Leigh Ann Walker, Staff Accountant Essay

Leigh Ann Walker was an exceptional student in college. Her 3.9 grade point average and her involvement in numerous business organizations set her apart from most other students. As a result of her hard work and dedication on campus, Leigh Ann received a total of six job offers. Upon graduation, Leigh Ann accepted an offer from a Big Six accounting firm to be an entry-level auditor. Despite such accomplishments, we believe that Leigh Ann made a significant mistake by lying to her supervisor about her CPA examination, and that she was rightly punished for her actions. We feel as if Leigh Ann’s supervisor, Jackie Vaughn, did not overreact in this situation, but rather she handled the situation like a professional should. The public accounting industry is one that has substantially high standards for integrity and honesty, and in order to maintain that reputation, the individuals that frame the industry must not compromise their standards in any way. Further, the public accounting industry is in an even larger spotlight today as a result of high-profile accounting scandals that have taken place in recent years. The process of regaining trust from the public can take many years after significant fraud schemes such as those that occurred about a decade ago. Due to such a high importance of integrity in the public accounting industry, we would have dealt with this situation in a similar manner that both Jackie Vaughn and Don Roberts did. Although the actions of Leigh Ann are not to the scale of dishonesty that large fraud schemes are, we believe that if someone is faithful in little things, he/she will be faithful in larger ones, and in the same way, if someone is dishonest in little things, he/she will not be honest with greater responsibilities. So even though Leigh Ann’s lying about her CPA exam dates had nothing to do with a large financial fraud scheme, she still lied about a small situation, which could easily lead to larger dishonest acts in her future career. In Roberts’ point of view, he likely views each of the staff members in his firm as potential partners and future decision makers for his firm. Leigh Ann’s way of hiding her embarrassment by lying about when she planned to take the CPA examination demonstrates that she lacks personal integrity. If Roberts were to allow such an individual to progress in his firm to a position of significant decision making, he could be jeopardizing the reputation, and even more important, the future existence of his firm. Roberts’ decision to let Leigh Ann go was not solely based on his own reasoning, either, as he consulted with three other partners in the firm as to how he should go about handling the situation. However, this does not go without saying that Roberts has personal integrity, either. At the end of the case, Roberts clearly demonstrates his lack of honesty by telling Leigh Ann that he, and the other partners, would not reveal the reason why she was dismissed if they were contacted by her potential employers in the future. This case is a demonstration that personal integrity is difficult to find just about anywhere. The importance of teaching honesty and integrity to the future leaders of this country is of utmost importance.

Competence and Career Interests Profiler Paper

I was very surprised when I took the Career Profiler; I had taken something like this when I was a senior in high school. In high school my results suggested that I should do something in agriculture, and now 11 years later it suggests that I should do something in Business, Finance or Law. These results were not surprising to me. These are things that I have actually always been interested in. I think that knowing my competencies is really going to help me with my critical thinking in the future. I had never really considered myself someone who thought logically, but according to my results I do. Knowing this will help me to stop second guessing myself whenever I think I am way off from the mark. I already knew that I am a researcher, because I love knowing everything about everything, I love to investigate topics and see where things started. Having this confirmed will give me the confidence to trust my instincts about myself. I have always loved writing and I already use it to my benefit. So researching and writing are competencies that I already knew that I possessed and having them confirmed was nice. I have already used some of the competencies that I knew I had to help me evaluate arguments. Because I love to research and to write I would already use these to my benefit when it came to arguments or discussions. Before I start any kind of argument or discussion with anyone I always make sure that I know what I am talking about. I try to have as much information as possible, so that way when I am faced with a rebuttal, I have factual information. I don’t like entering something without knowing that I have facts to back me up. It is always good to know what you succeed in so you can draw from those strengths and then you can work on your weaknesses.

Child Labor And Development Implications For Third World Education Essay

This essay will concentrate on development in Senegal and the social jobs that are keeping the state back from certain facets of their development. Issues, such as child labour, are prevailing in the big metropoliss of Senegal. I know this because I have had the chance to see Dakar while on my sailing boarding school. We spent approximately two hebdomads in the metropolis and partnered with the university childs and a development group called SYTO Senegal. SYTO stands for Student & A ; Youth Travel Organization. It is a non-profit organisation that is now used in many African states to raise consciousness and assistance in development. Some of the plans and enterprises that SYTO offers are: Volunteering, non-paid internships, cultural submergence and place corsets. All these different enterprises are meant to incorporate visitants and locals into larning from each other. The intent of our stay in Dakar was to distribute consciousness about different facets refering the development of their metropolis. We split into assorted groups all with different undertakings and duties for the two hebdomads. The groups dealt with environmental issues, wellness and sanitation, H2O preservation, finance and news media. Within our groups, we discussed thoughts, had guest adept talkers and visited some of the schools in the country. One of our primary ends was to educate the immature coevals about these pressing issues so that they could develop a passion for bettering their native land. We thought up originative thoughts like skits and games in order to exemplify these issues in a manner immature childs could understand. For illustration, the H2O preservation group created postings that displayed the H2O rhythm and set on a drama for the childs. Aside from the development undertaking, we besides had many chances to research the metropolis and dig deeper into the cultural norms of the state. I saw everything from the hustling markets to adult females selling their hand-made car pets and covers on the side of the streets. Despite basking their traditions, there is a more emotional and saddening side of the life style and we saw this in the many kid mendicants and poorness afflicted people in the metropolis. UNICEF defines child labour as work that exploits kids under unsafe working conditions. When kids are faced with these jobs it frequently takes off from prolonging their instruction. This relates to development because instruction is one of the factors that stimulate development. I will besides discourse more facets of Dakar ‘s development, like: the alteration of urbanisation and instruction rates, I will discourse how all these development factors have to make with the kid labour issue in Senegal. The importance of our development undertaking in Senegal was to expose the jobs in the state that are maintaining them from come oning. My definition of development is patterned advance and progressing the current province of personal businesss. Develop ment besides refers to the economic, cultural and societal alterations that a state goes through to go more advanced in modern twenty-four hours. I witnessed the extent of exploitatory kid labour in Senegal, which gives me the passion to desire to happen out more and do anything I can to assist. I think that this is relevant to Global Development Studies because it is an issue of societal development that needs to be addressed. It is besides a human rights issue that I believe should be an international concern. In this essay I will reason that the child labour issues are procrastinating development, taking off from enriching the instruction of the immature coevals and ensuing in long-run damaging effects for the state. The Development Theory, as learned in the first semester of Global Development Studies, encompasses many sub-theories that all purpose to depict how alteration in a society can be achieved. Modernization theory describes a stratification of development phases and how to track a states advancement based on what they have achieved. Dependency Theory describes how â€Å" fringe † states depend on â€Å" nucleus † states for counsel and support through their development journey. These theories relate to the issues of child labour in Senegal because it is an international concern and is responsible for much poorness in developing states. Non-profit organisations, such as UNICEF, purpose to raise consciousness and money to back up the obliteration of exploited kids. They besides give hope to kids in developing states that are non able to foster their instruction because their milieus do non let them to make so. Bonnet ( 1993 ) writes about kid labour in relation to the failure of the instruction system in many African states. The article suggests that the deficiency of a structured instruction system and the sum of child workers are straight correlated. This could be because the school system can non back up the instruction needs so kids are frequently forced into exploitatory work at early ages to counterbalance for the deficiency of instruction. Harmonizing to Bonnet ( 1993 ) , there are besides many kids that drop out of school early because of force per unit area to supply another beginning of income for their struggling households. The article coins the rough â€Å" socio-economic environment † as something that contributes the increasing figure of child workers. Although this article reviews the predicament of Africa in general footings associating to child labour, it shows many issues refering development are related. As in Modernization Theory, a state can non accomplish the following degree of development without over-coming initial stumbling blocks. Bonnet ‘s ( 1993 ) article provided insight into how a state can travel â€Å" backwards † in the development procedure, and therefore, make more issues to postulate with. Some statistics form Bonnet ‘s ( 1993 ) article showed the GDP in many of the African states as being rather low. This is decidedly a pressuring factor for most dwellers of these states, as they have to populate under these conditions and experience the full consequence of the missing economic system. Exploitative kid labour is a manner that some households generate more income. Developmentally, this is an international issue and it oversteps many moral boundaries that have been constructed by the developed universe. Forastieri ( 1992 ) suggests that there are socio-economic factors that create the increasing statistic of child labour happening in the universe today. Many jobs associated with being in a underdeveloped state lend to the oncoming of child development. Forestieri ( 1992 ) explains that many kids populating in these destitute states frequently have no other option to supply nutrient for themselves and household. She talks about the relation between a state ‘s economic development and the deficiency of instruction taking to many kids being forced into child labour and other signifiers of kid maltreatment. The article besides talks about the certain conditions that are present in many developing states and how it presents a jeopardy to youth. The bulk of exploitatory kid work begins at a immature age, which violates developmental phase in the kid ‘s life. Forastieri ( 1992 ) acknowledges that the solution to the job is long-run. Problems of development, such as economic sys tem, wellness, safety and instruction have to be addressed foremost to give households an option to subjecting their kids to exploitatory work. The article coins child labour as â€Å" the merchandise of poorness † , which describes the nexus to development that is most of import to understand the issue. The international universe and the developed universe has an duty to convey these destitute states out of the utmost poorness that is taking to decease, disease and development. For illustration, an article in The Vancouver Sun ( 2007 ) discusses child labour as a regular happening in West Africa. It discusses the chocolate farms in many West African states and how we, in the developed universe, are able to hold our favourite cocoa at our disposal anytime we want. The article states that kids under 14 old ages of age are forced to work on these chocolate plantations under backbreaking conditions. It mentions a statistic that three per centum of the universe ‘s chocolate production is harvested under the worst signifiers of child labour. This should do the developed universe think about how they may be indirectly advancing the usage of immature kids as labourers in these West African states. The article in The Vancouver Sun ( 2007 ) goes on to depict the worst signifiers of child labour. Some kids are being sold to husbandmans and are frequently lured by false promises of hope once they do what they are told. It is a job that this is happening every twe nty-four hours in our universe. However, there are things that we can make to seek and advance good working conditions and the importance of child instruction instead than maltreatment. From development position, there are many things that we can make to seek and excite improved conditions. The article references â€Å" Fair Trade † , which represents a merchandise that has been grow under good and humanist conditions. The developed universe seldom thinks about the impact that traveling out to purchase a confect saloon can hold. That confect saloon could possible stand for long hours that a immature kid has spent on the chocolate farms. It is our duty to do certain that we educate ourselves about how some of the merchandises we consume are made. Grootaert ( 1995 ) provides some statistics of child labour in some West African states. He shows that 52 per centum of kids in Senegal are involved in kid exploitatory labour. The high per centum shows that the state has hapless economic agencies and hence people have to prosecute in these Acts of the Apostless in order to do adequate money to hardly acquire by. Grootaert ( 1995 ) suggests ways in which the horrors of child labour can be lessened, doing manner for new chances of growing for developing states every bit good as the international universe. First and first, he suggests that statute law would be the figure one opposite number to conflict kid maltreatment. Ways to excite economic system and ways to authorise the kids and their households are other things that the article references that could assist to eliminate child labour. It is an international concern how the strains and force per unit areas that cause child maltreatment in developing states finally lead to the decre asing value of instruction and attention for the environment. The obliteration of kid maltreatment in the work force is going a urgent issue and there are many organisations that are entirely aimed at distributing consciousness and raising money to assist to battle the development. Myrstad ( 1999 ) discusses the function of trade brotherhoods in contending child labour. They have the perfect platform to prosecute people and to raise consciousness about the horrors of child development and to emphasize the importance of instruction as a necessity. On an international graduated table, the article references that trade brotherhoods have the capacity to mobilise the populace. Myrstad ( 1999 ) mentions the chief trade brotherhood scheme to contend kid labour, which is corporate bargaining. Trade brotherhoods can efficaciously utilize bargaining schemes to negociate certain codifications of behavior that employers must follow. Myrstad ( 1999 ) outlines the power trade brotherhoods have to intercede the occurrences between some companies in the underd eveloped universe and the developed universe. They can negociate just trade and spread consciousness about the importance of just work sing all facets, but particularly when it comes to kids. Another article ( Anonymous, 2001 ) on West African chocolate production negotiations about the ground why some husbandmans feel that they have to inscribe kids in the slave labour. This is relevant to development because it helps one solve an issue if we know what may be doing the job. The article says that West African husbandmans blame transnational companies for their low monetary values. So in order to earn a net income they must enlist inexpensive work by kids. This is much like a rhythm that will non stop if the roots of poorness are non solved in these states. The international community has the duty of puting down statute law via political leaders that can assist to eliminate child bondage in the underdeveloped universe. There are state of affairss that cause the oncoming of child labour and things that are effects. Many of these convergences because, as antecedently stated, it all becomes a rhythm. Poor instruction system, deficiency of employment and rampant disease are th ings that all cause people to fall back to cheap labour to do ends meet. The deficiency of instruction, which leads to a coevals that can non make, better than the last, is a major effect of child labour. If our universe is genuinely going a globalized universe so we must all set the load of this on our shoulders and assist back up the attempts made to cut down the job. An article in The Financial Times ( 1999 ) references that the International Labor Organization says that the riddance of all child labour is unrealistic. However, they say that it is more realistic to turn to the worst signifiers first- such as trafficking. They say that doing instruction a precedence and beef uping the instruction system is what will assist. The article acknowledges that in some of these developing states there is no other agencies of income coming into households, as the parents are excessively old or ill. This is what is so distressing because it is non just to do these kids pay for the fact that they were born into this environment. Through the media, many of us know the state of affairs in the Third World and are cognizant of how some people are enduring. Miller and Ross ( 1998/1999 ) talk about â€Å" Development Week † and how it engages pupils to what is go oning in the universe around them. As we have learned, instruction is the most of import for cognition and patterned advance. By transfusing these values in their pupils, these instructors believe that it will do alteration. One of the ways that they involve pupils is to emphasize the importance of â€Å" a strong sense of partnership between the North and the South † ( Miller and Ross, 1998,1999 ) . This makes manner for international voluntary activities and engagement. My trip to Senegal was one of those edifying minutes where we saw things we had ne'er earlier. The trip caused us all to reflect on our ain lives and what we have. Many people in the word do non hold half of what a batch of people in The First World do. There is a batch tha t we can make to demo our engagement and passion in many facets of development. Volunteering, fund-raising and child sponsorship are all ways that we can get down to turn a negative state of affairs into something positive. To reason, exploitatory kid labour in the underdeveloped universe creates many reverses that stall development. Development is classified as traveling frontward economically and socially. Poor instruction is a chief factor in the start of immature kid labour. The immature coevals is being stripped of the ability to acquire an instruction. Some deductions of my findings on this subject are that poorness and socio-economic position is straight related the sum of kids that are being exploited. Some of the positive deductions are the things that trade brotherhoods and the international community can make to decrease the job. The deductions for development environing this subject is that an issue can non be solved or wholly eradicated till more cardinal issues are addressed. The international community should be concerned with exploitatory kid labour in Africa because it is a human rights issue.

