The Success Of Flight Centre

The Success Of Flight Centre Flight Centre is a travel agent situated in Australia that has enjoyed a lot of success over the years making it one of the leading travel agents in Australia and the rest of the world (Roth, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Success Of Flight Centre specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main objective of compiling this special report about Flight Centre as an organization is to find out the secrete behind the success of the company and the various management approaches and principles applied by the company’s management to ensure the company maintains its level of success (Johnson, 2005). This paper will explore the management strategies of Flight Centre and the importance of social co-operate responsibility in the development of the company image and brand. Flight Centre Limited as a company became fully operational in 1981 and since then has emerged as the leading travel agent in Australia and the re st of the world. The company had a market capitalization of $1.145 billion on the Australian by the year 2006 indicating a steady growth since its establishment (Johnson, 2005). The company has expanded beyond the boundaries having opened up branches in ten other countries in Europe, America and Africa. Flight centre is one of the leading employers offering jobs to over 8000 workers in its 1500 stores spread across different countries (Roth, 2010). Some of the major countries in which the company has experiences rapid growth include Canada, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and South Africa. Since its establishment, the company has revolutionalized international travelling and diversified its services to fully meet customer demands (Roth, 2010). Apart from being a travel agent, the company offers other services such as accommodation, car rentals and holiday packages to comprehensively meet business and holiday needs for its clients. Flight Centre has been able to increase i ts sales because of its effective market segmentation strategies that cater for online, wholesale, corporate and retail clients (Joyce, 2001). Some of the major outstanding factors that make Flight Centre remain very competitive in the market is its extensively network of stores that makes distribution faster and effective and the fact that it is an internationally recognized brand compared to other brands (Thompson, 2005). Flight Centre is the leading travel agent in terms of online transactions making it have a competitive edge over its competitors. Flight Center has been acquiring other companies around the world with the recent one being the Liberty Travel company as a strategy for penetrating the North American market (Dobson et al., 2004).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One of the weaknesses of Flight Center is its inability to sell tickets directly to its c lients a fact makes it face a lot of competition from other travel agencies like Qantas, Trailfinders, Webjet and S8 which are able to sell their tickets directly. The company also is threatened by the preference of many travelers to make their travel arrangements online instead of engaging the services of travel agents (Soloner, et al., 2006). However, the company has an opportunity to exploit the market due to the ever increasing number of leisure travelers and students who are in need of more affordable flights that can only be organized by travel agents. Flight Centre has a current share price of $21.590 regardless of the fact that there were many natural disasters experienced in the just concluded financial year. The company is expected to record a pre-tax profit of around $ 250 million which will be a 20% increase compared to the previous profit record (Roth, 2010). All the Flight Centre branches in ten countries recorded an increase in sales with the United States Branch bein g the highest with a $2 million profit. The high profits recorded in the last financial year are attributed to the increase in the number of leisure of travelers (Copley, 2004). The success of any organization depends on the strategic plans of the company and the management principles applied by the company’s leadership. Flight Centre has remained competitive and stable over the years because of the board’s resolve to safeguard the value of its shareholders all the time (Clegg et al., 1999). Some of the strategies put in place by the board to ensure the shareholder’s value is safeguarded include effective communication and charting of the company’s objectives, constant performance monitoring, establishment of risk identification and control mechanisms and strict monitoring and control of capital expenditure and investment. The board delegates power to managers and employees to ensure all the company’s financial and strategic objectives are met (Kot ler, 2005). All the employees are expected to uphold ethical standards in all their dealings. All the decisions made are based on the company’s constitution and core philosophies. Integrity is highly emphasized with all the managers and employees expected to comply with ethical and legal requirements of their area of duty.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Success Of Flight Centre specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Flight Centre has a well established audit committee that ensures that there is integrity in all financial reports of the company (Baherjee, 2007). The audit committee has the responsibility of reviewing the company’s financial reports to ensure all financial policies of the company are not altered in any way. Flight Center has transparent mechanisms that ensure a continuous disclosure of information to its shareholders especially on issues concerning share values (Werther, 2010). The compan y’s management respects the rights of its shareholders with the shareholders being given an opportunity to raise their concerns and opinions during annual general meetings. Flight Centre has well established risk management and control mechanisms with a strict compliance to Australian laws. The Remuneration structure of Flight Centre is fair to all the employees with the board ensuring that it is done responsibly and all the records included in the annual financial report (Mallin, 2009). Flight Centre has a fare wage structure compared to other players in the industry which has contributed immensely to the high level of motivation among its staff. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of a company’s business activities and involves processes that ensure that the organization brings a positive effect to its immediate environment and the society in general (Kotler, 2005). Most companies are always under scrutiny by external stakeholders who always want to k now what the company does to promote the immediate communities and how it treats its staff and other stakeholders. Companies have the responsibility of improving the quality of life of its employees and the local communities. Companies pay taxes from their profits and also allocate a certain percentage of its profits to charity works that improve the general welfare of the society (Kotler, 2005). Social responsibility ensures that the company is well managed to make business remain competitive and sustain the value of wealth creation. Corporate Social Responsibility helps the company address environmental and social concerns voluntarily. Corporate Social responsibility offers the company a good opportunity to interact with its stakeholders and in the process impacting the society positively (Baherjee, 2007). By contributing to societal growth and development, the company is in other words promoting public interest.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A good company should not only focus on making profits but should also be concerned about the environment and the people inside and outside the company. Corporate social responsibility clearly shows the consumers what the company stands for and its actual mission (Kotler, 2005). There is no formal legislation to govern corporate social responsibility but companies have to adhere to principles for responsible investment (Kotler, 2005). Apart from benefiting the society, companies receive a fair share of benefits through its Corporate Responsibility activities. The benefits might include financial benefits through gaining business, staff retention and recruitment, risk management, brand differentiation and goodwill from the government. In conclusion, Flight Centre Limited is one of the leading travel agent organizations because of its effective management strategies. Despite stiff competition from its competitors, the company has remained stable through diversification of its services and its efficient distribution centers established in more than ten countries around the world. Strategic planning combined with effective management approaches and principles have made Flight Centre to continue enjoying high profits over the years despite the many challenges the industry has been facing. Corporate social responsibility forms an integral part of the company’s involvement in the betterment of the environment and the society in general. How the company treats its employees together with their families and its role in improving the environment and the general society are key aspects of an effective Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. Apart improving the welfare of the society, the company gets some business and goodwill benefits in return. References Baherjee, S. B., 2007. Corporate social responsibility: The good, the bad and the ugly. New York, NY: Edward Algar Publishing. Clegg, S. et al., 1999. Global management: Universal theories and local realities . New York, NY: SAGE. Copley, P., 2004. Marketing communication management: Concepts and theories, cases and practices. New York, NY: Butterworth-Heinemann. Dobson, P. et al., 2004. Strategic management: Issues and cases. New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell. Johnson, M., 2005. Family village tribe: The story of Flight Centre Limited. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Joyce, P., 2001. Strategic management: A fresh approach to developing skills, knowledge and creativity. New York, NY: Kogan Page Publishers. Kotler, P., 2005. Corporate social responsibility: Doing the most good for your company and cause. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Mallin, C. A., 2009. Corporate social responsibility: A case study approach. New York, NY: Edward Algar Publishing. Roth, M., 2010. Top stocks 2011: A share buyer’s guide to leading Australian companies. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Saloner, G. et al., 2006. Strategic management. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Thompson, J. L., 2005. Strat egic management: Awareness and change. New York, NY: Cengage Learning EMEA. Werther, W. B., 2010. Strategic corporate responsibility: Stakeholders in a global environment. New York, NY: SAGE

