powers and the countries that contain much of the wealth of the planet. The periphery has those countries that are not reaping the benefits of global wealth and globalization. The Theory of Core and Periphery Many reasons exist as to why this global structure has formed, but generally speaking, there are many barriers, physical and political, that prevent the poorer citizens of the world from participating in global relations. The disparity of wealth between core and periphery countries is staggering. Oxfam noted that 82 percent of the worlds 2017 income went to the richest one percent of people. The Core The top 20 countries ranked by the United Nations Human Development Index are all in the core. However, of note is the slowing, stagnant, and occasionally declining population growth of these countries. The opportunities created by these advantages perpetuate a world driven by individuals in the core. People in positions of power and influence around the world are often brought up or educated in the core (nearly 90 percent of world leaders have a degree from a Western university). The Periphery The population is skyrocketing in the periphery because of a number of contributing factors, including a limited ability to move and the use of children as a means to support a family, among others. Many people living in rural areas perceive opportunities in cities and take action to migrate there, even though there are not enough jobs or housing to support them. About one billion people now live in slum conditions, the UN estimates, and the majority of population growth around the world is occurring in the periphery. The rural-to-urban migration and high birth rates of the periphery are creating both megacities, urban areas with more than eight million people, and hyper cities, urban areas with more than 20 million people. These cities, such as Mexico City or Manila, have slum areas that can contain up to two million people with little infrastructure, rampant crime, no health care, and massive unemployment. Core-Periphery Roots in Colonialism Industrialized nations played a key role in establishing political regimes during postwar reconstruction. English and the Romance languages remain the state languages for many non-European countries long after their foreign colonists have packed up and gone home. This makes it difficult for anyone brought up speaking a local language to assert him or herself in a Eurocentric world. Also, public policy formed by Western ideas may not provide the best solutions for non-Western countries and their problems. Core-Periphery in Conflict Here are some examples of border clashes between nations of the core and the periphery: The growing fence between the U.S. (core) and Mexico (periphery) to prevent the entrance of unauthorized immigrants.The Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea.Air and naval patrols on the waters between Australia and Southeast Asia and between the EU and North Africa to keep out unwanted immigrants.The UN-enforced border separating the Turkish north and Greek south of Cyprus, known as the Green Line. The core-periphery model is not limited to a global scale, either. Stark contrasts in wages, opportunities, access to health care, and so on among a local or national population are commonplace. The United States, the quintessential beacon for equality, exhibits some of the most obvious examples. U.S. Census Bureau data estimated that the top 20 percent of wage earners made up roughly 51 percent of all U.S. income in 2016, and the top five percent of earners made 22 percent of all U.S. income. For a local perspective, witness the slums of Anacostia, whose impoverished citizens live a stones throw from the grand marble monuments that represent the power and affluence of Washington, D.C.s central downtown. Although the world may be metaphorically shrinking for the minority in the core, the world maintains a rough and limiting geography for the majority in the periphery.

CJ6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CJ6 - Essay Example Its evolution further included thief catchers and legislations but increase in crime rates let to establishment of a formal police force in the 17th century. Position of the sheriff was established with duties such as apprehension, tax collection, and management of public funds but crimes continued to increase. Texas Rangers was then formed in 1823 to protect settlers’ interest and became a lawful entity after 1870. Other agencies were also forms such as Federal Marshals (1989) and Metropolitan Police Force (1845). The current police system in the United States is however more complex, the most complex in the world, and exist at federal, state, county, local, and private levels. The federal branch is part of the executive government branch and enforces provisions of the US criminal code and consists of the FBI, ATF, US Marshals Service, Homeland Security, Customers and border Protection, Secret Service, Coast Guard, IRS, and US Postal Service. State police force exists in every state with limited jurisdiction of enforcing state laws in their states. Counties and municipals also have their police systems headed by county sheriffs and enforce laws within their geographical jurisdictions. The private police sector is another branch and is significant in apprehending

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 10

Research paper - Essay Example Therefore, the given paper will examine some of the public and official responses, as well as some of the most important applications on human cloning, and its potential promises. Firstly, the two major cloning techniques will be analyzed in order to understand what cloning involves, and clarify the meaning of the term itself. Secondly, various opinions about the issues, moral and ethical problems it evokes will be presented and analyzed in order to clarify the fact that cloning is not actually immoral or unethical, as many prefer to claim. Cell mass division is the only technique that has been used on human beings. It was first used to multiply human embryos in October 1993, by Robert Stillman and Jerry Hall at George Washington Medical Center (Stock, 2000). They cloned human embryos by splitting early two- to eight-cell embryos into single embryo cells. Each embryo cell will grow up to create a distinct individual, completely separated from the other embryo cells. Therefore, cloning using the cell mass division does not produce copies of an individual. It only produces one more individual with the same genotype. We should never forget that cloning will only produce twins with the same genotype which means that each individual will be a distinct person. This technique is based on the idea that nuclei from cells derived from an adult could be reprogrammed, or that the full genetic complement of such a cell could be reactivated well into the chronological life of the cell. To date, there has been only a single reported case of cloning using this technique on a higher animal. It is important to recognize that this procedure has a great number of important applications in research. One of these applications is to clone genetically engineered animals to produce large quantities of powerful pharmacological agents or to produce

Service marketing mangement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Service marketing mangement - Essay Example In turn more competition will stimulate innovation, not least through the application of new and improved technologies. Customer needs and behaviour evolves, too, in response to changing demographics and values, as well as new options. Both individually and in combination, these developments will require managers of services organizations to focus more sharply on marketing strategy. The dynamic environment of services today places a premium on effective marketing. Among the keys to competing effectively in this continually evolving and challenging environment are skills in marketing strategy and execution, area in which many services firms have traditionally been weak. But Christian Gronroos (2001) argues that  services marketing function is much broader than the activities and output of the traditional marketing department, requiring close cooperation between marketers and those managers responsible for operations and human resources. In the area of services marketing employees must be customer service oriented in addition to being concerned about efficiency. The service product must be tailored to customer needs, price, realistically distributed through convenient channels and actively promoted to customers. There are the basic differences that can help us to distinguish the tasks associated with marketing services from those involved with marketing physica l goods. *Customers do not obtain ownership of service * Service products are ephemeral and cannot be inventoried * Intangible elements dominate value creation * Customers may be involved in the production process * Other people may form part of the product * there is greater variability in operational inputs and outputs * Many service are difficult for customers to evaluate *The time factor assumes great important to recognize and identify these differences carefully and marketing practices must be suitably modified. As we know that banking industries, intangible

Principles of Entrepreneurship class, Extra credit case study

Principles of Entrepreneurship class, Extra credit - Case Study Example s market segment based on their discretionary incomes (pertaining to the young professionals which constitute a significant portion of 40% of the target market segment). Some financial data can also be obtained on the rest of the target market, which are the college students (40%) and the local music scene enthusiasts (20%) on how much they can spend on some of these discretionary entertainment expenditures, which can evaporate if there is a recession. The business environment section of this case study is too brief and gives only a very cursory approach to the whole entrepreneurial venture. Perhaps more information should be a necessity of the project proponents, especially if they intend to raise venture capital or will likely borrow additional working capital from commercial banks. All additional information should be a plus, since it would show they had done their homework and in turn will convince potential investors in the future. An example is actual population figures that comprise the so-called younger generations and their percentage to the entire local population. Another example will be a more detailed copy of the revitalization plans of the city, which can affect traffic routes and congestion or availability of parking areas. Zoning regulations also need to be looked into, so as to determine the most favorable location for the new bar. What is its competitive advantage? The only combined bar, music venue and specialty liquor lounge within the area. The closest competitor is the Sub-Zero Bar, which incidentally also offers vodka, similar to the Noiz Vodka Bar in terms of its specialization in the liquor industry as the main form of client offering. However, this type of competitive advantage supposedly enjoyed by the Noiz Vodka Bar once it opens is something that is not easily defensible, as any other local bar within its immediate vicinity can change their strategy and also offer a similar type of packaging of products and services for their

Managed Care Organizations Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managed Care Organizations - Case Study Example This issue has been criticized with the claim that the practice will lower the quality of care. The rigidity of rules regarding the choice of health care providers has been criticized, which is specially a reality for Health Maintenance Organizations. Sometimes, a member may be dissatisfied with the care provided by a primary care practitioner and would wish to consult with another one who is not involved in the network accessible via their managed care giver. The only option would be to do so and pay for the costs in full out-of-the pocket. A number of members complain and suggest that in order to save some cash, their managed care providers contract less-educated and inexperienced health professionals. Some criticize the service arguing that their primary care givers make them experience unnecessary tests and treatments for their conditions for them to make extra money (Robinson & Ginsburg, 2009). The third criticism against managed care is its strictness to SOPs that must be adhered to. For example, the necessity to get approval from the insurance provider prior to starting any treatments as well as the length and type of treatments. Most people also complain on the long waiting periods for them to be appointed, the inconvenient locations for clinics and network givers’ offices, or that the allocated time for appointment does not match their busy schedules. In this plan, the basic structure entails members receiving a yearly allocation of Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) finances from their employers, which they may use to purchase covered services. The allocations often range between a thousand dollars and two thousand dollars annually. Unused finances can be carried forward into years ahead and added to the following annual HRA deposit. In the CDHP, when the HRA fund is exhausted, the specified member must adhere to a deductible gap