Bake Me A Cake Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bake Me A Cake - Essay Example This has also helped BMAC in adverting about its products because the satisfied customers have resulted in word-of-mouth advertising that have greatly expanded the business’ customer base. Bakery industry in Canada has a number of opportunities and risks that Bourgon need to understand. The industry has experienced massive growth since the recession particularly due to changing preferences of consumers. Consumers increasingly demand healthy and custom-made cakes for their various events. Because of this, the bakery industry revenue is anticipated to grow over the coming years at a strong rate per year. The online markets are able to offer BMAC the ability to attract a wide customer base thus greatly expanding their business in terms of sales volume. BMAC is able to market to a very wider audience for relatively low expense. BMAC can adopt new technology to better meet or satisfy the needs of their customer with new as well as improved products in a timely manner. Incorporation of technology into the business will build a competitive barrier against BMAC’s rivals thus giving it a competitive edge. Fragmented markets of the bakery industry provide a number of opportunities for BMAC to expand as well as increase their market share. Such markets have numerous small rivals that lack cost advantages or bigger companies. BMAC can automate to develop a competitive advantage. The industry has several grocery stores and independent bakeries that operate their own in-house bakeries. BMAC has to deal with this saturated and consolidated market by automating or providing other distinct value to their customers so as to be able to compete with larger bakeries. The consumers are expected to switch to healthful baked offerings that are free of many additives and Trans fats. In future, gluten-free products for individuals with grain sensitivities will be on the rise. BMAC should capitalize on

Drucker - New Organizations Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Drucker - New Organizations - Article Example ill be a chief guiding force for the functioning and growth of the organization and information built up does not mean that organization needs a large data-processing capability. The new ways of information system generated through the application of computers will reduce the man power requirement. The raw data available through various means will be used to generate the information but the process itself will require knowledge. Knowledge is always a specialized discipline and that is why organization will need more and more specialists to convert available information into knowledge. Thus, knowledge-based organizations will, overtime, replace all command-and-control kind of business establishments. To convey his points about information based organization, Drucker has put forward the example of British Civil Administration, which was run in India during the period of eighteenth century through World War II without any need of middle management cadre. The whole of the India was governed by merely 1000 officers heading a district administration. It was totally a flat organization structure. The officer used to report directly to the provincial political secretary. Their being total nine provinces each political secretary had at least 100 administrative officers under him to manage the show. The officer used to send a detailed report to the secretary for all the assigned tasks, the achievements and discrepancies and the detailing about the opportunities and emerging threats in the ensuing period. Political secretary would also response with full comments for necessary guidance. Peter points out about the effectiveness of such system as an organization. What is noteworthy is that information based organizations look for simple and clear objectives. At times, there are a few common objectives for all that leads to actions and those objectives are carried out by specialists. Thus, information-based business is structured around goals and clearly defines expectations

Emotional Models Comparison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emotional Models Comparison - Essay Example It is stated by Robert Masters that feeling is an emotion that is physiologically based, but is sometimes also psychologically orientated; and emotion is psychosocially constructed, dramatized feeling. But there are a range of other definitions that defines emotion such as: In psychology and common use, emotion is the language of a person's mental state of being, normally based in or tied to the person's internal (physical) and external (social) sensory feeling. Love, hate, courage, fear, joy, sadness, pleasure and disgust can all be described in both psychological and physiological terms. Incidents of coordinated changes in several areas, including what has been called the 'reaction triad' of physiological arousal, motor expression, and subjective feeling, in response to either an internal or an external event of significant importance to an individual. To better understand the concept of emotion and the reason why it is difficult to define the term, it is necessary to compare the models developed by philosophers and academics such as William James, Carl Lange, Walter Cannon and Stanley Schachter. These are only some of the scholars who have made inroads in the field of emotions. This theory refers to the origin and nature of emotions theory developed independently by two scholars, William James and Carl Lange in the 19th century.

