Plato :: essays research papers

Since the human beings came together and began to live communities, necessities to be administrated became the most important subject for human kind. There were said many things on this issue; there have been put many claims and interpretations on well, just and equal administration by many philosophers. They searched for the best administration that will guide people equally, just and well; that will provide sustainability, peace and prosperity between communities. In fact there are many forms of government that operating in the world. These regimes/forms of government are born from the characters of people who live in them and who are governed by them. It is necessary to mention something about Plato’s general theory in order to understand him very well. First of all Plato’s Republic is about a method of doing political philosophy. It is a systematic sustained treatence of issues, issues of just society, issues about state, issues about individual. These are all public things. He wanted to find an ultimate meaning of all these things; why they exist, how they should exist. He wanted to find absolute answer for these. So in this sense Plato’s Republic reaches old and known conclusion of major interests in their own right. His Republic provides epistemological and metaphysical combination for his political theory. According to Plato, a political society constitutes a natural whole that is own kind of excellent and well being. It means that society creates an aggregation individual, something more than that, and it has a natural existence. Individual and society can be defined as a unity and according to Plato a society and an individual are so similar that each has a proper and set of virtues. So for Plato, the character, opinion like attitudes of an individual are the product of society, and the individual has no existence without society. They imitate the society, if a society is right/just, the individual is right/just. Individuals drive their ability from society and they are trained in that way. According to Plato, the understanding of justice is about societal needs, which are common to all members of society. So society can satisfy members’ needs efficiently by dividing their labours. So people are born with their skills and virtues according to Plato. They would know these skill s and virtues when they grow up. If they are not fit for forming they should not do that. This is why importance/role of education come to discover each person’s skills.

Mathematics in the Primary School Essay -- education, teaching, learnin

â€Å"A successful learner in mathematics involves constructing understanding through exploration, problem solving, discussion and practical experience and evidentially through a teacher who has a clear grasp of the underlying structure of the mathematics being taught† (Haylock 2010:3). Analysing my personal journey through mathematics will allow me to explore if my experiences have influenced my attitudes towards mathematics. Beginning by exploring the ways in which I was taught as a child, examining what framework was used for the teaching of mathematics, before continuing to explore if education reforms and learning strategies could have influenced by experiences. Concluding by reflecting on my attitude towards mathematics as an adult and trainee teacher, discussing how they will affect or influence the methods of teaching I will adopt. Entering formal education in 1991 I was taught by means of the revised version of mathematical national curriculum 1991 (DfE 2013b) brought about by the Educational Reform Act 1988.The main two principles of the national curriculum were: firstly to ensure all pupils learn and achieve and secondly to promote pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (DES 1987) The basis of therevised curriculum and its associated testing was to standardise the content taught across schools in order to raise standards of attainment in mathematics. With the introduction of a national curriculum came the introduction of national tests SATs, programmes of study, attainment targets and levels. This was the framework for my memories of mathematics to be established (DfE 2013a). My early recollections of being taught mathematics are through teacher explanation followed by an activity to complete to show you we... ...Utusun Ofsted. (2010). Learning: creative approaches that raise standards. Available: http://www.creativitycultureeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/learning-creative- approaches-that-raise-standards-250.pdf. Last accessed 8th Nov 2013. Orton, A (2004). Learning Mathematics: Issues, Theory and Classroom Practice. 3rd ed. London: Continuum. 49-57. Pound L and Lee T (2011). Teaching Mathematics Creatively. Oxon: Routledge Skemp, R (2002). Mathematics in the Primary School. 2nd ed. London: Taylor and Francis . Stewart, I (2013). The Great Mathematical Problems. London : Profile Books William, P. (2008). Independent Review of Mathematics Teaching in Early Years Settings and Primary Schools. Available: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151715/https://www.education.go v.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Williams%20Mathematics.pdf. Last accessed 1st Nov 2013.

