St. Anselm's Ontological Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

St. Anselm's Ontological Argument - Essay Example That is, absolute cause of everything, which implies that God exists. Anselm at the beginning starts by explaining and rooting his ontology in the Christian understanding of God, in that He is â€Å"something beyond which nothing greater can be thought† (Pojman & Rea 139). In this regard, Anselm implies that Gods is the end in power, love, truth and other qualities beyond which nothing of better quality can be conceived. Anselm takes the reader through two steps: he explains and defines the basic qualities of God in relation to his divineness and explains the absolute necessity of God‘s existence in the universe in relation to nature. In the first regard, Anselm narrates about God’s perfection. God is a perfect being in all angles, with other beings trying to emulate this perfection. By considering the order in nature, which Anselm relies on to prove his ontological argument, there is much perfection in nature where the orderliness of things that exist is puzzling . Nature and how it relates is so orderly that there has to exist a being either in understanding or in reality from whom nature owes its orderliness. Such a being has to be the absolute perfection, beyond which no other perfection can be possibly conceived and which is replicated by the physical orderliness of nature. This is because nature draws its orderliness not from itself, but from a power much greater and perfect than itself. Such a being as Anselm states cannot be said not to exist, as his powers are manifested by what really exists. A thing cannot cause itself, but has to have a higher cause from which it derives its existence. This means that the perfection in nature has its cause from a higher perfection, beyond which no more perfection can be thought, which is God himself. Anselm explains the difference between what exists in understanding and what is real. For instance, persons, tables, trees or what is seen or experienced exists in reality having a close contact with humanity. This means that these things exist and there is no argument about their being or not being. However, Anselm defines another classification of things that exit in understanding. These things still exist, though in a different way from those that are known in reality; consequently, it is possible that something will exist in reality and at the same time in understanding. For instance, a painter who proceeds to paint has what he wishes to paint existing in understanding and paints it to exist in reality (Pojman & Rea 139). This as Anselm argues implies that there has to be a form of that which exists in reality, which exists in understanding. Considering a table, there has to be an idea of what a table looks like, which is the perfection form of the thing and which exits in understanding. As Anselm states, â€Å"the fool says in his heart there is no God, when it is so evident to the rational mind that you among all beings exist most greatly† (Pojman & Rea 139). By the mere fact that even a fool recognizes that there has to be power where everything seems to converge, or behind anything they may not fully understand the actual cause, portrays that such a fool does not totally reject the existence of God. Moreover, that which is real exists despite our understanding. Consequently, the thought of existence of such a superior being implies that God really does exist. If a fool does not think

Theodore and Wilson Essay Example for Free

Theodore and Wilson Essay When we are writing about progressivism, there were three progressive presidents that were in the White House from 1901 – 1921. That was Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson. Between these three of our president together, it is said that they were very different however, they did have one thing in common reform policy and regulations in American Society. This here is about the election of 1912 when the current President Taft who was at the time said that he was not interested in a second term at heart. Theodore Roosevelt who endorsed Taft after he stepped down in 1907 became very unhappy with his actions at the White House, so decided that he would run against him however he was not endorsed as a republican runner. He decided and determined he would begin his own party The Bull Moose Party. Roosevelt ran on, standing on his past record and his new vision. The two front-runners were Wilson and Roosevelt however in turn this just split the republican votes and Wilson was the elected one. Theodore Roosevelt was a war hero, known for his action taken during the Spanish-American Wars and leading the charge with assembly of the Calvary Unit â€Å"The Rough Riders† He was also known for being a very out spoken courageous man. . Theodore Roosevelt experience extended as a New York City Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Cornel and Governor. His belief in â€Å"speaking softly and carrying a big stick.† Another interesting fact was that Theodore Roosevelt did not traditionally â€Å"join the Army† prior to the war he was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonial at the beginning of the idea that the United States going to fight a war against Spain in Cuba. Theodore Roosevelt was not at first elected to be President United States however, he was elected as the Vise President. He was the succors’ of McKinley who was shot in Buffalo, New York on September 06, 1901 and died September 14 1901, this is when the Vice  President Theodore Roosevelt became the President of the United States. This here was the beginning our new president vowed to change and lead the country in a direction that he believes was right. While in office He demanded a â€Å"Square Deal†, He thought that industries should be regulated for the interests of the American people by regulating, fixing up what he believed were problems. Such as control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation. His square deal vision was that every American gets a fair chance, at the time many companies were taking advantage of the people of the United States and created unfair working conditions. Therefore, came the term â€Å"The big stick† in which he was known for threatening to use against companies. He busted 40 other companies up using this method. His vision was for the government to take control by regulating. He did this by implementing Trusts regulation, Meat Inspection Act, Pure Food and Drug Act, Roosevelt Corollary construction of the Panama Canal. His new campaign was about the New Nationalism. His beliefs were that a president should take any actions for the common good of the people of the United States. â€Å"This country belongs to the people who inhabit it. Its resources, its business, its institutions and its laws should be utilized, maintained or altered in whatever manner will best promote the general interest.† (American Experience. 1912) His belief in the preservation of conservation the protecting wilderness to create millions of Ackers protected by the government, this help create the National Parks such as Yosemite Pak, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Another belief was that we should have a mighty military and build the largest Navy in the world and believed that everyone in the world should be aware. Woodrow Wilson was always in the political arena as he studied government at Princeton University Major in American Politics and also received a PhD in History and Political Science from Johns Hopkins University. Woodrow Wilson was nominated as President of Princeton University, and then was elected Governor of New Jersey, which lead him to be President of the United States. (Bowles, 2011) While in office Woodrow Wilson took some of Roosevelt’s ideas such as saying all trust were bad trust, he was very aggressive on eliminating all. He disliked big business he thought that all monopolies and trust should be broken up because they were hurting the smaller business and the people of America by doing so he said that he was offering the citizens a New Freedom, by setting up all new Acts. He set up the Federal Trade Commission Act to regulate business to stop unfair practices. This was where people could bring complaints about trusts to the government and have a hearings on unfair practices. â€Å"Clayton Antitrust Act banned business that limited free enterprise â€Å"It was important because it eliminated price discrimination, made illegal the acquiring of stock in competing companies to control markets, and restricted mergers of large companies.† (Bowles, 2011) â€Å"While he was successful with the passage of the Underwood-Simmons Tariff, which lowered tariffs from 26 to 24 percent.† (Bowles, 2011) During the Wilson administration, we had the first graduation of income tax also Women came to vote during his time in the presidency Some of Wilson’s beliefs were that by studying public administration governmental efficiency could be increased in our country. He believed that a more moderate and had won the national election on the slogan He kept us out of war this was his call during his second term. This was something that he believed that we as a country did not have to fight any wars. In order to get things accomplished. It was as he thought that we did to need to fight wars in order to get our ways, to keep America out of the war in Europe. He also did not think that we needed a large military, which in turn was shown differently when we entered WWI. â€Å"At last a vision has been vouchsafed us of our life as a whole. We see the bad with the good, the debased and decadent with the sound and vital. With this vision we approach new affairs. Our duty is to cleanse, to reconsider, to restore, to correct the evil without impairing the good, to purify and humanize every process of our common life.† (American Experience. 1913) Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson These two president were the  definition of the progressivism they had remarkable ideas and careers. As progressive presidents, they produced quite a few notable achievements. They together set the stage and the direction that our country as a whole was steered in during both their time in office and regulations emplaced into motion that have helped shape our country today. â€Å"They were both political architects who did much to shape the landscape of 20th century and especially the office of the U.S. presidency.† (Bowles, 2011) They left behind legacies that made it tough for the next Presidents that followed them into the White House. References American Experience. (1912). Progressive Party Platform. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/tr-progressive/ American Experience. (1910). The New Nationalism. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/tr-nationalism/ American Experience. (1913). Woodrow Wilsons First Inaugural Address. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/tr-woodrow/

