Monday, September 30, 2019

Mcdonalds in India – Case Study

WALMART Group GMITE – Batch 6 Abhishek Agrawal Ajit Varghese Brijesh Chauhan Karthikeyan Palani Manendra Jain Nalukurthy Rajeshbabu Satish kumar Dosapati Sushma GN McDonald's India A Locally Owned Company: McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with more than 33,000 locations serving approximately 64 million customers in 118 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women. In India, McDonald's is managed by two Indian entrepreneurs. Amit Jatia, Vice Chairman, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. owns and spearheads McDonald's operations in West & South India. Hardcastle Restaurants was appointed Development Licensee for McDonald's in India in 2010, a progression from Joint Venture partner. Vikram Bakshi, MD and Joint Venture Partner, Connaught Plaza Restaurants Private Limited, owns and operates McDonald's in North and East India. Celebrating over 15 years of leadership in food service retailing in India, McDonald's now has a network of over 235 restaurants across the country. Local Sourcing Is Key for Truly Indian Products: McDonald's India is committed to sourcing almost all of its products from within the country. Prior to its launch, the company invested six years to develop its unique cold chain, which has brought about a veritable revolution in food handling, immensely benefiting the farmers at one end and enabling customers to get the highest quality food products, absolutely fresh and at a great value. McDonald's India today has developed local Indian businesses, which can supply the highest quality products required for its Indian operations. Respect for Indian Customs and Culture: McDonald's worldwide is well known for the high degree of respect to the local culture of each market it operates in. In line with this respect for local culture, India is the first country in the world where McDonald's does not offer any beef or pork items. McDonald's has developed a menu especially for India with vegetarian selections to suit the Indian palate and has also re-engineered its operations to address the special requirements of vegetarians. Special care is taken to ensure that all vegetable products are prepared separately, using dedicated equipment and utensils. This separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products is maintained throughout the various stages of procurement, cooking and serving. So much so that the mayonnaise and soft serves are also 100% vegetarian and McDonald's uses only vegetable oil as a cooking medium in India. An Employer of Opportunity: McDonald's India is an employer of opportunity, providing quality employment and long-term careers to professionals across the country. The average McDonald's restaurant employs 60-80 people from crew to restaurant manager. McDonald's invests in its employees, leveraging world class-training inputs to create ambassadors of the brand and creating food service professionals with global attitudes. The brand currently has over 8000 employees in India. Quality, Service, Cleanliness & Value McDonald's is driven by the philosophy of Quality, Service, and Cleanliness & Value for Money. This translates into a commitment to provide customers high quality products, served quickly with a smile, in a clean and pleasant environment at an affordable price. This effectively means that the McDonald's menu is priced at a value that the largest segment of the Indian consumers can afford while at the same time ensuring that quality is not sacrificed for value – rather McDonald's leverages economies to minimise costs while maximizing value to customers. Major issues ? NUTRITION Type of high fat, low fiber diet promoted by McDonald's is linked to serious diseases such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The sort of diseases that are now responsible for nearly three-quarters of premature deaths in the western world. McDonald's respond that the scientific evidence is not conclusive and that their food can be a valuable part of a balanced diet. Some people say McDonald's are entitled to sell junk food in exactly the same way that chocolate or cream cake manufacturers do: if people want to buy it that's their decision. But should McDonald's be allowed to advertise their products as nutritious? Why do they sponsor sports events when they sell unhealthy products? And what on earth are they doing opening restaurants in hospitals? ? Ecological Sustainability Vegetarians and animal welfare campaigners aren't too keen on McDonald's – for obvious reasons. As the world's largest user of beef they are responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of cows per year. In Europe alone they use half a million chickens every week, all from windowless factory farms. Is it acceptable for the food industry to exploit animals at all? Again, McDonald's argue that they stick to the letter of the law and if there are any problems it is a matter for government. They also claim to be concerned with animal welfare. ? Deep Market Penetration In order to grow McDonald’s needs to expand to other cities and towns in India rather than concentrating in Delhi. Mumbai & few other cities, For expansion to succeed, McDonald’s can no longer depends on its processing & distributions centers in and around Delhi & Mumbai, Given India’s poor transportation and road facilities, the logistic bottleneck of transporting food item from one place to other will add to the cost of its products, it needs to build new processing & distribution centers in other cities for operational efficiency, this would require additional investment and cost can not be easily passed on to the consumers. Price increase is the last thing that McDonald’s can afford if it wants to succeed in India, Already for most of the people McDonald’s is associated with high proices. ? Adaptability of portfolio towards local needs Given India’s fragmented regional culture where no single food preference predominates, McDonald’s need to develop new product on regular basis. Developing new products adds complexity & cost and raises the risks of errors. It also runs counter to McDonald’s culture and history. Yet if McDonald’s does not do it on regular basis, Company’s popularity will be short lived. It will be difficult for company to meet the range of different competitors, most notably the homegrown food chains which offers a variety of products at reasonable prices. ? CULTURAL SENSITIVITY( I feel this is a major issue) India is country with varying cultural diversity. The diversity reflects in eating habits with majority of population is vegetarian still a section of people with non-vegetarian food preference. India is land of spices. Indians like spicy food and prefer satellite joints as roadside food stalls. Usually home cooked food is preferred and dining out option is primarily reserved for special occasions. The food habits are also driven by the religious sentiments. In May 2001, a class action lawsuit1 was filed against the world's largest fast-food chain McDonald's, in Seattle, US. The lawsuit alleged that the company had, for over a decade, duped vegetarian customers into eating French fries2 that contained beef extracts. Minor issues ? ADVERTISING McDonald's spend over two billion dollars each year on advertising: Using collectable toys, television adverts, promotional schemes in schools and figures such as Ronald McDonald the company bombards their main target group: children. Many parents object strongly to the influence this has over their own children. McDonald's argue that their advertising is no worse than anyone else's and that they adhere to all the advertising codes in each country. But others argue it still amounts to cynical exploitation of children – some consumer organizations are calling for a ban on advertising to children. Why do McDonald's sponsor so many school events and learning programs? Is their Children's Charities genuine philanthropy or is there a more explicit publicity and profit motive? ? ENVIRONMENT One of the well-known and sensitive question about McDonald’s is: are they responsible for the destruction of tropical forests to make way for cattle ranching? McDonald's say no. Many people say yes. So McDonald's sue them. Not so many people say yes anymore, but does this mean McDonald's aren't responsible? They annually produce over a million tons of packaging, used for just a few minutes before being discarded. What environmental effect does the production and disposal of all this have? Is their record on recycling and recycled products as green as they make out? Are they responsible for litter on the streets, or is that the fault of the customer who drops it? Can any multinational company operating on McDonald's scale not contribute to global warming, ozone destruction, depletion of mineral resources and the destruction of natural habitats? Recommendation for Growth New Business Channels – Home Delivery, breakfast, extended hours and Drive-Troughs. As per estimates, home delivery can increase store sales about 15% and drive troughs by 50%. Attract College Crowd (Youth) – Similar to KFC â€Å"StreetWise† menu, which offers products to college students at affordable price. Employees and Customers – In India, McDonald’s employ 5,000 people and serves half a million customers a day via its 169 family restaurants. McDonald’s has 85,000 employees and serves 2. 5 million customers a day in the UK. Local Vegetarian Menu: In India, McDonald’s does not offer pork or beef-based products. Its menu is more than 50 per cent vegetarian. The fast food retail chain has separate production lines and processes for its vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings. McDelivery Online – In India, McDonald’s first launched home delivery of meals in Mumbai in 2004. McDonald’s now has plans to launch web-based delivery service in India (across 75 McDelivery cities) in 2010, a pilot for which has already been tested by it in Hyderabad. The company hopes to add 5 per cent to sales via Web delivery. McDonald’s web-based delivery model will be based on serving the customer quickly wherein the drive time does not exceed seven minutes because its food has to be eaten within ten minutes of preparation. The footfalls in India are amongst the highest in the world, but the average bill is amongst the lowest. At present (March 2010), Domino’s Pizza (operated by Bhartia Group-promoted Jubilant Foodworks under a master franchise agreement) has a 65% market share in the home delivery segment. MFY (Made for You) food preparation platform – MFY is a unique concept (cooking method) where the food is prepared as the customer places its order. All new upcoming McDonald’s restaurants are based on MFY. This cooking method has helped McDonald’s further strengthen its food safety, hygiene and quality standards. McDonald’s has around 10 MFY restaurants in its portfolio.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Tb Prevention For People Health And Social Care Essay

