Golf Rules and Etiquette Essay Example

Golf Rules and Etiquette Paper Golf is a game of history, tradition and respect. Anyone who plays the game of golf will need to follow the rules and etiquette on the golf course. The popularity of golf has increased dramatically over the last several years. Golf was once known as a game for the wealthy, it is now readily available for everyone to enjoy. The new found availability has led to a decrease in the historical aspect of the game, primarily knowing the rules of the game, including golf etiquette. Statistics from the American Junior Golf Association show that 13.2 million people play golf each year in the United States alone. Participants play at more than 20,000 golf courses on land valued at more than 4.5 billion dollars (Dell, 2004). The boom of new golfers has led to a decline in the rules and etiquette of golf. Palmer (2002) states. Golf always has been, and hopefully will remain a gentlemans game (p. 4). Understanding the rules should be easy, there are only thirty-four rules in the game. This is less than almost every other sport, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, rugby and cricket (Palmer, 2002). There are no restrictions to view or access the rulebook. Thousand of rounds are played everyday at both public and private courses, without the benefit of judges, officials, referees or umpires. Golfers are their own umpires, self-policing and regularly calling rule infractions on themselves. In one public incident on television, Ian Woosnam called a penalty on himself because he had 15 clubs in his bag (Palmer, 2002). Rule 4-4 allows a maximum of 14 clubs. Why did Ian Woosnams caddie tell his boss about the 15th club in the bag? Because it would never occur to him to do anything else. The integrity of the game is more important than any single tournament or any one player, and everyone that plays the game should do so under that same code of honor (Palmer, 2002). We will write a custom essay sample on Golf Rules and Etiquette specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Golf Rules and Etiquette specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Golf Rules and Etiquette specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I have over seven years experience working on golf courses. I have taken on many responsibilities from working inside the pro-shop, to the maintenance of the course itself. In my experience form working on golf courses, and playing golf, the average golfer does not believe they should be held to the same standards as professional golfers. The average golfer believes they are paying for a service, not competing to win a tournament. The price of a round of golf directly affects the adherence to the rules and etiquette of golf. The more expensive the round of golf is the greater the chance of stretching or breaking the rules and etiquette of golf. The popularity, appearance and difficulty of the course determine the cost. The more popular courses are typically more expensive because of the costs it takes to maintain. For example the cost of a lower end, used fairway mower can cost $7,500 (Used Turf Equipment, n.d.). The better the appearance of the course, the higher the cost is to maintain, this directly relates to the cost for the golfer. The daily rate at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California is $395.00 per person for resort guests; add another $25.00 per person for non resort guests (Room and Golf Rates, n.d.). The average golfer, golfing at a high end golf course or local course, does not believe that breaking the rules and etiquette of golf affects the experience of golfing. The game of golf itself has a long standing tradition. The exact origin of golf is not known. According to Chapman (1997). We do know that by the middle of the 15th century the Scots were playing some sort of the game in Scotland. We also know that King James II of Scotland issued a decree in 1457 that Ye fut bawe and ye golf be utterly cryt done and not usyt, which Olive Geddens has translated as Football and golf be utterly condemned and stopped (p. 9). While this history dates back several centuries, golfers do not typically play the game in the interest of history, golfers play to have fun. It would be fair to state that every sport is played to have fun, not because of the history of the game. The rules and etiquette of golf is not an easy concept to understand. There are thirty-four rules with hundreds of variations for each rule, not all of which are written in black and white. The rules are even confusing to the professionals. Arnold Palmer (2002) wrote Ive played competitive golf for over half a century now..But even after all these years playing thousands of competitive rounds, I still run across new and fascinating nuances.every so often a situation comes along that leaves me thinking, Hmm, I wonder how that is handled under the rules. (p. 2). The participation of other recreational sports does not require an understanding of the rules. The average golfer does not believe they need to have a complete understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf. As stated earlier, the cost of a round of golf has increased. According to the National Golf Association, the price of a round of golf has increased by 5.3% nationwide from 2003. (Core Golfers, n.d.). With the increased price of golf everyone should have a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette, regardless of the price of the round. Several courses have created new local rules that do not allow beginning golfers. As a result several other courses have changed their marketing to welcome beginners, offering lower prices, and often clinics on how to play and understanding the rules and etiquette. Make no mistake; golf courses like any other business, are open to make money and profits. With 13.2 million people playing golf in the United States, it is each persons responsibility to understand the rules and etiquette of golf. All golfers pay the same price to play the game. No one individual has the right to affect other golfers, regardless of the price of the round. The tradition of golf does not mean that golfers should conduct in depth research and be able to pass a test or certification before playing a round. The tradition of golf means that all golfers should have at least a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette out of respect. Respecting the course and the other players is not an option, it is a necessity. Owen (1997) states Good golf entails some housekeeping, Try to leave the course better than you found it. (p. 172). Everyone can think of a time when someone elses disrespect infringed on his or her situation. For example, someone in a restaurant sitting at a table talking loudly on a cellular telephone, the person seems oblivious that their own actions are disruptive other people in the area. Now take that concept to the golf course. Realize that your actions can affect people in your group, as well as golfers nearby. Understanding the intricacies of the game can be confusing. One way to adapt to the understanding of the rules is to purchase a copy of the rule book. Read through the main rules and have at least a high level understanding of the thirty four rules. Its amazing how many arm chair athletes can make rulings when watching a sport on television. Anyone that is going to take the time to play a sport should at least have a basic understanding of the rules. If the purchase of a rule book is out of the question, log onto the USGA or PGA websites. The USGA site dedicates a portion to the rules and to simple etiquette. The amount of time it would take to review the information is minimal compared to the amount of time it takes to play a round of golf. Everyone that plays the game of golf needs to have at least a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf. Golf is a game of history, tradition and respect. The rise and popularity of current PGA professionals does not mean the basic understanding of the rules and etiquette should go unpracticed. The amount of money that is spent to play at high end resorts or local courses does not give a golfer the right to infringe on the rights of others. A basic understanding of the rules and etiquette is not a difficult concept. The information is available on-line, at a local library and even at local golf courses. By taking the time to understand the rules and etiquette and it will make for a more enjoyable round for all golfers.