An Analysis Of The World Film Industry Economics Essay

An Analysis Of The World Film Industry Economics Essay In this research project, the target audience should to be the people working in the film industry. The results might be better validated through consultation with his target group, however, obtaining this data, e.g. via a survey, is problematic, as it is hard to predict the return rates. For this reason, this primary research could not be done. Nevertheless, secondary research will be adapted in this project, and this chapter will still contain the data from some scholars in order to provide some evidence in answer to the research question. It will also contain some data and results from EcoWin. EcoWin is a web-based database that collates a wide variety of financial and economic time series from over 100 different countries. Moreover, the economic concepts used in this project will be the multiplier effects. This is because the multiplier effect is a method by which job opportunities and wealth are created by attracting new industry to an area. It is used to explain the relationships between an industry and the related creation of wealth in the area. It could increase the amount of industries in the area, which would create more jobs and hence wealth and the overall image of an area. 3.1 The Multiplier Effect The multiplier effect can be seen in most industries, and can illustrate the improvement and development of an industry. The multiplier will meet its greatest impact where idle resources exist. The following model (diagram 1) is an example of this theory. It shows how the film industry could affect the economy. Although the film industry has been established in a particular country, it will need to decide whether the film will shoot locally or overseas. Each step will lead to different consequences. For instance, where the film industry decides to shoot a film overseas, it may induce jobs to that country, which will help the country to improve their technology and cultural. Furthermore, this will help them to attract more companies from overseas to invest in their country. This may successfully raise some of the countrys GDP. As seen in Appendix 1, information from the UK council, it was stated that the multiplier effect had helped the UK gain  £425 million in tax revenue and had c ontributed  £1.6 billion to their GDP per year. This shows the significance of the multiplier effect to the economy. Diagram 1 Example of the Multiplier Effect in the Film Industry. Chapter 4. Data Analysis and Results The factors that might affect the economy are categorised as employment, tourism, technology and culture. Taking a film festival or shooting a film as an example, we can compare the unemployment rate during the hosting of the festival and during any other time. This is because the employment rate might only affect the countrys economy within a short period of time. In addition, the tourism, culture and technology elements spillover to the film industry might also affect the local or national economy. India, Korea and Hong Kong are all examples of developing countries that are showing good performance in their film industry. This chapter will compare the results from selected developing countries (India, Hong-Kong) and developed countries (UK, US), to see if there are any similarities and differences between them and why. This chapter will also try to investigate only one film Blood Diamond, released at the end of 2006, because the ranges of the film industry are too big. This film was produced in America but shot in South Africa, so it is a good example for this project to investigate. Furthermore, we will compare the tourism rate before and after the release of the film to see whether there were any affects to the economy. It might be easy for people to find out whether are there any relationship between film industry and the economy. Also, by finding some data of labour income and referring to the multiplier effect (diagram 1), we will draw a timeline of the film industry to see the threshold and investigate and analyse all the process the between developed and developing countries. The result may able to show whether the development of a film industry will help to increase the LDCs economy. 4.1 Developing countries (Hong Kong India) VS Developed Country (US) To find out whether the film industry could help and improve the LDCs economy, we will compare the growth of the film industry in developing countries and a developed country. 4.1.1Hong-Kong India Hong-Kong and India are both developing countries that are performing well in their film industries. Hong-Kongs film production reached its highest levels during the 50s and 60s. However, after the world war, the education of the new generations became more Occidentalising; one of the reasons for this is because traditional Hong-Kong films were not able to meet the audiences taste. Bringing in US films, also bring in their culture and technology. For example, the performed of the new 3D technology from the US in 2009, it had helped to increase the revenue for Hong Kongs film industry. From a report of US Commercial Service (2010), said that the new 3D technology has helped grow Hong-Kongs box office, it had gain US$151.9 million in 2009 which had grown 6.5 percent from 2008. It shows the affect of the USs film industry to the Hong-Kong economy. Moreover, from the Financial Express (2002), it had stated that the India film industry could contribute around RS 50000 crore to their GDP. Bhushan (2010) had also stated that the film industry had contributed $1.5 billion to the Indian economy from 2008-2009. The Website Indiancinema.com (2008) has stated that filmmaking in India may be the best among all developing countries because other countries are more sophisticated in their technologies. Moreover, it also provided evidence  [1]  that the development of the film industry will support the economy. 4.1.2 US UK Nowadays, the US film industry could be considered the most successful, as it has produced such a high number of famous films. Also, the US film industry might have a higher budget for shooting films, because their financial resources are much more abundant compared to others. However, the US film industry was not like this at the beginning, and has undergone a number of development processes. The following shows the impact from film industry to UKs GDP in 2009; it had reinforced the fact that the film industry could affect the economy. Table 1 Summery of Economic contribution of UK film industry 2009. (Source: Oxford Economics) 4.3 Tourism: The inducement of tourism is one of the important factors that the government should pay attention to. Tourism might increase in other countries because of the publics attraction to the films or stars; it will create an incentive for the local economy. For example, the rise of tourism will also cause a rise in production, which may in turn raise the local economy. 4.3.1 South Africa Many scholars have agreed that the film industry might affect the economy by drawing in tourists attracted by the film. Figure 1 shows the total arrivals and departures of foreigners in South Africa. Both the arrivals and departures rates are increasing each year, showing successful development. In early 1986, both rates increased at a slow tempo until 1990, after which they both had a sharp increase. During 1995 and 1997, both rates are growing unstably, showing slight fluctuation. Mongabay (2009) stated that Africas economy had been shaped over many centuries, and started getting better in 1994 because of their new government policies, which also improved the health of their economy and saw a growth in their GDP  [2]  . Figure 1 South Africa: Total Arrivals/Departures of Foreigners. (Source: EcoWin) 4.3.2 America: 4.4 Labor Market: Employment/Unemployment The employment rate might only be significant in the developed world, with no reverent correlation in the third world. Refer to the Multiplier effect (Diagram 2), the exits of film industry will provide jobs for the local, and will induced jobs overseas in short run. The example of a US film Blood Diamond shows that, although the film industry will induce jobs to South Africa this will only apply while the film is shooting. This only shows a small effect on the local economy, unlike the countries that have built their own film studios, like the US, and who will be available to provide long-term employment opportunities. Figure 2 US: Full/Part time/Total Employment. (Source: EcoWin) It is important to note that the national employment rate is not affected by the film industry; however, it will affect the local employment rate temporarily. This is because the employment rate will only be affected while the film is shooting, unless the country builds a film studio in order to apply long-term employment. In other words, the film industry will only have a certain amount of effect in the national labor market. 4.4.1: South Africa: As the film industry may bring in some job opportunities for local people, Figure 5 shows the comparison of total employment and unemployment from 2001 to 2009, while Figure 6 shows the unemployment rate in South Africa. Table 3 in Appendix 3 shows that while the unemployment rate in South Africa in 2006 is at its lowest, the employment also starts to rise. Figure 3 South Africa: Total Employment/Unemployment. (Source: EcoWin) Figure 4 South Africa: Unemployment Rate. (Source: EcoWin) The film industry will be able to affect the employment rate locally in the short run; however, it will be impacting the income rate of the local people in the longer term. As Figure 7 shows below, the income rate is increasing each year; it started to grow faster in 1985, and rose sharply from 2000 to 2006. Relate this to Table 5 in Appendix 3, the income in 2004 is 141167, 156270 in 2005, rising to 193678.5 in 2006. It had increased by 37408.5 from 2005 to 2006, a sharp rise. Part of the reason for this might be that the film Blood Diamond was shooting during this period. It affected the local income gradually. Figure 5 South Africa: Labour Income. (Source: EcoWin) 4.5 Cultural; Culture will show the characteristic of a country and could represent a country in some cases. In the film industry, each country will have different interests in the type of film they produce. For instance, Indian movies will be more likely to contain song and dance but in the US they prefer more a more hi-tech approach. As the song and dance in the movie are already become a feature to Indian film, this is why people had called the Hindi cinema as Bollywood  [3]  . Nowadays, people will recognise Bollywood as producing Indian films and Hollywood as producing American films; this could show the affect of culture. Sometime, the living habits of a country will be reflected in the movie. 4.6 Technology: The improvement of technology will affect the production of the economy and will have the power to affect the national economy as well. Where filmmakers shoot films in other countries, they might bring in some new technology. Or technology will be improved through communicating and competing with other countries. For example Avatar  [4]   in 3D was a novelty to many people around the world and attracted a wide audience, which resulted in high box office profits. US Commercial Service (2010), it has stated that gross revenue of Hong Kongs film industry is expected to expand in the coming years because of the opening of new multiplexes and 3D cinemas, and strong government support If this film had been released in some LDCs, it would have created an awareness and interest of some new technologies amongst the locals, who may not have seen this kind of high technique film before. It would enable let the LDCs to gain knowledge and information by the inducement of technology, or they may decide to use the same techniques used in the film in their own productions. Furthermore, the exchange of technologies between countries will cause a technology spillover. 4.7 Government Policy: Tax With regards to a government helping the film industry through tax relief, Wallack (2008) quoted a report by Massachusetts Film Office showing that when Walt Disney Pictures spent $50 million filming in Massachusetts in 2006, the company received nearly $10 million in credits from the state. The action of the government can affect the growth of the film industry, as shown in the example of tax relief. Moreover, it will be able to encourage local production. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 included, amongst a myriad of other business tax breaks, a measure to benefit small movie production by allowing full write-off of production costs up to US$15m, at a presumed cost of US$336m. On the other hand, in the early 70s there were loopholes in the US tax system, which caused shooting to exceed budget, which had a negative effect on the economy. Chapter 5. Conclusion Production, consumption and distribution are important in the film industry; these may affect the profits that the country may earn. For instance, if a countrys production levels are high, it may increase their employment rates and distribution and may raise the reputation of the country, which might then increase investment from other countries. Every country will have to face developmental stages, which shows the improvement of each sector in the country. Take the film industry as an example: not every country had cinemas from the very beginning but each started to develop as time went on. The development of the film industry might affect the economy because as people had more social time than working time in the past, they would tend to spend their time watching shows or performances. The increase of globalisation has made the film industry an international commodity. The success of the film industry in Hollywood has always been an objective for most of the countries. However, Rod (1998) argued that there is evidence that the US is losing the comparative advantage in the international media market. This is because of the rise in competition; nowadays most countries have their own productions in the film industry. But most of the film industries in the world were impacted by American filmmaking because it used the highest technology in this field during the films Golden Age . 5.1 Implications of the Study: The purpose of this study was to find out whether the film industry could affect a local economy. If it is a successful pathway, this sector could alert LDC governments to pay more attention to this. 5.2 Limitations of the Research: Not many scholars are focusing on the development of the film industry in a country. There is little data on this, therefore, which will impact the accuracy of this project. Moreover, problems relating to the primary research survey might affect the final result. 5.3 Recommendations for Further Research: The film industry might be one of the sectors that the government should try to pay attention to. While it may not result in large increases to an economy, there are still benefits to be gained. Because of the word limit that applies to this project, it is not possible to cover in detail every question relating to this topic. Further research should firstly focus on whether the film could impact the income in developed countries, if yes, it may be a useful resource for LDCs. Secondly, is the level of development is important in determining, if film is going to affect the national consciousness. In addition, investigation should be made into the measures that could be uses to answer the questions of impact.

All Quiet on the Western Front Essay: Pauls Facade -- All Quiet on th

Paul's Facade in All Quiet on the Western Front In Erich Maria Remarque's novel All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul Baumer paints a vivid picture of the horrors of war. Many of these horrors are purely physical, such as the constant bombardments and gunshots whizzing overhead. But along with these physical horrors come mental and emotional ones. Chief among these is the "war mindset" that the soldier must acquire in order to survive war. The essence of this mindset is the total disregard for human life, and with it, human beliefs and customs. War requires a suspension of these standard human beliefs and customs. Paul outwardly appears to have acquired this "war mindset," but he does not internalize it and thus eventually dies. For the most part, Paul at least outwardly appears to have adopted the war mindset. His actions are very much those of the typical soldier. For example, Paul, like all the other soldiers, will do anything he can for food. He is well accustomed to relieving himself out of doors: "Here in the open air though, the business is entirely a pleasure. I no longer understand why we should always have shied at these things before. They are, in fact, just as natural as eating and drinking" (8). Most of all, he values his survival above social customs: "We have lost all sense of other considerations, because they are artificial. Only the facts are real and important for us. And good boots are scarce" (21). For Paul, as for most soldiers, the rules of normal, polite society simply do not apply at the front. In the time between Paul's volunteering for the war and the beginning of the book, he has changed. For all the physical evidence, he is a common foot soldier. But Paul's transformatio... ... Paul wanted to get out of the war. Maybe Paul died on the right day; he loves quiet, and he dies on possibly the quietest day of the whole war. Maybe he just wanted to end his misery. In any case, Paul cannot accept the philosophy of war and thus gives himself up for death. Society wants soldiers to believe that war is glorious. But it is not. Society wants soldiers to believe war is an adventure. But it is not. Society wants soldiers to believe that our enemy is the only enemy, that our cause is the only cause, that our people are the only people. But there are many enemies, many causes and many peoples. According to Paul, all these causes are equally ignoble, and none of these enemies are worthy of being slaughtered en masse. For Paul, as for many people, past, present, and future, war is simply unacceptable, and nothing can repair the damage it does.