Children and grownups populating with HIV can be protected from one of their deadliest menaces – TB – with a regular, low-priced preventative medicine harmonizing to new guidelines launched today by the WHO. Of the about two million AIDS-related deceases each twelvemonth, a one-fourth of them are associated with TB. Because of their weakened immune system, people populating with HIV are less able to contend TB infection and are more likely to develop active TB which can be lifelessly and can distribute to others. In some communities, up to 80 % of people with TB trial positive for HIV. Taking medical specialty incorporating the anti-TB drug INH is a simple and cost-efficient step that prevents the TB bacterium from going active if it is present. Known as Isoniazid Preventive Therapy ( IPT ) , the intervention attack is non new, but for a assortment of grounds it is underused. Merely 85 000 ( or 0.2 % ) of all people populating with HIV received INH for TB bar in 2009. â€Å" As we commemorate Global AIDS Day, it is clear that pull offing HIV must include turn toing TB, † said Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO ‘s HIV/AIDS Department. â€Å" We need to to the full implement the WHOA Three I ‘s for HIV/TBA scheme in coaction with all spouses. TheA Three I'sA are Isoniazid Preventive Therapy, Intensified TB showing and Infection control for TB. These steps should be delivered as portion of comprehensive HIV services. †Key recommendationsThe guidelines are based on new scientific grounds that updates the old 1998 policy. The cardinal recommendations are: All kids and grownups populating with HIV, including pregnant adult females and those having antiretroviral intervention, should have INH bar therapy. Isoniazid should be provided for six to 36 months, or as a life-long intervention in scenes with high HIV and TB prevalence. Peoples populating with HIV who may hold TB symptoms should be further screened for active TB or other conditions so that they are able to entree the appropriate interventions. â€Å" In many states HIV is a major driver of the TB epidemic. Terbium is preventable and curable and the new guidelines show how to interrupt the concatenation that links TB and HIV taking to decease, † said Dr Mario Raviglione, Director of WHO ‘s Stop TB Department. â€Å" All states and communities need to implement the new guidelines and WHO can supply the necessary support to guarantee that this can go on. † Misconceptions that may lend to the low consumption of isoniazid therapy are besides addressed in the new guidelines. For illustration, concern that utilizing INH without other TB medicines causes opposition to the medical specialty was non found to be supported by any scientific grounds. These and other elucidations featured in the guidelines should unclutter the manner for greater entree to the preventative therapy for 1000000s of people populating with HIV. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-latent-tuberculosis-infection-in-hiv-infected-patients Persons with latent TB ( LTBI ) are symptomless and non infective. However, these LTBI B remain feasible and may reactivate old ages subsequently and do active diagnostic, and frequently catching, TB ( TB ) disease. ( SeeA ‘General concepts'A above. ) Compared with HIV-uninfected persons, HIV-infected patients with LTBI are significantly more likely to reactivate with TB disease, peculiarly those with advanced immunosuppression. ( SeeA ‘Interactions between HIV and tuberculosis'A above. ) In both HIV-infected and clean persons, the chief agents that have studied for LTBI includeisoniazid, the rifamycins ( bothA rifampinA andA rifapentine ) andA pyrazinamide. ( SeeA ‘Drug Toxicity'A above. ) Treatment of LTBI is effectual in forestalling active TB disease among HIV-infected patients. Adverse events and drug discontinuance rates are by and large lower among patients taking monotherapy compared with combination therapy and among those takingA isoniazidA for six to nine months compared with INH for 36 months or longer. ( SeeA ‘Clinical tests of latent TB intervention in HIV-infected patients'A above. ) All HIV-infected patients with grounds of LTBI should have therapy for the bar of active TB disease ( Grade 1A ) . There is no incontrovertible benefit of administrating intervention among patients who have negative trials for LTBI or who are anergic. Treatment is besides recommended for HIV-infected patients with recent contact with a individual with active TB disease or in those with a history of untreated or inadequately treated healed TB ( eg, fibrotic disease on chest X ray ) , irrespective of trial consequences for LTBI. ( SeeA ‘Indications for TB preventative therapy'A above. ) IsoniazidA is preferred for the intervention of LTBI in the HIV-infected patient because of its overall efficaciousness, safety, and cost. ( SeeA ‘Treatment regimens and duration'A above. ) The optimum continuance of therapy for LTBI is unknown. In resource-rich scenes, most patients are treated with nine months of dailyA isoniazidA ( 300 milligrams daily ) . In resource-limited scenes, clinical tests have evaluated six months of INH to womb-to-tomb therapy. The possible benefits of long-run INH are likely to be seen merely in high transmittal scenes and must be weighed against the greater toxicity, cost, and load on patients compared to shorter regimens. ( SeeA ‘Duration of therapy'A above. ) Surveies suggest a benefit for earlier induction of antiretroviral therapy on the incidence of TB among patients populating in endemic countries. Eligibility standards for induction of antiretroviral medicines for HIV disease vary by geographic location. ( SeeA ‘Initiation of antiretroviral therapy'A above andA † The impact of antiretroviral therapy on morbidity and mortality of HIV infection in resource-limited scenes † , subdivision on ‘Effect of antiretroviral therapy on other comorbidities ‘ . ) Prior to induction of intervention for LTBI, all patients must be scrutinized for active TB infection to avoid monotherapy and the hazard of TB drug opposition. ( SeeA ‘Assessment for TB disease'A above andA † Diagnosis, intervention, and bar of drug-resistant TB † . ) Everyday baseline research lab testing is non required prior to the induction of intervention of LTBI. However, individuals with a history of liver disease ( eg, alcoholic, viral hepatitis ) should hold baseline testing of transaminases. ( SeeA ‘Baseline research lab testing'A above. ) There is no consensus on the demand for everyday monitoring of transaminases in patients taking intervention for LTBI. However, all patients should be counseled on the symptoms and marks of drug-induced hepatitis ( eg, right upper quarter-circle hurting, icterus, sickness, purging, loss of appetency, dark piss ) . ( See'Patient monitoring'A above. )

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Development of skills and knoledge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Development of skills and knoledge - Essay Example Applied paramedic practice has helped me discover my problems and weaknesses. Consequently, I have gained the ability to focus the skills and knowledge gained to improve on these problems and challenges. By the end of the semester, I had covered all the challenges I experienced. Case in point, I had a weakness in carrying out clinical assessment of some repertory and cardiology diseases. However, the feedback I was receiving from my tutor immensely contributed to the improvement of my abilities gradually. The most fundamental area that I need to improve on regards the administration of drugs to patients. In this case, it is essential to understand the right drug to administer on each patient and the correct dosage. Besides, it is crucial to understand the route to administer a drug and the right time to administer the drug in order to avoid any mistake that may have a negative effect on a patient. To achieve this, I will work with doctors in the emergency department for a period of 5 weeks in order to improve my skills in administering drugs once I resume my work. Conversely, I need to improve on the way I handled trauma patients and equipment to use on these patients. In this regard, car accidents are high in Saudi Arabia, and it is important for medical practitioners to prepare in case of such an eventuality. Fortunately, I will take a PHTLS course offered by the National Guard Hospital in order to improve on my knowledge and

Friday, September 27, 2019

Self evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Self evaluation - Essay Example Therefore, before I began writing my personal narrative, I had decided on what I wanted to write. I stuck to my original topic and wrote the narrative to the end while. I knew altering the topic midway the essay would complicate the narrative. Changing the essay midway would make the narrative lose its intended meaning of informing the readers the importance of having caring friends. Additionally, altering the topic would make readers find difficulties understanding how Hallie impacted in my life. As I created my essay, I encountered some few problems here and there. The most noted problem was coming up with a topic. As I have already explicated, I have lots of things to write about; thus, choosing one became problematic. However, after thinking widely, I decided to write about my experience in Italy with Hallie. Another problem was the lack of enough time to write my essay. Writing an essay is a lengthy process which requires time, failure of which may make one produce papers that are weak and lacks strong argument. In as much as the time was limited, I still managed to organize my thoughts to produce an exciting piece of work. There are two essential changes that I made while revising my work. The first change involved incorporating additional situations of dialogue in my essay. I added more instances of dialogue so that the readers could have the true feeling of what happened that day. Dialogue helped in advancing the story, developing characters, and moving the plot. In this way, the narrative was more appealing to the readers. Secondly, I also changed the last sentence of the essay. I decided to use a proverb since proverbs emphasize themes. Therefore, by concluding my essay with an adage, I wanted the readers to understand the meaning and importance of friendship. In conclusion, I enjoyed writing my essay, and I was proud to include the part that explicated how I

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Security Planning and Assessment - protection Essay

Security Planning and Assessment - protection - Essay Example It can also say that the security related to aero plane from the hijacking and terrorism crimes. Airport is one of the large gathering places and there is high risk of terrorism there. Now days it is seem that there is high rate of attacks on aircrafts. The high rate of hijacked the aero plane as a lethal weapon target for terrorism. These things facilitate understanding, clarification, or get evidence. These things are helpful for security control existence, functionality and potential for improvement. There is a local examination that included the information security methods; plans and processes; analyzing the system design documentation; view the system backup; observe the incident-response operation; review the security configuration settings; and user/administrator guides. CASTA is responsible for pre-board all persons screening. In this way they have contract with such service provider like Aeroguard Ltd Company. This company is responsible for train and guides the officer for screen test and its all methods and planning. These authorities are later privatized in 1990. The risk of any terror is remain although there is screening but there are many different methods from which the terrorist enter into the airport or they attempt to hijack the aero plane. The risk is every very high although the security measures have done. Sort out the threats In CASTA there are special trained officers that detect threats instead of that they completely rely on equipment to find threats. As aero plane perimeter for defenses get better at repelling the external attacks such as hijack, bombing or any data theft. But the criminals are ever engage to developing and creating new ways to break the securities and get the unauthorized access to system. Analysis of instrument CASTA uses x-ray machines to verify the contents of all

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Public Obligations of Intellectuals Summary Article

The Public Obligations of Intellectuals Summary - Article Example He had to work hard in order to save money for college. Dysons father, hard work and religion inspired him to study in order to help other people and protect them. Intellectuals should never exist separately from their community; they need to serve other people and use their knowledge to â€Å"combat half-truths† which surround people in their daily life. Understanding the complexity of race, intellectuals add clarity to the issue and give people an opportunity to understand each other. Dyson recollect the failure of Malcom X to struggle for racial liberation and suggests that healthy debate can be more effective to cope with this issue. Searching for the truth and arguments, intellectuals should never be â€Å"lazy† because in this way they will be ineffective for their community. In summary, Dyson comes to the conclusion that intellectuals need to use their knowledge to help other people, promote their freedoms and rights and serve their community effectively. Sentenac, Hannah. â€Å"GMO salmon may soon hit food stores, but will anyone buy it?†. Fox News. March 11, 2014. Web. May 26, 2014.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Financial Aspects of Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial Aspects of Business - Essay Example It took 20 years for the industry to reach the one billion user mark, but over the last three years the amount of users double to surpass the three billion user mark (Cellular-News). According to Wireless intelligence the exact amount of cellular users is 2.5 billion. 3G technology has revolutionized this industry. 3G is a third generation cellular technology which is associated with services such as simultaneous transfer of both voice and data, downloading information, exchanging email, and instant messaging (Wikipedia). The cellular device has become more than just a handheld phone. The evolution of the capabilities of mobile phones has created new opportunities for companies to generate revenues. Downloading songs for the phone device is an example of an opportunity to create income. The services related to 3G technologies can create approximately $30-60 a month of revenue per subscriber of such services. Another emerging trend is global positioning satellite (GPS) utilization within the phone devices. Korea is a market in which GPS services have been a big success. â€Å"The Korea Association of Information and Telecommunication estimates that cell phone GPS tracking service are growing at an annual rate of 74%†( Wireless, Wi-Fi, RFID & Cellular Industry Trends, 20). An emerging product within this industry are phone devices with the capability to switch from the wireless cell phone network into WiMAX networks. A Wi-MAX network is a wireless internet network with 30 mile radius coverage. These phones hack into the Wi-MAX network an allow user to make p hone calls using the internet. This creates a scenario in which users don’t depend on their cellular service providers. This is a threat mobile companies have to track closely. The Wi-MAX scenario is one of the many reasons 3G technologies must be developed further for the continued profitability of companies in this industry. Also growth within this industry has

