Wednesday, October 30, 2019

An Examination of Community Acceptance in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery Essay

An Examination of Community Acceptance in Shirley Jacksons The Lottery - Essay Example Thus, the entire community evolves into a monstrous entity consuming itself, the ramifications of which hinge upon the acceptance of the individuals involved, as will soon be examined. Yet a result cannot happen without cause. Therefore, one must examine both the origins of the lottery as well as its ongoing impact, as will be discussed through the course of this paper. To understand the full impact of the lottery upon the community, one must first understand what the ritual and the black box represent. They symbolize, in a more modern from, the nature of society to hold onto ceremony beyond the origins of its purpose. This is comparable to the pagan holidays that survived the arrival of the Christian calendar by either being adopted under a new guise or tolerated despite disapproval. The former exists in such parallels of Christmas or Easter to traditional seasonal celebrations; the latter is found in the example of Halloween. The lottery itself falls more in the realm of Halloween - indeed, is held in the same area used for Halloween activities - as it seems an act of sacrifice whose origins no one can recall. Yet the superstitious adherence is evident not only in the fact that it is still practiced, but also in the reverence with which the citizens hold the box, which despite its dilapidation, is believed to contain portions of the original box used by the founders of the village. Other aspects of the event the "tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly every year," as well as a "ritual salute" given by the official prior to each participant drawing from the box, only reinforce both the ritualistic and pagan aspects of the sacrifice. Perhaps Old Man Warner's saying of "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon." is most exact roots of the process. Regardless, the fact that these social pleasantries, along with other traditional paraphernalia, have been abandoned indicates that whatever fear initiated the lottery originally made a strong enough impression in the collective psyche that the ritual is continued beyond its need. The lottery has become the appendix of the civic body: useless, its purpose obsolete yet still deadly. Whatever the initial justification for this yearly atrocity, the true evil is its continuation, both in blindly following tradition without reason and the social pressure of conformity. Old Man Warner, as the eldest member of the community, seems to represent the general opinion of the community, calling the north village a "pack of crazy fools" for discussing a cessation of their lottery, prophesying a regression to dwelling in caves if the abandon this element of 'civilization'. The most frightening aspect of the entire event is the casual aspect of human nature regarding public execution. Hangings have been cause for morbidly lighthearted social gatherings for centuries however, the blas attitude the villagers have about an event that may very well cause their own demise is chilling. It is a comment on the horrible feedback loop that the lottery has caused, for, once the necessity of the sacrifice is accepted without question, the community accepts it as just another "civic activ ity". Being selected by the lottery is then like jury duty, or rather being drafted, with the understanding that the individual

Monday, October 28, 2019

Fat Tax Essay Example for Free

Fat Tax Essay This report proposes that these costs and problems need to be addressed, and one avenue through which they can be is a junk food tax. This report proposes that there be a federal tax placed on junk food purchases, similar to the taxes placed on gasoline and tobacco products. This tax would dissuade people from purchasing unhealthy food items. At the same time it would help the nation offset some of the financial costs that obesity has generated. The proposition is not a fix-all, but it is a good start. Taxation of Junk Food, A Proposition to Battle the Obesity Epidemic in America Obesity is a condition that can be found in nearly every social class, geographic location, and age group in our society today. Every year there are more people who fit this profile; more people who are obese. While many view this condition as merely a cosmetic one, the truth is that there are serious consequences to being overweight. Some of these consequences include: the health risks such as diabetes and heart disease, early death because of those conditions, economic impacts due to lower productivity, astronomical health care costs, and numerous social problems that arise due to the lethargy and early mortality of obese parents and the inactivity of overweight children. These issues are significant, and need to be addressed in order to solve the problem. First, the causes of obesity must be understood, so that adequate solutions can be generated. Then solutions need to be created and put into effect such that the causes of the epidemic will be addressed at a minimal social cost. The information in this report shows that a large portion of those who suffer from obesity can attribute a large portion of their weight to junk food. This food is high in calories and low in nutritional value. This report also shows that many of these people choose to consume these products due to its convenience and relative low cost. I propose that in order to address this cause, and decrease consumption of junk food due to convenience and low cost, a federal tax should be levied against all foods that fit the profile of a junk food. I propose that this action would decrease economy purchases of less nutritious foods, and encourage consumers to consume more healthy diet options based on economic feasibility. Â  The Obesity Epidemic The issue of obesity is one that is complex and widespread. In order to understand the scope and implications of this condition, one must first understand what it is, and who it affects. Not everyone who is overweight is obese. Scott Ingram describes the difference between obesity and overweight as overweight being anyone who weighs more than the someone in the normal range for how old and tall they are, while in order for a person to be labeled obese, they must have enough body fat to put them 20 percent higher or more than their ideal weight (Ingram, 2005, p. 23). In other words, if a person’s ideal weight for their height and age is 140 pounds, and they weigh 150 pounds, they are overweight; but if they weigh over 168 pounds they are obese. This difference is important, as it indicates exactly how much overweight obese people are. They are all more than 20 percent over their target weight, which is significant enough to cause the problems that are being discussed in this report. The health and social issues caused by the state rest of the population that have not reached the 20 percent mark, but are still overweight are not even considered in this report. However, these issues will be positively affected by this proposal as well. It is also important to note that this problem is not isolated to a specific group of individuals, although there are groups that are higher risk than others.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Dance Essay -- essays research papers

1. What are the innovations of Isadora Duncan, Denishawn, Martha Graham, and Cunningham. Discuss these in relation to style, technique and theory.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many Historians say that Isadora Duncan was the first dancer to present â€Å"modern dancing† to the public. Duncan felt that the pointe shoes and costumes that ballerinas wore were to restrictive. She began to dance in a way that seemed to be more natural to her. Her inspirations came from the movements of the tress, the ocean and other forms from nature. Her techniques included hopping, swaying, skipping and running. She felt these type of movements were natural and expressive. Also, the history of the Greeks inspired her to dance barefoot and wear tunics similar to those of Greek style. Isadora Duncan paved the way for all modern dancers and choreographers who were to follow her. Learning About Dance pg.61-62   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Denishawn was a dance school created in 1915 by Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn. Denis and Shawn were greatly inspired by different cultures, especially the Asian cultures. Although the dances Denishawn performed weren’t authentic, they were still able to bring other countries dance views to American audiences. The purpose of Denishawn was to educate the â€Å"total† dancer. Meaning to bring together the body , mind and spirit. Learning About Dance pg. 62-63   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Martha Graham developed a technique known as â€Å"contracting† and â€Å"releasing† through the ...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Free Essays on Vouchers, School Choice, and Charter Schools :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

School Choice and Charter Schools    I am not so sure I am for or against the idea of school choice as much as the idea for educational equality. If school choice and charter schools are the way this country will gain equity in the schools then I am for school choice. I feel that the impoverished are not going to get the best education that is available to them in their area. If the town fifteen miles away is a much better school, both educationally and developmentally, then I believe that the student that goes to school A should have the opportunity to attend school B. Why should someone who was born into an underpriviledged home live an underpriviledged life? This child did not choose to be born into this family, so I believe we should give them some kind of choice in their lives. A good education, along with other assets that one can gain through education, is the answer to bettering one's life. It gives these childrenm the choice to make a different life for themselves and for their children.    I am not so sure that there is an ideal school choice program, but then again does there really have to be? Choice is choice. If I am given the opportunity to choose, I will most likely make the right decision or I will fix the mistake that I made. If people are given the chance to better their lives, they will take that opportunity, if they are smart. We, as change agents, are not responsible to hold the hands of those who do not take the bull by the horn! There is only so much people can do for others. Give them the choice, and if they take it greeat, and if they don't, what else can we possibly do.    I think the only responsibilty of the change agents are to inform the public of their choices. Let the public know what is out there, and what the benefits are to school choice. Most people are going to wonder why they should take the trouble to transport their children to a school that might be a little farther than the school in the neighborhood. I believe that it is also very important to give many choices. I think it would be a mistake to limit the students to certain schools. Free Essays on Vouchers, School Choice, and Charter Schools :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics School Choice and Charter Schools    I am not so sure I am for or against the idea of school choice as much as the idea for educational equality. If school choice and charter schools are the way this country will gain equity in the schools then I am for school choice. I feel that the impoverished are not going to get the best education that is available to them in their area. If the town fifteen miles away is a much better school, both educationally and developmentally, then I believe that the student that goes to school A should have the opportunity to attend school B. Why should someone who was born into an underpriviledged home live an underpriviledged life? This child did not choose to be born into this family, so I believe we should give them some kind of choice in their lives. A good education, along with other assets that one can gain through education, is the answer to bettering one's life. It gives these childrenm the choice to make a different life for themselves and for their children.    I am not so sure that there is an ideal school choice program, but then again does there really have to be? Choice is choice. If I am given the opportunity to choose, I will most likely make the right decision or I will fix the mistake that I made. If people are given the chance to better their lives, they will take that opportunity, if they are smart. We, as change agents, are not responsible to hold the hands of those who do not take the bull by the horn! There is only so much people can do for others. Give them the choice, and if they take it greeat, and if they don't, what else can we possibly do.    I think the only responsibilty of the change agents are to inform the public of their choices. Let the public know what is out there, and what the benefits are to school choice. Most people are going to wonder why they should take the trouble to transport their children to a school that might be a little farther than the school in the neighborhood. I believe that it is also very important to give many choices. I think it would be a mistake to limit the students to certain schools.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Critically Examine the Trend and Size of Poverty in Hong Kong