Transition essays

Transition essays The pace of college is very different to get use to coming out of high school. College teachers like to get to the point and move along with the lesson. Ive learned if you dont understand something in class then you should try to study it outside of class. Many times I will be in class and the teacher will say something that I dont understand. Many of my classes do not have weekly assignments either. Im use to having weekly homework from high school. Although not having assignments due regularly is better for me because I tend to forget things very easily. Ive given a lot of thought in to how I spend my time here in college. A year ago my time management was a complete mess. Ive learned to get better by writing stuff down to remind me of what I need to do for the day. It was very difficult for me to juggle school, pledge ship and my social life at first coming here. It was a repeat of being late, unorganized and lost. I believe that I have improved a lot though with time management and staying more organized, because I essentially have to. I have to utilize the time that is given to me everyday because of my tight schedule of school and then pledge ship. Equilibrium of happiness and academics is important. My new fraternity is a lot of fun so I enjoy doing that. Some of my happiness is still in San Diego with the beach but I am learning to deal with it. A few things that have been difficult are not being in San Diego, and dealing with a change in every way. I had to get use to all the streets, get use to the new college grounds, get use to the diverse people , get use to all my classes and get use to my new fraternity. I dont think anything was particularly easy here. I enjoy having new freedom that I had never had before. Although my parents were pretty easy going it is just not the same. Independence is a positive and negative thing in my eyes. My independence is fun and also a lit...

Differentiated Instruction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Differentiated Instruction - Research Paper Example Key words: Differentiated instruction, professional development. Differentiated Instruction According to Carol Ann Tomlinson (as cited by Ellis, Gable, Greg, & Rock, 2008, p.  32), Differentiated Instruction is the process of â€Å"ensuring that what a student learns, how he or she learns it, and how the student demonstrates what he or she has learned is a match for that student’s readiness level, interests, and preferred mode of learning.† In a classroom scenario, there are all sorts of differences among the students. These may be in the form of social economic status, culture, race, religion, gender, ability/ disability, motivation, personal interests and many more. Differentiation arises from the assumption that different students have a difference in how they learn, their preferences and learning capabilities and interests.(Anderson, 2007) Teachers have a variety of ways to differentiate; this can be through process, content, learning environment and product based on the individual learner. Due to the difference in learning needs, teachers develop differentiated learning instructions so that all students are able to learn effectively. Differentiation can therefore be defined as, an organized and flexible manner of varying and adjusting teaching methods so that the needs of every child as a learner are catered for to maximize their potential growth as learners. In the past, the teaching practice has been that of â€Å"One size fits all† but in order for maximum learning potential to be reached, a â€Å"One size does not fit all† needs to be used. Gregory, G. and Chapman, C, (2007) Living Our Beliefs The challenge in differentiating instruction lies in translating the Teacher’s beliefs that, differentiating instruction provides for a better learning process, into action. Teachers can be able to differentiate a number of aspects on the curriculum (Tomlinson, C.A, 2005). These aspects are: Content- This refers to the princip les, concepts and skills that students are required to learn. Every student should be able to access the same learning materials. Tomlinson believes that struggling students should be accorded with the same big ideas as their classmates and should not be given watered-down content. Tomlinson emphasizes by saying, "Teachers should address the same concepts with all students but adjust the degree of Complexity, in that the same concept can be explained in a way that is comprehensible to a very young child or in a way that challenges a Ph.D candidate." Content can also mean the means in which a teacher gives students access to information. A teacher can make give the advanced learners complex text from which they should derive information and on the other hand direct reading buddies, demonstrations and videos to the those students who are of modest capacities. Process- This refers to the activities that help students understand and fathom what they have learnt during the teaching proce ss. Teachers can modify this activities by providing the complex methods for sharp students and scaffolding methods for the modest learner depending on their readiness levels, student interest, and learning preferences. Scaffolding methods include, additional teaching models, step-by-step instructions, re-teaching etc. Products- This refers to t

PEST Analysis of Aviva PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

PEST Analysis of Aviva PLC - Essay Example Aviva Plc is the sixth largest insurance group in the entire world. It has a huge customer base of 44.5 million, and provides its clients with insurance products and various savings and investment schemes. The major part of the firm’s business comes from Europe where it is one of the pioneering life and general insurance companies. Aviva has developed an elaborate distribution network in the European market to serve over 18 million customers in the continent. The European Union is the world’s largest market for life insurance and pension products and Aviva Plc has harnessed this opportunity to gain a strong foothold over there. The company also happens to be the largest insurance provider in the United Kingdom (Aviva, 2011). Aviva specializes in providing life insurance, general insurance and various pension schemes to its customers. In Europe, it is a leading provider of various life insurance, general insurance and health insurance products. In recent years, the compa ny has rationalized its product offerings in this market and is attempting to merge all its business in the continent under a single head. In 2010, Aviva has identified significant opportunities in the European pension market. The 27 European Union countries including Russian and Turkey had an annual gap between pension and savings of about â‚ ¬ 2.4 trillion. ... Customers can purchase these products either directly from Aviva, from any of its corporate partners or from any of its intermediary firms. In 2010, Aviva’s life insurance and general insurance business reported a strong performance in the UK market. The sales of its life insurance products increased by 19 per cent from the previous year to ?11,846 million. This resulted in a record level of operating profits of about ? 850 million, which was 26 per cent higher than the corresponding 2009 figures. In the general insurance business, Aviva UK witnessed an increase in its sales during each succeeding quarter of 2010. The profits in this sector reported an annual increase of 8 per cent to â‚ ¬ 579 million. Aviva UK, also merged many of its life insurance and general insurance schemes together to provide the customers with innovative products during the year 2010. (Business Summary, 2011) The main share of revenues of Aviva plc is derived from its life and general insurance busi ness and its asset management services. The European Union especially UK comprises the world’s largest markets for life insurance and pension services. Aviva has harnessed this opportunity to emerge as the largest insurance company in UK and the second largest provider in Europe. The company has devised its insurance schemes in such a way so as to simultaneously cater to the interests of the customers and the firm itself. In 2010, UK’s insurance intermediary organizations voted Aviva as the region’s leading provider of life, general and health insurance policies. The firm has also directed its efforts in expanding its main business activities in the North American countries – USA and Canada. The firm has tried to leverage the advantages of