Monday, September 23, 2019

How the Concepts of Cultural Identity and Representation Essay

How the Concepts of Cultural Identity and Representation - Essay Example Punk is a subculture movement that emerged in the 1970s and the 1980s by the appearance of punk bands such as The Sex Pistols, The Ramones and The Talking Heads. Before analyzing punk culture it is important that we define the concepts of cultural identity and representation so that we are able to use them coherently in our understanding of a brand of music that has been so often misunderstood. Cultural identity is referred to as self-definition with reference to a knowledge tradition or a set of ideas and practices that are shared or widely prevalent in a delineated population. When comparing cultural identity and collective identity, the construct of cultural identity may not conform to that of collective identity. In some instances, Kitayama and Cohen (2007) observe, both cultural and collective identity can represent the same thing; cultural can be regarded as a group when a particular knowledge tradition is completely shared in the designated group. However, even the most widely distributed culture is rarely followed completely by all members of the designated group. Even though cultural identity and collective identity may fail to equate, there is a strong line between cultural identification and collective identification. The degree of identification is associated with how much the individual relates himself to his or her identity. People who relate themselves strongly to a knowledge tradition or culture regard this cultural identity to be an integral component of their self-definition.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Relationship Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Relationship Marketing - Essay Example The affiliates include the employees, customers, suppliers and distributors. He argues that, it is healthy for a business to establish a strong foundation that will retain its customers rather than trying to acquire new customers every time. Relationship marketing according to Kanagal (2009) is a philosophy to change the eager customer behaviours and the implementations taking consideration of what the customers think about the company and what the employees should know about the customers. He adds that business should dwell on identification, establishment, enlargement, maintenance and modification of relationships with customers thus building both history and future. According to the definitions, relationship marketing entails taking consideration of the channel to acquire new customers, nurturing and satisfying their needs. In satisfying customer’s needs, companies are able maintain their customers rather than trying to convince and attain new customers. It is clear that a good relationship with and knowing what they need fosters success in business. In general, RM can be defined as a channel towards business success developed through building a strong foundation that maintains the stakeholders of the business. The channel considers engaging customer requirements, preference and tastes in an effort to deliver the best services that will retain them and create a bright future of the business. Relationship marketing helps in building knowledge, preference and trust factor in customers. In the current world of technology, there is the luxury to know and decide on whom to trust in every purchase. Businesses need to step extra mile to create know, like and trust factor system (Morgan & Hunt, 1994). The system can be achievable through consistent activeness on social media networks, offline networks and websites. Responses and ability to interact with customers helps build a strong platform for the

Saturday, September 21, 2019

My CAS Diary †Mountain bike riding Essay Example for Free

My CAS Diary – Mountain bike riding Essay This rather splendid activity I involved myself in took place in the rural district of Yarramundi. I accompanied ‘the boys’, Ben Irwin, David Wilkinson, Jordan Willis, Jarrod Quigley, Bailey McDougle and John Wright. This group had been forged through a Tabitha elective in which I was not involved with. Despite my absence during the genesis of this group, they warmly welcomed me into their ranks, as one of their own! They went as far to facilitate me a sturdy steed of a mountain bike. The bike and I grew quite close over our two journeys, tumbling though rocks, effortlessly riding through the toughest terrain in the Yarramundi area and, on occasions, tumbling into the think bush, which enclosed our already small and treacherous riding track. I feel as if the previous sentence was not quite quintessential of the relationship I created with my exuberantly wondrous bicycle. The only way I will be able to express such feelings is through poetry, specifically that of John Dunne. The following exert has been taken from ‘A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning’: But we by a love so much refined, That ourselves know not what it is, Inter-assurà ¨d of the mind, Care less, eyes, lips and hands to miss. If they be two, they are two so As stiff twin compasses are two ; Thy soul, the fixd foot, makes no show To move, but doth, if th other do. And though it in the centre sit, Yet, when the other far doth roam, It leans, and hearkens after it, And grows erect, as that comes home. I feel as if you too can now appreciate the bond made between man and machine. A bond, which can only be made when trudging through the harshest conditions. Where life can be taken away in a blink. Where every breath may be your last. The trust needed between myself and my monster was something incomparable to anything I have experienced prior to this day. It has changed my life forever. Although, despite this, I am unsure whether or not I am thankful for this burden of sorts. You see, the bike is not mine! It is a love that I can never fully attain and this harsh reality tortures me in my mundane life; I crave for such a feeling again. My every day life is plagued by the reminded that I will never be able to reach that level of love, trust and respect for anything else in my life. However, on the other hand I am forever thankful and forever in debt of ‘the boys’ for introducing me to my machine, an instrument in which I created art with. What did I learn from this experience? Yet another mundane question I am made to answer through the unspoken covenant that rules my reflective statements. This is my silent protest to the trivialities of such a question, which insult the very memory of Her. The pen is stronger than the sword, good sir! This is my stand against the restricting rules oppressing my reflective creativity! Despite this quarrel, I will answer your question, WITH ANOTHER QUESTION! What have I NOT learnt from this wondrous experience? No answer? That is not a problem my good friend, for I am nurturing the answer in my complex and mysterious brain as I type out, with passion, these very words you’re reading. The answer is: I have learnt everything I need to learn for my journeys through Yarramundi. I have learnt love, compassion and understanding, something conventional activities could never satisfy me with. Although, above all, this glorious, some may even say life changing experience, I have gained a connection. A connection I alluded to in the above text but something that will never be able to be expressed through measly ink stains on paper! No, sir! They are of too high an order, too holy and all encompassing, too paralyzing for a mere mortal to comprehend (Although, Mrs. Menzies, I am sure you’ll be able to wrap your head around it with ease. This being because of your outstanding intelligence and other associated characteristics. Please let this reflective statement suffice for now. I swear I’ll get the rest to you soon!) As concluding words of any great piece of writing leave you speechless, so will my eloquent speech render you into a mental, paralytic state that will leave you with a feeling of contentedness for the rest of your days. Unless I know who I am and why I am here, I can not live Dostoevsky I am now alive.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Arguments on Artificial Intelligence

Arguments on Artificial Intelligence We live in an extraordinary time. Improvements in technology seem to be accelerating at an unbelievable rate. Every time they think Moores Law has reached its limits, tech companies come up with a new level of capability. No less is the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). Our every day lives are already deeply immersed in AI, and we dont even know it. It controls much of the financial markets, performs law enforcement tasks, and makes our internet searches more useful. Most AI today is weak AI, designed to perform a very specific task (Tegmark, n.d.). But the goal of all research and corporate investment is always more; what else can we know or do? Often, these entities are creating things in a vacuum, with limited moral, ethical, or legal boundaries. When is it too much? The driving force that makes us want to always explore further is what makes the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) a risky course of action. Why is this a risky course of action? Because giving control of systems to artificial intelligence could have seriously negative results. Take, for example, researchers working with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In this case, they develop a neural network that returns suggestions for treatment of pneumonia patients. Using a historical database with the solutions and results of methods of treatment, the AI is supposed to provide suggested solutions to treat patients. In one solution, it recommended that certain high risk patients be sent home (Bornstein, 2016). This solution had high probability of resulting in death. When working with and complex task, accomplished by human or machine, the law of unintended consequences must always be considered. No matter how well someone thinks they have thought a system through, it is nearly impossible to consider every possible outcome. Certainly, unintended consequences are not all bad, many drugs have side effects that are beneficial and completely not what the drugs was designed to do. On the other hand, many drugs have very negative side effects. Certainly, they are not intended to cause any adverse symptoms, but many have severe unintended consequences, including death. Some would argue, AI is currently in use and benefits everyone with no negative effects. Singularity cannot happen. While we certainly use some types of AI currently and have had minimal negative effects. It is also true we have not reached singularity. It is the height of hubris to believe that we have total control over anything or that we have considered all possibilities. Consider Fukishima or Chernobyl, all possibilities were not covered and resulted in huge disasters. Even NASA, the standard for careful scrutiny of complex systems and procedures has had some catastrophic failures in the form of space shuttle crashes due to hubris of the organization and/or individuals. How many people died on the Titanic? A ship that was unsinkable was sunk by a simple iceberg, or was it hubris? The shoddy steel used in the construction of the hull, the poorly designed bulkheads that didnt reach to the top deck, and the pressure to go as fast as it could are what sunk the ship. And not enough life boats on the unsinkable ship killed the passengers. Hubris lead them down the path to destruction. We are at the point that we have the capability to combine AI to create autonomous military machines. Some are even in the testing phase of development. Machines that make decisions of life and death on their own (Russell, 2015). Absent human intervention, what is to keep one of these machines from deciding the wrong person is a target. A machine knows no morality, no ethical code, only its programming, its goal or reason to exist. Given a powerful enough computational system, it could decide to use everything at its disposal to achieve its goals (Anderson, 2017). Things like taking control of infrastructure, or even humans. So, what do we do? Is there risk? Even captains of industry and experts like Gates, Musk, and Hawking suggest there is (Holley, 2015). It is clear we are already on the path to creating ever more complex and capable AI. We must recognize that we all make mistakes and constantly be on guard against mistakes and, more importantly, hubris. Most expansion of knowledge has risk. When confronted with a discipline that has catastrophic possibilities, we must fight the desire to run forward as fast as we can with no concern for the consequences. Methodical deliberation is the only course. We must consider the ramifications of each step and ensure safeguards are in place should we need to terminate or isolate any AI that develops goals counter to those of humans. If we manage to be conscientious enough and adhere to ethical principles, we might, just might, keep from developing the instrument of our own demise. References Anderson, J. (2017, February 16). Googles artificial intelligence getting greedy, and aggressive. Activist Post. Retrieved from http://www.activistpost.com/2017/02/googles-artificial-intelligence-getting-greedy-and-aggressive/ Artificial Intelligence. (2015). In Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/apps/doc/PC3010999273/OVIC?u=embryxid=415989d5 Bornstein, A. (2016, September 1). Is artificial intelligence permanently inscrutable? Holley, P. (2015, January 29). Bill Gates on the dangers of artificial intelligence: I dont understand why some people are not concerned. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/01/28/bill-gates-on-dangers-of-artificial-intelligence-dont-understand-why-some-people-are-not-concerned/ Russell, S. (2015, May 28). Take a stand on AI weapons. Nature, 521 (7553), 415-416.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Federalist #10 :: essays research papers

