Writing Through Different Explorations And How Subverting...

Poetry, what first comes to mind? If your anything like me, poetry can seem somewhat monotonous, rather like a locked door exclusive, complicated, and hard to understand. I think poetry tends to be a big game of â€Å"Guess what I’m thinking!† and I hate that game. I’m not a mind-reader. I think a lot of people who get excited about poetry are really pretentious. This possibly comes from believing that they actually can guess what other people are thinking. When we think poetry, we tend to know poetry by it’s traditional forms of having sonnets, ballads, often rhyming (but not always) and they tend to have a specific and symmetrical structure (APA). Throughout this essay I wanted to consider poetry through different explorations and how subverting the traditional conventions of poetry might be an effective way of engagement or in an opposing way of demotivating the reader. Looking into the explorational work of a highly regarded New Zealand poet and scholar, Selina Tusitala-Marsh, we truly get an insight of someone who goes against the traditional conventions of poetry. Her collection of poems called Dark Sparring is about â€Å"†¦the journey of Marsh’s feelings about her mother’s death – wars declared, lists made, a â€Å"Mantra† written, even a printed Ransom Note. Other poems explain how Marsh took to Muay Thai kickboxing to cope with her grief following the death of her mother† (APA). Looking closely at the poem Ransom Note, it gives the effects of using an excessive number ofShow MoreRelatedHow Shakespeare And Rossetti Engage With The Sonnet1241 Words   |  5 PagesThis essay will address how Shakespeare and Rossetti engage with the sonnet form, through Rossetti’s â€Å"A Sonnet† and Shakespeare’s â€Å"Sonnet 52†. Both poets arguably subvert the traditional Petrarchan sonnet ge nre, though in different ways. Rossetti’s ‘A Sonnet’ explores the sonnet as an art form rather than as a means of currency, as sonnets were seen to be at the time, and how if treated as a commodity, the value of a sonnet is diminished. Similarly, Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 52’ explores the connection

Young People Enjoy Life More Than Older People Do Free Essays

Some people may think that older people enjoy life more than young people do. However in opinion, young people enjoy life more than older people do. Young people’ passion and energy are enough to enjoy life more than older people do. We will write a custom essay sample on Young People Enjoy Life More Than Older People Do? or any similar topic only for you Order Now The reasons of it are that they do not have to be responsible for numerous tasks, that they are much more energetic than the elderly, and that they can get familiar with new technologies even faster than old people. First of all, young people do not have much responsibility compare to older people. For example, older people have responsibility to take care of their children, to earn money, to complete their work, etc. These responsibilities make them limited to enjoy their life. Moreover, whenever they try to do something to enjoy life they prefer their children’s favor first, like to travel where, to choose which movie, to come together with my friends and their mother. These all make the life less enjoyable thing. On the other hand, young people do not have these responsibilities; they are free to choose from variety of options to do for enjoying their life. They can meet with their own friends, and they can go most recent and famous movie. These show us that young people enjoy their life more than older people do. Additionally, young people have more energy to do anything. In contrast, older people usually suffer from some disabilities by the time is passing. For example, my friend and I have lived in same apartment for about ten years and usually we tried to come together whenever we found some free time. And every time we went different places, and tried new things. Sometimes, our parents were the ones who planned and scheduled the vacation. Unfortunately, they were less powerful and active than we were, which forced our decision for changing according to our parents’ situation. We had great time, and enjoyed of course. However, our parents were sorry to not be able to do everything that they used to do it before. Hence, we see that by the time our enjoying life terms will change up to our ages. And we think that we should go, try and see as much as we can do while we are still young, otherwise we will not be in proper health condition to do whatever we want. Lastly, young people enjoy life more than older people because of the reality that they can easily follow the technology compare to the older people. And technology is one of the most enjoyable things in our life. For example, we are using social media, kinds of application to be more connected to our friends. The more connection creates more friendship. And the more friendship means more enjoyable life. However, older people can only connect with their friends with traditional method which is only couple friends. As a result of this, young people can more enjoy life than older people. To sum up, there is a huge difference between young and older people to enjoy their life. Of course, the older people can also enjoy their life according to their new age. However in some point, they feel that they are not able to do everything they want, and in this manner they feel little boundary surrounding them. They might not feel fully enjoyed life like in their young age. On the other hand, young people can able to enjoy life by being less responsible, more energetic and more following up new things. How to cite Young People Enjoy Life More Than Older People Do?, Essays

World Lit Draft for a Dolls House free essay sample

Ibsen signifies the importance of freedom by later on allowing Nora to acknowledge the fact that she is restrained. Nora’s character, resembling that of to a doll, allows her to leave the domestic life of her husband’s home which is what keeps her from leaving her adolescence. Not only has Nora been freed by her puppet/doll ways, but so has Torvald by Nora divorcing him making him let go of his marriage obligations. As one may see, the role freedom has on this play can be defined as the main resolution this has on the play as compared to the conflict of being restrained as both a husband and wife. The importance of freedom in the play can be portrayed through various scenes. Take Noras choice to deal with her own debt as an example, she leaves her adolescence to face the mess she has left for herself and exclaims Let me go. We will write a custom essay sample on World Lit Draft for a Dolls House or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page You shall not suffer for my sake. You shall not take it upon yourself. This as whole can express the tone of which Nora is feeling and demonstrates her innocence leaving. Nora’s mentality has been affected in the way that she becomes a human being again instead of being played and somewhat brainwashed by her husband. She takes full responsibility for what she has done along with facing up to Torvald and deciding to treat him more like a husband rather than act as if he were her father (â€Å"Surely you can understand that being with Torvald is a little like being with papa. ) Along side with Nora’s innocence fading away, Torvald is also free from his marriage obligations such as maintaining the family together and/or paying for their needs. Do you know, Nora, I have often wished that you might be threatened by some great danger, so that I might risk my lifes blood, and everything, for your sake. Torvald might say these words to Nora but deep down he does not live up to his full expectations of being her husband. Even when Nora informs Torvald that she no longer wants to be a mother to their children or his wife, he acts as if he cannot live without her but in fact he does not really love her and only loves the reputation she gives him. Now you have destroyed all my happiness. You have ruined all my future. By this statement he makes, Torvald makes it seem like he was never committed to his marriage duties and thus he plays out to be free from Nora and his marriage alas. Overall, freedom is an importance to the play due to its effect in helping Nora discover her true identity and allow Torvald to accept the fact that he was never to true his marriage. The affect that freedom has towards the play can be expressed by the conflict that Nora had in the beginning of the play (debt) leading up to the final conclusion (divorce).

The Origin of Art free essay sample

Art Is all around us no matter where you walk; where you stand you can virtually look around and find creative art. Art Is beautiful and articulate, now lets think back and realize where art was Invented; the word Art where did It originate from. Well as I researched a few defines this is what I found from two different resources. The word Art itself is Latin and originally spoken in Rome called Ultimatum, ears means arrangement or to arrange. It has been noted that no one can really define art because the way people standards are for their taste and judgment in what one loud consider art.Art has always been known for its high-class associated with wealth and been able to purchase both works of art and have the time to enjoy them. (2010). For many reasons people come up with their many definitions of art and some feel that It Is a difficult word to define without starting an endless argument! Definitions will vary depending on how they divide all that Is not considered art; the most common means Is to rely on the experts. We will write a custom essay sample on The Origin of Art or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Some cultures will not refer to their work as art and will use a term like material culture or visual culture.Delineate, 2010). Painting Splitting Twilight by Kristin Baker, this piece is a built up of acrylic paint she uses practical two and 3 dimension as printmaking and paper assemblage, she applies illusionists and pictorial spaces with artificial forms and surfaces. Instead of using a brush she uses a outline of torn tape and the silhouette is filled with paint and the tape is ripped away, the tapes are layered together to make a form and the landscape are scraped away to show the color beneath.This piece can be view different ways but it does give a specific meaning. Http:// en. Wisped. Org/wick/The_Scream Conceptual Art One and Three Chairs by Joseph South shows a chair within a chair, he shows different ways the chair may exist, a chair as it would appear to you in any form. The design is unique and we can see that a physical object has a new way of looking at things http://www. Historically. Com/learn/dissimulators. HTML Installation Art My Bed by Tracey Men this piece shows a side of Tracey that expresses herself through her bedroom, which to me show a true self of her personality. This art is art and is exceptional.

How John McAdam Changed Roads Forever

How John McAdam Changed Roads Forever John Loudon McAdam was a Scottish engineer who modernized the way we build roads. Early Life McAdam was born in Scotland in 1756 but moved  to New York in 1790 to make his fortune. Arriving at the dawn of the Revolutionary War, he began working in his uncle’s business and became a successful merchant and prize agent (in essence, a fence who takes a cut from selling off the spoils of war).   Returning to Scotland, he purchased his own estate and soon became involved in the maintenance and governance of Ayrshire, becoming a road trustee there. Builder of Roads At the time, roads were either dirt paths susceptible to rain and mud, or very expensive stone affairs that frequently broke down not long after whatever event precipitated their construction.   McAdam was convinced that massive stone slabs would not be needed to carry the weight of passing carriages, as long as the road was kept dry. McAdam came up with the idea of raising roadbeds to ensure adequate drainage. He then designed these roadbeds using broken stones laid in symmetrical, tight patterns and covered with small stones to create a hard surface. McAdam discovered that the best stone or gravel for road surfacing had to be broken or crushed, and then graded to a constant size of chippings. McAdams design, called MacAdam roads and then simply â€Å"macadam roads,† represented a revolutionary advancement in road construction at the time. The water-bound macadam roads were the forerunners of the tar- and bitumen-based binding that was to become tarmacadam. The word tarmacadam was shortened to the now-familiar name: tarmac. The first tarmac road to be laid was in Paris in 1854, a precursor to todays asphalt roads. By making roads both significantly cheaper and more durable, MacAdam triggered an explosion in municipal connective tissue, with roads sprawling out across the countryside. Fittingly for an inventor who made his fortune in the Revolutionary War- and whose life’s work united so many- one of the earliest macadam roads in America was used to bring together the negotiating parties for the surrender treaty at the end of the Civil War.  These reliable roads would be crucial in America once the automobile revolution began in the early 20th century.

