Fantastic Mr Fox Quotes

'Fantastic Mr Fox' Quotes Fantastic Mr Fox is a trickster-adventure story by British author Roald Dahl. Mr. Fox is (of course) fantastic, he faces seemingly impossible odds to survive. His shenanigans become legendary as he outwits three devilish rich men in order to steal food. The book was turned into a popular movie of the same name in 2009 with George Clooney voicing the lead character. Both the book and the movie have been popular with children.   Quotes from Fantastic Mr. Fox Down in the valley, there were three farms. The owners of these farms had done well. They were rich men. They were also nasty men. All three of them were about as nasty and mean as any men you could meet.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 1Boggis and Bunce and BeanOne fat, one short, one lean.These horrible crooksSo different in looksWere nonetheless equally mean.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 1In the hole lived Mr. Fox and Mrs. Fox and their four small Foxes.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 2I can smell these goons a mile away. I can smell one from the other. Boggis gives off a filthy stink of rotten chicken-skins. Bunce reeks of goose livers, and as for Bean, the fumes of apple cider hang around him like poisonous gasses.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 3One of them shone a flashlight on the hole, and there on the ground, in the circle of light, half in and half out of the hole, lay the poor tattered blood stained remains of ... a foxs tale.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic M r. Fox, Ch. 3 It will never grow again, said Mr. Fox. I shall be tail-less for the rest of my life. He looked very glum.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 3What we need on this job... is machines... mechanical shovels. Well have him out in five minutes with mechanical shovels.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 5The machines were both black. They were murderous, brutal-looking monsters.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ch. 5I understand what youre saying, and your comments are valuable, but Im gonna ignore your advice.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. FoxBadger: The cuss you are.Mr. Fox: The cuss am I? Are you cussing with me?- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. FoxI, therefore, invite you all, Mr. Fox went on, to stay here with me forever.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. FoxForever! they cried. My goodness! How marvelous! And Rabbit said to Mrs. Rabbit, My dear, just think! Were never going to be shot again in our lives!We will make, said Mr. Fox, a little underground village, with streets and houses on each side - separate houses for Badgers and Moles and Rabbits and Weasels and Foxes. And every day I will go shopping for you all. And every day we will eat like kings.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox I think I have this thing where everybody has to think Im the greatest. And if they arent completely knocked out and dazzled and slightly intimidated by me, I dont feel good about myself.- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr. Fox

Peri Prefix Meaning in Biology

Peri Prefix Meaning in Biology The prefix (peri-) means around, near, surrounding, covering, or enclosing. It is derived from the Greek peri for about, near, or around. Words That Begin With Peri Perianth (peri-anth): The outer part of a flower that encloses its reproductive parts is called the perianth. The perianth of a flower includes the sepals and petals in angiosperms. Pericardium (peri-cardium): The pericardium is the membranous sac that surrounds and protects the heart. This three-layered membrane serves to keep the heart in place in the chest cavity and prevents over-expansion of the heart. Pericardial fluid, which is located between the middle pericardial layer (parietal pericardium) and the innermost pericardial layer (visceral pericardium), helps to reduce friction between pericardial layers. Perichondrium (peri-chondrium): The layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds cartilage, excluding cartilage at the end of joints, is called perichondrium. This tissue covers cartilage in structures of the respiratory system (trachea, larynx, nose, and epiglottis), as well as cartilage of the ribs, outer ear, and auditory tubes. Pericranium (peri-cranium): The pericranium is a membrane that covers the outer surface of the skull. Also called the periosteum, it is the innermost layer of the scalp that covers bone surfaces except at the joints. Pericycle (peri-cycle): Pericycle is plant tissue that surrounds vascular tissue in roots. It initiates the development of lateral roots and is also involved in secondary root growth. Periderm (peri-derm): The outer protective plant tissue layer that surrounds roots and stems is the periderm or bark. The periderm replaces the epidermis in plants that undergo secondary growth. Layers composing the periderm include cork, cork cambium, and phelloderm. Peridium (peri-dium): The outer layer that covers the spore-bearing structure in many fungi is called the peridium. Depending on the fungal species, the peridium may be thin or thick with between one and two layers. Perigee (peri-gee): The perigee is the point in the orbit of a body (moon or satellite) around the Earth where it is nearest to the center of the Earth. The orbiting body travels faster at perigee than at any other point in its orbit. Perikaryon (peri-karyon): Also known as cytoplasm, the perikaryon is all of the contents of a cell surrounding but excluding the nucleus. This term also refers to the cell body of a neuron, excluding the axons and dendrites. Perihelion (peri-helion): The point in the orbit of a body (planet or comet) around the sun where it comes closest to the sun is called the perihelion. Perilymph (peri-lymph): Perilymph is the fluid between the membranous labyrinth and bony labyrinth of the inner ear. Perimysium (peri-mysium): The layer of connective tissue that wraps skeletal muscle fibers into bundles is called perimysium. Perinatal (peri-natal): Perinatal refers to the time period occurring around the time of birth. This period spans from about five months before birth to one month after birth. Perineum (peri-neum): The perineum is the area of the body located between the anus and genital organs. This region spans from the pubic arch to the tail bone. Periodontal (peri-odontal): This term literally means around the tooth and is used to denote tissues that surround and support teeth. Periodontal disease, for example, is a disease of the gums that can range from minor gum inflammation to serious tissue damage and tooth loss. Periosteum (peri-osteum): The periosteum is a dual-layered membrane that covers the outer surface of bones. The outer layer of the periosteum is dense connective tissue formed from collagen. The inner layer contains bone-producing cells called osteoblasts. Peristalsis (peri-stalsis): Peristalsis is the coordinated contraction of smooth muscle around substances within a tube that moves the contents along the tube. Peristalsis occurs in the digestive tract and in tubular structures such as the ureters. Peristome (peri-stome): In zoology, the peristome is a membrane or structure that surrounds the mouth in some invertebrates. In botany, peristome refers to small appendages (resembling teeth) that surround the opening of a capsule in mosses. Peritoneum (peri-toneum): The dual-layered membrane lining of the abdomen that encases abdominal organs is known as the peritoneum. The parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs. Peritubular (peri-tubular): This term describes a position that is adjacent to or surrounds a tubule. For example, the peritubular capillaries are tiny blood vessels that are positioned around nephrons in the kidneys.