Madison begins perhaps the most famous of the Federalist papers by stating that one of the strongest arguments in favor of the Constitution is the fact that it establishes a government capable of controlling the violence and damage caused by factions. Madison defines that factions are groups of people who gather together to protect and promote their special economic interests and political opinions. Although these factions are at odds with each other, they frequently work against the public interests, and infringe upon the rights of others. Both supporters and opponents of the plan are concerned with the political instability produced by rival factions. The state governments have not succeeded in solving this problem; in fact the situation is so problematic that people are disillusioned with all politicians and blame government for their problems. Consequently, a form of popular government that can deal successfully with this problem has a great deal to recommend it. Given the nature of man, factions are inevitable. As long as men hold different opinions, have different amounts of wealth, and own different amount of property, they will continue to fraternize with people who are most similar to them. Both serious and trivial reasons account for the formation of factions but the most important source of faction is the unequal distribution of property. Men of greater ability and talent tend to possess more property than those of lesser ability, and since the first object of government is to protect and encourage ability, it follows that the rights of property owners must be protected. Property is divided unequally, and, in addition, there are many different kinds of property; men have different interests depending upon the kind of property they own. For example, the interests of landowners differ from those who own businesses. Government must not only protect the conflicting interests of property owners, it must, at the same time, successfully regul ate the conflicts that result from those who own, and those who do not own, property. To Madison, there are only two ways to control a faction: one, to remove its causes and the second to control its effects. The first is impossible. There are only two ways to remove the causes of a faction: destroy liberty or give every citizen the same opinions, passions, and interests. Destroying liberty is a "cure worse then the disease itself," and the second is impracticable. The causes of factions are thus part of the nature of man and we must deal with their effects and accept their existence.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Brave New World Essays :: essays research papers

Brave New World Essay Test   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Q: How does life in Brave New World change John?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A: Life in The Brave New World changes John in an unusual way. Being a child from the savage reservation, John was taught that morality, rather than conditioned by the Controller. John learned his rights and wrongs from his mother, and his own experiences. John knew a personal relationship was valued, and everyone loved one another. He learned that religion was a major part of his morals. Sex was something done with a mate that is loved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When John was brought to the Brave New World, his inhibitions were happening by other people right in front of him. He saw sex as a common occurrence, and nobody really had any emotion toward it. Everyone enjoyed it, but not spiritually. In sense, sex did not light an eternal flame for the Brave New World like it did in the savage reservation. A piece of a mother and father could be put together for a child in the savage society, but in the Brave New World, everyone had their own life. There were no personal relationships, and there was no love. Also, drugs were looked down upon by the reservation, and yet, in the Brave New World, drugs, specifically soma, are the food for life. Instead of living through rough situations, society went on soma holidays for their problems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All these â€Å"wrongs† to John, were making him upset. John tried to give the hospital workers freedom. He threw away their soma, and made them more upset. The workers rioted against John, and he realized he could not change society. John argued with the Mustapha Mond about the way society was, but it seemed Mond had a response to everything. John decided to indulge himself in the Brave New World’s lifestyle. John tried sex, and soma, and enjoyed it. John knew he had sinned to his own religion, and he felt so wrong, that he murdered himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The change that John went through was simple. John actually committed his inhibitions. John normally, and in theory, would never do those things. John would only have sex with his soul mate for life, and would absolutely not do soma. Society turned John around so much, that he did all of this, and did what society called happiness. He committed suicide.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Q: What faults does John find with the philosophy of happiness, identity, and social stability.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Th Future of Hip Hop Essay -- Hip Hop Music, Total Chaos

From its conception in the 1970's and throughout the 1980's, hip hop was a self-contained entity within the community that created it. This means that all the parameters set for the expression came from within the community and that it was meant for consumption by the community. Today, the audience is from outside of the community and doesn’t share the same experiences that drive the music. An artists’ success hinges on pleasing consumers, not the community. In today's world, it isn’t about music that rings true for those who share the artists' experiences, but instead, music that provides a dramatic illusion for those who will never share the experiences conveyed. This has radically changed the creative process of artists and the diversity of available music. Most notably, it has called in to question the future of hip hop. In Total Chaos, Jeff Chang references Harry Allen, a hip hop critic and self-proclaimed hip hop activist. Harry Allen compares the hip hop movement to the Big Bang and poses this complex question: â€Å"whether hip-hop is, in fact a closed universe-bound to recollapse, ultimately, in a fireball akin to its birth-or an open one, destined to expand forever, until it is cold, dark, and dead† (9). An often heard phase, â€Å"hip hop is dead,† refers to the high occurrence of gangster rap in mainstream hip hop. Today’s hip hop regularly features black youths posturing as rich thugs and indulging in expensive merchandise. The â€Å"hip hop is dead† perspective is based on the belief that hip hop was destined to become the model of youth resistance and social change. However, its political ambitions have yet to emerge, thus giving rise to hip hops’ criticisms. This essay will examine the past and present of hip hop in o... ... in which the expansion never ends, but all vitality is lost. The past shows us that hip hop has transformed and evolved; it doesn’t have to end and it doesn’t have to lose its momentum. Works Cited Chang, Jeff. Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip-hop. New York: BasicCivitas, 2006. Print. Farley, Christopher J. "Rapper Nas Says Maybe Hip Hop Isn't Dead After All." Wall Street Journal, 20 May 2010. Web. Merwin, Scott. "From Kool Herc to 50 Cent, the Story of Rap -- so Far." Pittsburgh Post- Gazette, 15 Feb. 2004. Web. Nas. 2006. â€Å"Hip Hop is Dead.† Hip Hop is Dead. Def Jam Recordings. Nas. 2006. â€Å"Hope.† Hip Hop is Dead. Def Jam Recordings. Rose, Tricia. The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk about When We Talk about Hip Hop - and Why It Matters. New York: BasicCivitas, 2008. Print. Williams, Saul. 2004. â€Å"Telegram.† Saul Williams. Fader Record Label.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Brand Personality Framework Essay

Sincerity: Sincerity brands are those which makes caring image towards customers by showing honesty, wholesome and Cheer. Examples: Dalda is comes under sincerity category because the positioning statement (JAHA MAMTA WAHA DALDA) shows the sincerity towards customers and culture. Cadbury dairy milk is also the good example of sincerity because they are positioning themselves as â€Å"Toh phir kuch meetha ho jaye† which shows that it is used on the occasions of happiness and also shows sincerity and respect toward customers. There customers are kind and family-oriented. Excitement: These type of products promote daring, imaginative and adventurous environment and target people which are experiencers. Examples: Mountain dew and Marlboro cigarettes create daring and adventurous environment in their ads and usually target young people who are experiencers. They show the different style in their ads which are apart from regular drinks and regular cigarette brands. There customers are care free, youthful and spirited in nature. Competence: These brands are famous and successful in market. These products attract customers because they are reliable and intelligent. Examples: Most of the Sony customers are loyal and not ready to shift to other brands. Same case is for Lipton, many people have tradition of drinking Lipton tea because their ancestors also drink this also. Sony and Lipton, these types of brands have loyal customers and are successful and reliable in market. Sophistication: Sophisticated brands are those brands which targets upper class and have charming look. They promote executives and decent style. Example: Mercedes and Rolex both brands have similar image in customer’s mind, both offer luxury and charm. These both brands target upper class and their advertisements are not for everyone, there advertisements are very rare and in some specific regions.Their customers are elegant, prestigious and pretentious in nature. Ruggedness: In this category tough and outdoor products comes which have long durability and strong nature. These are usually outdoor products which can be used in travelling and have long life. Examples: Hummer and woodland both targets the people with tough personalities who likes to travel and hike and prefer adventure in their lives. They both gives strong durable quality products to survive the ridged and tough areas in travelling like in villages and hilly areas. Their customers are outdoor loving, loves travelling and have athletic behavior.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Standing Your Ground: The Life of Joshua L. Chamberlain