Argumentative Essay on Plastic Surgery

Argumentative Essay on Plastic Surgery Argumentative Essay on Plastic Surgery An earlier article in this document explored the writing of argumentative essays. The present article will rely on the guidelines provided earlier to present a sample argumentative essay on plastic surgery. Beauty has always enjoyed great value in every society, irrespective of the conservative traditions that may prevail in that society. Right from childhood, human beings are taught that a beautiful person always has a prize attached to the beauty. This explains why children exhibit an unconsciousness tendency to describe awesome experiences as being beautiful. In ancient African societies, the embracing of beauty was seen in some communities painting their faces with bright colors. Among the Maasai of Kenya, for example, red ochre was used to paint the face. The trend of appreciating beauty took a different twist as time went by. The Indians pioneered the art of doing nose lifts. It was perceived that women with pointed noses were more appealing to the male generation. Other cu ltures aped this art, and the practice of face lifting and organ firming developed. In the modern world, the term â€Å"plastic surgery† is not new, especially with the rise to fame of the deceased rock musician, Michael Jackson. Recently, plastic surgery has gained substantial recognition among the enlightened generation. Numerous television programs that expose the masses to a hitherto secretive affair boost this. Thanks to plastic surgery, a person can find a lasting solution to certain bodily flaws that are perceived as threatening one’s success in a professional field. The proponents of plastic surgery argue that it greatly assists in enhancing a person’s confidence together with vitality. If you view a typical television show about plastic surgery, you will notice a common principle suggesting that an unhappy individual only needs a surgical operation to turn him or her into a magical success story. However, you have to realize that plastic surgery only bestows temporary confidence. The truth is a cosmetic surgical procedure requires regular maintenance, which means that a series of operations is necessary. Moreover, plastic surgery gives a person unrealistic expectations. He or she goes into the surgical room expecting to come out a transformed individual who will attract others’ positive attention. On the contrary, plastic surgery is a mere illusion in which the person wrongly thinks he/she has acquired more self-esteem. This is gauged by the supposed approval that other people show about the new appearance. Conversely, in most cases, people are driven to seek cosmetic surgery by their spouses or colleagues. It is perfectly understandable to have a desire of remaining youthful. Nevertheless, there are myriad healthy ways of maintaining radiant skin. Instead of opting for a potentially life-threatening superficial operation, why not eat natural foods and exercise regular ly? Besides, there is absolutely no point why you should be moved to such extents by the viewpoints of people who apparently do not value your inner beauty. The true satisfaction in life is achieved when an individual discovers his or her personal identity. Real happiness comes when people embrace their diversities. is committed to provide students with custom argumentative essays about Plastic Surgery. All you need is to place an order at our site!

Clinical biochemistry and advanced assessment in nutrition Assignment

Clinical biochemistry and advanced assessment in nutrition - Assignment Example Structurally and functionally, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is closely related to oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. On the other hand, branched –chain ketoacid dehydrogenease complex (BCKDC) is another critically significant enzyme complex that plays a critical role in the normal breakwdown of amino acids by catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of the branched short chain alpha ketoacids. In terms of their functionality, one of the most important similarities between the two enzymes is that just like the Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, (BCKDC) is also an intermitochondiarial enzyme complex that is primarily regulated by covalent modification. Additionally, much like Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), the branched –chain ketoacid dehydrogenease complex (BCKDC) is also comprised of the three components namely the oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipolyl succinytransferase and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase. With regard to the differences between the two enzyme complexes , the deficiency of the Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is normally caused by mutations in any of the cofactors or enzymes and the main clinical finding is usually lactic acidosis. However, unlike PDC, branched –chain ketoacid dehydrogenease complex is primarily concerned with the catabolism of branched amino acids such as valine, luecine and isoleucine. As a result, the deficiency of branched –chain ketoacid dehydrogenease complex is normally associated with the development of maple syrup urine disease as well as a number of other related medical problems. Accumulation for branched chain keto-acids is widely believed to be one of the potential causes of neurological features of MSUD through the induction of oxidative stress in the glioma cells. Lastly, when there is insufficient activity of Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, the organic acids that are usually elevated is primarily lactic acid while the insufficient activity of branched –chain ketoacid dehydrogeneas e complex normally result in the elevation of three organic acids namely: 2-oxoisocaproic acid derived from leucine, 2-oxoisovaleric acid derived from valine and 2-oxo-3-methylvaleric acid derived from isoleucine. How Peroxisomes are activated (PPAR system Fatty acid oxidation is an important metabolic pathway that normally results in the mitochondrial breakdown of long chain acyl-CoA to acetyl-CoA. The many steps involved in the process are generally regulated by PPARs at the transcriptional level. Peroxizomes usually work by proliferating or decreasing in response to lipids, toxicants, hormones or drugs that bind to bind to PPAR. On the other hand, the activation of peroxizomes is achieved when the PPAR suppress the gene transcription through small additions of dietary PUEFAs. Fig 1: Oxidation of fatty acids pathway How does biotin relate to multiple carboxylase deficiency (MCD)? What are the symptoms and organic acid markers of biotin deficiency? Biotin is an important B-complex vitamin that is primarily obtained from food, but is also synthesized by certain microorganisms such as bifidobacteria in the human gut. Biotin is closely relate with multiple carboxylase deficiency (MCD) in that the heritable disorders of biotin metabolism usually lead to MCD condition that is characterized by deficiency in the activities of various diotin

Trump Entrepreneurial Initiative Research Paper

Trump Entrepreneurial Initiative - Research Paper Example TEI started in 2005 as Trump University and changed in 2010 to its new name. It offers programs to develop next generation entrepreneurs, innovators and business builders. However, it is involved in a battle in courts with New York State Attorney General Mr. Schneiderman over impropriety of $40 million from 5,000 consumers for promise of success in entrepreneurial activities. It PEST environment shows a number of challenges and opportunities the organization has in its pursuit of its mission and vision to entrepreneurs. The code of ethics outlines that employees have to be honest and true to their work. The management of plan of the organization is working with Donald Trump at the top, followed by the CEO and other executives. However, there is a lot to be done in terms of reorganizing the organization to become more functionally effective and efficient. This will also see the organization clear its reputation and maintain a standardized brand. TEI focuses on offering education through four major categories: Entrepreneurship, Wealth Creation, real Estate and Management. Every topic amongst these is taught via a variety of mediums like home study kits, online courses, and via live retreats/seminars. It charges a fee ranging amid $1,500 and$35,000.TEI is a program that is yet to be accredited, meaning you won’t really get an actual college credits or degree upon completion. The entire courses and products offered at TEI are supported by satisfaction guarantee of Trump. If for any given reason you end up un-satisfied with your education, you are allowed 30 days to claim a complete money back refund, and nonetheless, you must be in a position to return every part of your materials. Â  On the August 24th, 2013, the attorney general of New York Mr. Eric Schneiderman sued Mr. Donald Trump for US $40 million, by stating the mogul of real estate assisted run a fake "Trump University" which promised to make students wealthy b ut instead guided them into expensive as well as mostly useless retreats/seminars, and even was unsuccessful in delivering promised apprenticeships. In his response, Donald Trump refuted the allegations, terming the New York Attorney general as a political hack who is looking for publicity as he claimed the school has received a 98% approval rating from its students (Thomas 1). According to the editorial board of New York Times Mr. Schneiderman’s suit provides compelling evidence to believe the existence of a bait-and-switch scheme. It is can be deduced from the ongoing that Donald Trump was involved in unethical practice and did not deliver as required even though he claims otherwise. This can be explained by the fact that he is facing consumers of the products and services of Trump University and is one of an escalating number of for-profit colleges that have seen a handful of personal, class action as well as government suits against them. In a nutshell the greatest promis e of TEI is Trump’s satisfaction guarantee. However, as a distinguished real estate and media mogul Trump is also targeted politically by those looking for political favors and contribution to achieve their political ambitions. This is visible when the relationship and meeting of the Trumps and TEI’