Is it possible to reconstitute local manufacturing and local food Essay

Is it possible to reconstitute local manufacturing and local food markets, or has Globalization ultimately made this impossible - Essay Example The researcher states that the term globalization is an overused word yet very few understand its true meaning. Globalization has always been defined by the narrow economic platform as an integration of national economies through a removal of barriers to free trade and commerce. A broader definition of globalization is the growing interconnection of social, cultural and economic systems. Globalization encompasses the processes, linkages, and exchanges which are global in nature. Ideally, globalization is a process that has been gradual, persistent and self-advancing for the last 400 years. MacGillivray holds that capitalism is one of the main drivers of globalization. Adam Smith, the father of capitalism and free trade held that human beings are driven by self-interest. Self-interest is not a bad thing but as a driving force behind every economic agent's action. Smith therefore believed that free market is the most ideal and progressive system in the world. Smith’s concept of a self-regulating unit is a fundamental contribution to capitalism and can help us understand the drive behind globalization. Each society wishes to maximize its own welfare, and that, different countries are endowed with different resources, technologies, and products that they produce cost-effectively. Therefore, trade enables each country to avail of the products of other societies which gives it the ultimate advantage, because by exchanging products that one society cannot produce cheaply with products that other societies can produce abundantly with lesser cost, both buyer and seller maximize their own welfare. An invention of large sailing vessels and discovery of better navigation system made it possible for countries across continents to interact and trade. Given the self- interest and the desire to maximize profits, mutual benefiting relationship across continents was forged, and that resulted in and globalization. From the definition above, there are two key terms that can help us understand the essence of globalization - interconnectedness, and processes.

Period of Baroque Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Period of Baroque - Essay Example Renaissance, through its new ideology and reform, resulted with a variety of styles. The idea of individualism and freedom of artistic creations influenced Michelangelo in a different manner. He was, in a way opposite of Leonardo. He was emotional and inward oriented. While painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he described the creation of the universe in his own way. He represented God as an old man with bears, most probably because of the humanism. Also, the humanism of Renaissance allowed him to represent a naked man, together with God, in same size. Renaissance was a start of reform and it was a return to classical values. In opened a new viewpoint in terms of ideology and style. After Renaissance, Baroque period have started. The artistic center moved from Florence to Rome. The reconstruction and redecoration of Rome gave rise to different artistic ideas and styles. One of the features of Baroque which distinguished it from Renaissance period is that it was international. Baroque style spread all through Europe, it was also accepted in Russia and passed into the New World. Caracci and Andrea Pozzo became famous with their ceiling frescoes and Caravaggio with his style, his way of representing figures and use of light etc. The paintings on ceilings in Baroque period differed from Renaissance. In this period the paintings became more elaborate and variety of images created an allegory in a way, representing the glorification of the miracles. There were flying figures on ceilings. and everything took place above us. Therefore the perspective moved from walls to ceilings and scientific reality gave its place to illusion and movement. The Baroque period had its own way of representing naturalism and reality. Michelangelo Merisi Da is better known as Caravaggio and he was an Italian baroque painter. His works portrayed saints and other biblical figures as plain ordinary people. Little is known about his early life but one might assume from his painting that he was a very catholic person with good morals. But actually this is not the case- His fame came when he unveiled his three life size paintings narrating the life of Saint Matthew in 1600. At that time his life was filled with notorious violence. It is said that a full transcript of his trial pending and police records would fill several pages. Several of these violent incidences almost ended in his death. He was later ordered to quit Rome after one of his alliances was killed during a violent accident. He wanted to paint saints and biblical figures

Xerox Corporation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Xerox Corporation - Assignment Example   Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network typically for an office or building. It is important in sharing information and data storage. This network can be built with low-priced hardware such as hubs, network adapters and Ethernet cables. It can depend on the wired connection for security, speed and for wireless connections. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) entails network of an entire city. It is larger than a LAN. It is used to connect several LANs to create a bigger network. Since it is mainly used on the campus, it is also referred to as a Campus Area Network. Wide Area Network (WAN) is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network over long distances. It entails several LANs and WANs. They are built using leased lines despite them being expensive. But for a lesser cost, one can use packet and circuit switching methods.The network may enable individuals to chat via email and transfer data over the network. It is different from other systems because it can be contr olled by an individual. Moreover, LAN has limited distance to move, few transmissions errors, a high-speed interface, high reliability and ability to handle data traffic. Additionally, the maintenance cost is reasonable and it uses technologies such as Ethernet and token ring. A good example is a network in an office building can be a LAN. The network can be used to share information and communication purposes. The network is significant in that it covers a larger geographical area and transfers data at a medium speed depending on the cables.

Information Overload Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Information Overload - Essay Example On a day to day basis, the info-rich obtain information from the internet, newspapers, emails, television, faxes and telephone calls. In the midst of all the clatter, the info-rich are conscious that essential and valuable information is being conveyed (Miller, 2009). The challenge now lies in separating the unnecessary, uninteresting, and outdated information from the up-to-date, relevant, and vital (Miller, 2009). This is achievable by any organization if it changes its technical system or its social system or even both (Klingberg, 2008). Initially, when network technologies were introduced, their aim was to bring considerable improvements to the productivity of workers; however, these productivity benefits are yet to materialize (Klingberg, 2008). As a result, empirical scrutiny of the data has failed so far in establishing a considerably positive relation between information technologies and productivity growth (Klingberg, 2008). Moreover, some people have even begun to wonder if the introduction of computers and other kinds of information technology has had a negative impact on productivity levels, since companies waste resources to generate, distribute, process and store paperwork, which, though adds up no value to the business, deflects people's attention afar from productive work (Klingberg, 2008). ... Indeed, a wealth of precious information has been made accessible; the remaining problem is to learn to manage that flood of information. Considering current technological and human constrictions, decision-makers are incapable of processing all the information which they receive (Klingberg, 2008). A number of managers complain that important issues are neglected due to the growing heaps of information which they have to review (Klingberg, 2008). Additionally, many companies are downsizing the assumption that computers are capable of effectively replacing people (Klingberg, 2008). However, information technologies happen to be best used as supplements; they cannot alternate human skills as far as processing complicated information flows is concerned (Klingberg, 2008). When it comes to business models, content providers focus on selling information straight to consumers (Grochow, 1997). However, there some instances when attention, and not information, is scarce (Grochow, 1997). Busine sses should contend for people's time; therefore, various successful business models of the future will have their basis in the economics of attention, which implies focusing on bringing out quality information to the people in a context that is meaningful (Grochow, 1997). Information production will still get motivation from profit incentives, with competition among substitutable information sources reducing the prices of the content of information itself (Grochow, 1997). Rather than expecting direct payment for the creation of information, it is crucial for content providers to run their business as though it were gratis, and then figure out how to enhance relationships or come up with ancillary products and

A Brief History of Hieroglyphics Essay Example for Free

A Brief History of Hieroglyphics Essay The word hieroglyph has been applied to the scripts of the Indus civilization and of the Hittites, who also possessed other scripts, in addition to the Mayan, the Incan, and Easter Island writing forms, and also the signs on the Phaistos Disk on Crete, but the strict meaning of the word is used only to describe the carvings on Egyptian monuments. The most ancient hieroglyphs can be dated back to the end of the 4th millennium BC. They describe scenes and are cut in relief, or into the stone, mostly in chapels or tombs. Although it is impossible to know, but these early signs are probably based on the same system that the later set of hieroglyphics, known as classical hieroglyphics is based. Hieroglyphic signs were representations of living beings or inanimate objects by simplistic drawings. Over the years, some of the representations fell out of meaning, such as clubs, which at one time were used as weapons, and other weapons took their place. But they glyph stayed. Sometimes the object described by the glyph completely fell out of daily use and the meaning eventually became lost or it was distorted beyond recognition. Always only a few people in a limited circle understood the script. Only those who needed the knowledge in their professions were able to acquire the task of writing and reading the glyphs. These people were, for example, officials, doctors, and priests. Since the glyphs were too complex for everyday use, hieratic script was developed. Easier abbreviated script was developed for writing by brush stroke on a medium such as papyrus. Classical hieroglyphics evolved through the need to identify a pictorial representation of an event, such as a hunt or a particular battle. Hieroglyphs were added to scenes to signify that the work of art was not just an unknown war or such, but a specific one. This also one of the first times that we see people interested in preserving their history for others to learn about in later times. It was this new attitude toward time and toward history as unique events in time led to the invention of hieroglyphic writing. Hieroglyphics dominated monumental and sacred writings and was accepted in the Greece until the situation was altered with the conversion of the area to Christianity in the nd and 3rd centuries AD. The new religion fought against the Egyptian polytheism and traditions, and with its victory, the Greek script triumphed. The ability to understand the script was lost for many hundreds of years until the failure of Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt turned up the Rosetta Stone on which was written the same statement in three languages, Classical hieroglyphics, Hieratic script, and Greek. With the discovery of thi s asphalt tablet, archeologists were finally able to begin to unlock the key to understanding the long dead written language of hieroglyphics.