European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

European Union - Essay Example The member states benefit from both internal and external aspects of single market. Examples of these aspects include free trade of goods and services among member countries, common competition law that controls non-competitive activities of companies, elimination of internal border control and harmonization of external controls. Additional aspects include citizen’s freedom to live and work in any member state, free capital movement between member states, universal external customs tariff and a universal position in negotiations involving international trade among others. Following the European Union members’ deregulation of the aviation industry, which they accomplished in 1997, they abolished all traditional national protectionism, which resulted into a great improvement in the management of air traffic. With an aim of establishing a safer and efficient flow of air traffic within Europe, they set up a new system of managing air traffic. One very significant component of this system is the single European sky legislation that the EU launched in 1999 and its institutions adopted it in 2004. This legislation involved restructuring of the European airspace, which was formally individual national airspaces that individual member states regulated, into a single area regulated by the alliance (EUROPA, 2007). The single European sky led to the simplification of procedures for controllers of air traffic and pilots as well as fewer handovers where controllers of air traffic manage wider sky expanse while Europe-wide common procedures and rules provide pilots with a flawless service. Minimizing of different areas of control enhances faster services and a structure that is far better in dealing with any eventual trouble. The single European sky has also boosted air travel in EU member countries significantly. It has directly provided airlines with quicker and safer

SOCIAL SCIENCE (PATIENT NARRATIVE) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

SOCIAL SCIENCE (PATIENT NARRATIVE) - Essay Example models â€Å"chronic diseases have become more important than the persons who harbor them.† However, there have been shifts to models that consider other factors such as social, psychological and environmental in shaping the context of a disease and illness. An example is the bio-psychosocial model which acknowledges that in a disease context, there are many factors such as behaviour and attitude towards the illness, social as well as psychological factors (Engel, 2012). The narratives from the patients are today extensively applied to explore the patient experiences with illness (Charon 2001; Kleinman 1988). Management of chronic diseases (Huyse, et al., 1999) require a holistic approach where both the patient and the medical team share feelings and emotional characteristics influencing the conditions experienced in the life of the patient. In this assignment, a patient’s story on his experience with diabetes will be explored with an aim to construct the cultural, soci al and psychological meaning and locate the facts in contemporary theoretical perspectives. The real names and hospital where the patient, whose narrative is to be used in this analysis, was encountered have been altered to comply with the NMC guidelines and policies of confidentiality (NMC, 2008). During my placement this year, a 52 year old man, Mr. Browns, walked into our clinic to seek medical attention on his wanting chronic condition. Mr. Browns showed symptoms such as occasional tiredness. He passed out a lot of urine and was continuously in thirst. He had a huge body size which made him feel more tired. He occasionally complained to be allowed to prostrate on the coach as he conversed rather than sitting as other patients did. Mr. Browns was born in London where he lives to date. These symptoms clearly linked Mr. Browns’ condition to type 2 diabetes (Blaxter, 1983). Upon further diagnosis, Mr. Browns’ diabetic condition was found to have escalated to almost severe states and required