Strategy Analysis of Toyota Essay Example for Free

Strategy Analysis of Toyota Essay Toyota Motor Corporation is a famous Japanese multinational corporation, and is considered the world’s second largest automaker of automobiles, trucks, buses, robots, and providing financial services ( 2007). Its founder is Kiichiro Toyoda, born in 1894, and the son of Sakichi Toyoda, who became popular as the inventor of the automatic loom. Kiichiro inherited the spirit of research and creation from his father, and devoted his entire life to the manufacture of cars. After many years of hard work, Kiichiro finally succeeded in his completion of the A1 prototype vehicle in 1935, which marked the beginning of the history of the Toyota Motor Corporation ( 2007). The first Type A Engine produced in 1934 was used in the first Model A1 passenger car in May 1935 and the G1 truck in August 1935, and led to the production of the Model AA passenger car in 1936. In addition to being famous with its cars, it still participates in the textile business and makes automatic looms that are now fully computerised, and electric sewing machines that are available in different parts of the world. It has several factories around the world, which serve to manufacture and assemble vehicles for local markets. The corporation’s factories are located in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, Poland, France, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Japan, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Despite the many locations of its factories, its headquarters is located in Toyota, Aichi, Japan (2007). It invests a great deal of time and effort in its research into cleaner-burning vehicles, such as promoting a Hybrid Synergy Drive and running a Hydrogen fuel cell in its vehicles (2007). It has significant market shares in developed countries, such as the United States, Europe, Africa and Australia, and has significant markets in South East Asian countries. Its brands include the Scion, its division in the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico, and the Lexus, which is Toyota’s luxury vehicle brand ( 2007). Aside from producing cars and other types of automobiles, such as SUVs and coasters, Toyota also, participate in rallying or racing. The company’s presence in Motorsport can be traced to the early 1970s, when Ove  Andersson, a Swedish driver, drove for Toyota during the RAC Rally in Great Britain, and in succeeding years, Toyota Team Europe was formed ( 2007). Up to the present, Toyota cars are still being used in a variety of racing events in different countries around the world. These events include the CART in Vancouver, the Le Mans, the Indy Racing League, the NASCAR, and the Toyota F1 Series (2007). As the leader in the industry of automobile manufacture and production, the company adopts a philosophy in terms of its production system, which is named The Toyota Way. The company’s philosophy in production involves a list of fourteen principles that are implemented in the company, and serve as guides to the operation of the company. This includes the following principles: * Base the company’s management decisions on a long-term philosophy, even at the expense of short-term goals; * Foster a continuous process flow to sight problems; * Utilise â€Å"pull† systems to prevent over-production; * Level out the workload of the workforce; * Build a culture that stops to fix problems, in order to get quality perfect at the first try; * Standardised tasks are the company’s foundation for its continuous improvement and the development of the employees; * Use visual control to let problems surface; * Use reliable and tested technology, which serves both the people and the company’s processes; * Train leaders who understand the company’s work, live its philosophies, and share it to others; * Train and develop a workforce who follow the company’s philosophy; * Respect the work and responsibilities of partners and suppliers by challenging them and helping them improve; * Actually immersing one’s self to understand the situation; * Slow but sure decision-making through consensus, through considering a variety of options, and to implement decisions effectively and efficiently; and, * Becoming a learning business organisation through expression and continuous improvement ( 2007) With these principles, the company is guided in terms of its operations and production. Through these principles and philosophies, it can become efficient and effective in manufacturing its products, keeping in mind the  welfare of its employees, the image and brand of the company, and the satisfaction of its employees. 2. MACRO ENVIRONTMENT ANALYSIS Suggested model PESTEL model (showed how the environment affect the industry we chosen) reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEST_analysis Currently, Toyota faces a need for accelerated investment, in order to deploy the new technologies, for pressing geo-political, economic, environmental and societal reasons. 3.1. Political Observers will see a continuing progression in the ruinous steps which have forced the industry into a socio-politico-economic corner. Whether this is related to flat demand or to the company’s creation of an ever-wider range of vehicles that many buyers seem to care little about, there is a problem. The company is likewise linked closely to the policies of governments, the earnings of banks. Little wonder then that so many emerging countries are keen to develop an auto sector or that there is such a political pressure to protect it in the developed countries. Toyota Company is currently dominated by little more than a handful of firms, each wielding colossal financial, emotional and political power. The company’s approach to dealing with political institutions has not always been brilliant. It tends to be good on technical issues, although it has not always fully presented the longer-term options, in order to make the choices and their implications clear. 3.2. Economic al For much of the developed world, and increasingly for the developing world, Toyota Company is a pillar company in auto mobile business, a flag of economic progress. Without Toyota Company in automotive industry, it is impossible to develop an efficient steel business, a plastic industry or a glass sector – other central foundations of economic progress. The Toyota Company has been a core company, a unique economic phenomenon, which has dominated the twentieth century (2007). However, the automobile industry including the Toyota Company now suffers from a series of structural schisms and has become riddled with contradictions and economic discontinuities. For the capital markets and the finance sector, it has lost a lot of its significance, as a result of ever declining profits and stagnant sales. The  proliferation of products means that it has become hopelessly wasteful of economic resources. While all these and more sound like a very gloomy assessment of such a vast economic phenomenon, the industry is not in the end despondent. A different future is possible for the industry, a highly desirable one. 3.3. Social As part of the development in automotive industry, the Toyota Company actually affects the society as a whole. It employs millions of people directly, tens of millions indirectly. Its products have transformed society, bringing undreamed-of levels of mobility, changing the ways people live and work (2007). The social value of the additional mobility that this industry brings involves the value of the people being able to commute over longer distances easily, among many others. For most of its existence the Toyota Company has been a model of social discipline and control and it is not just that the auto sector offers a ‘pillar’ of something else. There are, on the other hand, particular social issues to address in many developing countries, often those that are the result of an undertone of religious faith. Toyota company has the role to play in helping develop the mobility of such countries and it can be achieved at an acceptable social cost of the country is prepared to learn the necessary lessons from those who have traveled this route before it, and to make the necessary investments. 3.4. Technological The Toyota Company works on a scale so awesome and has an influence so vast that it is often difficult to see. The level and diversity of technologies that it must deploy are increasing, which imposes both new investment burdens and new uncertainties and risks (2007). Roughly a million new cars and trucks are built around the world each week – they are easily the most complex products of their kind to be mass-produced in such volumes. The industry uses manufacturing technology that is the cutting edge of science. But still, the potential for developing coordination skills, intellectual capabilities and emotional sensitivities through electronic technologies remain far from fully exploited. There are numerous additional near-term technological opportunities to adapt the company to changing energy availability. The possibilities suggest that automotive technology is  unexpectedly robust and provides a powerful defence against energy starvation even if the real price of oil climbs steadily during the next couple of decades. 3.5. Environmental Other than the vehicles themselves, and the roads and fuel needed to run them; the business is intricately tied to the manufacture of a wide range of components and the extraction of precious raw materials. Indirectly, it brings people road congestion, too many fatalities and a wave of other environmental troubles. The effect to the Toyota Company is that they needed to establish RD centres to take advantage of research infrastructure and human capital, so that they can develop vehicle products locally to satisfy the requirements of the environmental and safety regulations more effectively.

Highway Bound :: essays papers

Highway Bound Highway 40, is it a battleground or an interstate? It is a large mass of asphalt, dark rubber tire marks burnt into pavement, tons of fast moving steel, confusion, boiling anger, mental anguish and lost souls. I view the nations first federally funded interstate as a large mass of asphalt that stretches from North Carolina to California. I have personally spent many infuriating, intense and mentally draining hours on this highway, traveling in route between Durham and Raleigh. The memories of a thousand trips all seem to fuse into one long memory of roadwork, delays, chaos and horror. It takes strenuous efforts to confess and alleviate this burden from my shoulders. The nightmare begins as I navigate my pearl white Toyota Supra onto the Highway 147 onramp, denoted by an ever so familiar reflective green sign. My music blares a blissful tune as I sink the accelerator to the floor. Gaining speed, taking flight so that I can successfully merge into the never-ending column of vehicles racing towards their separate destinations. As I merge off of the onramp and into chaos I look cautiously over my shoulder, checking to make sure I am clear to get in. A minivan the color of the darkest midnight is the only obstacle in view. I merge successfully deciding the slow moving vehicle is well out of danger. No sooner do I slide securely into my lane upon the black asphalt than I notice that this family transport of safety is not really that, but a marauding mother hauling her troops into combat. The dark figure of the van grows larger and larger until it appears I am merely an obstacle meant to be trampled. I look down and realize that we are reaching sp eeds of eighty miles per hour, yet this minivan has virtually become a part of my bumper. I flash questioning glances behind me trying to predict the mad woman’s intentions. Unable to bring solace to the growing war behind me, I face forward concentrating on simply keeping my car between the bright, pure white line running broken down the highway. I keep my car within a few feet of the one in front of me, trying not to infringe upon danger but at the same time trying to keep mother murder behind me from laying on her horn.

