Strategic leadership2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategic leadership2 - Essay Example 91). This paper will look at the extent Wal-Mart’s failure or success was due to poor or excellent management or to environmental factors. In the business world, price and product are constituents of the 4Ps of marketing. The deliberate pricing of a product or service is an essential part of a process of business building that its significance cannot be over emphasized (Steger 2010, p. 53). This is because the cost of a commodity or service may make or break a business, so it should be carefully examined (Emiliani 2008, p. 71). Wal-Mart have acquired and maintained their leadership position in the sector largely due to their exclusive pricing strategy. Wal-Mart established a distinctive pricing technique that differentiated it from its competitors and gave it a competitive advantage over rivals. Over the last decade, Wal-Mart has developed into the globe’s leading and possibly most commanding retailer with utmost sales and operating earnings of all discount retailers (M ullen & Stumpf 1992, p. 42). The organization owes its growth from regional retailer to international powerhouse chiefly to adequate and changes in management. Wal-Mart has been largely successful in most parts of the world, and this has been attributed to both proper management and environmental factors. In areas where it has failed, for example, Europe and Asia, it has been largely due to environmental factors. Wal-Mart started with the objective of providing clients with the commodities and services they required where and when they needed them (Adair 2003, p. 51). This strategy was referred to as outside-in thinking, where the organization’s philosophy and approach put the interest of the client before the capabilities of the organization (Peng 2008, p. 49). In addition, the management of Wal-Mart under Sam Walton, employed homespun business knowledge and folksy charm with progressive supply-chain and information technology management to establish the globe’s most sufficient retail company (Walton 2009, p. 553). The organization’s management concentrated on establishing cost structures that permitted Wal-Mart to provide low daily pricing. Wal-Mart’s management also focused on creating a more advanced and highly structured management plan to enhance and exploit the competitive advantage it was experiencing. Under the leadership of one of the chief executive officer, Lee Scott, Wal-Mart embraced environmental and social responsibility (Hill 2010, p. 31). As the organization enlarged in its variety of services and goods, for example, health clinics, groceries, financial services, fashion clothing, online prescription drugs, and music downloads, it was compelled to puts the interest of the client before the capacities of the organization (Merritt 2008, p. 63). Therefore, Wal-Mart’s management took this opportunity to utilize the large size with rapid responsiveness and speed towards customers (Sanders 1998, p. 67). Moreover, to offer a wide variety of commodities, Wal-Mart’s senior managers, Bud and Sam started promoting their individual discount store idea. During this period, discount stores were only found in large towns (Bradley 2005, p. 53). Sam Walton argued that if the prices were favourable, Wal-Mart’s discount stores could be of tremendous help for clients in

MSU Grade Module on Mobile using Android OS Essay Example for Free

MSU Grade Module on Mobile using Android OS Essay The proposed system entitled MSU Grade Module on Mobile using Android OS is a mobile version of the current Grade Module of Mindanao State University. This system enables the instructor to input grades and update INC grades at any location and at any time. Obtaining the Grade Module password is also done using mobile connection. Reasons: * With the convenience of an Android-powered mobile phone, the instructor does not need to physically go to the clerk to request for Grade Module password. * The Grade Module password is sent through email which is more secure than printed Grade Module stub. * The instructor does not need to be in their respective department or in the university to input and/or update grades. * The scarcity of available computers in the university is no longer a concern. * If the instructor is away for seminars, vacations, and other reasons, the instructor no longer needs to request favour from other instructors to input and/or update grades for them, thus the accountability of the grade resides only to the instructor in-charge and lessen bothering other instructors. * With this kind of application, an instructor can become invisible from students who keep following him/her because of various reasons. Possible Problem: * Not all instructors have an Android-powered mobile phone. * Not all instructors maintain an email address, especially those who are not technology-savvy. * Internet connection is not stable for instructors who want to input and/or update grades within the university. * The availability of online modules of the university is not stable.

Strategies for Entrepreneurship and Change Management

Strategies for Entrepreneurship and Change Management Raama Gabionza Entrepreneurship takes an important role in innovation. It is an agent of change. It involves creating new products, services, technologies, and businesses. It is about economic development and generating wealth for investors. It is also about developing business to address social problems and environmental issues. In the world of health, entrepreneurship also play a vital role. It corresponds with the revolution and changes in the state of health of the population and of the society. Like for an example, our world today suffers from distinct inevitable crisis like epidemiologic incidences and other uncommon situations affecting health of the economy. It is a threat to the population that could shake the health of every individual thus will lead to high rates in morbidity and mortality. Early detection and treatment of these illnesses or diseases are vital ways to decrease its incidences as well as morbidity and mortality rates. Invention and creation of medical treatment and therapi es as well as immunizations could lessen the possibility of acquiring the ailment. These interventions are brought by entrepreneurship which is an agent of change to both private and public health sectors. It provides interventions that are more developed, new, updated and better. It also provides more effective and efficient procedures, surgeries, and any other ways of treating specific threats to health. Entrepreneurship is essential in any situation as it could help in promoting and improving the well-being of the person and of the society as the whole. However, entrepreneurship may not always be successful as what anyone may think of it. There are major criticisms against entrepreneurship within the public and private health and social care sector. One example of this is the fear of change. People are afraid to change as it may be less effective and could lead to failure. They are afraid to loss their expertise and can’t adopt to the change. Like in surgeries, when new type of procedure is introduced, medical practitioners are afraid to change their usual practice into new procedure as it may cause danger and hazard both to the patient and the practitioners themselves. Another criticism against entrepreneurship is the quest for profits. People might think that the only reason why new services are being introduced because entrepreneurs always think about gaining profit. There could be uncertainty of services. People might doubt whether the service is really essential and necessary or not. They might feel that their ignorance are being taken for granted by the entrepreneurs presenting and introducing the new product or services. In addition, consumers may need to be aware that not all entrepreneurs are profit oriented. Entrepreneurs can be classified as either business entrepreneur or social entrepreneur. To clearly understand the difference between the two types of entrepreneurs, Abu-Saifan (2012), identified their unique characteristics. To start with, business entrepreneurs or the so called the profit oriented are characterized as the value creator. They provide value of the commodity or product and services being introduced. While social entrepreneurs or the non-profit, are social value creator. They provide what is beneficial to the society not for the benefit of their pockets. As for being a leader, they are opinion leaders. They consider the opinion of the society before they introduce the new product or services. They are also like the managers. They first look for the problems before they fix. Like for an example in the case of diabetes, they first assess the situation. They look for the cause of pr oblem and focus on repairing them before moving on to the treatment itself. They assess what could be the cause of the problem, may it be the diet of the person or their genetics or other factors. They see the problems first before they put things right. Unlike the business entrepreneur, they will just fix what is needed to be fixed. They often miss to foresee what is really the reason and cause of the problem. This is why they are characterized as the organizer. They just organize things. They are also strategic thinkers that they choose what strategy is best for them not considering the opinion of the population or of the society. They only aim for the best of their profit and interest. They focus on their goals and on what they wanted to reach. They are high achievers. They are the exact opposite of social entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurs focus on their mission for the change beneficial to the society not for their pocket or to gain profit and interest which business entrepren eurs do. Moreover, in entrepreneurship, there are three strategies presented by Chin Benne, (1969) as general strategies effecting changes in human systems. These strategies could be helpful for the management in choosing who to employ to their organization considering changes as inevitable. This could also be helpful to the organization on how to manage and how to present or introduce changes to its people. The first strategy is the empirical or rational. In this strategy, people can be persuaded to change based on communication of information and by giving and offering them incentives. They have their reasons to comply to change being presented. Successful change is in accordance to logic and reasons that could be beneficial to organization and to the people. The change in this strategy centers on the balance of incentives and risk management. The second strategy is the normative or re-educative. This type of people are those that adhere to cultural norms and values. They normally go with the flow, conforming to what is being practiced, advertised or introduced by the management or by the organization. Redefining the present culture, norms, and values, and making commitments to new ones may initiate people to change. The strategy to encourage these people to change is to consider their culture, beliefs and their ways. People who are normative or re-educative are mostly willing to adapt to change as long as they see that their cultural values are respected and are in favor to the new system or product and services. Third is the power or coercive. In this strategy, the leader or the boss of an organization coerce people to change or to do new things. People are submissive and will do what they are told to do. This type of management is often used when there is a crisis in an organization or institution where change is a must. It could also be used when change should be done as soon as possible or as it is needed. People will usually adhere to change and will just follo w what the leader ought them to do. Furthermore, any type of management strategy may be used by the organization in handling changes. All of those strategies can be helpful in making changes successful but it may also be harmful when it is not properly addressed to the people’s need. Like for an example in the use of power or coercive strategy, it is good to be used in an emergency situations or crisis because according to Chin Benne (1969) it is assumed that people will do what they are told. Like in my own experience working as a health practitioner, there was an instance when our area was affected by typhoon. Some of us who are staying nearby the building of the institution were told by the management to do double shifts at work in order to make up the shifts of other employers who are affected by the typhoon and cannot make it to work. It was an order by the management that we, as an employers are ought to do. Considering the situation and the crisis happening, we have no other choice but to do the double s hifts. It might be shocking to us but we have to do it because it is an emergency and it was the only way that could ease the situation. Another strategy by Chin Benne (1969) is the normative or re-educative wherein people adopt to change when they see that the change conforms to their norms, values and culture. For example, in my home country, most of the people are Roman Catholic. When family planning was introduced in a catholic institution, like the use of contraceptives, not all members of team agree with the change. Roman Catholic are against with contraception. It is important for this people to consider their beliefs specially their religion and culture. In order for the change to be successful, leaders of the institution introducing contraception in the practice of health, addresses the opinions of the members of the team and people. It was agreed to make the change possible by pursuing the use of contraceptives by health education to the people but not forcing every indiv idual to do so or to comply. At least in that way, little by little, the change was made. In change management, there are four segments classified that could be present in an organization or in any group of people. These segments are the campaigners, initiators, opponents, and neutrals. These are important factors that could have direct or indirect effect in the system of change. In order to address properly these expected impact to the system of change, it would be helpful to identify the differences and similarities of these factors and at the same time, it would also help the manager or the leader on how to effectively deal with the different points of view and perspectives of every member of the team. Like for an example the introduction of the use of computer system in the health care facilities instead of the use of older method, paper documentations. People who advertise and advocate the computer system are called the campaigners. They see the new system as beneficial and that they will gain something positive from it. They are enthusiastic about change and they wi ll help to drive the change through. These people facilitate and give support to the trainings and education in order to promote change or the new system. Initiators, are those who would take the first step to change. They can be the creator or the designer. They are the prime movers and the ones who will take action to make the use of computer system possible. They are those who will make the change attainable. In order to initiate change, they educate the team about the computer system being introduced. They also facilitate, support and encourage participation and involvement of the team members to the trainings and teachings in relation to the system of change. On the other hand, some team members might disagree or oppose to the proposed system of change or the use of computer system. They are called as the opponents. They are the antagonists or the activists. They are those who are not convinced for the need of change and don’t see any justification for change. Education, negotiation and sometimes coercion are the effective way to communicate to these group of people. The fourth segment identified in change management is the neutral. Neutrals are the unbiased ones. They belong to neither side of the proposed change. They just go with the flow to change or not to change. It would be helpful communicate to these group of people by setting them what is really the vision of change, why it would be beneficial to change or not to change. They should also be involved to trainings and support groups in order for them to have a clear understanding of the change being introduced and for them to have an individualized decision as a member of the team. References: Abu-Saifan, S. (2012). Social Entrepreneurship: Definition and Boundaries. Technology Innovation Management Review, February 2013:22-27 Barton, J. (1991). Defining Entrepreneurship. Retrieved on 20 February 2015 from file:///C:/Users/raama.gabionza/Downloads/artikkeli_2.pdf Di-Masi, P. (n.d). Defining Entrepreneurship. Retrieved on 22 February 2015 from http://www.gdrc.org/icm/micro/define-micro.html Nickols, F. (2010). Four Change Management Strategies. Retrieved on 26 February 2015 from http://www.nickols.us/four_strategies.pdf Rouse, M. (n.d). Change Management. Retrieved on 25 February 2015 from http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/change-management Rubin, D. (2013). What is Entrepreneurship? Retrieved on 22 February 2015 from http://pinchot.edu/what-is-entrepreneurship/