Parenting Tips Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Parenting Tips - Essay Example Most parents are still using traditional and outdated parenting skills to raise their children. These skills have proved to be ineffective. For a parent to be good, there are a number of tips that he or she needs know. This paper, therefore, looks at good parenting tips and what makes a good parent. Good parenting tips An effective and very essential tip for good parenting is showing love, not only for the children, but also among the parents. Children do always feel better when they are brought up with parents who love each other. Parents should, therefore, work hard on their love first so as to build a loving family. They should avoid engaging in activities such as dishonesty, alcoholism and domestic violence that might make them unhappy, stressed up and frazzled. It is important for parents to know the fact that children do always copy several stuffs from their elders. Therefore, they need to be the best role model for happiness and healthy adulthood (Swindol 94). Parents need to ensure that their marriage is strong enough to bring the family together. Children need both parents for better development. Therefore, marriage that experiences divorce and separation cases will negatively affect the development of children. In order to practice good parenting, it is essential for parents to put their marriage first before anything else. Parents can strengthen their marriage by developing trust between themselves, being honest to one another, loving each other and being able to sacrifice for better development of family relationship (Swindol 150). Therefore, good parenting is about having happy marriage that children will be pleased with and use the observed partnership as a model for their relationships in future. Another tip for good parenting is ensuring that quality time is given to children. Many parents do always believe that spending a lot of time with their children will interfere with their development and even make them docile (Sukh 17). Creating time for children is very essential for their development. Many parents who are working do always find it hard to create time for their children. Majority of these parents do believe that good parenting is about giving children a lot of cash, which is not true. Good parenting is about creating enough time for the children. No matter how hard the condition might be, parents should ensure that they create time for their children so as to give them their tender care and love. Sukh argues that the stronger the relationship among parents and their children, the better opportunities for effective parenting (18). Sukh highlights that children like being close to their parents and no excuses or any kind of explanation will convince them about the absence of their parents (19). Availability of parents makes children develop powerful sense of worth. It also makes children to understand that they are loved. Parents’ availability makes children know how they are loved. The sense of being loved o r wanted is very essential for children’s psychological development (Sukh 19). Therefore, as a good parenting tip, parents should try their best to always have quality time with their children. How to be a good Being a good parent can be attained in a number of ways. As a parent, it is essential to avoid criticizing children and instead, praise them always. Praising children normally makes them strong and confident in everything they involve in. Confidence can be developed among children by avoiding

Treatment of the Kurds by Saddam Hussein: History

Treatment of the Kurds by Saddam Hussein: History 1. Background Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq for nearly a quarter of a century, from 1979 to 2003. The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 and deposed Saddam Hussein after defeating his military forces in a bloody and expensive war. The former dictator is currently in captivity and facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The country is still under the occupation of the USA and its allies and is going through very difficult times, a period of violence, political turmoil and economic deprivation. Iraq has undergone intense political turmoil, debilitating and prolonged wars, economic deprivation and internecine strife for nearly three decades. The country has an overwhelmingly Arabic Muslim population, who belong to two religious sects, the Shias and the Sunnis. In addition to these two groups, the Kurdish people, who are Shias by faith, but not Arabs, inhabit the north of the country. The Kurds have been in constant conflict with Saddam’s Ba’athist government for many years over religious and political issues. There have been numerous allegations of violent and extensive persecution of the Kurds, including the use of chemical weapons and nerve gas, by government forces. Thousands of Kurds have supposedly been killed and buried in mass graves by the army during Saddam Hussein’s regime; the atrocities against Kurds is one of the main crimes against humanity for which he is facing trial. The focus of the dissertation specified to the researcher, as part of academic course requirement, is to investigate and analyse the factors responsible for the treatment of the Kurdish population by the Iraqi regime under Saddam Hussein. It is a topic of immense social and political significance and a properly thought out and well conducted research assignment might well provide a fresh perspective on the issue and be of help to social scientists and academia. 2. Definition of Research Issues The successful conduct of this research assignment and the preparation of the dissertation will be influenced by a proper appreciation and handling of the different issues needed for carrying out relevant and ethical social research. The topic under investigation is evocative and contemporaneous. It is difficult for involved people and external observers to be impartial and objective about the issue, considering the enormous amount of material generated by media and other observers. Saddam Hussein, after years of dictatorial rule, appears to be a man condemned by popular perception, his statements in court considered to be no more than the ranting of a cornered and beaten megalomaniac. A perusal of recent media reports in the western press show him in the worst possible light and very little appears on the positive sides of his character or his regime. The website â€Å"Saddam Hussein’s Philanthropy of Terror† (2004) and many similar ones refer to him as â€Å"The Butcher of Baghdad†, (Murdock, 2004) among other pejoratives. Saddam Hussein has had an extraordinarily long term as President of Iraq. The western media and the US government, especially during the term of Ronald Reagan, have supported him in his war against Iran after the deposition of the Shah. His conflict with the west commenced with his attack on Kuwait 1990 and ended with his defeat and deposition in 2003. It is of immense importance to thus define the various issues of the research assignment. These will need to deal with the political and religious affiliation of Saddam Hussein and the Ba’athist regime, the religious, political and social differences between the Iraqi regime and the Kurds, the nature of the atrocities carried out on the Kurds and the reasons for these atrocities. The research issues, framed as questions can thus be as detailed below: What were the political and religious affiliations of Saddam Hussein and the Ba’athist Party? What were the religious, social and political differences between the Iraqi regime and the Kurds of Iraq? What was the nature of atrocities carried out by the Iraqi regime on the Kurds? What were the reasons for the carrying out of these atrocities? A specific articulation of the issues will thus enable the researcher to focus on the core issues involved in the dissertation, conduct the investigation and gather evidence accordingly. Social research involved the interaction between ideas and evidence. Ideas help social researchers make sense of evidence, and researchers use evidence to extend, revise and test ideas.(Ragin, 1994) 3. Research Methodology The research methodology to be used for particular assignments depends, to a great deal on the inclination and affinity of the researche for particular techniques available within the broad framework of rules followed for social research assignments. The importance of secondary research is essential for an assignment with such a broad canvas, encompassing, inter alia, social mores, religion and politics, dominant and inferior groups, repression and atrocities. A number of books, texts, journals and magazines on Saddam Hussein, Iraq and the Kurdish issue are available in hard and electronic format, many of which are listed in the bibliography. It will be essential to peruse these texts, in reference with the research issues to arrive at findings generated from information available in secondary sources. The appropriate research methodology for the purpose of this assignment needs to take care of the discussed facts and be tailored accordingly. An article on â€Å"Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Social Research† by Nedra Kline Weinrich, first published in 1996 details a methodology, wherein a balanced and well thought out mix of quantitative and qualitative research techniques could well be the most appropriate methodology for conducting this assignment An examination of the quantitative and qualitative paradigms will help to identify their strengths and weaknesses and how their divergent approaches can complement each other. In most cases, researchers fall into one of the two camps, either relying exclusively upon objective survey questionnaires and statistical analyses and eschewing warm and fuzzy qualitative methods, or using only qualitative methodologies, rejecting the quantitative approach as decontextualizing human behaviour. However, it is widely accepted that each approach has positive attributes and that combining different methods, if handled properly, can result in the best of both techniques. (Weinrich, 1996) Research techniques used for quantitative analysis aim to achieve objective results and eschew subjective interpretation. The respondents are generally selected through random sampling in a statistical manner aimed at achieving a response from the selected sample, which will be representative of the total population. Qualitative research methods are vastly different and concentrate on working with smaller groups known as focus groups. These focus groups are selected with great care but later subjected to intensive questioning and interviewing by trained researchers who are very well versed in qualitative techniques. It is the job of these researchers to ensure that their respondents are able to provide them with subjective and interpretative data, which would have never come out with quantitative techniques. There are however some techniques wherein it is possible to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods in research. In the first approach, qualitative methods contribute to the development of quantitative instruments, such as the use of focus groups in questionnaire construction. The second model consists of a primarily quantitative study that uses qualitative results to help interpret or explain the quantitative findings. In the third approach, quantitative results help interpret predominantly qualitative findings, as when focus group participants are asked to fill out survey questionnaires at the session. In the fourth model, the two methodologies are used equally, in parallel to cross-validate, and build upon each others results. †¦ may operate under one or more of these models; the approaches are not mutually exclusive. (Weinreich, 1996) It is felt that integrating quantitative and qualitative research methods will lend depth and clarity to this research assignment. Using multiple approaches can be time-consuming, labour-intensive and expensive, but also possibly the most productive. In addition to obtaining information from primary sources like official websites and journals, the researcher also proposes to carry out a detailed questionnaire based survey of 20 Iraqis for obtaining primary information on the key issues. The respondents can be sourced with the help of the Iraqi embassy. It is anticipated that there will not be much difficulty in obtaining agreeable respondents once the purpose of the study and the research credentials are clarified. As the sample population is not very large the questionnaires will have to focus on the research issues and on obtaining a qualitative response. This could be done either by framing 20 open ended questions focusing on research issues or by using 20 questions with multiple choice answers. Multiple choice questions will allow respondents to chose their response from a set of answers and be useful in preparing a tabulated response. The researcher is in favour of using a range of leading open ended questions but will have to use excellent interviewing skills, either personal or outsourced to get authentic responses. The code of ethics will be followed strictly both during the framing of the questionnaire and the conduct of the interviews. The right of the respondents to privacy and confidentiality will be strictly observed as well as their wish to answer questions. The findings of the primary research and the findings obtained from a study of the secondary literature will need to be matched and cross tallied for support or contradiction to arrive at logical supported findings and thence to conclusions. 4. Limitations of Study A number of constraints could arise during the course of the dissertation that could in some ways affect its final quality. The researcher has already started reading the data available from secondary sources and does not anticipate any problems to arise from unavailability of secondary data. However the possibility of missing out on some important information due to lack of time or knowledge does exist. The researcher proposes to interview 20 people to obtain responses on issues relevant to the matter under investigation. This is still a grey area as no respondents have been finalised yet but the researcher does not anticipate much difficulty in obtaining these responses. The subject proposed for investigation has multiple has multiple perspectives, evidenced by the large number of theories. The study will require time and perspicacity for a proper and acceptable result. The researcher proposes to make sincere efforts to examine the issue from different perspectives. The availability of more time would have possibly thrown up more data and a larger primary information sample leading to more accurate data for analysis and solutions. Bibliography Crano, W. D., Brewer, M. B. 2002. Principles and Methods of Social Research. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Kazemzadeh, M. 1998. Thinking the Unthinkable: Solving the Problem of Saddam Hussein for Good. Middle East Policy, 1(1), 73-86. Kelsay, J. 1993. Islam and War: A Study in Comparative Ethics (1st ed.). Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press. Retrieved October 25, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=26085894 Murdock, D, 2004, â€Å"Saddam Hussein’s Philanthropy of Terror† Retrieved October 23, 2006 from www.husseinandterror.com Palys, T., Lowman, J. 2001. Social Research with Eyes Wide Shut: The Limited Confidentiality Dilemma. Canadian Journal of Criminology, 43(2), 255. Retrieved October 25, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5001041487 Ragin, C, 1994, Constructing Social Research, Pine Forge Pr, ISBN: 0803990219 Rezun, M. 1992. Saddam Husseins Gulf Wars: Ambivalent Stakes in the Middle East. Westport, CT: Praeger. Retrieved October 25, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=107022508 Simons, G. 1996. Iraq From Sumer to Saddam (Second ed.). Basingstoke: Macmillan. Retrieved October 25, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=97576434 Zinger, I., Wichmann, C., Gendreau, P. 2001. Legal and Ethical Obligations in Social Research: The Limited Confidentiality Requirement. Canadian Journal of Criminology, 43(2), 269. Weinrich, N.K., 1996 Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Social Marketing Research, Social-Marketing.com, Retrieved October 21, 2006 from www.social-marketing.com/research.html