How to Identify the Subject in French

How to Identify the Subject in French The subject  is the  noun or pronoun in a clause or sentence that performs the action of the verb. To find the subject, ask who or what is performing the action of  the verb. It is crucial to recognize the subject because  French verbs are  conjugated according to the number, person and gender of the subject noun or the subject pronoun. David lave la voiture.  / David is washing the car. Who is washing the car? David is, so David is the subject. Subject Pronouns Subject pronouns replace the specific names of people or things: SINGULAR      1st person  Ã‚  Ã‚  je  Ã‚  I  Ã‚  Ã‚  2nd person  Ã‚  tu   you  Ã‚  Ã‚  3rd person  Ã‚  Ã‚  il   he, it / elle   she, it /  on   one PLURAL   Ã‚   1st person  Ã‚  Ã‚  nous  Ã‚  we  Ã‚  Ã‚  2nd person  Ã‚  vous   you  Ã‚  Ã‚  3rd person  Ã‚  Ã‚  ils   they (m) /  elles   they (f) The French subject pronoun  on is an indefinite pronoun that means one, we, you and they. Its often equivalent to the English  passive voice.      On ne devrait pas poser cette question.  Ã‚  Ã‚  One shouldnt ask that question. / You shouldnt ask that quesiton. Note that, unlike the English I, the French  je  is only capitalized when it begins a sentence; otherwise it is lowercase. Subjects in Sentences Whether sentences be statements, exclamations, questions, or commands, there is always a subject, either  stated or implied. Only in a command is the subject not explicitly stated; it is implied by the imperative conjugation of the verb. Sentences can be separated into a subject (un sujet)  and a predicate (un prà ©dicat). The subject is the person or thing performing the action, and the predicate is the rest of the sentence, which usually begins with the verb.Je suis professeur.  Suject:  Je. Prà ©dicat:  suis professeur. I am a teacherSubject: I. Predicate: am a professor. La jeune fille est mignonne  Sujet:  La jeune fille.  Prà ©dicat:  est mignonne.   The young girl is cute.Subject: The young girl. Predicate: is cute.

Legal Framework for Securing the Repayment of Secured Loans Essay

Legal Framework for Securing the Repayment of Secured Loans - Essay Example Thus the two different varieties of debt were different not because they were founded on different kinds of relationships, but rather only because in one the plaintiff could present specialty to evidence the debt (=debt on an obligation) [obligation meaning specialty], whereas in the other the plaintiff only has suit, that is, two people (either actually there in the thirteenth century, or there only by obligation by early in the fourteenth century [contract meaning a transaction (not an agreement), such as buying, selling, lending, borrowing). Do not be fooled by this usage of the word â€Å"contract†: that word is now used for agreements whereas then, the word meant a transaction.1 The difference between the debt on an obligation and debt on a contract, the difference that it made whether one had a specialty or only suit, was in the form of proof that followed. If the plaintiff had a specialty, the defendant had two possible replies: (1) the specialty is a forgery (= not my deed) or (2) I have repaid as proven by your written acquittance under your seal. The debtor could not allege repayment unless he had the written acquittance. The only issue that could go to the jury was whether the specialty was forged (or, after circa 1380, whether the debtor was illiterate so that he did not know what the specialty said so it was, similarly, not his deed). Thus there was no possible discussion about the nature of the debt and a thus little chance for the development of a 1UK Legal Framework, Debt body of substitutive law. ... were founded on different kinds of relationships, but rather only because in one the plaintiff could present specialty to evidence the debt (=debt on an obligation) [obligation meaning specialty], whereas in the other the plaintiff only has suit, that is, two people (either actually there in the thirteenth century, or there only by obligation by early in the fourteenth century (=debt on a contract) [contract meaning a transaction (not an agreement), such as buying, selling, lending, borrowing). Do not be fooled by this usage of the word "contract": that word is now used for agreements whereas then, the word meant a transaction.1 The difference between the debt on an obligation and debt on a contract, the difference that it made whether one had specialty or only suit, was in the form of proof that followed. If the plaintiff had specialty, the defendant had two possible replies: (1) the specialty is a forgery (= not my deed) or (2) I have repaid as proven by your written acquittance under your seal. The debtor could not allege repayment unless he had the written acquittance. The only issue that could go to the jury was whether the specialty was forged (or, after circa 1380, whether the debtor was illiterate so that he did not know what the specialty said so it was, similarly, not his deed). Thus there was no possible discussion about the nature of the debt and thus little chance for the development of a 1UK Legal Framework, Debt 3 body of substitutive law. In debt on a contract substitutive discussion was usually avoided by the defendants plea: I owe nothing.2We