The power of tweens Essay Example for Free

The power of tweens Essay Like no other time in history, the purchasing power of children ages nine to fourteen has increased to become a force to be reckoned with.   With celebrity tweens like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen paving the way into the massive tween audience, today it is the likes of Miley Cyrus who is well on her way to becoming a billionaire off the incredible spending power of the tween population.   While music and movie stars benefit largely from the new purchasing power of tweens, many other industries benefit as well, including the electronics industry, the clothing industry, and the food industry. As tweens spend their allowance money, as well as their parents’ money on items often marketed directly to them, there also remains differences in the purchases of male and female tweens that influences not only how companies market their products, but how tweens spend their money.   And, while tweens’ spending power continues to increase at a rate previously unseen in society, they still lack the spending freedom afforded to their older teenage counterparts as well as adults. To truly take advantage of the tween market, it is necessary to create a credit card designed especially for tweens that will allow them to purchase as they like, while simultaneously being overseen by their parents.   Through this creation, tweens could learn how to become more experienced in spending money, and parents could be more involved in the consumer life of their children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The power of tweens in the marketplace can no longer be ignored by industries, who are now making a greater effort than ever to reach the profitable demographic.   In just a decade, the influence of tweens on marketing has become significant, as not only do they possess purchasing power of their own, but they also influence the purchasing decisions of their parents.   Between the years of 1990 and 2000, industry spending on advertising to tweens exploded during the decade, increasing from a mere $100 million to more than $2 billion (â€Å"How Marketers Target Kids†).   This huge increase in spending on advertising to tweens speaks better than anything else in showing how powerful a market they have become.    In the essay, â€Å"The Selling of Rebellion† it is demonstrated how the marketing world has attempted to sell the ideas of breaking loose of boundaries through consumerism to young tweens.   â€Å"Breaking the rules† has become desirable, after decades of advertisers suggesting those that break the rules transcend the boundaries of the common world.   This tactic is especially useful on young consumers like tweens.   In his essay, John Leo points out how Madison Avenue targets the youthful desire for freedom and individuality, and coopts its rhetoric for purposes that are uniquely conformist (Leo).   This marketing strategy manages to sell the illusion of freedom, while encouraging â€Å"transgression† on the part of tween consumers.    To Leo, transgression allows tweens to break the boundaries while staying within the greater circle of conformity, to rebel and while conforming.   To a tween, both of these concepts are extremely important and have led to significant spending in recent years on products that appeal to both needs.   The total income that tweens had to spend in 2003 was reported to be upwards of $42.3 billion dollars, with marketing analysts predicting increases of around 2 percent a year in both the United States and Europe (â€Å"Tween Teen Trends†).    While the total income tweens spend on items reflects some of their purchasing power, the true extent of their purchases is far greater and tween spending worldwide is higher than ever at an estimated $170 billion (â€Å"Tweens Empowered and with Money to Burn†).   With such obvious purchasing power, the massive tween market has become a priority of advertisers that spend increasing amounts of money to reach them, often with very profitable results. The unique age of tweens has many of them considering themselves no longer children, and advertisers capitalize on this fact.   Industry analysts have found that children eleven and older no longer consider themselves children, and the Toy Manufacturers of America have changed their target market from birth to fourteen years old to birth to ten years old (â€Å"The ‘Tween Market’†).   This shows that tweens’ tastes have grown more sophisticated in just a few decades, due in no small part to the efforts of advertisers and market research groups.    A 2000 report from the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S. revealed how Hollywood routinely recruits tweens to evaluate its story concepts, commercials, theatrical trailers and rough cuts for R-rated movies, which has gone a long way in instilling a sense of adulthood in the young children, and helping to instill a greater sense of independence and separation from their parents, especially in the way they spend their money (â€Å"The ‘Tween’ Market†). While many adults and parents question the motives of industries that target their children, as well as the methods used, it has become an irremovable fact of society that tweens are being treated more as adults than children, especially when it comes to taking full advantage of their purchasing power.   However, despite the fact that their purchasing power is treated with the same level of respect as adults, the products that tweens continue to purchase reflect their young age.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some of the most popular products that tweens spend their money on continue to be the same things children have always spent money on.   It is estimated that spending on food accounts for roughly 17.0% of tweens’ disposable income in 2008, which includes things like candy, fast food, and soft drinks; in the U.S. alone there will be a reported 1.1 billion extra tween snacking occasions in 2008 relative to 2003, which means tweens will be spending more money than ever on candy and junk food (â€Å"Tween Teen Trends†).    Even though tween spending has grown more sophisticated in recent years, the overwhelming total of tween pocket money goes to confectionery goods and snacks, with an estimated $18.2 billion in tween money spent on confectionery in 2004, with a further $8.9 billion and $5 billion spent on soft drinks and sweet or savory snacks (â€Å"Tweens Empowered and with Money to Burn†).   These numbers reflect the common purchases of both male and female tweens, both of which spend indiscriminately on candies and sodas often marketed straight to them.   However, there have been more efforts made in recent years to target to the specific genders of tweens, and the purchases they make have reflected specific preferences by each group.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Females have long been known to mature faster than males, and the tween age is a representation of this.   Female tweens spend far more money on certain items that are not necessarily toys or candies, but rather things that help reflect their move into adulthood.   Fashion and cosmetics are extremely important to tween girls, and according to recent research of a three-month period in 2003, 90 percent of tweens and parents of tweens reported spending money on clothing items, averaging roughly $100 per purchase in most cases; shoes and sneakers also ranked considerably high on the list, reflecting the importance tweens place on fashion and staying trendy (Clack). Even more so than their male counterparts, female tweens use their purchasing power to develop their unique sense of identity and attempt to cultivate an older self-image.   This is reflected in the advertising by the fashion industry geared towards tweens, which often uses provocative marketing campaigns that feature very young models and sell a very adult concept of sexuality to the young tweens (â€Å"The ‘Tween Market’†).   With role models like Britney Spears and the Miley Cyrus, the adult sexuality portrayed by such stars also goes a long way in influencing tween girls to emulate such behavior. This has led to makeup becoming another major growth area in the tween girl market, though instead of the expensive adult cosmetics, tween girls prefer to purchase products such as shimmer, eye shadow, and lip gloss (Clack).   The emphasis on fashion is not to say that tween girls do not make some similar purchases to boys, as both genders spend a great deal of money on entertainment such as CDs and movies, but when it comes to technology, tween boys far outpace the girls in their spending habits. While cellphones, PDAs, and Ipods have become standard purchases of both tween boys and girls, one of the most significant burgeoning markets in the past decade has been the videogame market.   Due largely to the male tween population, the video game industry became the most profitable entertainment industry in the United States, outpacing both music and movies.   U.S. annual shipments more than doubled from 69 million in 1996 to 159 million in 1998, and during this time, U.S. sales increased from 3.6 billion dollars to 6.2 billion dollars; in 1996 video games represented 2% of toy shipments and 15% of sales dollars, and by 1998 it grew to 4% of toy shipments and 22% of sales dollars. Today, total video game sales grew 43 percent in 2007, up from $12.53 billion in 2006, and in December, historically the industrys strongest month, Americans spent $4.82 billion on video games, up 28 percent from a year earlier and up 83 percent from $2.63 billion in November, helped by the success of handheld units like Nintendo DS and the latest generation of home consoles (Ortutay). The tween demand for sophisticated toys, as well as the constant introduction of new games consoles, has been good news for the video games industry, as research shows that tweens spent $4.3 billion on video games, which accounted for over 13% of total videogames sales, where tweens’ spending on traditional toys and games dwindled to only 6% of total sales (â€Å"Tweens: Empowered with Money to Burn†).   The popularity of video games and the purchasing power of tweens have combined to create a situation in which male tweens spend far more money on technological items than ever before, especially in the form of videogames. Despite the hefty price tags, new video game systems bring tweens and adults alike together in front of the television to partake in the videogame fun, proving that videogames remain an aspect of popular culture that brings all ages together like few others can.   The shared interest and purchases that tweens have with adults, often their own parents, seems to suggest that a greater effort should be made to educate and control their purchasing power. Credit cards are used more than ever, and their popularity is reflected in the massive credit card debt that has been racked up in the United States over the past few decades.   It is estimated that at the end of 2002, Americans carried over $750.9 billion in outstanding credit card debt (Weston).   While some consumers are successfully managing to pay off their debt, many are in trouble and forced to make changes in their spending.   For tweens, having a highly regulated credit card could possibly lead to preventing many of the credit pitfalls experienced by the older consumers.   By introducing a credit card aimed directly at tweens and controlled by their parents, tweens would be able to continue their purchasing habits while under the guidance of their parents. While the common tween may feel this to be restricting their newfound purchasing power, as it is, few tweens have their own source of income to begin with and get the majority of their money from their parents.   It only makes sense that this also reflects in the fact that the vast majority of tween purchases, around 72 percent, are made with decisions made jointly by both the parent and the tween; a smaller margin of purchases, around 19 percent, are made solely by the parent on behalf of the tween, while only 8 percent of tween purchases are made by the tween alone (Clack).   By presenting tweens with a credit card that was controlled by the parents, they could be made more independent and make more purchases on their own. This way, tweens would be given the benefits of having to learn the value of money and parents could better regulate and discover what their children are purchasing from the invoices.   They could even place limits on their child’s spending on the card, which would prevent the tweens from making any costly spending mistakes.   Instead of relying on a profit-motivated bank that makes money on interest rates and penalty fees, tweens could instead rely on their parents to help educate them to such things, proving a considerably more cost effective means of learning the system of credit cards rather than the way that many adults often do, which is to fall into a massive hole of debt. The new purchasing power of the tween market cannot be denied, but it is in the best interests of their parents to make sure it can be controlled.   The fact that the majority of tween purchases are made jointly by tweens and their parents, a tween credit card regulated by their parents could be an ideal way of ensuring that their children avoid spending too much money on things they do not really need, and also avoid falling into the trap of overwhelming credit card debt.   A tween credit card could teach them the value of money at an early age, as well as make them feel more independent and grownup.    Feeling more independent and grownup is very important to tweens, and if parents fail to do the job, hungry marketers are more than happy to do it for them, gearing complex marketing campaigns towards tweens with disposable income.   If anything, a credit card designed for tweens and controlled by their parents will allow them to each take the power back from marketers that target the tweens youthful ignorance and the parents’ ignorance to their children’s purchases.   In the end, the purchasing power of tweens may be a global phenomenon, but they are still children and the responsibility for their actions should continue to remain with their parents, which a tween credit card could most assuredly do. Works Cited: Clack, Erin E. â€Å"What a Tween Wants Now: Market Research Experts Reveal Whats New With This Important Demographic.† Reach Advisors. 1 Apr 2004. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.reachadvisors.com/childrensbusinessarticle2.html. â€Å"How Marketers Target Kids.† Media Awareness Network. 2008. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/ marketing/issues_teens_marketing.cfm. Leo, John. â€Å"The Selling of Rebellion.† Exploring Language, 10th Ed. Longman: 2003. Ortutay, Barbara. â€Å"Nintendo tops video game sales in 2007.† MSNBC. 17 Jan 2008. 29 Apr http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22718374/. â€Å"Tween Teen Trends.† Datamonitor. 19 Jan 2005. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=1094144g=1. â€Å"Tweens: empowered and with money to burn.† Euromonitor International. 10 Mar 2006. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.euromonitor.com/ Tweens_empowered_and_with_money_to_burn.     Ã¢â‚¬Å"The ‘Tween Market’.† Media Awareness Network. 2008. 29 Apr 2008. http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/marketing/marketers_target_kids.cfm. Weston, Liz Pulliam. â€Å"The Truth About Credit Card Debt.† MSNBC. 2008. 29 Apr 2008. http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/creditcardsmarts/P74808.asp.