Music and Literature Essay

Music and literature have played an important role in our community and society since not only humans but the earth was born. It’s still a great mystery as to who invented or made music first. But first of all we shouldn’t focus as to when was music made but should see that what actually music is? How to define music has long been the subject of debate; philosophers, musicians, and, more recently, various social and natural scientists have argued about what constitutes music. The definition has varied through history, in different regions, and within societies. Definitions vary as music, like art, is a subjectively perceived phenomenon. Its definition has been tackled by philosophers of art, lexicographers, composers, music critics, musicians, linguists, sociologists, and neurologists. Music may be defined according to various criteria including organization, pleasantness, intent, social construction, perceptual processes and engagement, universal aspects or family resemblances, and through contrast or negative definition. Music is sometime said to be a branch of literature. Now the question stands that what is literature? Literature is the body of all written works; the collected creative writing of a nation, people, group, or culture; all the papers, treatises, etc. published in academic journals on a particular subject. Its particularly hard to understand but in simple words literature means a piece of work written deeply form the or whatever your experiences and brain say and to put that experience and the work of brain into a piece of writing. Literature comes from the Latin word literra meaning a piece of writing. Literature has many branches like narrative stories, novels, poems and etc. Music is also a famous branch of literature. There are many music lovers found all over the world. Music is further separated into many other branches e.g. jazz, pop and etc. Music has been with us since the start of our beautiful earth.

Heroism Beowulf and Sir Garwain

Beowulf and Gawain are both presented as heroic figures in their respective cultures. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrogar, who is the king of Danes. Beowulf explores his heroism in two separate phases- youth and age- and through three separate and increasingly difficult conflicts- with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. His youth heroism as an unfettered warrior and his mature heroism as a reliable king. In his youth, he is a great warrior, predominantly by his feats of strength and courage, which reflected by his fabled swimming match against Breca.His defeat of Grendel and Grendel’s mother validates his reputation for bravery and establishes him fully as a hero. In the combat with Grendel and Grendel’s mother, Beowulf completely shows his fearless and bravery. He makes his battle with Grendel more than a simple slay-the-monster task. By announcing that it will be a hand-to-hand combat, he gains extra glory for himself and the Geatis h king, Hygelac, turning the contest into a feat of strength as well as a fight against evil. He also perfectly embodies the manners and values dictated by the Germanic hero code, including loyalty, courtesy and pride.He shows enough respect and loyalty to king which can be seen from the poem, â€Å"Let whoever can /win glory before death. When a warrior is gone/ that will be his best and only bulwark. †Ã‚  (1387-1389). In the second part of the poem, through a series of retrospectives, I can recover much about how Beowulf comports himself as a king and warrior. Instead of rushing for the throne himself, he does not do what Hrothulf did in Denmark, he supports Hygelac’s son, the right heir, which proving his gesture of loyalty and respect. As Beowulf matures, becomes the king.The poet reflects further on how the responsibilities of king, during the encounter with the dragon, he acts for the good of the people and not just for his own glory differ from those of the hero ic warrior. Even through, Beowulf’s moral status becomes somewhat ambiguous at the poem’s end, he is still deserved as a great hero and leader. Sir Gawain is a humble knight of King Arthur’s court, which can be indicated in the poem, â€Å"I am weakest of your warriors and feeblest of wit/ loss of my life would be least lamented† (354-355).His modest claim to inferiority and his high status at court- he is Arthur’s nephew and one of Camelot’s most famous knights- testify to both his humility and his ambition. Loyalty and bravery are also the significant characteristic of Gawain, he is the only knight who steps out to save King Arthur, he takes the challenge from Green Knight, even though the Green knight essentially tricks Gawain by not telling him about his supernatural abilities before asking Gawain to agree to his terms, Gawain refuses to back off the deal.He stands by his commitments absolutely, even when it means jeopardizing his own li fe. Honest is another valuable virtue of Gawain. In the part 3 of the poem, he conceals from host the magical green girdle that the host’s wife gives him, revealing that, he values his own life more than his honest. He confesses his sin to the knight and begs to be pardoned and he voluntarily wears the green girdle as a symbol of sin which is a fully Christian idea. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are both very brave characters.There are many similarities between the two, and the differences between the two characters are also like night and day. The most significant similar is that both Beowulf and Sir Gawain are symbols of loyalty in their cultures. They also have their share of significant differences in this, but the theme of loyalty is so strong in both characters that it would be dishonest not to mention the similarities. Beowulf maintains his loyalty to his original leader, King Hygelac, while, at the same time, taking on another oath of loyalty to Hrothgar.Similarly, Gawain ta kes on an additional oath of loyalty when stays with the lord. Sir Gawain also shows his loyalty by challenging the Green Knight in place of King Arthur. One contrasting quality that can also be considered a comparative quality is pride. Sir Gawain appears in the beginning of the story as a humble knight. Later in the story Gawain gains more pride as he strays from his faith. Beowulf, on the other hand, has pride in himself throughout his story.In the story it is described how Beowulf makes boasts, and how in one occurrence, he has a swimming race with another man and has to stay in the water for seven full days, wearing his battle armor and fighting off water monsters. One of the biggest differences between Gawain and Beowulf are their faiths. Gawain is an obvious Christian. He celebrates Christmas and New Years. He also attends mass every morning, or so it seems. Conversely, In Beowulf s story, references to Christianity are made, but none of the characters seem to be tied to this faith.

Why Should We Vote essays

Why Should We Vote essays The word vote causes many different reactions from people. Some become aggressive and begin to express their opinions on various political issues while others try to avoid the topic completely. However, there is a vast majority who rely on pat answers to support their neglect in voting. They use excuses such as, it doesnt matter if they vote or not because their one vote couldnt possibly make a difference. They say they dont understand politics its just too confusing. Some feel that politicians are crooks so they need not bother voting at all. These are just a few of the common excuses heard from people who do not vote. All of these excuses surely wont make a difference in an election but one vote definitely will. There have been many close elections in history that would have had a different outcome if only one percent more had voted. The Presidential election of Kennedy vs. Nixon is a good example. That election was decided by Illinois with an average of only two voters per precinct. This small percentage of voters gave Kennedy victory over his opponent and put him in office. Many politicians spend millions of dollars on their campaign in an attempt to get as many votes as possible. There are many politicians like Ross Perot who do not think twice about spending money to attract prospective voters. In the 1992 presidential election Perot spent a phenomenal 71 million dollars to campaign for President. So, it is evident that politicians know that every vote they can attract will make a difference in the outcome of elections. Our society seems to have lost interest in politics for several reasons, some feel that our present leaders dont attempt to accomplish anything while in office and others feel they have been lied to so often they have forfeited their right to be trusted all together. What they dont understand is that voting and politic ...

Psychology of the Internet essays

Psychology of the Internet essays A Report on the Book by Patricia Wallace Today, the internet is a growing community. Millions of people from all over the world go online everyday to check email, research, shop, or even just interact with someone halfway around the world. As this community grows, so does the number of interactions between people. The Psychology of the Internet examines the psychology of new behavior produced by this novel method of human communication. It also delves into the business sector of the internet and how certain companies are using this medium to increase productivity within their companies and corporations. The book provides several examples of how the internet can affect the quality of an organizations production. When used in the appropriate manner, the internet can facilitate interaction between a group 24 hours a day and is only limited by the availability of a telephone line. The idea that a person must be in work and at his desk for production is becoming more obsolete as companies realize the potential of the internet. One impressive way the internet can help companies is the workgroups that can be formed internationally. A workgroup is a group of employees striving to achieve the same objective. In the traditional sense, these groups are formed in a room with notepads for each person to help them brainstorm and meetings at regular intervals until the project is complete. The internet revolution is changing all of that. The workgroups are no longer governed by the geographical positioning of its members. I found this particularly interesting because the idea of having a supervisor in Manila, a Research and Development team in Cebu, and a sales group in the United States is becoming more of a feasible possibility than ever before. The internet can also help employees overcome inhibitions that they may not be able to in person. This is due, in part, to the amount of social cues that are los...

Social Contract on Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social Contract on Healthcare - Essay Example It can be viewed as a service industry in which the consumers are patients who buy health services. In other words, the same criteria apply such as quality of service, reasonable costs and timely delivery of a needed health care service all determine whether a healthcare provider succeeds or not.   The United States health care system is largely a private enterprise and so is motivated mostly by the profit incentive (Porter & Teisberg, 2004, p. 1) unlike that of other countries like Japan or the United Kingdom, where the healthcare industry is almost socialist in its nature as it is a state-controlled sector of their economies. There is supposed to be healthy competition in this industry but experience shows otherwise; the quality has deteriorated and costs have risen greatly over the years due to distortions or externalities in the system. The famous â€Å"invisible hand† of the economist Adam Smith is not working in this industry, whereby individuals acting singly for thei r own benefit is supposed to improve society as a whole (Smith, 1776, p. 28). Some factors causing this market distortion is that the pricing system is not transparent. The right price is supposed to regulate the demand and supply in this industry, just like any other industry, where pricing is the mechanism by which free markets operate in a capitalist economic system. The healthcare industry is no longer what it once was, a perfectly competitive market, but replaced by an oligopolistic setup due to the mergers and acquisitions taking place where the industry continues to undergo further consolidation among the service providers.  Ã‚  

Why the Louisiana Never Recoverd From The Civil War Term Paper

Why the Louisiana Never Recoverd From The Civil War - Term Paper Example The aftermath of the Civil War was disastrous and eleven states out of the union were waiting to be readmissioned. The War had smashed the economy of the South and had drained the sources required for repairing the inflicted damage. The land was dotted with white refuges wandering in search of food and bare necessities of life. On the other hand, countless Blacks who were at last free were either running with their masters or running away from their masters towards the lines of the Union. The rest of the four million individuals were busy testing their newly acquired freedom. The aftershocks of United States civil war during the early 1960s were felt long after the incidence. It reshaped the very core of the social structure on which the society existed. The events and chaos of the civil war can be argued as major influences on the later outcomes that transformed this nation into what it reflects today. Although, the war struck all the states of the region, Louisiana being an important state in the southern region was affected severely in the hands of this massive turn of events. Its importance was due to its strategic location with a trade port. Orleans, a city of Louisiana was biggest in the southern region and provided with lots of manpower to the federal army to fight in the war.