Major Histocompatibility Complex Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Major Histocompatibility Complex - Essay Example The role of immune responses and polymorphism brings about changes to parasitic responses and individuals master immune responses against pathogenic responses. In this discussion features of the major histocompatibility complex are highlighted and the mechanisms and functions of the immune system are also discussed in terms of pathogenic reactions and the role of the MHC. The importance of genetic diversity, selective pressure and polymorphism would also be discussed to suggest evolutionary changes, genetic diversity in the population and the influence of MHC on social behavior. A description of the MHC or Major Histocompatibility Complex could suggest that MHC is a gene cluster. The MH complex consists of four million base pairs of DNA and contains 128 genes as well as 96 pseudogenes (non-functional gene remnants). The MHC is thus a multigene family, has a large cluster of genes encoding key receptor molecules that aids in the binding of foreign peptides to immune cells and this in turn leads to a successful immune response (Klein, 1986). The vertebrate immune system has the MHC as its core and it is a multigene family encoding receptor molecules that binds and recognizes foreign peptides for immune responses and immune cells. ... ent them to immune cells and trigger a sort of immune response and foreign proteins enter cells by infection, phagocytosis in antigen presenting cells and macrophages. Foreign proteins are comprised of small peptides and presented in MHC molecules and these proteins are transported to the cell surface and T cell population. When the peptide binds the T cells, immune responses are triggered (Klein, 1986). The MHC is the most important genetic cluster within a mammalian immune system and the immune system is described in terms of the Major Histocompatibility Complex. The MHC is composed of cell surface glycoproteins and binds antigens from pathogens to T lymphocytes and this helps in triggering the appropriate immune response to attack of parasites in the body. Some MHC genes may produce a diversity of antigens in a population and individuals posses a unique bunch of genes and the MHC represent the immune system and immune responses quite directly so the genetic effects of population fragmentation are studied. Certain MHC genes evolve in response to selective pressure from pathogens and tend to affect the social behavior of animals as well. Some of the issues that will be discussed here would relate to the nature of MHC, the underlying structural and functional attributes, the early history of MHC, the class I, II, and III and variations or differentiation within manifestation of MHC so that evolutionary processes and mechanisms of parasitic reactions, adaptation and selection could be explained. The MHC has been characterized at the molecular level for many years and the population diversity of MHC molecules is quite large as for some MHC loci, over 100 different alleles have been identified (Parham and Ohta 1996). For polymorphism in MHC, the importance of mutation,

Mattel and Toy Safety Essay Example for Free

Mattel and Toy Safety Essay For the better part of 30 years now, corporate executives have struggled with the issue of the firms responsibility to its society. Early on it was argued by some that the corporations sole responsibility was to provide a maximum financial return to shareholders. It became quickly apparent to everyone, however, that this pursuit of financial gain had to take place within the laws of the land. Though social activist groups and others throughout the 1960s advocated a broader notion of corporate responsibility, it was not until the significant social legislation of the early 1970s that this message became indelibly clear as a result of the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These new governmental bodies established that national public policy now officially recognized the environment, employees, and consumers to be significant and legitimate stakeholders of business. From that time on, corporate executives have had to wrestle with how they balance their commitments to the corporations owners with their obligations to an ever-broadening group of stakeholders who claim both legal and ethical rights. A. B. Carroll, (1991). In this paper I will discuss the issue of toy safety in reference to Mattel, Inc. , one of the world’s leading toy makers. Mattel had ordered a series of recalls of children’s playthings that had been found to be coated with lead paint. The toy recalls had alarmed parents and consumer activists, as well as the toy industry, retailers who marketed their products, and product safety regulators. I will address the following circumstances that involved Mattel and their safety issues. Do I believe that Mattel acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to the safety of its toys? Why or why not? What should or could Mattel have done differently, if anything? Who or what do I believe was responsible for the fact that children were exposed to potentially dangerous toys and why? What is the best way to ensure the safety of children’s toys? In responding, I will consider how the following groups would answer this question: government regulators (in the U. S. and China); consumer advocates, the toy industry, children’s product retailers; and standard-setting organizations. What might explain the differences in their point of view? What do you think is the best way for society to protect children from harmful toys? Specifically, what are the appropriate roles for various stakeholders in this process? Mattel Corporation is the largest toy company in the world, a publicly traded organization with a market capitalization of over $6. 5 billion, employing approximately 36,000 people worldwide in 42 countries. Their products are sold in 150 nations In the summer of 2007, Mattel suffered a major product recall incident. The first recall was the result of vendor failure in China where traces of lead paint were discovered on 83 different products. This led to a recall of 1. 5 million items worldwide. The products contained levels of lead paint that failed the products’ specification. Mattel even announced that a significant portion of the toys were recalled because of a design flaw and not substandard manufacturing. Mattel requires the factories it contracts with to use paint and other materials provided by certified suppliers. Mattel executives said they did not know if the contract manufacturer substituted paint from a noncertified supplier or if a certified supplier caused the problem. I believe that Mattel acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to the safety of its toys. During this crisis, Mattel contacted their chief suppliers and asked them to pull the recalled products from the shelf. I think this was the appropriate thing to do in this case. First things first, pulling the product and afterwards warning the public of their finding so we could get the lead painted toys out of the hands of our kids. Then getting down to the problem, trying to figure out where they went wrong to correct the problem. I do believe that this incident could have been avoided, but it was handled in a perfectly responsible and ethical manner. Some of the things that I think Mattel could have done differently from the beginning were to lay out rules and regulations for all of its external vendors and their subcontractors that were cutting corners to save money and time. Some of these subcontractors chose to violate the rules and use paint that was coated with lead, which went against Mattel’s rules. Perhaps if Mattel would have ran periodical checks with the suppliers and subcontractors the lead paint could have been caught before the toys went out. Although it was unintended, Mattel is the responsible one for the fact that children were exposed to potentially dangerous toys. According to the case study and given factors, Mattel has always held a reputation of being a good corporate citizen and their intentions were never something like this to happen. But because Mattel fail to follow up on their guidelines and set rules with vendors and subcontractors to assure they too were complying within guidelines, it all falls back on the originating organization itself. Mattel Inc.  CEO, Robert Ekert reported that the company could have done a better job overseeing the subcontractors in China which produce more than 21 million toys that were recalled. Federal regulators and toy manufacturers have spotted loose Chinese standards spotty US enforcement which contributed too many calls regarding the recalls of Chinese-made toys, food and other products regarding health threats. Ekert made an attempt to bring down public outcry by going to the Senate Appropriations subcommittee to seek to test the safety of Chinese-made products within their own laboratories that are certified within their own company. Magyck, S. 2011). Upon my reading and research the best way to ensure the safety of children’s toys is through the U. S. toy safety standards and regulations. Toy safety standards are shaped by a variety of considerations, including research on child development, dynamic safety testing, and risk analysis. The primary safety standards for the U. S. toy industry are the mandatory federal standard (Code of Federal Regulations, Commercial Practices 16 [16CFR]) and the toy industry has also developed and adheres to voluntary standards (ASTM F963-03 Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety). In addition to adhering to the federal requirements and additional self-imposed safety measures, the toy industry has initiated reassurance testing to affirm the safety of the toys already on the shelves. At the same time, the toy industry is developing a new, mandatory testing protocol by accredited laboratories in conjunction with the well-respected American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The U. S. toy industry understands the concerns many parents have about the safety of toys on the market and is encouraging the U. S.  Congress to pass comprehensive legislation on consumer product safety. The toy industry is also providing additional resources to inform consumers and parents and provide useful tools through this site and through partnerships with independent consumer organizations. The toy industry is also working with health and safety experts to provide parents and consumers with practical tips and relevant information. In the U. S. , the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the independent federal agency that oversees the safety of toys and other consumer products. Nearly 50% of the CPSCs resources ($66 million annually) are used towards the agencys work on toys and other childrens products. The CPSC enforces the U. S. requirements for toy safety and, along with the manufacturer or distributor, issues product recalls as needed. Toy Industry Association (2011). I believe the best way for society to protect children from harmful toys is to follow along the lines, the eight steps that the Consumers Union proposed to help safeguard the health and safety of American consumers from the onslaught of unsafe Chinese-produced consumer products and foods.