Spa and Wellness Trends in Tourism

Spa and Wellness Trends in Tourism The Impact of the Spa and Wellness Trends into the Tourism Industry Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 Growth of Spa and Wellness Spa and Wellness had become the main territory of wealthy women wanting to lose weight and look good by the mid-20th century. Its main focus was on prevention, healthy lifestyles, fitness, spirituality and relaxation. Numbers of people use spas more and more frequently to fulfill some of their most important lifestyle pursuits. Nowadays spa experience covers not only medical and spiritual programs, but also outdoor adventures and exotic travel. These spas are located in every global region, including Africa, the Middle East, and the former Eastern Bloc. The spa has turned into a popular culture, influencing everything from fashion and cosmetics, to architecture, home dà ©cor, and also cuisine. Propelled by the growing wellness trend worldwide, the spa industry is booming. European travelers number one consideration when making plans for their holidays is whether there is spa access. The growth of spa facilities and increased awareness worldwide has led to spa-inspired beauty products, as well as the opening and blossoming of groundbreaking spas and resort all over the world. 1.1.2 History of Spa and Wellness Spa- going has been practiced for many thousands of years dating back from the Mesopotamians, Egyptians and Minoans, to the Greeks and Romans and later, the Ottomans, Japanese and Western Europeans. Some say the word spa actually derives from the Latin verb spagere to pour forth. Other say the origin of the word spa comes from the Belgian town of Spa, known since Roman times for its baths. Other even claim that spa may be an acronym for the Latin phrase sanitas per aquas, which means health through water. 1.1.3 Definition of Spa The word Spa and the idea behind it derive from the time of the Roman Empire when a big number of soldiers tried to find a solution to heal their wounds. They looked for hot wells and used it as a kind of bathtub to be able to treat their aching and pain on their bodies, these places were named aquae and the bathing treatment Sanus Per Aquam (SPA), which means, health by or through water. After this incident SPA became famous throughout Europe starting in Belgium where it all started, from mineral water, to sea water and marine substances. Even until today, the ideas of these healing forms are the basis of the spa culture worldwide and hydrotherapy is seen as its major highlight. Well-being, as well as allowing you to relax, reflect, revitalise, and rejoice is the main importance in Spa. Mens sana in Corpore sanoA healthy Spirit lives in a Healthy Body 1.1.4 The West In 500 BC, the Greeks indulged in a variety of social baths, which included hot air baths. In 25 BC, the Roman Emperor designed and created the first, so called, thermae, which is a large-scale spa. Each subsequent emperor then built something new to this thermae, which made the people grow fonder of these baths. They progressively grew into large entertainment complexes offering not only sports, but also restaurants, and other various types of baths. After such baths, the next visit was to three increasingly warmer quarters, where the body was soaked, rubbed in with oils, massaged and finally exfoliated. The practice would end with a cold plunge in ice water. Besides the Roman combination of hot and cold baths, spa traditions kept growing spreading itself all over the world. For example in Japan, its first onsen (hot spring), and later the first ryoken (inns) which were built, offered exceptional food, accommodations, Zen gardens, outdoor baths as well as indoor soaking tubs.(http://www.topspahotels.com) In Finland saunas began appearing in 1000 A.D., inducting a rich Finnish spa-going tradition, which includes a treatment of sweating, as well as icy lake plunges, and to top it off plenty of beer or vodka. Nowadays these procedures still exists. And also the Ottomans were famous for their arched and beautifully mosaic hammam, the ultimate example is the Baths of Roxelana, which was built in 1556 and were equipped with the massive towering steam rooms, even containing private washing quarters, and extensive massage platforms. Roxelana became an important social center, mainly for Muslim women (http://www.topspahotels.com) After these times, Spas became famous all around, starting in Europe, namely Belgium, Germany, and England. It even stretched to the United States of America, because in 1986 New York opened the first travel agency specializing in spa vacations. Since that time, the spa industry has grown from a baby egg business into a booming billion dollar global industry. In the 19th century, Europes great spas were destinations for wealthy people, who went there to relax and rejuvenate. Until today, water treatments are still considered the heart of the spa experience in Europe. 1.2 Backgrounds This research attempts to examine strengths, threats, risks as well as opportunities and challenges Spa and Wellness Industries have to face, concerning on-going trends of the West and how they are influenced by Asian countries, as well as the changes of values and attitudes of tourists. Many people think or believe that Spa derives from Asia, due to all the marketing advertisements promotions and so on, but what they fail to realize is that, spa has also been in the west for a long period of time dating back centuries ago. Some tourists go to spa and wellness facilities to pamper themselves, relax and ease there minds as well as to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily life style, but what they do not take into consideration, is that spas can cause more damage to their health, if they have specific pains or injuries which could worsen their condition. 1.3 Research Objectives The study can be used to have a better understanding of the Spa and Wellness Industry and the needs of consumers. It also provides strategies on how to improve Spa facilities. The specific objectives of this study are: to understand the spa and wellness market and the key factors to identify various treatments, including their benefits and risks to investigate requirements and necessities of spa- goers to recognize top spa trends that are booming to develop opportunities on how Spa facilities can progress in the future 1.4 Research Problems and Questions This research is trying to clearly respond to several questions that might be raised from this topic: 1. What are the benefits and risks of massage therapies and what could be done to minimize the risks at spa centers? 2. How did the value and attitude of tourists change, also concerning their age? 3. How was the West influenced by Asian countries, concerning the Spa and wellness industry? 4. What are top spa trends and what could be their opportunities and challenges? 5. What effect does the Spa and wellness industry have on men, since the majority of spa- goers are women? 1.5 Importance of Significance of the study Hotel industries as well as spa and wellness facilities could benefit from this study, because it points out facts like for example risks that have to be looked in further when running a spa making sure water supply is in order etc. This study also states the mentalities tourists have when it comes to their values and attitudes concerning spas and furthermore how men nowadays are more interested in going to spa facilities. This could benefit these industries to change, promote or add extra facilities for men or even open spas for men only. The importance of this study is to make sure hotels and spa facilities are aware of all these changes, challenges as well as risks and how they can benefit from the stated facts and solutions for improvement. 1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the study A major weakness of this research, which was beyond the control of the researcher, was that there was a big time constrain. There were also not that many plausible literatures available. Furthermore there are various websites and opinions of the correct definition of spa and wellness, and lack of statistics. 1.7 Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework This research is written in a way to explain different objectives in harmonic and well associated sentences to carry out the researchers intentions clearly. It explains how all the above listed points in Figure 1 relate to the Spa and wellness Industry. It describes the popular treatments with their risks and benefits and also states the factors that are important to a human body to feel at ease and be in a relaxed state of mind. Furthermore, the Alpine Wellness is explained and how Spas in the West are influenced by other Asian countries not only concerning their therapies but more in terms of colours, lighting, dà ©cor and ambiance. Moreover the perception of consumers concerning their values and attitudes are listed and how men are more and more becoming a part of the Spa and wellness industry. Lastly, trends of this industry are explained which also goes hand in hand with opportunities and challenges they might face in the future. II Review of Related Literature: 2.1 Alpine Wellness Before, wellness was only associated with well-being and relaxation. However, now wellness is also connected with health. That is why the Alpine region is especially suited for this type of wellness, because Alpine remedies, like fresh air, pure and healthy spring water, the mild, invigorating climate, mountain freshness, herbs, stone oil combined with traditional knowledge and a balanced life has meant Alpine wellness has become a new trend, also with its interior furnishing, alpine cuisine and different atmosphere. That is why today Alpine Wellness is a special form of wellness offering hay baths to herbal saunas, natural applications and products, surrounded by South Tyrols, Austria, fascinating mountain landscape. Alpine Wellness refers to nature, culture and life quality in the area. It displays an original charm of the alpine environment, which makes the special sensuality of the Alps a unique and exclusive experience.Therefore the Alps are promoted worldwide as one of the most attractive and effective regions for wellness. (http://www.alpinewellness.com) 2.2 Facial Treatments A facial deeply cleanses and maintains the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells. The goal is to maintain smooth, clear, well-hydrated skin. Its the second most popular spa service after the massage.Trying to stop our natural ageing process is not quite possible yet, but we can help our skins age with just a few simple steps. We need a lot of fresh air, enough sleep, relaxation, lots of water and a diet of fruits and vegetables so our skin stays free from blemishes. Nevertheless, there are companies that have even come up with gadgets, which can slow down premature aging.Slendertone, the British company behind the homonymous body trainers that tone the silhouette through electric stimulation of the muscles, has released a corresponding product for the face on Sept 9. As part of a 12-week plan, the Slendertone Face is supposed to help stimulate the muscles of the face through pads that, attached to the skin, receive small electric shocks (http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=38421) A facial is given by a licensed esthetician with special training in skin care; it involves a few basic steps: cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, massage, extraction of blackheads and other impurities, and application of products targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, mixed, sensitive, and mature). On the contrary of the West, the tropical Asian women have a head start on giving their skin all kinds of treatments, because the basic steps have always been a part of their traditional life style for centuries. They have easy access to the ingredients they need for the preparation of their facial treatments, because they can harvest them right off their botanical garden.The West does not have the same opportunities as Asians have and therefore use a night cream or neck cream and new oxygen creams. Asians on the other hand used and still use raw plant extract to get rid off dead skin cells, fight acne, replenish moisture or achieve an SPF.That is why a lot of women gather themselves in Asian spas, where they get traditional treatments, without any chemical input, but still giving them the softest skin and a very relaxed state of mind.They will most probably have their faces treated with some ingredients, which they will also be able to find in their refrigerator at home. Examples for these treatments are: Traditional honey- cucumber facial (honey, lime, cucumber) Traditional facial (corn, rice powder, cucumber juice, carrot juice.) 2.3 Factors of a complete well-being Although our bodies detoxify naturally every day most of us lead busy lives that make it impossible for our bodies to eliminate these toxins completely, which leads to a build-up in our systems. (http://www.mirrorreaderoffers.co.uk) Therefore the most important factors for a complete well-being are not only healthy and steady weight or solid relationships, but most importantly the rejection of tobacco, sparing of alcohol, managing stress and having a high knowledge level. Once one has fulfilled all of the points mentioned above, one will feel at ease, relaxed and out of worries, making it possible for a person to have a piece of mind. 2.3.1 Accommodation The accommodation of a Spa and wellness facility plays a very important role. The wellness hotels have to be located in a very heartwarming relaxing area, away from all the traffic, noise, pollution etc., where the guests have to be able to feel at ease and get their desired treatment in a dimmed room with a relaxing atmosphere and warm colors.For the guests it is also important to have a good choice of nutrition. The hotel has to offer light, healthy food, which also tastes excellent. They have to have a stunning, breathtaking view from their room, where they can watch and observe the scenery while having a glass of wine on the balcony.Of course facilities such as, swimming pools, whirlpools, sports club, fitness center, sauna, steam room, beauty salon, hairdresser, health center, bar and nightclub have to be put at the customers disposal as well. But of course wellness is not enough. The main relaxation of a guest to fulfill his or her stay is, hospitality, comfort, a homey ambianc e, personal care and many more comforting factors which are food for the soul. 2.4 Massage Therapy Massage therapy is seen as the oldest methods of healing, nearly 4000 years old. It is often referred to the use of many techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. These therapies are usually done by using the hand, but other body parts such as elbows, forearms, or feet can be put into action as well. One applies fix or movable pressure, rocking, vibration, holding, kneading and compression. These massage therapies are a positive influence to the overall health and well-being of the person. Therapies are for example Acupressure (using fingers or even toes to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the bodys natural ability to heal itself) and Acupuncture (stimulates key points of the body by inserting needles) 2.4.1 Benefits of Massage therapy There are many beneficial aspects of a massage therapy to a human body. For example it relaxes the whole body, by relieving tired and aching muscles, at the same time it also loosens tight muscles, and it also increases flexibility and range of motion and diminishes chronic pain. Additionally it calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover it enhances skin tone and assists in recovery from injuries and illness and strengthens the immune system. Furthermore this kind of therapy can reduce tension headaches and mental stress as well as improve concentration, promote restful sleep and lastly aid in mental relaxation.They can relieve muscle tension and pain in people who suffer from chronic back pain, or who have had an injury from sports or a car accident. Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy Fosters peace of mind Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness Helps relieve mental stress Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity Emotional Benefits Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch Fosters a feeling of well-being Reduces levels of anxiety Creates body awareness Increases awareness of mind-body connection (http://www.holisticonline.com/Massage/mas_benefits.htm) 2.5 Spas for men According to the International Spa Association men are going to Spas more often, not just to get a sports massage and manicures, but also trying out new things, like cocoa butter rubdowns, body wraps etc. Men look for treatments that relieve shaving irritation or something that soothes the skin from dry weather conditions. They want to be given the impression that they do not have to be in the same room as a bunch women getting their nails done etc. so they look for a Spa that offers private rooms and other facilities like hot tubs and waiting rooms. Nowadays there are even Men only Spas like in New York City, the Nickel Spa for Men or in Washington D.C, Grooming Lounge and the Absolute Spa at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. More over, according to a Malaysian Newspaper The Sun (28/09/2009), nowadays there is even extra nail polish only for men, referred to as male polish, which is supposedly to be the next big thing. Often used for filling and strengthening nails, there are also first product lines such as the one by hip Berlin label Uslu Airlines that focus on aesthetics. These nail polishes for men are ranging from RM 14 RM 105 each. Knowing that mens skin requires specific care, Nugeno Men has introduced an ultimate skincare range formulated especially for the modern men on-the-go. As healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face, skincare solution is made easy to achieve and critical that one can do it at home on a daily fuss-free basis (http://www.sun2surf.com/section.cfm?id=24) 2.6 Body Treatments Body treatments are basically a facial for the whole body. It is just as important to wash and hydrate the skin on the body, as it is the skin of the face. Various Spa centers provide a wide variety of essential oils or scrub materials, such as orange blossom, peppermint salt glow, cucumber salt glow and many more. After the body scrub, one might want to make an additional body mask, which involves an application of mud, algae or seaweed over the entire body and afterwards wrapped in a thermal blanket, which is a treatment that stimulates the metabolic system, immediately fastening to carry away waste products. Another famous treatment is the so called body wrap , which originally was a treatment where bandages or plastic wraps was tightly wrapped around the body in order to induce weight loss through a process called vasodilatation. (http://www.populararticles.com/category160.html) . Now it is seen as a treatment used to treat or prevent cellulite. Afterwards the body wrap usually ends with an application of lotion. This treatment is also called a body cocoon or body mask 2.6.1 Benefits and threats of Body Treatments The benefits of a body wrap is to get rid off the body toxins through metabolic stimulation and softening the skin as well afterwards, by applying Shea butter and rich lotions which are hydrating treatments. On the other hand, there are different threats when it comes to a body scrub, for example one should not expect a body wrap to be a massage. You can get both treatments. Another common threat would be, that if a person has claustrophobia, body scrub, wrap or mask, may not be the right treatment. Furthermore one might be left alone during the treatment, so if there is uncomforting feeling due to that, then one should ask before booking the service. Yet, although there are some threats, there are also various positive aspects when looking at a body treatment. They are proven effective and safe for use in increasing blood circulation, improving appearance of skin, hair, and nails, as well as supporting the immune system functions, furthermore enhancing removal of toxins and waste products, also increasing the healing rate of soft tissue and finally helping relieve of discomfort and pain. Stress reduction and relief, soothing sore joints and muscles, and simply feeling better about oneself. (http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/spas-the-risks-and-benefits) 2.7 Risks of Spas According to Elizabeth Heubeck, while spas promise to restore, refresh, and renew and some offer even more explicit health claims they generally dont warn you of the potential risks involved, which do exist.Certain spa treatments can worsen chronic and acute health conditions. All spas can establish risks to the general public, especially when operated in a state of uncleanliness.One can never tell how clean a spas water or supply is. But one can try to minimize the risk of becoming infected by contaminated water or supplies. (http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/risks-of-spa-treatments) Poor water quality can transform into a breeding ground for microbes or germs, which could lead to skin boils from a chain of unhygienic whirlpool footbaths, which are used as part of a pedicure treatment. A report released by the CDC in 2004 showed that more than half of all public hot tub spas in the US violate public health safety standards. Of the 5,000 spas inspected, 57% breached at least one safety violation. Poor water quality was the most common violation. (http://www.littlespeck.com/content/health/CTrendsHealth-051218.htm) Some people find it extremely relaxing to sit in a sauna, a wooden room infused with dry heat that supposedly eliminates toxins as it opens pores and promotes sweating. But if you have the flu, the cold, a respiratory infection, or an asthma flare-up, you should not be sitting in the sauna. 2.7.1 What can you do to reduce your risk of infection at spas? One has to lurk around the spa area before getting some kind of treatment as well as observe the spa for general cleanliness and also listen to the people who have been there before (word of mouth). It is recommended to bring the own equipment to avoid the threat of contamination, when asking for special treatments.One should also be very careful if there are any open cuts or wounds one the body, one should cancel the appointment until they have healed, because any open area of the skin can stimulate infection.But knowing the risks that pertain to you and carefully judging the cleanliness of a spa before making an appointment, it can take a long time to ensure ones safety and satisfaction. If one is not sure about a certain treatment, which might affect ones wellbeing, then one should consult a doctor first. (http://www.littlespeck.com/content/health/CTrendsHealth-051218.htm) 2.8 How the West is influenced by Asia The interior designs of the western modernity are the influences of the Asian culture, an example of that would be the colour pink, which plays a big role in it. The best example for this is the Yi Spa in Berlin. Since 2006 the modern Spa with an Asian flare seduces its customers in absolute relaxation. On 130 square meters diverse far eastern healing methods are applied. The team is led by three Thai women with the motto of We know the way to 7th heaven. Asian massage arts like baths, packages, and peelings and so on are provided with natural products, relaxing music, small snacks and exotic drinks for long lasting stress reduction. The hectic big city jungle immediately recedes after entering a wellness oasis. Slate, stone and dark wood in combination with magenta lures one to let him or her be spoiled from head to toe by such a peaceful atmosphere. The western people who have been to Asian countries are inspired by the beautiful surroundings and therefore remember or look forward to their relaxing, enchanting and far eastern vacation experience. One Problem that is faced is that there are various Chinese herbal pharmacies in the West, which is living proof of the crossover between east and west. These pharmacies are usually run by western biologists and supply mostly to non-Asians, where they get Chinese medical diagnosis and are prescribed herbal prescriptions, which they bring to their house and make up into a tea.The only problem is that very often there is a language and cultural difficulty, which prevents customers from coming into such kind of shops. There are differences as well as similarities of the philosophies between Eastern and Western medical models. The biggest difference in philosophy between them is how each sees the body. Western medicine looks upon the body as being very mechanistic. In former times the beginning of the scientific study of the body through autopsy and the scientific method states that the mans physical body is separate from his soul. Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back to nearly 5000 years. It views the body as an ecosystem, a garden within a garden. Their philosophy comes from Taoist teachings and is one of integration and balance. They believe in a life force called Qi, which flows through the body giving life energy. When the flow of Qi is disrupted the body becomes out of balance. A diagnosis in Traditional Medicine differs from the Western medicine. The western people go to a doctor and complain about certain illnesses or pains. Afterwards a practitioner formulates a diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms. They believe that diseases develop from established causes, which are then treated by more or less fixed protocols. (http://www.uwosh.edu/eap/updates/docs/Fall%202001%20Vol.%205%202.doc) Whereas, the Chinese relies on the three basic methods of diagnosis, namely: Tounge Pulse. Patterns 2.9 Trends Why do people go to visit Spas? The trend to wellness is the product of various overall social trends. More and more people have the opportunity nowadays of decision-making- which was unthinkable in former times, where they were forced to follow certain political, economical or social statuses. A few examples of the changes are the age of getting married is increasing, and the education nowadays takes longer and a lifetime of learning is postulated. They also feel that they are responsible for their own health and therefore are ready to change their lifestyle for it. They would like to stay in shape and also at the same time away from any possible diseases. It has been proven that people with high blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol have a higher chance of getting ill. Therefore more and more people have the necessity to improve these risk factors by having a wide interest in exercise and nutrition. Exercise and nutrition is also part of getting old. Wide ranges of older people want to have a longer life and therefore there is a connection between the increasing life expectancy and the wellness trend. Here in particular we find a high interest in healthy nutrition, relaxation- and concentration techniques and also food supplements (Vitamins, trace elements etc.) Women have more and more influence in social development. The increasing educational level and the growing participation of women in the workforce lead to their having a higher salary and higher influence in politics and economy. In Austria respectively Germany, women bring as much money home as men.Women are the one that show more interest in these matters. Fitness and health magazines are mostly read by women, it is more likely for them to change their lifestyle to a healthier one.However Wellness is not only a trend for women. A lot of men are starting to take more interest in it as well and will in some degree- grow stronger in the future. Spiritual tourism adds to this education of people seeking for a meaning while on vacation. The increasing individualism of our society and the loss of common traditions have combined to expand the need to find something deeper and more meaningful.Bookstores have a lot of literature about self-healing, Buddhism or esoteric subjects. That is why more and more people are also starting to use their holidays to look for a new kind of inner peace. Spiritual tourism has become one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry worldwide; even it might be one of the oldest forms of tourism. Examples for this are Muslims traveling to Mecca, or Sikhs visiting the Golden Temple and Christians and Jews visiting the Holy Land. 2.9.1 Top Spa Trends One trend is the Healthy Sleep at the Spa. With sleep comes exercise, nutrition and stress management. Hotels and resorts will put greater importance on creating ideal sleep environments, by minimal light and sound, aromatherapy, and ultra-relaxing spa treatments. Also Detox at the Spa became a trend. As culture continues to discover more toxins such as stress, environmental pollution etc, Spas look for more people to turn to spas for a range of detox solutions, which usually includes relaxation, all-organic diets, sweating, exercise, steams and saunas. The next trend is Spa Retreats at Resort Spas. For years destination spas have offered specialty weeks in yoga, sexual health, or medical concerns such as quitting smoking. Now resorts and hotels are getting into the retreat business, adding specialty programs or special accommodations that appeal to their past guests. Another trend is Medical Tourism. Western people are travelling to global destinations, often in beautiful, culturally rich Asian countries like Bangkok, South Africa and India, where treatments are more affordable than in their own countr