No city in the world is as ironic and contradictory as Hong Kong. This city has not only the 6th highest per capita GDP, but also the highest Gini coefficient in the world (World Bank, 2011). Fortunately, the Hong Kong government isn’t turning a blind eye towards this dilemma but are instead actively looking for a trade-off between economic performance and social welfare. One notable example is the re-establishment of the Commission on Poverty, it is hoped that a clearly-defined poverty line will shed a new light into the poverty situation in Hong Kong.Another important policy in recent years is the implementation of minimum wage law, which has been in effect for two years aiming to guarantee a basic wage for low-income workers, however its effect on overall employment level in Hong Kong is still to be determined. In this essay, I will first examine the overall trend and size of poverty in Hong Kong, then move on to assess the effectiveness of the present social security syste m, as well as the minimum wage in eradicating poverty in Hong Kong. Poverty, is an ambiguous term especially in Hong Kong.The United Nations places the benchmark for poverty as living under a monthly income less than or equal to half of the median household income of equal size households. This is the definition that the Commission on Poverty is likely to adopt. But before the launch of official poverty line people are considered poor only if they apply for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), which eligibility is largely determined by nominal income. As a result, the number of people applying for CSSA decreased after minimum wage law has been imposed.In this essay therefore, I will adopt the UN definition of poverty in examining its trend and size in Hong Kong. Poverty rate up to the year 2011 was the lowest since that of 2001. Before 2011, there had been an overall increasing trend in both the number of households living in poverty as well as the poverty rate. In this sense, 2011 can be seen as a watershed year; the poverty rate plummeted to 17. 1% when compared to 17. 9% in the previous year, which meant a reduction of 55000 people suffering from poverty.Additionally, the total number of poor households had been rising from 2001 to 2007, but this trend started to decline from then on. The total number of poor households in 2011 was 444,000, when compared with that of the years 2007 and 2010; there had been a reduction of 11,000 and 7000 households respectively. In spite of the declining poverty trend and size, income disparity in Hong Kong has been worsening. In the year 2001, the median monthly income of high-income group was $31,000 while that of low-income group was $10,000, which meant that the former was 3. 1 times that of the latter.However, this disparity continued to grow and in the year 2011, the median monthly income of the high-income group increased to $35,000, while that of the low-income group plunged to $9000, which meant that the high-income group had a monthly income 3. 5 times more than that of the low-income group. In brief, it is undeniable that the declining trend and size of poverty has been promising, but that was largely due to the thriving economy instead of governmental efforts, at the same time, the income gap has been widening despite the implementation of minimum wage law.These statistics all indicate that the current social policies are inadequate in eliminating the imminent threat of poverty. The social security system in Hong Kong is a three-tier system consisting of social assistance and social allowance in the form of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and Old Age Allowance, mandated occupational pension in the form of Mandatory Provident Fund as well as private saving. In the remaining part of the essay, the effectiveness of the above social security policies in lifting poverty will be assessed one by one.The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance was renamed after the Public Assi stance Scheme in 1993 has the sole purpose to provide â€Å"a safety net for those who cannot support themselves financially. It is designed to bring their income up to a prescribed level to meet their basic needs. † (Social Welfare Department, 2012) It is a non-contributory and means-tested scheme financed wholly by the government. CSSA payments can be broadly classified into three categories: standard rate, supplements and special grants.Standard Rates from 2012 is divided into 5 types: elderly person aged over 60 or above, ill health adult under 60, disabled child, able-bodied adult aged under 60 and able-bodied child. The amount of standard rates payable to each type differs, but they are under the same guiding principles; the standard rates for children and seniors are higher than those of the adults, rates for single individuals living alone are greater than those of family members, and rates will increase with levels of severity of disability. Tsoi, 2002) Additionally, there are five types of supplements. Long-term supplement is an annual payment to recipients who have been receiving assistance for at least 12 months for the replacement of household and durable goods. Single parent supplement is a monthly payment to single parent families with special difficulties in bringing up their families. Community living supplement is a monthly payment to old, disabled and certified ill-health CSSA recipients living in the community instead of any institutions.Transport supplement aims to promote social integration and geographical mobility by providing monthly assistance to certified 100% disabled as well as population between 12 to 64 years of age. Last but not least, the intention of the residential care supplement is to relieve the accommodation burdens of old, disabled and certified ill-health CSSA applicants who are not living in subsidised housing estates. Besides, a range of special grants are also set up to meet applicants’ special needs in cluding school fees, school-related expenses, essential traveling expenses and so on.Famous English philosopher Midgley once commented that redistributing wealth in the form of social assistance has the â€Å"most direct potential impact on the poverty problem. † She identified three necessary conditions in order to fully realize this potential, first, social assistance must be financial by progressive taxation, second, the level of benefit provided must be sufficient to raise recipients out of poverty and third, needy people must have easy access to social assistance schemes and that these schemes would not deter them from applying for help. Tsoi, 2002). With applies the above mentioned three principles to Hong Kong, it is worthy to highlight that Hong Kong only fulfilled the first condition out of the three. In the following paragraphs, the low effectiveness of the CSSA will be discussed with respect to its level of benefits, process of application as well as incentives for its recipients to reintegrate into the job market. The level of benefits by the standard rates of the CSSA cannot reflect the actual needs of its recipients, but are in fact set arbitrarily. At the oment, the standard rates of CSSA recipients are reviewed and adjusted annually by the Legislative Council to reflect the changes in Price Level by the Census and Statistics Department. The Consumption Price Index however, is a reference to the household expenditure of the 25% of the population with the lowest income. It is highly dubious as to whether the household expenditures of the poor households would be an authentic indicator and correspond to what they actually need to support their daily living. In addition, some CSSA recipients described the process of application as humiliating and intimidating.According to a joint project by the Department of Applied Social Sciences in Polytechnic University and Oxfam Hong Kong on Perception and Utilization of the CSSA in 2007, it was found t hat some recipients felt that their applications were always delayed and mishandled. Some applicants even accused the social security officers as having bad manners and lack empathy. These findings were found out after in-depth interviews and group discussion, although it is questionable as to the representativeness of the sample size, the critique to the â€Å"humiliating† application procedures must point to some bearing of truth that the CSSA recipients feel.Besides, some social workers in the study also complained that â€Å"some officers tend to insult and threaten the applicants by making unreasonable requests†. Going back to Midgley’s third condition in order to eradicate poverty which concerns the access to social security must not deter the needy from applying; the Social Services Department could clearly do a better job. Furthermore, there is always an unspoken concern that receiving CSSA would encourage a â€Å"dependency culture†, especially w hen the CSSA mechanisms do not encourage able-bodied recipients to attain economic independence.Contrary to common misconception that only able-bodied lazy people and new immigrants would apply for CSSA, most CSSA applicants, amounting to 60% (Oxfam, 2007) treat social security as the last resort to alleviate their dire financial circumstances. However, due to a lack of support services, only 8%-10% of able-bodied CSSA recipients are able to re-enter the competitive job market (Ming Pao Daily News, 2000) through the Special Job Attachment Programme. In addition, the additional cost for attempting to re-enter the job market may ut an extra toll on the families receiving CSSA, let alone some single parent’s families with insufficient child-care facilities may choose to keep on receiving welfare instead of working. In short, CSSA do not provide sufficient incentive for its recipients to re-join the work force, which is the only way to escape poverty. Another aspect of the social security system in Hong Kong is mandated occupational pension, which is in the form of Mandatory Provident Fund in Hong Kong. It is a compulsory, occupation-related scheme with defined monthly contribution by both employers and employees.The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance was passed in 2000 with the hope of strengthening the safety net and retirement protection. Contribution to the MPF is mandated to be 10% of the employee’s income with which 5% is contributed by his/her employer. Besides, the mandatory contribution is adjusted with relevance to employees’ income. After the implementation of minimum wage, the monthly relevant income is readjusted, for employees with monthly income less than $6500, only their employers are mandated to contribute 5% of relevant income, this becomes the minimum contribution.On the other hand, for employees with income higher than $25000, both employers and employees are required to contribute $1250, this becomes the maximum c ontribution. All MPF contributions will be injected into registered MPF trustee in the market chosen by the employers, but now, employees will be able to choose new MPF scheme annually based on their performance. In the following paragraphs, the limitations of the MPF scheme will be discussed including its limited coverage as well as inadequate retirement protection which undoubtedly hamper its effectiveness.As aforementioned, MPF is an employment-related protection scheme, which means that only people with long-term employment contract will receive retirement protection. The MPF only have limited coverage and do not have universal protection as people excluded from the workforce including the sick, the disabled, housewives, hawkers, domestic employees and so on are unprotected, this amount to quite a sizable portion in the population. Besides, the employers might try to evade from the mandated contributions by altering the terms of employment contract.Employers are legally bound to contribute to MPF for their employees if they are employed for more than 60 days, therefore, some employers may deliberately change the employment contract to 59 days or terminate the contract and re-employ the employees. In brief, the MPF scheme does not provided for universal protection in the sense that a significant portion of the population is left unprotected, let alone some canny employers attempt to alter the employment contract in order to avoid contributing to their employees’ retirement protection scheme.Furthermore, the predicament of the MPF Scheme is that despite its objective is to provide retirement protection and reinforce the safety net, the protection is in fact far from sufficient. MPF is a define-contribution scheme but it is not a defined-benefits scheme, which meant that employees’ contribution is contingent upon many factors including the duration of contribution, returns from investments by the trustees after deducing the high administrative a nd transaction costs incurred, as well as the amount of contribution.This led to the inevitable unpredictability of benefits which is neither guaranteed by the trustees nor protected by the government. Besides, the scheme was introduced only in 2000, which meant that people around retirement age at that time would receive either little or no protection at all due to the short contribution period. At the moment, elderly poverty was one of the severest forms of poverty in Hong Kong. In short, contrary to its initial intention, the MPF does not guarantee retirement protection, instead only added more uncertainties and unpredictability to lives after retirement.The statutory minimum wage was passed in 2010 and fully implemented Labour Day of 2011. It aims at â€Å"striking an appropriate balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs while sustaining Hong Kong’s economic growth and competitiveness (Labour Department, 2011). The initia l minimum wage rate was set at $28, but the commission set up by the government to review the minimum wage rate biannually has agreed to increase to $30 an hour. From a theoretical standpoint, setting up a wage floor would upset the balance of the labour market by forcing some low skill workers to be laid off.Nevertheless, the government estimated that 273800 grassroot workers would benefit from the law and could sustain a basic level of living by avoiding from being underpaid. After about two years since the law has passed, however, it seems that reports about employers trying to cut the fringe benefits of employees were not uncommon and the actual effect and repercussion of minimum wage on the labour market is yet to be unravelled. In the following essay, I will examine the implementation of minimum wage law with regard to its effectiveness in eradicating poverty in Hong Kong.In order to assess the effectiveness of minimum wage, the first indicator is changes in monthly income of the lower income groups when compared with higher income groups in the lower half year of 2011. If we divide the whole population equally into ten decile groups with the first decile group being the poorest 10% of the people and the tenth decile group being the wealthiest 10%, it was found that in the first three decile groups all experience increase in monthly income ranging from 6. 9% to 9. 3%, while the last three decile groups experience either no change or negative growth in their monthly income (HKCSS, 2011).However, looking at income alone would not be a comprehensive assessment of the effect of minimum wage law given that the economic began to boom around the time minimum wage was implemented. Therefore, a much more reliable assessment would be to compare the living standards of low income households before and after the minimum wage came into force. A study commissioned by Oxfam Hong Kong adopted a two-stage stratified surveys that interview impoverished households with at least one family member receiving minimum wage and compare their livelihood from March 2011 to January 2012.In the following paragraphs, findings from this study will be further analysed. In terms of monthly income, the minimum wage law has indeed increase the nominal household income. About 70% of interviewees, representing 131125 families reported an increase in household income after the introduction of minimum wage. Moreover, 72. 6% of them also reported a rise in individual workers’ income. In spite of an increase in monthly income and in fact, hourly income as well, working hours of workers decreased.The average hourly wage of respondents who stayed in the same job before and after implementation of minimum wage increased, 56. 8% of them even receive an hourly wage that exceeded $28. However, the same group of people who remain in the same job also experience an average cut of about 13. 9 working hours. This reduction of working hour is more often than not, at the expen se of the workers’ benefit such as cancelling paid lunch hour or meal break and no overtime payment and so on. 46. % of respondents complained that the previously paid rest days were cancelled since the enforcement of minimum wage law. Taking into account of the loss of paid rest days as well as other fringe benefits, coupled with the reduction in working hours, over half of the respondents, 55. 8% of them experienced a drop in individual income despite the apparent increase in nominal monthly income. In the paragraph above concerning CSSA recipients, it was briefly mentioned that they treat social assistance as their last resort to mitigate their financial situation.In fact, most of them felt â€Å"perceivable prejudice† against them. The introduction of minimum wage has a wide application, but it affects most significantly low-income jobs that CSSA recipients crave. About half of the respondents receiving CSSA in the Oxfam study affirm the effectiveness of wage floor as an impetus to quit receiving social assistance. This in brief, could address the need of CSSA recipients to self-reliance and eliminate the stigmatization or label that they feel attached to them by re-entering the job market.Nonetheless, increase in income to a certain extent does not mean or signify poverty alleviation. The most pivotal finding in the Oxfam study is that it reveals 40. 5% of households still live in deprivation despite the minimum wage law. This is because they define â€Å"deprivation† as the inabilities to afford at least three items that are dubbed essential by most Hong Kong residents including dental check-ups, leisure activities, afford to go to private clinics when sick and tea house and so on.According to Townsend (1979), â€Å"a person is considered to be in poverty if he or she does not have enough resources to enable him or her to participate in normal activities commonly engaged by ordinary members in the community and therefore cannot beco me fully integrated into the mainstream of society. † Therefore, when 40. 5% of respondents, representing 531354 households are still deprived of a chance to engage in social activities simply due to the fact that they still could not afford the items they need highlighted just how ineffective minimum wage legislation has been in eradicating poverty.In conclusion, lifting people out of poverty is a difficult problem that could not be solved by any social policy alone, let alone the many flaws and limitations that are embedded in social policies. However, it is only through identifying the imperfection in social welfare policies could we make improvement on them and hopefully attain the final goal of eradicating poverty at the end. Reference list: Hong Kong Council of Social Service, The Statistic review of the Low Income Household in Hong Kong, 2011. w. hkcss. org. hk/index_e. asp Labour Department (2011). Statutory Minimum Wage: Reference Guidelines for Employers and Employee s. Legislative Council (2012). Before and After the Statutory Minimum Wage Ordinance in Hong Kong: Survey of Low-income workers and their Families. Oxfam Hong Kong and Centre for Social Policy Studies, Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2007). Perception and Utilization of CSSA: a Study on the Views of the Public and the Lower Income people.Social Welfare Department (2012), Comprehensive Social Assistance Scheme, retrieved from: http://www. swd. gov. hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_comprehens/ Tsoi Kcon-wah , â€Å"Poverty Eradication and Social Security in Hong kong†, in Advances in Social welfare in Hong Kong, ed. ,) by D. T. L. Shek, 2002, Chapter 9. World Bank (2011), Gini Index, retrieved from: http://data. worldbank. org/indicator/SI. POV. GINI