Fast Food Industry Research Proposal Essay

To study the attitude towards consumption of healthy food within the fast food industry Background We are a marketing research team of a fast food chain store. With increasing awareness about healthy food among the masses and with consumer preferences changing towards healthy food, we intend to launch a health food segment to cater to this need of the customers. We are also concerned about the pricing of the product that whether it should be priced same as that of normal fast food or the customers would be willing to pay a premium for healthy food. But before launching that product we want to know that â€Å"Is it worth it to our fast food restaurant to market healthy food†. To answer this management decision problem, we intend to conduct a marketing research within the region of West Delhi. Introduction * What is fast food? Definition1. Fast food have been defined by Bender and Bender (1995) as a â€Å"general term used for a limited menu of foods that lend themselves to production-line techniques; suppliers tend to specialize in products such as hamburgers, pizzas, chicken, or sandwiches†. Definition2. In Data Monitor’s (2005) survey the fast food market is defined as the sale of food and drinks for immediate consumption either on the premises or in designated eating areas shared with other foodservice operators, or for consumption elsewhere. Definition3. As per â€Å"the free dictionary† fast food is â€Å"inexpensive food, such as hamburgers and fried chicken, prepared and served quickly†. Definition4.According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary fast food is â€Å"designed for ready availability, use, or consumption and with little consideration given to quality or significance * Why fast food? * Brief history of fast food industry in India * Fast food industry trend, facts and figures, key players in India * According to a study by the Tata Strategic Management Group, the size of the Indian health-and-wellness food market will rise from an estimated Rs101.5bn in 2010 to Rs550bn by 2015, implying annual growth of 35-37%. * Why healthy food? Health food is preferred by people mostly because of the various health issues associated with eating fast food: * Trans Fats which is commonly found in fast food have a negative effect on health * The fast food consumption increase calorie intake, promote weight gain, and elevates risk for diabetes. * Obesity is also linked to various other diseases * What is Healthy food? Definition1: As per â€Å"the free dictionary† healthy food is â€Å"Any natural or prepared food popularly believed to promote good health† Definition2: * Food with low content of edible oil used. * Lower fat, lower cholesterol and lower sodium. Major segments H&W products in India could be classified into three dominant categories, i.e. Better-for-You(BFY), Functional / Fortified, and Natural categories. Research Objective The main aim of our research is to derive indications that may contribute to better strategic and tactical marketing decisions. The overall objective of the study is â€Å"To study the attitude towards consumption of healthy food within the fast food industry† this has been divided into following sub-objectives: 1) To study the consumption pattern towards fast food and health/wellness food. * What all sort of fast food people prefer, at what time, at what places they go, * What is the driving force behind it, e.g. taste, spiciness, ease , price, time factor etc. * Most popular fast food 2) To study the factors that influence the consumers to go for healthy food * Sickness * Obesity * Awareness * Who 3) To study the consumer perception about healthy food vis a vis normal fast food w.r.t. two factors i.e. taste and price * What does consumer think about healthy food e.g. taste , price 4) To identify the possibility/impact of nutritional value of fast foods on consumer purchase decision. Research Questions and Hypothesis Question: Do customer think healthy food is as tasty as fast food? H1: customers perceive healthy food to be of same taste as normal fast food. Question: Do customer think healthy food is costs same as normal fast food? H2: Customers perceive healthy food costs same as normal fast food. Question: Is there any impact of nutritional value of fast foods on consumer purchase decision? H3: Nutritional value of fast foods has no impact on consumer purchase decision. Research Design Qualitative Research Purpose Because of the exploratory nature of some of the aspects of the objectives, we need to have detailed qualitative information. The qualitative research will probe the following: * the consumption frequencies, the categories of product consumed and the main reasons to use these products * At what time and at what places do they prefer to go, * What is the driving force behind their preference, e.g. taste, spiciness, ease, price, time factor etc. * Most popular fast food * Whether they would prefer to pay more for healthy food * What factors influence the customers to eat healthy food Population and sampling Samples for the study will consist of youth segment (indicated as consumer in this study) in the age group of 20 to 27 years. Convenience samples are drawn from West Delhi region among the college students. We propose to conduct 4 focus groups with the following profiles: Group 1&2: Dwarka Region Group 3&4: Janak Puri Quantitative Research We propose to conduct a study using questionnaire within the markets of Dwarka and Janakpuri region and also an online survey of the relevant respondents. Purpose This stage intends to quantify the factors that influence the respondents to eat healthy food. It will also give the percentage of each category of fast food which customers generally prefer to eat out and at what place &at what time. It will also help us to quantify that how many customers perceive healthy food as of same taste as normal fast food and of the same price. By establishing classified data we will know what type of people prefer healthy food and what price they are willing to pay. Also we will know that how many customers look at the nutritional value of the product before taking a purchase decision. Population and sampling Samples for the study will consist of youth segment (indicated as consumer in this study) in the age group of 20 to 27 years. Convenience samples are drawn from West Delhi region among the college students. Our definition of convenience samples includes only one dimension that is easy access to the sample units otherwise it was random selection of individuals from a large number of customers at the fast food outlets. We will be carrying out a survey of 200 Indian Customers The face to face interviews will be carried out in different days and in different outlets such as, open markets, traditional shops and supermarkets. A pilot test on 15 consumers will be conducted in order to ensure that the statements are clear and to identify redundant variables and questions that were difficult to understand. Procedure We will develop a questionnaire for this purpose. The questionnaire will probe the following: * the consumption frequencies, the categories of product consumed and the main reasons to use these products * The factors which influence the customers to eat healthy food * Which category of fast food people generally prefer and the main reason to use that product * Do customers perceive healthy food to be as tasty as normal fast food * Whether customers are willing to pay more for healthy food * Is there any impact of nutritional value on their purchase decision Analysis: Statistical analysis such as descriptive statistical analysis and frequency distribution. t-test factor analysis cluster analysis Timing Week | Activity| 1-3 weeks | Desk research| 4-6 weeks| Qualitative field work| 7 week| Questionnaire development| 8-9 week| Quantitative stage(n=200)| 10 week| Coding and data preparation| 11 week| Analysis | 12 week| Presentation and Report available | Costs Phase | Description | Costs | Qualitative research | four focus groups-travel cost | 1200| Quantitative research | 200 interviews-Stationary-travel cost| 5001200| Total | | 2900| Limitations This study has some limitations that however do not liquidate the purpose of the study. Data for the study will be collected from West Delhi region mainly Dwarka and Janakpuri. Sampling units are primarily of young unmarried consumers. Annexure 1: Definitions of Health & Wellness Categories †¢ Better-For-You: Food products with lower levels of ‘bad’ ingredients /nutrients for the consumers like sugar or fat are called BFY products. Various low-fat, low-sugar or diet products would fall under the BFY category. †¢ Fortified / Functional: Food products fortified with additional ingredients or produced / suitably modified to provide a distinct health benefit are termed as functional or fortified foods. Functional drinks, vitamin / mineral fortified milk or fruit juices and bakery products with added fiber would be classified as functional foods. †¢ Natural: Products sold under the Natural platform are specifically manufactured with no chemicals, additives or artificial substances / chemicals. 100% natural juices, ready meals without preservatives, etc. are few examples of such products. †¢ Organic: These are made from foods that are grown without use of chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides) during their cultivation. †¢ Naturally healthy: These foods are considered healthy in their natural form itself like milk, olive oil, fruit juices etc. References: 1) Naresh K. Malhotra, Marketing Research- An Applied Orientation, 3rd Edition 2) Anita Goyal and N.P. Singh, â€Å"Consumer perception about fast food in India: an exploratory study† 3) Andrea Freeman, â€Å"fast Food oppression through poor nutrition†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ California Law Review, Vol. 95,issue 6 4) â€Å"Healthy Ambition†, Economic Intelligence Unit, April 6th 2011,Vol XVIII No. 7 5) â€Å"The Health & Wellness Foods Industry in India: An Overview†, Tata Strategic Management Group(2009)

Digital Fortress Chapter 12

David Becker had been to funerals and seen dead bodies before, but there was something particularly unnerving about this one. It was not an immaculately groomed corpse resting in a silk-lined coffin. This body had been stripped naked and dumped unceremoniously on an aluminum table. The eyes had not yet found their vacant, lifeless gaze. Instead they were twisted upward toward the ceiling in an eerie freeze-frame of terror and regret. â€Å"?Donde estan sus efectos?† Becker asked in fluent Castillian Spanish. â€Å"Where are his belongings?† â€Å"Alli,† replied the yellow-toothed lieutenant. He pointed to a counter of clothing and other personal items. â€Å"?Es todo? Is that all?† â€Å"Si.† Becker asked for a cardboard box. The lieutenant hurried off to find one. It was Saturday evening, and the Seville morgue was technically closed. The young lieutenant had let Becker in under direct orders from the head of the Seville Guardia-it seemed the visiting American had powerful friends. Becker eyed the pile of clothes. There was a passport, wallet, and glasses stuffed in one of the shoes. There was also a small duffel the Guardia had taken from the man's hotel. Becker's directions were clear: Touch nothing. Read nothing. Just bring it all back. Everything. Don't miss anything. Becker surveyed the pile and frowned. What could the NSA possibly want with this junk? The lieutenant returned with a small box, and Becker began putting the clothes inside. The officer poked at the cadaver's leg. â€Å"?Quienes? Who is he?† â€Å"No idea.† â€Å"Looks Chinese.† Japanese, Becker thought. â€Å"Poor bastard. Heart attack, huh?† Becker nodded absently. â€Å"That's what they told me.† The lieutenant sighed and shook his head sympathetically. â€Å"The Seville sun can be cruel. Be careful out there tomorrow.† â€Å"Thanks,† Becker said. â€Å"But I'm headed home.† The officer looked shocked. â€Å"You just got here!† â€Å"I know, but the guy paying my airfare is waiting for these items.† The lieutenant looked offended in the way only a Spaniard can be offended. â€Å"You mean you're not going to experience Seville?† â€Å"I was here years ago. Beautiful city. I'd love to stay.† â€Å"So you've seen La Giralda?† Becker nodded. He'd never actually climbed the ancient Moorish tower, but he'd seen it. â€Å"How about the Alcazar?† Becker nodded again, remembering the night he'd heard Pacode Lucia play guitar in the courtyard-Flamenco under the stars in a fifteenth-century fortress. He wished he'd known Susan back then. â€Å"And of course there's Christopher Columbus.† The officer beamed. â€Å"He's buried in our cathedral.† Becker looked up. â€Å"Really? I thought Columbus was buried in the Dominican Republic.† â€Å"Hell no! Who starts these rumors? Columbus's body is here in Spain! I thought you said you went to college.† Becker shrugged. â€Å"I must have missed that day.† â€Å"The Spanish church is very proud to own his relics.† The Spanish church. Becker knew here was only one church in Spain-the Roman Catholic church. Catholicism was bigger here than in Vatican City. â€Å"We don't, of course, have his entire body,† the lieutenant added. â€Å"Solo el escroto.† Becker stopped packing and stared at the lieutenant. Solo el escroto? He fought off a grin. â€Å"Just his scrotum?† The officer nodded proudly. â€Å"Yes. When the church obtains the remains of a great man, they saint him and spread the relics to different cathedrals so everyone can enjoy their splendor.† â€Å"And you got the†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Becker stifled a laugh. â€Å"Oye! It's a pretty important part!† the officer defended. â€Å"It's not like we got a rib or a knuckle like those churches in Galicia! You should really stay and see it.† Becker nodded politely. â€Å"Maybe I'll drop in on my way out of town.† â€Å"Mala suerte.† The officer sighed. â€Å"Bad luck. The cathedral's closed till sunrise mass.† â€Å"Another time then.† Becker smiled, hoisting the box. â€Å"I should probably get going. My flight's waiting. â€Å"He made a final glance around the room. â€Å"You want a ride to the airport?† the officer asked. â€Å"I've got a Moto Guzzi out front.† â€Å"No thanks. I'll catch a cab.† Becker had driven a motorcycle once in college and nearly killed himself on it. He had no intention of getting on one again, regardless of who was driving. â€Å"Whatever you say,† the officer said, heading for the door. â€Å"I'll get the lights.† Becker tucked the box under his arm. Have I got everything? He took a last look at the body on the table. The figure was stark naked, face up under fluorescent lights, clearly hiding nothing. Becker found his eyes drawn again to the strangely deformed hands. He gazed a minute, focusing more intently. The officer killed the lights, and the room went dark. â€Å"Hold on,† Becker said. â€Å"Turn those back on.† The lights flickered back on. Becker set his box on the floor walked over to the corpse. He leaned down and squinted at the man's left hand. The officer followed Becker's gaze. â€Å"Pretty ugly, huh?† But the deformity was not what had caught Becker's eye. He'd seen something else. He turned to the officer. â€Å"You're sure everything's in this box?† The officer nodded. â€Å"Yeah. That's it.† Becker stood for moment with his hands on his hips. Then he picked up the box, carried it back over to the counter, and dumped it out. Carefully, piece by piece, he shook out the clothing. Then he emptied the shoes and tapped them as if trying to remove a pebble. After going over everything a second time, he stepped back and frowned. â€Å"Problem?† asked the lieutenant. â€Å"Yeah,† Becker said. â€Å"We're missing something.†