Smoking Cigarettes Essay Example for Free

Smoking Cigarettes Essay Smoking cigarettes is harmful for many reasons. It is not only harmful to the human body but also affects the environment. This is because of many chemicals and substances that produce this hazardous product. There are many causes of smoking cigarettes. First of all, teenagers smoke because they want to be fit, and avoid gaining weight as smoking sedate hunger. Them they see their friends smoke and think it makes them look cool, be independent, and feel no tension and worries. The main cause of smoking is Nicotine which is an addictive and harmful substance contained in cigarette. People smoke cigarettes when they are depressed, lonely, or bored, and they help them to reduce the stress. Smoking is harmful to the human body, and it affects the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, heart, stomach, and pancreas. It also causes cancer. The effects of smoking to the eyes is smoker have two to three times greater chance of developing cataracts, which leads to blindness. The Lungs and heart also are affected by smoking. Smokers are at a high risk of lung cancers, and smoking causes hardening of the arteries. The Stomach and pancreas also get affected from smoking. Smokers experience more coughs and colds as compare to the non-smoker. Any pregnant woman who is in habit of smoking cigarettes will have an increased risk of having an abnormal baby. Smoking is like a slow death. Besides affecting oneself, it also has a negative impact on the other people are smokers who are known as second hand smokers. Many people who start smoking have a family member or close friend who smokes. Smoking reduces ability to do things, such as sports and exercise. The tar in cigarette covers up alveoli, which helps a person to breath. Some people began smoking to showing off, or some wanted to enjoy it. Smoking is a habit which person find difficult to quit. Always try to avoid what your friend say about smoking. We need to give more attention to the effects of smoking to the non-smokers because they get more serious effects than the  smokers.

Architecture, Principle, and Culture: The Universal Value for Which Sta

Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, CA at geographical coordinates 37.43Â ° N, 122.17Â ° W. Erected in 1891 in memory of the founders’ son, Leland Stanford Junior, The Stanford University campus combines Romanesque, neoclassic and Mission Revival architectural styles on its buildings, with red tile roofs, sandstone walls, and beautiful aesthetic decorative details. Its architectural landmarks, for example, the Main Quad and Memorial Church, are representative of many eras of culture and technological advancement in the United States. Its physical and symbolic aspects make it a universally valuable site like no other. Stanford University is a site of outstanding universal value because of its architecture, which is representative of many eras of historic technological innovation physically as well as symbolically. Stanford’s Main Quad is a brilliant exhibit of architecture that reveals influences from important eras in European architecture yet maintains a Romanesque, mission revival theme that is also prevalent throughout campus. In addition to this, Stanford maintains a commitment to academic advancement and excellence. A place of such physical and intellectual prowess merits outstanding universal value. The campus meets criteria (i), (ii), and (iv): its architecture is representative of creative human genius, is a testimony to the cultural tradition of the United States, and illustrates significant states in human history in the United States, while its intangible aspects exhibits an interchange of human values over the span of more than a century. Both its authenticity and integrity a re attributed to the fact that the campus maintains a culture representative of the entire World. Stanford is... ...f sites such as these, we may lose the opportunity for preservation altogether in the future. We need to preserve the Stanford campus now in order to protect the legacy for which it stands. Works Cited "Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO. Web. 31 Jan. 2012. . The Founding Grant; with Amendments, Legislation, and Court Decrees. [Stanford, Calif.]: Stanford University, 1971. Web. . Joncas, Richard, David J. Neuman, and Paul Venable. Turner. Stanford University. New York: Princeton Architectural, 2006. Print. "Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO. Web. 31 Jan. 2012. .