Hrm issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hrm issues - Essay Example Therefore, even though hiring such people might be more expensive for the company, the business will win in the long run since a team of professionals in their function is more likely to help in avoiding compensation payments following tribunal decisions than promoted and untrained people from within the company. As the working team is created it is the time to start the design of a strategic business development plan, which would address such issues as resourcing, training and rewarding employees. However, all these functions should be incorporated into a larger-scale plan for developing and maintaining such aspects of business behaviour as leadership, performance management and organizational culture, among others. The most immediate issues to solve are related to employees’ resourcing, training and reward systems. Resourcing System Armstrong (2000) outlines that among the major objectives of employee resourcing strategy are finding and hiring employees with the needed skill s, knowledge and training potential. These initial requirements to the choice of potential employees are, then, to become the basis for further development and motivation of the staff. However, since most of the company’s employees are unskilled, part- time or agency workers, it is worth to pay more attention to the attitudinal and behavioural characteristics of the potential employees (Townley, 1989). The employees should not view the company as a temporary place to work at. On the contrary, the organization should be perceived as a stable and developing company that provides a good long-term employment opportunity. To become such, the company has to modify its resourcing system. In the first place it is suggested to minimize the number of part-time and agency workers and use their services on an as needed basis. Though employing part-time employees provides higher levels of scheduling flexibility and reduces the wage and benefit costs (Conway and Briner, 2002), using their service should be limited to the busiest periods of business operations. This suggestion can be justified by the fact that, according the research conducted by Conway and Briner (2002), part-time employees have lower commitment, trust and loyalty levels in comparison to those of full-time employees. Therefore, employing people on a full-time basis will help, in the long run, to shape such, directly related to performance, aspects of employees’ behaviour as job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behaviour, loyalty and, therefore, efficiency. Furthermore, full-time employment will help people to develop organizational commitment and trust and, as a result, will reduce turnover. At the same time, effectively designed training and rewards systems are the other elements of business operations that are to have a significant impact on the reduction of turnover. Another important aspect to deal with is hiring supervisors to manage the work of the production staff. Currently the production director of the company chooses and draws supervisors from the production st

Managed Care Organizations Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managed Care Organizations - Case Study Example This issue has been criticized with the claim that the practice will lower the quality of care. The rigidity of rules regarding the choice of health care providers has been criticized, which is specially a reality for Health Maintenance Organizations. Sometimes, a member may be dissatisfied with the care provided by a primary care practitioner and would wish to consult with another one who is not involved in the network accessible via their managed care giver. The only option would be to do so and pay for the costs in full out-of-the pocket. A number of members complain and suggest that in order to save some cash, their managed care providers contract less-educated and inexperienced health professionals. Some criticize the service arguing that their primary care givers make them experience unnecessary tests and treatments for their conditions for them to make extra money (Robinson & Ginsburg, 2009). The third criticism against managed care is its strictness to SOPs that must be adhered to. For example, the necessity to get approval from the insurance provider prior to starting any treatments as well as the length and type of treatments. Most people also complain on the long waiting periods for them to be appointed, the inconvenient locations for clinics and network givers’ offices, or that the allocated time for appointment does not match their busy schedules. In this plan, the basic structure entails members receiving a yearly allocation of Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) finances from their employers, which they may use to purchase covered services. The allocations often range between a thousand dollars and two thousand dollars annually. Unused finances can be carried forward into years ahead and added to the following annual HRA deposit. In the CDHP, when the HRA fund is exhausted, the specified member must adhere to a deductible gap

Science and Policy studies (Antarctica) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Science and Policy studies (Antarctica) - Essay Example Since the find of large quantity of oil resources underneath the seabed, various countries lying in the geographical proximity of the Antarctic region have staked claim to certain regions of this land. If one were to go back in history, one would wind that international co-operation in field of Antarctic exploration dated way back to 1882 which incidentally was the first Polar Year. The second Polar year was held in 1932 with forty nations supporting the cause in the study of meteorology and radio science. However, these noble designs of international studies were marred even then by politics, with Britain staking a claim to a portion of the land in 1908. By 1930 France, Norway and Chile had made their claims to certain regions in the Antarctic. Britain had in the meantime setup up a permanent base by sending an expedition code named Operation Tabarin. The era of Cold War also saw several expeditions being taken up by America and Russia which apart from being research oriented was al so a method in power posturing. The present scenario is quite complex with a number of sovereign countries staking claim to the region. US as a superpower has not claimed any part of Antarctica nor has it recognized the claims made by any of the other countries. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic research was established for the purpose of enhancing cooperation in the field of research and knowledge sharing. The twelve countries include the US, UK and USSR who contributed a significant amount to its early budget. The Antarctic Treaty was signed on 23rd June 1961 by member countries who pledged to engage in more constructive and peaceful scientific research while at the same time putting individual claims on the backburner.( Dodds Klaus, 2010, Governing Antarctica) This lay to rest some of the apprehensions of Britain, Chile and Argentina. This treaty which was signed by twelve members initially has now forty seven members to its credit. (Crawford Elisabeth et al, 1992)This treaty brought about in the form of a legal framework described measures to keep the Antarctic region under a system of good governance. Apart from the find of energy resources, some of the other issues which affected the politics of the region were illegal fishing and unregulated tourism. The Antarctic Treaty system is also taking measures to control the prominence of illegal fishing menace since these areas fall outside the ambit of any one particular country law. Source: www.archivegreenpeace.org, 1990, crew of the Kyo-maru pulls a Minke whale toward its port side Two notable measures adopted were the Agreed Measure for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora in 1964 and the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) established in 1982. The CCAMLR has sought to curb the illegal fishing of species like Patagonian tooth fish and ice fish. The other cause of concern is that unregulated tourism to this region has disturbed the eco balance of this region. In 2007-2008 , it was estimated that 50,000 people visited this areas like the Punta Arenas and Stanley near the Faulkland islands. (Elzinga Aant, 1993) Illegal whaling off the Antarctic coast although monitored by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has not been able to contain this