Causal Factors of Ebd Essays

Causal Factors of Ebd Essays Causal Factors of Ebd Paper Causal Factors of Ebd Paper Running head: CAUSAL RISK FACTORS Causal Risk Factors Sharon OKeefe Grand Canyon: SPE 513 October 5, 2011 Causal Factors coincide Identifying and understanding the causes of Emotional and Behavioral Disorder (EBD) can help in developing successful interventions and prevention strategies. Research has been unable to show that any specific factors cause EBD, but causal risk factors seem to concur with EBD. These risk factors are categorized as either internal (biological) or external (family, school, and culture) (Yell, Meadows, Drasgow, and Shriner, 2009). Internal risk factors encompass an individual’s characteristics, while external risk factors encompass family, school, and culture. Depending on the developmental stage of the child, these risk factors have different effects on the child. These risk factors increase the likelihood of future emotional or behavioral problems. Often a child is exposed to more than one of these risk factors making it even more likely that they will exhibit EBD (Yell, et al, 2009). Biological risk factors are either physiological (how the body works) or psychological (arising in the mind) in nature. Thus cognitive deficits, hyperactivity, and concentration problems are three factors that fit into the biological category. Cognitive deficits can lead to poor problem-solving skills, poor social skills and behavioral deviation (Yell, et al, 2009). Hyperactivity and concentration problems can make it hard for students to follow lectures or conversations. Frustration at not being able to keep up, can lead to problematic behaviors. Conditions in the home can be risk factors for students with EBD. Family factors may include poverty, abuse, and harsh or ineffective discipline. These factors can have an impact on a child’s learning of social and behavioral skills. Children learn inappropriate behavior from their parents and siblings that makes it hard to be successful in the school setting. According to Yell, Meadows, Drasgow, and Shriner (2009), poverty â€Å"may be the single most common denominator for risk of behavioral deviation. † (p. 11) School environment can also be considered risk factors for EBD. Inappropriate social behaviors can even be learned or reinforced at school. If teachers ignore bulling and harassment, it seems like they are condoning such behavior. Unclear or absent rules and school policies covering student behavior may add to EBD. Students need structure, but discipline needs to be fair and take into account student differences. The range of acceptable student behavior is narrow and often biased. Often a power struggle ensues between the student with EBD and the staff. Classroom practices can also affect student behavior and performance. Poor teacher practices may include not interacting with students, not giving praise or providing opportunities for the students with EBD to correctly respond. This causes students to get frustrated and act up even more (Yell, et al, 2009). Culture can also influence student behavior. If children are exposed to a variety of attitudes, prejudices and expectations, they adopt or mimic these behaviors. Cultural biases needs to be eliminated from the classroom as much as possible. Cultural differences need to be taken into consideration when working with students who have EBD. In some cultures there is a little adult supervision. Children are left to fend for themselves, and they do not learn boundaries or appropriate social skills. Even the gang culture can influence students with EBD (GCU, 2011). Gangs become the child’s family. Rick factors do not take place in isolation. They are intertwined and change over time. Understanding risk factors and the interplay between them can help in the identification of students with EBD. This is the first step in deciding on intervention. Interventions are as various as the behaviors exhibited by students with EBD. No one intervention will be successful at mitigating the risk factors. Behaviors that need to be dealt with are either excesses or deficits (GCU, 2011). There are several theoretical or conceptual models to help in assessing or evaluating, in intervening with students, and communications with others. There are six main models that may be useful (Yell, et al, 2009). The first model is the psychoanalytic model purports that emotions and behaviors are caused by pathological imbalance in mental states. Treatment includes therapy and a very accepting teacher in a permissive classroom environment (Yell, et al, 2009). The second model is the biological or biogenic model where it is thought that behaviors are a result of physiological influences, like genetics, biochemical and temperament factors. Usual treatment is drug therapy or surgery (GCU, 2011). The third model is the humanistic model believes that behavior is the result of a clash between societal pressures to conform and a person’s self-actualization needs. Approach to treatment includes having a loving supportive environment, where students are encouraged to solve their own problems in a positive way (Yell, et al, 2009). This calls for higher level thinking about one’s thoughts and behaviors (GCU, 2011). The fourth model is the ecological model. In this approach, the student’s behavior is seen as a result of their environment. Problems occur when a person’s needs or character do not match their environment. This is when proper placement is imperative (Yell, et al, 2009). The fifth model is the psychoeducational model. The belief of this model is that there is and underlying internal conflict or unconscious motivation for behavior. Behavior must be analyzed to help student understand their actions and be able to prevent them in the future (Yell, et al, 2009). The teacher should instruct the student to become aware of their behaviors, to think of consequences and to think of alternative reactions. The final model is the social-cognitive model. This theory looks at the â€Å"reciprocal effects of environment, behavior and person-based variables (GCU, 2011). It is believed that the main determinants of human behavior are within the individual. The problem is that students with EBD have flawed thoughts, beliefs and perceptions that affect their behavior (Yell, et al, 2009). Interventions are as varied as the models used to design and implement behavior plans. According to a study completed by the Clover Park School District, â€Å" Conditions that promote positive behavior in the classroom include (a) clear behavior expectations, (b) the teaching of expected behaviors, (c) consistent and sound responses to rule violations, and (d) individualized programming for more chronic behavioral difficulties. † (Christensen, Jaeger, Lorenz, Morton, Neuman, Rieke, et al. , 2005, p. 5). Effective instructional strategies include are varied, but could include: advanced planning, rapid pace, smooth transitions, provide interesting hands-on activities, and offer choices (Yell, et al, 2009). Having a proactive approach is more efficient and less disruptive than a reactive approach. Positive Behavior Support is a three-tiered approach that uses graduated levels of intensity in dealing with problematic behaviors. In Tier One is a wide range of strategies is applied across multiple life domains to reduce risks. This is a universal intervention used to prevent initial occurrences of a problem. In Tier Two, prevention strategies are aimed at providing extra help for students who are exposed to multiple rick factors. The Third Tier is aimed at dealing with problems that are already out of control (Yell, et al, 2009). The intervention or interventions chosen will be based on the student needs. A functional behavioral assessment (FBA) must be completed to discover what is behind the behavior. These could be the causal factors discussed earlier. When the behavior is understood, then a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is written and implemented. This process is a team effort (Yell, et al, 2009). What is important is that the behavior is gotten under control, so that the student can be successful in the school setting. This will in turn help the student later in life. References Christensen, B. , Jaeger, M. , Lorenz, R. Morton, S. , Neuman, L. , Rieke, E. , Simpson, B. , and Watkins, C. , (2005). Teaching students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders: Best practices guide to intervention. Retrieved October 11, 2011 from k12. wa. us/SpecialEd/Families/pubdocs/bestpractices. pdf Grand Canyon University. Lecture notes. SPE-513 Strategies: Emotional/Behavioral Disability. Fall 2011. Yell, M. L. , Meadows, N. B. , Drasgow, E. , and Shriner, J. G. (2009). Evidence-based practices for educating students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

CapitalimSocialism Essay Research Paper There are many

Capitalim-Socialism Essay, Research Paper There are many different economic systems that reside in someway throughout the universe today like capitalist economy and socialism. Here in the United States, we live in a assorted economic system? ? one in which private endeavor and governmental engagement coexist? . Presently Americans? lives are centered on the person, harmonizing to Adam Smith. At the same clip, the authorities controls many facets of American? s lives. In order to make up ones mind which economic system I sided with, I realized I must understand what each system stands for. Socialism is the belief that wealth should be distributed every bit among people. Although this sounds like a great manner for all people to be affluent, I have a job with their non being a wages for those who work hard and have an outstanding imaginativeness. Socialism rejects private ownership and competition for net income. I think these are things that persons need to do themselves more productive in the concern universe today. I believe that competition for net income helps an person to endeavor for greater personal accomplishments. On the other manus, I like the fact that socialism emphasizes cooperation and societal duty. Capitalism is merely the antonym: it is centered more around the people and their achievements. It is based on private ownership, where as socialism dismisses it. Capitalism allows people to work to bring forth their ain economic value. I believe that people should be rewarded for their difficult work, and socialism doesn? t allow much room to make so. Capitalism, or the free endeavor system, lets persons set up and run their ain concerns. It was noted that the? United States depends on the energy and thrust of 1000s of single capitalists? . After this spot of research, I would hold to hold with both Paul Johnson and Adam Smith. Johnson said capitalist economy provides the best economic construction and Smith was the 1 to state that in doing everyone wealthy, the state will go affluent excessively. I wholly agree that each person is entitled to his or her ain free belongings and free will, which is granted by capitalist economy. I wish we could populate in a capitalist economic system with a socialist medical specialty system. I don? T think it? s carnival that merely because one individual has more money than another, they have a better opportunity to have medical aid. The idea of a kid acquiring turned off from a surgery that could salvage their life because they are hapless interruptions my bosom. So, if there was a manner to unite the medical ways in socialism with the profitable ways of capitalist economy I think there could be a really strong economic system.