Grandpa’s Illness Essays -- Personal Narrative Writing

Grandpa’s Illness As usual I woke up to the sound of my father pounding on my bedroom door, hollering, â€Å"Get up! Get on your feet! You’re burning daylight!† I met my brother in the hallway, and we took our time making it down the stairs, still waking up from last night’s sleep. As we made our way to the kitchen, I thought about what to have for breakfast: fried eggs, pancakes, an omelet, or maybe just some cereal. I started to get hungry. As usual, mom and dad were waiting in the kitchen. Mom was ready to cook whatever we could all agree on, and dad was sitting at the table watching the news. The conversation went as usual, â€Å"Good morning.† â€Å"How are you today?† Then the phone rang and Dad answered it. It was hard to tell what the conversation was about, it did not last long and Dad didn’t say much. When he hung up he was quiet. Then Mom asked, â€Å"Who was that, honey?† Blunt and to the point he said, â€Å"Grandma,† (his mom) â€Å"Grandpa got sick last night.† Suddenly I was not hungry any more. â€Å"What’s that mean?† Mom asked, taking the words right out of my mouth. Dad did not really know. All Grandma said was that Grandpa got up in the night, went to the bathroom, and then yelled for help before collapsing. She called 911 and an ambulance came and got him. From the hospital in Spirit Lake he was life-flighted to Sioux Falls. During the drive to Sioux Falls all I could think about were all the happy times spent at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s lake house on West Okoboji. I thought about how Grandpa would entertain all of his grandkids in the speed boat and then take us back to the house for a beer. All that was changing, there would probably be no more speed boating and no more beer. When my family and I arrived at the hospital we ru... ... a smile came across his face, a smile that for three weeks, I thought I was never going to see again. Unfortunately, his struggle with alcohol was just beginning. To this day he attends AA meetings and is doing great. The days of speed boating have continued, but there is no more beer drinking. For his grandkids, not much has really changed, except Grandpa’s health has improved. He has more energy and a better outlook on life. I think the experience helped him realize that his motto â€Å"Quality over Quantity† is not concrete and that there needs to be a balance between the two. We cannot get by on just the pleasures in life because it isn’t fair to our loved ones we have to compromise and make sacrifices in order to keep our health. Works Cited Quoteland.com. All the Right Words. 1997-2001. 30 Sept. 2003.

Decline of Han and Gupta Dynasty

Matthew Vinas Chapter 510/9/12 The Han dynasty and Gupta India were both large powerful empire who conquered most if not all their surrounding neighbors. They left a impression on the surrounding area and its history. Regardless of this influence they could not avoid the looming end that was coming. Like all large civilizations of its time both Gupta India's and the Han's golden age had to end. There are many reasons for this the largest ones being corrupt or weak government, foreign invasions, and internal rebellion. Gupta India was a highly advance culture containing advance mathematics, astronomy, and city planning.But none of these advancements could save them from the decline and eventual fall of their civilization caused by weak government. Following the death of Skanda Gupta in 467 CE rebellion and civil war began to tear the empire apart causing a time of unsteady rule. The constant rebellion caused the government's power in society to decline to . Due to the decline of gover nment, many necessary part of society had to be ignored in an effort to fix the current problems that were being faced. This neglect allowed for the military to decline resulting in the increasing success of the Huns invasions.These invasions took a heavy toll on the government of Gupta, more specifically its rulers causing them to lose more and more power. This lack of sturdy rule allowed the people of Gupta to rebel against its government and its government officials which lead to the invasions of Gupta. Aside from the weakened monarchy, the very personalities of the later Gupta Kings contributed to the ultimate fall of this dynasty. Similar to Gupta the decline of the Han dynasty can be sum up to three points corrupt and incompetent government and rebellion. isrt of all the governmet of Han was corrupt. Toward the end of Wudi’s reign in 156 BCE, violence erupted between the empress and Wudi’s concubine over the heir to the throne. Eventually, a compromise ruler was chosen, but the decline of the Han Dynasty had already begun. Later emperors were incompetent, and their reigns were marked by corruption, and a lust for immortality. This obsession and corrustion was the main reasons for the constant invasion attempts. The wars and large armies put an enormous burden on the economy.The lack of currency, trade, and natural disasters created an uneasy feeling between the Han nobles and their peasants. The main reason of this is due to massive food shortages caused by the massive overpopulation. To conclude the decline of both civilization were the cause of many factors. Like all large civilizations of its time both Gupta and the Han dynasty had to come to an end. Though different in culture both the Gupta and Han dynasty declined and eventually fall due to its weakened government, constant foreign invaders, and its rebellions.