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

no text reply

no text reply MineroNo Text ReplyInductive Essay: Topic (cell phones)By Samuel MineroEnglish 1DInstructor: BuettnerSeptember 12, 2014No Text ReplyToday, the use of cell phone involves an essential part of the regular life of modern people. In fact, present society is practically unimaginable without the use of cell phones. The development of new technologies and telecommunication systems contribute to the wide use of cell phones. Cell phones have opened huge opportunities for communication. Today, cell phones eliminate physical barriers and allow people to communicate with each other in spite of huge distance. Benefits of using cell phones are obvious but people often underestimate potential danger the use of cell phones can expose people to. In this respect, the potential negative impact of waves from cell phones may expose people to the risk of development some serious health problems. However, such risks and threats are rather hypothetical than real, whereas, today, people using cell phones or texting, while driving, expose themselves and other people to the great and real danger of accidents.Person using cell phone while driving.On analyzing the problem of using cell phones and texting while driving, it is important to lay emphasis on the fact that people are adapted to use their cell phones anytime and anywhere they like. People are so much adapted to cell phones that they cannot stop using them even when they drive their cars. However, they underestimate the risk and potential danger of talking or texting using their cell phones while driving. What is the most dangerous about the cell phone use and texting while driving is the lack of sense of danger. The latter means that people do not expect getting in trouble because of the cell phone use or texting while driving. Such unawareness makes people careless and, thus, extremely dangerous in regard...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Fugitive Slave Act Essays

Fugitive Slave Act Essays Fugitive Slave Act Essay Fugitive Slave Act Essay Fugitive Slave Act BY bdtaz107 To say that I find a great interest in American history would be greatly falsified. However, when it comes to slavery it keeps me much more interested than anything else, at the edge of my seat almost. To know what our ancestors may have went through and sacrificed for us to have better lives today even if it wasnt by choice. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is an epitome source of one of the obstacles that African- American slaves had to face. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 mandated that in which slaves were to escape they ere obligated to return them to their masters upon discovery. Criminal sanctions were also given to those who, in any form helped any slaves runaway. This act also made any federal marshal or any other official who didnt arrest an alleged slave liable to pay a fine up to $1,000. This meant that every federal marshal or official most likely suspected 9 out of 10 African-Americans of being a run away slave because of the color of their skin. At this risk, any suspected runaway slave was not able to ask for trial or even speak on behalf of her/himself. What I believe to make matters worst was that any officer official who captured a slave was given either a bonus or promotion. I believe that this Act and acts in relation to this were put in place to placate the concerns of the south on the spreading of sympathy on slavery in the government. This law required northern states even those that were against slavery, to abide and respect southern laws that declared slavery legal. Basically saying, although you may not agree with our laws and may oppose against slavery ou must still report any runaway slave and bring them back to the south to get put through torture. : This is, however, how the Fugitive Act is seen in my eyes. After being so intrigued at the source, I took it upon myself to do a bit of more research. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed by congress as a part of the compromise of 1850 between the Southern slave interest and the North soil movement. It has come to my attention that the Fugitive Slave Act was a supply of great controversial of the compromise of 1850, raising the fear of the Northern states or the slave power conspiracy. There is no other way to read and understand the source in any manner than what is blatantly written on paper, this Act was put in our laws because the white man felt that every African-American that was seen as free was Just an escaped slave, running away from his/her master. This making even the Northern states, which did not believe in slavery, abide by the rules in which perhaps they felt were In conclusion, I would like to remind you that I feel, as the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was one of the most unfair laws passed in The United States of America. Before the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, laws were passed in the North stating that any African- American in the North were free. Meaning that even escaped slaves from the south could be free in the North. However, Due to the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 these laws were overturned. This gave bounty hunters the right to approach African-Americans at random, prosecute them and claim they were escaped slaves. I believe this law even gave crooked bounty hunters the right to unfairly and wrongly send free, innocent African-Americans into slavery.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Free Essays on Market Research