Financial Statement Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Financial Statement Analysis - Assignment Example The financial position and performance of a company can be analyzed with the help of different tools available. However, for the relative performance analysis, common size analysis as well as the traditional ratio analysis is the most effective tools such that they provide a same yardstick to compare the performance of two or more companies over several periods. This particular report emphasizes the performance of Kellogg Co. and Kraft Foods on the basis of common sized analysis and the traditional ratio analysis. Kraft Food Company is one of the world’s largest food companies. In 2011, the estimated revenue of the company is approximated as $54.4 billion whereas the earnings of the company before taxes are amounted as $4.8 billion. Kraft Food incorporated in Virginia in 2000. They have around 126,000 employees all over the world. The company manufactures and markets products related to food which includes confectionery, biscuits, cheese, beverages, packaged grocery, convenient meals etc. The company sells its products to its customers in over 170 different countries. At the end of 2011, the company reported gross assets of $93.8 billion and net assets of $35.5 billion. Kraft Food Company is a member of Standards and Poor 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ethibel Sustainability Index and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2011, the company’s portfolio included 12 brands. All these 12 brands reported revenues of $1 billion each. The most renowned brands of the company included Oreo, Mila and Cadbury Chocolates, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Nabisco, Maxwell House Coffees, Trident gum, Kraft cheese, dressings and dinners, Tang powdered beverage, LU biscuits and Oscar Mayor Meats. The brand portfolio of the company included around 80 brands which generate revenues exceeding $100 million each year. Kellogg Company was founded in 1906. Its subsidiary companies are engaged in marketing and manufacturing convenience and ready to eat food. The major

The Effects of Fiscal Policy (An increase in Government Purchase Essay

The Effects of Fiscal Policy (An increase in Government Purchase - Essay Example Although this practice exposes the government to significant economic management challenges from the monetarists view, it is sometimes a preferable interventionary measure. Expansionary economic policy by the government increased expenditure also captures the issue of unemployment since it leads to increased employment. The ensuing effect is inflation which is a function of interest rate. Mankiw debates on the concept of saving as the opposite of investment and all are functions of interest rate (Mankiw 73). Fiscal policy generally leads to inflation and this significantly affects investment. The better part of the population would therefore rather save in expectation of future economic stability and increased value for their money so that they may invest. It is also worth to note that government expenditure affects interest rate and consumption in the same direction. Consumption is a function of disposable income hence by United Kingdom government increasing its expenditure, more di sposable income will raise the level of consumption with little saving. A critical analysis of the case of UK indicates that informed economic policies that have propelled it from the period of industrial revolution, through the two world wars to date are basically based on a blend of fiscal and monetary

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 68

Leadership - Essay Example The style of leadership chosen by an individual is reflective of their nature. Douglas McGregor pointed out that leadership is dominated by human nature, which can be explained using the X and Y theories. While theory X portrays the average person as lazy, lacking in ambition, and always waiting to be directed, theory Y perceives human beings as active, ambitious, and ready to take responsibilities (Stewart, 2010). Accordingly, although most people would want to identify with theory Y, the truth is that a majority of people are not that self-motivated and need to be prompted into action. This observation makes theory X more realistic than theory Y in the relationship between leaders and followers. Transformational leadership is a leadership model advanced by Kouze & Posner (2010), who in their first two chapters provide real life examples of managers whose personalities transformed their organizations. Essentially, Kouze & Posner (2010) perceive leadership as a relationship rather than a position by stating that leadership is not only measured by being in charge of others, but also by being credible. Transformational leadership encourages the leader to create away that will stimulate a common vision, challenge daily undertakings, motivate others to act, and even inspire them (Kouze & Posner, 2010). Considering that it took 20 years of intensive research in real organizations to come up with this model, the transformational leadership model is very important in understanding the concept of good leadership. The only problem with the transformational leadership theory is that it may give too much power to narcissistic individuals who might end up abusing such

English Literature Essays Novel Conflict Alex

English Literature Essays Novel Conflict Alex Novel Conflict Alex Book Review: Smaller and Smaller Circle I. Critical Analysis of Plot Structure The novel starts with Father Emil running. The mood set is that of agitation and disturbance. As the novel progresses, one will eventually also see the pattern: that each of the characters are figuratively running from a traumatic past, an experience or a memory. Interspersed in the story are a few paragraphs which describe and imply a particular characters conflict with the self. Their conflict involves either denying or covering up the characters whereabouts or past experiences. The whole novel itself, being of the murder-mystery type, involves chasing, concealing information, uncovering secrets and solving ambiguities. Alex, the murderer, kills children and eviscerates their bodies as a way to cope and fight against a traumatic experience in the past. He strives to run away and break free from this bitter past by destroying and getting rid of the children who remind him of his unpleasant experiences, and whom he perceives as witnesses to his shame and suffering. The dehumanizing removal of their faces, hearts, and genitals not only echoes his desire to be rid of the parts of himself he perceived to be the cause of his suffering, but also seems to speak of how dehumanized he felt after his childhood ordeal. Attorney Arcinas, in the same vein, tries so hard to have a life which is completely different and far better than the life his parents had given him. At present, his behaviors are manifestations of his denial of his past and his attempt to disassociate himself from the status he used to have in society. Joana, the journalist, in spite of working for the truth has a secret of her own to conceal. She has an affair with a married man; this readily lends itself to humor when we consider how her penchant for going under cover turns up in, of all places, the bedroom! On the other hand, the keys to clearing the cloud that seems to envelope the true relationship of the two protagonists, Father Jerome and Father Saenz are left quite obviously for the readers to discover by themselves, albeit upon either the second or third re-reading; these will be discussed more thoroughly later. In connection with the characters attempt to deny and run away, the author also uses the image of the rain to symbolize the attempts or the efforts of the characters to wash themselves, and to bring new life water to what seemed to have been enveloped by hopelessness and despair trauma and unfavorable circumstances in the case of both Joanas affair and the plight of the families of the victims. The point of view in the story shifts throughout the plotfrom the omniscient third person to a first person, which is that of the killers point of view, and then back again. In connection with this, the murderers monologues aim to level him with the omniscient narrators view, creating an aura of power, and even fear for the sake of the other characters in the story. You can get expert help with your essays right now. Find out more The author uses dreams and recollections/flashbacks visvis direct narration by the omniscient narrator. The novel ends with an impending conflict that the reader deems will have a great impact on the two lead characters. Again, as the case of the murders is solved, so there must also be a need to uncover and shed light on a matter (the very probable more-than-friendship relations between Fr. Jerome and Fr. Saenz) that is insinuated through out the story. The plot in the story develops through the complex interaction of the characters with one another. The main conflict in the story, the serial killings, stems from a distorted relationship between mentor (PE teacher) and student (Alex); similarly, the protagonists (Fr. Jerome and Fr. Saenz) who are tasked upon to solve the cases also exhibit an extraordinary bond between them. The relationship among the characters leads them to commit actions that drive the development of the plot. Alexs parents play the key role of revealing his traumatic past, which is what drives him to commit the murders. The differential power relations between some of the characters also drive the plot; this is seen in the case of the (NBI) Directors exertion of power over Arcinas, which puts the quest of the two protagonists to solve the murders back in track. Additionally, this time around they can be in control of things. II. Critical Analysis of Characters Father Saenz provides the epitome of a good mentor one who is a good example to his student his remaining calm during traffic jams in particular and situations which require patience and understanding in general comes to mind especially by taking good care of and respecting his parishioners, even to the point of avoiding contact with them outside of mass in order to maintain their professional relationship.. He also tries hard to abstain from sexual fantasies or acts, such as the time when he didnt take advantage of the lady-dentists flirting. His character is completely in contrast to that of Alexs PE teacher, who lets his perversion lead him to take sexual advantage of his students. Father Jerome, unlike Alex, possesses high regard for his mentor, Father Saenz. He respects him not only because he is his teacher, but also because the two of them have become very good friends. If Alex loathes his teacher, even to the point of killing him, Fr. Jerome cares very much for the life of Fr. Saenz; this is very evident during the confrontation scene between Alex and Fr. Saenz, wherein Fr. Jerome exhibits concern so extreme it surprises Atty. Arcinas. Attorney Arcinas represents the dysfunctional system of government agencies in the Philippines. Driven by his selfish motivations and greed, he grabs every opportunity he can to benefit himself, be it to his finances or his reputation. He doesnt care if he is really able to function as a defender of the law and of the people, rich or poor as they may be. Fortunately, his powers are clipped by an authority figure, the Director, who knows what Arcinas is really up to and sets him straight. Joana, for her part, represents as an individual what the media is as an institution: persistent in its quest for truth, but just as full of anomalies, controversies, and lies within its walls. In the case of Joana, her passion for journalism and determination to uncover the truth exist visvis her being involved in a secret and forbidden love affair. Moreover, even if the reader gets impressed with her strong desire to uncover the truth behind the murders, s/he may be appalled by her intrusion on the relationship of the two priests. Alex, although characterized as a murderer, may also be seen as a victim himself. As an adolescent, he is molested by a person who shouldve been like his second parent. He is a brilliant student, responsible and respected in school, but because of what happens between him and his PE teacher, his view of himself and of the world changes from bright to dim. His parents, on the other hand, arent able to do anything for him with regard to what he is experiencing in school. He becomes embittered by his trauma and eventually turns angry, displacing this feeling on innocent children. He then becomes a victim of his own self, particularly his despair and wrath. III. Critical Analysis of Themes Taking into consideration the context of the setting of the novel, an emerging theme is that serial killers are not a stranger to the Philippine society and it is not something that should be taken lightly. This revelation of an issue creates a concern within and around us. It makes us realize the reality of the statement and it triggers certain emotions which may result in our being more vigilant. Another emerging theme is that of pain: Pain transcends time and space, and it can be shared with others. This concept was blatantly expressed within the story through the life of the killer. During childhood, he experienced pain, suffering and humiliation that he wasnt able to escape and resolve. This pain showed itself through his emotions of anger and thoughts of violence. He constantly feels the pain and is consistently reminded of the horrors he experienced before. He shares this pain to others through his behavior: hurting, killing, and doing to others what has been done to him. Yet another theme deals with the truth. Even if the truth is, most of the time, absolute, it may also be manipulated by people. For example, this is evident in Arcinas attempt to present to the media a bogus suspect in place of the true murderer who still remains at large. This move of Arcinas serves as one of the conflicts in the novel. Manipulation of truth may also take the form of using it either to benefit or destroy other people. The two lead characters used the truth to bring justice to the bereaved families of the victims. On the other hand, Joana plans to reveal the truth, or at least the perceived truth, for the benefit of her career. Still another theme in the story points to the significance of context with regard to the behavior of people. The environment impinges upon the individual so that one cannot fully claim that a person is inherently good or bad. In the case of Alex, his traumatic experience during his adolescence greatly contributes to his abnormal behavior. Although this does not justify the killings he commits, it goes to show that a person must not be judged using his personality as basis. One must also take into consideration the experiences and events that molded him/ her to what he/ she has become. Find out how our expert essay writers can help you with your work The novel also illustrates the vulnerability of humans. It acknowledges the fact that people, no matter what vocation or career they pursue, are still capable of making mistakes, intentionally or unintentionally. Arcinas, although a lawyer, does not really work for justice; Joana also has ulterior motives in getting and knowing the truth; Fr. Jerome also gets angry just like any other person. The title itself, Smaller and Smaller Circles, alludes to the fact discussed above and reiterated here for claritys sake that truth, although it may be subjected to manipulation, will eventually be revealed. No matter how complex the information have become because of attempts to twist the truth, with careful analysis and persistence one will arrive at the core of the truth. IV. Critical Analysis of Language and Style The author uses simple descriptions to illustrate the setting and set the mood in each of the scenes in the story. The novel stimulates the formation of a vivid imagery on the part of the reader, since the author attempts to tap not only a single sensory modality when describing a particular scene or event. In spite of richness in descriptions, comprehension of the text comes relatively at ease. The words, in spite of their simplicity in structure not highfaluting at all elicit the desired effect since they are put into context and combined with supporting data by the author (e.g. unwholesome air, maggots in it [body]). Comparison and contrast are also utilized by Batacan as tools to develop the themes in the novel. As mentioned in the analysis of the characters, the implied contrast between Fr. Saenz and Alexs teacher serves as a justification for Alexs excessive wrath. The positive characteristics of Fr. Saenz as a mentor becomes more salient as he is put side by side with Alexs teacher, and this in turn justifies Jeromes high regard and respect for his mentor- friend. Internal contrast is also evident in the character of Joana who strives for the revelation of truth while she herself conceals a dark secret. It is also interesting to note that the element of intrigue is instilled in the story through the manipulation of the characters, particularly Fr. Saenz and Fr. Jerome. The fact that these two characters are priests makes it ironic that they are involved in solving the murder cases a very physical aspect of life when they are commonly associated with the spiritual needs of the people. Beside this, the extraordinary bond or even possibly romantic relationship hinted at through the powerful and meaningful lines used by the author to convey her message, although stated in terms which leave enough room for the reader to imagine and give his/her own interpretation of the text which exists between the two becomes a juicier topic because they are men of cloth. Indeed, the two men have an extraordinary rapport that goes far beyond any mentor student relationship; textual details abound. Here are a few: The two men have an extraordinary rapport that goes far beyond any mentor student relationship. Although the two men have been more different in character and temperament, they now find themselves on either end of a baffling mutual affinity (p 22.). Again the inexplicable rapport between the two men as Saenz glances up at him (p. 125). It isnt Gus job to get killed The younger priests voice seems terribly loud to his own ears, and Arcinas blinks once or twice as though startled.. Impatiently and with violence that he never would have thought he possessed, Jerome pushes the lawyer aside and starts running. (p. 150). Another, less controversial device utilized by Batacan to help create an affinity in the reader for the characters is the narration of simple, everyday tasks. This not only firmly sets the tale in the modern world, but also allows the reader to connect with the characters on a mundane basis; certainly we cant all relate to a detective priests passion for forensics, but when that passion is interrupted by a craving for fast food we all find ourselves knowing what its like to be in his shoes. That said, it is reasonable to conclude that Batacan manages to introduce a genre almost entirely alien to our culture without turning off her readers. Her simple yet engrossing prose entices us, making us crave for more; however, a search for Philippine literature made in the same vein ultimately proves futile, leaving us to drift in smaller and smaller circles towards repeated readings of Batacans magnum opus hence the detection of homosexual undertones.