Essay on William Shakespeares Plagiarism of King Lear -- Biography Bi

Shakespeare's Plagiarism of King Lear   Ã‚  Ã‚   In creating the tragedy play King Lear, William Shakespeare plagiarized many sources in getting the base-line story, but it required his genius and intellect to place them together to create the true tragedy with its multiple plot lines that his play turned out to be in the end. The story of King Lear (or as it started, King Leir) is first seen in literature in the year 1135, contained in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae. Other authors placed King Leir into their stories including; John Higgins in A Mirror for Magistrates (1574), by Warner in Albion's England (1586), by Holinshed in The Second Book of the Historie of England (1577), and by Spencer in The Faerie Queen (1590). The most influential of all was probably The True Chronicle History of King Leir, which was anonymous. This play was performed as early as 1594, which is when it showed up in the "Stationers' Register." Kenneth Muir even suggested that Shakespeare "may have acted in it" (Muir 141). Sh akespeare took the best of all the sources of King Leir, added his touches and personality, and created the masterpiece we enjoy today.    Geoffrey of Monmouth in Historia Regum Britanniae, gave us the description of King Lear and his three daughters, and also the basis for the love test. One major difference is that unlike Shakespeare's Lear, Geoffrey's Leir does not appear to be insane and has not lost control of his mind. In fact, he regains control of the kingdom, with the help of the King of France. According to Geoffrey Bullough, "This is no senile man" (Bullough 273). Whether Shakespeare actually read this account of the daughters and the love test or read it in a later version cannot be proven, but... ...ly continuous was masterful. Despite the use of all the sources, the additions of the Fool, the earlier death of Cordelia, the plot of Edmund to take over the kingdom, and the blindness of Gloucester (literally) and Lear (emotionally) was pure genius of Shakespeare. The blending of both the sources and his genius led to a complete and amazing story of redemption, the same way that Jane Smiley used Shakespeare's King Lear as a source to help create her Pulitzer Prize winning A Thousand Acres about a twentieth-century farm.    Works Cited Bullough, Geoffrey. "King Lear". Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1973. Muir, Kenneth. "Great Tragedies I: King Lear." Shakespeare's Sources. London: Methuen & Co Ltd, 1957. Satin, Joseph. "King Lear." Shakespeare and His Sources. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1966.

Great Britain Essay examples -- History, British Empire

Ever since its creation in 1707, the United Kingdom of Great Britain has been a powerful union of many different nations and identities, including the English, Scots, Welsh and later Irish. From the Middle Ages until the Second World War this union had not only fortified its domestic political power but also expanded its reign across the entire world, resulting in the world’s largest and mightiest empire, the British Empire. This great achievement of the union was mainly due to the remarkable sense of unity of its people who considered themselves primarily as British and secondly as Scots, Welsh or Irish. By the end of the Second World War, however, the domestic governance stability also threatened to collapse as many foreign colonies of the Empire seized independence. The Scots, Welsh and the Northern Irish started demanding more and more political independence from Westminster and by the end of the 20th century they were finally granted own national parliaments. After this p rocess of devolution, the English people started questioning their own identity and what distinguished them from the Scots, Welsh and the Northern Irish. But is there a national identity in England and if yes can this national identity be politically mobilized in the near future? When investigating English national identity and its possible future political mobilization it is crucial to analyze its meaning and history in the first part. Bechhofer and McCrone (2009) explain national identity as a political, sociological, cultural and psychological construct which is highly influence by the media, political changes within a state and its institutions. National identity, therefore, stays in a very close connection to notions such as nation, nationhood and nati... ...necessary in the eyes of the English voters that mainly vote in regard of other more important issues and debates. Partly contradicting Copus, Kumar (2001) explains that a future English nationalism is does not have to be excluded and very possible, but no one can now say how this is reflected in the future. To put it in a nutshell, in my opinion a political mobilization of the English identity in the near future is rather not probable since the English people are clearly not in the need of it an English parliament. Not only due to the multicultural aspect of its society today but also due to its imperialistic past, the English identity has become multifaceted and interpreted in many ways which makes it much harder for the English nationalism to evolve compared to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Therefore, a unified mobilization is in the near future not thinkable.