Victor Frankenstein is the Monster in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay

Victor Frankenstein is the Monster in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through out the novel we are under the assumption that the demon in the novel is the man who is disfigured and hideous on the outside. While we view Victor Frankenstein as the handsome and caring victim, even though sometimes a monster cannot be seen but heard. Looks can be deceiving but actions are always true.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We first view Frankenstein’s ignorance while he is busy in his work. He had not visited his family for two straight years. These are the people that love and care about him, yet he does not go home. Not even to visit his own father, the man who pays for his schooling and necessities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We again view his ignorance and irresponsibility when after spending two years of work on his creature he disowns and abandons the creature. He runs out of the room after seeing the creature come to life. He fled the room because he thought the creature was so hideous, even though he had chosen all the best body parts for its creation. When Frankenstein returns to the house when he â€Å"became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy†(55). Even after all his work he is ecstatic that this horrible beast has left him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Victors’ ignorance is viewed again when he does not tell anyone that he has created this monster, and that he is the murderer of William. He does not tell of this creature until his own welfare is on the line. He could have stopped these evil deeds the mons...

Nordstrom Financial Statement Analysis

NORDSTROM (JWN) I. Nordstrom’s overview Nordstrom is classified as an Upscale Independent Department Store Chain and is noted as one of the largest department stores of its type. Nordstrom is founded in 1901 by two partners, John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. It’s headquarter is in Seattle, Washington area. Nordstrom carries a wide variety of merchandise and specialty goods, which includes apparel, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, handbags, accessories, and in some locations, home furnishings. Nordstrom is dealing with competition on many different levels.It is competing with higher end stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition, it is also competing with second tier stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s. Dealing with diverse competition, upscale retailer Nordstrom has been famous for superior customer service for over 100 years and has been recognized on every 100 Best Companies To Work For list publishe d in Fortune magazine since 1998. Nordstrom operates over 200 retail locations across the country with worldwide revenue $10. 9 billion in 2011.It has two reportable segments: Retail and Credit. The Retail segment includes 115 ‘Nordstrom’ full-line stores, 89 off-price ‘Nordstrom Rack’ stores, two ‘Jeffrey’ boutiques, and one clearance store that operate under the name ‘Last Chance. ’ Nordstrom full-line stores and online store are substantially integrated to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience across channels. The Nordstrom Rack stores purchase high-quality name brand merchandise directly from vendors and also serve as outlets for clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores.The Credit segment includes wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom FSB, through which Nordstrom provides a private label credit card, two Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. The credit and debit cards fe ature a shopping-based loyalty program designed to increase customer visits and spending. Although the primary purpose of our Credit business is to foster greater customer loyalty and drive more sales, Nordstrom also generate revenues through finance charges and other fees on these cards.In retail department stores, consumer’s purchases are made within each department because each department is treated separately to achieve economies in promotion, buying, service, and control. Instead of categorizing departments by merchandise, Nordstrom created fashion departments that fit individual lifestyles. The retailer's best customers benefit from Nordstrom's â€Å"Perpetual Inventory† initiative, which provides the â€Å"right product, at the right place, at the right time. Nordstrom’s customer service is superior in that they put maintaining a customer relationship their top priority. It‘s main goal is to provide outstanding service every day, one customer at a time, and support the employees who deliver service to those customers. Each Nordstrom employee has a business card, which he or she gives to customers, to encourage them to reach back directly if they need anything. In addition, Nordstrom spends much less on traditional advertising than its competitors do, and to Nordstrom, â€Å"satisfied customers are much more persuasive than an ad†.Its legendary customer service is a competitive advantage that can't be easily duplicated, and the company spends a lot of time, money, and effort training employees to maintain that distinction. Even in times of economic distress, Nordstrom still maintains an unwavering commitment to making choices that are in the best interest of the customer. Therefore, Nordstrom keeps growing and maintains a great financial result in comparison with other department stores. Nordstrom business strategies are: 1. Maintaining good relationship with vendors and consumers 2.Maintaining good relationship with em ployees and providing effective training to them to develop future leaders 3. Expanding into new markets, technological investments, acquisitions and the timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, relocations and remodels. 4. Having effective inventory management; efficient and proper allocation of capital resources; successful execution of information technology strategy; and effective cost control in advertising, marketing, and promotion campaigns. 5.Managing debt levels to maintain an investment grade credit rating as well as operate with an efficient capital structure for its growth plans and industry II. Company financial ratio analysis: 1. Liquidity: Liquidity:| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Current Ratio| 2. 16| 2. 57| 2. 01| 2. 01| 2. 06| Cash Ratio | 0. 73| 0. 80| 0. 39| 0. 04| 0. 22| Cash Flow from Operations Ratio| 0. 46| 0. 63| 0. 62| 0. 53| 0. 19| Overall regards to liquidity ratios, the higher the number the better; however, a too high also indicates that the firms were not using their resources to their full potential. Current ratio of 1. or greater shows that a company can pay its current liabilities with its current assets. JWN’s ratio increased from 2. 06 in 2007 to 2. 57 in 2010, and slightly decreased to 2. 16 in 2011. JWN’s cash ratio increased significantly from 22% in 2007 to 80% in 2010. JWN has a cash ratio of 73% in 2011, which is useful to creditors when deciding how much debt they would be willing to extend to JWN. In addition, JWN also has moderate CFO ratio of 46%, indicating the companies’ ability to pay off their short term liabilities with their operating cash flow. There was a great improvement in JWN’s liquidity ratios over the past 5 years.In general, JWN has efficient liquidity ratios which allow the company to cover its seasonal cash needs and to maintain appropriate levels of short term borrowings. 2. Activity: Activity| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Inventory Turno ver| 6. 20| 6. 29| 5. 93| 5. 84| 5. 66| Avg. # of Days Inventory| 58. 83| 58. 03| 61. 59| 62. 53| 64. 50| Receivables Turnover| 5. 06| 4. 51| 4. 16| 4. 60| 7. 35| Working Capital Turnover| 3. 67| 3. 89| 4. 52| 5. 13| 5. 98| Fixed Assets Turnover| 4. 54| 4. 25| 3. 70| 4. 08| 4. 86| Total Assets Turnover | 1. 36| 1. 38| 1. 35| 1. 52| 1. 74| Length of Operating Cycle| 130. 9| 138. 87| 149. 38| 141. 93| 114. 