CONTENTS PAGE CONTENTS PAGE NO. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 2. INTRODUCTION 2 2.1 Background of Marlboro 3 2.2 Decision Problem 3 2.3 Research Problem 4 3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 4 4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 4.1 Target Population & Sample Size 4.2 Sampling Method 4.3 Data Collection Method 4.4 Survey Period 4.5 Pre  ¡V Testing 5. SURVEY FINDINGS 7 6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7. APPENDIX (SURVEY FORM) 22 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Marlboro is a well known brand around the world. Marlboro is from Philip Morris & Co, Ltd. Marlboro stands 39% of the market share around the world. But over the past few years Marlboro sales volume has decreased over the years due to competitions. We have conducted a survey to find out why Marlboro sales volume has been decreasing over the past few years. The total no. of respondents is 60. We have used exploratory methods for the surveys. Our findings reflected that most of the respondents who have switch to other brands of cigarettes were due mainly to the high price of Marlboro. From our findings we can conclude that Marlboro has high quality tobacco. Also we found out that young female smokers might have the tendency to quit smoking in the near future because they find that the new cigarettes package design is too gross and irritating. This goes to show that the anti-smoking campaign in Singapore is quite effective on certain amount of smokers. Our conclusion and recommendations to Marlboro is that they can come up with a new type of cigarettes with lower quality and cheaper prices in order for them to regain their market shares. 2. BACKGROUND 2002 marked the 100-year anniversary for our Company. Philip Morris & Co., Ltd. incorporated as a small tobacco company in New York City in 1902. In 1960, Philip Morris remained the smallest among the six major tobacco companies in the U.S. Our focus on hiring the best people, producing the highest quality products, committing to continued impro... Free Essays on Market Research Free Essays on Market Research CONTENTS PAGE CONTENTS PAGE NO. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 2. INTRODUCTION 2 2.1 Background of Marlboro 3 2.2 Decision Problem 3 2.3 Research Problem 4 3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 4 4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 4.1 Target Population & Sample Size 4.2 Sampling Method 4.3 Data Collection Method 4.4 Survey Period 4.5 Pre  ¡V Testing 5. SURVEY FINDINGS 7 6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7. APPENDIX (SURVEY FORM) 22 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Marlboro is a well known brand around the world. Marlboro is from Philip Morris & Co, Ltd. Marlboro stands 39% of the market share around the world. But over the past few years Marlboro sales volume has decreased over the years due to competitions. We have conducted a survey to find out why Marlboro sales volume has been decreasing over the past few years. The total no. of respondents is 60. We have used exploratory methods for the surveys. Our findings reflected that most of the respondents who have switch to other brands of cigarettes were due mainly to the high price of Marlboro. From our findings we can conclude that Marlboro has high quality tobacco. Also we found out that young female smokers might have the tendency to quit smoking in the near future because they find that the new cigarettes package design is too gross and irritating. This goes to show that the anti-smoking campaign in Singapore is quite effective on certain amount of smokers. Our conclusion and recommendations to Marlboro is that they can come up with a new type of cigarettes with lower quality and cheaper prices in order for them to regain their market shares. 2. BACKGROUND 2002 marked the 100-year anniversary for our Company. Philip Morris & Co., Ltd. incorporated as a small tobacco company in New York City in 1902. In 1960, Philip Morris remained the smallest among the six major tobacco companies in the U.S. Our focus on hiring the best people, producing the highest quality products, committing to continued impro...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Annotated Bibliography For The Topic Affect Of Fast Food Restaurant

For The Topic Affect Of Fast Food Restaurant - Annotated Bibliography Example Angell, Sonia Y., et al. "Change in trans fatty acid content of fast-food purchases associated with New York City's restaurant regulation: A pre–post study." Annals of internal medicine 157.2 (2012): 81-86. The article evaluates the connection between the consumption of fast food and metabolic syndrome and its components in young people in adolescence stage and children. The article finds out that there is no major connection between fast food consumption and other components of metabolic syndrome. However, fast food consumption can lead to metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, and hypertriglyceridemia. The article is critical for this research as it explains the effect of fast food restaurants such as abdominal obesity among others. The investigation shows the influence of visual information cues and fat content on the choice of food in fast food restaurants. The study examines the connection between fast-food restaurants that are near schools and obesity students who study in California schools. The study reveals that students' exposure to fast food can affect adolescents regarding eating patterns and weight. The study shows that there is a need for policy intervention to limit the nearness of fast-food restaurants to schools. The article is relevant to this research since it reveals the effect of fast food on the weight of primary and secondary students. The article makes a connection between the consumption of fast food items and their effect on health. It reveals that fast food may lead to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The article is very relevant to the research as it looks at the effect of the various contents of fast food on human beings.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Its about a introductory, and I have already do the introducing part Essay

Its about a introductory, and I have already do the introducing part. I want you answer the following questions based on the articles and ppt - Essay Example I moved to Eugene to take an Economic major that will arm me with the proper knowledge and skills for my future career. I like the city of Eugene because it offers a convenient, quiet, and a peaceful studying environment. In my spare time, I like doing English-related activities such as listening to English songs, watching English movies, and television programs or attending activities organized by English-speaking students to improve my English skills. I have an interest in technology; thus, the course will be attractive as it includes the use of the same. My cultural identity has Chinese roots advocated in Confucianism since I am a student from Nanchang. Specifically, the Chinese traditional values that influence my perception include core values such as benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, harmony, honesty, filial piety, and reliability (Riggle & Rostosky,  2012). Consequently, these values help my social interactions by promoting humanist association that promotes justices, fairness, collaboration, and compatibility among others. Sexual identity is the way an individual thinks of himself or herself in terms of romantic and sexual attraction. Specifically, this includes the use of terms such as gay or bisexual. Sexual behaviors and sexual orientation have a significant influence on individual sexual identity (Riggle & Rostosky,  2012). Therefore, using these dimensions to express my sexual identity, I am a straight male who has an attraction to the opposite sex and defines my sexual relationships only under the confines of the male-female relationship. Gender identity is the label that an individual feel more comfortable to use when describing him or herself as either male or female. Culture has a higher influence on gender identity as it describes what roles are for men or women and the interaction between the two genders. In addition, it expresses how an individual of a certain gender is to carry him or herself and uphold the gender identity

Customer Service-Dealing with an Angry Customer-discussion Personal Statement

Customer Service-Dealing with an Angry Customer-discussion - Personal Statement Example nt’s view understood, I would then empathize with them, and respectively and understandingly show them that they did not deserve the unpleasant experience. An apology at this point would then show I was genuinely sorry I was that the issue happened, own the issue, and offer to make things right for this customer. I would then offer a solution to the customer’s problem by requesting to know what they believe should be done or offer a fair and realistic solution in a manner that provides satisfaction to the customer. Additionally, I would confidently detail an effort to demonstrate that such a problem would not occur with other customers by seeking for long-lived corrective measures and guarantee the customer that in the event of another issue, there will be someone ready to assist as a way of showing company value for them. Immediately after resolving the situation, I would take time-out for have a snack or tea, since this is a stressful situation despite the fact that I handled it professionally, in preparation for further engagement with

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Art review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Art review - Essay Example It is thinly framed, and the present are some sawing that underline the titles. The mere fact of the photo having all these characteristics indicates a Mexican touch and that chili are mostly found in the country. The painting shows a glossary view on chill. It is incorporated with flags of different countries in the world showing growth of chilies in those respective countries. The countries being shown are U.S.A, Kenya, Russia, China, Italy, France, Turkey, India, Vietnam, and Germany. Indicating the various countries and their names would be an indication that chilies are present in those countries could also say that the artist tried to show the origin of chilies. There he also indicated the different forms of chilies in the different countries. The art fascinates many chili eaters. Personally, I think the art is fabulous and is worth it anytime. It is simple and clearly puts the message out. This is an elegant piece of work by Olivero

Was Geoffrey Chaucer Machiavellian Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Was Geoffrey Chaucer Machiavellian - Essay Example In this respect, they have greatly influenced leadership models that have been adopted through time. Emergent philosophers have also borrowed heavily from the insights that were initially put forth by this philosopher. Perhaps the most pronounced in this regard was Geoffrey Chaucer. Notably, his life was greatly influenced by the Machiavellian principle. It is against this background that this paper provides an explicit review of how Chaucer exhibited Machiavellianism. To enhance coherence, it begins by underscoring the principles of this philosophy. Basically, Machiavellian principle places great emphasis on the concept of governance. In particular, it addresses the notion of idealism and suggests informative ways through which the government of a given population can operate with utmost ease. In detail, this philosophy advocates for a type of leadership that is manipulative, objective and overly dictatorial. The chief proponent of this philosophy proposes that any mode of governanc e needs to be augmented by the services of a strong army. He posits that this offers a strong basement upon which a strong state can be established. With respect to virtuous living, Machiavelli believes that no leader can be virtuous enough to satisfy the expectations of all his subjects (Pearsall 59). Nonetheless, leaders need to strive towards attaining virtuous living in order to maintain credible performance and safeguard their reputation. A review of Chaucer’s life, works and general philosophy indicates that he is Machiavellian. He borrows heavily from the preceding principles and seemingly, these inform his decisions, career, education, social life and general way of life. In his biographical review, Pearsall indicates that Chaucer came from a well to do economic background (Pearsall 61). Probably, his father was one of the richest merchants in the region. This enabled him to attend good schools and gain quality education from a very tender age. From this point of view , his background was already grounded on the Machiavellian propositions regarding a strong army. Strength in this regard can be defined in terms of knowledge, strength and expertise. His strong education implies that Machiavellianism greatly influenced his decisions from the very initial stages of his life. In 1357, he enrolled in the house of Elizabeth to perform court responsibilities. Historical evidence indicates that persons from the middle class faction were mostly placed in these positions in order to familiarize themselves with the duties of the royalty. After two years, Chaucer was recruited to serve in the army under the leadership of Edward III. Although he was captured during the offensive at Reims, he was ransomed later on. Then, he was given a chance to serve in diplomatic missions and effectively represented the government abroad. At this point, it is worth appreciating that his career life revolved around serving in governance and in the arm. From their point of view , Chaucer and Larry ascertain that elative decisions were informed by the need to remain assertive in the society (Chaucer and Larry 71). Typically, the roles of the army tend to involve violence and fighting. Cruelty and objectivity are notions that are intrinsic to the values and attitudes that are assumed by the army men. From this consideration, it is certain that Chaucer’s career related decisions were greatly influenced