Outcasts of Poker Flat Essay Example

Outcasts of Poker Flat Essay Example Outcasts of Poker Flat Paper Outcasts of Poker Flat Paper There, the armed men warn the outcasts not to return to Poker Flat under penalty of death. . On their way Into exile, uncle Billy and the women bitterly bemoan their fate while Croakers remains quiet. They head for Sandy Bar, a days travel away over steep mountains. The road is narrow and the air dry and cold in the foothills of the mountains. They plod on until noon, when the Duchess declares she can go no farther. Croakers wants to go on lest the party run out of provisions. However, his fellow travelers stay put, using liquor to comfort them. Uncle Billy goes into a stupor, the Duchess becomes tearfully emotional, and Mother Spittoon falls asleep. Croakers does not drink. As a gambler, he had cultivated the habit of staying sober. .. While observing his surroundings- the mountains, the pine trees, the cloudy sky, the valley below-he sees a horseman coming toward him. It Is young Tom Jimson, from whom Croakers had once won $40 In Sandy Bar. Croakers returned the money saying, Tommy, youre a good little man, but you cant gamble worth a cent. Dont try it over again. Because of that magnanimous gesture, Tom admires Croakers as something of a god. When Tom greets Croakers, he tells him a little about himself. He had decided to leave Sandy Bar and go to Poker Flat, he says, with his sweetheart Piney Woods to make his fortune and marry Piney. Her father, Jake Woods, had opposed the marriage, so they had no alternative but to run away. Piney, who is plumy attractive, rides up Just thendemure and embarrassed and innocentfrom behi nd a pine tree. Uncle Billy is about to say something untoward when Croakers kicks him. Anyway, it seems young Tom and Piney want to Join Croakers and his company of outcasts, but Croakers-who doesnt want them tagging along-points out that they have no provisions and no place to stay. However, Tom says he has a pack mule loaded with supplies. He also found an abandoned log house nearby. It Is a roofless ruin, but It goes have walls. .Piney can stay with Mrs.. Croakers, the youth says. He thinks ten Duchess Is narrators welt. NC e Billy Is auto to laugh Duty remembers Sauerkrauts foot. So he walks off up the canyon, out of hearing range, then does his laughing. When he returns, everybody is sitting by a fire talking. At that moment, an idea pops into his alcoholic brain, causing him so much amusement that he shoves a fist into his mouth to stifle a laugh. . That night, the women sleep in the cabin and the men near the fire. Just before dawn, Croakers awakens and sees snow. Uncle Billy is gone. So are all the animals. Fortunately, though, all the supplies had been placed in the cabin. . . At first light, the snow is coming down hard and further travel is out of the question. Croakers tells Tom that Uncle Billy must have gotten up in the night and spooked the mules, then ran off after them. No sense frightening the young people, he thinks. But the Duchess and Mother Spittoon realize what had happened-thieving Billy took them. .. Tom immediately offers to share his supplies and seems to look forward to the time all of them will be spending together. Well have a good camp for a week, he says, and then the snowball melt .. Len the evening, everyone is cheerful. As they sit around the fire, they sing songs. Piney manages to force tunes from Toms accordion while he raps two bone castanets. The storm stops at midnight and the skies open to glittering stars. Tom and Croakers take turns keeping watch, but the latter does most of the watching. Hes used to going without sleep because of his frequent all-night poker games. .. The next day, huge snowdrifts surround the cabin. In the distance, miles away, smoke curls up from Poker flat. Mother Spittoon curses the town. She then sets herself to the task of amusing Piney. After another day, they all sit again at the fire. However, the music begins to lose its magic as the food supply dwindles and hunger creeps into their stomachs. Piney proposes that they tell stories. Croakers, the Duchess, and Mother Spittoon are less than enthusiastic about this idea, but Tom takes to it, noting that he had recently read Alexander Popes rendition of Homers ancient Greek classic, The Iliad. So they listen as the youth recites portions of the tale and mangles the pronunciation of names He pronounces the name of famous Greek hero Achilles as Ash-heels. . A week passes and snow falls again. Eventually, the drifts around the cabin reach 20 feet. The fire is harder and harder to maintain because wood is less plentiful. But no one complains, although Mother Spittoon is sick and failing fast. . At midnight on the 10th day, Mother Spittoon-now in a very bad way-tells Croakers to open a bundle under her head and give the food in it to Tom and Piney. When Croakers opens it, he discovers a full week of rations. She had been saving her food for the young people. Mother Spittoon then turns away and dies. They place her body in the snow. . .. At daylight, Croakers reveals a pair of snowshoes he made out f a pack saddle, then tells Tom to use them to reach Poker Flat. Its the only way to save his sweetheart, he says. Croakers says he will walk out a little way with Tom, then return. Before leaving, he kisses the Duchess, which amazes her. . At nightfall, there is no sign of Croakers. It is snowing again. While the Duchess tends the fire, she notices that someone had piled wood next to the fire-enough to keep it going a good while longer. Tears well in her eyes, but she doesnt let Piney see them. The snow, meanwhile, continues through the next day and into the evening. The women now realize the end is near. In the morning, they lack the strength to keep the fire going, and it slowly dies. Piney, can you pray? the Duchess says. NO, dear. . The Duchess puts her head on Pines shoulder and they fall asleep. They sleep the rest of the day and into the next. Then voices and footsteps break the silence around the cabin and a hand brushes snow from the faces of the two women. The narrator says, Mimi could scarcely have told from the equal peace that dwelt upon them, which was she that sinned. Even the law of Poker Flat recognized this, and turned away, leaving them still locked in each others arms. . N a nearby pine tree is a knife stuck through the two of clubs. On the card is a message written in pencil: BENEATH THIS TREE LIES THE BODY OF JOHN CROAKERS, WHO STRUCK A STREAK OF BAD LUCK ON THE ADD OF NOVEMBER, 1850, AND HANDED IN HIS CHECKS ON THE 7TH DECEMBER, 1850. . At his side is a Derringer, which had put a bullet through his heart. He had been the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat. Setting The action takes place in California between November 23 and December 7, 1850, when towns grew up from the influx of people seeking fortunes by mining for gold. Characters John Croakers: Professional gambler who is forced out of the town of Poker Flat as an undesirable because he wins so much money from the townspeople. The Duchess and Mother Spittoon: Prostitutes who are also banished from Poker Flat. Uncle Billy: Thief and drunkard who is likewise forced out of town. Tom Jimson: Young man who leaves town and Joins Croakers and the other outcasts. He admires Croakers, who returned $40 he had won from Billy after feeling sorry for him. Piney Woods: Toms sweetheart, who leaves town with him. They had planned to marry in Poker Flat. Jim Wheeler: Resident of Poker Flat who bemoans the loss of money to Croakers. Jake Woods: Pines father. He is referred to in the story but plays no active role in it. Type of Work and Publication Date The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a short story. It first appeared in Overland Monthly in January 1869, when Heart was the editor of the publication. Themes Hidden Goodness There is goodnessand even heroismin the heart of many of societys outcasts. John Croakers, the Duchess, Mother Spittoon all behave selflessly when death creeps up on them. For example, they treat the two young people with utmost consideration and kindness. Croakers could have used his snowshoes to return to civilization; instead, he gave them to Tom Jimson. Mother Spittoon and the Duchess act as surrogate mothers to Piney Woods. Except for Uncle Billy, all the characters are tolerant of one another as they attempt to keep up their spirits under extremely difficult circumstances. Mother Spittoon, the Duchess, and Piney Woods die nobly and courageously. Unrest snoozes silence, revealing Tanat en was at once ten strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat, the narrator says. Hypocrisy The citizens of Poker Flats secret committee appear upright and Just, at least to themselves. However, in regard to John Croakers, they are hypocrites. After all, they sat down at the poker table with him, becoming gamblers themselves. But after losing money to him, they run him out of town. One citizen, John Wheeler, even suggests hanging him, then taking back their money. Indifference of Nature Nature shows no mercy to the outcasts. After Poker Flat rejects them, heavy snow isolates them. The sky clears, offering them hope, only to form new clouds that bring more snow. John Croakers may be a poker player par excellence, but he cannot defeat Mother Nature. Climax The climax of The Outcasts of Poker Flat occurs when John Croakers fails to return o the cabin after seeing off Tom Jimson on the latters snowshoe trek back to Poker Flat. It is at this point that the Duchess and Piney accept the imminence of death. Heart as a Local Colorist Bret Heart is among the American writers associated with the local-color genre. Besides presenting narratives in a regional dialect, local-color writers, or local colorist, attempted to portray life in the various sections of burgeoning America. Heart, for example, focused many of his stories on the gold-mining camps and towns. However, rather than writing soberly realistic stories, local colorist tended to write Tories infused with eccentrics as characters and whimsical plotting, according to William Flint Thrall and Addison Hubbard, authors of A Handbook to Literature (266). Thrall and Hubbard also note that local colorist emphasized verisimilitude of detail without being concerned often enough about truth to the larger aspects of life or human nature (266). Work Cited Thrall, William Flint and Addison Hubbard. A Handbook to Literature. Revised and enlarged by C. Hugh Holman. New York: The . Odyssey Press, 1960. Critical Reception The Outcasts of Poker Flat and similar stories of Heart were highly acclaimed and ideal popular in the decade or so after Heart published them, earning him substantial money and a worldwide audience. Although this story and