18| I Inventory turnover shows how efficient a firm can keep its inventory turning at a steady flow from the manufacturer to the store and out to the consumer. Therefore, the higher the better because this means the firm is getting its inventory out to consumers at a more efficient pace. JWN’s inventory turnover is approximately the same in 2011 than in 2010, 6. 20 and 6. 29 respectively, which has slightly higher the number of days inventory from 58 days to 59 days. Same as inventory turnover ratio, AR turnover show how efficient a firm is at collecting its receivable.The fa ster a firm can collect its receivables, the better. JWN’s AR turnover has increased from 4. 78 in 2010 to 5. 36 in 2011. An increase in both inventory and AR turnover reduces the Length of Operating Cycle from 139 days to 131 days. In addition, there is also a good sign when JWN’s fixed asset turnover and total asset turnover increase. In general, JWN has ability to predict or respond to changes in fashion trends, consumer preferences and spending patterns, and to match its merchandise levels, mix and shopping experience to sales trends and consumer tastes, significantly impacts its sales and operating results. . Profitability: Profit| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Gross Margin | 0. 39| 0. 39| 0. 36| 0. 37| 0. 39| Return on Sales| 0. 06| 0. 06| 0. 05| 0. 05| 0. 08| ROA | 0. 09| 0. 09| 0. 07| 0. 07| 0. 14| ROE | 0. 34| 0. 34| 0. 32| 0. 34| 0. 44| Upon evaluation of the operating efficiency, Gross profit margin, Return on sale, ROA, and ROE, JWN did a pretty good job du ring the fiscal year ended Jan 28th 2012. Gross profit margin, the net profit margin, ROA, and ROE have the same rate for 2011 and 2010, which are 39%, 6%, 9%, and 34% respectively. By evaluating JWN’s profitability ratio, JWN once again is upward looking.ROA is a comprehensive measure of profitability, taking into account how a firm’s assets and profits are used to create future profit. ROE is a profitability measure and is influenced by the affiliation between a firm’s debt and its owner’s equity. JWN has done an extraordinary job at maintaining moderate ROA and ROE ratio over 5 years period. Analyzing JWN’s profitability ratio shows that JWN should continue being profitably in the future. 4. Leverage: Leverage| 2011| 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| Total Liabilities / Total Equity| 3. 34| 2. 69| 3. 19| 3. 68| 4. 02| Total Liabilities (BV) / Equity at Market| 0. 7| 0. 48| 0. 44| 0. 39| 0. 39| Times Interest Earned| 9. 61| 8. 80| 6. 04| 5. 95| 16. 85| As firm’s debt grows larger, debt to equity ratio in turn increases. Debt to equity ratio is an important factor in considering a firm’s credit risk. JWN’s debt to equity ratio increases 25% from 2. 69 in 2010 to 3. 34 in 2011. If this ratio decreases, there is less leverage within the firm. The increase in debt to equity ratio is due to the increase in long term debts and the decrease in total stockholder equity. Times interest earned ratio is a coverage measure; an increase has a positive impact on the firm.There was a significant decrease in Time interest earned ratio from 16. 85 in 2007 to 5. 95 in 2008. However, this ratio increased slightly over years. JWN’s Times interest earned has increased from 8. 80 in 2010 to 9. 61 in 2011. Ultimately, JWN generate more than enough income before interest and tax to cover for its interest expense. 5. Market related statistics: Like many luxury stores, Nordstrom has seen its sales rebound since late 2009 as well-he eled shoppers have become more comfortable with spending, despite volatility in the stock market.Nordstrom also has worked hard to make it easier to shop by adding Wi-Fi access for shoppers at all of its full-line department stores, offering free shipping on most items without any minimum purchase in September 2010, and fusing its online and in-store inventory systems so shoppers can find out online what's in stock at any given store in the chain. Nordstrom said it expects revenue at its stores open at least a year to rise 4 percent to 6 percent in the current full fiscal year, and it expects to earn $3. 30 to $3. 45 per share.JWN analyzes its dividend payout ratio and dividend yield, while taking into consideration its operating performance and capital resources, and plans to target a 25% to 30% dividend payout ratio in 2011. JWN has increased its dividend payout ratio and its dividend yield in 2011, 29% and 1. 9 % respectively. JWN paid dividends of $0. 92 per share in 2011, $0. 7 6 per share in 2010, and $. 64 per share in each of 2009 and 2008. 6. Quality of financial information Nordstrom uses a more moderate strategy when it comes to its accounting policies.It basically uses similar basic standards as other firms in the industry. Management and select employees of Nordstrom receive stock options and bonuses based on how profitable and how much growth the company is, which may lead to intentional accounting distortion to increase these benefits. Although distortion would be beneficial to management, the standards used by Nordstrom to account for stock issued to employees seem well disclosed and straight forward. Compared to the accounting policies and estimates used in the past five years, Nordstrom has not significantly changed any of its accounting standards.Estimates such as returns are based on past returns and performance and have not altered much in recent years. Nordstrom’s uses its historical data to estimate future performance for the use o f the inventory account. Nordstrom’s accounting policies and estimates seem to have no significant distortions. The changes in policies are well recorded and explained in the footnotes, leaving no concern about their accounting policies. The changes in policies accounting standards and estimates all seem to be legitimate. The manner in which Nordstrom discloses their financial information to the public is of extremely high quality.Nordstrom exceeds their expectation of providing customers and shareholders with an adequate explanation for nearly every element of their finances. After the presentation of each financial statement, Nordstrom provides a detailed clarification concerning each component listed in a manner that could be easily interpreted by the common inquirer. In general, Nordstrom effectively communicates their activities with their investors and are relatively free of unpredictable or unexplainable transactions. III. Comparison to the industry average and another store (Dillards)Liquidity:| JWN| DDS| Industry| Rating-JWN| Current Ratio | 2. 16| 1. 83| 1. 15| 8| Cash Ratio | 0. 73| 0. 26| 0. 12| 8| Cash Flow from Operations Ratio | 0. 46| 0. 58| -| -| Leverage|   | Total Liabilities / Total Equity| 3. 34| 1. 10| 1. 33| 4| Total Liabilities (BV) / Equity at Market| 0. 57| 0. 72| 0. 17| 4| Times Interest Earned| 9. 61| 5. 83| 7. 41| 7| Activity|   | Inventory Turnover | 6. 20| 3. 12| 6. 14| 6| Avg. # of Days Inventory | 58. 83| 117. 12| 59. 45| 6| Receivables Turnover | 5. 06| 232. 73| 22. 91| 3| Working Capital Turnover| 3. 67| 8. 88| 40. 9| 3| Fixed Assets Turnover| 4. 54| 2. 54| 6. 06| 4| Total Assets Turnover | 1. 36| 1. 47| 1. 91| 4| Length of Operating Cycle | 130. 98| 118. 69| 75. 38| 3| Profit|   | Gross Margin| 0. 39| 0. 37| 0. 29| 6| Return on Sales| 0. 06| 0. 07| 0. 06| 5| ROA| 0. 09| 0. 11| 0. 11| 5| ROE | 0. 34| 0. 22| 0. 25| 6| Both JWN and DDS maintained an efficient liquidity ratio which allowed them to cover their season al cash needs and to maintain appropriate levels of short term borrowings. DDS do not generate as much profit as JWN but it also has much lower leverage ratio than JWN.JWN has much higher debt to equity ratio than the industry average. However, its Time Interest Earned ratio is better than the industry. JWN’s activity ratio seems to be better than DDS, but below the industry average. JWN’s Beta is 1. 57 which theoretically indicates 57% more volatile than the market. DDS’s Beta is 2. 53 which is . 96 higher than JWN’s Beta and also means more volatile than the market. A beta of greater than  1 offers the possibility of a higher rate of return, but  also poses  more risk. In addition, JWN also has much higher dividend payout ratio and dividend yield than DDS.In general, JWN has higher rate of return and less volatile than DDS. JWN has higher dividend yield and lower dividend payout ratio than industry average. The growth and income pick pays an indus try-leading dividend yield of 1. 