Print Vs. Press :: essays research papers

Print vs. Press   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s elections the Media is one of the biggest influences in most elections. Throughout the years the Media has changed quiet a bit. As in most cases, today’s technology has revolutionized the Media and the way we get our information. Not only do we hear about elections through the media, we learn of updated news pertaining to our everyday lives. There are two types of Media that presents different stimuli, which vary substantially from nature to content. The two types are the Printing press and the Electronic press. Both play major roles in educating and informing our nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Print media is best known for it’s â€Å"excel in conveying factual details (graber189).† Graber goes on to add that the print media is generally credited with conveying more knowledge that audiovisual media does. One Critic by the name of Neil Postman says that if our nation is exposed to too much television, we might turn into a nation of dilettantes who avoid the serious issues of the world. I think that we are seeing some of that now. Look at Clinton for example, our media has not been as involved in how well our country has been doing. Rather the media is steady telling the nation who he sleeps with and what he has for breakfast. On the contrary, the newspapers and so on are giving us facts. They are telling us more about the health care reform, and about issues over seas. We as a nation need to care more about our country and set aside some of our amusement. One on the major down falls of the printing press is that, most times the news we r ead is that of old news. If there is an attack in Russia on Wednesday, then it will not be until Thursday or Friday until we read it in the paper. Another example is that of Time magazine. Subscribers of Time usually receive their magazine a week or two later that the latest news. I think that the printing press is for the more informative group and should not be left in the dark.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Electronic Media is however convenient and has the ability of reaching millions of people within a matter of minutes. Think about someone hiking in the woods. If there is a global matter and the president needs to address the nation the hiker could hear about this through a cellular phone.

Race and Ethnicity Essay

Stereotypes have existed in a very long time, and almost everyone has stereotyped a person or has been considered as belonging to a particular group of stereotypes. But what is a stereotype actually? Stereotyping is a way to group races or individuals together and make a judgment about them, without even knowing them. It’s a belief about a certain social group or type of individuals. Stereotypes can be positive, however stereotypes are most often associated with negativity. Stereotypes often exist about cultures and countries as a whole, and it makes it easier to define a country or race, if you put them in specific groups. Almost every country or race has a stereotype. There exist infinitely many different stereotypes. As said before, they exist based groups and race, but also on gender and age. There are common stereotypes, which is about and between the cultures. Some common stereotype examples are, that all Asians have high IQs or black people are always connected to crime and violence. It’s grouping the race together saying that every Asian person is smart and every black person is criminal. Another type of stereotyping is the individual, which is about skaters, emos, gangsters and so on. Emos are stereotyped as being depressed people, who listen to sad music and cut themselves. Individual stereotypes are most between teenagers and in the schools, because younger people want to make one group or person superior and above another group or person. Stereotypes are not just about different races and backgrounds however. Gender and ago stereotypes also exist in our society. For example, if you say that men are better than women, you’re stereotyping all men and all women. The invention of stereotypes has come naturally though time. When we see persons we don’t know, we automatically begin to put them in different groups in our head. It makes us believe we actually know them better or know what type of persons they are. An example can be a person from the Middle East, because many people often connect them with only troubles and thefts. In that way we personally feel more safety, because then we might say to ourselves that we have to take care and be more careful about what to say so there won’t be any problems. On the other hand our thoughts about stereotypes aren’t always negative. We say that Italian are great cooks and make delicious food, which is a positive stereotype about Italy. ThereforeIda Jessen og Rikke Hemmingsen HH1C Silkeborg Handelsgymnasiet aren’t stereotypes the same as prejudices. Stereotypes are often exaggerated and funny and prejudices are only negative opinions about people and things. Stereotypes always appear negative in the medias. Again we’re comparing with the people from the Middle East. When there has been a crime and they’re talking about it in the medias, it has always been told loud and clear if it’s immigrates who had make a crime. On the other hand when it’s a local person, it has never been told. Therefore we actually compare stereotypes with only bad things, because that’s how it has been appeared in the medias and it affects us, but stereotypes are often fun.