Themes of Wuthering Heights Essay -- Emily Bronte

The novel Wuthering Heights is written by Emily Bronte. The narrative is non-linear, involving several flashbacks, and involves two major narrators - Mr. Lockwood and Ellen "Nelly" Dean. The novel opens in 1801, with Lockwood arriving at Thrushcross Grange, a house on the Yorkshire moors he is renting from the impolite Heathcliff, who lives at nearby Wuthering Heights. Lockwood spends the night at Wuthering Heights and has a terrifying dream: the ghost of Catherine Earnshaw, pleading to be admitted to the house from outside. Intrigued, Lockwood asks the housekeeper Nelly Dean to tell the story of Heathcliff and Wuthering Heights while he is staying at the Grange recovering from a cold. Some of the important themes in Wuthering Heights are, revenge, reciprocated and unreciprocated love, obsession, selfishness, and responsibility. Bronte mainly focuses on the love between Catherine and Healthcliff. The difference between the feeling that Catherine has for Heathcliff and the one she feels for Edgar is that Heathcliff is part of her nature, he is like her soul mate. While on the other hand she only marries Edgar as a means improving her status rather than for genuine love. Revenge is the most dominant theme in the book, although at the end Heathcliff abandons his plan for revenge. For Heathcliff revenge started when Hindley used to abuse him when they were younger. He started to hate him and wanted to seek revenge. After he came back from his journey he made Hindley’s life miserable.Heathcliff also wanted revenge on Edgar who married the woman he loves. In the last chapter Heathcliff first believes that if he can avenge the death of Catherine that he will somehow grow closer to her. Though the exact opposite happens. When Hea... ...there are certain tensions, contradictions, and ambiguities present in Chapter 34 that establish the true intensity Heathcliff's feelings towards Catherine, feelings so intense that they border on a jealous obsession. On the other hand Edgar Linton Edgar represents gentlemanliness. He is viewed as a resident of Thrushcross Grange and he does not relocate throughout his life but is raised and dies here. As his wife, Catherine must move to the Grange, where Edgar is the master and patriarch. His inheritance, unlike that of Heathcliff, is legitimate and he is an educated man. In many ways, Edgar is governed by materialism, we need only examine the description of Thrushcross grange to appreciate the environment which characterises him. He is defined as ‘a doll’, and a ‘spoiled child’. His character is consistent and his love for Catherine devoted and traditional. Themes of Wuthering Heights Essay -- Emily Bronte The novel Wuthering Heights is written by Emily Bronte. The narrative is non-linear, involving several flashbacks, and involves two major narrators - Mr. Lockwood and Ellen "Nelly" Dean. The novel opens in 1801, with Lockwood arriving at Thrushcross Grange, a house on the Yorkshire moors he is renting from the impolite Heathcliff, who lives at nearby Wuthering Heights. Lockwood spends the night at Wuthering Heights and has a terrifying dream: the ghost of Catherine Earnshaw, pleading to be admitted to the house from outside. Intrigued, Lockwood asks the housekeeper Nelly Dean to tell the story of Heathcliff and Wuthering Heights while he is staying at the Grange recovering from a cold. Some of the important themes in Wuthering Heights are, revenge, reciprocated and unreciprocated love, obsession, selfishness, and responsibility. Bronte mainly focuses on the love between Catherine and Healthcliff. The difference between the feeling that Catherine has for Heathcliff and the one she feels for Edgar is that Heathcliff is part of her nature, he is like her soul mate. While on the other hand she only marries Edgar as a means improving her status rather than for genuine love. Revenge is the most dominant theme in the book, although at the end Heathcliff abandons his plan for revenge. For Heathcliff revenge started when Hindley used to abuse him when they were younger. He started to hate him and wanted to seek revenge. After he came back from his journey he made Hindley’s life miserable.Heathcliff also wanted revenge on Edgar who married the woman he loves. In the last chapter Heathcliff first believes that if he can avenge the death of Catherine that he will somehow grow closer to her. Though the exact opposite happens. When Hea... ...there are certain tensions, contradictions, and ambiguities present in Chapter 34 that establish the true intensity Heathcliff's feelings towards Catherine, feelings so intense that they border on a jealous obsession. On the other hand Edgar Linton Edgar represents gentlemanliness. He is viewed as a resident of Thrushcross Grange and he does not relocate throughout his life but is raised and dies here. As his wife, Catherine must move to the Grange, where Edgar is the master and patriarch. His inheritance, unlike that of Heathcliff, is legitimate and he is an educated man. In many ways, Edgar is governed by materialism, we need only examine the description of Thrushcross grange to appreciate the environment which characterises him. He is defined as ‘a doll’, and a ‘spoiled child’. His character is consistent and his love for Catherine devoted and traditional.