Lawrence Joshua Chamberlain was born on September 8, 1828 in Brewer, Maine to Joshua and Sarah Brastow. Perhaps as a portent of things to come, Chamberlain was named after a hero of War of 1812, Captain James Lawrence. Captain Lawrence was known for never giving up the fight, and whose dying words to his men were â€Å"Don't give up the ship!† Chamberlain’s family was a Puritan, and was raised in a household that puts high value on good behavior, good education, hard work, and benevolence.THE DUTIFUL SONLawrence was the eldest of five children and had a strong sense of duty at a very early age, perhaps because he was tasked to look after his younger siblings. A great deal of his childhood was spent outdoors, and he grew up loving and respecting nature. He had a shy and sensitive nature, and was always caring of others. More and more, as Lawrence was growing up, he took to academic studies with great enthusiasm. (Wallace 1995, p. 19) He took to scholarly pursuits even as he worked the farm land to help his father. In the fields, Chamberlain was taught that how much the land gives in harvest depends on how much work one is willing to put into it. The lessons of hard work and industry and relentless determination were values that the land taught him, and one that would carry him through for the rest of his distinguished life. (Cashin 2002, p. 76).When it was time for Chamberlain to set on a course for a lifelong career, his father, a former soldier, wanted his eldest son to follow in his footsteps and serve the country during peacetime. However, while Chamberlain had already been preparing for West Point and a career in the army, Chamberlain’s mother protested because she wanted Lawrence to serve the church and become a minister. In spite her mother’s objection, Lawrence wanted to go to West Point. However, his enthusiasm was dampened by the prospect of holding a military position during a time of relative peace and stability. So in the end, his mother’s desires won, and Chamberlain decided to become a minster in the hopes of getting a commission as a missionary in another country. (Wallace 1995, p. 45)When Chamberlain was nineteen years old, he entered college. For Lawrence, who has been very close to his family, the thought of living away from his family must have been difficult. Thus, he was very shy and stammered during his first years at college at Bowdoin College at Brunswick. Gradually, Chamberlain was able to overcome his shyness and stammering speech and became a champion orator and writer. (Wallace 1995, p. 97) It was also during college that Chamberlain decided to use Joshua for his first name.At college, Chamberlain’s strength of character began showing. He was known for standing firm on his principles, even when he was going against people who had more power and authority than him. He never turned his back on the values that he believed in, and this earned him the respect of the people w ho knew him. This strong sense of honor was a value that stayed with him all his life, even when his life was threatened in the battlefield. Chamberlain also had a great love for music and he turned for it for his relaxation.When not busy with school work, he played the organ for his school chapel, a skill that he learned all on his own. His love for the organ also drew him to Frances Adams, who also played the organ for the Brunswick church choir. Frances was three years older than Chamberlain, but that age difference did not matter to them. Their romance was serious right from the start and they were engaged soon after 1852, just a year after they first met and soon after Chamberlain graduated from college. However the marriage did not happen soon after the engagement. Joshua first pursued both a seminary course and his master's degree. After finishing both, Joshua and Frances became husband and wife, three years after their engagement.THE PROFESSOR BECOMES A SOLDIERHaving disting uished himself as an orator during his college, he became professor of oratory and rhetoric at Bowdoin College a year after earning his master’s degree. Five years after, in 1861, he became the chair of the department of modern languages. Chamberlain’s ascent to chairmanship was well-deserved. He has learned several languages during his seminary course. The languages were taught as part of the preparation for overseas missionary work which was his original intent. Chamberlain was fluent in nine languages namely, Latin, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and Syriac.In 1861, at the same year that Chamberlain was elected the position of chair of modern languages, Civil War broke out. The youthful dreams of serving the military and fighting in the battlefield of war were once again rekindled. Or perhaps they never left at all. It may be said that Chamberlain has always been a noble soldier. When Chamberlain was given a sabbatical, supposedly for study in Europe, he immediately went to Governor Washburn for military service. Thus in 1862, Chamberlain left the halls of the academe to fight in the Civil War. His decision was met with dissent at Bowdoin College, but for Chamberlain the need to serve the country took precedence over anything else. By virtue of his education and mastery of languages, he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel of the 20th Regiment of Maine Volunteers.While never having actual military training, Chamberlain soon learned the ropes through keen observation. The fact that he was in charge of an actual regiment was enough reason for Chamberlain to learn as he go. All his life, he has always been a self-starter and capable of learning things by himself. Under Commander Adelbert Ames, a recent West Point graduate, Chamberlain, along with about a thousand men transformed and became trained soldiers. (Ritter & Wakelyn 1998, p. 116) Chamberlain’s youngest brother, Thomas, was also part of the same regiment , and the two would soon distinguish themselves as soldiers of the Civil War.The 20th regiment’s first order of battle was to proceed to the battle at Antietam. However, they did not saw any action in that battle. Their first actual engagement was as a reconnaissance unit at Shepherdstown Ford. In October, Chamberlain was tasked to lead another reconnaissance at the South Mountain pass. It was during this time that Chamberlain saw first hand the horrors of war. He saw dead Confederate soldiers barely out of their youth, and such sights stayed with him during the entire course of the war. (Ritter & Wakelyn 1998, p. 64)A few months after, in December 1862, Chamberlain and his men were right in the middle of the Battle of Fredericksburg, a site of overwhelming defeat for the Union. All around, Chamberlain saw dead men, and when the orders to evacuate came down, Chamberlain was tasked to lead his men to safety. The following months were uneventful for the regiment. In May 1863, a n outbreak of small pox among the regiment kept Chamberlain’s men away from participating in the Battle of Chancellorsville. To keep his men in shape and their morale up, Chamberlain constantly asked for duties and engaged the regiment in positive activities. By the end of May, Chamberlain became Colonel of the 20th regiment, after having proven himself as an able soldier and a great leader.A HERO RISESOn July 1863, the 20th regiment received marching orders to go to Gettysburg. The Union forces faced a formidable opponent in the person of Confederate General John Bell Hood. General Hood was bent on cutting down the Union lines and under his command; the Confederate Brigades advanced and went up the hill. During this engagement, a good number of Union officers were killed, leaving Chamberlain in command. Before he died, commanding officer Colonel Vincent instructed Chamberlain to stand ground. Joshua was now in a very difficult decision. He was given orders to stand ground bu t his men’s ammunition were almost spent. (Martin 2006, p. 213). Chamberlain was left to decide the fate of his men and the fate of this battled. He thus gave quick and firm orders. Having the higher ground, Chamberlain told his men to counterattack. The downhill bayonet charge caught the Confederates by surprise, and the Union held their position.   For this heroic stand, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.Soon after that historic stand, Chamberlain became commander of the 3rd Brigade. By this time, Chamberlain has become a seasoned solider who has survived many battlefields. He was regarded with respect and commanded the loyalty of the men who served under his command, particularly the men of the 20th Maine. While an officer, he never considered himself better than his men and he accorded all of them with equal courtesy and respect. He never asked for special quarters and endured the same sacrifices as his men. All these traits endeared him all the more to th e military and the public as well. He treated the dead with respect and never forgot to attend to the sick after the smoke of battle has cleared.By now an acclaimed hero, Chamberlain never stopped throwing himself into the thick of the battle. He was a natural leader and tactician, able to execute strategic commands under exacting pressure. He never feared for his life and engaged in battle with very little regard for personal safety. For him, the safety of his men and winning the ground was most important.   (Martin 2006, p. 27) At one point, he was severely wounded but refused preferential treatment, insisting that there are others whose wounds are more serious than his. For fear of a mortal wound, General Ulysses Grant, in what is believed to be the only case of promotion on the battlefield, immediately conferred the position of general to Chamberlain. Doctors thought that Joshua had very little chances of surviving his wound, but he did. A few months after, Chamberlain reporte d back to duty in spite some physical limitations brought on by his war injury.Chamberlain became commander of a new 1st Brigade, 1st Division, a unit composed of two large regiments of soldiers from Pennsylvania and New York. Not fully recovered from his injury, he was prevented from seeing any military action. However, after a month of sick leave, he returned to service, much to the dismay of his doctors. Chamberlain returned to military action during the last of General Grant's campaign on March 1865. Chamberlain and his brigade were engaged in a bayonet fight while traveling the Quaker Road and Joshua was again injured. He would have been taken prisoner if not for his fast thinking. He eluded capture by donning a Confederate officer uniform and posing as one of the Confederates. His numerous injuries could not keep him from the call of duty. Under his leadership, Chamberlain claimed the strategic and much coveted lodge on the White Oak Road. For this accomplishment in spite of i njury, Joshua was promoted to Major General by President Lincoln. (Ritter & Wakelyn 1998, p. 128).General Chamberlain survived many injuries and lived to see the end of the Civil War and the Union’s victory. When General Grant designated him to receive the first flag of surrender at Appomattox Court House, in a moving demonstration of his noble spirit, Chamberlain received the surrender with graciousness and honor. He asked that his original 20th Maine regiment be with him in this historic event, believing that all of them deserved the honor that was accorded to him. (Martin 2006, p. 87)For saving his men and the Union’s position, Chamberlain was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. He was brave under fire, and magnanimous in victory. After the war, Joshua went back to Bowdoin as president of the college. (Ashby 2003, p. 10). During his tenure, he instituted reforms which shook the foundations of the conservati ve school. Nevertheless, his presidency, like his tour of military duty, was marked with strong leadership and honor. He lived to an old age of 84, seeing the fruits of peace wrought by many years of war. In a poetic death, he died of the old war wound that many thought he has recovered from. He still dies in the battle, as a noble soldier.General Joshua Chamberlain stands tall in an age of greatness. His name will go down in history as among the greatest soldiers. It might be said that times make the hero, but in Chamberlain’s case, the choices that he made and his nobility in and out of the battlefield made him a soldier of life. He was a product of his times, and left just in time to plant the seeds of hope for a better and kinder world. May his nobility inspire all that is good and noble in each and every one of us.ReferencesAshby, R. (2003). Extraordinary People. Black Rabbit Book.Cashin, J. (2002). The War was You and Me: Civilians in the American Civil War. Princeton U niversity Press.Martin, I. (2006). The Greatest U.S. Army Stories Ever Told: Unforgettable Stories of Courage. The Lyons Press.Ritter, C & Wakelyn, J (1998). Leaders of the American Civil War: A Biographical and Historiographical Dictionary. Greenwood Publishing Group.Wallace, W. (1995). Soul of the Lion: A Biography of General Joshua L. Chamberlain. Clark Military Books.

Ethics of Observation

Uses of Observation within a work environment:†¢Identifies stages of development †¢Identifies level of ability †¢Use observations to plan activities †¢Monitors changes in behaviour †¢Use to report suspected abuse/neglect †¢Psychological evidenceWhy is observation important?By observing children within a work environment, we are able to learn their interests and dislikes. As teachers, it’s important for us to know the children we work with as deeply as we can, so we can relate to them and get in touch with their personalities. Once we have had the chance to observe children, we are able to plan activities and lessons according to individual learning styles and the children’s attitudes towards learning. By doing this, we are able to make their first years within a learning environment proceed to their best potential.Read on to learn about Ethical IssuesEthical IssuesBefore carrying out an observation on any child, make sure you have received permission from the parents of the child, your supervisor and depending on the age of the child, the child herself/himself. Here is a list of Ethical Issues concerning observationsAnonymity is important because all of your observations as a teacher should be kept confidential. If anyone who isn’t supposed to read your observations does happen to find them, you need to take careful measures to ensure that only you will be able to make sense of them. You will need to change the names of all children involved in your observation (Child A, B, C etc.) as well as the school name and the members of staff names (Staff A, B, C etc.).Confidentiality is vital when working with children. You wouldn’t want to let a child’s file fall into the wrong hands. Only certain people are allowed to read your observations, such as your supervisor, the parents of the child if they ask, and the child themselves. You should ensure that your records are kept in a safe place, and treat them in a confidential manner.Objectivity is needed within the observations you make within the working place. You cannot let your personal feelings or thoughts intrude with your observations. You must check that all statements are accurate, supported by evidence and are not discriminatory.Storage of Data is used to ensure that data is kept in a secure place. It makes sure that only authorised people are given access to the records. This ties in with the Data Protection Act 1998.Rights of the parents and child. Each have the right to refuse being observed and to see the observation record. The parents have the right to refuse permission of observation. Accuracy is essential within an observation to ensure that children are not assessed on inaccurate evidence. The evidence recorded must be as true a reflection of the child’s actions as possible. If the record is not as accurate as it could be, we may not take the precautions to meet the needs of the child. Purpose of the observati on is needed. The observation you record should not be used in any way to harm the child. Responsibility to record the observation as accurately and as carefully as possible is yours. Conclusions should be fair and supported by reasonable evidence. This ensures that the observation is used to the benefit of the child.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Hollywood Constructions of Gender Essay