No Man Is An Island Scottish Culture

No Man Is An Island Scottish Culture This essay will examine this motion and discuss the idea that no man is an island. The phrase no man is an island means that everyone is influenced by the world around them; no person has total independence and freedom. This idea will be explored in relation to Scotland. The phrase will be no Scotland is an Island. Scotland over the years has had many challenges to its place, space and identity, and these will be explored through looking at Scotlands history, its economy, its politics, its culture and how it is today. The idea of nationalism and Scottish Nationalism in particular, and whether nationalism is a good thing will be examined. The question of whether Scotland should be independent will be investigated. Scotland has struggled for years to be an island in its own right; the whole nationalist feeling and want for independence is a want to be their own Island. Has Scotland got this or is it still struggling with its nationalist views and identity? What is Nationalism? Nationalism is difficult to define as there are so many different views on what it is. It is closely linked to the identity of a country and how a country promotes themselves. Nationalism is also a collective and shared feeling about a place. Nationalism is a way of showing pride towards your country (Smith, 1991). However there is an argument to suggest that nationalism is political and something that the government uses to show the rest of the world what makes their country special. One definition of political nationalism is: the active solidarity of a group who share a common culture or history or history and who seek to give this common experience a political reality whether by means of self government or some other kind of political recognition if not autonomy (Phillip cited in Mitchinson, 1980). Nationalism is an active movement from a group that collectively share the same culture and history and want to preserve that culture and history through a political party. This is similar to why the Scottish National Party (SNP) was set up and this will be looked at in more detail later. In Scotland there are different extremes of nationalism: there is the aggressive form of where people think Scotland should be an all Scottish country with no one else from other countries and there are the people who try and preserve what is left of Scottish culture and history. The second form of nationalism can be defined as Pseudo-Nationalism (Smith, 1991). Jim Silars, a former Labour MP, when describing Scottish Nationalism said: I see a nation as formed by people with a shared historical experience whose customs, practices, social mores, culture, patterns of thought and attitudes form a human group which is quite a distinct part of humanity. When that nation can identify issues and perceive that its members have interest in them and when that nation asserts its right to decide its own attitudes to issues then we have a basic nationalism (Silars, 1986). This is very similar to Isobel Lindsay, a member of the SNP, view of nationalism as a countrys national identity and ability to rule on its own (SNP). She considered that the sharing of power is important so that everyone has a fair say (SNP). The government is more socialist in its views because it looks after the less fortunate (SNP). The idea that the current way of running the country cannot continue and that Scotland should look at a more European structure (SNP) (Murison, 2003). This is a more political view of Nationalism and how it is used practically in running a country. Scotland has lost touch with some of these values because of its ties with England In terms of No man is an Island, when a country has strong nationalism they are saying that they are an island. It does not mean that they are really an island but metaphorically they should be viewed as a country in their own right and not politically attached or influenced by any other country. Scottish History Scotland has a vast and well documented history much of which consisted of attempting to ward off continual attacks from England. England was always invading Scotland and claiming it as its own. The wars with England were known as the Wars of Independence. After the death of King Alexander III in 1286, Scotland was plunged into uncertainty whilst a new heir was chosen (Lang, 2005). Eventually, with the aid of King Edward I of England, John Balliol was selected in 1292, but his was not to be a peaceful reign (Lang, 2005). Refusing aid in Englands war with France, Balliol attracted the wrath of Edward and the two kingdoms descended into a conflict that would endure for more than 40 years (Lang, 2005). England was exercising a degree of hegemony in its pursuit of Scotland. This was a challenge to Scotlands space and place. England wanted to expand. Many Scottish people died for their freedom and amongst these was William Wallace. Wallace, who led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I, inflicted a famous defeat on the English army at Stirling Bridge (Murison, 2003). However, English judges read a list of charges against Wallace and then tortured and executed him (Murison, 2003). Robert the Bruce had himself crowned King of Scotland in 1306 and defeated the English forces, while Edward I died before he managed to launch another campaign in Scotland (Lang, 2005). His successor, Edward II, was not able to precede his fathers policy and Robert the Bruce consolidated his position in Scotland (Murison, 2003). After deposition and assassination of Edward II in 1327 Robert invaded northern England and the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328 that recognized Scottish independence and him as its king was signed (Lang, 2005) (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). Scotland had its independence from England and was an Island and a country in its ow n right again. In 1707 Scotland was starting to have economic problems due to harvest failure and problems with colonization so needed to unify with England (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). However, there was a divide in Scotland as some people were still very bitter towards the English and wondered if unification was a good thing. Conversely, the political powers saw it as an advantage economically. England wanted to bring Scotland back under control. The Scottish parliament was dissolved and Scottish representatives were sent to Westminster instead (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). The two countries were to have common economic politics and common tariff barriers. Scotland was to maintain its own Kirk, legislation and education system (McCracken-Flesher, 2007) (Brown, 2010). Scotland had lost its Island. There are still areas in Scotland that are bitter towards the English. This is where a lot of Scottish Nationalistic feeling stems from as their ancestors fought hard for Scottish freedom and independence. Pe ople feel Scotland should go back to being what it was like before 1707 it should go back to being an Island. What is Scottish Identity Tartan, shortbread, haggis and whisky: this is stereotypical of what Scotland is known for. It raises the question of whether an individual can give themselves an identity or whether it is what others gives to the individual? Scotland is known worldwide for its Identity. Tourists come to Scotland with certain expectations of what it should be like and in a way people have given Scotland its identity. Scottish Identity is what makes Scotland and its people Scottish. There are a lot of factors that come into it such as language, food, behaviour, heritage, clothes, culture and traditions. Tartan is a symbol of Scottish Identity.The earliest example of tartan dates from the third century AD (Brown, 2010). A two coloured check, named the Falkirk tartan, was found near the Roman Antonine wall (Brown, 2010). Tartan has become the main symbol of Scottish culture and an emblem of Scottish descent (Brown, 2010). The first tartans were simple checks coloured by vegetable dyes found in the various districts of Scotland, the colours signifying a geographical base (Brown, 2010). The clans were recognised by regional shades caused by the diversity in weaving techniques. After Bonnie Prince Charlies defeat at Culloden in 1746, the wearing of the kilt was banned and the Gaelic language discouraged (Brown, 2010). Anyone caught wearing tartan or playing the bagpipes could be sent to jail for six months (Brown, 2010). This was oppressing Scottish Identity. The use of tartan and Scotlands traditional way of life was lost. There was an upsurge in the Highland craze after Sir Walter Scott stage-managed the Royal visit of George IV to Scotland in 1822 (Brown, 2010). The king arrived wearing a kilt. Tartan became even more popular during the reign of Queen Victoria when commercialisation took hold and tartan mania rolled on (Brown, 2010). Back then wearing tartan was a way of life for Scots but now they only wear it for special occasions such as weddings. Every Scottish family have their own tartan which is brought down from generation to generation these tartans stretch back from the Scottish clans. Tartan is a symbol of Scottish Nationalism people wear tartan with pride for Scotland. Tartan is recognised worldwide. Scottish education left teaching about Scotland out. Scottish history was British history, and British history usually meant English history. Scotland does have its own education system but there is very little taught about Scottish history so kids cant develop nationalistic views or make up their own mind about the future of Scotland. People dont trust children with big issues as they dont feel they will understand them. Scotlands traditional language is Gaelic which was one of the languages highlanders spoke. There are very few people who speak the language nowadays as not a lot of people teach it (Ferguson, 1998). The people who do speak it are in rural places or in highland areas. Scotland is also a more multicultural country so English is the language that most people understand. The Scots have made the English that they speak their own (Ferguson, 1998). They have retained a high percentage of vocabulary derived from Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon, and they speak with a lilt. Indeed (Ferguson, 1998), Scots is an actual language all on its own. However it was frowned upon in schools (Ferguson, 1998). Scots Gaelic, a language in its own right, was all but eliminated; less than 2% of Scottish people speak Gaelic today (Ferguson, 1998). There are numerous attempts to keep it alive, and the BBC as well as ITV offer segments of Gaelic programming for Scotland, where it survives mostly in the nether regions of the highlands and islands (Ferguson, 1998) (Anderson, 1997). There is little efficacy in speaking Gaelic nowadays. Scottish culture and identity is very important to Scottish nationalistic feeling. People want to keep the old traditions and way of living alive. There has been a lot of struggle over the years especially with tartan and their language. Scottish Economy Scotlands main industry was heavy industry such as construction (Anderson, 1997). The essential industry had been in great demand during the post-war period, but as Europe slowly recovered from the lingering impacts of war, old competitors became active again, while the need for heavy industry continued to diminish (Anderson, 1997). Unemployment in Scotland rose steadily, having doubled the number of jobless labourers by the beginning of the 1960s a tendency which continued in spite of attempts of bringing new industry to Scotland (Anderson, 1997) However in the 1960s oil was discovered in the North Sea which is located just off the coast of Scotland (Russell, 2005). Aberdeen became the centre of Britains North Sea oil industry, with many oil terminals such as that of Sullom Voe on Shetland and Flotta on Orkney and at Cruden Bay and St Cyrus on the north east coast of Scotland, being built to support the North Sea oil industry (Russell, 2005). However Scotland could not reap the rewards economically from this as while Scotland was part of the United Kingdom it had no control over royalties and revenue and it thus could not be used to benefit of Scotland economically (Russell, 2005). This strengthened the nationalist ideals and the fact Scotland should go independent because they would be able to take full advantage of the oil reserve and survive economically on their own. However, Labour claims that the oil is not sustainable and Scotland would not survive economically (GUNN, 2010). The oil is also a valuable resource for the United Kingdom so going independent would mean they lose out on that resource. The Scots were not inclined to favour home rule or nationalism, but whether they did so or not, their attitudes were determined not by economic but by other issues. Whatever the reality of an economic case for nationalism in Scotland before 1914, none was imagined (Mitchinson, 1980). Scotland economy provides a strong argument for independence. However does not give Scotland its national feeling, nationalism comes more from other factors. Nationalism is more about Scotlands Identity rather than its economy. Scotland can sustain its Space, Place and Identity through its economy though for a good few years. Scottish National Party (SNP) The SNP is a democratic left-of-centre political party committed to Scottish independence. It aims to create a just, caring and enterprising society in the mainstream of modem Europe by releasing Scotlands full potential as an independent nation (Independent, 2011). The leader of the SNP is Alex Salmond (Independent, 2011). At the 2007 local elections, the SNP won 363 council seats of 1,224 (doubling its 2003 total of 181 councilors), making them the largest group in Scottish local government. (Independant, 2011) The party has been at the forefront of the campaign for Scottish self-determination for almost seventy years (Independant, 2011). The evolution of the SNP has been paralleled by the political evolution of Scotland herself: from an almost totally unionist country to a nation on the brink of independence (Independant, 2011). The Scottish people have invested a lot in their Parliament but there is a growing realisation that, although devolution was a job worth doing, it is a job half done. The SNP ideology is to restore Scottish Parliament and return Scotland to the normal status of an independent country. Independence means Scotland will have a direct voice in Europe and the international community, and the power to tackle Scotlands social and economic problems by making Scotlands wealth work for Scotlands people (Independant, 2011). The SNP have a very nationalist view. The leader of the SNP Alex Salmond said There is not an anti-English bone in my body. I have forgotten more about English history than most Tory MPs ever learned (Bentley, 2009) The leader and the party are very passionate for independence and pass their passion on to the people of Scotland. In the current economic climate people are more supportive of them because they are growing tired of other parties and having to suffer the same policies as England. The SNP want to take Scotland back to what it was like before the 1707 unification. They believe Scotland should be able to make all decisions itself and govern itself. However some people still think Scottish economy is too unstable and people also like the idea of a United Kingdom. . Lindsay says: The Scottish National Party declares its unshakeable belief in Scotlands destiny as a European nation and reaffirms its belief that the best course for Scotland to take lies in Independence in Europe (SNP) The SNP think Scotland should be an island and not be influence by England. The issue for independence has cropped up again as the 2011 Scottish Elections saw the SNP win by an outstanding majority they won 69 seats in the Scottish Parliament which means they can push for an independence referendum (BBC, 2011). Scotland will be able to decide whether it will be a country in its own right or will still be part of the United Kingdom. It finally gets to decide whether it is an Island or if it is not. Scottish Parliament The first Scottish Parliament arose during the early thirteenth century, and its first meeting was at Kirkliston in 1235 in the reign of Alexander II (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). However due to economic problems the parliament was unified with England in1707 (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). Since then Scotland had been governed by Westminster but more recently there has been a lot of nationalistic feeling in Scotland thanks to the SNP. As the Scotland Parliament Scotlands Right report said: The longing of the people of Scotland for their own Parliament rings clear and true every time opinion is sounded. We believe that the momentum for change is now too great to deny; and that a Scottish Parliament will soon be meeting for the first time in nearly three centuries (SCC, 1995). In September 1997, a referendum of the Scottish electorate secured a majority in favour of the establishment of a new devolved Scottish Parliament, with tax-varying powers, in Edinburgh (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). The new Scottish Parliament met at the Church of Scotland General Assembly rooms until 2004 when they got given their own building called Holyrood (McCracken-Flesher, 2007). This gave Scotland more control over domestic issues that affect their people. This was a great turning point for Scotland (McCracken-Flesher, 2007), However some people did not think it was enough and wanted more control over their decisions. The SNP keep pushing for more devolved powers to be given over to Scotland so it can take control of its own resources. In conclusion, Scotland as it stands today is not an island: it still has nationalist views but is a long way from independence. Scotland has a vast history of standing against the English for independence from the wars of independence when many Scottish ancestors died which feeds a lot of the nationalist feeling in Scotland today. Scotland was a country in its own right prior to these wars. Scottish people today take pride in wearing tartan for special occasions but there was a time when it was suppressed. A lot of old Scottish past times that are a part of Scottish identity are dying out because of the unification with England such as the speaking of Gaelic. Scotlands economy could hold the key for Scotland becoming an Island in its own right as the oil could mean Scotland could survive on its own. However the United Kingdom relies on it too and people worry that it would run out. The SNP is Scotlands leading political party and keeps Scottish nationalism alive but also fights for Scotlands right for independence. However Scottish people are divided with those who want it and those who do not. Scotland has been given more power as under Tony Blair they got the Scottish Parliament back but only with devolved powers. Nationalism is important for a country to have as they can have pride in their country, heritage, culture and way of life and what makes their country unique. Scotland may not have independence yet but does it need it? Even if Scotland was to become independent it would still have to answer to the rest of the world. It is important to share the aspects that make Scotland great and for Scotland to be enriched by other countries. Scotlands culture will never fully return and Scotland will always be reliant on other people to keep whats left of it alive. Scotland is not an Island as no man is an Island but it does not have to be.