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Art review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Art review - Essay Example It is thinly framed, and the present are some sawing that underline the titles. The mere fact of the photo having all these characteristics indicates a Mexican touch and that chili are mostly found in the country. The painting shows a glossary view on chill. It is incorporated with flags of different countries in the world showing growth of chilies in those respective countries. The countries being shown are U.S.A, Kenya, Russia, China, Italy, France, Turkey, India, Vietnam, and Germany. Indicating the various countries and their names would be an indication that chilies are present in those countries could also say that the artist tried to show the origin of chilies. There he also indicated the different forms of chilies in the different countries. The art fascinates many chili eaters. Personally, I think the art is fabulous and is worth it anytime. It is simple and clearly puts the message out. This is an elegant piece of work by Olivero

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Identification of factors associated with the reversion of diagnosed Essay

Identification of factors associated with the reversion of diagnosed case of DDH back to normal - Essay Example Moreover, as it has been evidenced that most of the diagnosed cases revert back to normal condition also proposes a question why should these patients treated when the situation may turn to normal To explore the association, between diagnosed cases of DDH who reverted back to normal and the characters possessed by these cases, a case control study is proposed to be carried out in Yorkhill, Royal Hospital for Sick Children. This study will explore the association between various characteristics and the cases of DDH reverted back. The findings will be helpful in formulating a framework of analysis based on which the candidates with DDH will need treatment. This association will be seen through the analysis at multivariate level using SPSS software version 14.0. the association will be assessed by the risk ratios along with the confidence interval around the estimates. Over the last two decades much knowledge has been added to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) previously known as the congenital hip dislocation (CHD). DDH affects the ball and socket type of hip joint when there is problem in fitting the head of the femur in the socket of the acetabulum. This fitting may be of different degree ranging from subluxatable, dislocateable or currently dislocated when examined (Developmental dysplasia of hip,Orth surg) (Fuloria 2002). The incidence rate of DDH is fairly high in the Europe and neighbouring areas. A study carried out in Dublin revealed an incidence of 3.2 per 1000 when screening was done by the ultrasonography (Lowry 2006). While in Turkey, it was found that 4 out of 1000 not-at-risk boys presented with DDH; the rate was even higher for not-at-risk girls, 19 per 1000 girls (Akgun 2006). These studies were carried out for newborn babies. There are chances that these newborn may miss the diagnosis at birth and present late, after 6 mon ths, frequency of late presentation is also not low; in Ireland 1.14 per 1000 children born during 1983-87 were presented late (Maxwell 2002). This condition poses a problem during walking if a newborn with DDH is missed the diagnosis. The newborn walks by limping, toe walking or waddling (duck like gait). This causes severe physical disability as well as poses stigma to the growing child (Developmental dislocation hip, Amer Acade) (Developmental dysplasia hip Orth surg) (Bouchar). The associated risk factors are first born child, female sex, and breech presentation. It has been evidenced that female are more prone to this problem as compared to males and the ratio is 5-9 females for 1 male who are affected by this pathology. DDH has been seen to present with left hip joint involvement than right hip joint. The reasons have not been explored as yet for the preponderance of the diseases in these situations (Developmental dislocation hip, Amer Acade) (Developmental dysplasia hip Orth surg). To fix the problem at an early stage a newborn is thoroughly examined by the paediatrician for DDH, along with routine examination, when she/he has got some risk factors involved or some findings are present at the time of first new born examination. The further screening is performed with a consultation of an orthopaedic surgeon and if required a radiologist is also involved for

How College Students Use Wikipedia for Course-Related Essay Example for Free

How College Students Use Wikipedia for Course-Related Essay Why then are academics so wary about the use of Wikipedia within universities? There are a number of related reasons. Before outlining them we should acknowledge that there may be differences according to academic discipline in attitudes towards Wikipedia. Speaking to academics from the natural and medical sciences over the last year, it seems that those subjects are less concerned with issues of originality of source than the arts and social sciences. It also may be [pic] and this is genuine speculation [pic] that academics in the English speaking world, where most of the academic controversy over Wikipedia use has been, are more sensitive to the source than in other parts of the world. These qualifications aside, there are definite reasons why Wikipedia use is, at the very least, contentious in universities. First, it is the product of anonymous individuals rather than known authorities, Wales is quite explicit on this: One of the fastest things we’re beginning to lose is the view of the world that there are a handful of thoughtful, intelligent people that should be broadcasting their views to everyone. And then the public is some sort of crazed rabble, easily swayed by rhetoric and so forth. Now we have to have a more nuanced understanding. Wikipedia is not necessarily anti-academic but it is anti-elitist as evidenced by the short shrift given to eminent academics in debates when they expected deference (see Keen 2007, 43[pic]4). Second, the non-proprietary nature of Wikipedia cuts against academic culture which valorises the rights of the author and publisher. Third, the anonymity of Wikipedia articles is alien to the cache of the named writer of the journal article or book. Fourth, the collaborative process challenges the norm of individual creation, prevalent in the arts and social sciences. Fifth, as intimated, Wikipedia departs from the standard mode of vetting by peer review. It is not true that articles are not reviewed. On the contrary, they are scrutinised by far more editors than for any journal. However, as the contributor is generally not an academic expert, so the reviewer is not generally an academic expert. So Wikipedia rejects academic custom in the compilation of knowledge. In addition, there are a number of what might be termed ‘learning and teaching’ issues pertaining to its use within universities. First, there is the issue of the accuracy of Teaching in Higher Education 651 Downloaded by [University of Glasgow] at 05:27 12 December 2012 Wikipedia entries, something that relates to the lack of formal expertise and peer review. Reviews of the accuracy of Wikipedia entries by formal expert(s) have actually been generally positive (for natural sciences see Giles 2005; American history Meier 2008). Despite this, the suspicion still surrounds Wikipedia that it cannot be trusted. O’Sullivan’s (2009, 119) assertion that ‘most people probably have an ambivalent attitude toward Wikipedia, thankful for its existence, using it frequently, but with reservations about its total reliability’ seems valid. Some academics would no doubt sympathise with the sardonic observation of comedian Frankie Boyle that Wikipedia entries should begin with ‘I reckon’. Second, some have questioned whether Wikipedia’s determination for studied neutrality is convincing. O’Sullivan (2010) complains that as Wikipedia only displays one voice, diversity is not incorporated and therefore articles become bland. Wales’s response is unapologetic: ‘Guilty as charged, we’re an encyclopedia’ (in Read 2006). Not that his approach to knowledge is without theory, it derives rather from his admiration for the convoluted ‘objectivist philosophy’ of Aryan Rand, the Russian e?migre? philosopher and novelist (Younkins 2007). A third learning and teaching concern is that, regardless of the reliability of Wikipedia, it is in itself an illegitimate form of research. Here the thinking would be that a student who culls Wikipedia for assignments does not understand scholarship. This consists of the consideration of various sources: a judicious sifting and ordering of knowledge, rather than lifting bite sized chunks of text that purport to capture a subject. On this Wales concurs, telling students: ‘For God sake, you’re in college; don’t cite the encyclopedia’ (in Young 2006). Some universities in the US have banned Wikipedia use, whilst others recommend a more discriminating approach (Jaschik 2007; Murley 2008). The latter is what Wales and others within Wikipedia advise: it should be used only as a starting place in academic research, a references source and a revision aid. What, however, is the evidence on Wikipedia use by students and academics at universities?