others of his remain popular today, critics now believe he was far overrated as a stylist because of his use of sentimentality and because of lack of originality in his themes and plots. However, there can be no gainsaying that he invented stock character types later imitated in western novels and films. These character types include the roving gambler, like John Croakers, and the tainted ladies with hearts of gold, like the Duchess and Mother Spittoon. Overall, one may fairly say that Heart was an appealing and influential writer, but probably not great one. Bret Heart 1869 The Outcasts of Poker Flat was first published in the January, 1869, issue of the Overland Monthly magazine, which Bret Heart edited. At the time, Heart was on the threshold of national fame. The success of his short story The Luck of Roaring Camp the year before had elevated the twenty-nine-year-old writer to a position of literary prominence. Critics praised The Outcasts of Poker Flat as a suitable follow-up that controller Hearts stature as one AT ten most promising new autonomous In ten unlace States. By 1871 Heart was not only the highest paid writer in the country, but also one of the most popular. He was a regular contributor to the Atlantic Monthly, one of the most popular magazines of the day. Although both Hearts popularity and critical admiration for his work have declined in subsequent years, The Outcasts of Poker Flat remains an important piece of American literature and one of the best tales of the rough-and-tumble days of the California Gold Rush. In his use of the Western setting and local color, Heart proved to be a model for other authors, including Mark Twain, whose career he helped launch. Indeed, the familiarity of many of Hearts characterizations ? the quick-witted gambler or the prostitute with a heart of gold ? attest to the durability of his impact on popular culture. Heart first Journeyed to the American West in 1854 and was advantageously positioned to observe one of the key events of the nineteenth century, the California Gold Rush. This setting in The Outcasts of Poker Flat is used as a forum to explore themes of tolerance and forgiveness, appearance and reality, and the ominous power of nature. Plot Summary The Outcasts of Poker Flat is set near a California mining community during November of 1850. Experimenting with the effectiveness of vigilante Justice, the residents of Poker Flat hope to improve the town by expelling a group of undesirables. Among these objectionable characters are professional gambler John Croakers; a prostitute known as Duchess; her madam, Mother Spittoon; and Uncle Billy, the town drunkard and a suspected thief. The foursome is escorted to the edge of Poker Flat and forbidden to return at the peril of their lives. With no apparent alternative, the group heads toward the next settlement, Sandy Bar. However, the journey requires passage over a difficult mountain trail. Less than midway to their destination, the group becomes exhausted and decides to camp for the night. Croakers argues that they should continue on because they lack the provisions to stop safely. The party is unconcerned, ignores him, and opts to consume its supply of liquor. Later, a horseman from Sandy Bar arrives at the camp. His name is Tom Jimson, and he is also referred to as the Innocent. He is traveling with his fifteen- year-old fiance, Piney Woods. The two have eloped and are on their way to Poker Flat to be married. Jimson is an acquaintance of Croakers, having once lost forty dollars to him in a poker game. However, Croakers had taken pity on the Innocent and returned his money, advising him never to gamble again. As a result, Jimson perceives Croakers as a genuine friend and quickly offers to share his provisions with the foursome. Jimson directs the party to an abandoned cabin nearby, and they take shelter there for the night. The next morning Croakers is the first to rise and discovers that Uncle Billy has stolen their mules during the night. Furthermore, the winter snows have begun and left the party trapped in the valley. To avoid frightening Jimson and Piney, Croakers persuades the Duchess and Mother Spittoon o keep Billys theft a secret. Jimson has enough food to last the party ten days and enthusiastically offers to share. Unaware of the gravity of the situation, he envisions the group enjoying a happy camp until the snow melts. During the next week, the party remains trapped in the valley. Jimson and Piney not only remain naive about their chances of survival, but also about the reputations of the outcasts. They view the other women with respect and admiration. Unaccustomed to such kindness, the prostitutes Decode motherly toward Plane Ana are move Day ten celerity AT ten couples love. After ten days in the cabin, Mother Spittoon dies of starvation. She had been saving her rations and makes a final request for Croakers to give them to Piney. Realizing they are probably doomed, Croakers instructs Jimson to attempt a hike to Poker Flat to get help. The gambler then gathers a supply of firewood for Duchess and Piney and disappears. Several days later a rescue party arrives, only to discover the frozen bodies of the women huddled together inside the cabin. Croakers is found nearby with a pistol by his side and a bullet through his heart, and with a suicide note written on a playing card pinned to a tree above his body. Characters Duchess Duchess, a prostitute, is one of four individuals expelled from Poker Flat when the townspeople there decided to evict the undesirables. As the group of outcasts are making their way to Sandy Bar, she complains constantly, causing the group to stop short of their destination. When Piney Woods and Tom Jimson Join the group and they become trapped by the snow, Duchess becomes more cheerful and nurturing toward Piney. When the rescuers finally reach the group, they find Duchess and Piney huddle d together, dead, and by then it is impossible to determine which was she that had sinned. Innocent, the See Tom Jimson John Croakers John Croakers is one of four individuals who were expelled from Poker Flat when its townspeople decided to run out the undesirables. Croakers is a professional gambler noted for his coolness, impassiveness, and presence of mind. When young Tom Jimson and Piney Woods Join the outcasts, the reader learns that Croakers once returned to Jimson forty dollars that he won from the youth in a poker game, advising him to stay away from cards. When the outcasts are trapped by a snowstorm, Croakers assumes leadership of the group. After putting together a shift pair of snowshoes, he gives them to Jimson, instructing him to go to Poker Flat and bring help. When the rescue party finally arrives, Croakers has killed himself, revealing himself to be the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat. Mother Spittoon Mother Spittoon, presumably the madam of the prostitute Duchess, is one of four individuals expelled from Poker Flat when the townspeople decided to rid the community of undesirables. Although she is accused of immorality, Mother Spittoon displays her true qualities when the outcasts are trapped in the snowstorm. Hoping to save Piney Woods, Mother Spittoon hoards her own share of the food instead of eating it. Shortly before she dies of starvation, she tells Croakers to give her rations to the bride-to-be so that she will have a better chance of surviving. Tom Jimson Tom Jimson is a guileless youth who is traveling to Poker Flat with his bride-to-be, Piney Woods, when they encounter the outcasts. On the basis of an earlier encounter with Croakers, Jimson decides to assist the outcasts, whom he treats with respect, ignorant of their undesirable status. Jimson is the lone survivor of the ordeal that ensues. Uncle Billy Uncle Billy, a suspected thief and confirmed drunkard, is one of the undesirables cast out of Poker Flat. Unlike the others, Uncle Billy scoffs at the innocence of Tom Salmons Ana Piney coos. During ten inlet en makes Totally ten groups Norse Ana mules, stranding them as it begins to snow. Piney Woods Piney Woods, a stout, comely damsel of fifteen, is Tom Simians bride-to-be. Piney has no understanding of the outcasts unsanitary reputations and treats them with courtesy and respect. In response to this kindness, they develop an affection for her hat intensifies as they observe her love for Jimson. She and Duchess freeze to death before rescuers can reach them. Themes The Outcasts of Poker Flat tells the story of four individuals exiled from a frontier town because of their alleged immorality. A blizzard traps them and a pair of innocent young lovers, leading to tragic consequences. Appearances and Reality At the beginning of the story, the four outcasts are described as improper persons, and their initial actions suggest that, except for Croakers, they are foul-mouthed, lazy, and prone to drunkenness. However, because they come from another talented, Tom and Piney know little about these strangers, and their perceptions are not clouded by the prejudices of the people in Poker Flat. In a previous brief encounter with Croakers, Tom had found him to be kind and gentlemanly, so Tom treats him as a gentleman rather than as a shifty card shark. The young couple assumes that the prostitute Duchess is Mrs.. Croakers, and Piney imagines that the women from Poker Flat must be ladies of a high social standing who are used to fine things. The discrepancy between appearance and reality becomes most apparent when the party is trapped in the snowstorm. Mother Spittoon may indeed be a madam, but she also shows herself to be compassionate and heroic when she sacrifices her life in an effort to save Piney. Likewise Duchess, the soiled sister, evolves into a companion and protector for Piney. By the end of the story, observers cannot determine which was she that had sinned. Croakers, the member of the party who appeared the most calm during the ordeal, eventually cannot play against unfavorable odds any longer and commits suicide. Throughout the story, Heart demonstrates that where human nature is concerned, reality is often more complex than appearances indicate. Change and Transformation Related to the themes of appearance and reality are the issues of change and transformation. During their period of confinement, the outcasts, particularly the two prostitutes, experience a type of metamorphosis. At first the women appear self- centered and dismissive of Tom and Piney and contemptuous of their naivetà ©. But as the group grows closer, these feelings shift to motherly affection, particularly toward Piney. One suspects the sincerity of the young lovers allows Duchess and Mother Spittoon openly to display aspects of their personalities they had previously chosen to once. Croakers also undergoes a