GAP company information

It was the year of 1969 when man has taken its first step toward the moon and â€Å"Doris and Don Fisher opened the first Gap store in US in San Francisco. † The fast change in style between teenagers and adult lead to formation of company name called â€Å"GAP†. From Justa single store In 1969. our story Doris and Don Fisher opened the first Gap store in 1969. The reason was simple. Don couldnt find a pair of jeans that fit. They never expected to transform retail. But they did. Guided by humility, compassion and a strong desire to win, the Fishers grew their company thoughtfully. ustomers responded.Today, Gap Inc. Is a leading International specialty retailer with six brands – Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta and INTERMIX – more than 3,500 stores and more than 137. 000 employees. We're growing globally, and Just within the last few years, we opened our first stores In china and Italy. we're expanding online shopping to customers, too. T oday, customers in about 90 countries can buy our products. While many things have changed since 1969, the principles on which we were founded have stayed the same: creativity, delivering results, doing what's right and lways thinking of our customers first.Key Facts Founded: 1969, with a single store in San Francisco The original brand that brought American casual style to the world. Founded In 1909 In San Francisco, cap offers Iconic, yet modern clothing and accessories for adults, kids and babies. Gap gives customers the freedom to express their individual sense of style. Brand Includes Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity and Gap30dy. Franchise stores: More than 350 stores in locations across Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa Brands: cap Intermix Old Navvy PiperlimeAthleta Headquarters World HQ: San Francisco Bay Area Product Design: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London Store Management, distribution and product manufacturing: Worldwide. Stores Total: More than 3,500 stores worldwide Fun Facts The average cost of a pair of Jeans at Gap in 1969? About $7! Gap's 1988 Individuals of Style campaign was the first time the company specifically hired celebrities as models. In 2004, Banana Republic was among the first sponsors of the Emmy-nominated sleeper hit â€Å"Project Runway. † Gap has about 10 miles of storefront windows around the world. Old Navvy was named after a bar in Paris! Retired New York Times fashion editor Carrie Donovan was tapped to be the â€Å"Old Navvy Lady† in 1997 after Joking in one of her columns that she'd be great for TV spots for the brand. After a wildly successful pilot, Gap Factory Outlet was founded and opened its first store in August 1994. Glenn Murphy is our fourth CEO since our founding in 1969. (Bob Fisher served as interim CEO in 2007 before Glenn was hired. ) Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe can be found on Piperlime. com, where she shares her picks on her favor ite fashions from the site. ? Athleta, which has served women thletes since 1998, opened its first full-sized store in 2011. How They Do Business: From the start, Gap Inc. ‘s story wasn't going to be limited to Just selling Jeans. Doris and Don Fisher made certain that integrity would become a hallmark of their business. As they continue to expand their presence internationally, They're more aware than ever how their decisions affect the communities in which they do business. And their philosophy is simple: They seek to make a positive, lasting impact on the people and in the places where they operate.They listen to their customers around the world, and share their expectations. For hey, that means looking deeper into their supply chain to ensure that they take a responsible path throughout the product lifecycle, from the source to their stores. Financial and Strategic Analysis Company Overview The Gap, Inc. (Gap) is a specialty apparel company. The product line of the company consists of casual apparel care products, accessories and fashion apparel. The company distributes its products through its retail stores, internet and catalog stores. The company is also operates wholesale and franchisee businesses.Gap operates company owned stores in the US, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan and the I-JK. Financial Performance: The company reported revenues of (U. S. Dollars) USD14,549. OO million during the fiscal year ended January2012, a decrease of 0. 78% from 2011. The operatingprofit of the company was USD 1,438. 00 million duringthe fiscal year 2012, a decrease of 26. 93% from 2011. The net profit of the company was USD 833. 00 millionduring the fiscal year 2012, a decrease of 30. 81% from2011 Share Data THE GAP, INC. , Share Data pnce (USD) as on 01-NOV-2012 35. 5 EPS (USD) Book value per share (USD) 1. 56 5. 68 Shares Outstanding (in million) 533 Performance Chart SWOT Analysts THE GAP, INC. , SWOT Analysts Strengths Weaknesses Strong Liquidity Posit ion Strong Product Portfolio and Brand Recognition Wide Geographic Presence Product Recall Dependency on Third Party Manufacturers Decreasing Comparable Store Sales Opportunities Threats Growing Apparel Market Increasing Online Presence Expansion into New Markets Competitive Environment Changing Consumer Behavior Decreasing Shopping Trips SWOT Analysis – Overview The Gap, Inc. Gap) is a specialty retailer of apparel, footwear and accessories. The I-JK, France, Ireland and Japan. The company also has online and catalog stores. The company's broad product portfolio and brand recognition and wide geographic resence provide strong foundation for its future growth . However, intense competition and changing consumer behavior are the major areas of concern for the company. THE GAP, INC. – strengths Strength – Strong Liquidity Position The company's liquidity position strengthen significantly during the fiscal year 2010.The company recorded current ratio of 2. 19 at th e fiscal year ended 2010, as compared to 1. 86 in 2009. Gap had significant increase in its cash and short term investments during the fiscal year 2010. It recorded cash and short term investments of USD 2573. 00 million in 2010, as compared to USD 1715. 0 million during the fiscal year ended 2009. Moreover the company reported a net change in cash of USD 633. 00 million in 2010, as compared to a negative net change in cash of USD 9 million at the fiscal year ended 2009.This was principally due to increase in cash inflow from operating activities. The company' cash flow from operating activities increased 36. 54% to USD 1928. 00 during the fiscal year ended 2010. Increasing cash and cash equivalent represents the companys ability to fund its business opportunities, working capital needs, meeting short term obligations and other capital requirements in the future. Strength – Strong Product Portfolio and Brand Recognition The company's strong product portfolio and brand recogni tion ensures financial stability through a diversified customer base.Gap through its retail and online stores engaged in providing a wide range of apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The company markets its products under the well known brands, namely Gap, Old Navvy, GapKids, babyGap, GapBody, Banana Republic, and Piperlime. Under the Gap brand, the company provides denim, khakis and T-shirts, fashion apparel, accessories and personal care products. The company also provides a wide collection f apparel and accessories under the brand names GapKids and babyGap.Under the Old Navvy brand, the company offers apparel, shoes and accessories for both children and adults. The company also provides casual and tailored apparel, shoes and accessories for men and women under its Banana Republic brand. In addition, the company also offers its products through its websites. The company, through its multiple store banners, caters to a wide range of customers across the world. Stre ngth – Wide Geographic Presence The company's wide geographic presence insulates it from the risk of operating in a single economy. Gap operates 3,082 stores across North America, Europe and Asia.In products across several geographies. The company's franchised stores are located in Bahrain, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Oman, Qatar, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Croatia. The