Home Work

How did the recession of 2007–2009 compare with other recessions since the Great Depression in terms of length? Ans. It was the longest. This may be close to a perfect storm situation on top of a real estate bust, and a financial bust [crime? ], â€Å"Technology† is a big part of the unemployment situation, and then there's the world wide normalizing of salary levels – China, India, etc. up, US down. 2. What effect did the recession of 2007–2009 have on government regulation? It was greatly increased. 3.What advantages does a sole proprietorship offer? What is a major drawback of this type of organization? A sole proprietorship offers the advantage of simplicity of decision-making and low organizational and operating costs. A major drawback is that there is unlimited liability to the owner. 8. Why are institutional investors important in today's business world? Because institutional investors such as pension funds and mutual funds own a large percentage of major U. S. companies, they are having more to say about the way publicly owned companies are managed.As a group, they have the ability to vote large blocks of shares for the election of a board of directors, which is supposed to run the company in an efficient, competitive manner. The threat of being able to replace poor performing boards of directors makes institutional investors quite influential. Since these institutions, like pension funds and mutual funds, represent individual workers and investors, they have a responsibility to see that the firm is managed in an efficient and ethical way. 9. Why is profit maximization, by itself, an inappropriate goal?What is meant by the goal of maximization of shareholder wealth? The problem with a profit maximization goal is that it fails to take account of risk, the timing of the benefits is not considered, and profit measurement is a very inexact process. The goal of shareholders wealth maximization implies that the firm will attempt to achieve the highest possible total valuation in the marketplace. It is the one overriding objective of the firm and should influence every decision. 10. When does insider trading occur? What government agency is responsible for protecting against the unethical practice of insider trading?Insider trading occurs when anyone with non-public information buys or sells securities to take advantage of that private information. The Securities and Exchange Commission is responsible for protecting markets against insider trading. In the past people have gone to jail for trading on non-public information. This has included company officers, investment bankers, printers who have information before it is publishers and even truck drivers who deliver business magazines and read positive or negative articles about a company before the magazine is on the newsstands and then place trades or have friends place trades based on that information.The SEC has prosecuted anyone who profits from inside inf ormation. Every decision 12. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary market? A primary market refers to the use of the financial markets to raise new funds for the corporation. After the securities are sold to the public (institutions and individuals), they trade in the secondary market between investors. It is in the secondary market that prices are continually changing as investors buy and sell securities based on the expectations of corporate prospects. 13.Assume you are looking at many companies with equal risk; which ones will have the highest stock prices? Given companies with equal risk, those companies with expectations of high return will have higher common stock prices relative to those companies with expectations of poor returns. Chapter 2 1. Discuss some financial variables that affect the price-earnings ratio. The price-earnings ratio will be influenced by the earnings and sales growth of the firm, the risk or volatility in performance, the debt-equity structure of the firm, the dividend payment policy, the quality of management, and a number of other factors.The ratio tends to be future-oriented, and the more positive the outlook, the higher it will be. 2. What is the difference between book value per share of common stock and market value per share? Why does this disparity occur? Book value per share is arrived at by taking the cost of the assets and subtracting out liabilities and preferred stock and dividing by the number of common shares outstanding. It is based on the historical cost of the assets. Market value per share is based on current assessed value of the firm in the marketplace and may bear little relationship to original cost.Besides the disparity between book and market value caused by the historical cost approach, other contributing factors are the growth prospects for the firm, the quality of management, and the industry outlook. To the extent, these are quite negative or positive; market value may differ widely from book value. 5. How is the income statement related to the balance sheet? The earnings (less dividends) reported in the income statement is transferred to the ownership section of the balance sheet as retained earnings.Thus, what we earn in the income statement becomes part of the ownership interest in the balance sheet. 6. Comment on why inflation may restrict the usefulness of the balance sheet as normally presented. The balance sheet is based on historical costs. When prices are rising rapidly, historical cost data may lose much of their meaning–particularly for plant and equipment and inventory. 10. Why is interest expense said to cost the firm substantially less than the actual expense, while dividends cost it 100 percent of the outlay?Interest expense is a tax-deductible item to the corporation, while dividend payments are not. The net cost to the corporation of interest expense is the amount paid multiplied by the difference of one minus the applicable tax rate. Fo r example, $100 of interest expense costs the company $65 after taxes when the corporate tax rate is 35 percent; for example, $100 ? (1 – . 