Free Hamlet Essays: Hamlet’s Fatal Mistake :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Hamlet’s Fatal Mistake  Ã‚   When you play a part or a role to disguise your true character it harms you in the end. Hamlet’s antic disposition was a tragic error on his part because it let to his eventual demise. Hamlet displays the antic disposition in order to fool Claudius, although Claudius is the only character to not be fooled. When Hamlet denies Ophelia his love, she goes mad and takes her life. Hamlet becomes confused as to whether he is insane or not. For these reasons, Hamlet’s decision to portray an antic disposition is a tragic error.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Hamlet found out that Claudius killed his father Hamlet was furious, and got right to work on how to get his fathers revenge. Hamlet went to work by coming up with a plan to act mad so that it would hide the truth from Claudius, which was that Hamlet was going to kill Claudius. Hamlet has no such luck. Claudius does not believe Hamlet’s attempt at pretending that he is mad. "Was not like madness. There’s something in his soul" (III; I; 161). This means that Claudius does not believe that Hamlet is insane, but rather has some sort of plan being brewed. Claudius also has a plan that is to kill hamlet. This is ironic because in the end they end up Claudius is in the end murdered by Hamlet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hamlet must act mad if he wants Claudius to believe him, so Hamlet uses his confrontations with Ophelia to display it. Ophelia is manipulated by Hamlet for his own personal gain. Hamlet uses Ophelia to get the word that he is mad around the kingdom. This is sad because Ophelia is innocent and she ends up committing suicide in the end. One of the way’s Hamlet fools Ophelia into believing that he is insane is by scaring her. (II; I;75). " I have been so affrighted". Hamlet fools Ophelia into believing that he is mad by killing Polonius behind a curtain in the Gertrude’s room. This incident drives Ophelia into becoming insane and leads to her taking her own life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hamlet spends much of his time pretending to be mad, that he starts to believe that he really is insane. Hamlet feels as if he is losing control when he sees his father’s ghost in Gertrude’s chambers. Every other time the ghost appeared, someone else saw it as well, only this time his mother did not see it.

Essay --

Stanford Medical Center is located in Stanford, California and ranked as one of the best hospitals in the United States while also serving as a teaching hospital. Stanford is internationally known for its expertise in so many medical areas and for years they have continue to discover and create while working together to improve health on a global scale. In 2008, Stanford decided that they wanted to increase trainee and faculty exposure to international health and in doing so they created a team of Stanford and UCSF faculty to go on an exploratory mission to Vietnam. Vietnam lacks good health facilities and hospitals to better serve its patients. Stanford’s long term goal was to implement a curriculum development and provide opportunities for faculty to pursue research within different cultural and scientific environments. (Viet Nam Welcomes Stanford and UCSF Faculty, 2008) My report will discuss the scenario if the Vietnam government requested Stanford to develop a co-brandin g arrangement where Stanford Medical Center would operate a Vietnam healthcare facility and send some of its clinicians over to train and educate the facility’s doctors and nursing staff while helping improve and monitor Vietnam’s health quality programs. First, what is co-branding? Co-branding is a technique used by many businesses and healthcare to help with positive associations of another company’s product or brand. In this case the co-branding strategy is being used to gain more marketplace exposure. Long standing health care organizations as with any well-known organization will carry a franchise that represents loyalty both internally and with consumers. Stanford is a name already known by consumers which will further attract patients especially when ... ...ame to it. Second one would be to ensure that the original mission, values, culture, and benefits are instilled and guaranteed in every organization that’s in co-branding. My third recommendation is to expand the target market by suiting to the environments culture. (Mà ©lissa Bever, Stà ©phanie Lallemand , 2011) Localization or universal slogans are important because even though an organization’s brand values and culture means one thing in American markets, in a foreign land those words and meanings could be different and it’s a simple fact that some concepts don’t translate between cultures. This is when a team would perform a transcreation. Transcreation is copywriting in a foreign language and this is valuable because they re-write the brand message for the target country to help them understand and appreciate the original message and how it reflects the company.

Mindy Lewis’