Atelophobia: fear of imperfection Essay

Atelo means not being good enough and phobo means fear. Atelophobia: fear of imperfection. While a great number of us aim to be perfectionists, some of us take it too far. This could lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is definition of person making their life perfect. If they couldn’t achieve the absolute best, it may cause them to stress. However, people who have a type of behaviour that only draws in disappointment and compromised social relationship are known to have Atelophobia. People with this disorder aim to make everything as flawless as possible. Atelophobia often ruins friendships and relationship, and can often cause conflicts between families; they fear that they won’t be good enough for them. They usually set themselves high standards that are impossible to achieve. These people who have this fear are mostly worried about disappointing others. Victims of Atelophobia can develop this fear by several reasons; media is one of the reasons. Targets usually look up to celebrities. They look at photo-shopped pictures of them and want to be similar to them. Among 7–13th school years, 47% said they wanted to lose weight because of magazine pictures. It could be based on looks, weight, talent etc. It could lead the society to think it’s normal. If everyone had similar thoughts then, people who do not reach to society’s standards would be labelled as ‘different’. A fear of being unique or divergent to others; Unusophobia. Atelophobia victims could also develop this disorder owing to this fact that they wanted to fit in the ‘crowd’. Lastly, Atelophobia could’ve been developed by bullying. Bullying could involve their family or friends. Their childhood could have an experience of people listing harshly of their faults and weaknesses. They could have parents who were too demanding or set unrealistic expectations they could never meet. As a student, it’s highly likely to experience bullying than adults;  statistics proves it. It’s no different for Celebrity, Demi Lovato. At age four, she would look into mirror at herself thinking, â€Å"I was fat† (MTV). The star also explained how her feelings of low self worth lead to her shedding a huge amount of weight at the age of just twelve years old but it did not make her feel better. She stated a group of girls first started to taunt her how she never has straight hair just like the others and it had eventually led on to her other weaknesses. She had then got taken into rehab after her mother finding out she self-harmed herself.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Forty-four