35) = $65. Problems Q5. Sales -Cost of goods sold Gross profit -Selling and administrative expense -Depreciation expense Operating profit -Interest expense Earnings before taxes Taxes Earnings after taxes -Preferred stock dividends Earnings available to common stockholders Shares outstanding Earnings per share Q11. Stein Books, Inc. Income Statement For the year ended Dec. 31 2010 Sales$273,000 Cost of goods sold$210,000 Gross profit= 63,000 S&A expenses -12,000 Depreciation expense -15,000 Operating profit =36,000 Interest Expense -10,000 Earnings before taxes = 26,000 Taxes -7,800 Earnings after taxes = 18,200 Q18. (a) Compute earnings per share and the P/E ratio for 2009.The P/E ratio equals the stock price divided by the earnings per share. 280,000 / 200,000 = $1. 40 EPS 30. 80 / 1. 40 = 22 P/E ratio (b) Compute earnings per share and the P/E ratio for 2010. 320,000 /200,000 = $1. 60 EPS 40 / 1. 60 = 25 P/E ratio (c) Give a general explanation of why the P/E ratio changed. The market price of the stock increased at a higher rate than earnings. Second part: From the problem above, assume for Botox Facial Care that in 2011, Earnings after taxes declined to $140,000 with the same $200,000 shares outstanding. The stock price declined to $24. 50. a.Compute earnings per share and the P/E ratio for 2011. 140,000 / 200,000 = $0. 70 EPS 24. 50 / 0. 70 = 35 b. Give a general explanation of why the P/E changed. Earnings decreased at a higher rate than the market price of the stock. Q. 23. Landers Nursery and Garden Stores Current assets$220,000 Capital/Fixed assets $170,000 Total assets $390,000 – Current liabilities $80,000 – Long-term liabilities 140,000 Shareholders’ equity 170,000 – Preferred stock obligation 40,000 Net worth assigned to common 130,000 Common shares outstanding 25,000 Book v alue (net worth) per share†¦ $5. 20

History of insurance in Argentina Essay

In 1984, about 200 insurance companies were in operation in Argentina. Although various legal restrictions have been placed on foreign insurance companies, many retain offices. The Superintendent of Insurance of the nation regulates the insurance market, which is a branch of the Ministry of Economy. The Argentine insurance market is characterized by a relatively large number of insurers with no single organization dominating the industry. From 1994 to 1997, there was a reduction in the number of insurers as some closed operations or were liquidated. Observers believe that there will be further reductions in the number of insurance companies as consolidation of the industry and the quest for economies of scale and critical mass continues. In Argentina, insurance companies are not allowed to raise their prices without notifying their customers and explain why the raise in prices took place, nor are they allowed to renew policies without prior notification of the changes in the policy. If an insurance company does not comply with this regulation, one can take legal action against them by contacting the National Supervisory of Insurances (Advameg Inc, 2007). This paper will address the significant development of the Argentine life market of insurance, especially under the stable current conditions. Insurance Landscape in Argentina Types of insurances Apart from the obligatory social insurance, there are also a number of possibilities for obtaining private insurance to cover other eventualities. The most common insurances include: Life Insurance The need for a life insurance depends on age, and dependents. Life insurance foresees in a payment to the beneficiaries of the deceased one. This payment can take place at once, or as a partial interest bearing payment. The names of the beneficiaries are stated in the insurance policy. Insurance companies calculate the costs of your policy based on three factors. The first one is the mortality table that classifies people into groups and their rate of mortality. The higher the risk of the mortality group you belong to, the higher your cost of policy. Next is the interest rate. Insurance companies invest their money in stocks, bonds etc. The higher the interest rate of the investments, the lower the cost of the insurance. Last factor of influence on the price are the operating costs of the insurance company. Life insurance are classified according to duration where distinction is made between temporary (term) insurance and life-long insurance. Temporary insurance only covers the insured person for a time-span specified in the policy. Life long insurance provides covers until death. Secondly is premium which bring in a distinction between Fixed Premiums and Risk Premiums. Fixed premiums mean that the same amount of premium is paid during the insurance. Risk premiums rise in premium as the age of the insured person goes up. Thirdly is the persons being covered by the insurance. Lastly is the flexibility of payment of premiums where a distinction is made between traditional life insurances and savings life insurance. The traditional insurance demands that premiums are paid at set dates. With savings insurances the date and amount of premium payment are more flexible. Take into account that price is not the only criteria when choosing a company. The reputation and service the insurance company offers should also be considered importantly. Furthermore, the company should be registered so that assistance can be given in disputes between the insurance company and clients. When buying a life insurance, one ought to answer all questions on the policy form correctly which mainly refer to health issues before signing and submitting the forms.   This is mainly because if later it turns out any questions where not answered truthfully, the insurance company can decide not to pay.   