Marketing communication plan Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing communication plan - Lab Report Example Having prove themselves, surpassed criticism and withstand competition, Bosch surely will be the brand to highlight modernity and customer satisfaction. As its founder, Robert Bosch had envisioned, this new product â€Å"would provide a technological  innovation that would be enthusiastically accepted in the U.S. marketplace.† So would the new audio system be defined as well. A product is a bundle of physical, service, and symbolic attributes designed to enhance consumer want satisfaction. (Boone & Kurtz 364) The company aims to fill the need of the customer to be satisfied. This is why product development is crucial in assessing or finding out what consumers seek for in an audio system, in this situation for example. Consumers tend to look for the benefits in a purchase, whether premium or valued. The proponents plan to offer a competitive and defined sound system. The audio system would include a DVD/CD and MP3 player with an expandable memory that comes with a free SD card of a 16 gig capacity, a four speaker system with a 4.1 surround sound system that includes a subwoofer for a superior and enhanced quality, wi-fi capabilities that would enable remote access for speakers to be positioned in any part of the room, amplifier and digital radio tuner with a state-of-the-art turn table. The purchase of this audio system also comes with free music from Sony artists. From the very start, Bosch has represented leading-edge modernity in technology -- but, at the same time, Its founder also espoused timeless and humanistic values. (Bosch) This is how the product will be launched; timeless in design and features that would last to its most useful life; humanistic values that deliver needs and wants of the customer at the same time. At the launching event of the product simultaneously in each state, Bosch will give a forty percent discount for the first 20 customers. Along with this launching, a main event

Three Religious Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Three Religious - Essay Example In fact, there are fundamental differences in the interpretation and fundamental facts and beliefs of the three religious traditions which make the issue all the more complicated to resolve. To point out an example of the differences in the fundamental beliefs of these religions, the Christian tradition insists that Jesus Christ is the son of God whereas the Jews believe that the son of God is still to arrive. However, there have been convincing evidences in the history of the three religious traditions as well as their beliefs and practices which suggest that the Jews, Muslims and Christians all worship the same God. Thus, a clear understanding of the origin and history of the three religious traditions makes it obvious that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have a common God in the God of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob. Although one may identify fundamental difference in the understanding of the nature of God in these religious traditions, they all believe ultimately in the same God. The God of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob in Judaism, which is historically the first to commence, is the same God of the Muslims and Christians. The similarity in their faith in God becomes palpable when one recognizes conspicuous resemblance in the history of Abraham in the three religions.

Marketing communication plan Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing communication plan - Lab Report Example Having prove themselves, surpassed criticism and withstand competition, Bosch surely will be the brand to highlight modernity and customer satisfaction. As its founder, Robert Bosch had envisioned, this new product â€Å"would provide a technological  innovation that would be enthusiastically accepted in the U.S. marketplace.† So would the new audio system be defined as well. A product is a bundle of physical, service, and symbolic attributes designed to enhance consumer want satisfaction. (Boone & Kurtz 364) The company aims to fill the need of the customer to be satisfied. This is why product development is crucial in assessing or finding out what consumers seek for in an audio system, in this situation for example. Consumers tend to look for the benefits in a purchase, whether premium or valued. The proponents plan to offer a competitive and defined sound system. The audio system would include a DVD/CD and MP3 player with an expandable memory that comes with a free SD card of a 16 gig capacity, a four speaker system with a 4.1 surround sound system that includes a subwoofer for a superior and enhanced quality, wi-fi capabilities that would enable remote access for speakers to be positioned in any part of the room, amplifier and digital radio tuner with a state-of-the-art turn table. The purchase of this audio system also comes with free music from Sony artists. From the very start, Bosch has represented leading-edge modernity in technology -- but, at the same time, Its founder also espoused timeless and humanistic values. (Bosch) This is how the product will be launched; timeless in design and features that would last to its most useful life; humanistic values that deliver needs and wants of the customer at the same time. At the launching event of the product simultaneously in each state, Bosch will give a forty percent discount for the first 20 customers. Along with this launching, a main event

Were the liberal thinkers of the interwar period wrong to believe that Essay

Were the liberal thinkers of the interwar period wrong to believe that peace can be secured through international law and institutions - Essay Example With the atrocities of World War I (WWI) still fresh in the memory of most politicians, and with world anarchy a realistic proposition, the only viable interwar option available in the war vs. non-war dichotomy appeared to be the â€Å"Balance of Power† strategy championed by some of the days’ great thinkers (Sylvest, 24). Strained international relations made â€Å"balancing† power in an equitable, mutually agreeable manner a lofty, but urgent, goal. Realistically, an international institution with multiple stakeholders, representing all major world powers seemed to be the way forward – considering the immense toll (human and economic) the war had taken (Sylvest, 28, Ranney, 4). From the outset, however, there was significant philosophical disagreement about the ultimate roles and goals of such an institution, both between and within governments. The British Labour Party maintained an internationalist (not dissimilar to the concept of idealism in many way s) perspective, having fought the war along nationalist lines. Specifically, the party maintained that world progress, the ultimate target, could only be achieved by way of global democracy and world law. In this way, the party, and the internationalists as a group, argued that a) the conditions of international politics were malleable and that b) deliberate reform was necessary to enact democratic conditions (Sylvest, 20). As with many burgeoning ideologies, some of the internationalist philosophies were divisive: a liberal faction of the party held that the state could not impinge on the inalienable rights of individuals, and a socialist internationalist faction, in Marxist style, argued that â€Å"working men have no state (Goldmann, 56).†Although the internationalist perspective became popular and gained momentum, it did not fully represent either of the dominant views of the day: idealism and realism. The realists maintained, (some would argue as a reaction to interwar i dealism), that the conditions of international politics could not be changed, a nation’s main duty was to isolate and protect itself, nation states were primary actors in international politics, that the international system reached a dynamic but peaceful equilibrium via natural struggles for power (as opposed to a central governing body), and that nations must help themselves – as opposed to relying on assistance from others (Schmidt, 435). Conversely, the retroactively labeled †idealists† of the time, bolstered and transformed by Woodrow Wilson’s commitment to American Exceptionalism and belief in the power of democracy (embodied and communicated through his â€Å"Fourteen points† speech), promoted an ideological that aimed to transcend the left-right divide and establish peace through ongoing commitment to moral and ethical concerns – even at the potential cost of negatively impacting the nation state. To many, the idealists’ belief in democratic peace theory - the concept that similarly democratic nations do not fight each other, was especially appealing (Hoogenboom, 190). Though much space and attention has been devoted in textbooks to the dichotomization of the realist and idealist viewpoints of the day, and the idea of a peacekeeping international institution is often synonymous with Woodrow Wilson, in truth, the origins of these ideologies and potential resolution strategies span back much further. Two centuries prior to WWI and Wilson, Kant’s (1972) Perpetual Peace posits that the natural position of governments towards counterparts is war – which creates problems because conflicts between humans are unethical and â€Å"inconsistent with the rights of humanity.† Kant argued that war could essentially be institutionalized and regulated in order to

Three Religious Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Three Religious - Essay Example In fact, there are fundamental differences in the interpretation and fundamental facts and beliefs of the three religious traditions which make the issue all the more complicated to resolve. To point out an example of the differences in the fundamental beliefs of these religions, the Christian tradition insists that Jesus Christ is the son of God whereas the Jews believe that the son of God is still to arrive. However, there have been convincing evidences in the history of the three religious traditions as well as their beliefs and practices which suggest that the Jews, Muslims and Christians all worship the same God. Thus, a clear understanding of the origin and history of the three religious traditions makes it obvious that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have a common God in the God of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob. Although one may identify fundamental difference in the understanding of the nature of God in these religious traditions, they all believe ultimately in the same God. The God of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob in Judaism, which is historically the first to commence, is the same God of the Muslims and Christians. The similarity in their faith in God becomes palpable when one recognizes conspicuous resemblance in the history of Abraham in the three religions.

Were the liberal thinkers of the interwar period wrong to believe that Essay

Were the liberal thinkers of the interwar period wrong to believe that peace can be secured through international law and institutions - Essay Example With the atrocities of World War I (WWI) still fresh in the memory of most politicians, and with world anarchy a realistic proposition, the only viable interwar option available in the war vs. non-war dichotomy appeared to be the â€Å"Balance of Power† strategy championed by some of the days’ great thinkers (Sylvest, 24). Strained international relations made â€Å"balancing† power in an equitable, mutually agreeable manner a lofty, but urgent, goal. Realistically, an international institution with multiple stakeholders, representing all major world powers seemed to be the way forward – considering the immense toll (human and economic) the war had taken (Sylvest, 28, Ranney, 4). From the outset, however, there was significant philosophical disagreement about the ultimate roles and goals of such an institution, both between and within governments. The British Labour Party maintained an internationalist (not dissimilar to the concept of idealism in many way s) perspective, having fought the war along nationalist lines. Specifically, the party maintained that world progress, the ultimate target, could only be achieved by way of global democracy and world law. In this way, the party, and the internationalists as a group, argued that a) the conditions of international politics were malleable and that b) deliberate reform was necessary to enact democratic conditions (Sylvest, 20). As with many burgeoning ideologies, some of the internationalist philosophies were divisive: a liberal faction of the party held that the state could not impinge on the inalienable rights of individuals, and a socialist internationalist faction, in Marxist style, argued that â€Å"working men have no state (Goldmann, 56).†Although the internationalist perspective became popular and gained momentum, it did not fully represent either of the dominant views of the day: idealism and realism. The realists maintained, (some would argue as a reaction to interwar i dealism), that the conditions of international politics could not be changed, a nation’s main duty was to isolate and protect itself, nation states were primary actors in international politics, that the international system reached a dynamic but peaceful equilibrium via natural struggles for power (as opposed to a central governing body), and that nations must help themselves – as opposed to relying on assistance from others (Schmidt, 435). Conversely, the retroactively labeled †idealists† of the time, bolstered and transformed by Woodrow Wilson’s commitment to American Exceptionalism and belief in the power of democracy (embodied and communicated through his â€Å"Fourteen points† speech), promoted an ideological that aimed to transcend the left-right divide and establish peace through ongoing commitment to moral and ethical concerns – even at the potential cost of negatively impacting the nation state. To many, the idealists’ belief in democratic peace theory - the concept that similarly democratic nations do not fight each other, was especially appealing (Hoogenboom, 190). Though much space and attention has been devoted in textbooks to the dichotomization of the realist and idealist viewpoints of the day, and the idea of a peacekeeping international institution is often synonymous with Woodrow Wilson, in truth, the origins of these ideologies and potential resolution strategies span back much further. Two centuries prior to WWI and Wilson, Kant’s (1972) Perpetual Peace posits that the natural position of governments towards counterparts is war – which creates problems because conflicts between humans are unethical and â€Å"inconsistent with the rights of humanity.† Kant argued that war could essentially be institutionalized and regulated in order to