Sansa He wouldn't send Ser Loras,† Sansa told Jeyne Poole that night as they shared a cold supper by lamplight. â€Å"I think it was because of his leg.† Lord Eddard had taken his supper in his bedchamber with Alyn, Harwin, and Vayon Poole, the better to rest his broken leg, and Septa Mordane had complained of sore feet after standing in the gallery all day. Arya was supposed to join them, but she was late coming back from her dancing lesson. â€Å"His leg?† Jeyne said uncertainly. She was a pretty, dark-haired girl of Sansa's own age. â€Å"Did Ser Loras hurt his leg?† â€Å"Not his leg,† Sansa said, nibbling delicately at a chicken leg. â€Å"Father's leg, silly. It hurts him ever so much, it makes him cross. Otherwise I'm certain he would have sent Ser Loras.† Her father's decision still bewildered her. When the Knight of Flowers had spoken up, she'd been sure she was about to see one of Old Nan's stories come to life. Ser Gregor was the monster and Ser Loras the true hero who would slay him. He even looked a true hero, so slim and beautiful, with golden roses around his slender waist and his rich brown hair tumbling down into his eyes. And then Father had refused him! It had upset her more than she could tell. She had said as much to Septa Mordane as they descended the stairs from the gallery, but the septa had only told her it was not her place to question her lord father's decisions. That was when Lord Baelish had said, â€Å"Oh, I don't know, Septa. Some of her lord father's decisions could do with a bit of questioning. The young lady is as wise as she is lovely.† He made a sweeping bow to Sansa, so deep she was not quite sure if she was being complimented or mocked. Septa Mordane had been very upset to realize that Lord Baelish had overheard them. â€Å"The girl was just talking, my lord,† she'd said. â€Å"Foolish chatter. She meant nothing by the comment.† Lord Baelish stroked his little pointed beard and said, â€Å"Nothing? Tell me, child, why would you have sent Ser Loras?† Sansa had no choice but to explain about heroes and monsters. The king's councillor smiled. â€Å"Well, those are not the reasons I'd have given, but . . . † He had touched her cheek, his thumb lightly tracing the line of a cheekbone. â€Å"Life is not a song, sweetling. You may learn that one day to your sorrow.† Sansa did not feel like telling all that to Jeyne, however; it made her uneasy just to think back on it. â€Å"Ser Ilyn's the King's Justice, not Ser Loras,† Jcyne said. â€Å"Lord Eddard should have sent him.† Sansa shuddered. Every time she looked at Ser Ilyn Payne, she shivered. He made her feel as though something dead were slithering over her naked skin. â€Å"Ser Ilyn's almost like a second monster. I'm glad Father didn't pick him.† â€Å"Lord Beric is as much a hero as Ser Loras. He's ever so brave and gallant.† â€Å"I suppose,† Sansa said doubtfully. Beric Dondarrion was handsome enough, but he was awfully old, almost twenty-two; the Knight of Flowers would have been much better. Of course, Jeyne had been in love with Lord Beric ever since she had first glimpsed him in the lists. Sansa thought she was being silly; Jeyne was only a steward's daughter, after all, and no matter how much she mooned after him, Lord Beric would never look at someone so far beneath him, even if she hadn't been half his age. It would have been unkind to say so, however, so Sansa took a sip of milk and changed the subject. â€Å"I had a dream that Joffrey would be the one to take the white hart,† she said. It had been more of a wish, actually, but it sounded better to call it a dream. Everyone knew that dreams were prophetic. White harts were supposed to be very rare and magical, and in her heart she knew her gallant prince was worthier than his drunken father. â€Å"A dream? Truly? Did Prince Joffrey just go up to it and touch it with his bare hand and do it no harm?† â€Å"No,† Sansa said. â€Å"He shot it with a golden arrow and brought it back for me.† In the songs, the knights never killed magical beasts, they just went up to them and touched them and did them no harm, but she knew Joffrey liked hunting, especially the killing part. Only animals, though. Sansa was certain her prince had no part in murdering Jory and those other poor men; that had been his wicked uncle, the Kingslayer. She knew her father was still angry about that, but it wasn't fair to blame Joff. That would be like blaming her for something that Arya had done. â€Å"I saw your sister this afternoon,† Jeyne blurted out, as if she'd been reading Sansa's thoughts. â€Å"She was walking through the stables on her hands. Why would she do a thing like that?† â€Å"I'm sure I don't know why Arya does anything.† Sansa hated stables, smelly places full of manure and flies. Even when she went riding, she liked the boy to saddle the horse and bring it to her in the yard. â€Å"Do you want to hear about the court or not?† â€Å"I do,† Jeyne said. â€Å"There was a black brother,† Sansa said, â€Å"begging men for the Wall, only he was kind of old and smelly.† She hadn't liked that at all. She had always imagined the Night's Watch to be men like Uncle Benjen. In the songs, they were called the black knights of the Wall. But this man had been crookbacked and hideous, and he looked as though he might have lice. If this was what the Night's Watch was truly like, she felt sorry for her bastard half brother, Jon. â€Å"Father asked if there were any knights in the hall who would do honor to their houses by taking the black, but no one came forward, so he gave this Yoren his pick of the king's dungeons and sent him on his way. And later these two brothers came before him, freeriders from the Dornish Marches, and pledged their swords to the service of the king. Father accepted their oaths . . . â€Å" Jeyne yawned. â€Å"Are there any lemon cakes?† Sansa did not like being interrupted, but she had to admit, lemon cakes sounded more interesting than most of what had gone on in the throne room. â€Å"Let's see,† she said. The kitchen yielded no lemon cakes, but they did find half of a cold strawberry pie, and that was almost as good. They ate it on the tower steps, giggling and gossiping and sharing secrets, and Sansa went to bed that night feeling almost as wicked as Arya. The next morning she woke before first light and crept sleepily to her window to watch Lord Beric form up his men. They rode out as dawn was breaking over the city, with three banners going before them; the crowned stag of the king flew from the high staff, the direwolf of Stark and Lord Beric's own forked lightning standard from shorter poles. It was all so exciting, a song come to life; the clatter of swords, the flicker of torchlight, banners dancing in the wind, horses snorting and whinnying, the golden glow of sunrise slanting through the bars of the portcullis as it jerked upward. The Winterfell men looked especially fine in their silvery mail and long grey cloaks. Alyn carried the Stark banner. When she saw him rein in beside Lord Beric to exchange words, it made Sansa feel ever so proud. Alyn was handsomer than Jory had been; he was going to be a knight one day. The Tower of the Hand seemed so empty after they left that Sansa was even pleased to see Arya when she went down to break her fast. â€Å"Where is everyone?† her sister wanted to know as she ripped the skin from a blood orange. â€Å"Did Father send them to hunt down Jaime Lannister?† Sansa sighed. â€Å"They rode with Lord Beric, to behead Ser Gregor Clegane.† She turned to Septa Mordane, who was eating porridge with a wooden spoon. â€Å"Septa, will Lord Beric spike Ser Gregor's head on his own gate or bring it back here for the king?† She and Jeyne Poole had been arguing over that last night. The septa was horror-struck. â€Å"A lady does not discuss such things over her porridge. Where are your courtesies, Sansa? I swear, of late you've been near as bad as your sister.† â€Å"What did Gregor do?† Arya asked. â€Å"He burned down a holdfast and murdered a lot of people, women and children too.† Arya screwed up her face in a scowl. â€Å"Jaime Lannister murdered Jory and Heward and Wyl, and the Hound murdered Mycah. Somebody should have beheaded them.