Further important points when buying a life insurance include the start and end of the policy, the benefits that might be paid out and those that can become less after a certain age is reached, Clauses regarding age and payments, and the time the company takes to start the running time of the insurance. Car Insurance By law it is mandatory to have car insurance in Argentina. Car insurance in Argentina covers the driver and/or insured person and third parties from damages suffered from fire, theft and accidents. Premiums paid are calculated based on the brand and model of car, usage of the car , geographic location, marital status, sex and age. The peson buying the cover must keep in mind the start and end of coverage, how old a car is, and the value of the parts to be insured   especially if they are to be insured independently. Household Insurance The household insurance in Argentina covers the material as individuals in your household. Examples of what is covered by household insurance are damages due to fire, theft and burglary, water damages, civil responsibility, personal accidents, accidents of domestic employees. Wear and tear of property, damages due to war or natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornados is not covered. Choosing insurance Make sure before deciding with which company to buy an insurance, you know what the financial situation of the company is. Besides the price of the policy the service and reputation of the company should also be important factors to consider when deciding. If to buy directly with an insurance company or through an agent is also another factor. The Argentina Insurance Report provides independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on Argentines insurance industry. It includes BMI’s Insurance Business Environment Rating (IBER), which brings together a number of pieces of relevant quantitative data, together with BMI’s Country Risk Rating (CRR). It is now much easier to consider the business environment for the insurance sector in any one country relative to the business environment for other industries in that country that are surveyed by BMI, and the business environment for the insurance sector in other countries. Argentina’s IBER is a moderately attractive insurance market for foreign insurers. Within the region, the Bahamas has the highest IBER ranking, with a very high score in the risks to realization of potential returns. The competitive landscape, in both the non-life and the life segment, is fragmented. Both segments are open to participation by foreign groups. It is likely that the landscape will change dramatically in the next few years, possibly after considerable consolidation. This means that there is opportunity for cross-border operations that currently have a relatively small presence to become major players in the market. We do not however, expect any completely new market entrants. Although there a strong growth forecasts for Argentina, these are not at the moment translating into high growth rates for the insurance market. (BMI, 2008). The competitive landscape, in both the non-life and the life segment, is fragmented. Both segments are open to participation by foreign groups. It is likely that the landscape will change dramatically in the next few years, possibly after considerable consolidation. This means that there is opportunity for cross-border operations that currently have a relatively small presence to become major players in the market. ` However, completely new market entrants are expected. Economic and political reform if reinvigorated provides positive flow-on effects for the insurance market. Increased transparency has been campaigned on as an issue. However, it remains to be seen if it will be implemented. Although there is a strong growth in Argentina, this is not at the moment translating into high growth rates for the insurance market. (Braga, 1996). SWOT Analysis for Insurance in Argentina (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threats) SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective.The aim of any SWOT analysis is to identify the key internal and external factors that are important to achieving the objective. Internal factors are the strengths and weaknesses internal to the organization. External factors are the opportunities and threats presented by the external environment.The internal factors may be viewed as strengths or weaknesses depending upon their impact on the organizations objectives. What may represent strengths with respect to one objective may be weaknesses for another objective. The factors may include all key fields; as well as personnel, finance, manufacturing capabilities, and so on. The external factors may include macroeconomic matters, technological change, legislation, and socio-cultural changes, as well as changes in the marketplace or competitive position. The results are often presented in the form of a matrix. The aim of the insurance company ought to be maxinizing the strengths and opportunities and minimizing the weaknesses and threats. (Business help, 2008) Opportunities and threats Opportunities SWOT Analysis influences the Opportunities for the insurance businesses and these can be seen as targets to achieve and exploit in the future for example: Being in a good financial position creates a good reputation for future growth, Skilled and experienced workforce means that they can be moved and trained into other areas and locations of the business, competitor going bankrupt therefore creating a takeover opportunity, availability of broadband technology plus the installed in the area which is useful for Internet use, Increased spending power in the Local/National economy, and moving the insurance services into a new market sector . (Business help, 2008) Threats The final part of the analysis will also be seen as the most feared: the Threats. It has to be done and therefore taking into account the weaknesses, the threats seem too clear. For examples: Large and increasing competition from other insurance companies, Rising cost of Wages, Possible relocation costs, Local authority refusing plans for future building expansion, Increasing interest rates by lenders therefore increases borrowing repayments, and lastly existing covers becoming unfashionable or unpopular. (Business help, 2008) Opportunities for a US Insurance companies. As consolidation of the insurance industries and the quest for economies of scale and critical mass continues companies can still find their ways to certain regions as long as they meet