Cognitive Processes Paper Essay Example for Free

Cognitive Processes Paper Essay Subliminal perception is believed to be effected by its based finding of mind control, weather it’s one person or group of people. Mind control can be used on a group of people without their awareness. The perception of this idea is to get people to do things that would not normally do. For instance, during the 1950s there was a message that says Drink Coca-Cola which attack many people into trying this product or making them thirsty for a cold Coca Cola. This ad was used enter a person mind while making them thirsty for the item, because the company wants to sell their product (Pratkanis, 1992). This ad was used in order to send a subliminal message to the unconscious mind so they would try the product without knowing they were being control in to doing something they did not want to do. The company strategically is to mind persuade or manipulated each individual into doing what the company what the individual to without them knowing they are being brainwash into doing something new. Once an individual feeds into an ad, the subliminal message has persuaded several individual into trying or buying a new product. Subliminal Perception is a manipulation of thoughts, attitudes, and a behavior which is observes by their awareness of stimulus. Since there is some controversy, there is adequate evidence on how observer’s response can be affected by the stimuli in which they claim how they have not seen. The cognitive psychologist is not predominantly devastating, but the media and the public has responded several times to the notion of subliminal perception. Most people do not think of being subliminal manipulation but we need to determine whether the conditions are reflected within the product. So now each individual is control into purchasing these items without knowing how they were manipulated into making a purchase. Throughout the years subliminal perception has been used on many advertisements in order to influence each person to purchase their product weather they need it or not (Moore 1982, 1988). Visual perception is what we our eyes and brain does on daily basics. When looking at images we see them as a whole instead of in sections. Although, images can be broken into their visual elements, such as shapes, lines texture and color. These images that we see allow our eyes to focus helps our brain to get acquainted with the image, in order for us to transmit the information into our brain. Psychologist explains the process of the physical energy which is received by the sense organs. These sensory are converted into perceptions of sight, sound smell taste, and touch (McLeod, 2007). Since there are two different approaches of visual perception, the first approach is to perceive the constructive while approaching the pondering. The direct approach is to emphases the richness of the visual environment from moment to moment. Whereas the constructive approach is what could be considered the subsequent steps of the visual experience which include the roles of memory, imagination while problem solving the world as we see it. Although, the constructive approach attend to focus more on the cognitive factors rather than specify the aspects of visual stimulus (Rochat 1999) When processing the visual perception their main focus emphasize on the top down interpretation which inherent the expectation of our knowledge while surrounding the information of the cognitive factors. Wagner and Sparrow (2004) talk about the direct bodily feedback from the visual perception and how their action is significant and appreciate to the three dimensional worlds. Vision is the majority prevailing sense; in which we use for all information throughout the world. Once we open our eyes there is some form of light that enters our eye while processing this information to our brain. Once this information has enter our brain we see object and how they operate and they way they move. Visual perception has taken a different approach of perception, beginning with its function of vision which serves as an active observer within the environment. The general induction of our current knowledge is to study the vision and its function (Wade Swanston, 2001). Auditory perception has the capability to recognize and understand sound with explicit organs, such as a person ear. Each sound can exists in the form of vibrations which can travel through the air or other substances. Our ears can identify the sound of vibrations, while converting it into a nerve impulse which is immediately sent to the brain where it can be distinguish. If an individual is deaf he or she has no auditory perception because they cannot interpret any sound. Although, when it comes to animals they can make out different sound, especially dogs they are skilled in perceiving sounds of a very high pitch where as humans cannot hear a sound of that capacity. There are several factors that can affect the auditory perception further than hearing any type of sounds. Our brain is mostly responsible for it many processes it can turn a large group of incoming noise into something useful and clear. Auditory perception discrimination is a process of being able to know the differences between sounds; however it is tremendously important to know the language of sound as if it was speaking different sounds. Among the affect of discrimination the foreground and the background is a significant part of auditory discrimination. It’s important to be focus on the important noises so the not so important notice will not be so overwhelming to the human ear. ( Broadbent, 1958, and Cherry 1953). Reference Michael T. Swanston; Nicholas J. Wade Authors Visual Perception An Introduction 2nd Edition. McLeod, S, A. (2007). Visual Perception Retrieved from www.simplypschology.org

Tsiolkas Loaded and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra

Tsiolkas Loaded and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra One of the key concerns at the heart of communities is the notion of inclusion and exclusion. Loaded and Antony and Cleopatra Tsiolkas Loaded, and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra present a primary protagonist, both conduct themselves outside of the social norms expected of them. Ari, the character in Loaded and Antony from Antony and Cleopatra will be compared. A review of their behaviour and response at times of inclusion and exclusion in society. Fukuyama suggests inclusion is, the expectation that arises within a community of regular, honest and cooperative behaviour, based on commonly shared norms (Fukuyama: 25). Ari and Antonys self-expectations differ from community shared norms, which exclude them; though in moments of compliance to the expected behaviours are included to which both authors represent the protagonist in a non-socially-destructive light, compared to following individualistic desire. TsiolkasAri connects his sense of community in the main narrative within the drug scene, clubs, secret homosexuality and music. Tsiolkas introduces a day and night with a 19-year-old Ari as the narrator, and the main protagonist as the reader follows to witness Aris dramaturgy, in his dialogue and behaviour depending on his social interactions. A self-confessed interloper of the social norms expected by the family structure he states, What I am is a runner. Running away from a thousand and one things, that people say you have to be or should want to be. (Tsiolkas:180). The reader can be confused just like the protagonist as Ari enjoys others company and has the brotherly love to be concerned about his Sisters relationship and protects his older Brother from their sometimes cantankerous Mother. Furthermore showing empathy towards his mothers home situation, even enjoying the connection with his mother when drinking, and enjoying Greek music with friends and family. He considers his Th ea (Aunty) during a coffee cup fortune reading, has mindfulness of his friend Joes uncomfortableness of homosexuality and Aris though struggling with Joe growing up he chooses to remain without external comment on these matters. Moreover, the acceptance of Johnno (Yianni) Toula as a valid member of society, to which Ari himself admires Johnnos (Yianni) strength to transform himself into Toula, a brave move within the Greek community and Australia at the time. Although the reader is witness to Aris interactions, internal and external dialogue, comparatively Ari through action versus his inner dialogue towards family and friends presents the desire to be included. The paradox, Ari in Loaded is an agent of his exclusion, throughout Loaded, Tsiolkas failure to adhere to mainstream morality and sexuality meant exclusion from the immigrant communal experience. (Frangos:13) Moreover, portrayed by Aris choice by not conveying his homosexuality his Greekness or Australianisms, to himself nor his parents. Inclusion is only on his terms during a period of emerging into adulthood, understanding his sexual and cultural identity while additionally conducting himself in self-destructive binges of unprotected sex with strangers, drug and alcohol use, as he divides of his home city into negative quarters to which he does not identify as an actual community. Thus, Aris denial of identity in a time of confusion and rebellion as a teen verging on adulthood. He denies himself of social inclusion which notably he replaces with his walkman playing selected soundtracks to survive the everyday. Although at brief moments Ari is compelled to be included within his so cial network of family and friends he shifts from the Greek music, contemporary music and movie loving teen to A dedicated non-conformist, he rejects media culture for its second-rate quality, levelling effect and mass appeal. He also abhors the shackling traditions of his Greek community, which he harshly criticises. (Vernay:44) Tsiolkas, therefore, presents Ari to the reader with secret identity issues and self-abuse during a difficult period of growing up showing how destructive self-exclusion from the community can impact on the personal perception of self. Additionally, though the community is not a utopia when included can bring with it belonging. Shakespeares Antony in Antony and Cleopatra struggles between Roman Stoicism and Egyptian Epicureanism, fuelled by a social and internal conflict between his love for Cleopatra and the expectations from the Roman Empire. Antony, formerly a Roman hero who won his position and admiration of the Roman community as one of the three leaders of Rome. Although, Shakespeare introduces Antony proclaiming his love for Cleopatra denouncing the Roman empire and his role within it. To which the next scene Antony is struggling with this proclamation, fearing the loss of his Roman identity while idle and enjoying the luxury Alexandria has offered him, recounting the glory days of his heroism, as a leader of Rome. Shakespeares use of two ideological and geographical places represents the opposing directions of the individualistic desire of Antony and the conflict between his reason, loyalty, and social expectations of both locations. Antonys duty, desire, socially expected obligations to Rome and hi s need to be indulgent of socially undesirable behaviour cause Antony to question his inclusion in both places but also his Roman-ness, the value he places in honour, as a part of his identity. Antony, nevertheless, participates in a deconstruction of his own not Antony identity at the opening of the play by resisting, ignoring, or attempting to replace his Roman-ness with a reconstruction based on his own desires and plans. (Galante: 9-10) Antony, recalls the joy and admiration of his inclusion in Roman society as a heroic champion of Rome, where is spontaneity and love of indulgence are celebrated and excepted, though frowned upon at times where his desires superseded the role Rome expected him to take. To assist Antony to his former glory, the arranged marriage of Octavians sister Octavia brought temporary peace, although Antony could not honour his marriage and returns to his desires back to Alexandria and Cleopatra; which Octavian himself questions Antonys loyalty: No way excuse his foils when we do bear So great weight in his lightness. If he filled His vacancy with his voluptuousness, Full surfeits and the dryness of his bones Call on him fort. But to confound such time That drums him from his sport and speaks as loud As his own state and ours, tis to be chid As we rate boys who, being mature in knowledge, Pawn their experience to their present pleasure And so rebel to judgment. (1.4.3) Shakespeare) While battling between self-desire and indulgence Antony is defeated by both Cleopatra and Octavian to which Antony is forced to face himself, and the exclusion he had created. The reality of Antonys fickle and unstable identity is an amalgamation of the opposites, he doesnt seem to have control over himself and is tantalised by discourses cruel play, he is not the engineer of his identity, and every contingent event drives in different directions. (Mohamadi:19). In defeat in battle and love, the struggle of only knowing victory as a part of identity excludes Antony more so, complaining to his attendant Eros, he feels himself changing, transitioning from one character to another as he attempts to restore his esteem and former identity to himself. Defeated, with false information on Cleopatras death sent by Cleopatra herself, rather than amending his character and social inclusion which incorporated loss. His choice to attempt to restore his identity as a unvanquished hero is by suici de believing his honour would be restored, and his name and story, therefore, included in Roman society as a legend of Rome. Shakespeares tragedy of the fall of Antony, the hero, shows as Fukuyama suggests inclusion is only successful when a person conducts themselves within the shared norms of society, Antonys waywardness and loss of what included him within Roman society ultimately created a self-righteous suicide. Comparatively, Ari is at a crossroads, at a confusing time while transitioning into adulthood, discovering his sexuality while struggling with cultural identity resulting in his extreme behaviour and exclusion from the community, through drug use and nihilism, though still enjoying his self-selected inclusion. Antony formerly had inclusion which gave him power and options, to which by choice excluded himself to pursue his desires, only to espouse the inclusion of his homeland he once had. Both protagonists have control of their inclusion and exclusion within their community both choosing to exclude themselves due to desire and resulting in both losing their identities, connectedness, and ultimately wanting a place of belonging. Moreover, Loaded ends knowing Ari is out there lost within himself and disconnected; the reader is left hopeful he will find inclusion socially and with self. Unfortunately, Antony story ends with his death; the reader is left to ponder if he lived could he ha ve brought back the heroic Antony from the lessons learnt. Tsiolkas Loaded, and Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra are from different eras and are of a different genre, but both present geographical separation and the impact society has on self and expected norms for inclusion. The Authors allow the reader to witness the tension individualism creates when it excludes those against the social standards of the community, and the joy that acceptance can bring when the personal desire is put aside to embrace community expectations in return. Bibliography: Frangos, Marina. Diaspora is a Greek Word: Words by Greeks on the Diaspora. Irish Journal for Culture, Arts, Literature and Language, Vol. 1: Iss. 1, (2016) Article 3. Fukuyama, F. Trust: The Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity. New York: Free Press (1995). 25 Galante, Paul. Yet cannot hold this visible shape: Antonys Roman identity crisis in William Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra . Theses and Dissertations. (2001) Paper 691. Mohamadi, Abolfazl. Constructive Power and Discordant Discourses in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences Online: [SciPress Ltd., Switzerland and University of Tehran, Iran] Vol. 58, (2015) 18-24. The Shakespeare Head Press. The complete works of William Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra. Wordsworth Editions, Clays Ltd, St Ives plc (1996) 924-964 Tsiolkas, Christos. Loaded. Random House Australia: ePUB ISBN: 9781742743882 (2011) 1-162 Vernay, Jean-FrancÃÅ' §ois. Only Disconnect-Canonizing Homonormative Values: Representation and the Paradox of Gayness in Christos Tsiolkass Loaded. Antipodes, Vol. 20, No. 1 Wayne State University Press (2006) 41- 45. Additional references Crane, Mary Thomas. Roman World, Egyptian Earth: Cognitive Difference and Empire in Shakespeares Antony  and Cleopatra. Comparative Drama, Vol. 43, No. 1 (2009) 1-17. Hauthal, Janine.Writing back or writing off? Europe as tribe and traumascape in works by Caryl Phillips and Christos  Tsiolkas, Journal of Postcolonial Writing, Vol.51, No. 2, (2015) 208-219. Ricard, Nathalie Effects of Social Exclusion and Inclusion on Basic Needs Satisfaction, Self-Determined Motivation, the Orientations of Interpersonal Relationships, and Behavioural Self-Regulation. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing [ProQuest Dissertations and Theses] (2011) 1-159.