† â€Å"It's not the same,† Sansa said. â€Å"The Hound is Joffrey's sworn shield. Your butcher's boy attacked the prince.† â€Å"Liar,† Arya said. Her hand clenched the blood orange so hard that red juice oozed between her fingers. â€Å"Go ahead, call me all the names you want,† Sansa said airily. â€Å"You won't dare when I'm married to Joffrey. You'll have to bow to me and call me Your Grace.† She shrieked as Arya flung the orange across the table. It caught her in the middle of the forehead with a wet squish and plopped down into her lap. â€Å"You have juice on your face, Your Grace,† Arya said. It was running down her nose and stinging her eyes. Sansa wiped it away with a napkin. When she saw what the fruit in her lap had done to her beautiful ivory silk dress, she shrieked again. â€Å"You're horrible,† she screamed at her sister. â€Å"They should have killed you instead of Lady!† Septa Mordane came lurching to her feet. â€Å"Your lord father will hear of this! Go to your chambers, at once. At once!† â€Å"Me too?† Tears welled in Sansa's eyes. â€Å"That's not fair.† â€Å"The matter is not subject to discussion. Go!† Sansa stalked away with her head up. She was to be a queen, and queens did not cry. At least not where people could see. When she reached her bedchamber, she barred the door and took off her dress. The blood orange had left a blotchy red stain on the silk. â€Å"I hate her!† she screamed. She balled up the dress and flung it into the cold hearth, on top of the ashes of last night's fire. When she saw that the stain had bled through onto her underskirt, she began to sob despite herself. She ripped off the rest of her clothes wildly, threw herself into bed, and cried herself back to sleep. It was midday when Septa Mordane knocked upon her door. â€Å"Sansa. Your lord father will see you now.† Sansa sat up. â€Å"Lady,† she whispered. For a moment it was as if the direwolf was there in the room, looking at her with those golden eyes, sad and knowing. She had been dreaming, she realized. Lady was with her, and they were running together, and . . . and . . . trying to remember was like trying to catch the rain with her fingers. The dream faded, and Lady was dead again. â€Å"Sansa.† The rap came again, sharply. â€Å"Do you hear me?† â€Å"Yes, Septa,† she called out. â€Å"Might I have a moment to dress, please?† Her eyes were red from crying, but she did her best to make herself beautiful. Lord Eddard was bent over a huge leather-bound book when Septa Mordane marched her into the solar, his plaster-wrapped leg stiff beneath the table. â€Å"Come here, Sansa,† he said, not unkindly, when the septa had gone for her sister. â€Å"Sit beside me.† He closed the book. Septa Mordane returned with Arya squirming in her grasp. Sansa had put on a lovely pale green damask gown and a look of remorse, but her sister was still wearing the ratty leathers and roughspun she'd worn at breakfast. â€Å"Here is the other one,† the septa announced. â€Å"My thanks, Septa Mordane. I would talk to my daughters alone, if you would be so kind.† The septa bowed and left. â€Å"Arya started it,† Sansa said quickly, anxious to have the first word. â€Å"She called me a liar and threw an orange at me and spoiled my dress, the ivory silk, the one Queen Cersei gave me when I was betrothed to Prince Joffrey. She hates that I'm going to marry the prince. She tries to spoil everything, Father, she can't stand for anything to be beautiful or nice or splendid.† â€Å"Enough, Sansa.† Lord Eddard's voice was sharp with impatience. Arya raised her eyes. â€Å"I'm sorry, Father. I was wrong and I beg my sweet sister's forgiveness.† Sansa was so startled that for a moment she was speechless. Finally she found her voice. â€Å"What about my dress?† â€Å"Maybe . . . I could wash it,† Arya said doubtfully. â€Å"Washing won't do any good,† Sansa said. â€Å"Not if you scrubbed all day and all night. The silk is ruined.† â€Å"Then I'll . . . make you a new one,† Arya said. Sansa threw back her head in disdain. â€Å"You? You couldn't sew a dress fit to clean the pigsties.† Their father sighed. â€Å"I did not call you here to talk of dresses. I'm sending you both back to Winterfell.† For the second time Sansa found herself too stunned for words. She felt her eyes grow moist again. â€Å"You can't,† Arya said. â€Å"Please, Father,† Sansa managed at last. â€Å"Please don't.† Eddard Stark favored his daughters with a tired smile. â€Å"At last we've found something you agree on.† â€Å"I didn't do anything wrong,† Sansa pleaded with him. â€Å"I don't want to go back.† She loved Mng's Landing; the pagaentry of the court, the high lords and ladies in their velvets and silks and gemstones, the great city with all its people. The tournament had been the most magical time of her whole life, and there was so much she had not seen yet, harvest feasts and masked balls and mummer shows. She could not bear the thought of losing it all. â€Å"Send Arya away, she started it, Father, I swear it. I'll be good, you'll see, just let me stay and I promise to be as fine and noble and courteous as the queen.† Father's mouth twitched strangely. â€Å"Sansa, I'm not sending you away for fighting, though the gods know I'm sick of you two squabbling. I want you back in Winterfell for your own safety. Three of my men were cut down like dogs not a league from where we sit, and what does Robert do? He goes hunting.† Arya was chewing at her lip in that disgusting way she had. â€Å"Can we take Syrio back with us?† â€Å"Who cares about your stupid dancing master?† Sansa flared. â€Å"Father, I only just now remembered, I can't go away, I'm to marry Prince Joffrey.† She tried to smile bravely for him. â€Å"I love him, Father, I truly truly do, I love him as much as Queen Naerys loved Prince Aemon the Dragonknight, as much as Jonquil loved Ser Florian. I want to be his queen and have his babies.† â€Å"Sweet one,† her father said gently, â€Å"listen to me. When you're old enough, I will make you a match with a high lord who's worthy of you, someone brave and gentle and strong. This match with Joffrey was a terrible mistake. That boy is no Prince Aemon, you must believe me.† â€Å"He is!† Sansa insisted. â€Å"I don't want someone brave and gentle, I want him. We'll be ever so happy, just like in the songs, you'll see. I'll give him a son with golden hair, and one day he'll be the king of all the realm, the greatest king that ever was, as brave as the wolf and as proud as the lion.† Arya made a face. â€Å"Not if Joffrey's his father,† she said. â€Å"He's a liar and a craven and anyhow he's a stag, not a lion.† Sansa felt tears in her eyes. â€Å"He is not! He's not the least bit like that old drunken king,† she screamed at her sister, forgetting herself in her grief. Father looked at her strangely. â€Å"Gods,† he swore softly, â€Å"out of the mouth of babes . . . † He shouted for Septa Mordane. To the girls he said, â€Å"I am looking for a fast trading galley to take you home. These days, the sea is safer than the kingsroad. You will sail as soon as I can find a proper ship, with Septa Mordane and a complement of guards . . . and yes, with Syrio Forel, if he agrees to enter my service. But say nothing of this. It's better if no one knows of our plans. We'll talk again tomorrow.† Sansa cried as Septa Mordane marched them down the steps. They were going to take it all away; the tournaments and the court and her prince, everything, they were going to send her back to the bleak grey walls of Winterfell and lock her up forever. Her life was over before it had begun. â€Å"Stop that weeping, child,† Septa Mordane said sternly. â€Å"I am certain your lord father knows what is best for you.† â€Å"It won't be so bad, Sansa,† Arya said. â€Å"We're going to sail on a galley. It will be an adventure, and then we'll be with Bran and Robb again, and Old Nan and Hodor and the rest.† She touched her on the arm. â€Å"Hodor!† Sansa yelled. â€Å"You ought to marry Hodor, you're just like him, stupid and hairy and ugly!† She wrenched away from her sister's hand, stormed into her bedchamber, and barred the door behind her.