Monday, October 14, 2019

BMW and Rosslyn Plants Supply Chain Management and Logistics

BMW and Rosslyn Plants Supply Chain Management and Logistics BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke), is arguably a luxury car manufacturer. BMW group headquarter is in Munich, Germany, however the company is settle all over the world (BMW Group, 2004) More detailed in (Appendix 1). In the early 1973, BMW opened his first international plant in Rosslyn South Africa (Autointell.com, 2007). Introduction The shifting business conditions of the 21st century has led to companies facing issues ranging from economic uncertainty to new technologies, globalisation and increasing consumer demands. In the automobile industry, as manufacturers design and build vehicles globally, their supply chains turn into increasingly multifaceted with challenges that frequently stand in the way of profitability and higher shareholder value such as long order-to-delivery lead times, unpredictable production schedules, excess inventory across the supply chain, lengthy demand planning cycles and lack of visibility of suppliers. The effect of the global economic meltdown increased the pressure on automotive executives to make right decisions about their supply chain for better performance. This paper will analyze how the German car manufacturer BMW South Africa (SA) at Rosslyn plant operates and how supply chain is conceived, supported, delivered and developed as well as identify the inventory management and the performance improvement that are affected by the identifying the logistics and supply chain management (SCM) systems as a possible strategy to respond to changing consumer demand. BMW Supply Chain Management process Supply chain management (SCM) can be defined as the design and management of seamless, value-added process across organisational boundaries to meet the real needs of the end customer (Fawcett et al., 2007). Generally, SCM involves relationships and managing the inflow and outflow of goods, services and information (network) between and within producers, manufacturers and the consumers (Christopher, 2005; Samaranayake, 2005; Gripsrud, 2006). A supply chain includes all activities, functions and facilities (directly or indirectly) in the flow and transformation of goods and services from the material stage to the end user (Sherer, 2005). It consists of an upstream supplier network and downstream channel (Mangan et al, 2008). The supply chain process at BMW starts from the customer and ends with the customer. BMW uses built-to-order structure to provide their customers what they want. Customer makes their request online or throughout the dealers. The information is then transmitted to Munich (Germany) which is captured in a central database. Bill distribution is done to establish cost of manufacturing and deciding where the car will be manufactured (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). This is informed by the nature and design of the product, the cost involved and the lead time. All parts are complete on built-to-stock foundation on the model life of the car imported. Parts are received at the Cape Town international airport by shipment in the case of South Africa Rosslyn plant (SAP) (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). It is then conveyed to the Rosslyn plant in Pretoria where it is then assembly. After assembled, it is taken to the warehouse where it is transported to the dealers set for collection by the customer (Ka ps, 2006). Several of the manufacturing, distribution of cars, suppliers of parts, exportation, quality values at BMW and the employ of mySAP technology for steering communication. These processes can be explained as follows. Production The production practice of cars goes during different shops where precise technologies are practical to make sure that value cars are delivered to customers. The procedure starts at Body-in-White Shop, where diverse pressed body parts are assembled into a body shell (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). The next procedure is the Paint Shop, where it is painted according to the customers request. At last the painted body goes to Assembly Shop where parts are fixed as per specification ordered by the customer. The essential issue is stretchy manufacturing (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). Paintings of car A painting of car is flexible to manufacture cars which meet the customers exact requests. Colour is an important principle for the customer choosing a car and is an influential marketing tool. Each customer is provided with the specific model require, with personalised features and all the options ordered, calls for an exceptionally high standard, not only in assembly but also in production and vehicle delivery management (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). However, one of the main activities on the assembly line occurs at the mix point: the point at which the engine and drive train are mixed to the body of the car. Improvements are made on the assembly line which has made it possible for BMW plant to produce all the 3 Series 4-door model derivatives and option requirements for the local and export market (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). Suppliers and assembly line BMW Rosslyn plant for example has about 44 local suppliers. Suppliers bring more than 60% of the mechanism of each car to the line. Just in time (JIT) supply processes ensure that certain components of the vehicle are on the assembly line just in time to be fixed to the exact vehicle they are made for. JIT supply systems are used to bring door panels, exhaust systems and rear and front axles to the correct point on the assembly line. Using a JIT supply scheme saves space by minimizing stock on the premise (Acamdemicsjournal.org, 2010). Typically, there is only one and a half hours of stock on the line at any set time which prevents damage to stock transport costs and saves storage. BMW plant delivers world-class worth products to consumers across the globe. All operational production is managed for offering uncompromising, best quality. However each and all procedure in manufacturing involved the car is checked for process inspections and aptitudes are implemented where needed (Acade micsjournal.org, 2010). Distribution BMW plant Vehicle Distribution Centre (VDC) has a distribution facility and a cost-effective storage, allowing the safety and quality protection of the vehicles. A 200-vehicle car-train loads export vehicles use dedicated railway facilities and off-loads each day import vehicles. For example Rosslyn plant has about 196 dealers locally. Vehicles intended for dealers are loaded onto car carriers and to dealerships around the country, which save the vehicle from any marks wear and scratch prior to delivery to a customer (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). All vehicles are inspected by associates VDC prior to loading to guarantee that the highest possible levels of quality delivery to dealers are maintained. The VDC provides a mechanical and paint/body workshop for the service and repair of company vehicles in addition to approve used cars. Manufactured vehicles are then transported to Durban (SA) for export. Transportation of vehicles to Durban port is on a daily basis. BMW South Africa (SA) has two train carriers, each one with a storage capacity of 176 units (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). The trains are used to transport imports units from Durban harbour to the VDC in Rosslyn. The vehicles are loaded onto car carrying vessels at the Durban harbour, known as RORO ships. These ships transport vehicles to several marketplaces at the opposite ends of the earth. Cars are conveyed on a bi-monthly basis to the Far East, USA and Australia, respectively (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). The transit period differs depending to the destination: Japan 23 days, USA 29 49 days, Australia 13 22 days (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). Quality Standards To ensure optimum customer satisfaction, the built quality of the vehicles produced at BMW Rosslyn Plant is measured through a process called Complete Product Audit. This audit compares the quality of a unit to the customers requirements, including technical specifications, fitment and function. These audits are performed throughout the build process at specified points. These strict audit standards are set at BMW Germany by the Central Quality department and are the same for all BMW plant (Academicsjournal.org, 2010). Using mySAP at BMW BMW uses mySAP Automotive to inspect assembly rank in real time. MySAP automotive parts use information and registers production validation every three minutes. Although, parts used during assembly are separately from the inventory count, and costs are posted to calculate the value of work in process. mySAP automotive helps to reduce order-to delivery time, reinforces supply chain activities in the areas of demand planning by tracking, tracing of material deliveries and improves inventory accuracy across BMW plant enabling significant reduction time-to customer (Academicsjournals.org, 2010). It also receives custom-configured manufacturing orders from BMWs planning system which include all the parts necessary to manufacture each car. However, BMW sends these long-horizon forecasts and short-horizon JIT delivery schedules to its suppliers. Larger suppliers receive the information via electronic data interchange (EDI) whereas other suppliers access the mySAP automotive supplier portal , where BMW posts the requirements to present up-to-date information on its delivery needs (Academicsjournals.org, 2010). By using only an Internet browser, suppliers can view this information in real time, including purchase documents, engineering documents, release schedules and invoices. When they ship parts, the suppliers send BMW advance shipping notifications (ASNs) to provide the car manufacturer with exact information on parts counts and delivery dates. Parts arriving at the BMW dock are then received and transferred directly to the line (Academicsjournals.org, 2010). BMW plant has fully integrated systems and network worldwide because BMW uses a service management system as part of a wider plan to improve supply chain lifecycles. The platform is triggered by complexities in the technology embedded in its cars and subsequent demand for systems to support servicing (Academicsjournals.org, 2010). BMW uses a portal to integrate information and systems with its suppliers which leads to faster information platform for communication however -advance technology applications is also used such as mySAP, JIT manufacturing, built-to-order which are all characteristics of lean manufacturing and innovations (Mangan et al, 2008; Academicsjournals.org, 2010). BMW Rosslyn plant logistics Logistics is part of the overall strategy of BMW as is part of the supply chain such as flows of material, information, people and equipment (BMWGroup.com, 2007). Doing logistics involves various activities such sourcing and purchasing inputs, managing inventorying, maintaining warehouses, and arranging transportation and delivery. (Mangan et al, 2010: ) Logistics play an important role in the manufacturing and the production of BMWs products which are shaped by a very highly and flexible efficient production network with mature work practice and the most advanced plants and facilities. As a worldwide player, the BMW Group is represented through its quality products of the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand in more than 140 countries. A flexible network of 23 production plants in 12 countries ensures that each customer receives the car he has ordered tailored to his specific needs and preferences (BMW Group, 2010). Efficient and flexible assembly at BMW is guaranteed by stylised logistics for an efficient production and a smooth flow of materials. Proficient logistics at BMW ensures accurate delivery of the parts required exactly on time, with a smooth and accurate flow of parts from BMW Group components or supplier (BMW Group, 2007). My SA 2nd automotive receives custom-configured manufacturing orders from BMWs planning system (Sap.com, 2010). The orders include: Mass customization BMW plants were designed to allow maximum flexibility and effective communications two factors that BMW emphasized for customization of its cars. BMW was reputed for its customization program, which allowed buyers to design their own cars from a set of available options. These orders were then transported to the factory which manufactured them according to the requests, which are then delivered to the buyers in the shortest possible time. In manufacturing world, this structure is called mass customization (IcmIndia.org, n.d), which is one of the essential enablers of agile supply chain as it combines both advantages of mass customization with those of production (IcmIndia, n.d; Mangan et al, 2008). Most analysts agree that BMW was one of the prominent implementers of mass customization in the auto industry. BMW promoted differentiation of it products which is an important attribute for luxury car by proving 1000 bumpers variation, 4000 panels choices and 488 different door panels (See Appendix 2 Interesting facts). A very high percentage of their output is already made to order (Autoexpress.co.uk, 2010). Role of supplier and IT BMW suppliers are located near the factory which is makes easy to be accessible and the time waste. The company keep the supplier constantly in the information loop and the information system for assembly. BMW had a very accurate ERP solution established by SAP. It linked the SCM very well. Once the data entered it reached automatically to production areas (Scribd.com, 2010). BMW at Rosslyn plant is typical example of how this IT practice has been organised using synchronised logistics. In the BMW example the incoming trucks are set a pager and preparing the specification by radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on arrival which is sent either straight to one of the waiting area or to the waiting bays. When the next loading bay in the delivery/pickup sequence for a given truck becomes available, the truck is paged to drive up and be unloaded / loaded (Psionteklogix.com, 2010). The RFID unit as well acts as a transponder to recognize the loading bay location of the truck in the factory during its activities, which are monitored by the system. In other instances such as at DaimlerChrysler Bremen the incoming trucks for JIT and JIS (Just-In- Second) deliveries all have GPS and radio data units and they are tracked from their starting point at the supplier to the factory (Psionteklogix.com, 2010). By monitoring the progress of the incoming trucks any dela ys are recognized in advance and the unloading plan amended accordingly. Based on the planned arrival of vehicles, the SyncroSupply system can plan the allocation of unloading bays, forklifts and other equipment essential to unload the goods and get them to their final location in the factory. In addition to supplier vehicles the system also manages internal truck movements, inter factory transfers, milk runs, return of empties (psionteklogix.com 2010, Ciltuck.org.uk, 2010). Performance improvement The automotive industry is currently witnessing rapid increases in the number of models and model variants that are available on the global market. The industry is now required to meet specific customer requirements in terms of specification and delivery date. Therefore, a fundamental change in BMW manufacturer shifted towards build-to-order, suggesting dramatic rise in flexibility and responsiveness across supply chain partners by implemented the leagile framework. Leagile is the combination of the lean and agile paradigms within a total supply chain strategy by positioning the decoupling point so as to customer end of the supply chain (downstream) while providing level scheduling supplier end of the supply chain (upstream) from the marketplace (Mangan et al, 2010). In order to achieve leagile supply chain, the upstream at BMW of the decoupling point have best suit the need for responding to an unpredictable demand designed to be lean while downstream agile (Mangan et al, 2008). Critical analysis Although the efficient supply chain processes and technology following the process needs to be faultless and as quicker as possible for survival in these uncertain times. BMW plant is quite flexible to customer demands giving the choice for them to request the type of cars they want at the appropriate price available. Cars are built-to-customers orders rather than by mass production. For example, differentiation techniques are used during painting as well as choices of the car features for comfort, hence flexible manufacturing. They do not hold inventory because the strategy is focused on built-to-order, so cars are made in sequence as the orders are placed using advanced technology such as mySAP which communicates demand planning across the supply chain (BMWGroup.com, 2004; Mangan et al 2008). Hence, BMW acquire characteristics of lean and agile supply chain (BMWGroup, 2004). Therefore the implementation of a framework for leagile supply chain at BMW is best so as to react to change s in the market (Mangan et al, 2008). Traditionally, the BMW has employed mass production strategy focusing on cost reduction (Zhang and Chen, 2006). However, due to globalisation, changes in the business environment etc, there has been a noticeable shift from the practice (Elkins, 2004; Sweicki and Gerth, 2008). BMW Rosslyn plant and the automobile industry in general have felt the results of the global economic meltdown resulting in a noticeable the actors of the supply decrease in sales and export across the globe (BMWGroup.com, 2007). To alleviate the situation, BMW has focused on strategies cost reduction with suppliers by reducing manufacturing plants. Not surprisingly, cost containment is a concern that figures prominently on the automobile agenda (Mangan et al. 2008). IBM (2009) survey indicates that there are five primary challenges facing auto makers in this economic downturn. This includes risk, customer demand, visibility, cost containment and globalisation which are raising interest rate, raw material, energ y cost and strong fluctuation. In this uncertain business climate, in addition to lean manufacturing, automobile manufacturers should be agile and responsive in addressing change which is BMW characteristics. A superior supply chain is a must to help auto manufacturers redesign and differentiate themselves (Academicsjournals.org, 2010). The application of RFID technology at BMW warehouse has enabled the reading of multiple items simultaneously is an ubiquitous technology which could reduced motivation and job satisfaction which could lead to the reduction of operational performance because employee involvement in system design is important (Mangan et al, 2008). However there is the necessity to redesign and redefine BMW supply chain strategies, operations and layouts thus as to be able to react to varying market demands. It should be accepted that BMW have both lean and agile characteristics and the full implementation of a leagile supply chain is vital for the survival of BMW in th is uncertain business times and for the years to come. Conclusions In a highly challenging and competitive environment such as today, where supply chain is a popular tool for improving the organisational competitiveness, an efficient and effective supply chain strategy is a must for BMW and their component manufacturers so as to meet changing consumer demands.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Henry James The Art of Fiction Essay -- Henry James The Art of Fictio