company also operates its online stores through www. gap. com, www. bananarepublic. com, www. oldnavy. com, and www. piperlime. com websites. The company's global presence enables it to build its brand image and maintain its strong position in the market.THE GAP, INC. – Weaknesses Weakness – Product Recall The company's various product recalls not only generate substantial negative publicity about its products and business, but also prevent commercialization of other future prod uct candidates. During April 2010, the company recalled its babyGap Marrakesh and Gap Outlet baby one-piece swimsuits . This recall was mainly due to presence of a halter straps that were manufactured too short causing the plastic ring located at the center of the swimsuit to press against the child's throat and obstruct the airway.This poses a strangulation hazard to the child. Weakness – Dependency on Third Party Manufacturers The company is highly dependent on the vendors outside the US, which may adversely affect its ability to meet any urgent requirements. The company purchases private label merchandise from approximately 650 vendors and non-private label merchandise from approximately 350 vendors having facilities in approximately 60 countries. During the fiscal year 2010, approximately 98% of the merchandise was produced outside the US.These outside vendors require to comply with certain vendor conducts and environmental, labor, health, and safety standards in domestic and international markets. Any noncompliance with the standards might delay the delivery of the goods and significantly affect the company's reputation. Thus, the company's high dependence on third party manufacturers may have an adverse affect on its business operations. Weakness – Decreasing Comparable Store Sales The comparable store sales have been decreasing over the past few years, which is adversely affecting the growth of the company.The stores segment accounts for more than 90% of the company's total revenue. During the fiscal year ended 2010, the company generated USD 13,079 million as compared to USD 13,496 million in the iscal year ending 2009, a decrease of 3. 18%. Over the past three years, the comparable store sales figures have been declining as demonstrated by a decrease of 9. 17% in the fiscal year 2009 and a decrease of 2. 19 % in the fiscal year 2008. As a result, Gap recorded a negative CAGR of 2. 97% during the period 2006-2010.The decrease has been pri marily due to a decline in net sales in all the brands due to the weakening retail environment and a shift of consumers from department stores to supermarkets and discount stores. THE GAP, INC. – opportunities The performance of the industry is forecasted to accelerate, with an anticipated CAGR rate of 2. 6% during 2006-2011. According to research, the US apparel retailing industry is expected to drive to a value of USD336. 7 billion by the end of 2011. Gap's stores and direct segments provide branded apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and children through their retail and online stores.The company offering state of the art products and solutions through their wide distribution channel is likely to utilize opportunity of the growing apparel industry and thereby boost their top line growth. Opportunity – Increasing Online Presence With the rising trend of e-commerce business, there is huge potential for the ompany to increase its profitability through the direct-to-customer segment. In the fiscal year ending 2009, the direct-to-customer segment accounted for 7. 87% of the total revenue of the company and it increased by 8. 4% as compared to the sales at the end of the fiscal year 2010. The company can increase the contribution of this segment to the revenue by increasing its online presence. According to Forrester, online sales are expected to increase 13% to about USD 176. 9 billion in 2010. The growth is forecast to be 10%, 9% and 8% for 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Moreover according to a report published by U. S. Census Bureau the non-store retail sales for the 10 month period from January to October 2010 increased by 12. 7% from the same period in 2009.Such web-based store concept provides consumers the convenience of shopping from home, doing away with the time consuming Journey and saving on the transportation cost. Thus, web sales are expected to register substantial growth in the coming years as e-commerce continues to capture market share from physical stores. The company stands to benefit from the growth trend of e-retail, which is supported by rising internet penetration and increasing familiarity o online shopping. Opportunity – Expansion into New Markets The company has taken several initiatives to enter new geographies in recent financial years.During November 2010, the company opened its firsh Gap store in Italy. This new store is located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Milan's premier shopping district. It also entered into an agreement with Armin Systems Limited to bring Gap stores in Thailand. Moreover during November 2010, the company announced to open its first store in Latin America during the fiscal year 2011. The store will be located in Santiago, Chile. The company also had taken initiatives to launch its Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navvy online brands in Canada, and Gap and Banana Republic online in the UK and nine other European countries.The company also has renewed inter est for a possible foray into India's specialty clothing market through possible venture with Reliance Retail. The company's several initiatives to enter new markets may provide significant exposure to more diversified customer base and strengthen its brand image. THE GAP, INC. – Threats Gap operates in a highly competitive specialty apparel retail industry. It faces intense ompetition from local, national, and global department stores, specialty and discount store chains, independent retail stores, and online businesses, which are dealing with similar products.The company also faces significant competition from the local players in European, Japanese, and Canadian markets. The company's franchisees also faces competition in the respective markets. Increasing global competition in the apparel retailing market may significantly affect the company's market share in the future financial years. Threat – Changing Consumer Behavior Owing to recession, consumers in the US are left with lesser disposable incomes. It is showing in their purchase attitude Consumers tend to reduce their discretionary shopping.According to a consumer survey conducted in the US by Harris Interactive, more than half of adults (54%) say they would reduce discretionary spending during an economic recession and the majority (63%) of adults said they would not make a purchase if there was no deal attached. It clearly states that during an economic recession, consumers would cut budgets, yet will continue to shop when discounts are available. The scenario is a threat to specialty retailers like the company, which ell discretionary products. They will see a decreased footfalls and reduced revenues.In order to attract customers, these retailers will have to spend more on coupons and discounts, which will reduce their margins. Threat – Decreasing Shopping Trips The business of Gap may significantly affected due to decreasing shopping trips of consumers in the US. The US operati ons contributed to 82. 1% of the total revenue of the company in the fiscal year ending 2010. According to a study by Nielsen, outlet shopping trips in the US has shown an average monthly decline of 4% from July 2008 o February 2010.The company has already been recording a decline in comparable store sales over the past few years, which accounts for Change Factors: In the beginning Gap was sell only Levi's products where they have to depend on that particular brand by and large. Later on when they realized depending too much on a particular product may harm the business in the future, they have changed there course of depending on a single particular product . Gradually they have came up with there own product name and different supplier in order to reduce risks. In 1983 Gap purchased Banana Republic