Lord of the Flies :: Lord of the Flies Essays

Lord of the Flies   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Lord of the Flies had 4 main characters: Ralph, Simon, Jacky, and Piggy. All of the boys had a profound impact on the book but one boy was very intense and amazing. That boy was Simon.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Simon was the kind of person who kept to himself and looked at the world from a different point of view. His disease made him take life much more seriously than the rest of the group. The ironic thing about this is that even though he took life more seriously than others, he was the first to die. He was different because he was a member of the choir and unlike the other member of the choir, he did not hunt. Even Ralph was quoted as saying he was funny and queer. But he was right. He did not like the company of the other boys because on page 132 of the book, he is seen in his little bower where he just sits and becomes one with his mind. Most of the other boys are seen playing but not Simon. His maturity level and intelligence were far greater than some adults in this day and age. Many would compare Simon to Jesus Christ. Simon would help the needy and unfortunate by giving Piggy meat when the others would not give it to him. Simon would tell the boys that the beast was within and like Jesus, many would not listen until too late. Simon and Jesus Christ died in the same manner. Both died trying to tell others what was best for them. Simon tried to tell the kids that the beast was within themselves even when he was dying but none listened.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 Simon’s conversation with Lord of the Flies is the turning point of the book. It really isn’t a conversation because Simon says nothing. A nod of the head and shaking is the only language Simon speaks. The Lord of the Flies knows a lot about Simon. He knows that Simon is a loner and keeps to himself. The Lord of the Flies tells Simon that they are going to have fun or, in other words, hunt. Ralph could not even escape the beast. But if the beast did not exist inside your mind then it would not tell the kids to hunt. The Lord of the Flies told Simon if he tried to tell the boys that the beast was within themselves, then he would die.

Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index Essay

The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index influences a business’s future decisions for ventures on foreign soil. Businesses use the index to compare countries for the most and potentially best prospective investment in order to profit from expansion. The FDI Index lists the top countries that are projected to be the most compelling to directly invest in fixed and variable assets in order to achieve management control (Ball, Geringer, Minor, & McNett, 2010). According to Ball, Geringer, Minor, and Mcnett (2010) in International Business; The Challenge of Global Competition, â€Å"if a nation is continuing to receive appreciable amounts of foreign investment, its investment climate must be favorable.† Through analysis of projected countries for foreign investment, a company can determine if a foreign market is favorable to expand into since other companies are continuously investing in them. A.T. Kearney Inc., a global management consultant firm, researches and constructs the Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index periodically in order to assist and advise CEO’s across the world in multiple markets make the most informed business decisions. With offices in thirty- seven countries, A.T. Kearney has the presence and global notoriety that corporations lean upon for expansion decisions (A.T. Kearney Inc., 2011). The company’s vast experience advising top corporations in multiple industries lends credibility to the A.T. Kearney Inc.’s analysis of the constructed FDI Confidence Index. The FDI Confidence Index is a widely used tool that is compiled using analysis of many components. A.T. Kearney Inc. begins the research for the top countries to invest by surveying the top corporate executives of one thousand of the largest businesses throughout the world and account for more than † two trillion in annual global revenue,† (Laudicina, Gott, & Pohl, 2010). These selected companies are representatives from forty-four countries across seventeen industries (Laudicina et al., 2010). A.T. Kearney compilation and calculation for the FDI Confidence Index is meant to capture a true audience’s opinion of the potential investment and expansion into foreign markets by observing a broad spectrum of companies business plan throughout their global investment perspective. The Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index survey questioned each CEO and took a weighted average of their responses on a scale of high, medium and low when asked for the â€Å"likelihood of the direct investment in a market over the next three years,† as presented by Laudicina, Gott, and Pohl (2010). The survey did not question the senior executives on the likelihood of investment with in their own country (Laudicina et all., 2010). Therefore, the index values are non-biased and are based true opinions from leading CEO’s for the most desirable countries to invest company assets. Other sources that are taken into consideration in the compilation of the Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index include data prepared by the United Nations. According to Investing in a Rebound: the 2010 A.T. Kearney’s Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, â€Å"FDI flow figures are the latest statistics available from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)† are used to assist in the compilation of the ranking of countries (Laudicina et all., 2010). Also, Laudicina et all. (2010) includes the, â€Å"International Monetary Fund (IMF), investment promotion agencies, central banks, ministries of finance and trade, and major periodicals,† for insight to determine the rankings of each country. A.T. Kearney Inc. uses multiple resources for compiling the FDI Confidence Index in order to construct the most representative statistics for future foreign investments. Even though the FDI Confidence Index ranks countries upon the likelihood of future investments from non-source corporations, the economic market has globally taken a downturn. Laudicina et all. (2010) responds in the publication, â€Å"while conditions have improved, senior executives at the world’s largest companies remain wary of investing during the current climate, and few expect a full turnaround before 2011.† Top corporate executives, even though the market is down, still project potentially investment in equipment, structures and organizations in these top countries at a level that is sufficient to obtain significant management control within the next three years (Laudicina et all. 2010). The Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index is compiled by A.T. Kearney Inc., a well-respected global management firm, in order to assist corporations in capitalizing company assets in foreign countries. This list ranks the top countries of foreign investment by surveying top senior executives around the world, using Untied Nations data on foreign trade and other publications in order to compile the most thorough analysis for corporations to use for the most prospective countries for foreign ventures (Laudicina et all., 2010). Even though the global economy has taken a turn for the worse, corporations are continuing to foresee future foreign direct investment as a possibility for their company’s long-term business plan.

Death of a salesman explication Essay

This passage allows us to make several assumptions about the main character, Willy, in a psychiatric way. Obviously irony is a major component of how Arthur Miller hints to these mental characteristics, but he also alludes to other concepts in the details of the stage directions and the seemingly unimportant lines of supporting characters. Upon examining the passage on pages 38 and 39 in the book, (25 and 26 in the pdf) it has become clear that most of WIlly’s problems can be traced back not to how he raised his own children, but back to his own childhood. The three key points of Willy’s youth are subtly given to us in this passage and  highlighted with Miller’s use of irony. This may just be an opinion, but Willy is pretty weak, and not just physically. In this passage he is seemingly dependant on people’s praise and of seeming important. The irony is that he is thriving off the praise of both his wife and mistress, although the two women could not be be more different in their temperament. His wife Linda assures Willy of his handsomeness and his excellent parenting, in her eyes, and The Woman, although her compliments are far less sincere, assures Willy of how she picked him of all the possible  salesmen This is key because one of the main points of the entire play is Willy’s struggle with the fact that he is indeed not important anymore. This is ironic because it leads us to believe Willy to be this successful salesman, and we soon find that not to be true in the present day of the play. Willy’s need for reassurance of his importance is foreshadowing his lack of necessity in his future, and his lack of deserving praise in his future. The Woman, being more manipulative, sees Willy’s weakness for compliments and used them to keep him addicted in a way to their affair. In the start of the passage Willy complains of being alone on the road, so what better way to subdue that loneliness than to acquire someone to fawn over him and make him feel good about himself. This leads us to assume Willy has some self esteem issues. This concept also supports Willy’s affair because cheating often springs from people with poor self images because of the craving for the assurance of the cheating people’s greatness. This self hate can come from many places but most often comes from something deep rooted like, well, the person’s roots. Mother’s are important, something about the presence or absence of a mother can  make or break those of weaker spirits. Willy being one of those weak ones was emotionally stunted by his lack of mother. Or even lack of any family to establish healthy social skills. But commonly in psych cases, a lack of a mother or mother figure results in a perpetual longing for physical connections. In the stage directions Miller illustrates throughout this passage how purely physical Willy and The Woman’s relationship is. The passage begins with Willy discussing his longing for physical contact when he is on the road. Like Willy’s addiction to praise, he needs the physical contact because he just isn’t capable of making deeper  relationship connections from his early social handicap. The beginning confession for physical relations is ironic because he describes how he wants it to be with Linda, but it ends up happening with a mistress. This lack of ability to connect is part of the reason for Willy’s struggle with Biff. Willy cannot figure out how to communicate with Biff simply because he is socially inept. This in turn comes to stunt Biff as well as Willy makes the same mistakes with Biff that Willy’s own father did with Willy. Willy is haunted by his childhood, his decisions and his family. Miller never specifically writes how important this is, but he hints at it in one intense way in the stage directions. Willy hearing the flute music of his father. This flute music narrates the entire play in it’s own way. Like most people, Willy is terrified of ending up like his father. Everyone is told they end up like their parents and everyone vows that they will be different. But the thick irony is that Willy ends up just like his father, making the same vital mistakes. Just as Willy’s father abandoned Willy as a child and added another psychiatric problem to Willy’s list of mental  issues, Willy abandons his own family in what he thinks is a seemingly innocent act. A clear example of this is when The Woman thanks Willy for the stockings, and then it cuts to Linda repairing her stockings (which she is constantly doing throughout the play). This irony is that instead of taking care of his actual family by doing things like spending money on his wife to replace her old, ripped stockings, he turns his back on them to buy a gift for his mistress. Just like his father he put off the needs of his family for his own needs. This may seem harmless but in doing this Willy demonstrates who he is putting first n his priorities. These issues all lead to some serious mental issues that result in an endless cycle. Willy is unhappy with himself and longs to make connections and receive praise, but his only way to make connections is physically, which leads to poor choices, which leads to making his longed for connections worse which makes him even more unhappy with himself. Some people just don’t know how to stop the cycle and just work on their communication skills. Miller lays the irony on so thickly throughout this book to show how despite all Willy’s struggles he continues to do the exact things he is trying to prevent. Truly a tragedy.