Hollywood had portrayed a variety of different categories of heroes in its cinematic history. None has been more important to film than the superhero and the Western. Both superheroes and Western heroes are considered tough and ready to conquer the evils of the world. Any actor playing Superman is able to portray the â€Å"Man of Steel† simply by putting on the red cape while John Wayne and Clint Eastwood embody the characteristics of true Western heroes. Male superheroes and Western heroes have dominated the big screen for many decades however; there are contradictory mythologies that these heroes also embody. These are discussed as they relate to superheroes and Western heroes. The role women play in establishing traits of these heroes is also analyzed. There hasn’t been another actor who has so captivated audiences with his portrayal of Superman as Christopher Reeve did in Superman in 1978. In this movie, Superman is really an alien from Krypton who has been sent to Earth before his home planet explodes. On Earth he is adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent who raise them as their own son, Clark. Clark works at a newspaper and embodies a certain gentle persona (Donner, 1978; Engle, 744). The contradictory mythology surrounding Superman is that he is a mild mannered man in the form of Clark Kent but is a â€Å"man of steel† with superhuman powers when he takes on the characteristics of Superman (Engle, 744). Superman has dominated Hollywood since Christopher Reeve played him in 1978 because of his undying efforts to save the world from the clutches of evil (Engle, 744). In Superman, Christopher Reeve must save the world from the evil plots devised by Lex Luthor to launch missiles in order to make a fortune in real estate (Donner, 1978). The audience is counting on Superman to save the day and this is what makes Superman a true superhero. The American people know that they can count of Superman to rid the world of evil and this why Superman has continued to dominate the big screen in several remakes since the 1978 classic. Throughout Superman, Christopher Reeve is pursuing Lois Lane who is pursuing Superman (Donner, 1978). The superhero pursuing a beautiful female gives some human characteristics to hero status. Clark Kent was unable to persuade Lois Lane to go out with him but had she known that he was really Superman she would have loved nothing less. The beautiful female pursuing the hero gives credibility to his hero status (Seger, 317). Women have allowed male heroes to dominate the big screen because they have secret fantasies of a superhero swooping in and saving them from their troubles. Therefore, superheroes provide something for everyone. Small boys embody hero characteristics through play, men enjoy hero movies because of the action and the overcoming of evil and women enjoy these movies because of the desire to have a big, strong superhero risk life and limb to save them. Western heroes have also dominated the big screen for decades. The Wild West caused great fear in many civilized people from the East (Engle, 747). The Western hero was able to portray attempts to tame the Wild West through â€Å"independence, self-reliance, personal honor, sympathy with nature, and ethical uses of violence† (Engle, 747). John Wayne was one such actor who truly embodied the characteristics of a Western hero. In The Searchers, John Wayne plays a Civil War veteran who is searching for his abducted niece. It takes place during a time when the west was still considered wild. Wayne internalizes the Western hero characteristic of independence because the movie opens and no one knows where he has been for the past three years (Ford, 1956). In this way he is also showing his own self-reliance. He is a typical Western hero because he is a loner and takes care of himself without needing anyone else along for the ride. Wayne decides to search for his niece but doesn’t call in many people to help in his search (Ford, 1956). Similarly, Wayne was able to show personal honor through his personal quest to find his abducted niece. Finally, John Wayne is typically associated with cowboy hats and guns blazing in to save the day. He uses violence in an ethical manner in The Searchers because he feels it is his personal duty to track down his niece and he is willing to go to whatever lengths necessary to do so (Ford, 1956). Since characters like John Wayne stood for what good American boys should want to be (Engle, 747) there was no shortage of female pursuers. The contradictory mythology surrounding Western heroes is that they appear rough and tough on the outside but have a gentle nature that isn’t revealed to just anyone (Engle 747). This is opposite of the superhero characteristics that show an everyday normal person morphing into a rough and tough hero sent to save the day. Western heroes are considered brave men as compared to the more civilized men of the East. Men who were brave enough to saddle up and head West were considered heroes because of their lack of fear of the â€Å"wild† west (Engle, 747). Therefore, women longed to attract the attentions of a Western hero because they would feel safe and protected with such a brave, strong man around. Villains help mold a superhero or Western hero into an American icon. Superheroes avoid their arch enemy because the enemy has discovered their weakness and tries to use to defeat the superhero. Villains in Western films are usually the outlaws or Indians that must be defeated in order to preserve a peaceful and safe place to live. The villain in hero movies represents some sort of adversity that must be overcome (Seger, 317). In the case of Lex Luthor, Superman must overcome the greed that he portrayed in order to save the world and keep it a safe and prosperous place (Donner, 1978). In the case of John Wayne, the villains he had to defeat were the ones who stood in the way of finding his niece (Ford, 1956). The villains force the heroes to go to whatever length is necessary in order to reach their goal. Superman had to overcome the evil Lex Luthor in order to save Lois Lane and John Wayne had to overcome his adversaries in order to save his abducted niece. Therefore, villains push heroes to change and grow in order to remain true heroes. Superheroes and Western heroes are both considered hyper masculine. They are what embody the true definition of a hero. They are willing to put their own lives on the line to save the lives of others. Hero stories are myths simply because one person is not capable of ridding the world of evil and saving everyone in trouble. Myths help humans create a vision of where they would like to go and what they would like to do. Myths take the injustices of the world and give humans hope for change (Seger, 317). What makes heroes so heroic is that they live rather simple lives until the call to action is sent out. Superman is really Clark Kent who is a newspaper reporter. John Wayne is a Civil War veteran just like so many other men during the time of the Wild West. The difference between normal humans and heroes is that heroes take it upon themselves to make the world a better place (Seger, 317). This is why myths are so contradictory. The heroes take on human characteristics but underneath they possess superhuman abilities to fight evil. â€Å"Myths bring depth to the hero story† (Seger, 326). Hero myths have the power to dominate the big screen because they allow humans to imagine the contradictory aspects of heroes being incorporated into their own lives. Small children will play hero games endlessly as they dream of growing up and saving the day. However, this desire to rid the world of evil doesn’t go away as a child gets older. Instead, it grows stronger as adults realize that mythological heroes are unlikely to exist. However, humans return again and again to theaters to see hero movies because they provide hope for the future. They allow humans the ability to hold onto childhood dreams that they can be heroes and superheroes and Western heroes embody those desirable characteristics: bravery and strength.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Development of a measurement model for balance management Research Paper

Development of a measurement model for balance management - Research Paper Example They play an imperative role in motivating the goals of a development-oriented nation (Aaker 2001, p. 56). Additionally, there should be an integration of the tools through critical assessment of both qualitative and quantitative parameters as observed below. There are lots of fundamental links of culture, leadership and strategy in regards to the development of measurement. In other words, the aforementioned tools of development have direct ramifications on the aspects of balanced management especially in spurring the expansion of the economy. For instance, culture is an imperative objective when drafting plans for development oriented projects because it has a direct influence on people (Niven 2005, p. 124). On that account, a balanced scorecard is performance management tool of strategy that is in the form of a report. It is a semi-structured with support derived from design methods and other automation tools. For that matter, it functions in the tracking of duties and activities by workers to enable managers have a control in the actions of the organization. In other words, there is also a link on the context of personal refinement on the areas of education, lifestyle, ideals and national aspirations for future improvement. Therefore, this management tool has been key especially in the annual survey of performance-oriented firms such as Bain & Companies. Therefore, in terms of impacting on the development of the organization, it is crucial to note a few observations. For instance, a balanced scorecard inculcates the mixture of differing presentations that are both non-financial and financial. It has a direct correlation with development in the context of reforming the minds of the employees in balancing their income sheets. This suggests that factors such as traditional material culture of a society come in handy when defining the goals of development and the measurement success (Jacobson & Shepard 2008, p.156). Additionally, there are also other elements o f intangibles such as customs, language, dress code and even acquisition of technology that impacts directly on the balance scorecard on the management of a country. In contrast, culture also influences the strategies of development when stipulating the goals of a community through its leadership. In other words, there is a variable uniformity in the context of informational data imparted upon firms in influencing leading inputs such as physical and human processes. On the other hand, there is also the factor of culture gap strategy that entails a policy approach that affects development in several ways. For example, culture gap strategy plays a key role in affecting the operations of development measurement in the context of finding alternative solutions. Additionally, it brings harmony between the sociological context of the corporate firms and the concern of attaining the goal of a balance management. In other words, it is a grand folly in integrating the culture gap strategy in a society and its leadership in relation to the strategies stipulated. On that case, there is also an imperative need to evaluate the issues of development choices such as the GDP of a work group and inter-generational conflicts that affect the economy (MacKinnon 2012, p. 209). This suggests that cultural change should compliment with the development strategies set by the given leadership of the management in focusing for the future. Alternatively, cultural strategic gaps of development must also take into