90%. Its ROE and Net profit margin are also higher than the industry average. Nordstrom clearly has a higher return than its competitor and is likely to be more profitable than its competitor and industry. In comparison with DDS and the industry average, it is apparent that there are no concerns with the accounting for the components of JWN ratios.JWN was consistently somewhat outperformed its competitor and the industry average. In its industry, JWN is apparently a leader in utilizing its capital to create value for the firm, creating profits, and increasing shareholder value IV. Growth in revenue and income Year| Revenue| Net income| 2011| $10,877| $683| 2010| $9,700| $613| 2009| $8,267| $441| 2008| $8,573| $401| 2007| $9,080| $715| 2006| $8,666| $678| Statistics|   | JWN| YoY growth in revenues | 2011| 12. 13%| YoY growth in net income| 2011| 11. 42%| YoY growth in revenues| 2010| 17. 33%| YoY growth in net income| 2010| 39. 00%|YoY growth in re venues| 2009| -3. 57%| YoY growth in net income| 2009| 9. 98%| YoY growth in revenues| 2008| -5. 58%| YoY growth in net income| 2008| -43. 92%| YoY growth in revenues| 2007| 4. 78%| YoY growth in net income| 2007| 5. 46%| YoY growth in revenues| (Average)| 12. 13%| YoY growth in net income| (Average)| 11. 42%| Nordstrom generates revenues from its credit segment, which consists of a wholly-owned federal savings bank that offers Nordstrom VISA credit and debit cards, and a private label card. Nordstrom also profits from its Faconnable boutiques located in France, Portugal, Belgium and the U.S. The remaining revenues are brought in by the retail store segment; the stores specialize in high quality apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories. Nordstrom also sells direct via the internet at www. nordstrom. com. JWN’s revenue for 2011 increased 12. 7% compared with 2010 driven by the strength of Nordstrom full-line stores, rapid growth in its online business and improving results a t Nordstrom Rack. JWN opened three Nordstrom full-line stores, eighteen Nordstrom Rack stores and one Treasure & bond store, relocated two Nordstrom Rack stores, and acquired HauteLook during the year 2011.These additions represented 4. 0% of its total revenue for 2011. Same-store sales increased 7. 2%, with increases of 8. 2% at Nordstrom and 3. 7% at Nordstrom Rack. Nordstrom’s revenue was in a range of $8 billion to 11 billion from 2007 to 2011. There was a slightly decrease or increase in revenue over 5 years period. Nordstrom’s net income was in a range of $401 mil to $715 mil. There is a significant decrease in 2007 net income. It went from $715 mil to $401 mil, which is approximately 44% decrease in net income.However, its net income increased dramatically in 2010, from $441 mil in 2009 to $613 mil in 2010, which is nearly 40% increase in net income. In order to predict an accurate forecast for Nordstrom’s Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows, and Ba lance sheet, a sustainable growth rate is needed. After examining Nordstrom’s past performance and computing past growth rates on Nordstrom’s financial, Nordstrom has an average growth in revenue and net income 12. 13% and 11. 42% respectively. V. â€Å"G† Growth rate Risk free rate |   | 3. 10%| Market rate|   | 10. 00%| Beta|   | 1. 58|Rate of return| Rf + B(Rm-Rf)| 14. 00%| # of share outstanding|   | 208| EPS|   | 3. 15| P/E ratio|   | 17. 48| Book value per share|   | 9. 42| Equity| Book value/share x # of share| 1959| Forecasted Net Income| EPS x # of share | 655. 2| Required Income| Equity x rate of return| 274| Residual Income| Forecasted NI – Required income| 381| Market price per share| P/E ratio x EPS| 55| Market capital| market price x # of share| 11453| Unrecognized intangible value (UIV)| market capital – equity| 9494| Growth rate| [(UIV *rate of return)-residual income]/UIV| 10%| With a risk free rate of 3. 0%, market r ate of 10%, and JWN’s Beta 1. 58, Nordstrom has a rate of return of 14% and growth rate of 10%. The growth rate 10% is slightly lower than the forecasted growth rate 11. 42% in net income and 12. 13% in revenue, based on the its past 5 years financial information. With the growth rate of 10%, the discount rate 14% from CAPM model is high enough for Nordstrom. Without the growth rate, discount rate 14% is too low because the capital market and market price per share will be $4679 million and $22. JWN’s market capital and market price per share are actually $11,453 million and $55/ respectively.With growth rate of 10%, JWN will have 14% in rate of return. VI. Recommendation about stock After evaluating Nordstrom’s past performance and forecasted its future growth, there should be a â€Å"BUY† in Nordstrom stock. Nordstrom has established itself as a high-end apparel retailing company. Nordstrom has founded itself upon excellent customer service and an unmat ched reputation. Its main competitors are Saks, Dillard’s, and Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom’s accounting policies are moderate and very well disclosed; they leave no room for any potential red flags to be raised. Nordstrom’s transparent accounting olicies show that the managers have confidence in the firm and its ability to perform. No distortion is used in their statements proving the firms high integrity standards. Upon completion of Nordstrom’s ratio analysis it is apparent that there should be no concerns as to how Nordstrom compares to its competition. In most cases Nordstrom was either average or stood above the competition. There were very few cases where Nordstrom fell behind in its market. Nordstrom would grow at an average 10% percent per year. This is shown through increasing sales and expansion of new stores.Nordstrom has $10,877 million net revenue, $683 million net income, EPS $3. 15, and dividend $. 90/share in fiscal 2012. Nordstrom is expecte d to have $11,705 Million net revenue, $735 million net income, EPS $3. 48 and dividend $. 90 per share during fiscal year 2013. JWN recently acquired online private sale leader HauteLook Inc, which will help the company in building its multi-channel retail format. The acquisition will facilitate Nordstrom to increase its direct business capabilities, implement an enterprise-wide inventory management system, direct sales to online customers and enhance customer service.JWN’s operations are based on a variable cost business model and about 40% to 45% of selling, general and administrative expenses are variable in nature. This flexible cost structure not only helps the company to mitigate the impact of sluggish sales trends on margins, but also enables it to quickly capitalize on the emerging opportunities when market conditions recover. Consequently, Nordstrom can expect a steady improvement in profitability moving forward. Nordstrom has 8. 6% increase in same-store sales for the five week period ended March 31st 2012 compared with the five week period ended April 2nd 2012.Total retail sales of $1. 03 billion for March 2012 increased 14. 7% compared with total retail sales of $897 million for the same period in fiscal year 2011. In addition, Nordstrom has a 7. 1% increase in same-store sales for the four-week period ended April 28th, 2012 compared with the four-week period ended April 30th, 2011. Preliminary total retail sales of $802 million for April 2012 increased 10. 5% compared with total retail sales of $726 million for the same period in fiscal 2011. First quarter same-store sales increased 8. 5% compared with the same period in fiscal 2011.First quarter total retail sales of $2. 53 billion increased 13. 7% compared with total retail sales of $2. 23 billion for the same period in fiscal 2011. In addition, JWN also invests 16. 4 million USD in Bonobos, an exclusive brand of men? s clothes that sells pants and other clothes online. Nordstrom will al so sell Bonobos products through its online store and through more than 100 brick and mortar stores. This move is one of Nordstrom? s efforts to capitalize on the growth opportunities and innovation potential that the web provides, which reflects a smart decision from a dynamic management team.