transformation, though a less uplifting one. Until the end of the story, Croakers is portrayed as others see him and as he sees himself, as a person noted for coolness, impassiveness, and presence of mind. He is the first to grasp the groups predicament and quickly assumes command in the emergency. Toms earlier experience with him shows that he has always had a streak of kindness and protectiveness toward those younger and weaker than himself, and in the isolated community of outcasts this quickly develops into a thoughtful solicitude for his companions. When it is revealed that he killed himself, it is hard to say whether this represents a change in him or simply reveals a weakness that has always been anneal Detent n Nils apparent strength n. Fate Ana chance Chance plays a critical role in the demise of the stranded travelers. Many developments within the narrative rely on random occurrences. Among the many examples, one can argue that if the outcasts did not stop for the night or had begun their Journey one day earlier, they would have missed the snow and reached Sandy Bar. Similarly, if Tom and Piney had continued on their way rather than staying with he outcasts, they could have avoided the storm. However, one could also argue that if Croakers had sent Tom for help earlier, or had struggled to keep the fire lit rather than killing himself, most of the group might have survived. Heart uses the character of Croakers to develop the theme of fate. As too much of a gambler not to accept fate, Croakers explains that with luck all you know for certain is that its bound to change. Once the party is stranded, Sauerkrauts gambling philosophy creates a dilemma for him. Having experienced a streak of bad luck since the group left Poker Flat, the gamblers experiences suggest that eventually this misfortune should pass. However, it is also the gamblers prerogative to opt out of the game if he does not like the odds, and Croakers estimates their odds of surviving as one in a hundred. His suicide note, declaring that he struck a streak of bad luck and handed in his c hecks, attests to his inability to resist despair when the odds on their fate seem stacked against him. Heroism To many readers, an important message of the story is that society often fails to recognize the true heroes and heroines in its midst. One can certainly argue this is the case with the sacrifice of Mother Spittoon as well as the selfless devotion of Duchess. In both cases, women condemned by society prove themselves to be morally superior to their Judges. The suicide of Croakers provides further comment on the nature of heroism. Throughout the story, he appears to be the leader of the party and the individual most likely to devise their escape, but ultimately he gives up the struggle and fails to save either the group or himself. Style The setting of The Outcasts of Poker Flat is of major importance. The story occurs in November, 1850, during the heyday of the California Gold Rush. At that time, law and order on the mining frontier was often synonymous with vigilante Justice, in which townspeople took matters into their own hands. Communities such as Poker Flat generally operated outside the reach of established Judicial systems, and the type of vigilante activity Heart depicts was an accepted part of everyday life. The story is set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a remote area in eastern California where the sudden occurrence of a winter storm could easily result in death for travelers. The most famous example of such a misfortune is the ill-fated Donned Party of 1846, in which twelve travelers starved to death and the remaining members resorted to cannibalism. This tragedy was highly publicized for years afterwards and was undoubtedly familiar to the original readers of this story. In an era before automobiles, or extensive railways, the fear of being stranded while traveling was real and vivid. Genre Genre is the term used to denote a category of literature. The Outcasts of Poker Flat is above all, a Western story. Other types of genre literature are science fiction, horror, and romance. Genre works can be identified by their conventions; some of the conventions AT westerns are Tanat teen take place on ten Trotter, teen contact g guys and bad guys, female characters are either virtuous or fallen, and conflicts that result in showdowns or gunfights often end in death. All of these elements are prominent in Hearts story; one might say that the showdown is the battle between the travelers and Mother Nature. Comic Relief Although Hearts story is essentially a tragedy, the narrative contains moments of humor. Rather than the story containing a humorous character per SE, the story pity arises from the narrators understatement and sometimes condescending tone towards the characters. As an example, the narrator comments that notwithstanding some difficulties attending the manipulation of this instrument, Piney Woods managed to pluck several reluctant melodies from its keys. Elsewhere, the narrator evaluates Toms recitation skills by stating he had thoroughly mastered the argument and fairly forgotten the words. Critics often cited Hearts ability to balance the tragic and the comic as one of his strongest skills as a writer. Historical Context Gold Fever and the Manifest Destiny During the late sass, Hearts tales of the California Gold Rush elevated him to a position of national fame. For the remainder of his career, he utilized the West as the setting for his stories and the inspiration for his lectures on life in the gold mines. Americans throughout the country were fascinated by the expansion of the country and tales of the wild West became part of the national consciousness. At the time of their publication, Hearts stories were primarily an idealized vision of an era that had recently passed. By the sass, the West was becoming more and more settled, and he vigilante Justice of the frontier days was fast fading. While the settlement of the West remained an important topic for books and magazines, it is important to note that The Outcasts of Poker Flat appeared less than four years after the end of the Civil War. For a nation exhausted by war, Hearts story of heroics and tolerance recalled a happier period of innocence and opportunity. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of the Gold Rush as a historical event; within two years, the sparsely settled territory of California had become the fastest growing state in the union. As spring miners arrived from Europe, Asia, South America, and virtually every American state, the population of San Francisco leaped from approximately 800 people in 1848 to over 40,000 in 1850. Although the frenzy for prospecting subsided by the late sass, California was left with an infrastructure for industry, transportation, and agriculture that would have taken decades to develop under normal circumstances. For Americans of the day, the rapid settlement of California validated the doctrine of Manifest Destiny: the belief that it was Gods will for the nation to expand across the continent. However, romanticizes depictions of the Gold Rush often overlook the unhappy outcome of the event for many prospectors. Relatively few of the errs managed to accumulate genuine wealth. Although most prospectors were successful in locating gold, the high cost of living in California prevented miners from pocketing much of their newfound riches. An additional consequence of the Gold Rush was the near-destruction of Californians Native American population. The area contained dozens of autonomous Indian tribes, most of which resided in the regions which were the primary centers for mining activity. As a result, these cultures were the victims of both disease and military attacks and ere nearing extinction Day ten B/Us country Longs Tort a More Simple Lime Hearts fiction was not only a depiction of the past, but it was also a reaction to contemporary events. The American Civil War had halted westward migration from 1861 to 1865. Once the hostilities had ended, though, the nation was anxious to resume its expansion. Although the Pacific shore had been transformed into a center for industry and commerce, the vast area of the Great Plains remained largely unsettled by whites. Like 1849, the late sass was an era of movement into new lands. Even though the post-bellum years were perceived to be a time of imminent opportunity, much of the nation was suffering from the effects of the war. The South was in ruins and resentful of the policies of Reconstruction. The country as a whole experienced a series of financial depressions as the economy readjusted to peacetime conditions. Ulysses S. Grants 1868 election to the presidency marked the beginning of an era of widespread and highly publicized governmental corruption. Therefore it is not surprising that Hearts vision of a Western society populated with shrewd but valorous individuals such as John Croakers would resonate with readers of the day. Anxious to overlook their own shortcomings and to escape the troubles of the present, audiences looked to authors such as Heart to evoke a noble past to which they could hope to return in the future. Compare Contrast sass: The United States embraces the concept of Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined in an article in the July-August, 1845, issue of United States Magazine and Democratic Review. The phrase imparts the view that it is Gods will that the young nation expand across the continent. In the resulting expansion, settlers race west to California in search of gold in 1849. 97: Although no longer claiming that expansionism is Gods will, the United States continues to explore new frontiers. U. S. Astronauts work side-by-side with their Russian counterparts aboard the Russian space station Mir in an effort to investigate the prospects of long-term cooperation in sass: American society at large perceives gambling at cards and other space. Games of chance, in which money changes hands, as the domain of drifters, con-men, and prostitutes. 1997: Casino gambling is no longer confined to Alas Vegas or Atlantic City, having come to be seen as a route to financial reinvigoration in large American cities. Candidates for municipal office often stake their political prospects on their success in bringing casino gaming to town, while political figures who oppose casinos are publicly vilified as out-of-touch prigs and Puritans. Critical Overview When The Outcasts of Poker Flat first appeared in the January, 1869, issue of the Overland Monthly, the story was an immediate critical and popular success. Critics such as Emily S. Forman, writing for Old and New, praised Hearts use of novel vernacular and Movie portraiture to thrill the very depths of the heart and soul.