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Low cost Airlines (Southwest Airlines) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Low cost Airlines (Southwest Airlines) - Essay Example This report will investigate the factors that have led to the survival and continuing success of Southwest Airlines, including the company’s financial planning, financial control, costing and the company’s efficient decision making process.The company has a unique business model of careful financial planning, control, efficient costing and a quick decision making process. Such unique business models have been known to ensure continued success in business organisations (Schein, E. H. 1980). Financial planning Southwest airlines is the only airline in the United States that has been consistently profitable for the past 3 decades, and this is mostly due to proper financial planning by the airline. The company’s financial planning model is a major reason why Southwest Airlines has remained profitable every year since its inception in the 1960s. In order to effectively carry out flight operations, an airline needs pilots, cabin crews planes that can take-off and land on the landing slots, and sales-point coordination. It is quite difficult to make these resources sustainable sources of competitiveness, as they are now much more accessible due to the development of the international markets. (Butler, G.F., and Keller, M.R. 2000). Southwest created an advantage by planning to price their fares at 60 percent below the prevailing air fares in the market. â€Å"When Southwest launched its Florida intra-state services in 1996, it offered some advanced purchase fares for as low as $29. Also, when the airline opened a Chicago-to-Cleveland route, its lowest unrestricted one-way fare was as low as $59, while those of other airlines were around $310.† (Doganis R. 2001). With this plan, the airline has been able to divert a substantial number of passengers from the road thus ensuring that the yields achieved are relatively high when measured in terms of revenue per passenger-kilometre because the fares are all point-to-point The airline’s fina ncial success comes from the company’s ability to operate at costs that are lower than the revenue generated by the airline’s operations. Although southwest’s unit revenues are not much lower than those of other competing airlines, operating on the same routes, southwest has enjoyed an advantage in the unit cost, by operating at cost levels that are as much as 40 percent below those of its major competitors. (Doganis R. 2001) Financial control Despite the economic downturn that has been experienced in the United States, Southwest Airlines has remained financially stable and ahead of its competitors in the industry. This is due to an adequate control of the company’s finances, as Southwest Airlines has been able to overcome the economic issues that have affected the airline industry. Southwest is one of the most successful airlines in the United States due to its ability to attract customers based on the exceptional services, low-fares, and the companyâ₠¬â„¢s ability to evolve and effect needed changes. â€Å"In recent years, the global price of oil has caused many airlines to collapse as airlines were forced to raise ticket prices and lose customers. Airlines were also hurt by low ridership rates.† (Bennett and Craun 1993) Southwest Airlines has been able to maintain financial control by increasing or decreasing the number of flights served per day, as against increasing the coat of travelling for their customers. As a result of this control, the customers reach their destinations on time, and without having to pay higher fares. Since low fares have become the airline’s selling point, decreasing the cost becomes a very important aspect of the company’s financial control. Southwest Airlines also tries to maintain financial control by simplifying its operating process and utilizing strategies like the maintenance of one type of aircraft, not serving meals on flights, using cash-register receipts as tickets, and not using a computer reservation system. Southwest airlines has been known to cuts flights with poor sales and

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Interpretation of the picture Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Interpretation of the picture - Assignment Example If viewed from another perspective, the green background can represent the humanity during the era of least civilization. However, as the picture extends further, there is a bright light in form of an ocean that opens up into a bright background. Therefore, this bright background can be compared to how civilization has changed the world into a better place. In this regard, the picture teaches humanity the importance of civilization because the character holding the arrow and the bow are wearing a dark-brown outfit that can be linked to the clothing of humanity before civilization. As such, the picture teaches a man to appreciate civilization because it has made life bright like the bright watery background. On the other hand, the picture shows the tremendous developments that man has gone through since the onset of civilization because the two backgrounds compare the bleak and dull lived in the olden days to the modern bright and exciting life that is also enjoyable and fun. The assu mption on the differences in life existing in the dark-green and the bright backgrounds is also indicated by the facial expression of the character. Although he may give an impression of a relaxed hunter, his overall expression is that of a dull person with no other things cheer him up except for the hunting. Therefore, from the picture, mankind can learn to appreciate civilization that has brought liveliness, brightness as opposed to the dark days when a man only co-existed with the wild animals and only found fun hunting in the bush.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

The Illusion of Taking Charge Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Illusion of Taking Charge - Term Paper Example The Fifth Discipline withstands this acid test. It has turned theoreticians into practical individuals. Spiritual bent in Senge’s writings is clearly seen. He gives lots of importance to the inner world of the individual, while explaining the limitations of materialists in chasing the secular goals. Learning organization means a progressive organization, a rebel against the traditional methods and willing to learn and move forward. It visualizes the threats well in time and makes use of the new opportunities. It knows value of the empowering approach. â€Å"In his prominent book, The Fifth Discipline, Senge identified some learning disabilities associated with the failure to think systemically. He classified them under the following headings: I am my position" "The enemy is out there" "The illusion of taking charge" "The fixation on events" "The parable of the boiled frog" "The delusion of learning from experience" (1990, pp. 17 - 26) I have been affected by the disability re lated to the illusion of taking charge: How I have been personally impacted by this disability. They say, tomorrow never comes, today it may be too late, do it just now. I am working for an export organization and the issue was about getting my passport ready, as instructed by my Export Manager. The Company has short-listed the names of certain employees and he told me that I was one from the Export Division of the company being considered for a study-tour of some Import Establishments in America. He told me to keep my passport and other papers ready. I presumed that the chance may not be forthcoming soon, and went on postponing my planned visit to the Passport Office. In fact, I had requested one of my friends staying near the Passport Office (the office is about 30 kilometers from our Organization) but did not pursue it effectively. My friend must have forgotten about my request. When, after a fortnight, my Export Manager, enquired about the passport for officially routing though the visa application, with a sorry face I had to tell him that I did not do anything about it. The issue was immediate and my two colleagues left for the foreign tour of three months. With the self-imposed denial of this opportunity, my chances of future promotion in the office were also affected. How the organization that I work for has has been impacted by this disability I believe my failure in this passport episode is my inability to think systematically. I should have acted, the very moment, that I got the information from my Export Manager, for getting the Passport ready. Though my Organization was not affected badly, to some extent its impact was there. I was specializing in export-related issues of the company and my two friends-colleagues who went to USA were not experts in that area, but the Management had to send some representatives. My negligence to carry out the instructions well in time came to the notice of the top management, and naturally they were not happy about it. Senge writes, â€Å"The illusion of taking charge being â€Å"proactive† is in vogue. Managers frequently proclaim the need for taking charge in facing difficult problems.†(p.20)Through this incident, I have experienced the truth of this statement. How was the disability overcome Senge writes, "Generative Learning cannot be sustained in an organization if people's thinking is dominated by short-term events. If we focus on events, the best we can ever do is predict an event before it happens so that we can react optimally. But we

Monday, September 9, 2019

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Business - Essay Example The product to be marketed is a wide range of cosmetics (100%Vegetarian) especially lipsticks, and it would be launched in the Indian market by the name: To enter into a new market firstly a Market Research has to be done and thus, I have prepared a questionnaire for the females between 16-55 yr as a part of my Primary Market Research analysis. Also I have applied Porter’s Five Forces Model i.e. the threat of substitute products, the threat of the entry of new competitors, the intensity of competitive rivalry, the bargaining power of customers, and the bargaining power of suppliers. Culture is the manner in which things are performed within a society, community or nation. Culture is not a trait that comes with birth but it is learnt over a span of several years. The major things that can be observed amongst Indian culture are as follows:- The Terpstra and Sarathy Cultural Framework helps marketing managers to assess the cultural nature of an international market. The Eight categories are Language, Religion, Values and Attitudes, Education, Social Organizations, Technology and Material Culture, Law and Politics and Aesthetics. 1. Language: - There are as many as 22 official languages in India. The national language of the country is Hindi and most of the people in the country are quite well versed with English as well owning to the British rule in the country for around 200 years. 2. Religion: India is considered to be a land of unity in diversity. Many religions are practiced in the country including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islamism, Sikhism, Christianity etc. The cow is considered sacred in Hinduism. She is the one who should be worshipped for the various graces she bestows on humanity. 40% of the total population is Vegetarian. 3. Values and Attitude:- Generally people in India have a high regard for their elders. Although traditional roles are changing, especially in urban areas, there

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Manufactured Operations in China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Manufactured Operations in China - Research Paper Example There is an abundance of labor in China due to the fact that the country has the highest population in the world. The workers in China are more disciplined than its American counterparts and have higher respect for the job. A major obstacle to doing business in China is that companies must abide by the governmental rules of a communist nation. Companies that want to expand internationally have to seriously consider expanding to China. Abiding by the governmental rules is a constraint that can be overcome by the abundance of business opportunities for companies operating in China. The business rules of China are not as strict as in the past. Prior to China’s entrance in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 companies that wanted to penetrate China had to form a 50-50 joint venture with an established Chinese company (Cnn, 2001). Today firms from the United States or other parts of the world can form whole owned subsidiaries in China. I think that the rule that sales in China have to be contingent on a company establishing its operations there is not that bad. Operating a manufacturing center in China is an extremely profitable proposition due to the lower operating costs in comparison with other parts of the world. Exploiting the Chinese retail market is a very beneficial proposition. In China due to the industrialization movement and economic growth there is a growing middle class that is eager to purchase consumer products in order to increase their quality of living. The massive population of China can help any company increase its sales numbers in a short amount of time. Short term gains are very important to increase the immediate profitability of a company. There are opportunities for market penetration in China in many industries. Overcoming the cultural barrier in China is important towards the success of an enterprise that establishes operations there. The majority of Chinese

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Reasons for Choosing Mortuary Science Field Assignment

Reasons for Choosing Mortuary Science Field - Assignment Example Learners are trained to be morticians by learning biological science, business and social sciences. I think that the study of events relating with death, and how the society prepares for it raises questions are deep rooted in the human sociological lives. The reasons why I chose mortuary science field is because it deals with death, is a common event in the society, offers an opportunity for a well paying job and has objectives that build an individual to become a significant person in the community. Reason 1 The first reason for I chose mortuary science field is because of death factor in the society; hence, trains individuals in an area common, and part of human beings lives. I believe that death is a common occasion that man has accepted in the society and is an unremitting process. Consequently, the program is essential in building and molding skilled individuals who assist the bereaved in planning and organizing the event. The significance of learning the course is because each person has been affected directly or indirectly by death. I chose the field since it makes me an imperative person who is working for the society by acquitting me with skills necessary to assist the society. It is difficult to prepare for death occasion according to societies’ perception, because it happens at an unexpected time when individuals has little time to work on the event. I think that the fact that death is a common event in human beings’ lives, it makes the course and the program exce ptionally significant and relevant in the communal lives. People perceive apprentices working in the society as significant people in the community for the support and services to occasional event happening in our lives (Stair, 46). Reason 2 The second reason I chose the mortuary science field is that the program offers remarkable job opportunities. A person can work as a mortician in funeral homes, which are important in the society (Stair, 46). I think that the job makes individuals well heeled by earning amicable amount of money. The job that a person gets after learning the course is a great job because it acts as a means of expressing the feelings and requirements of individuals. The program provides a platform for individuals having a passion of helping people in the society who lack the skills and knowledge in arranging for emergencies especially in funerals. I agree that the course will provide an excellent platform for me to express the kindness and remorsefulness to the bereaved individuals. The course will instill skills in counseling, proper and legal completion of death certificates and preparation of the body for during burial event. Consequently, selecting Mortuary Science field gives an opportuni ty to an individual interested in getting a legitimate and substantial job that pays satisfactory. . Reason 3 The third reason I chose studying mortuary science field is the program’s objectives, which defines a person’s credibility and competence. I agree that the program enlarges the background and acquaintance of students’ profession on the funeral services (Stair, 46). The program aims at edifying individuals in every phase of funeral services. I believe that students are encouraged to participate in faculty research in funeral services and events that enable the faculty to discover new concepts. A further objective of the program is to encourage acceptable ethical conduct to an individual. I decided this because it ensures a person conducts oneself and interacts well with other individuals in the society. Lastly, a clear objective of mortuary science field is that it provides a set of courses at the post-secondary level of instructions. I believe that the o bjectives make a