Diffusion Lab Essays

Diffusion Lab Essays Diffusion Lab Essay Diffusion Lab Essay The food dye added to the ice water did not diffuse. This data agrees with my hypothesis that warm water diffuses fastest. It was also proven that the concentration of solute affects diffusion. The group of potatoes placed in distilled water was closer to equilibrium than the groups placed in 10% and 40% NCAA elution because the water had no solute. The potatoes in 10% and 40% NCAA were placed in a hypersonic solution, which is why the potatoes in 10% decreased . 4 grams and the potatoes in 40% decreased . 8 grams, according to class data. Although the data for 10% NCAA followed the class data pattern decrease in mass, 40% NCAA did not, which is an error. The more water left from the potato, the softer it became which is proven when the potatoes in distilled water got increasingly hard, in 10% NCAA got soft, and in 40% NCAA got very soft. It was also proven that the size of the solute affects diffusion. Starch did not move out of the dialysis tube because it was too large of a solute. If starch had moved out of the bag, the water in the beaker would have turned black, which it did not. Instead, the water on the inside of the dialysis tube turned black because SKI is a small enough solute to diffuse across the dialysis tubing. The glucose moved out of the tubing because the water in the beaker Witt Benedicts turned turquoise Delude when put In Dolling water, a positive test result for glucose. The amount of glucose that went out was more than the amount of SKI that went in, which is why the mass decreased. Proven last was that type of membrane affects diffusion. The shell of egg that was left in vinegar was completely gone in 24 hours. The outermost layer was the amniotic sack. The membrane of the egg in the oil was its shell. The shell serves as a skull to the egg, so it is very selectively permeable. This is proven because its change in mass was very little, only -1. 53, compared to the amniotic sack on the cell submerged in vinegar, which was -13. 97. Because the amniotic sack is less selectively permeable than the shell, there was a greater change in mass than the egg in the oil.