Adolescence is difficult and painful: rebellion, critical parental scrutiny, an overall feeling of not living up to expectations. For some of us it is a time of excess – drug use, arguments, lots of psychic pain. Mindy Lewis’ compelling memoir is about what happens when adolescent rebellion is not treated as routine. Her version of teenage acting out led to a more than two-year incarceration in the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia–Presbyterian Medical Center (which she calls PI) when she was almost 16 years old. The book, Life Inside, explores Lewis’ life, telling a story of an upbringing quite different from most, and its effects. Always a creative soul, Lewis expressed her emotions in painting, rarely in writing. But an intense cyber-romance in the early ‘90s led her to begin to express her emotions in writing. She began to take workshops, writing essays and the occasional short story. Positive reinforcement in the workshops and small successes getting published made her take her writing a little more seriously. She actually wasn’t sure she could go through with her story, until she followed friends’ encouragement to write it, not just for herself but for the others who had been with her and for those who are in a similar situation now. Life inside chronicles a reasonably happy childhood in Manhattan, her father’s departure for California, and the dissolution of her parents’ marriage. The arrival of a stepfather did not provide any cushion as her relationship with her mother started to disintegrate when she began high school, smack in the middle of the ‘60s. Though her painting ability had secured her acceptance at the High School of Music and Art, she soon began to feel as though she didn’t fit in. She just didn’t feel hip enough for the other kids and heady atmosphere that pervaded the school. Lewis had discovered an escape in marijuana, LSD, and a collection of other drugs. Her parents sent her to a psychiatrist to try to find a way to reach her, and though he didn’t seem to think that she was â€Å"crazy†, he recommended institutionalizing her when she was suspended from Music and Art and made a perfunctory attempt at suicide. Several things strike the reader during the journey through the book: the remarkable level of detail about Lewis’ experiences at PI; the difficult adulthood that seemed as excruciating as it was inevitable following such a contorted adolescence; and the courage that it must have taken to commit all of it to paper. As Lewis says: â€Å"In [Life Inside] I hoped to give something—clues to parents of adolescents, or to adolescents themselves who are in pain. I wanted to let them know that there are kindred spirits—they’re not alone. There is a path out of the dark. If the worst situation in my life can become a positive, it’s like alchemy. It gives me faith that miracles can happen in life.† Her story is honest and open. As a reader, one could identify with her pain and her experience, even though it is quite different from one’s own. Many of the feelings she describes are universal, which leads us to question society and its definition of insanity. The book is really well-written and vivid, with great attention to physical and emotional detail. The story moves quickly (over 30 years in 350 pages), with its main focus how the 27-months in the institution affected Mindy's life. However, the book also details Mindy's journey to understand her life, the world around her, her family, and how to create meaning from experience, going beyond â€Å"life inside†. Readers who will particularly appreciate this book include lovers of well-wrought prose, and people who feel impaired by something in their past, and cautiously optimistic about their chances of getting over it and/or growing from it. Life inside received a starred Kirkus Review, and was named 2003 Book of the Year by the American Journal of Nursing. It is a vivid first-person account of the author's experiences as a rebellious 15-year-old remanded to a psychiatric ward in the late 1960s. No comments are needed for the following words: â€Å"While conversing with me it was quite obvious that she is more genuinely wrapped up within herself†¦ She is very self-conscious and is usually unable to face the interviewer†¦ Her walk is a sort of bedraggled shuffle which makes me think of someone being led off to their execution. The patient is fearful, extremely anxious and depressed. At times her anxiety rises to such heights that she begins to tremble.† â€Å"There must be something wrong with my reflexes. If they'd been working right, I would have pulled my foot away, or kicked him. I hope he's a better shrink than he is a doctor.† â€Å"The sleeves hang over my hands, which is fine with me — the more that's hidden, the better†¦ Once I was a nice little girl, but those days are over. Before I can stop it, that nice little girl's tears fill my eyes. I blink them away, hoping nobody saw†¦ I can't take another minute sitting out here in the hallway. Privacy is as important to me as air, and I'm suffocating.† â€Å"I sit here in my chains and the days go by and nothing ever happens. It is an empty joyless life, but I accept it without complaint. I await other times and they will surely come, for I am not destined to sit here for all eternity†¦.I muse on this in my dungeon and am of good cheer.† Today Lewis is by any account a healthy and creative adult with extraordinary insight. She is an artist by profession, a dancer by avocation and a writer by sheer force of will. At 50, Lewis has kept her youth with her. She is tall, trim, and strong; belly dancing is a passion and bike riding and swimming help, as well. Her manner is direct, tempered by a quietness that bespeaks a life path that has not always been clear or easy. Inviting the readers to take a close look at contemporary views of mental health through the lens of her own powerful and intimately rendered story, in Life Inside, Lewis has written an important memoir, as tough and candid as it is inspiring and compassionate. Bibliography: 1. Lewis, Mindy. Life inside: A Memoir. Atr