Friday, September 6, 2019

Elizabeth Costello in J.M Coetzees in relation to the theme of Kafkas works Essay Example for Free

Elizabeth Costello in J.M Coetzees in relation to the theme of Kafkas works Essay Elizabeth Costello is a humane, ethical and uncompromising creation of Coetzee. In Coetzee’s book The Lives of Animals, Costello is used to describe her dislike and rejection of the rationality of the criteria justifying the unequal treatment of animals. Costello claims that the purpose of the book is to clarify that to differentiate beings with regard of their species is a form of discrimination, indefensible and immoral. Costello also maintains that she had chosen the path not because she was not aware of the crucial kind of thoughts and sentiments of respect regarding other creatures, but because the reason was more universal and compelling to appeal. Costello maintains though she admired those who eliminated speciesism form their lives due to their compassionate regard for other creatures she did not believe a pressure to empathy and good-heartedness only would prove to majority of the people into the wrongness of speciesism. Nevertheless, the messages Costello portrays are not from the invisible world although from the invisible of this world most cases the voiceless like animals that she can access by imagination. She is not worried with other earthly, disembodied voices, although this-worldly, embodied and embedded voices, dead or alive perpetrators fictional or historical. The human critics such as Costello are opposed to the authority of the world of other world as he is to the powers of this world. Costello proclaims that there is not any salvation to be brought into being in an afterlife in immortality. Costello is midwife not to immortal Forms, although a mortal voices and to being of the voices. The power of imagination stays not only in its potential to stir up and listen to other voices and to enter into speaking for other including for the voiceless but also use narrative to depiction literature in the particular work of narrative that rationally is divine spark that raises mankind above the rest of nature therefore in showing our continuity with animal-kind which allows us to regain our death, our humanity and imperfectness. The similarities between Costello and Socrates are outstanding, and are more striking than their differences. Similar to Socrates, Costello attempts to prompt persons to realize their humanity, to open their hearts, to the anguish of animals. Costello just like Socrates is faced by unfairness, which in her case is the discrimination of specialism, which she attempts to dispel with counter-illusions. â€Å"What does one choose the side of justice when it is not in one’s material interest to? The magistrates give the rather Platonic answer: because we are born with the idea of justice. † (Paola, et al. , 95). In The Lives of Animals the disregarded has come to take account of non-human animals. Costello is convinced that there is a crime regarding animals as stupid that is perpetrated towards animals. Costello challenge is to attempt to extend justice to animals especially to those that resemble humans. In Socrates, Plato’s mouthpiece in the Republic, spends the whole discussion arguing for justice suggesting that it is better to live rightly and show to be unjust than being unjust with all material rewards that come by and yet show to be just, Costello ends her speech by saying that proof points in the opposite direction and that individuals can do anything and get away with it that there is no reprimand. In The Poets and the Animals Costello disapproves the ecological approach to animals suggested by Plato since Plato’s perception implies that only human beings can understand the position of living things in the entire picture of natural world and as a result solely have the right to manage animal populations not including human population. Therefore (Paola, et al. , 102), might have valid point which is that a person should not enforce principled vegetarianism on a society but its misdirected as a disapproval of the position of Costello since she had gone to the great lengths to disapprove reason as decisive criterion of moral worth and as an only means to live an ethical life. Costello maintains that it is not right to construe the animal rights movement like imposing vegetarianism upon free citizens. Instead it appears as protecting the interests and the rights of nonhuman animals, guarding animals form exploitation, though this might as well lead to outlawing the eating of meat. Nevertheless, is clear that just as Coetzee distrusts commitment to moral principles he is suspicious of certain notions of justice. Coetzee and Costello’s aim is to alter the heart of individuals through feeling, friction and compassionate imagination instead of enforcing a large-scale utopian changing of society as purportedly stated by reason. Costello is perceived as arrogantly superior and as heralding a foreign set of values that of fighting for animal rights in opposition to blindly anthropocentric culture, and both individuals made numerous enemies by courageously inquiring the prejudices of the people around them. The arrogance of Costello can be demonstrated by certain members his audience anger having their discrimination and lack of knowledge exposed. In addition, Costello seems to be earnestly attempting to break through the shadows of ignorance and prejudice with the light of her imaginative sympathy and is ready to admit that she dose not understand that she could be correct â€Å"Am I fantasizing it all? I must be mad! † (Derek, 69). Costello might be ironically aware that some of her images might be imaginative for example when she gives anthropomorphic feelings to ape, Sultan: â€Å"In his deepest being Sultan is not interested in the banana problem. Only the experimenter’s single-minded regimentation compels him on it. The question that truly occupies him, as it occupies a rat and the cat and other animal trapped in hell f the laboratory or the zoo, is: where is home, and how do I get there? † (Stephen, 69). Costello was attempting to get her audience to think, feel and imagine that in new ways about something persons do not care to regard at all, specifically their use and abuse of animals: certainly she desires people to imagine how it would experience in the place of an exploited animal a state of powerlessness. Costello believes the mission will awaken individuals form their assertive sleep. Costello does not attempt to reject the reason for the infallibility and its assertion to make a distinction between animals and human beings and therefore doe not give good reason for the exploitation of animals. In The Lives of Animals, Coetzee portrays Costello as a Socrates figure. The analysis starts with â€Å"What is Realism? † since it was first in 1997, prior to its publishing in Elizabeth Costello in 2003. The Socratic and Platonic ideologies are clearly evident in this story strengthens the contention that Costello plays a role as Socratic figure in The Lives of Animals. Certainly, Coetzee refers to this story in his fist foot note of The Lives of Animals therefore further sustaining this perspective. In â€Å"What is Realism? † Platonic ideas are crucial to the story. Even though Coetzee keeps interrupting his realist mode and drawing attention to the fact that it is an undertaking therefore suggesting that realism and certainly all fiction deals with imaginations and there are times the power of fiction to attain immortality is asserted though always ironical. The depiction to the monkeys echoes Costello’s discussion of Kafka’s ape, suggesting that artistic creation is what differentiates humans from other animals. The story of Socrates might also illuminate other features of Elizabeth Costello, as described in The Lives of Animals, namely her reference to her embodiedness and her mortality. A similar relationship takes place between Costello and Coetzee, and in spite of his undeniable intellectual contributions as a public thinker, Coetzee remains retiring and an imaginary figure. On the other hand Costello is depicted as heavily embodied throughout Elizabeth Costello and The Lives of Animals. Behind every dialogue of Plato Socrates emerges and there is a consciousness of the fact that Socrates will be executed by the Athenian democracy for impiety and corruption of the youth. The same feeling of Costello’s mortality, together with a declining sense of desire, accompanies all Coetzee’s works in which he is featured. Therefore when Costello cannot be regarded as a martyr for her beliefs as did the Socrates there is nevertheless a feeing in which she is dying for her beliefs. Costello’s own mortality and feeling of her mortality heightens her compassion for animals that are being bred in numerous numbers and when still healthy and young are being exploited for experimentation, hunting testing and slaughter. â€Å"After a long flight, Costello is looking at her age. She has never taken care of her appearance; she used to be able to get away with it; now it shows. Old and tired. † (Stephen, 3). These illustrations continue in the beginning of the first paragraph of The Lives of Animals: He is waiting at the gate when her flight comes in. Two years have passed since he last saw his mother; despite himself, he is shocked at how she has aged. Her hair, which had had sneaks of gray in it, now was entirely white; her shoulders stoop; her flesh has grown flabby. In Costello’s speeches death is recurrent topic, in a sense The Lives of Animals reads like a memento mori for Coetzee himself. John (Costello’s son) guesses that his mother was about to talk about death. John dose not enjoy Costello talking about death and in addition her audience who majority consists of young people do not want any talks regarding death. Costello goes ahead in comparing the mass killing of animals in abattoirs to the mass killings of Jews in Nazi death camps. All through her speech, Costello talk about and describes the Nazi death camps and she returns to discuss death while talking about Nagel’s bat-being. â€Å"What I know is what a corpse does not know: that it is extinct, that it knows nothing and will never know anything more. For an instant, before my whole structure of knowledge collapses in panic, I am alive inside that contradiction, dead and alive at the same time. † (Derek, 32). Costello’s talk about lives of animals can be more or less lessened to her own solitude, seclusion and awareness of her own human mortality and all that she required was compassionate interaction with other human beings. In Slow man Costello is illustrated as returning rejuvenated. In The Lives of Animals, when Costello starts her conversation, she returns to her use of Kafka earlier in another speech, â€Å"What is Realism? † in which she identifies with Kafka’s ape, Red Peter. In both cases Costello points her similarity with Red Peter in that they are both salaried entertainers performing before a literate audience. Afterwards in her speech, Costello returns again to Kafka, and uses the terminologyâ€Å" amanuensis† two times with reference to the association between Kafka and his imaginative creation, the ape Red Peter (Franz, 35). The meaning of â€Å"amanuensis† is a person employed to take dictation or to copy manuscripts. The use of the phrase is not usual since it implies that Kafka the author took dictation from Red Peters in his imaginative creation. The same case applies in the relation between the writer Coetzee and Costello his imaginative creation. In the two cases, the normal causal association between the author and the character, creature and creator is interchanged. Costello and Red Peters are used by the authors as creatures that have an artistic reliability, a life of their own, which the authors have represented faithfully. The authors have respected the individual beings and voices of these creations. The two creations are required to come across as living animals and not just the ideal of animals. In â€Å"What is Realism? † Costello disputes that the greatness of Kafka is that Kafka stays awake during the gaps when people are sleeping. † WORKS CITED Derek, Attridge, J. M. Coetzee and the Ethics of Reading: Literature in the Event. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 2004. Stephen, Mulhall, The Wounded Animal: J. M. Coetzee the Difficulty of Reality in Literature and Philosophy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2008. Paola, et al. , The Death of the Animal: A Dialogue, New York: Columbia University Press: 2009. Franz, Kafka, The Diaries of Franz Kafka 1910–23 . London: Vintage, 1999.