Lawrence M. Lambe - Profile of the Famous Paleontologist

Lawrence M. Lambe - Profile of the Famous Paleontologist Name: Lawrence M. Lambe Born/Died: 1849-1934 Nationality: Canadian Dinosaurs Named: Chasmosaurus, Edmontosaurus, Euoplocephalus, Styracosaurus About Lawrence M. Lambe The 1880s and 1890s, when Lawrence M. Lambe made his major discoveries, were the dinosaur equivalent of the Gold Rush. The existence of dinosaurs had only recently been proposed (though their fossils had been known from time immemorial), and researchers all over the world rushed to dig up whatever they could. Working for the Geological Survey of Canada, Lambe was responsible for unearthing the famous fossil beds of Alberta, which yielded a huge number of previously unknown genera (many of which were hadrosaurs and ceratopsians). As a mark of the esteem in which he is held by other paleontologists, the hadrosaur Lambeosaurus was named after Lambe. As befitting their size, dinosaurs tend to overshadow Lambes other achievements in paleontology, which arent nearly as well known. For example, he was a noted specialist in the prehistoric fishes of the Devonian period, and had a keen interest in extinct insects as well; he also named the common Canadian fossil crocodile Leidysuchus after another famous American paleontologist, Joseph Leidy.

Free Essays on Crime and Punishment

A highly used theme in the book crime and punishment is alienation. Raskolnikov alienates himself from society because he feels as if he is â€Å"superior† to others. He feels as if he doesn’t need to relate with others because of his superiority. After murdering Lizaveta and Alyona Ivanova, Raskolnikov isolates himself because he feels guilty. Raskolnikov sees himself as a being a superman, and is above all rules that govern society. Raskonikov probably thought he was extraordinary when he wrote the Ubermensch theory. Murdering Alyona, the pawnbroker led him to believe it was right and he gained his superiority through that. But he was unable to cover up his emotions of guilt. Many situations throughout the book proved this, such as when he was at the police station and the fresh paint smell led him to faint because it reminded him of the murders. According to Raskolnikov’s theory, he thought the reason he committed the crime was because he thought he as superior. After! committing the crime, he became ill, either the crime commited makes you become ill, or illness makes you commit the crime. Raskolnikov thought he was helping the society by his right to eliminate unneeded people. But he felt guilt from murdering Lizaveta out of fear. This was the guilt that led him to become ill. Raskolnikov did change the world, but nobody benefited from it. This proves that Raskolnikov is not a superior man, because he could not overcome his guilt. He could be superior, if repressed his feelings of guilt. Raskolniklov’s theory states there are tow types of people in the world, â€Å"ordinary† men and â€Å"extraordinary† men. â€Å"Ordinary† men have no right to reshape the laws because they are not superior, yet â€Å"extraordinary† men has the right because he is superior. Raskolnikov refers to Napoleon as being superior because he overcame many great obstacles to become superior. Raskolnikov did not become superior beca... Free Essays on Crime And Punishment Free Essays on Crime And Punishment Crime and Punishment - Suffering In the novel Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky, suffering is an integral part of every character?s role. However, the message that Dostoevsky wants to present with the main character, Raskolnikov, is not one of the Christian idea of salvation through suffering. Rather, it appears to me, as if the author never lets his main character suffer mentally throughout the novel, in relation to the crime, that is. His only pain seems to be physical sicknes. Raskolnikov commits a premeditated murder in a state of delirium. He ends up committing a second murder, which he never ever wanted to be responsible for. He kills Lizaveta, an exceedingly innocent person. But does the author ever remind us of the murder at any time in the novel again? Not in the physical sense of the crime itself. The reader doesn?t hear about how heavily the murders are weighing on his heart, or how he is tormented by visions of the crime. He doesn?t feel the least bit guilty about having committed the crime, only his pride?s hurt. He doesn?t mention the idea of the pain that might arise from recurrent visions of the crime. Raskolnikov never again recalls the massive amounts of blood everywhere, the look on Lizaveta?s face when he brings down the axe on her head. These things clearly show that the crime isn?t what might cause him suffering, or pain, it is something else. After Raskolnikov is sent off to Siberia, he doesn?t feel remorseful. His feelings haven?t changed about his crime, he feels bad at not being able to living up to his own ideas of greatness. He grows depressed only when he learns of his mother?s death. Raskolnikov still hasn?t found any reason to feel remorse for his crimes. He takes Siberia as his punishment, because of how annoying it is to go through all these formalities, and ridicularities that it entails. Yet, he actually feels more comfortable in Siberia than in his home in St. Petersburg. It?s more... Free Essays on Crime and Punishment A highly used theme in the book crime and punishment is alienation. Raskolnikov alienates himself from society because he feels as if he is â€Å"superior† to others. He feels as if he doesn’t need to relate with others because of his superiority. After murdering Lizaveta and Alyona Ivanova, Raskolnikov isolates himself because he feels guilty. Raskolnikov sees himself as a being a superman, and is above all rules that govern society. Raskonikov probably thought he was extraordinary when he wrote the Ubermensch theory. Murdering Alyona, the pawnbroker led him to believe it was right and he gained his superiority through that. But he was unable to cover up his emotions of guilt. Many situations throughout the book proved this, such as when he was at the police station and the fresh paint smell led him to faint because it reminded him of the murders. According to Raskolnikov’s theory, he thought the reason he committed the crime was because he thought he as superior. After! committing the crime, he became ill, either the crime commited makes you become ill, or illness makes you commit the crime. Raskolnikov thought he was helping the society by his right to eliminate unneeded people. But he felt guilt from murdering Lizaveta out of fear. This was the guilt that led him to become ill. Raskolnikov did change the world, but nobody benefited from it. This proves that Raskolnikov is not a superior man, because he could not overcome his guilt. He could be superior, if repressed his feelings of guilt. Raskolniklov’s theory states there are tow types of people in the world, â€Å"ordinary† men and â€Å"extraordinary† men. â€Å"Ordinary† men have no right to reshape the laws because they are not superior, yet â€Å"extraordinary† men has the right because he is superior. Raskolnikov refers to Napoleon as being superior because he overcame many great obstacles to become superior. Raskolnikov did not become superior beca... Free Essays on Crime And Punishment â€Å"But if such a one is forced for the sake of his idea to step over a corpse or wade through blood, he can, I maintain, find himself, in his conscience, a sanction for wading through blood†¦Ã¢â‚¬  With these words, Dostoevsky, author of Crime and Punishment, gives the reader a clear look at the type of ideas which fill the mind of his main character. Raskolnikov, the protagonist, sums up his overtaking beliefs in this quote that he derives from Nietzsche’s philosophy. Dostoevsky develops Raskolnikov as being completely engulfed by a theory which believes that â€Å"the rearing of a human species higher and stronger than that which surrounds us, even if this could only be achieved by the sacrifice of masses of such men as we know, would be a great, a real progress.† Raskolniknov believes he is part of this superior race and his feelings of supremacy isolate him from others in society, even his family. Raskolnikov is an individual alienated from society wh o justifies his vain actions by a superhuman theory. Through background information, the author explains to his audience that Raskolnikov is a student at the university in St. Petersburg but drops out because he becomes mentally overwhelmed by his contemplations of murder. Through use of an article Raskolnikov writes in the newspaper, the antagonist of the story becomes aware of Raskolnikov’s justifications. Dostoevsky uses an argument between protagonist and antagonist to unveil Raskolnikov’s philosophy. In this altercation, Raskolnikov says, â€Å"†¦Solon, Mahomet, Napoleon, and so on†¦these benefactors and leaders of humanity were guilty of terrible carnage. I maintain that all great men or even men a little out of the common, capable of giving a new word, must from their very nature be criminals.† With these thoughts, Dostoevsky reveals Raskolnikov’s true preoccupations with Nietzsche’s philosophy. He develops the argument further to include the impact of the phi... Free Essays on Crime and Punishment Crime and Punishment Symbols from the text: The symbol of the cross is prominent in the novel, and represents the burden of suffering that Raskolnikov, as well as the other virtuous characters in the novel, must bear. This suffering can be seen as sharing the common grief of humanity and giving of oneself to others, and thus furthering life. Characters such as Luzhin, the old pawnbroker and Svidrigailov, who live selfishly and so reject this burden, remain impure, and in Svidrigailov's case especially, spiritually sick and depraved. In fact, Svidrigailov embodies evil, the side of Raskolnikov that rationalizes murder and resists turning himself in. By contrast, Sonia embodies love, the half of Raskolnikov's nature that unhesitatingly gives all he has for a poor man's funeral or risks his life to save two children. The ax, which Raskolnikov uses to commit the murders, symbolizes the two halves of Raskolnikov's nature. These opposing sides are in conflict throughout the novel and are reflected in his two victims, the old pawnbroker and Lizaveta. He uses the blunt side to murder the old woman and the sharp edge to kill Lizaveta, symbolizing that he has killed himself in the act as well. The Haymarket, or city square, can be seen as representing the common people or humanity. When he wanders through this area in the throes of his illness, Raskolnikov can blend easily into the crowd, signifying that he is not the extraordinary man of his theories. And when he goes to turn himself in, he obeys Sonia's instructions to go into the square and bow to the earth, asking it for forgiveness. In instructing him to do so, Sonia returns him to humanity and to life. It is interesting to note as well that when Raskolnikov takes Sonia's cross, it is the Cypress one, which he remarks stands for the common people. By committing murder, he has set himself above common morality and now must return. There is also an apparent tension between reason or i... Free Essays on Crime And Punishment Sacrifice is important to an individual’s well being. It is intertwined with ones sense of right and wrong, as sacrifice is usually letting go of something important in order to do what is right. Sacrifice literally means to sell or give away at a loss. In Crime and Punishment, many characters gave something away that left them at a loss but also may have helped them in the long run. Sacrifice is shown as a necessity through the characters of Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Svidrigailov. Raskolnikov sacrificed many parts of his life in order to be rehabilitated. As a test to his extraordinary man theory, in the beginning of the novel Raskolnikov murdered the pawnbroker as a sacrifice to improve society because the world would be better without the â€Å"old hag† (pg. 407). As he explained to Sonia, he believed that he killed himself and the devil killed the old hag, as she had deserved. This shows that he sacrificed his own life to murder the pawnbroker, which at the time he felt was the right thing to do. As his condition worsened Raskolnikov felt that it was suitable to disconnect himself with his mother who loved him so dearly, in order to give her peace of mind. This sacrifice helped Pulcheria because she would have worried far too much if she had known what was happening to Raskolnikov and the crime that he commited. Lastly at the end of the novel, Raskolnikov was forced to sacrifice his freedom in order to rehabilitate himself in Siberia and have a c hance to live without suffering when he gets out. The only way for this rehabilitation was confession as Porfiry had explained to him; therefore his confession was imminent and provided Raskolnikov with the only possible solution rather than killing himself. Without the help of Sonia, Raskolnikov may not have confessed and sacrificed his freedom, but he also may not have survived. Sonia is a very sacrificial character as she represents many things to Raskolnikov and to her family. T... Free Essays on Crime And Punishment Crime and Punishment The tone of the scene in Crime and Punishment was violent and at the same time also calm and sensual. Rashkolnikov’s eagerness to take away life has transformed him into a careless mad man who resorted to any measures to get what he wants. The description of each action demonstrates Rashkolnikov’s awareness of his surroundings and proves that he is sane and understands all of his choices. The diction of this passage conveys mental madness, â€Å"†¦Am I going out of my mind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  because of having read the letter from his mom and sister about their sacrifices for his education has driven him to find any means to prove himself. Rashkolnikov is an educator and has lost his self worth and feels powerless, â€Å"he froze, †¦ still as death† with his actions he feels each ounce of gained mental and physical power. Before Rashkolnikov had no control of his life or what was in stored for the future, he would have money and the next broke again. His mother and sister have already made decisions in order to help his with his future and feels like he has given nothing in return. The love he has for his family has caused him to commit murder and â€Å"unexpected murder†, Rashkolnikov continued his rampage and refused to be caught. His sensuality has defined himself as a person who cares for others â€Å" †¦thin, light, gray-streaked hair... † and takes time to describe the victim’s features. A cold-blooded killer would not take the time to describe his actions because those facts aren’t in a killer mind at all. The fear that Rashkolnikov felt was shame and embarrassment but he felt he was doing the right thing and he had to make sureâ€Å"†¦Struck once more†¦Ã¢â‚¬  that everything was final. His sense of failure has taking over his mind and has made killing Aliona and her sister Lizaveta justified. Rashkolnikov’s interpretations of what he is doing displays a mental consideration for each dead body, he examines the v...

Perception and attitudes towards bidilectal speakers Research Proposal

Perception and attitudes towards bidilectal speakers - Research Proposal Example The quote above suggests that the RP speakers are the better of the two in conveying information, and that they are even regarded and rated higher in the society that the regional speakers. However, it also suggests that the RP speakers are harsher in communication, and in nature when compared to the regional speakers, who although are poor communicators, are privileged with kindheartedness and sincerity. The reason why this point is interesting is that its implications are confusing. For instance, would we not expect the most privileged communicator in the society to be the one who was kind and sincere than the communicator who the society regards so poorly? The roles and natures of these two speakers seem interchanged, and this is what makes this point interesting, and worth looking into. To explore this issue closely, one could formulate a study that could provide more answers to the questions this point pose. An example of a research question that would shed more light on the issue would be what attributes and characteristics make Received Pronunciation speakers better than the regional speakers? To answer this question, one might need to formulate a study that would require the collection and analysis of data to come up with a comprehensive conclusion. In such a study, I would use random sampling to appoint participants. I would do this sampling on different individuals in the society of all ages, sex, race, education levels, class, and profession. I would ensure that I have a large number of participants in my study to minimize bias as much as possible. In addition to this, I would also use a number of research methodologies such as interviews and questionnaires to come up with both quantitative and qualitative data. I can obtain qualitative data by asking such q uestions like, who is your preferred communicator, RP or regional speakers. I can obtain quantitative data by asking questions such as how many RP speakers do you know, and