Succubus Revealed Chapter 7

No matter what shape he wore, Bastien always managed the same kind of smile – warm and infectious. I was grinning as I hugged him, too overwhelmed to form any other logical greeting or even ask why he was here. The last time I'd seen Bastien had been in Seattle last fall. He'd come to town to help discredit a conservative radio host and had succeeded (thanks to me), earning him accolades from our superiors. I'd lost touch with him shortly thereafter and had thought he'd been transferred to Europe or the East Coast. Maybe he had been, but he was here now. The full impact of Luis's earlier words came back to me as I stepped away from Bastien. â€Å"Wait. You're the other new employee?† Bastien's grin widened. He loved being able to shock and surprise me. â€Å"Afraid so, Fleur. I moved here a week ago, and our employer was kind enough to put me up here while I look for a place of my own.† He swept Luis a gallant bow. Luis nodded back, clearly enjoying the scenario he'd created. â€Å"Which, hopefully, you'll do soon. Accounting isn't going to let me get away with this place forever.† Bastien nodded gravely. â€Å"I've already scouted a couple of potential locations.† â€Å"And,† I teased, â€Å"Bastien doesn't even really need to find his own place. He could go out tonight, smile at the right people, and have a dozen rich women more than happy to give him a place to stay.† His current body looked to be in its late twenties, with sun-streaked brown hair and hazel eyes. It was pretty cute, but even if he'd looked hideous, he could still have talked himself into someone's heart. He was just that good. â€Å"Is that an invitation?† Bastien asked. â€Å"Because I have no plans for tonight.† â€Å"Well, you do now,† said Luis. â€Å"I figured you and Georgina would want to catch up, and you can give her your impressions of the city so far – which are all good, of course.† â€Å"Of course,† Bastien and I said in unison. â€Å"Also, I'd like her to meet Phoebe and maybe some of the other succubi,† Luis continued. â€Å"Ah, Mademoiselle Phoebe.† Bastien nodded his head approvingly. â€Å"An exquisite creature. You'll adore her.† â€Å"You apparently do,† I said. Succubi and incubi hooked up sometimes but generally stuck to humans for romantic liaisons. Bastien, however, had a particular penchant for my kind. He made a face. â€Å"None of my charms seem to be working on her. She says that I'll never be as infatuated with anyone else as much as I am with myself, so there's no point in her getting involved.† I laughed. â€Å"I like her already.† â€Å"Then it's settled.† Luis moved toward the door. â€Å"I have some business to take care of, but I'll see you before you leave. In the meantime, I trust Bastien will show you a good time. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything.† Luis snapped his fingers, and a small business card appeared in his hand. He handed it to me. It was still warm. â€Å"Thanks, Luis,† I said, giving him a quick hug. â€Å"I appreciate everything you've done.† Luis nodded gravely. â€Å"I know you're not thrilled about this transfer, but I really, really would like for you to be happy here.† He left, and Bastien and I stood there in silence for a few moments. â€Å"You know,† I said at last, â€Å"in the years I've been in Seattle, I don't think Jerome has ever told me to call him if I needed anything.† Bastien chuckled as he walked over to a small but well-stocked bar. â€Å"Luis is quite exceptional from what I've seen so far. I was lucky to end up here. You too.† â€Å"Yeah. We're all lucky, aren't we?† I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall by the war. â€Å"How did you end up here?† â€Å"The same way any of us end up anywhere. I was living in Newark until I got the transfer order a couple days ago. Here I am.† I frowned. â€Å"I thought you said you'd been here a week?† â€Å"Week, a few days. I don't know. I admit, I've been kind of intoxicated since I arrived. It was recent, that's all. And a surprise.† â€Å"So was mine,† I murmured. â€Å"Astonishingly so. And now you're here too. It's kind of weird.† â€Å"Is it?† He emptied a martini shaker into two glasses. â€Å"We've worked together before. Figures that it would happen again.† I accepted the glass he offered me. â€Å"I suppose so. But still . . . the number of times we've ended up together has been pretty amazing. For it to happen again is a huge coincidence.† I took a sip and nodded approvingly. He'd used Grey Goose. â€Å"Maybe it's not a coincidence. They keep track of our performance records. They probably know we work well together.† I hadn't considered that. â€Å"You think they'd actually place us together because of that? To get results? I mean, I'm still trying to figure out why I was even transferred at all.† â€Å"There doesn't have to be a reason, not with them.† â€Å"I know. One theory about me being here is that I haven't been all that great of a succubus.† â€Å"Ah, then there you are. They sent you to me because they know what a good influence I am on you.† â€Å"Bad, you mean.† His eyes twinkled. â€Å"This is going to be a lot of fun having you here. I haven't even gambled yet, and already I feel like I hit the jackpot.† He knocked back his drink. â€Å"Finish that, and let's go have some fun. I know a great place for lunch. We'll go there and then hit some games of chance.† It felt weird going out on the town, especially so early in the day. I'd become too subdued in my Seattle life, I realized. I'd done such a good job at playing human that I'd forgotten what it was like to think like a succubus. Why not live it up in daylight? This was technically a business trip, but the point was to scope out the place of my future employment. I'd been here lots of times before, but this was the first time I really and truly studied the city through the eyes of an â€Å"on the clock† succubus. Again, I was struck by that earlier, heady sense: easy, so amazingly easy. We caught a cab, and Bastien gave instructions for us to go to Sparkles. I ran through my mental list of Las Vegas attractions and came up empty. â€Å"I've never heard of that,† I said. â€Å"It sounds like a strip club.† â€Å"Nah, it's a brand-new hotel and casino,† Bastien told me. â€Å"So shiny and new, in fact, that it just opened a couple of weeks ago, and already it's a hit.† â€Å"Why's it called Sparkles?† I asked. He grinned. â€Å"You'll see.† The answer was obvious once we got there. Everything was, well, sparkly. The exterior sign was a riot of glittering, chasing lights that should've had a seizure warning affixed to it. Everyone who worked in the hotel and casino wore elaborately sequined outfits, and all the decor was done in brightly colored metallic and glittering surfaces. Paired with the flood of flashing lights already found in a casino, the entire spectacle was hard on my eyes at first. Yet, despite what could've easily degenerated into tackiness, there was still something in the feel of the place that radiated luxury. Sparkles was over the top, yes, but in a good way. â€Å"Here,† said Bastien, leading me through the maze of the casino. â€Å"There's a little less sensory overload where we're going.† Opposite the side we'd entered in was a doorway dominated by a sign reading DIAMOND LOUNGE. With a name like that, I expected strippers and more glitz but instead found myself in a quiet and much more tastefully subdued establishment. Crystal chandeliers and wineglasses provide the only sparkle here. Everything else in the restaurant was warm, honey-colored wood and red velvet. When we were seated at our table, Bastien said to the waitress, â€Å"Can you tell Phoebe that Bastien is here?† I gave him a wry look once we were alone. â€Å"I see how it is. Here I thought you were going out of your way to take me somewhere nice. You're just here to visit your crush.† â€Å"That's merely a perk,† he told me easily. â€Å"The food here really is excellent. And Luis wants you to meet Phoebe too, remember? Don't worry, you'll like her.† I made no effort to hide my skepticism. â€Å"I don't know, Bastien. I can count on one hand how many succubi I've actually liked over the years. At best, they're tolerable and semiamusing, like Tawny.† At worst – and more often than not – succubi were raving bitches. Me excluded, of course. â€Å"Just wait and see,† he said. We didn't have to wait long because a couple minutes later, I felt the wash of a succubus aura come over me, one reminiscent of orange blossoms and honey. A tall, willowy woman in a black and white uniform appeared, carrying a tray with our cocktails on it. The employees here didn't have to match the glitzy attire of their hotel brethren. She set the cocktails before each of us with a grace and fluidity that was almost too much for this establishment. It reminded me of something more suited to the serving halls of kings from long ago – which, I suspected, she had probably known very well. â€Å"Ah, Phoebe,† Bastien sighed dreamily. â€Å"You are a vision, as always. Come meet our newest colleague.† She gave him the look one has when indulging a ridiculous child and sat down in one of our table's empty chairs. Her dark blond hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, revealing high cheekbones and long-lashed green eyes. â€Å"Oh, Bastien, don't start in on the vision stuff. It's far too early in the day.