Judged Without Justice essays

Judged Without Justice essays Does the United States promote unjust laws? Are we morally obliged to obey these laws? Think about what this implies. This indicates that laws, regardless of how unfair, unjust, or immoral they may be, must be followed with no better reason than that they are the law. How do you decide if a law is just or unjust in todays society? According to St. Thomas Aquinas, Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. As said by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority compels a minority group to obey, but do not make binding on itself. A just law is created by both a majority and minority, and is equally compulsory. An unjust law is created by a majority, where the minority has no voice in creating the law. An unjust law is one that shames and demeans an individuals personality through the unreasonable anguish and distress of a minority group at the hands of a majority group. Any law that causes a person to suffer simply because they do not agree with the majority is an erroneous and unfair law. Following the creation of the gay adoption law in Florida in 2001, the homosexual minority population suffered. (King 146-147) Civil disobedience is refusing to comply with a law, in order to create change in that law. Often the law goes against what the government think is morally right and lawmakers are forced to make the decision on whether individual morals are more vital than the laws of society. King makes an excellent distinction between Civil Disobedience and breaking the law. He says, One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with willingness to accept the penalty. This brings about some of the terms and conditions that go along with Civil Disobedience. (King 147) King also states, In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the ...

Homeschool Myths and the Facts Behind Them

Homeschool Myths and the Facts Behind Them There are many misconceptions about homeschoolers. The falsehoods are often myths based on partial truths or experiences with a limited number of homeschooling families. They are so prevalent that even homeschooling parents start to believe the myths. Skewed homeschool statistics  that dont reveal accurate facts about homeschooling sometimes serve to further the misconceptions. How many of these homeschooling myths have you heard?   1. All homeschooled kids are spelling bee champs and child prodigies. Most homeschooling parents wish this myth were true! The fact is, homeschooled children range in ability level just like kids in any other school setting. Homeschooled students include gifted, average, and struggling learners. Some homeschooled kids are ahead of their same-age peers and some, particularly if they have learning struggles, are behind. Because homeschooled students can  work  at their own pace, it is not uncommon for them to be asynchronous learners, This means that they may be ahead of their grade level (based on age) in some areas, average in others, and behind in some. Because homeschool parents can offer their students one-on-one attention, its easy to strengthen weak areas. These benefits often allow kids who started out â€Å"behind† to catch up without the stigma associated with learning challenges. It is true that homeschooled students often have more time to devote to their areas of interest. This devotion sometimes results in a child displaying greater than average talent in those areas. 2. All homeschooling families are religious. In the early days of the current homeschooling movement, this myth may have been true. However, homeschooling has become much more mainstream. It is now the educational choice of families from all walks of life and a wide variety of belief systems. 3. All homeschool families are large. Many people think that homeschooling means a family of 12 children, huddled around the dining room table doing their schoolwork. While there are large homeschooling families, there are just as many families homeschooling two, three, or four children or even an only child. 4. Homeschooled kids are sheltered. Many homeschooling opponents share the opinion that homeschooled children need to get out and experience the real world. However, it is only in a school setting that kids are segregated by age. Homeschooled children are out in the real world every day  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ shopping, working, attending homeschool co-op classes, serving in the community, and much more. 5. Homeschooled kids are socially awkward. Just as with ability-level, homeschooled students are as varied in their personalities as kids in traditional school settings. There are shy homeschool kids and outgoing homeschool kids. Where a child falls on the personality spectrum has much more to do with the temperament they were born with than where they are educated. Personally, I’d like to meet one of those shy, socially awkward homeschooled kids because I sure didn’t give birth to any of them! 6. All homeschool families drive vans – mini- or 15-passenger. This statement is largely a myth, but I do understand the perception. The first time I went to a used curriculum sale, I knew the general location for the sale but not the exact spot. This event was way back in the ancient days before GPS, so I drove to the general area. Then I followed the line of mini-vans. They led me straight to the sale! Anecdotes aside, many homeschool families do not drive vans. In fact, crossover vehicles seem to be the mini-van equivalent for modern homeschooling moms and dads. 7. Homeschooled kids don’t watch TV or listen to mainstream music. This myth applies to some homeschooling families, but not the majority. Homeschooled kids do watch TV, listen to music, own smartphones, participate in social media, attend concerts, go to movies, and participate in any number of pop culture activities just like kids from other educational backgrounds. They have proms, play sports, join clubs, go on field trips, and much more. The fact is, homeschooling has become so common that the biggest difference in the daily lives of most homeschooled students and their public or private schooled peers is where they are educated.

Comparison of the Ideas from Buddhism and the Vedas with Upanishads Essay

Comparison of the Ideas from Buddhism and the Vedas with Upanishads - Essay Example Similar to the Vedas, Buddhism considered the idea of karma, but its interpretation was completely different (Grant, 2009). Buddhism did not see karma as destiny or fate. In turn, in the Vedas, the idea of karma was related to the idea of debt. The Vedas stated that people were born in different social conditions as a result of belonging to different castes (caste of warriors, rulers, servants) or were born of women. Their karma or debt was seen in following the classic patterns of behavior in specific situations. The Buddhist idea of karma was completely different from the Vedic. In Buddhism, karma was regarded as "impulses" that encourage people to do something or think (Grant, 2009). These pulses occurred as a result of previous habitual actions or behaviors. However, since there is no need to follow every impulse, human behavior is not strictly deterministic.Both the Vedas/the Upanishads and Buddhism considered the idea of rebirth, but it was understood in different ways. In the Vedas as well as in the Upanishads, it is atman, or "I" that is permanent, unchanging, and separate from the body and mind (Gunasekara, n.d.). It is always the same, passing from life to life. All of these "I" or Atman are one with the universe, or Brahma. Consequently, the diversity that people see around them is an illusion, since in reality all people are one with the Brahma. Buddhism treated this issue differently because it believed that there was no unchanging "I", or atman. "I" exists.