the requirements and laws. (Wray, 2008). Need to Resort to International Law Accordingly, a body of international law, not dependent on the law or interpretation of any one country, has developed as the standard for expropriation claims against a host government. In turn, most political risk insurance policies over the years have required that for there to be an expropriation, the government’s actions must be in violation of this standard of international law. Application of the traditional standard to regulatory takings has proven to be difficult. Because of the â€Å"public purpose† test, normal regulations or change of law is not a wrongful action under international law and therefore is not an insurable event under political risk insurance expropriation Coverage. On the other hand, it is easy to imagine a host government attempting to cloak a wrongful expropriation with the appearance of legitimate regulatory action. (Wray, 2008). The credit derivative market: During the past ten years, credit derivatives have become a basic tool for risk management in the banking sector for both corporate credit and country risk management. Since the mid-1990s, banks have increasingly used credit protection to diversify and reduce corporate and emerging market exposure inherent in their lending activities. Insurance companies have also participated (mostly in the non-emerging market arena) both as providers of protection (to capture higher returns and better spreads), and as buyers of protection (to manage their exposure and diversify their portfolios). Insurance companies buy insurance to transfer resources from good times to bad times.  They do this by pooling risks, e.g., motor vehicle insurance. If population is large and individual risks are independent then aggregate loss is predictable. This enables simple strategies for setting premiums as a mark-up over the expected aggregate loss. Practical considerations  include availability of data for insurance companies, which enables them to estimate the distribution of aggregate losses from their pool of risk. Low enough transactions costs (collecting data, writing policies, settling claims) are what are considered as policies, which make risks attractive. Catastrophe risks, e.g., floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes together with weather risks temperature and rainfall fluctuations are not attractive to many insurance companies. The Catastrophe risks are low-frequency high-severity risks unlike motor vehicle risks, which are high-frequency low-severity risks. Low frequency has probabilities of occurrence and damages are not precisely computed. There is need for a lot more data than when it is high frequency, Variance of loss is high, Premium setting is difficult, and Capital requirements to ensure solvency are large. Markets for Catastrophe Risk A large proportion is not insured or under-insured. Premiums can be high (as high as seven times the expected losses the actuarially fair level). Premiums can change drastically with an event suggesting that probabilities of extreme events is not well established and therefore revised with any new information.   Markets for catastrophe risk do not work very well. Conclusion Recent developments. Congressional legislation now allows insurance carriers and other financial institutions, such as banks and securities firms, to sell one another’s products. More insurance carriers now sell financial products such as securities, mutual funds, and various retirement plans. This approach is most common in life insurance companies that already sold annuities, but property and casualty companies also are increasingly selling a wider range of financial products. In order to expand into one another’s markets, insurance carriers, banks, and securities firms have engaged in numerous mergers, allowing the merging companies access to each other’s client base and geographical markets therefore Argentines can be covered by US insurance companies. This way many insurance companies are able to insure unattractive risks. Insurance carriers have discovered that the Internet can be a powerful tool for reaching potential and existing customers. Most carriers use the Internet simply to post company information, such as sales brochures and product information, financial statements, and a list of local agents. However, an increasing number of carriers are starting to expand their Web sites to enable customers to access online account and billing information, and some carriers even allow claims to be submitted online. Many carriers also provide insurance quotes online based on the information submitted by customers on their Internet sites. In fact, some carriers will allow customers to purchase policies through the Internet without ever speaking to a live agent. In addition to individual carrier-sponsored Internet sites, several â€Å"lead-generating† sites have emerged. These sites allow potential customers to input information about their insurance policy needs. For a fee, the sites forward customer information to a number of insurance companies, which review the information and, if they decide to take on the policy, contact the customer with an offer. This practice gives consumers the freedom to accept the best rate. If this does not make the insurance landscape manageable then it is on the collapse. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008). Work cited: Business Monitor International, (n.d.). Argentina insurance report. Accessed 16thMay 2008 from: http://www.businessmonitor.com/insurance/argentina.html Business Monitoring International (BMI), (2008, March). Argentina insurance report, pages: 31. Accessed 16thMay 2008 from: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c89667 Michael Braga, Tempa Bay business Journal, (1996, 21st June). Bankers insurance group on EEC Argentina. Accessed 16thMay 2008 from: http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/1996/06/24/newscolumn1.html Business help, (2008). SWOT Analysis-Opportunities and threats Analysis. Accessed 16thMay 2008 from: http://www.bizhelp24.com/marketing/swot-analysis—opportunities-and-threats.html Robert Wray. (2008, April). Political risk Insurance Newsletter. Connecticut Avenue, nw suite 350, Washington dc, Volume 4, Issue 1 Advameg Inc, (2007). Argentina forum. Accessed 16thMay 2008 from: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition, Accessed 16thMay 2008 from: http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs028.htm