Strategies Of Success From Stanford :: essays research papers

Everything that has ever ‘come about’ in the world, started in the beginning as an idea. In order for anything to be invented, the inventor had a dream, an idea to make something that would help them and the people around them. Schools today, teach students to change the world- to take charge and stand up for things you believe in. The former president of Stanford University, Clark Kerr, once said, â€Å"The university is not engaged in making ideas safe for students. It is engaged in making students safe for ideas.† This statement can be taken two ways, both positive and negative.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We’ll save the best for last and, for now, start with the negative. This whole statement can be taken as a pessimistic view of the future. It seems to say that we, the young men and women of the next generation, are unable to continue doing things the way they were done in the past. It seems to say that we need to be taught how to think, and be told that what we want to gain isn’t the right thing. It’s like telling a little child that there is no Santa Claus- everything we believe in is completely changed. â€Å"†¦Making students safe for ideas.† Reading this alone makes it seem as if Julian, Erika the students are not smart enough to decide on his or her own which ideas to take advantage of. As if, the ideas are the ultimate prize and we, the students, are the contestants in a game show, competing to the death to have the best idea of all. It seems to say that we need to be conditioned and shown just what an ‘idea’ is and what to do with one. If you compare it to a gun, for example, you need to be taught how to take proper care of a gun, what to do with one and what not to do with one. The same idea can be put as a meaning for this quote. If you look at it through my eyes, the positive side of the quote has a much bigger impact on me than the negative side does. The optimism seems to jump out at me, blazing like a beachside sunset. This entire quote seems to say, in it’s own way, that schools are here to show the students that their imagination is completely limitless.

Pride and Prejudice :: essays research papers

This passage is an account of a conversation that goes on largely between Mrs Bennet and Mr Bingley, yet at the same time, it manages to reveal aspects of the other characters in the way that they react to this situation. In accomplishing this, the passage is a showcase for many [vague] of the narrative techniques that Austen has employed consistently throughout the course of the novel. In this extract, like many other passages, characters that go off on tangents and have long monologues to bored audiences hardly have anything worth saying, and it is the short, sharp, personal introspections of other characters that truly provide accurate assessments of situations and people. As in this excerpt, the more Mrs Bennet talks, the more she reveals herself to be shallow and ignorant, as when she goes off into a long discourse about Lydia leaving her (which Mr Bingley does not particularly care about), finally trying to end with a pointed remark towards Mr Darcy "he has some friends, though, perhaps, not so many as he deserves", leaving the reader to cringe [irony] with the stupidity and ignorance that she seems so eager to flaunt. In fact, this is repeated throughout the entire novel, such that characters like Mrs Bennet, Lydia, and Mr Collins allow themselves to indulge in long, rambling monologues that no one is particularly interested in listening to, revealing themselves to be flat and superficial characters. Significantly, the characters that are developed, and have moral fibre, whilst thinking a lot and having a lot of reflection, largely permit themselves to indulge in over verbosity in conversation, as Elizabeth shows in this extract, making observations on her mother's behaviour ("such unnecessary, such officious attention!") and her own state of mind, yet she never actually voices out her thoughts to those present. This reticence is also reflected in Mr Darcy, who is similarly disinclined towards exposing his views. This provides a stark and glaring contrast between the various characters, and it is Austen's way of reminding us gently throughout the novel that the one who expounds the most may not necessarily be the most knowledgeable. Austen allows characters such as Elizabeth, that are normally calm and rational, to indulge in exaggeration and melodramatics, before revealing a comic let down, an anti-climax of sorts. In this extract, Elizabeth works herself up into a frenzy, passionately decrying how that "their (Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley) society can afford no pleasure, that will atone for such wretchedness as this!" She then goes on to resolutely wish that she will "never see either one or the other again!".

Walker: White People and Well-educated Black Man

A well-educated black man, with dreams of making it in the world, is What Jerald Walker was determined to do. Walker had grown up in a community where opinions about â€Å"whites† were shared by everyone. Whites discriminated against black people and anything that was believed as bad by black people, was blamed on the white people. In order to succeed, Walker would have to â€Å"Be† like his brother Clyde. Clyde did not fit the â€Å"stereotype†, of a regular black man. His brother said things like, â€Å"whites aren’t an obstacle to success† and â€Å"only you can’t stop you†.In Scattered Inconveniences, Jerald Walker is up against what seems to be a â€Å"redneck cowboy† that is trying to intimidate and scare because his family wasn’t from that part of the country. it turns out that the guy honking his horn and riding his bumper, is just a good Samaritan trying to prevent a washer from falling out of the back of Walkers truck. I think that Walker is talking from his own experience, when he states that everyone is a racist just by nature, he is saying that we all learn stereotyping from the people around us.I don’t think that his statement is necessarily being a racist, I feel that everyone is discriminated against for something whether it be the color of our skin, the clothes that we wear, or the place that we live. I see myself being like Walker, just assuming this guy is out to hurt me and my family just because I’m a different race. Not fitting the stereotype, I would probably react the same, just get mad and then feel really bad for just automatically thinking the worse first.

Disadvantages of Texting

Texting on the phone while driving can be a very dangerous thing to do. As someone looks at the phone and concentrates on the text messages, they will become distracted from driving. Distracted drivers can cause car accidents and injuries or death to themselves or others. Texting causes delayed reactions, which increase the chance of getting into an accident. According to Cary Aspinwall, when texting while driving, drivers take their eyes off the road for 4. 6 of 6 seconds. A National Safety Council fact sheet states drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash. The Harvard center for Risk Analysis reports the annual cost of crashes caused by cell phone use was estimated at $43 billion in 2003. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Orthopedic Trauma Association are also urging drivers to never text message while behind the wheel, due to the frequent treatment of injuries resulting from car accidents of drivers that have been texting. Texting while driving should be avoided, making the roads a safer place for driving. Texting is changing the importance of grammar and proper spelling, causing many problems because people do not know how to write formally and accurately. With the language of texting; grammar, spelling, syntax and abbreviation do not matter anymore. Dixon and Kaminska currently researched using a paradigm, showing that exposure to phonetically plausible misspellings negatively affected subsequent spelling performance with adults. Texting in the in school can result in distractions to the person texting and the surrounding classmates. Sending and receiving text messages during exams is a way one can cheat and get the answers, taking away from the learning process. The Florida Time-Union stated out of 269 students from all classes, 10 percent admitted to transmitting text messaging during exams. Texting in school can also pose a safety issue in text messages being sent and received on threats and rumors. According to Deborah Lee and Maureen McMahon, in April 2008, the Manhatten court of appeals, noted that cell phone bans in public schools are constitutional.