† She extended a polite hand to me. â€Å"Hello, I'm Phoebe.† â€Å"Georgina,† I said, shaking the offered hand. â€Å"Whatever Bastien's told you, only believe half of it.† She reconsidered, eyeing him carefully. â€Å"Make that a third.† â€Å"Hey,† exclaimed Bastien, with mock incredulity. â€Å"I resent that. As if I would ever lie to two such treasures as yourselves !† â€Å"Bastien,† said Phoebe dryly. â€Å"You'll lie to anything female if you think it'll get you in their pants faster.† I laughed in spite of myself, earning me another wounded look from Bastien. â€Å"Fleur, you know that's not true. You've known me longer than anyone.† â€Å"Which is exactly why I know it is true,† I replied solemnly. Bastien muttered something uncomplimentary in French and was saved further indignation when Phoebe's colleague returned to take our order. Phoebe, with our permission, ordered for us, requesting some â€Å"specials† that weren't on the menu. â€Å"Are you a cook here?† I asked her. â€Å"Bartender,† she replied, clasping her hands and resting her chin on them. â€Å"Gives me something to do until the show starts.† â€Å"Show?† Bastien's earlier dismay was gone, replaced with an expression of supreme smugness. â€Å"You see, Fleur? I told you I had a good reason for coming here. My lady Phoebe here is a . . .† He paused delicately. â€Å"Is it still polite to say ‘showgirl'? I can never keep track of what's PC anymore. It took me ages to figure out why I kept getting in trouble for calling career women ‘working girls.' â€Å" Phoebe laughed. â€Å"Yes, ‘showgirl' is fine.† I felt myself sitting up straighter. â€Å"You're a dancer? Where do you perform?† â€Å"Here,† she said. â€Å"Or, well, I will in a couple months. It hasn't opened yet.† â€Å"What kind is it?† I asked. â€Å"I mean, is there a theme?† â€Å"It's a full-fledged Vegas music-dance extravaganza. Exactly what you'd expect from a place called Sparkles. Rhinestones everywhere. Scanty, but not topless.† She tilted her head, regarding me with interest. â€Å"Are you a dancer?† â€Å"I dance,† I said modestly. â€Å"I haven't done full stage performances in a very long time, though. I'm out of practice.† Bastien scoffed. â€Å"That's nonsense. Fleur can pick up any routine. She used to bring the dance halls of Paris to their knees.† â€Å"Yeah,† I said. â€Å"A long time ago.† â€Å"Are you interested in being in it?† asked Phoebe, face serious. â€Å"They're still scouting. I can get you an audition. Although . . . you might want to make yourself taller.† â€Å"I . . . I don't know,† I said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. â€Å"I mean, my transfer doesn't take place until next month. . . .† Phoebe was unconcerned. â€Å"I don't think Matthias would mind. He's the company manager. In fact . . .† She glanced at her watch. â€Å"He'll be around in another hour or so. I can take you to meet him.† â€Å"She'd be happy to,† said Bastien. â€Å"I'm sure she can answer for herself, monsieur,† replied Phoebe tartly. I chuckled at seeing Bastien dressed down again. â€Å"I'd love it. That'd be great.† Phoebe left us as our food began arriving, promising to return at the end of our meal. Everything she'd ordered for us was amazing, and I fretted over eating so much since I wasn't entirely sure if this meeting with the company manager would turn into a full-fledged audition. â€Å"Lovely, isn't she?† asked Bastien. â€Å"She is,† I agreed. â€Å"You were right.† What I found more astonishing than having the chance to dance in a Las Vegas show was that Phoebe was responsible for orchestrating it – and had seemed genuinely happy to do so. In my experience, succubi would jealously guard those kinds of positions, keeping out the competition. â€Å"I have no doubt you'll dance your way right into this Matthias's heart,† Bastien mused. He gave a mournful sigh. â€Å"Would that I could dance so easily into Phoebe's heart.† â€Å"She's too smart for you,† I said. â€Å"She knows your tricks.† â€Å"Of course she does. I'd think that would be half the appeal.† He paused to finish off the last of his cocktail. â€Å"Speaking of bizarre attractions . . . I'm totally behind in what's transpiring in your Northwestern world. Are you still joined at the hip with that introverted mortal?† â€Å"Literally and figuratively,† I told him. Thinking of Seth diminished some of my earlier good mood. â€Å"This transfer . . . it was kind of a shock. I don't know how it's going to affect our relationship.† Bastien shrugged. â€Å"Bring him here.† â€Å"It's a little more complicated than that.† â€Å"Not if he wants you badly enough. Here.† Bastien waved to get the waitress's attention. â€Å"Have another round with me. That'll fix everything.† â€Å"Not when I might have to dance soon!† But I shared the round anyway and found my cheerfulness returning. It was hard not to with Bastien. I'd known him for a long time, and there was something so easy and comforting about being in his presence. We swapped stories and gossip on immortals we knew, and I got the scoop on some of the more colorful ones I'd eventually be meeting here in Las Vegas. Phoebe returned just as we were paying the bill, having swapped her work attire for casual dance clothing. She led us back through the labyrinthine glitz of the casino and into the quieter and much more subdued back halls of the building. They in turn led to a backstage door to the casino's theatre, which wasn't yet open to the public. We found the vast space empty, save a couple guys installing tables in the seating area. The pounding of their hammers echoed through the room. A moment later, I did a double take when I saw a man sitting off to the side of the stage, so still I'd hardly noticed him. He glanced up from a sheaf of papers at our approach. â€Å"Phoebe,† he said. â€Å"You're early.† â€Å"I wanted to introduce you to someone,† she said. â€Å"Matthias, these are my friends Bastien and Georgina. Georgina's moving here next month.† Matthias looked like he was in his late twenties, early thirties at most, and had sandy blond hair in need of a haircut. There was something cute about its disheveled state, and he took off wire-rimmed glasses to peer up at me. I couldn't help but think Ian would've liked those glasses, but unlike Ian, Matthias probably needed them. Matthias blinked a couple of times, and then his eyebrows rose in surprise. â€Å"You're a dancer,† he said to me. â€Å"Er, yeah, I am. How'd you know?† Per Phoebe's suggestion, I'd made myself put on some height while we were walking down the back halls, but that was hardly enough to tip him off. Matthias got to his feet and studied me up and down, not in a leering kind of way . . . but more like how someone assesses the value of a piece of art. â€Å"It's in how you walk and stand. There's a grace to it. An energy. It's exactly what she does.† He nodded toward Phoebe. â€Å"Are you guys sisters?† â€Å"No,† said Phoebe. â€Å"But we've taken some of the same classes.† Bastien choked on a laugh. Matthias was nodding, completely enraptured. He picked up his papers and flipped through the pages. â€Å"Yes . . . yes . . . we could definitely use you here and here.† He paused, checking a few more places. â€Å"And here. Maybe even here.† He jerked his head up, blue eyes alight and excited. â€Å"Let's see what you can do. Phoebe – do the opening part of the second number.† Phoebe responded instantly, springing to center stage and instantly falling into line as Matthias began counting off beats. When they finished, he looked at me expectantly. â€Å"Now you do it.† I started to point out that I was in heels and a dress but then realized showgirl attire probably wouldn't be too different. I took a spot near Phoebe and mirrored her as Matthias counted again. We repeated the combination, and by the third time, I hardly had to look at her to get the steps. He directed her to a different number, slightly more complicated, and a similar performance ensued as I sought to match her. When we finished, he clicked his tongue in approval. â€Å"Amazing,† he said. â€Å"You guys need to tell me where you trained so that I can recruit all your classmates.† Turning back to his papers, he began scribbling notes. â€Å"Phoebe, can you lend her some clothes for practice? Not that it'll affect her performance, of course, but I imagine she'd be more comfortable in something else for two hours of rehearsal.† Phoebe winked at me. â€Å"I'm pretty sure we can get her a change of clothes.† I glanced between her and Matthias. â€Å"Rehearsal?† â€Å"Sure,† said Matthias, still not looking up. â€Å"That's what we do to get ready for performances around here.† â€Å"You want to be in the show, don't you, Lucy?† teased Bastien. â€Å"I understand . . . but I'm not moving to Las Vegas until January,† I explained. â€Å"I have to go home tomorrow night.† Matthias finally glanced up briefly from his beloved notes, seeming as pained as Seth often was when interrupted while writing a book. â€Å"You're here right now, aren't you? Might as well get started. Unless you've got something else going on?† I looked helplessly at Bastien and Phoebe, who were grinning like idiots. The incubus slung a friendly arm around me. â€Å"Of course she doesn't.† After a moment's hesitation, I gave a slow nod, still a little overwhelmed at how fast things were moving here. â€Å"I . . . I'd love to rehearse.†