Brief Gonzales V. Raich

The case entitled ALBERTO R. GONZALES, ATTORNEYT GENERAL, et al. , PETITIONERS v. ANGEL McCLARY RAICH et al had the case no 03 – 1454. This was a case filed in the United States of America Supreme Court. The case was formerly known as the Ashcroft v. Raich. Substantive Facts The respondents, before the case was filed were growing and consuming cannabis. This is in accordance with the fact that they use the marijuana for medical purpose.The growing and consumption activities were authorized by the state of California; the Controlled Substances Act of the federal government had confiscated the medicines and drugs that were derived from the marijuana plants. Because of the confiscation of the drugs that were from marijuana, the respondents had posted a claim that the infliction of the CSA against them is a violation in the Commerce Clause. The inflictions also had violated the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment including the 9th and 10th amendments.Medical necessity is als o claimed to be violated with the inflictions of the Controlled Substance Act (AudioCaseFiles, 2007). It was noted that California is a state wherein the use of marijuana for medical purpose is allowed. Without the drugs derived from marijuana, there would be so much pain experienced by the patients and death could result from those pains. Procedural History Angel Raich together with her companions in the field of medicine had sued the government because of the interference done by the federal government to their endeavor of using marijuana for medical purposes.Their claim is that the federal government had violated the constitution since it is constitutionally right to use marijuana for it (marijuana) was permitted to be used within the premises of the California State. Moreover, the claim included that the marijuana used by the California’s Medical co-ops are not in the name of commerce, nor did they bought the drugs from other states. Thus, the resources used for growing t he marijuana plants were only obtained within the premises of the State of California.Another claim from the Angel Raich was that she had used marijuana to prevent herself from dying because her doctor had claimed that she has allergies to the medicines she was prescribed. The federal government on the other hand claims that it was written in the Controlled Substances Act that it does not permit the legal use of marijuana in terms of medical purposes. Moreover, when the California State will not cease in using marijuana, it would be unfair for the other states not to also use marijuana for medical purpose.Their claim is not to permit exemption in using marijuana as stated in the US Federal Law. Broad and Narrow Holdings There is a general rule in the Constitution of the United States of America that the constitution is not allowing or permitting police powers to be carried by the federal government. But it was also stated in a clause in the US Constitution that it the federal govern ment will have this limited power in terms of commerce regulation in other countries and within the several states of the country. The clause that had given a limited power to the federal government is the Commerce Clause.As written in the history of the Commerce Clause, the federal government did only a very little interference with the activities done in the states of the country. The case of Angel Raich is quite simple not like the several cases filed in the Cumpreme Court of the United States. It was very clear that there was no commerce that had undergone in the course of the marijuana usage by the California Medical Co-op. All the activities done by the Raich and company had been within the California State and it was clear that the drugs were purely used for treating illness and diseases, specifically used also by Raich (Guither, 2007).Doctrinal and Policy Reasoning The case of Wickward v. Filburn which is related to the wheat production was used t ocompare the Raich’s case. In the wheat production case which was also commerce related case, the farmers are regulate the production of wheat in order to have a control in the volume of wheat that is transported within the states of the country. Filburn had a process did not violate the law because he only sold a portion of his wheat and other wheat produced was used for home consumption and other purposes. Filburn had lost the case considering the unsold portion of the wheat (Guither, 2007).Miscellaneous Justice Sandra Day O'Connor who presented a dissent of the GONZALES V. RAICH case started her statement by citing come of the relevant issues that are related to the case. She had stated the action done by the Commerce Clause authority was related to the Federalism issue among the states. Federalism is the one which encourage innovation if the state of California had agreed to be the laboratory of the entire country and will have the role of doing and performing experiments and studies which would no t affect the country.It is a federal crime according to Justice O’Connor to grow marijuana in your backyard and use it for medical purposes but if the state of California was considered to be a laboratory, then the use of marijuana (for medical purposes) is not a question (Cornell University Law School, 2007). Justice Clarence Thomas had also written a separate dissent of the case. He mentioned that the cultivation as well as consumption of marijuana done by the respondents is not included running in the commerce industry since there was no production for marketing done nor the respondents had bought materials for the cultivation.Thus, there was no strong evidence that the respondents had violated the Commerce Clause or even any law that was listed in the Constitution. The federal government in return should not have prohibited such activities (Cornell University Law School, 2007). Literature Cited: AudioCaseFiles. (2007). Gonzales v. Raich. Retrieved September 12, 2007 from http://www. audiocasefiles. com/cases/detail/case/8834/ Cornell University Law School (2007). Supreme Court Colloection; GONZALES V. RAICH (03-1454) 545 U. S. 1 (2005) 352 F. 3d 1222, vacated and remanded. Retrieved September 12, 2007 from http://www.law. cornell. edu/supct/html/03-1454. ZD1. html Cornell University Law School (2007). Supreme Court Colloection; GONZALES V. RAICH (03-1454) 545 U. S. 1 (2005) 352 F. 3d 1222, vacated and remanded. Retrieved September 12, 2007 from http://www. law. cornell. edu/supct/html/03-1454. ZD. html Curtis, Parker, Douglas, Finkleman (2007). Constitutional Law in Context. Volume 1. Second Edition. Guither, Pete. (2007). Raich v. Ashcroft – A Guide to the Supreme Court Case. Drug Warrant. com. Retrieved September 12, 2007 from http://blogs. salon. com/0002762/stories/2004/11/23/raichVAshcroftAGuideToTheS. html