PR analysis of J crew Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

PR analysis of J crew - Essay Example Such strategies would also entail strategic use of the inner potentials and the lessening of internal weaknesses towards the overall goal of improving the profitability, brand image, and general performance of the company. According to Spencer and Rose (2010), J. Crew is an American multi-brand and multi-channel company that is based in New York, USA. The company remains one of the most recognized retailers in apparel and accessories, which is known for stylish products, good quality, and proper customer service. The products, which it offers, range from those for women and men to children clothing. These clothing include swimwear, outwear, belts, and loungewear. Apart from the clothing, it also offers bags and even hair accessories. It was started in 1989 by opening its first retail outlet in the south street seaport in Manhattan. Today, the company has more than 330 retail stores throughout the U.S. with about 13,100 employees. Due to its diversified products, this company falls in various industries, which include the clothing stores, retail sector, shoe stores, non-store retail, internet, and mail order retail industries. However, just like any other company, J. Crew has its own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The company has for example been said to be lagging behind in social media and seems to have lost focus on their target customer. This has complicated matters for a company, which has well established competitors in its overcrowded retail environment. The company can therefore not avoid the need for a well-integrated PR program that can help it in connecting with its targeted audience in a meaningful way to win back their loyalty for the brand. Past and recent analyses establish the need for the improving the company’s potential through a strategic engagement of the various issues that attend to the issues of financial growth. Customer attraction and retention remain the major factors that shall

2. What is the difference between an alliance problem and an alliance Essay

2. What is the difference between an alliance problem and an alliance symptom, and what does this difference mean in terms of managerial intervention - Essay Example Most of the time differencing between alliance problems and symptoms becomes a challenge for the organization. There is always a difference between these two. Problems are usually not visible on the front line and symptoms on the other hand are quite clear and are a constant reminder of an upcoming problem. In strategic alliances the organizations usually consider a symptom as a problem and instead of doing an in-depth analysis of that symptom they take initiatives to solve it. This false interpretation of problems and symptoms can lead towards greater hazards. An example of difference between alliance symptom and problem is: when an organization observes an unenthusiastic change in the behavior of its partner it should not immediately take initiatives to change this behavior instead it should try to find out the root cause of this change. This change in behavior can be a result of lack of trust among the partners, in-competitive behavior of one of the partners, difference in the atm osphere of the two organizations or a difference between work schedule and strategies of the two organizations. If the organization over-looks these core problems and misinterprets the symptom as a problem then it can endanger the alliance. This misinterpretation is the cause of failure of more than 66 percent of the alliances. Even though the above mentioned factor can be a hurdle in the success of an alliance but proper and effective senior management is the most important factor for overcoming these hazards. If the top management is committed to the success of the alliance then it should take proper steps in order to avoid these problems and their misinterpretation with the symptoms. The management should try to understand the philosophies of the management of their partner organization. If the attitudes and thinking of both the managements would be similar then most of the core problems would be avoided. Another important factor is effective

Primary models of international marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Primary models of international marketing - Essay Example This research is being carried out to evaluate and present the primary models of international marketing. These models include, polycentric, ethnocentric and geocentric. Ethnocentric is normally used to refer to refer to assumptions arising from national arrogance. They are conservative and hold the underlying factor that one method used in marketing and manufacturing is adequate and applicable to all other places. They uphold the view that products emanating from their country are superior by default and automatically get accepted in other regions. They do not consider aspects of modification and are not vigorous in their marketing campaigns. Contrary to ethnocentric approach or model, the polycentric approach dwells on the uniqueness of each region it is unveiling its products in. They put extra caution and consideration in regard to the people’s culture and give its products time to be assimilated into the people’s culture. If necessary, they would consider modifying their products to suit the perspective of their new targets. This approach invents new marketing strategies to capture the attention of new customers. On the negative aspect, modifications to fit into each setting may dilute the originality of the initial product and prove expensive for the company too. Considering the unique needs of individuals, cultures or religions in every region may be exhaustive too. Geocentrism embraces a more global approach to business. It levalises the business grounds to all parties as there is no special attention to the original company or the host.

Compare and contrast the views of Smith and Ricardo on the Essay

Compare and contrast the views of Smith and Ricardo on the determination and possible evolution over time of the natural rates of wages, profit and rent - Essay Example It is worth mentioning that the â€Å"natural prices† of the aforementioned criteria, i.e. profits, wages and rents are further examined to fluctuate in accordance with the varied circumstances in the job market scenario. According to the viewpoints of various economists, it has been noted that the â€Å"natural rates† of rent, profit and wages are likely to be continuously changing due to the presence of a huge number of buyers as well as sellers and also because of the increasing market competition. Subsequently, various theories have been developed in order to examine the determinants of production function in an economy which is further believed to steer the overall growth rate in that particular nation1. Among the commonly applied theories, the most influential and certainly the most debated theories have been the growth theory of Adam Smith and David Ricardo. In this paper, the views of two economists i.e. Adam Smith and David Ricardo upon the subject matter of the determination as well as the possible evolution over time of the â€Å"natural rates† of rents, wages and profits will be analysed and compared. Adam Smith, the world renowned economist and philosophist of the 1770s, stated that the conception of â€Å"natural rate† is principally described as the price which is offered to any particular commodity in order to yield a significant portion of revenue. As per the growth theory of Adam Smith, governments play an imperative role in the determination as well the possible evolution of the â€Å"natural rates† of wages, profit and rent over time. In this similar context, Smith strongly believed that the government of any particular nation must enforce effective contracts and simultaneously grant copyrights as well as patents for the purpose of promoting new inventions and innovative ideas which can assist in greater capital accumulation within the nation, resulting in the increased wealth of the economy and therefore influencing the

Through a Smokers Eye Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Through a Smokers Eye - Essay Example As King puts into perspective, smokers face a series of problems including discrimination and stereotypic classification. Evidently, the personal experience mixed with reality make smoking a nightmare for various smokers (King, 1990). These aspects create the need for persuasion in the narration. Indeed, the argument stands out, as it captures the important elements of smoking, making sure that social, economic, and cultural context gets to light. By first introducing the negative aspect of smoking, King tries to capture the attention of readers. She discusses the hatred for smokers in such a way that anybody reading the article can immediately develop negativity. On the other hand, she discusses non-smoking relating the behavior to Medicare, social security, and hazardous materials. According to the article, non-smokers die at a younger age as compared to smokers. King, who is the speaker attains persona credibility through individual stories and experience. For example, King’s mother was a smoker surrounded by an environment of pure smokers. Evidently, her mother entertained the behavior despite being pregnant. From this perspective, the king started having the effects of smoking in the womb. She implies that there are limited effects of smoking on pregnant mothers. In as much as this is not true in the real world, the story brings it close to reality. For example, she was born without any defects suggesting no damaging effects of smoking. Although the assumption might hold water, fortune cannot be replaced with the real effects of smoking (King, 1990). Arguably, the pleasure of smoking seems to overcome all activities in the story. It does not only replace kissing but also sex. Despite the concerted efforts to convince readers of the smoking benefits, she also recognizes the autonomy of interests. The communication structure constitut es historical context, local examples, and ethical conditions surrounding smoking. In as much as many people know that smoking has a series of problems, a glance at the article can change the perception. The nature communication points out to a creative and imaginative author with the ability to relay current events. Certainly, King’s message comes from a culture of social constraints and poverty (King, 1990). For instance, how does a pregnant woman smoke with the knowledge that it might affect her child? The illogical argument points out to lack of education and ignorance despite the prudent support for the behavior. Most importantly, the use of America and immigrants points back to the time of primitivism characterized by lack of information and education. Â   Â  

Primary models of international marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Primary models of international marketing - Essay Example This research is being carried out to evaluate and present the primary models of international marketing. These models include, polycentric, ethnocentric and geocentric. Ethnocentric is normally used to refer to refer to assumptions arising from national arrogance. They are conservative and hold the underlying factor that one method used in marketing and manufacturing is adequate and applicable to all other places. They uphold the view that products emanating from their country are superior by default and automatically get accepted in other regions. They do not consider aspects of modification and are not vigorous in their marketing campaigns. Contrary to ethnocentric approach or model, the polycentric approach dwells on the uniqueness of each region it is unveiling its products in. They put extra caution and consideration in regard to the people’s culture and give its products time to be assimilated into the people’s culture. If necessary, they would consider modifying their products to suit the perspective of their new targets. This approach invents new marketing strategies to capture the attention of new customers. On the negative aspect, modifications to fit into each setting may dilute the originality of the initial product and prove expensive for the company too. Considering the unique needs of individuals, cultures or religions in every region may be exhaustive too. Geocentrism embraces a more global approach to business. It levalises the business grounds to all parties as there is no special attention to the original company or the host.