Southern Stingray Facts and Information

Southern Stingray Facts and Information Southern stingrays, also called Atlantic southern stingrays, are a normally docile animal that frequents warm, shallow coastal waters. Description Southern stingrays have a diamond-shaped disc that is dark brown, gray or black on its upper side and white on the lower side. This helps southern stingrays camouflage themselves in the sand, where they spend most of their time. Southern stingrays have a long, whip-like tail with a barb at the end that they use for defense, but they rarely use it against humans unless they are provoked. Female southern stingrays grow much larger than males. Females grow to about a 6-foot span, while males about 2.5 feet. Its maximum weight is about 214 pounds. The southern stingrays eyes are on top of its head, and behind them are two spiracles, which allow the stingray to take in oxygenated water. This water is expelled from the stingrays gills on its underside. Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ElasmobranchiiOrder: MyliobatiformesFamily: DasyatidaeGenus: DasyatisSpecies: Americana Habitat and Distribution The southern stingray is a warm water species and inhabits primarily shallow tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean (as far north as New Jersey), the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Feeding Southern stingrays eat bivalves, worms, small fish, and crustaceans. Since their prey is often buried in the sand, they un-bury it by forcing streams of water out their mouth or flapping their fins over the sand. They find their prey using electro-reception and their excellent senses of smell and touch. Reproduction Little is known about the mating behavior of southern stingrays, as it has not been observed often in the wild. A paper in the Environmental Biology of Fishes reported that a male followed a female, engaged in pre-copulatory biting, and then the two mated. Females may mate with multiple males during the same breeding season. Females are ovoviviparous. After a gestation of 3-8 months, 2-10 pups are born, with an average of 4 pups born per litter. Status and Conservation The IUCN Red List states that the southern stingray is of least concern in the U.S. because its population appears to be healthy. But overall, it is listed as data deficient, because there is little information available on population trends, bycatch, and fishing in the rest of its range. A large ecotourism industry has arisen around southern stingrays. Stingray City in the Cayman Islands is a popular destination for tourists, who come to observe and feed the swarms of stingrays that gather there. While the stingrays animals are usually nocturnal, research conducted in 2009 showed that the organized feeding is affecting the stingrays, so that instead of eating during the night, they eat all day and sleep all night. Southern stingrays are preyed upon by sharks and other fishes. Their primary predator is the hammerhead shark. Sources Arkive. 2009. Southern Stingray (Dasyatis Americana). (Online) Arkive. Accessed April 12, 2009.MarineBio.org. 2009. Dasyatis Americana, Southern Stingray (Online). MarineBio.org. Accessed April 12, 2009.Monterey Bay Aquarium. 2009. Southern Stingray (Online) Monterey Bay Aquarium. Accessed April 12, 2009.Passarelli, Nancy and Andrew Piercy. 2009. Southern Stingray. (Online) Florida Museum of Natural History, Department of Ichthyology. Accessed April 12, 2009.

Nespresso - Strategy and Competition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nespresso - Strategy and Competition - Essay Example presso specific equipment to the customers and the process of making high quality espresso coffee is also shown to the customers as part of the operations of the boutique. The boutiques also provide a presentation area where the different Nespresso coffee making equipment and the Nespresso blend capsules are set up. The Nespresso boutique interacts with the customers by hosting a coffee bar at the boutique with entertainment and sitting area for the customers. The customers can interact with the staff by ordering their coffees, making their own coffees at the bar through the single serving percolators as well as by providing the management of the boutique with feedback on the quality and service. The company also operates through its websites whereby the customers can order the coffee and the equipment online. This is delivered the customers residence or mentioned address by the company. The critical issues that have been faced by the brand and its serving boutiques is to combat the tea drinking culture in the Asian countries as well as bring the concept of single serving espressos made through coffee capsules containing exclusive special blends to the customers. The challenges that the company has faced pertain to building relationships with customers and fording them into long lasting loyalties. The concept of brand loyalty is very strong with Nespresso, however it has been challenging for the company to make loyal customers as well. The motivation of the company is being providing an exclusive and portioned form of coffee and equipment to customers has been to revolutionize the way the coffee is perceived and consumed. The company saw the trend towards smaller family sizes and single person households in the 1970’s and has built on it to produce the single serving coffee capsules as well as the single serving coffee making machines. The customer satisfaction for the products manufactured and provided by the Nespresso Company has been bountiful. The high

Ivan Ilyich Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ivan Ilyich Paper - Assignment Example Once, an accident changed his life by learning the true meaning of life. After a physical injury, Ivan found the realities of life by analyzing his family members and the services of his servant Gerasim. Before the accident, Ivan did not care for his children and his wife and ever criticized them, but after the accident he felt love and sympathy for his family. Changing in the behavior of Ivan is because of caring and loving attitude of his servant, who take cares him without any reward. Caring behavior of Gerasim describes the lesson of love and kind of humanity that goes to the love of death rather than fear of death. There is a lesson for readers that artificial life never comforts the human to live a stress free life. Genuine and simple lifestyle helps the people to care each other in difficult times and love for the family members. Spiritual satisfaction is better rather than materialistic life. The story is about the process of Ivan’s death by facing different phases in the society. The lesson of the story is great about death that love of humanity decreases the pain of death for the deceased persons and his concerned persons too. Ivan was a great gentleman before death, but an accident changed his social status. Everyone ignored him and did care him, but only a servant took care for himself. When Ivan was living a luxurious life, he was afraid of death as he never faced any pain because of materialist life. Pain made easy the sense of deceased feelings. The death of Ivan also made easy the lives of his juniors to promote at his left seat and also a relaxed life for his remaining relatives (Maude, 1886). In the story, there are two sides of life, which were faced by the main character Ivan Ilych. In the first phase of his life, he was a successful person by not having any problem. He spent a great life with his friends and his professional life and he also did not care for domestic life anytime. But, an accident