A Study of Catholicism

When catholic is used as an adjective, it means universal, open or general. I have read art magazines and reviews that have described certain art collections as catholic in its uniqueness. The fact that Catholicism has its root in the word catholic is not a coincidence. In his essay Catholicism: A Synthesis, Richard McBrien says that it is this notion that distinguishes Catholicism from other religions, Christian and non. The notion is that Catholicism is a religion that is based on open-mindedness. McBrien alludes to flags to clearly define his thesis. Many flags of the world share the same three colors. He uses the colors red, white, and blue. The flags for Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cuba, and France all share the same three colors, yet they are not configured the same way. The flag of the United States has fifty stars and the French flag has three thick bars of color. It is in this way that McBrien relates the flags of the world to Catholicism. The Catholic Church is distinguished from other Christian religions by the configuration of its practices and characteristics. Plagiarism Detection >One instance that I read about in the news recently was about a young girl in England who became pregnant. The girl went to her church and told her priest. The priest then referred the girl to the Cardinal of that area. The twelve-year-old girl comes from a family that can barely afford food and clothes, let alone support a new child. Abortion was obviously not even an issue in this case. The clergy decided it would be best to use church money and support this girl in her pregnancy. This shows openness on the part of the Catholic Church because they could have shunned this twelve year old girl, and ignored her pleas for help. However, they decided to take a risk and help her.An instance in which the church is not so open has to do with homosexuality. I know that the Catholic Church embraces good causes, and finding a cure for AIDS is one. I know of Catholic c hurches that hold fundraising events, awareness seminars and promote AIDS benefits. There is such a thick layer of hypocrisy in this example. The church refuses to acknowledge homosexuals as human beings, yet the homosexual community is hit very hard by the AIDS epidemic. How can they embrace the AIDS cause, yet denounce homosexuality. This is just one instance of non-openness in the Catholic Church. Plagiarism Detection >Christian realism is critical thinking in the context of the Catholic Church. Realists take reality in the context in which it is in history. Christian realism is based on the contexualist outlook on life. Christianity itself is mediated by meaning, says McBrien. McBrien makes a good point when he says, Christian realism also rejects the notion that clear and distinct ideasare equivalent to the real itself. Ideas are never based on solely one thing. That is what is so great about Christian realism. It incorporates the idea of openness into decision making. Critical realism is used in every aspect of the Church. Nothing goes unchallenged, whether it is doctrines, dogmas or canonical directives.Richard McBrien makes some good points in his essay, Catholicism: A Synthesis. He made the reader aware of how open the Catholic church really is. He also makes us aware of Christian realism and how it works in association the Catholic Church. He clearly defines his thesis, that the Catholic Church is defined by the configuration of its characteristics.

LandScape of Kuwait Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

LandScape of Kuwait - Essay Example With these features in mind, it is helpful to consider the various components of the physical and cultural landscape of Kuwait that has made the country into the powerful regional force that it is today. Origin of the Landscape On its surface, Kuwait would appear to possess a landscape with quite a few possibilities. This is far from reality, however, as the small area of land, coupled with its lack of fresh water and inability to grow crops have made it is a harsh environment to thrive under for centuries. While it is in the Arabian Gulf, the climate is extremely dry. The landscape of the region has not developed much at all over the years. It is still the flat and barren desert that it was long ago. In fact, it appears that there are only slight elevations of landscape present throughout the relatively small country. The summer is particularly harsh on the landscape, as temperatures can get above 120 degrees F, or 49 degrees C, with relatively little rain to speak of. In addition, because of the barren desert landscape, there are frequent and severe sandstorms that add to the uniqueness of the country and contribute to the difficulty that the land affords daily Kuwaiti life. Ethnic Makeup of the Kuwaiti People It appears that Kuwait has been settled for several thousand years. The early inhabitants of the region actually traded with other Mesopotamian cities. Today, most of the population surrounds itself around Kuwait City. Nearly all Kuwaiti people are Arabs. There is a unique distinction among ethnic Kuwaiti’s, however, in that they are one of the few countries in the world where there own citizens actually form the minority. Only about 45% of the population today is actually Kuwaiti, with the rest being comprised of expatriate workers from around the globe. This certainly creates a unique cultural landscape. It is also important to note that Kuwait is home to numerous Bedoun and Bedoiun tribes. As opposed to the Bedoiun in other countries, however, even the ethnic tribe in Kuwait tend to live in city centers, while still maintaining there conservative and traditional ways of life (Osborn, 1977). They do tend to live in harmony with the ethnic Kuwaitis, yet they maintain their own way of life and cultural traditions. Role of Religion in Forming the Landscape Like many other countries in the Middle East, religion has played an integral part in the development of Kuwait. More than 85% of the population if Muslim. Of this number, nearly all Kuwaiti’s themselves identify with the Islamic faith. One of the primary tenants of this faith is that it impacts nearly aspect of the development of the country, and Kuwait is certainly no exception. The heritage and traditions of the Kuwaiti people, owed to their Islamic roots, remain relatively in tact today. It is interesting to note that Kuwait does guarantee the freedom of religion to all inhabitants, and this is largely honored without question. Remember, however, that most Kuwai ti’s are Muslim, so it definitely forms the foundation for government and social institutions. While this freedom of religion is guaranteed, the constitution of the country also designates Islam as the official religion of the state, and Islamic does largely form the basis for civil law in existence today. These are traditions that

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 96

Journal - Essay Example Problems are likely to arise if some of the workers discover that they earn less than their counterparts regardless of performing the same work. Conflicts are likely to arise and these can impact negatively on the performance of the organization. Conflicts are counterproductive and they can pose a serious challenge to the human resource management. The other issue that should be considered is that collective bargaining should be advocated in the event of awarding a salary increase to the employees. This helps to prevent salary discrimination where some of the employees may earn more than others regardless of performing the same task. This strategy helps to create a sense of belongingness to the company among all the employees belonging to the same department. Essentially, employees need to be motivated so that they can put optimum effort in their performance. This can be achieved through promoting equality among

Financial and monitoring strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial and monitoring strategy - Essay Example The new Office and Finance Manager has proposed the following financial and monitoring system with special attention to the legal and tax information requirements of ATO. As Real-time is registered for paying both GST and PAYG, the company is liable to maintain and provide records pertaining to tax calculations. These records should be kept for a minimum of 5 years as per legal requirements. As the company registered last year for payment of both these taxes, it is proposed that back up copies of accounting records and information listed as below to be kept in both hard copy forms as well as in soft copies written to CDs. As Real-time is currently having a computerized accounting system with customized business software, it is not a difficult task to acquire the necessary information and reports. However there is a marked lack of procedures for maintaining some of the above records and proof of information such as cheque stubs, deposit slips and credit card dockets. At most times, these items are discarded at month end or misplaced without being file and kept for record keeping. As such it is proposed that a record room be allocated separately for safekeeping or accruing records, bearing in mind the minimum five year requirement for maintaining business records to meet legal requirements. Investment in a low range server is also proposed so that the company’s computer system can be updated and all personnel be linked via network connections. This upgrading will also facilitate the implementation of the fleet tracking and monitoring software program proposed in a bid to minimize idle times, and other costs associated with ineffective delivery activities. As GST is payable on the service bills of Real-time, the GST component of 10% of bill value will be recorded in all invoices. The invoicing system has been already adjusted to carry out this task and the GST payable component is calculated automatically by

Practice of Research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Practice of Research - Assignment Example Being one of the most challenging activities in the research process, reviewing of the available literature is an important principle. It enables the researcher come up with a researchable problem. In their book titled â€Å"Practical Research: Planning and Design,† the authors Leedy and Ormrod (2010) put forth the statement that, â€Å"the existing literature is likely to tell you what is not known in the area- in other words, what still needs to be done.† Reviewing the available literature will expose the researcher to several areas of concern with the likelihood and expectation that he or she will generate sub-problems from the material before going to the major problems. Identifying a problem related to the researchers themselves is important since it will naturally motivate them into researching more (Leedy & Ormrod, 2010). After identifying this kind of problem, the researcher should then focus on the purpose of the research at hand with the ability of developing substantial

The importance brunttland report conncetion with tourism and travel Research Paper

The importance brunttland report conncetion with tourism and travel agency - Research Paper Example The report on the world tourism analysis of 2007 shows the number of international travelers had to increase enormously from 25 million in 1950 to 800 million currently. Brundtland report provides some analysis and recommendations for the sustainability of developments within the societies. This paper, therefore, will be highlighting the importance of the Brundtland report in connection with the tourism and travel agency (McChesney 43). Several governments have had to meet and approve Agenda 21 and the Rio declaration. The agenda 21 had to offer some blueprint on the sustainable development, while, on the other hand, the Rio Declaration had to articulate the vital principles for the sustainable development in the 21st century. The two documents enable the governments, organizations, and industries to work towards attaining the highest levels of sustainability as the Brundtland report defines that the development meeting the needs of the present without conciliating the ability of the coming generations to meet their own needs. However, the challenge is finding the balance between the sustenance, prosperity, and the people’s desire to be stable in financial, material well being with the underlying need for community, identity, home, and religion. Tourism and travel agencies, hence, plays a significant role in bringing some balance in these forces. Tourism and travel provides the livelihoods for the urban and the rural communities. It also enhance the community relations and make up the bridges of understanding and peace between countries, in which case it is possible when there is proper planning development and management (Sigala et. al. 43). The Brundtland Report considers the tourism and travel sector as the largest in contribution of the economy in the whole world. The report reiterates the main qualitative trends that one observes in the industry through the forms of increased market segmentation, development of new forms of tourism and the influenci ng of traditional package tours. Therefore, tourism and travel sectors have had to increase the market demand in various ways, in which case it has had to contribute the social, environmental and the economic sustainability. This has been possible by proper planning and management of the pressures from growth. The preservation of the tourism product, hence, helps in securing the future for many people. Many companies have had even to create stable responsible behavior. This is by ensuring they use their product and services to educate and inform their customers. This is in response to the need to safeguarding the natural resources (Sharpley 15). Tourism and travel, if utilized effectively, will go along the way in bringing a growth and economic success in the countries, both developing and developed. There is the potential that the markets enhance lives in a sustainable structure via providing the wealth creation, innovation, competition, and choice among others. The tourism and tra vel sector have these and other elements, in which case it enables it to be a vibrant market force for the future sustainability. The sector has the probability to increase exports, boost the economies GDP, bring in capital investment, and create employments. Tourism and travel creates jobs throughout the economy, both in organizations that get to involve directly in business and in the associated supplier industries,