Henry James' The Art of Fiction In an essay written in response to an essay written by Walter Besant, both titled "The Art of Fiction", Henry James provides both a new understanding of fiction and greater understand of his own works. James analyses, however briefly, the process of creation of a work of fiction, readers' responses to it, and the requirements of the work and the author. James' language within this essay may be in need of some levity, but he does occasionally break through the haze to make a very strong and effective point: "[T]he only condition that I can think of attaching to the composition of a novel is†¦that it be sincere" (161) There is point in which over-analysis takes away from the intention, the point in which talk of theory wanders away from the actual work of art. This is as true today in the critique of fiction as it was in James' time. In analysis we often place requirements of a piece of work. We state that for something to be this, it must then have that. These restrictions and guidelines can hardly be placed on fiction. We cannot presuppose the c...

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Epic of Beowulf - The Conflicts of Beowulf Essay -- Epic Beowulf essa

The Conflicts of Beowulf  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  George Clark in â€Å"The Hero and the Theme† make reference to an interior conflict within the Beowulf hero himself, and how the hero appears to lose this conflict:    Although a strong critical movement followed Klaeber in taking Beowulf as a Christian hero or even Christ figure, the most numerous and influential body of postwar critics, including Margaret Goldsmith (1960, 1962, 1970), read the poem as faulting the hero for moral filures according to one or another Christian standard of judgment (see also Bolton 1978). The poem became a neo-Aritotelian tragedy in which the hero’s flaw could be identified as a sin, greed, or pride (279).    The conflicts of Beowulf are both external and internal, and are quite numerous. Conflict is how one describes the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist in a literary work (Abrams 225). There is also another type of conflict which Clark describes above and which takes place within the mind and soul of a given character.    H. L. Rogers in â€Å"Beowulf’s Three Great Fights† expresses his opinion as a literary critic regarding conflicts in the poem:    The superhuman forces are Fate, the heathen gods, or the Christian God; conflicts between them and the hero’s character are frequently found. . . .The treatment in the three great fights of the motives of weapons, treasure and society implies a moral idea in which the poet believed: that a man should not trust in the things of this world, for they will fail him. Another aspect of this idea comes out clearly in the account of the first fight: that a man should trust rather in God and in the natural powers God gives him, for these will not fail him(234-37).    Kin... ...om The Harvard Classics, Volume 49.   P.F. Collier & Son, 1910. Translated by Francis B. Gummere. http://wiretap.area.com/ftp.items/Library/Classic/beowulf.txt    George Clark in â€Å"The Hero and the Theme† In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.    Clover, Carol F. â€Å"The Unferth Episode.† In The Beowulf Reader, edited by Peter S. Baker. New York: Garland Publishing, 2000.    Ogilvy, J.D.A. and Donald C. Baker. â€Å"Beowulf’s Heroic Death.† In Readings on Beowulf, edited by Stephen P. Thompson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,1998. Clark, George. Beowulf. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990.    Rogers, H. L. â€Å"Beowulf’s Three Great Fights.† In An Anthology of Beowulf Criticism, edited by Lewis E. Nicholson. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1963.      

Friday, October 11, 2019

Managing the Virus Hunters Essay

A-1: * Vincent use technical, human, conceptual skills to maintain an environment that encourages innovation and professionalism among the virus hunter by recognizing his employees that can help the new product development of the company. * He know how to communicate, motivate and inspire his team * He understands the relationship of the companies’ subunits and visualizes how his thing fits into its broader. A-2 A. Vincent play the management role as he had weekly security briefing conference calls with co-workers around the world because as a manager he must had a lot of information that he must give or share to his co-workers and He must have always a new ideas regarding to virus that they had encounter so that his co-worker may also learn from him. B. Through this situation Vincent play decisional role because he assess the feasibility of adding network security consulting. C. in this case he is engaging and connecting to his employees by reminding them to kept focused n the company’s commitment to the customer and this king of activities done by Vincent can be classified as interpersonal roles because he interact and engaged with his employees. A-3 Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help our customers – from consumers and small businesses to the largest global organizations – secure and manage their information against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently than any other company. Our company’s unique focus is to eliminate risks to information, technology and processes independent of the device, platform, interaction or location. * Positioned for Growth * Protect completely * Manage easily * Control automatically A-4 The managers learn the following from Vincent Weafer and Symantic approach: * Every step in the company’s growth we have expanded both our technological expertise and our understanding of customer needs. * Ability to successfully integrate internally developed with technologies we acquire has kept the companies at the front of its industry and enabled them to provide best-of-breed solutions for millions of corporate and individual customers.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Symbolism to the Journey