Johann Kilian and the Wends: the Foundation of Lutheranism in Texas

Through this course (LCMS History) and others, I have heard the story of German Lutherans who left Europe and settled near Saint Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Martin Stephan and (soon thereafter) C. F. W. Walther. This story seems quite familiar to many of my seminary classmates who originate from the Midwest and nearby regions. As a nearly lifelong resident of Texas, I had never before heard much of that story. The Lutherans in my communities generally have a different history – one involving a people group known as the Wends. These histories have merged at some point between their beginnings and the present; both communities are currently at home in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and share in fellowship and confession. Naturally several questions arise for further investigation. Who are the Wendish people? Who led them to America? Why did they come to America? What is their religious history? How did they integrate with the Missouri Synod? Why are they a valuable people group in our church body? Answering each of these essential questions necessitates a fairly broad scope, though certainly a coherent inspection. To address the topics at hand, I will present first a brief overview of the European climate during the time that the Wends left Germany as well as an account of their migration. Second, I will offer a concise biography of Johann Kilian, the early leader of the Texan Wendish community. Third, I will describe historically significant moments of interaction between the Lutheran Wends and the LCMS (and its predecessors and associated church bodies) and illustrate how these events contributed to the Wendish assimilation into the LCMS. Each of these components serves the purpose of presenting the Wendish community as a significant component of American Lutheranism, and one with an enduring impact on the LCMS church body. The necessary information is gathered mostly through printed and published texts on the subject at hand. It is also shaped by personal memory of this topic through experiences with members of the Wendish community as well as its associated institutions. Content in support of my purpose is present in these following paragraphs. European Pressures and the Wendish Migration In the early 19th century, the Wends were culturally and politically suppressed by their dominant political leaders. The land of the Wendish people, Lusatia, was intentionally divided between Saxon and Prussian rule. This virtually eliminated any possibility for national independence; the Wendish language became increasingly distinct between the nationalities (Caldwell1961). Also, they were economically dependent on German landholders and had little opportunity for social success. Those who sought better standards of living left their farmland for cities such as Bautzen and generally assimilated into the German culture in the process. A very small group of the Wends was training for the clergy in Prague and in Leipzig; as these students encountered political theories and topics of higher education they developed into the intelligentsia of the Wendish community. These educated people served as the leadership that the Wends needed to rise out of their lowly confinement (Grider 1982). Religious difficulties also characterized this time period. The Wends experienced great pressure to participate in Prussian Unionism, instituted by the Calvinist-leaning King of Prussia, Frederick William III (Nielsen 1989). Since the time of the Reformation, the majority of the Wendish people had been Protestants. This switch to Lutheranism distinguished the Wends religiously from the mainly Catholic Czechs and Poles with whom they shared many cultural and linguistic similarities (Grider 1982). As a people they were very interested in maintaining a definite and self-defined identity, distinct from surrounding people groups. This mandate of Prussian Unionism was an affront to this endeavor. Many spoke against this offensive consolidation, including Johann Kilian who was at that time a young student of theology at the University of Leipzig. In this context of religious pressure, a group of deeply conservative Wends began worshipping together in a private house-church. By 1845 they had established a small congregation with a building devoted as their worship space. After nine more years enduring religious antagonism, a core group of lay leaders drafted, in 1854, a constitution to govern the migration of the whole congregation to a new land with religious freedom. At this time, the congregation issued a call to Kilian, requesting that he shepherd them on their journey and minister to them in their future situation (Grider 1982). Kilian, eager to employ his missionary education, accepted their call. Additionally â€Å"agricultural disasters† during the mid-1800s spurred the Wends into discussions of leaving Germany/Prussia and seeking a new land for a new opportunity. Some impoverished German farmers, with whom the Wends were amiable, had already immigrated to America and Australia. Their joyous letters to the homeland were published by the German press and encouraged these hopeful Wendish immigrants. Of the Wends immigrating to Texas, the â€Å"first trickle of Wendish adventurers† (Grider 1982) arrived around 1850. A group of 35 set sail for America in 1853 but wrecked off the shore of Cuba. While stranded on the island, many learned how to roll cigars to supplement their income during their stranded time. Eventually compassionate German organizations in Havana, Cuba, and New Orleans funded and arranged for their transport to Galveston. One year after this small group’s arrival in Galveston, the â€Å"highly educated and forceful† (Grider 1982) Pastor Johann Kilian led a boatload of 600 of his congregants, pious and devout Wendish Lutherans, from Germany to Galveston. They made their voyage on the Ben Nevis, still considered within the Texan Wendish community as a counterpart of the English Pilgrims’ Mayflower (Grider 1982). Kilian was the only professional, educated man in the congregation; all the others were farmers and craftsmen. Yet the people possessed between them an adequate variety of skills to guarantee a self-sufficient colony. This group established the town of Serbin, which continues to be a place of cultural influence in central Texas. The Life of Johann Kilian The only son of Wendish farmers in Upper Lusatia, Johann Kilian was born on March 22, 1811. Two years later his mother, Maria Kilian nee Mattig, and his infant sister died. His grandmother helped to care for him for the next three years at which time his father, Peter Kilian, remarried. Soon thereafter his grandmother died. In 1821, while Kilian was ten years old, his father also died. Following the death of his parents, he inherited enough money to fund his education at the gymnasium (high school) in the chief Wendish city of Beutzen (Caldwell 1961). Johann found himself under the care of his uncle who leased the child’s inherited property and used the income to support the boy’s schooling. One can only imagine what sort of psychological impact these deaths must have had on young Kilian. According to Nielsen (2003), â€Å"nothing in his writings indicate any anxiety during these early years. † It is likely that during his youth with his extended family he began to learn about Christian living and developed a deep hope in the resurrection promise. Kilian spent more than four years at the Gymnasium in Beutzen. There he was educated in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, and German; Wendish was only used in private and in his earlier years in grade school. Kilian and some of his classmates organized a Wendish club on campus to facilitate informal conversation in their mother tongue (Nielsen 2003). He was quite successful in Beutzen and soon enrolled at the University of Leipzig to study theology, where he once again encountered a Wendish circle. This organization propagated a rising attitude of Wendish nationalism, especially in contrast with German culture. Rather than associating with this divisive group, Kilian joined a German club whose central goal was â€Å"the preservation of pure Lutheran teaching† (Nielsen 2003). This decision seems to have been more of a growing attraction toward orthodox Lutheranism than a rejection of Wendish culture. It also seems that in this association He was taking a stand in contrast to the majority of the faculty of Leipzig who were heavily influenced by rationalism at the time. In 1835, Kilian obtained his license to preach and was assigned to an assisting position at Hochkirch, a large parish which included several surrounding viliages. The following year, he travelled to Switzerland and attended a small mission school in Basel, remembering his childhood vow to become a foreign missionary. Back in eastern Germany, his uncle (different from the one who had helped to raise him as a child) was the pastor of a Lutheran church in Kotitz; he died while Killian was away at school. Then in 1837 Kilian returned to Kotitz and received his full ordination. This enabled him to assume the senior pastorate there (Nielsen 2003). Most of the Wends in his congregation could not understand German, so Kilian undertook several translation projects for the benefit of his flock. He published a book containing twenty eight hymns in Wendish; some were translations of German hymns and a few were his original pieces. These musical arrangments were very well received by both his own congregation and numerous other Lutheran Wendish assemblies. He continued to translate many German songs and eventually produced more than one hundred of his own hymns (Nielsen 2003). These hymns emphasize the centrality of Jesus in Christian living and often contain declarations of profound hope. Several of his songs and poems are contained in a collection edited by David Zersen (2010). Included, here, is one verse from Kilian’s hymn, â€Å"Blessed Land†: Jesus leads his saints on earth: Witnesses are we! Sadness, trials, suffering? Faithful we will be! Christ is our life. There’s a kingdom waiting there; No more sorrow, no more care. Christ is our life. In addition to his musical translation efforts, Kilian translated the Lutheran Confessions into Wendish. He began with Luther’s Small Catechism in the late 1840s and finished the remainder of the confessions in 1854. Other prominent Wendish intellectuals frequently frowned upon his efforts, insisting that importing German religious thinking would contaminate the Wendish culture. They preferred to advance hopeful nationalism for the Wends and showed little priority for proper doctrinal adherence. Kilian disagreed with their attitude and continued â€Å"translating religious works into the mother tongue to enrich the language and simultaneously nourish religious life† (Nielsen 2003). These exercises in translation eventually led to a reasonable popularity for Kilian, especially among likeminded Wendish Lutherans. One such congregation of people at Weigersdorf was becoming increasingly troubled by the pressures of Prussian Unionism. In 1844 they issued a call to Kilian with hopes that he would agree to lead them in their migration away from their oppressive setting. Kilian accepted the call on two conditions. He required that the congregation would pledge faithfulness to pure Lutheran doctrine and also that the congregation acquire an immigration permit from the appropriate Prussian authorities. (Nielsen 2003). Kilian over the next several years served this as well as other parishes (especially one in Klitten) which shared in the Lutheran confession. During that time, he married Maria Groschel, with whom he had four children while they remained in Europe – only one of which survived into maturity (Nielsen 2003). Religious pressures continued to build until in 1854, a group of 600 Wendish Lutherans (under Kilian’s shepherding) began the process of relocating to Texas. While Kilian is often credited with leadership of this venture, such wording is misleading at best. He did not object to the exodus from Europe, but the instigation of the process was from the laypeople. Kilian’s role was to accompany them as their pastor (Nielsen 2003). The journey was characterized by illness, danger, and loss of life. Kilian was heavily relied upon for his pastoral care at several points on the journey. In one instance while at sea, several people were suffering from sea-sickness below the deck. The captain of the Ben Nevis (the ship that carried them across the Atlantic) instructed that the migrants come up for fresh air to improve their health. Some did not cooperate with the captain’s orders. Kilian gently persuaded those who remained below deck to come up. While this shows the authority the Wends saw in Kilian, it also caused resentment from some because he was exceeding his religious responsibilities. The voyagers eventually crossed the Atlantic and arrived at the port of Galveston. They then travelled to central Texas and established the colony of Serbin. For the next three decades, Kilian served the Texan Wends as their pastor and endeavored to connect them with likeminded believers in their new land (Nielsen 2003). Eventually he was able to forge a confessional relationship with the Missouri Lutherans and connect his people to a larger church body. After Kilian’s death on September 12, 1884, many tributes were written about him. These included a handful of lengthy pieces n Der Luteraner, the official periodical of the synod (Martens 2011). The Texan Road to Missouri â€Å"Religious isolation was not part of his tradition† (Nielsen 2003). In Texas, Kilian became a friend of Caspar Braun, a Lutheran who had already been in Texas for about five years. Braun had formed the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Texas and served as its first president. While Kilian certainly en joyed his friendship with Braun, he was hesitant to join this Texas Synod because he considered that it shared too many similarities with the Prussian Union which he had left. He also lamented the lack of enriching liturgy in its churches (Nielsen 2003). Rather he became drawn to the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. Geography was certainly a hindrance to fellowship with this church body, he considered it far less of a barrier than theological incompatibility. In his effort to establish fellowship with the Missouri Synod, he wrote a letter introducing himself and the Wends to C. F. W. Walther, who was also born in 1811. Though Kilian and Walther did attend the University of Leipzig simultaneously in 1832, there is no indication in any of their correspondence that they knew each other before they were in America. Kilian had learned of Walther chiefly through his writings. He owned a copy of Walther’s Stimme der Kirche in der Frage von Kirche und Amt. Kilian agreed with Walther’s position on church polity which â€Å"empowered the voters’ assembly as the supreme authority and diminished the power of the ecclesiastical leaders† (Nielsen 2003). His congregation joined the Missouri Synod in 1866 with Kilian as the first Missouri Synod pastor in the state of Texas. Under Kilian’s pastoral leadership, the Wends became fervent supporters of synodical education and eventually began to issue calls to American-trained pastors. By 1877 nearly a dozen pastors were serving Missouri Synod congregations in Texas and the group gained recognition as the Texas Conference of the Western District. Only a couple years later, the Southern District was organized, ranging from El Paso, Texas, to San Augustine, Florida. Then in 1903, the Texas District of the LCMS was formed; it contained 23 congregations, nearly 40 pastors, and 11 school teachers. Concluding Remarks The Texas District of the LCMS owes its genesis to the migration of the Wends and the pastoral leadership of Johann Kilian. It is now one of the largest districts in the LCMS and has produced more synodical presidents (Behnken, Harms, and Kieschnick) than any other district. The Wendish culture and religious experiences have shaped and continue to shape the theological thinking of Texas Lutherans. It is especially for these reasons that the Wends are a valuable people group in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.