Ict and Socia Media in Tourism Essays

Ict and Socia Media in Tourism Essays Ict and Socia Media in Tourism Essay Ict and Socia Media in Tourism Essay Topic: Evaluate the effects (positive and negative) of user generated data on tourism decision making. The tourism industry is a rapidly thriving industry that accounts as the main source of revenue for many regions worldwide. As the industry grows, more and more attention is being paid to the use of user generated data to enhance the decision making process in a tourism perspective. The use of user generated data in a tourism discipline is somewhat interesting as many organizations utilise user generated data for a vvariety of motives, however the central focus being for decision making. In the ollowing paragraphs, an evaluation of both the positive and negative impacts of user generated data on decision making will be addressed with particular consideration to the tourism industry and a take on social media influences. User generated data encompasses a different vvariety of media content in the scope of modern communications technology that is used in a series of applications (Ayeh, Au, Law, 2013). User generated data is also gathered via ddigital media technologies and open source free software. Nevertheless, research by Hvass and Munar (2012) suggest that in the last decade there has seen a huge shift in user generated data nd content towards an interest in social media. Social media is now more than ever a vital marketing tool for tourism operators as it acts as a gateway for tourism organizations to interact directly with consumers via internet. Due to the fact that technology is a rising and fundamental resource today with more people gaining access to the internet through technology devices, it is reasonable that social media have been adopted by consumers to seek recommendations and references of tourism based products and services. The greatest benefit of user generated data xtracted by tourism organizations is the for the primary use of conducting and creating tourism products and services based on user generated data (Law, Leung, Buhalts, 2009). Big data is a valuable asset to any organization within the tourism industry as well as outside of tourism based operators. As study (Ye, Law, Gu, Chen, 2011) indicates, each individual will generate an immense amount of data each day over communication and interaction to the extent that the information generated becomes useful and even sometimes beneficial to businesspersons especially to the tourism industry, with regards to decision making. This great deal of data is also referred to as user generated data in the sense that each individual is a user whom generates data eltner Tor a speclTlc purpose or Vla stanaara communlcatea information. Furthermore a positive impact of user generated data on tourism decision making is the fact that the huge amount of personal data is used to improve on services and enhance product for consumers. In addition to this, user generated data is unique for creating opportunities for visitors to produce memorable tourism experiences, involving other tourism businesses to build significant destination mages and better engagement with social media. However, other study (Law Xiang, 2013) too shows that big data can also be regarded as a liability for many tourism organizations. User generated data at most times can be counted as misleading and untruthful data that can be time consuming and costly for many tourism operators. Thus the importance of tourism based operators to take into consideration the level of accuracy of user generated data and whether or not the data gathered is relevant to the subject of matter. Social media is a suitable example of this as many people tend to generate data via the internet. As mentioned previously, social media is a major case in point of user generated data whereby the bulk of tourists seek for suggestions and ideas through social networks such as facebook, twitter, or travel websites that include expedia, trip advisor and many more (Leung, Law, van Hoof, Buhalis, 2013). Besides this, other study by Hudson and Thal (2013) imply that social media is used as a strategic approach for tourism operators and in the last decade there has seen a dramatic change of consumer preferences and decision process of engaging in tourism products and services due to social media information. Hudson and Thal (2013) further point out the benefits tourism marketers are gaining in social media engagement and the costs that come with it. To illustrate, additional research (Tham, Croy, Mair, 2013) suggest that social media spreads word of mouth automatically. This is drawn from users attempting to make public all the wholesome and poor experiences an individual consumes with a product service or at a destination. Despite this, the study concludes with the fact that word of mouth can get the worse of tourism operators whom primarily seek the development of roducts and services mainly though social media and user generated data which possibly will result in an inadequate expansion. To conclude, user generated data like any other source of information, contains both its benefits and costs to any tourism organization and its decision making process. The matter of the fact is, it depends on the liability of the data consumed that could possibly make or break a tourism operator.