The Inhabited Woman

The novel, classified as a semi-biographical one, is the author's first bestselling novel. It can be considered as a contemporary classic. In fact, Randall (2004) reiterated, â€Å"The Inhabited Woman grabs us from two unexpected directions: its consciousness of the centrality of woman in struggle, and its retrieval of the cycles of birth and rebirth which are such an important part of indigenous cosmology† (Forward, p. 6). On the one hand, throughout the novel, Lavinia (one of the main characters) struggles with being a business-minded woman in an architectural industry composed primary of men.The plight a woman’s struggle first took shape in Chapter One when a battle was referred to as the roots of a tree of which the writer entered into through its circulatory system (Belli, 2004, p. 7). As with any circulatory system, there must be a constant blood flow that helps all the parts function properly. If the blood flow is interrupted, then problems begin to arise. Thus, the other hand, the roots of the tree must be healed in order to make the system work. Hence, the writer refers to time spent in Europe (Bologna) as a place where Lavinia’s artistic nature was tame.However, she had left that place to have opportunities to showcase her innovative side (Belli, 2004). The parallelism between the protagonist, Lavinia, and the author is striking and obvious. Both women are well-educated members of the upper class who were raised in a world of political turmoil. Significantly, they have a choice of not paying attention to the glass ceiling that these politics entail or allowing it to be their ruin. Both women choose a life far from the one of limited opportunities and poverty.Instead, the women pursue a life of luxury, education, and continuous learning. In order to acquire a true reflection of how Gioconda and Lavinia were alike, their lives must be examined. Gioconda lived a comfortable, protected and sheltered life. She was educated in the best of schools as well as given a sheltered life away from bullets and bombs. Gioconda was also loved and nurtured by her parents. Later on, Gioconda joined the Sandinista movement. Sadly, this took her away from luxurious living and eventually forced her to be exiled in Mexico in 1975 (Wikipedia, 2008).Lavinia, similar to Gioconda, lived a sheltered life until she joined the revolution and fell in love with a war hero. Over the years, countries around the world have been in constant struggle to gain a free government; a democratic government free from dictators and tyrants. Many books have been written about this topic. Few books have focused on the author’s feminist struggle for freedom and democracy, and in the process, a struggle for self identity and self worth. As Lavinia’s journey through a life of opportunities begins, she goes to a job interview.It is a typical interview symbolic of a male’s ego and testosterone. Julian sees Lavinia as a woman that can expl ain architecture blueprints in simple terms but as a sex symbol, all the same (Belli, 2004, pp. 13-17). Lavinia’s goal was to prove she had a great deal of knowledge of architecture and could succeed on her own merits. Thus, although she thought of men and sex throughout the book, Lavinia predetermined that marriage, for her, would be placing limitations on one’s self—unless, of course, the right man came along (Belli, 2004, p.22). Nevertheless, the fact remains that the novel was full of sexual context. One example is an office romance that was present in the early stages of the book. A man and a woman were having sex openly, as if they were wild animals. Belli (2004) wrote, â€Å"I know only that they make love to each other like healthy animals, without garments or inhabitants. ’ ‘That is how our people loved before the strange god of the Spaniards forbade them the pleasures of loving’† (p. 41).Despite being forbidden of this fruit by a god, as in the holy bible when Adam and Eve were forbidden of eating from the tree of good and evil by the Lord (Genesis, King James Version), one can say that Lavinia’s people had disobeyed a god. As a result of this disobedience, (Adam and Eve) they were forced to go forth out of their comfort zone and learn how to live on their own (Genesis, KJV). Thus, just as Adam and Eve had to learn (as children do from their parents), so were many lessons taught in the novel.In one incidence, while Lavinia was watching one of her sex partner’s named Felipe sleep peacefully, she referred to him as a child (Belli, 2004, p. 42). This is important because Lavinia thought of her seeds as the seeds of oranges that are capable of falling on good soil and bearing fruit (children). She also considered the Earth as an orange because it is round and flat. Yet, symbolism used to compare child bearing to orange trees blossoming is of extreme value because Lavinia mentioned Ute, the wom an who taught Felipe to love.In fact, Lavinia indicated that Felipe considered Ute as the â€Å"Mother and lover in one woman†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Belli, 2004, p. 47). Thus, just as an orange tree must bear forth fruit that produces a continuous cycle of orange trees, so must women bear forth children who will, in turn, grow up to replenish the Earth. Another reason why much symbolism exists in the novel is because of the realism. Lavinia read a book that â€Å"†¦said that Jules Verne had never left France, and yet he had still managed to reach the moon with his imagination and predict many of humanity’s deeds and discoveries† (Belli, 2004, p. 55).This is what Lavinia desired out of life. Consequently, the mind (or imagination) can open up doors to endless opportunities and countless lessons. Unlike the body which comes to a closure upon death, due