Whether we are reading a poem or a short story, there is a story to be found within. The writer is able to capture readers with their use of rhythm, characterization, or a fairy tale setting, among many other things throughout their writing. It is imagination that allows us, the readers of these stories and poems, to be able to fill in the blanks or mentally visualize what the writer wants us to see through use of descriptive words or symbolism. In the poem â€Å"The Road Not Taken† by Robert Frost, the short story â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty, and the short story â€Å"Used To Live Here Once† by Jean Rhys I noticed a common theme. No matter what lonely journey we find ourselves on, we determine how the journey ends. The lonely journey that each of these literary pieces tells about is presented differently in each writing. In â€Å"The Road Not Taken†, Frost used â€Å"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood† which told me that there was a forthcoming journey; he also used â€Å"and sorry I could not travel both† as a way to share that he had to make this decision of which path to take. Frost also used the word â€Å"I† many times, which allowed me to imagine him alone. In â€Å"A Worn Path†, Welty used the word â€Å"she† throughout the piece which gave me the image of this woman walking alone. The character spoke to animals â€Å"’Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles’† and so forth. When the writer posed this conversation in the story, it gave me the feeling of loneliness. This woman was so lonely, she spoke to animals. The path that she was walking â€Å"ran up hill†. The idea that this path she was on was up a hill provided symbolism of a hard life. To me, walking up a hill would be hard work to get to the destination. Since the description of this woman had been of an aged woman, â€Å"her eyes blue with age† and her numberless branching wrinkles, it was a pity to find this woman walking alone up hill. In â€Å"Used To Live Here Once†, Rhys, too, used the word â€Å"she† many times to describe the character in the story. The usage of a singular word painted the picture of loneliness. â€Å"She was standing by the river† and â€Å"She came to the worn stone steps†. This woman was in this journey alone. In each piece of literary writing being discussed in this paper, the loneliness throughout the journey is clear. However, the ending to the journeys vary because of the choices the characters make. We will address this further on into the paper. The setting of a story or poem is what draws the reader in. I found myself reading â€Å"The Road Not Taken First†. The reason was that it starter out with almost a conflict of where the poem could take me. With the first line being â€Å"Two roads diverged in yellow wood†, I found myself wondering where the pathways would take me. As the poem began, I found it to be written in first person sine the writer used â€Å"I† as the main character term. Frost wrote â€Å"and be one traveler, long I stood†. This enabled me to actually step into the characters’, or the writer’s, shoes and see these pathways from his perspective. I like being able to feel as if I am in the story. Frost wrote about one path that it he could see where it â€Å"bent in the undergrowth†. He went on that the other path â€Å"was grassy and wanted wear†. This painted a picture for me of actual woods, split into two pathways, both different most likely ending in a different place. In the back of my mind, I had an idea that these were symbolic of something much bigger. The symbolism within the poem â€Å"The Road Not Taken† was abundant. â€Å"Two roads diverged could be seen as two things, two jobs, two ideas, two of anything that one could choose between. The word â€Å"yellow†, as used to describe the two roads in which Frost could choose is symbolic of aging or decay. To me, it seemed as if Frost could have been in a mid-life crisis, in which he felt old and needed change, and he had two new roads, of which the pathways and endings were unknown, to choose from. One path had been the one he was on, but did not know where it would end. The other road was grassy, seemingly vibrant, and the ending, too, was unknown. Frost referred to the both paths as â€Å"in leaves no step had trodden black†. In his description, the use of the word â€Å"black† shows symbolism of death. It seemed as if Frost was analyzing his choices and was seeing that his alternative pathway, although it did look enticing, he wondered why no one else had come back if they had taken that path. He knew that either path would ultimately lead to death, as that was his fate. There came a turning point in the poem where Frost went from indecisiveness to having made up his mind of his choice. Instead of being in front of two paths â€Å"in a yellow wood† he ended the poem that he was in just â€Å"a wood† in which he had chosen to stay â€Å"on the first for another day†. It appeared to me that his analysis of the paths he could choose from lead him to understand that the unknown is not as enticing as the known. According to John Savoie, the contradiction lies within the idea that both paths were â€Å"equally lay† but Frost chose to take the path of least resistance which indeed is arguable as there is â€Å"a lack of distinction between the roads†. (Savoie, 2004) His journey, although seemingly lonely, was determined by the decisions he made or would make. The second piece I read drew me in because the setting was not one of mystery, but instead it was one of pity. Used to Live Here Once† was the second piece I chose to read. The setting was one of sadness. I could visualize this woman â€Å"standing by the river† and â€Å"remembering each one†. It gave me the idea that she had been there long before but had forgotten the beauty of the river over time. Sad beginnings to literary pieces are not something that normal ly draws me in. However, the story grew more intriguing to me as the setting moved to her old home. When she noticed that â€Å"the screw pine was gone†, I still felt the pity and sadness for the character. Since the writer chose to write in a third person perspective, it was difficult for me to actually identify with the character personally. Rhys wrote â€Å"it was strange to see a car standing in front of it†. The personification of this car â€Å"Standing† in front of her old house was difficult to be considered strange since it was not an actual feeling of the character but instead an observation by the writer. In fact, the idea that the writer was this close to the character made me think she was speaking of herself in third person. Elizabeth Abel wrote a piece on Jean Rhys saying that Rhys’ writings typically subject us to â€Å"sparse and repetitive narratives† and â€Å"are variations of themes of failure and rejection. (Abel, 1979) This could be, perhaps, how the writer was able to make me feel as if, although told in third person, I was able to identify with her more closely. I was able to feel was the pity that the writer felt for the character through the words, such as when she spoke â€Å"shyly† to the kids but they did not hear her. This, too, solidifies the idea of Abel that Rhys wrote of perhaps herself in yet another rejected scenario. It seemed as if the journey was lonely for this character. The words â€Å"she† tells me this and also the fact that the setting is very calm and serene but without emotion from the character. From beginning to end, Rhys used symbolism to allow me, the reader, to relate and perhaps dig deeper into the meaning of things. The character stood by the river, which is symbolic of life. She did not walk into the river, she stood by it. This is symbolic of the entire story itself, since in the end of the story we find that the woman was indeed already dead and looking back into her own life. This was a journey that the character took alone. The character then walks down a road. This road is very symbolic to this story. The description is that the road is â€Å"much wider than it used to be†. This indeed tells me that the character took her life for granted. She had never truly taken the time to see the beauty in the things around her; this is why the road seems so much wider to her now that she has passed on. The day â€Å"was a fine blue day†. The color blue is used to tell the reader that it was a peaceful day. Rhys wrote on to tell us that the character noticed the pine tree was missing from outside of her own home, as her journey led her to her old doorstep. This is symbolism of immortality. Her old house had been painted white, which provides the feeling of life or purity. The character’s observation of the boy and girl playing in the yard was one that I will never forget. The colors of the yellow grass as she approached them and the gray in the boy’s eyes as the character tried to speak to him. This is when I first realized that the character was indeed a ghost looking in on her old life. The usage of colors throughout â€Å"Used to Live Here Once† is what drew me into this story. At my initial read of this story, I just thought that the writer liked colors. When linking these colors to symbolism, it gave me a much deeper perspective on what Rhys was trying to tell me, the reader. The lonely journey that this character was on was reflective of the lonely journey she lived when she was alive. It, once again, confirms that the decisions we make in life are what determine the ending of our journey. The last piece, â€Å"A Worn Path† had a setting that would draw in any reader who appreciates in-depth detail that, although in third persona narrative, makes you, the reader, feel as if you are standing there in the story along with the character. The setting throughout this story is indeed a pathway through the woods. Welty started the story out with â€Å"a bright frozen day early in the morning†. I hate being cold, personally, but Welty’s initial setting description made me feel excited to see what would happen if I read on further about the events on the â€Å"frozen day†. According to journal writer, James Robert Sanders, â€Å"the story begins conspicuously on a cold December morning, and just as quickly we are made aware that there is an old black woman†. Suanders, 1992) Continuing my reading, I found the character, again noting the use of the singular â€Å"she† throughout the piece, to be â€Å"an old Negro woman† â€Å"along a path through the pinewoods†. Welty described this woman as â€Å"very old and small and she walked slowly†. The pity set in on me at this point to think that a lady of her age was walking alone in the woods. She carried a cane, â€Å"made from an umbrella†. The setting, although starting out in an exciting manor, had, at this point, turned more so into pitiful. She seemed destitute by this fact. There she was, in the woods alone, using an umbrella to swat through the brush to ensure there were not any animals hiding along her pathway. When Welty wrote that â€Å"the sun made the pine needles almost too bright to look up at†, it brought me back to the excited feeling again. It was as if the story had gone from exciting to pitiful and fearful back to exciting again. I felt like Welty was trying to keep a positive spin on a negative situation. Continuing on with the reading, I found the character again in a battle, but this time with thorns from a bush. Once she freed herself from the thorns, she said â€Å"sun so high† which again gave the offset to the negative event. Shortly after, the character was faced with a log that she must cross over a river. This woman could not catch a break on her journey but still she kept going with intent to succeed and make it to her destination. Within the story â€Å"A Worn Path†, the symbolism, the personification, and the tone are what made this story most appealing. The story, itself is interesting. However, when you add in the extra benefit of symbolism, the reader can get a more in-depth look and feel for what the writer is trying to make us feel. This story, told in third person narrative, starts out on a â€Å"bright frozen† morning. This symbolism provided me with a feeling of hopefulness. Although it was frozen outside, it was bright. The character walked down a path. It seemed she only had one path to walk down. Her only choice was actually going down that path or not to. Her eyes were blue which gave me the feeling of peacefulness. Her face was described with golden color beneath her wrinkles and yellow color under her dark cheekbones. This symbolism gave me the idea that although she was aged and seemingly poor, she still possessed dignity and pride. To describe the wrinkles on her face, Welty personified a little tree to be standing in the middle of the character’s forehead. Immediately, I was able to visualize this much better than I would have without this connection. The character continued on her path in the â€Å"sun† and cold, passing pine trees, thorns, and speaking to animals. The sun is symbolic of life. However, being winter outside, we know this by the use of the word â€Å"frozen† to describe the weather; we know that this is symbolic of death. I took this to mean that the character was dying but trying really hard to fight to stay alive. Along her path, these hurdles, the thorns, the logs and creeks, the path being uphill, passing through a cotton field, the field of dead corn, her speaking to animals and imagining people along her journey in the woods, this is all part of the symbolism of things she was fighting to stay alive. It was her struggle. She began dancing with a scarecrow, something that is supposed to scare away birds, or in this case death, and here she was dancing with it. It just shows her eagerness to stay alive and fight off the negativity, the death. Although she seems crazy throughout this journey, her own focus, the one thing that she stays sane in regard to, is life and her desire to stay alive. When the character started to walk through â€Å"trees silver in their dead leaves† it was certainly symbolic that death was shortly forthcoming. Just as I start to think she is about to die, she comes upon a spring and sweet gum and water. It was as if she was being given one more chance. She laid there on the ground and had a dream that â€Å"she reached her hand up, but nothing reached down and gave her a pull†. This dream symbolized to me that God was not ready to take her, not just yet. That is when the hunter found her. The hunter felt pity on her and I understand this because he says he would have given her money if he could. In town, she asked a lady to tie up her shoe for her before she reached her final destination. Her need to be presentable for her entrance into the medical building to get her grandson’s medicine shows that she still has class and self-respect. Her journey to the medical building, although alone and difficult, was made possible through the love for her grandson. Had she not made that trip, her grandson would have died. Each of these literary pieces was different by means of the nding to the journey in which the character had taken. â€Å"The Road Not Taken† was a solitary journey to make the decision of which path in life to take, the one we know or the one we do not know. â€Å"Used to Live Here Once† was another solitary journey of a life after it has already passed by; it was a lesson that we should not take for grante d the things in life, although simple. â€Å"A Worn Path† was one more solitary journey, but this one taught a lesson that love can conquer all. Each journey I read for this paper has taught a value life lesson. The journeys we take are altered by the decisions we make along the way.