How to get rid of the negative way of thinking

How to get rid of the negative way of thinking How to get rid of the negative way of thinking Have you ever thought that nothing seemed to go your way? Our mistake is that we always expect something disappointing to happen. We get exactly what we are thinking about. Modern people are so used to the negative mindset, that it seems that discouragement surrounds us all the time. The negativity is out of our control! It shouldn`t affect us so much. We have to switch on positive thinking and stop the influence of the negative energy. Try to nurture the positive mindset, removing the lack of optimism and putting yourself in the positive and peaceful frame of mind. You are the only person who is responsible for your own happiness. You will be definitely happy and successful, if you make yourself sure, that you can overcome everything. How to incorporate a positive mindset on a daily basis? Get ready for a positive change It is very important to assess your thinking and understand all the benefits of being a positive thinker. Try to write a list of what was special and unusual about the present day. Start charting all your achievements and keep a diary to reflect your thoughts. Surround yourself with everything positive Surround yourself with people, who think in a positive way and can teach you something. Read and watch everything that can inspire you and make you happy. Use various CDs and self-help books to learn how to feel yourself much better. Combat the negative thoughts Identify and become more aware of your automatic negative thoughts. Try to move them right out of your head. Try to find out, what caused them and what stimulates your negativity. Start to challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with the positive ones. Stop thinking, that you are personally to blame for everything, that goes wrong in the world. Always remember, that every situation has both its positive and negative side. Avoid catastrophizing. Start to live an optimistic life Give yourself time to change and don`t let yourself to fall back into the negative way of thinking. Become physically positive, changing you bodily habits in a positive way. It is very important to be mindful about your daily activities and choices. It will definitely make you feel happier. Express yourself, exploring your creative side. Communicate with positive people in order to feed your own positivity. Set meaningful goals and work hard to achieve everything you want. Always make time for fun and laughter. Believe in yourself Visualize all positive results in your mind. Raise your expectations.   Embrace the ‘I can’ attitude. You will definitely override the bad days, if you believe in your powers – power to change your way of thinking and power to change your way of life. It is your choice to have a positive outlook. If you don`t know, how to find the way out, just color your day with more hopeful and brighter approaches. Your worries and obstacles will be definitely transformed into solutions and possibilities. Positive thinking has a lot of benefits.   Your physical and mental well-being will be better and the resistance to the common cold will be greater. Your life span will increase and the chances of distress and depression will be lower. So, just embrace a positive mindset! Try to find everything positive and pleasant in every day of life. A positive attitude is the critical factor for your fulfilled life and success. Remain grateful even if you face disappointments, stay faithful even when all is hopeless. Give love even if you are unappreciated and trust in the power of positivity even in times of hardship.

Investment Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investment Plan - Assignment Example 2. Accounting Rate of Return: Accounting Rate of Return is based on accounting profit. Accounting Rate of Profit (ARR) can be defined as the percentage of Average Annual Profit of an Investment to the Average Investment. Where, Average Investment = (Initial investment + scrap value) / 2 Advantages: By using Profit figures, this technique relates to the return on capital employed directly. The result of this calculation is in percentage, which is easily understandable by most business people. Disadvantage: Here also it ignores the time value of money It uses the accounting profit rather than cash flows. Cash flows represent solid power over resources, whereas Accounting profits are subjected to the application of accounting concepts. 3. Net Present Value: It is a discounted cash flow method of investment appraisal. It uses the method of discounting future cash flows to its present values. The sum of the future cash flows less the initial investment gives the Net Present value of a Project. Advantages: Its main strength is its recognition of time value of money. As it considers cash flow for calculation, it is not affected by the accounting policy of a particular company. As it takes account of the costs of raising finance, a positive NPV reflects the increase in shareholders' wealth, which is supposed to be the main consideration of Project appraisal. Disadvantages: This is a bit cumbersome process of calculating the discount rate with the nature of finance available. It gives result in absolute figures, and does not allow for the size of the project. 4. Internal Rate of Return: Internal Rate of Return is the discount rate that gives a zero NPV....The sum of the future cash flows less the initial investment gives the Net Present value of a Project. 4. Internal Rate of Return: Internal Rate of Return is the discount rate that gives a zero NPV. The acceptance criteria of this method of appraisal are; IRR should be greater than the discount rate on the presumption that a project with higher IRR than the discount rate generates higher returns. Calculation of IRR is easier as it does not require precise cost of capital discount rate. To accept a project it is enough to see that the IRR sufficiently higher than the approximate cost of capital. To summerize complex accounting information into relatively small no. of key indicators ratios are used. This also makes comparison easier. As we are now going to make comparison between the performance of M/s Sukna and M/s Badra we should utilize the ratio analysis method. Traditionally ratios are classified into five groups. We should look into the ratios for which data is available with us. This is known as primary ratio as it goes to the heart of what most private sector firms try to achieve. This ratio gives the effectiveness of the assets financed both by shareholders and long term creditors. This ratio should be as high as possible. Gross Profit Margin = Gross Profit / Sales X 100%. This ratio does not give a clear picture but it can give some trend.