Theories of Communication: Narrative Theory

In other words, language use in self-narratives accurately reflects human personality. According to communication theorist Walter Fisher, humans are natural storytellers (1978, 1984, and 1987). We continually weave discrete events and experiences together into coherent wholes that have all the features of stories; a plot: characters: action: a sequence of beginning, middle and end: and a climax. 1. 1. 1 Narrative Paradigm Narrative paradigm is a concept in communication theory and was developed by Walter Fisher. The concept is adopted from the oldest form of communication – story telling.He stated that all meaningful communication is in the form of storytelling. Calling his theory narrative paradigm, Fisher defined narration as â€Å"symbolic actions- words and/or deeds that have sequence and meaning for those who live, create or interpret them† (1987, p. 58). Fishers claimed that narrations abound in everyday life. You go to a mosque, church or temple, and a religious leader tells stories. Lawyers too tells stories when they give Jurors accounts of what happened and why and who is to blame (Burner, 2002).Peoples past experiences influence our need for communication and also base our behavior. Thus narrative paradigm is very helpful in analyzing the nature of human communication. 1. 1. 2 Good Reasoning In western cultures, rationality is considered extremely important. We are taught to evaluate the worth of ideas and arguments by Judging how much evidence is provided. Fisher thought the Western emphasis on â€Å"pure logic† and conventional rationality was excessive. He also thought that logic or strictly rational thinking do not always explain why we believe what we do.In his original statement about narrative theory, Fisher (1978) claimed that telling compelling story is more persuasive than cads of statistics, expert testimony, and logical deduction. People are basically story telling beings. We make decisions and form beliefs on the bas is of good reasons. We consider a good reason depends on history, culture, personal character and biography. Narrative rationality is evaluated by the coherence and fidelity of stories. Life is a set of stories: in choosing to accept some stories to reject others, we continuously re-create our lives and ourselves. 1. 1. Narrative Rationality, Coherence and Fidelity To answer reservations that the narrative paradigm provided no standards for judging the quality of various stories, Fisher presented the concept of narrative rationality. He claimed that not all stories are equally compelling : that is not all stories have the same power to gain our belief. We Judge stories on the basis of a distinctively narrative form of rationality, which Fisher saw as quite different from conventional criteria of rationality. Fisher identified two standards for assessing narrative rationality, which is coherence and fidelity.Coherence refers to formal features of story conceived as a discrete sequenc e of thought and or action in life or literature (any recorded or written form of discourse) e. It concerns the question of whether or not a story coheres or ‘hangs together' whether or not the story is free of contradictions. In a story, we examine how the story strings together, how probable the story seems, are the important details included, is it free from contradictions, how does it compare with other stories, and do characters behave/think consistently.How do you decide whether the story makes sense? Fisher suggested that we first ask whether a story has internal coherence. We Judge whether the storyteller has told us all of the important details so that the outcome is believable. The way we assess coherence is to compare a specific story we are told with other stories about the same or similar situations, events and so forth. Fisher's (1987) second standard for narrative rationality is fidelity, which is defined as â€Å"the extent to which a story resonates with list eners personal experience and beliefs†.According to narrative theorists, we find stories believable when they are act as we do or as we would like to see ourselves acting. Fisher's explains that the standard of fidelity involve Judging the values in narration. When we identify with a character, we regard her or his action as admirable, worthy, reasonable. When we accept a story as true and right, we Judge it to reflect the values in which we believes and the ways of the world as we have experienced them 2.Weakness of the theory There are 3 major weaknesses that are commonly being brought forth by other scholars and they are: I) Incomplete description I') Too broad iii) conservative bias Incomplete description: Most scholar are skeptical that the theory could comprehensively describe all forms of communication. One of the arguments are from Robert Roland(1989) that stated that not all form of communication are narrative and do not attempt to be. As an example, Robert highlighte d that science fictions and science fantasy stories do not attempt to make sense in term of most people's experience and value.He stated that the main purpose of science fictions and science fantasy is to challenge prevailing values, experience and ways of being in the world. In the perspective of communication, scholars have identify 2 types of communications that do not apply to the narrative theory. 1st, Kirkwood (1992) argues that Fisher's view of narrative had failed to explain how stories create new possibilities, new version of ourselves and social life. This is because like the story of Martin Luther King is out of the standard form of storyline among the people within that timeline in how they see themselves and how they are suppose to act. Andy, James Cheeseboard (Bibb) believes that the theory are unpractical to the extend that if it is true it could cause harmful social consequences. For an example, the narratives of injustice and the right to revenge that are very commo n in most stories. Thus we could infer that assuming that the narrative theory is true it would incite riots and killing, thus it seem that Fisher did to account the impact of stories in developing new vision or how it would instigate harm.Too broad: In establishing a communication theory, it is essential to create a distinguish it self from another. Thus when Fisher stated that all form of communication is a form of narrative thus he is simultaneously stating that everything and nothing in the same time. Such sweeping statement on the view of communication do not assist researchers, scholars and the general public to identify the important distinction among the myriad forms of communication.Conservative Bias: Finally the third weakness that one could identify is that the theory is very insensitively bias. In the context of evaluating theory, conservative is referred to the preservation of existing or established values and practices thus due to that, according to William Kirkwood ( 1992)Fisher's idea of good reasons give privilege to prevailing value and attitude and focus less on to the ways in which stories can promote positive changes in the human condition.This contradiction can be seen in one of the narrative rational criteria of fidelity. Whereby there are cases of when even if the stories that we here ‘resonates with the listeners personal experience and lives'(Fisher 1987) but in truth even if it is consistent with our experience we tend to find some stories to be more credible from one to another. As an example, a video entitled ‘A Man Falls down and Cries for Help Twice. The Second Time, My Jaw Drops. On the www. Purports. Mom shows a man wearing a hooded,pair of Jeans and a snowman lying down at a town square calling for help, but after 45 minutes there was no one that came to assist despite of the large crowd passing through. This shows that despite of the general experience of being sick, and the general believe of doing DOD no one was convinced that the guy was sick or need any form of assistance. In addition to that, Kirkwood argues that this standard of Judgment encourage us to say only what will square with the other's experience and to avoid challenging prevailing views, vale and the status quo in social life. . Strength of the theory There are 3 major strengths that are commonly being brought forth by other scholars and they are: I) Heuristic Value it) Parsimonious iii) Dynamism Heuristic Value: Narrative theory is viewed as an original work of study that has a high value of evolve as it has provoke new perspective of communication, the nature of reason and the bases of Judging rationality Narrative is considered to be a major approach to rhetorical criticism (Bureaucrat, 1995, p. 271).Within rhetorical studies, narrative has been theorized as a rhetorical paradigm, and has been used in the analysis of various case studies from the speeches of Ronald Reagan to the rhetoric of the American Civil Rights movem ent (Lewis, 1987; Sells, 2008). The concept of narration also has been said to compliment well with Aristotle ancient treatise on rhetoric, ND it redefined as a primary component of a speech. In a section discussing the organization of speeches, Aristotle (2007) conceives of the narrative as the part of the speech in which a speaker leads the audience â€Å"through the facts† of the speaker's subject or case (p. 38). The narrative section of the speech should vary according to the type of speech delivered. In an influential work, Fisher (1984) has argued that narrative is a fundamental paradigm of human communication. Under the narrative paradigm, human beings are defined by their roles as storytellers, and narrative is a constitutive part of human nature. According to Fisher (1984), rhetoric is â€Å"communicated ultimately as stories meant to give order to human experience† (p. 6).Furthermore, narrative can be conceived as an alternative to rationality as a way of un derstanding the world, and is more intuitive than reason because it does not need to be taught Fisher's narrative paradigm has since been critiqued and expanded upon (for more on the narrative paradigm, see also Fisher, 1985; Fisher, 1989). Parsimonious: Due to the simplistic nature of the theory that uses a limited number of concepts to explain communication, the theory had multiple applications in different fields.Narrative has been studied in fields such as: rhetoric, literary theory, philosophy, history (see for example: White, 1980), psychology, political communication, journalism, studies of folklore, persuasion theory, media studies rhetorical studies, and political communication. In communication, scholars have studied narrative's role in politics and their use in news media. For example, Bennett & Delano (1985) present a pessimistic view of political narrative, arguing that narratives transmitted through mass media act as barriers to solving social problems by casting polic y issues in simplistic, ideological terms (p. 8). For Bennett & Delano (1985), the power of narratives to label political participants as â€Å"heroes† or â€Å"villains† or â€Å"deserving† or â€Å"undeserving† create â€Å"public policies that are rationalized by the construction of social problems for which they become solutions† (p. 159). Other scholars have also examined the ways in which Journalists use narratives in the construction of news content (see for example: Lull, 2001, p. 11-26; Gangs, 1979, p. 78-115) Dynamism: The theory is very dynamic to the extend where it could evolve and compliment in any form or context in the view of life .Fisher had rebutted the idea of how his theory could and would maintain the status quo. In his critical article in 1987, Fisher stated human beings are wonderfully creative and imaginative beings. Thus he claims that we are able to invent and accepts new stories when they are better explained or offer a better direction for future living than the stories had heard and believed. This is proven in the case of Hill vs. Thomas. During and immediately after the court hearing, the national polls reported that a majority of those polled had thought that Thomas story to be more credible than the one told by Anita Hill.However, a year after the hearings, when the people thought more about it, the majority of that poll has shifted their votes toward Anita Hills account. This shows that given time to consider and weigh of both stories, people could come to believe one that initially they had found lack of credibility. This shift suggest that fidelity ,may not be fixed at a moment but may shift in response to additional experiences and or reflection. 4. Examples f the theory 4. An article about narrative theory http://www. Marketing's. Co. UK/trends/brand-storytelling-narrative-theory/ 4007279. Article The Marketing week has made a cover on application, effectiveness ND importance of The narra tive Theory in delivering an effective branding image building. In the article Jonathan Bacon stated that ‘Storytelling, or providing consistent and compelling content to build a picture of a company, is becoming more important as people scrutinize brands and businesses. A research done by Monopole; which was commissioned by brand storytelling agency Aesop; attempts to define storytelling according to 10 criteria, including whether brands â€Å"have a clear sense of purpose†, whether consumers are â€Å"intrigued to see what they'll do next† and whether those brands â€Å"create their own world†. More than 1,500 1-J adults were asked to rate 100 major brands against these criteria before Monopole used the responses to compile a 81st of the best storytelling brands. The following are the results of the research.Thus we could conclude that a good brand story is important and this is supported by Deed Woodcock, strategy director and co-founder of Aesop which believes that a transparent and famous goal is paramount too believable brand story as an example, he state that Apple's top ranking is the result of its almost evangelical commitment to creating technology that improves people's lives and the clarity with which it tells that story. â€Å"Its sense of mission manifests itself in everything it does: from the design of its products and stores to the simplicity of its advertising,† he says.Apple is currently running a campaign using long copy to explain the story behind its products. Woodcock commented that in the cases of utility firms, the ineffectiveness of their branding strategy is due to poor marketing or bad publicity. â€Å"Even though utilities could be said to have a noble mission, perhaps the story the consumer tends to hear is fat cat utility rips off defenseless consumers',† he says This is consistent to Fisher's theory which stated that fidelity and coherence are crucial in evaluating a story.Thus a bad publ icity would tainted the rationality of the theory, with even if it has good reasoning it is not consistent with how the general public perceive these utility companies. Given the central role that storytelling plays in developing a brand's identity, it is perhaps not surprising that the ranking is dominated by some of the world's biggest brands, with Apple topping the list and other brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Heinz featuring in the top 10. But the study also offers an interesting insight into perceptions towards different industries.For example, while retail, food and drink and FMC brands fare particularly well in the rankings, brands in the utilities, financial services and automotive sectors are considered less adept at storytelling. The highest ranking financial services brand (Visa) is 30th out of 100, while the best storytelling bank or building society (Nationwide) is only 53rd. The top storytelling brand in the utilities sector comes 55th (British Gas) and the b ottom four brands overall are all utilities, with Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) receiving the lowest ranking 4.Participation Observation & Interview SURVEY QUESTION ANALYSIS 4. 2. 1 Respondent background A survey was conducted on 21st of April 2014, at KILL cafe and the following are the backgrounds of our respondents. They are separated in two types of demographics which is local and international student of KILL. There are four local students which is consist of 2 Malay, 1 Chinese, 1 Indian ,and there are six international students which is consist of two Indonesian students and four from Arab countries (3 Sudanese, 1 Nigerian ). They are ages group are ranging from 18- 25 years old.The survey was conduct by a face to face interview. . 2. 2 The Finding Overall during our survey, there were one main question that was focused which is how does the general public of KILL student identify and rationalize a lie and it was found that 7 out of 10 respondent has given a response that i s consistent with Fisher Narrative Rationality Criterion. Which are Fidelity and Coherence. This can be seen throughout respondent 4-10 whereby when ask about being lied to all would have similar methodology of identifying a lie.Which are either through Fidelity Leg: There were lack of details that was told (lack of value in narration), She use the lying that I also use to tell people (personal experience) or Coherence [The story that the liar told me doesn't hang together (consist of contradiction). The flow of his story was not consisted with what I know (Inconsistence in sequence)] On the other hand, there are instances during our interviews that were not align with the Narrative Paradigm. [By looking at the pace of his speech (body language), He acted guilty (body language+ personal experience) He confess it by himself] 4. . 3 Summary It can be concluded that; in general, Fisher's Narrative Paradigm theory is applicable to the masses to KILL student but to a curtained extend. As what has been found via the analysis above there are a few findings that shows that there are some of the general student that do not Judge reason only from the sequence of a story and whether it make sense but they use other technicians like body language, analyzing body reaction, or some would Just tell the respondent that they had lied previously.Which to a certain extend derailed from the perspective that Fisher had brought forth which is communication is a form of narration â€Å"that all forms of human communication need to be seen fundamentally as stories-?symbolic interpretations f aspects of the world occurring in time and shaped by history, culture, and character;†( Human Communication As Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value, and Action, Walter R. Fisher 1987) as for body language require a skill set and intuition rather than a layman interpretation off unconvincing story.Narrative theory by Walter Fisher is still applicable in this current society. Ther e are certain people who usually talks to themselves but most of them are talking to other people and that makes them involve in becoming the narrator or a storyteller. Secondly, we make decisions on the basis of good reasoning or logic. When we deciding things in our life, we tend to think logically rather than Just Jump into it. In order to make a good decision in life, people will think logically especially in making decision. Fisher's Narrative Paradigm is a very useful theory that explains one aspect of human nature.Fisher tells of how we are basically â€Å"storytelling animals† and how the receiver of the message Judges the credibility of the message due to its consistency or coherence. For example, when we feel sad and automatically our face will turn to something unpleasant. Suddenly there is someone notices the changes of our motions and he or she will automatically ask us about what happen and we explain it to them. The explanation done by us is what we call as nar rative and this is what Fisher trying to explain that human is a natural storyteller.Nowadays the theory is most prevalent in marketing. Marketing executives are actively seeking to fulfill these two criteria to make their brand more appealing towards their customers. Even though there are only two criteria stated by Fisher, there are more criteria a person would Judge a person narrative, especially in two way communication. Thus, even though Fisher succeed to capture on why human is a storytelling species, it does not explain fully on the traits that an individual would Judge others in real life.In conclusion, narrative theory is applicable in the current society and it is present in our everyday life. 6. Suggestion to improve the theory Our suggestions to improve this theory so that it is applicable in current society are to narrow down the scope of the theory. Two major criticism of narrative theory is it could not comprehensively describe all forms of communication and the broad ness of the theory. This problem can be avoided by narrowing down the scope of which narrative theory can cover.This meant that narrative theory needs to specify what type of communication it should represent. Another criticism faced by narrative theory is conservative bias. This criticism the nature of theory that conclude that human beings have a set of template on how they would respond to a specific conditions. Responding into this criticism, narrative theory needs to acknowledge that a person acceptance of a narrative can change overtime. This way, narrative theory can accommodate the flexible nature of human being.