Through a Smokers Eye Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Through a Smokers Eye - Essay Example As King puts into perspective, smokers face a series of problems including discrimination and stereotypic classification. Evidently, the personal experience mixed with reality make smoking a nightmare for various smokers (King, 1990). These aspects create the need for persuasion in the narration. Indeed, the argument stands out, as it captures the important elements of smoking, making sure that social, economic, and cultural context gets to light. By first introducing the negative aspect of smoking, King tries to capture the attention of readers. She discusses the hatred for smokers in such a way that anybody reading the article can immediately develop negativity. On the other hand, she discusses non-smoking relating the behavior to Medicare, social security, and hazardous materials. According to the article, non-smokers die at a younger age as compared to smokers. King, who is the speaker attains persona credibility through individual stories and experience. For example, King’s mother was a smoker surrounded by an environment of pure smokers. Evidently, her mother entertained the behavior despite being pregnant. From this perspective, the king started having the effects of smoking in the womb. She implies that there are limited effects of smoking on pregnant mothers. In as much as this is not true in the real world, the story brings it close to reality. For example, she was born without any defects suggesting no damaging effects of smoking. Although the assumption might hold water, fortune cannot be replaced with the real effects of smoking (King, 1990). Arguably, the pleasure of smoking seems to overcome all activities in the story. It does not only replace kissing but also sex. Despite the concerted efforts to convince readers of the smoking benefits, she also recognizes the autonomy of interests. The communication structure constitut es historical context, local examples, and ethical conditions surrounding smoking. In as much as many people know that smoking has a series of problems, a glance at the article can change the perception. The nature communication points out to a creative and imaginative author with the ability to relay current events. Certainly, King’s message comes from a culture of social constraints and poverty (King, 1990). For instance, how does a pregnant woman smoke with the knowledge that it might affect her child? The illogical argument points out to lack of education and ignorance despite the prudent support for the behavior. Most importantly, the use of America and immigrants points back to the time of primitivism characterized by lack of information and education. Â   Â  

My Technologically Challenged Life Essay Example for Free

My Technologically Challenged Life Essay Monica’s parents play a huge role in limiting her access to technology. They choose to not use technology which I think is the main reason why they wouldn’t buy a computer for their daughters. Their reasoning sounds extremely familiar to me because my parents have done the same kind of thing to me. I begged my parents for a cell phone from seventh grade until my sophomore year when I finally bought my own but they would always tell me I don’t need a cell phone while my mom had one and my dad had THREE for his work. Anyways, I can relate to Monica on many levels. 2. I don’t think Monica is to blame for her technological difficulties at all. I think the main reason she is having troubles is her parents except for the lack of technology in her car which is obviously the manufacturers doing and not her parents. The lack of technology at the health-care facility is a pretty big issue if you ask me. The technology the workers could be and probably should be using would greatly improve the efficiency of the jobs they do. 3. Wunderlich’s reference to the weekend when terrorists were â€Å"supposed to be blowing up† the bridges in san Francisco was her way of adding some comedy to the story because there was probably a bomb threat that day and she could have potentially died simply because she didn’t have a GPS and got lost. If she had owned a GPS at the time, she wouldn’t have gotten so lost and never would have been on both of the bridges on accident.

TV Addiction Problem

TV Addiction Problem Running head: TV ADDICTION: A GROWING PROBLEM TV addiction- A Growing Problem Most people of my generation have never known life without television. We have grown up sitting in the living room in front of the flickering TV screen. It is hard for us to see how television affects our lives. The belief that television is destructive to communication among family and friends is quite common. On the other hand, television has increased the speed at which information travels, and it can transfer circumstances and images into our homes that previous generations never had. People tend to idealize the past; they imagine a group of family and friends entertaining themselves by playing games and telling stories around a warm fireplace, but I do not think that TV can be blamed for the lack of communication among family and friends. Without a doubt, television is one of the most powerful means of communicating in the past decade, competing with other forms of communication such as the Internet, telephone, movies, cellular phones, and of course, our speech. Due to its extensive availability and enriched media with images and sounds, it is very difficult to keep it away from our lives. Television is a necessity of our lives like our meals, clothing, and home. At first, the broadcasting industry was started for public purposes. Nowadays, as to the influences of television, some people say that television offers a relaxing time and useful information to us while others argue that television does not always have a good effect on us because of its hindrance to communication among people. However, television provides us with rich topics to talk about and a chance to get together with each other. Most of all, television helps us communicate with others. We watch television almost every evening with our family. For example, my father and I enjoy watching news or knowledge-based documentary programs. Watching these programs we sometimes discuss current affairs such as the Presidential election or economic problems. Likewise, hot issues on television like news or trendy programs are the most common topics among my friends in my college. If some of them did not watch television the previous night, they cannot even take part in the discussion becaus e they have nothing to talk about. In this respect, since television provides us with various topics related to our lives, it helps us form our sense of intimacy with family or friends. Next, television promotes our communication because it offers a chance to get together with families or friends. Nowadays, most people are so busy that they do not have much time to spend with family and friends. However, through TV programs, we can have a chance to get along with them. For instance, when the 2002 World Cup was held in Korea, many people had a great time with their family or friends. To watch soccer games, we gathered in front of TV with friends or family who we were alienated from for a long time. Consequently, such TV programs help us build up closer human relationships among people. Thus, I think television plays an important role in promoting communication with family or friends. â€Å"Children are more likely to become actively engaged with anything that attracts them. Especially, television provides great interests with its variety of sounds and images to children†. They immediately desire for watching it whether content is neither too easy not too difficult to understand. By its providing some challenge, television allows them to gain an abundant vocabulary. Just like our muscles, the brain gets stronger when it is used, and declines when it isnt used. Television is so commonly criticized as being bad for children that an important fact sometimes gets overlooked†. (ScienceDaily, 2001) Some types of television viewing may actually enhance childrens intellectual development. Television contains an enormous variety of forms and content. In a study, the effects of television viewing depended on program content.† There are always bad effects on children watching TV. Children who are TV viewers increasingly view life as an entertainment extravaganza in which they are fond of playing role in TV show, and there are aggressive content of current broadcasting that greatly affect children. Besides, it is inevitable to watch TV without facing revolting violence. Once more, the effects of television viewing depend on program content and genre. Children are required to be advised what right TV program to watch by their parents. (Carter Bill, 1996) Children have no ability of choosing what is good or bad.Parents and teachers restrain childrens watching TV which is just ignoring their needs. Parents and teacher should be responsible for teaching how to manage their time and what benefits children acquire while watching TV. (Austin W.P, 2003) â€Å"This problem was less severe before cable and the advent of hundreds of channels. The increase in choice has increased the probability of every family member being addicted to a different program on some channel and this eventually leads to time conflicts when two channels show their programs at the same time and there are different viewing demands. Among high-income families this results in more than one television in the house and the physical togetherness of the middle-class family is sacrificed to television addiction. Television addiction increases because in a given family there are people of different ages, genders, with differing levels of education, personal beliefs, intellectual orientation, and personal tastes.† (Television addiction, 2007) Therefore, family members are obsessed with watching their favorite channels. Naturally, their watching time gradually increases and they become addicted to it after all. Most of the people prefer spending time with their families and friends rather than spending time watching television. Television plays an important role in peoples lives. However, most people would definitely choose family and friends over television. Moreover, most knowledgeable people are aware of the harmful effects of watching too much television. Through my experience, after a long day at school, I had plenty of time talking with my parents. For me and my family, our precious time together can not be compared to anything. In addition, the effect of television is simply not so great that it could be said to have â€Å"destroyed† communication among family and friends. Granted, communication among people in industrialized countries has decreased in recent years. It might be tempting to blame this problem on television since its rise roughly coincided with the decrease in time we spend with our families. However, I believe this situation is more likely due to increased pressures relating to work, school, and the economy. In my case, for example, I find that my pressures from studying are so great that I must often sacrifice time at home so that I can meet the challenges of achieving my own goals. In some situations, however, it is true that TV is responsible for decreasing communication among family members. In my childhood in the countryside, I frequently saw parents and children watching television for hours every day, and they barely talked with one another. It seemed for them that television was a way to escape from when they were sad or in a miserable mood. However, admittedly television brought on bad circumstances However, even in this case, I would say that television merely contributed to the bad situation, but it did not cause it; if television were nonexistent, surely these people would have found other escapes, alcohol or gambling, for example. In other words, people always find a way to do want they want to do. Likewise, we need to realize that nobody forces us to sit in front of the TV. We can choose to turn it off and spend more time communicating with our loved ones. Instead of thinking of ourselves as victims of television, we should see how TV can be a good tool for us to use as we see fit. Also, we are able to use it to learn about the world or simply to entertain us when we are bored. â€Å"Television addiction becomes a problem when a subject does not want to watch TV, but experiences an uncontrollable compulsion to start or continue watching.† It is common beliefs that stop watching TV is the fastest method to quit TV addiction. Addicted people just turn off TV screen and try to never approach to it when they find out first time. It may seem work at the beginning. However, as time goes on, they get stressed out by what they are restricted to. They should find out root cause of it and at least show some efforts. Even though it takes long to quit TV addiction, the main purpose is to find you feel free from TV watching. It is common a belief that the fastest method to quit TV addiction by stop watching TV. Addicted people just turn off the TV and try to never approach it. It may seem work at the beginning. However, as time goes on, they get stressed out by what they are restricted to. They should find out the root cause of the addiction and at least show some efforts. Even though it takes a long to quit TV addiction, the main purpose is to be free from TV watching. There are five steps that help us to deal with TV addiction. First of all, you keep a record of how much TV you watch every time you do. You need to know how much time you spend watching TV. Next, compare the amount of time you watch TV to average time people spending on TV. If you do more than the average, try to reduce the amount of time. Secondly, List all the other fun activities you can do at home instead of watching TV. Place your list on your refrigerator so you can check this list before you turn on the TV. Consider fun activities to do as family, household projects you would like to complete, outside activities, reading, exercise, etc. Third, set a limit for how much TV you will watch in later on. Fourth, record your time and stick to your commitment. You can control yourself spend watching time within limited time, Fourth, commit to exercising whenever you watch TV by walking on a treadmill, or riding a stationary bike. If you do so, you will feel less guilty about wasting your time watching TV. Last, Consider removing your TV for a set period of time. You might find yourself talking to your family again instead of watching the TV too much. (N/A, 2007) From these beliefs, I strongly believe that television has not damaged or harmed interpersonal communication among families and most people. Most people think that television is simply a temporary means of spending time, and they do not use it to substitute for interpersonal communication. The damage is attributable to other social factors, not television. Therefore, all of us must choose what we want to do with our free time. We should quit thinking of ourselves as victims of technology and realize that technology offers us choices. Let us take control of technology and use it to improve our lives. Only we can decide how much time we want to spend communicating with friends and loved ones. The television does not decide this for us, we decide it by ourselves.