Porters 5 Force for Hotel Essay Example for Free

Porters 5 Force for Hotel Essay The combined forces of an economic recession and H1N1 epidemic are causing the hotel industry to suffer in a time of great challenge. Business travel is down because of the recession and the pandemic has significantly reduced tourism. This paper considers three types of hoteliers in current market conditions in light of Porter’s theories. Now, more than ever, Porter’s well regarded thoughts on business strategy and the Internet, first published in 2001, are crucial to consider and they contribute to an analysis and critique of the hotel industry’s internet strategy. In his Harvard Business Review article of 2001 Porter said â€Å"To find the answer we need to look beyond the immediate market signals to the two fundamental factors that determine profitability: Industry structure, which determines the profitability of the average competitor and sustainable competitive advantage which allows a company to outperform the average competitor† (Porter, 2001). This paper examines the five forces which impact competitiveness within and thus the profitability of a competitor in the hotel industry. From the guidance provided in the Five Factor Model recommendations are made to enhance and refine internet strategy for the considered hotel chains. Hotels The hotels chosen for this paper are: Vintage Inns primarily located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, Sheraton Hotel chain and Best Western Hotel Chain. â€Å"Every business must design a strategy for achieving its goals, consisting of marketing strategy and compatible technological strategy and sourcing strategy†. (Kotler Keller,2006) â€Å"To identify rivals in the international hotel industry, current practice is to use price, segment and proximity† (Matthew, 2000). In previous work, Michael Porter outlined three additional generic strategies that could be used. These are: overall cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. â€Å"The point to be understood here is that any company can have a core competence, but it is competitive competence which gives them a chance to win. For example, Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Loews, Four Seasons, Intern-Continental, W Hotel, Hotel Sofitel, Le Meridien are ruling the hospitality industry. This is because of there ability to set up state of the art hotels and their ability to provide exceptional customer service with focus on customer relationship management. The customer relationship is a unique selling point (USP). The â€Å"Service† is both their core competitiveness and also their competitive competence† (Trehan, 2005) Porter’s Five Factor Model According to Porter (2001) the internet is an enabling technology that can be used within the context of a good business strategy in any industry. Although the Internet alters industry structures and levels the competitive ground often dampening profitability in the industry, it can be used to encourage and promote greater profitability if properly implemented. The five forces that impact competitiveness which are outlined in Porter’s 1980 work are: barriers to entry, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of buyers and sellers, and the rivalry among existing competitors. In 2001 Porter considered these factors in light of the internet technologies. The influence of the internet has been profound especially in the hotel industry. According to Porter each factor has a different relevance or impact on different businesses so they are presented below in order of impact for hotels. Porter indicates that the great paradox of the internet is that the benefits it creates such as making information easily available, reducing purchasing hassles, and marketing which allow customers to find what is of interest are the very things that make it more difficult for companies to â€Å"capture those benefits as profits.† (2001). The most important determinant of a marketplace’s profit potential is the intrinsic power of buyers and sellers. Threat of Substitute Goods In the hotel industry there is usually another hotel just around the corner. They appear in all price ranges, with varying levels of service and amenities. The constant challenge will always be to get the guest to choose your hotel over the competitor. The internet makes the overall market more efficient while expanding the size of the potential market and creating new substitution threats. Given the potency of this threat a superb internet presence is vital. Another ongoing threat is that another hotel chain may erode your customer base with a newly formulated internet approach or marketing campaign. This is supported by the following quote from Luck and Lancaster (2003): â€Å"The development of value chain process analysis, supported by collaborative event management over the Internet, the structuring and the sharing of customer focused value chain data, powerfully enhance the performance of value chains and of electronic commerce.† Bargaining Power of Buyers Business persons choosing a hotel for business travel are savvy consumers and they are comfortable with computer technology. It has become very simple for them to go online and book a hotel. They no longer need travel agents, corporate travel consultants or middle men of any kind to determine where they will stay. Porter’s model predicts this elimination of intermediaries. Tourists are more and more capable of using the internet in the same way but in another fulfillment of Porter’s model, they are more often bonding together in a novel way. They are finding internet businesses like cheaphotels.com which will negotiate or discover bargains for them. Both of these processes shift the bargaining power to the end user as the Porter model predicts and these same freedoms reduce the cost of switching so that loyalty is a thing of the past unless a particular hotel uses its one time opportunity when a customer stays at the hotel to deeply impress the customer with a unique and valuable differentiator. Rivalry among existing competitors The rivalry among competitors in the hotel industry is fierce. When potential customers can learn about a hotel on line, the internet reduces the differences among competitors. People tend to seek the best price for the best experience and the tendency is to reduce price to be competitive. The internet covers wide geographical areas so the market is widened increasing the number of competitors. For example, someone who wants to spend the day in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-:Lake can easily choose a hotel in a near by town if the amenities or the price are better. Variable and fixed costs can be different in areas that are more expensive to live and work making it more difficult for a hotel in Niagara on the Lake to reduce their prices to the level of one in nearby St. Catharines. Barriers to Entry The initial investment in the hotel industry creates quite a barrier to entry but certain barriers to entering the hotel market are reduced by the internet. A presence on the internet reduces upstart marketing costs somewhat, and gives the new competitor access to potential suppliers and resources. Even a bed and breakfast can use the websites of large chains to understand the key marketing concepts and the lures for customers. Switching costs are usually nil for a consumer. (McNurlin, 2006) A vital barrier would be differentiation. A hotel that can differential itself by location, by service, amenities or some other quality has the potential to attract and keep its clients. Another barrier to entry would be expertise. Unfortunately, in a mobile society employees frequently leave one hotel chain to work in another and they take that expertise in terms of training or of experience with them. It is in the areas of expertise and of differentiation that a hotel can make the greatest impact on its client and thereby on its bottom line. In fact many established companies have synergies between their established business and online technology. Bargaining power of suppliers While this is not a substantial threat in the hotel industry it can have impact especially in the area of labor. With an aging population, there are fewer people to fill service industry jobs and hotels which can attract excellent staff have a greater chance of providing excellent and exceptional experiences to their clientele. As part of their internet strategy all hotel chains should have a section on recruitment for employment. The other supplies that are needed by hotels are also easier to attain through internet channels whether originated by the supplier or by the hotel chain. With their products in greater demand by greater numbers of hoteliers suppliers gain some measure of power by competition for their offerings. Recommendations All of the hotels listed above can benefit from internet applications that produce greater value in the value chain. The firm’s infastructure can benefit from financial and ERP systems. Communicating with investors can also be done by internet. Human resources can be managed by the internet as part of the overall strategy as well providing internet based self service personnel and benefits, web based training, internet based sharing of information and knowledge and electronic time and expense reporting. Value can be increased by standardizing technology across multiple locations, forming knowledge directories, and allowing real time access to online booking information. Finally, every hotel could benefit by online inventory control and forecasting systems with suppliers. These improvements can all lead to greater profitability (Porter, 2001) Each type of hotel needs to identify its unique strengths and target market and align its internet strategy to support that identity Will the chain choose to be low cost, or to command a premium price? Distinguishing oneself from the competition becomes vital. This can be enhanced by superior technology, through superior inputs, through better training of staff or through better management. Differentiation adds value but the internet makes it hard to maintain those distinctive strategic positions because it eases change to best practices and it improves operational effectiveness. Never the less such distinctions make the business more profitable. By its basic nature the hotel industry is fragmented. The internet makes it easier for travelers from far and wide to learn about the hotel or to order a room but the customer must still come to the hotel for the service. This makes it more likely that the profitability will be there for when sale is easy to transact and complete the profit margin usually decreases. Porter points out similar examples with Real Estate and with furniture sales. Dealing directly is great for hotels. Other than travel agencies who arranged hotel stays the hotel business has always been a face to face business and this normally sustains the economic value of the transaction. For all of these chains the internet complements rather than cannibalizes established ways of doing business. It becomes one more link in the value chain. Every chain listed below should use its website to attract employees and to communicate a philosophy of management. In the employment section the designers must remember that they are communicating not only to potential employees but also communicating the service standards that the guests can expect. Vintage Inns Vintage Inns started in Niagara-on-the-Lake approximately 25 years ago when a recent immigrant bought many of the established old hotels in town. Since that time a focused business strategy has born fruit. It has established itself as a premium priced set of four diamond and five star hotels in an historical town offering a unique and pampered experience to customers who wish to enjoy the old town atmosphere. Its vision is supported by its internet presence. The site is simple but elegant. It is unaffiliated with rewards programs or with alliance programs and it partners with only two other historical inns in Ontario. It caters to those who have the resources and the wish to experience luxurious accommodations, fine dining, spas and the Shaw Festival theatre and the town’s shopping district in the wine country of Niagara. They cater to tourists, business, and weddings. The Vintage Inn website has a high quality video presentation that attempts to give the viewer a sense of the luxury, indulgence and pleasures available while staying at Vintage Inns. It communicates that the experiences of the town and its resources and history are highly integrated with the luxury experience of the hotels. Internet brands are difficult to build because the tangible experience of physical presence and of human contact are missing but the Vintage Inns video on its website goes a long way toward addressing this branding need. From Porter’s research a hotel chain such as this must differentiate itself to compete. It has chosen first class luxury and setting as differentials. The internet strategy must support those strategies emphasizing an all-encompassing luxury in a setting that provides an arts, cultural and historical experience in every aspect. It needs a website to communicate luxury, unique and pampering experience, to take bookings and demonstrate potential products and services. Like many luxury items, marketing by referral and exclusivity has its appeal so it should not ally with other hotels for internet marketing. They must not join any sell-off sites or organizations to offer rooms at discount prices for that would undermine their luxury status. Similarly joining â€Å"reward programs† would reduce their sense of upper class exclusivity. Alliances on the website must be limited to other luxury experiences such as helicopter rides, exclusive golf clubs and Shaw festival theatre packages, horse and buggy rides to historical sites and specialized wine tour experiences. These act as ‘complements’ in Porter’s view and raise profitability by being uniquely paired with the service provided in a manner that is not available anywhere else. The website must also indicate the hotel’s expertise in providing uncomplicated luxury experience. It should also steer away from any vestige of â€Å"sale prices†. It must erect an internet barrier that says that there is no substitute for luxury and no replacement for a true historical experience. Sheraton Hotels Sheraton Hotels Chain is a worldwide concern. They provide luxury and upscale full-service hotels, resorts and residence and is the largest brand serving in the Starwood alliance. The needs of luxury and upscale business and leisure travelers worldwide are their focus. â€Å" From full-service hotels in major cities to luxurious resorts by the water, Sheraton can be found in the most sought-after cities and resort destinations around the world. Every guest at Sheraton hotels and resorts feels a warm and welcoming connection, the feeling you have when you walk into a place and your favorite song is playing a sense of comfort and belonging. Our most recent innovation, the [emailprotected](SM) with Microsoft, encourages hotel guests to come out of their rooms to enjoy the energy and social opportunities of traveling. At Sheraton, we help our guests connect to what matters most to them, the office, home and the best spots in town.† The luxury experience is limited and focused on the bed, bedding, modern room dà ©cor and complementary spa products in the room. It is augmented by staff training and room service. As Porter pointed out in his 2001 article, some things must be excluded to focus on what the company does best. The website must be easy to use, communicate a comfortable level of luxury for primarily modern business travelers to worldwide destinations, and encourage booking. It also must indicate that the welcome feeling is part of what the staff is trained to provide as an expertise. IT also communicates the standardization of expectation worldwide and the meeting of the human need for connection as a differential. Alliances and reward programs make the cost of switching higher. Especially for the business traveler, for whom rewards are personally redeemable, staying with the chain provides rewards that the individual can enjoy only if they return whether on more business that costs him personally noth ing or for a discounted or free personal stay. This is a clever way to increase the cost of switching.