to the mind, legacies can live on. Lavinia’s grandfather tapped into this concept as he gave Lavinia some final wor ds that included â€Å"†¦Now that I am nearing Omega, I leave you this legacy: nothing that is done in the name of universal culture is ever a waste†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Belli, 2004, p. 56). Thus, through these words Lavinia was taught that no matter what the struggle or the triumph, a lesson is available to be learned.Yet, the reader can learn from the symbolisms that exist in the novel. One such lesson came as Lavinia’s grandfather died on New Year’s Eve by sneezing to death (Belli, 2004, p. 56). Just as her grandfather had talked about Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end), the lesson here is that just as one year comes to an end, another one begins. Although Lavinia’s grandfather died out, history still lived on through his granddaughter. That history included Lavinia coming in contact with members of the National Liberation Movement (NLM) that showed up at her door one day, wounded.It is a history that also includes Lavinia referring to her admiration of Che Guevara of Italy, her grandfather’s fascination with Fidel Castro and the ideal of revolution, and even the NLM members’ being referenced to tropical Quixotes by Lavinia (Belli, 2004, p. 71). Yet, the reality of all lessons is that there are often harsh ones to be learned. Lavinia had to witness the same people she had helped (two men and one young woman) bodies being shown as bloody and dead in the paper when she returned to work.Just to not be discovered as a helper to these individuals, Lavinia had to tell a lie to a co-worker in regards to which of the men was Fermin (Belli, 2004). Just before the book takes a turn where Lavinia changes from that lively woman with endless opportunities to do anything or be anything in life, she manages to sum of what the reader considers as the main theme of the book: Man with his deeds can change features, appearances: he can sow or cut down trees, change the course of rivers, make those huge dark roads that trace snaking paths along the earth.But he cannot move volcanoes, life up the canyons, interfere in the dome of the heavens, prevent the formation of the clouds, change the position of the sun or the moon. (Belli, 2004l, p. 85) This exert is symbolic of how since the beginning of time man-kind has altered things. In the bible when the City of Babel was being built were the people wanted to come together and build a tower to heaven, rather than use stones that were already made by God, man created bricks for building (Genesis 11:1-9, KJV).Yet, man-kind had been told to fill the earth. Since they would not do it themselves, the Lord sent angels to scramble their languages and force them to do so (Genesis, KJV). Due to the fact man-kind sowed a bad seed, there are many languages today and the reason why there are many wars. In the bible, when the City of Babel was being built, God realized that man-kind would not think there was anything they could not do if they were to succeed at this.So, God had to take action against it (Genesis 11:1-9, KJV). Throughout the novel, no matter what happened, Lavinia could always use her imagination to make things as she wanted to. However, no matter what, it did not change the fact she went from being the leader of her own life to being lead (by Sebastian and Lorenzo) and then to even turning to God for instruction. Due to these factors, one might consider Lavinia as putting profession first, politics second and religion last.In this scenario, Lavinia encountered the struggle of woman to find their place in the world—a struggle that often finds woman having to pay the ultimate price of disobedience. References Belli, G. (2004). The Inhabited Woman. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. Randall, M. (2004, Spring). The Inhabited Woman: Foreward. (Contributor). Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. Wikipedia. (2008, February 13). Gioconda Belli. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from website: http://en. wikipedia. org/wi ki/Gioconda_Belli

The Lamp at Noon

In the short story† the lamp at noon† Sinclair Ross is trying to develop that idea that sometimes in life individuals are often driven mad by their geographical isolation. A young couples dreams of happiness after are torn apart by the horrendous elements of nature and by lack of communication to cope with the changing condition. First of all the author Sinclair Ross uses to convey the idea of isolation is through the horrendous setting. The setting was described in a very detail manner creating imagery that helps focus of how isolated the couples felt.The author develops the setting by using personification, for example†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Demented wind fled kneeling past the house; a wall through the eaves that died every minute or two†. This statement is given the reader the mood of the setting, a dark, dreary, somewhat ugly, and depressing scene. The change in weather reflects how the characters are feeling. Paul and Ellen both feel upset, depressed, and dark especiall y about their relationship too. As the story progress, the change in weather effects the character moods a little more directly.The setting in this short story is critical element in the story, without it, the plot would be kind of dull, because it gives the reader an idea of the time and place in the story’s plot ,which help the reader focus of how isolated the characters feels. Second way that the author help defined the character is by using characterization. Sinclair used outstanding description for the two main characters. This is because they could both relate fairly, easily, and realistically. Ellen’s strong feeling which revolve around the idea of a better, healthier and even a little more â€Å"rewarding† life are nicely depicted.The reality of her hopes, however, is that the thing’s she wants and needs most are unattainable, which links to how isolated she feels. Ellen feels if she doesn’t acquire these glamorous items, she gets depressed . Ellen just sits and waits for a better opportunity, and her husband to come safe and sound to comfort her with love and affection as shown in this quote†¦Ã¢â‚¬ please stay†¦ I m so caged if I could only break away and run. See I stand like this all day. I can’t relax. My throat so tight it aches.From this quote, you can already tell how the characters feel and how Ellen way of describing the way she feels portrayed an accustomed to the finer things in life, but also that she needs love and care from her husband to replace that need. Now Paul on the other side, a rugged, strong, pride farmer is a touch stronger and make more persistent for success compared to Ellen. He struggles to keep his land and livestock alive and booming. He was quite determined in staying and trying, and waiting for the land to get better, as well as lots of rain to feed them.There was a constant motion of his feeling for rain and better crops the following year. â€Å"Well have crops agai n†¦ good crops. The land will come back, it’s worth waiting for†. The pride Paul has for his land, the hope he keeps for progression of his land success, and the strength, physical and emotional he has is great example. Since he is the only one who feels this way between himself and Ellen, he is â€Å"isolated†, as well. Characters, their feeling and actions described a vital role in the contribution towards how they feel about the land.They both individually isolated themselves, as well as isolated together from society because of the phenomena that’s happening. Last, but not least the author uses symbolism. This is meaningful it spread out through the story. The author uses one symbol the help the reader realized how import it truly is. The author uses the lamp, the fact that it is lit at noon show’s that it is constantly dark, and foggy from all the storm, which symbolizes hope and faith the couple has for each other, for a better life, and for their child. The lamp is a very important element in story.Ellen also points out the lamps role†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ desert. The lamp lit at noon†¦Ã¢â‚¬  this quote shows the lingering thread of hope and faith left among the two, away to deal with isolation. Ellen’s sign of fear shows the weakness and defeat which slowly bottles up and explodes in anger later on leaving the house and taking the baby knowing that the bay would not survived. In conclusion, the author ways how not be act with isolation setting beside you, and has done a good job of it. This was created by the characters mood and symbolism that help contribute the way the couple felt about been isolated.

Public relations process for Deltec Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Public relations process for Deltec - Essay Example The CEO has asked for a range of services from our agency including the advice for a major labor issue faced by the company in the recent past. A detailed analysis was made in this regard to help Delstar to come up with same market share as that of its male athletic equipments. The following paragraphs will discuss the issue in detail to find a way out and help Delstar to survive and succeed in the market. Our agency, therefore, suggest a range of efforts to be performed by Delstar to compete with other firms in the industry and to become a threat for them in the years to come. The company has to conduct a couple of researches in this regard. To start with, our agency advices Delstar to conduct a market research so as to know the pulses of the target group. The first and foremost task in the effort of marketing any product /service is to know whether there are consumers for the desired product/service in the market. So knowing about the market is advisable before thinking about the product and its features. Once the consumers' taste and preferences are well understood, the company can start thinking seriously about the product design and development. Because, our agency believes firmly in 'Prevention is better than Cure' policy in marketing. Market Research is the process of gathering data relating to the consumers, competitor and the market and use of such data for decision making and actions. A market Research is indispensable for Delstar not only because it is going to introduce a novel product to a new target group, but the competition from industry icons such as Reebok, Nike, and Adidas is quite stiff. The target group for the new product, Basketball sneakers, has already been fixed by the company and it is female market. It is co mposed of both basket ball players and those who are fascinated by the style of basket ball sneakers and players. Market Research Method The process by which the data from target group are collected and analyzed is known as Market Research Method. Delstar is advised to conduct a Qualitative Market Research as it involves the study about the market feasibility of a new product, and a focused group. The focused group for the study, as already stated, consists of female basket ball players and female teenagers and women who are fascinated by the style of sneakers and basket ball players. Data are collected from the focused group by means of personal interview with them. In the basket ball players segment, female players are approached with an Interview Schedule to gather data. In the second group, a sample survey was conducted among teenagers and women who like basket ball sneakers for daily use for easy and comfortable walking. The players were asked mainly about their views on the sneakers presently available and their expectations about the one which is like to be launched in the market. An interview schedule is to be prepared with logically arranged questions on consumers' needs and aspirations about the product. In addition to the interview with focused group, a one-on-one in-depth interview with a renowned basketball trainer is also prescribed for the company since it is likely to generate more authentic and reliable information. The survey among the non-players female group is conducted using Random Sampling Method wherein the opinion of respondents are more likely to be