The eNotes Blog And the Nobel GoesTo

And the Nobel GoesTo The Nobel Committee  has announced its pick for the 2014 Nobel Prize for Literature, and the winner is Patrick Modiano. Not familiar with the French novelist? Youre not alone; Modianos celebrity is far more modest than that of fellow candidate Haruki Murakami, as well as last years winner, Alice Munro. Yet he is referred to by the Swedish Academy as the Marcel Proust of our time. Modianos life began at the end of the darkest time in modern European history, and it is to that his writing always returns. He was born in 1945 to a Jewish French father, Albert Modiano, and a Belgian mother,  Louisa Colpijn, an actress.  The two met  in Nazi-occupied Paris, during which time Albert engaged in some shady dealings. Throughout Modianos childhood his father was a mostly absent figure, and the young Patrick  learned most of what he knew  about Albert from the troubling stories of the occupation years passed down to him. Modiano admits its because of this history that his novels focus on the shameful period of the Occupation: After each novel, I have the impression that I have cleared it all away  But I know Ill come back over and over again to tiny details, little things that are part of what I am. In the end, we are all determined by the place and the time in which we were born. From this history Modiano has crafted more than forty works, the most famous of which is 1968s La Place de lEtoile, a key post-Holocaust work. His novels predominately share the theme of predestination how we are determined by the traces of our past and the loss of identity. Peter Englund of the Swedish Academy said that one of the most important questions Modianos works ask is, How will I break out of the weight of time? In its announcement of the award, the Nobel Committee also remarked on Modianos  art of memory with which he has evoked the most ungraspable human destinies and uncovered the life-world of the occupation. Though the win was unexpected (only three days prior the odds were in favor of three other candidates), clearly the dark horse Modiano is an author Anglo-American readers should begin to take notice of, if only to hear the petite musique of his prose firsthand its haunting little music. Find out more about Patrick Modiano via biography  here.

Full Body Scanners Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Full Body Scanners - Article Example airport security policies. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) installed the full body scanners, called mainly as â€Å"naked body scanners†, in the main airports of the country. These scanners can de roughly divided into two types: â€Å"millimeter wave† machines, which are based on electromagnetic field use and are considered safe for all people, pregnant women in particular. Another type is a â€Å"backscatter† machine, based on low ionizing radiation emission. It is stated that X-rays of such scanners do not penetrate a body but â€Å"jump back† to a screen and form a body 3-D image. The TSA Administrator John Pistole and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the new methods of checking are essential in view of the fact that traditional metal detectors and non-intrusive inspections are clearly ineffective and inadequate in the circumstances concerned. The use of new technologies and new procedures is to ensu re our safety, as the terrorists still continue to plan, Pistole stated. Napolitano has made it clear that her agency will not stop at what has been accomplished and will spread the new checking system to railway and subway stations in the future. By the end of 2010 there were over 100 full body scanners in 32 airports. Right now their number grew up to over 450 units and no end in sight. The authorities plan to set about a thousand of these devices, which will cost approximately $ 300 million (Holbrook, 11). Such measures stirred up a fierce discussion. Some Americans refer to the Fourth Amendment, stating that their privacy is violated. Some opposed the new security measures due to their natural modesty and ethic issues. Some do not accept everything that was done by the present-day administration. The others worry about ionizing radiation emitted by the new scanners, although the experts say that in a flying airliner any passenger gets much more roentgens than from body scanning. Finally, all the fears and suspicions against the scanners and alternative airport screening processes made human rights activists and libertarians take up arms against such novelties. One of the latter, Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul, even introduced a law in draft to the House of Representatives - Air Traveler Dignity Act that protects Americans against full body scanners. Paul pretends to summarize all the negative opinions of passengers and pilots and his own as well, calling TSA and its methods the â€Å"Soviet-style nonsense.† Paul Sr., a gynecologist by profession, also expresses deep concerns about a radiation emitted by the new scanners. He was echoed by the U.S. Representative for Tennessee John Duncan, who plainly told in the Congress that a â€Å"nationwide revolt† against airport body scanning machines spreads all over the country and that’s good! And it’s not about ethics or risk for cancer even. Duncan pointedly noted in his speech that the former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff now â€Å"represents Rapiscan, which sells these scanners to his former agency.† On the other hand, most Democrats support the new order. Most of their fellow citizens are also ready to put up with the new naked body scanners. As the recent poll of the Washington Post-ABC News shows, only 32% of respondents are determined against the scanners. But abusive and invasive searches in airports have split the public opinion in America in half: 50% of respondents were against them. Especially revealing, in this concern, was the

Retail Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Retail Marketing - Essay Example Today Waitrose is considered to be the sixth largest supermarket in the UK. It has a total of 241 branches, 18,000 stock lines and its grocery market share in the UK is estimated to be 4.3%. The retail business has fresh, quality, and safe products, quality customer service, and proper home delivery services. Through this, the grocery is known for its good reputation and image. The grocery has new and loyal customers (John Lewis Partnership, 2010). Waitrose is known to be a luxurious supermarket because of its provision of high quality goods and excellent services to the customers. The grocery’s employees have remained loyal hence, low turnover of staff. They are committed to meeting the various needs of customers. Through all this, the company has continued to thrive. The major competitors of Waitrose include, Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, and Morrison’s. The pricing of goods in Waitrose supermarket is higher compared to that of its competitors. International retail ing International retailing involves expansion of retail operations; concepts, management expertise, technology, and buying function beyond the domestic market. Retailers are faced with several operational challenges as they seek to expand their business beyond their borders. These challenges are; demand for products that are new and trendy, diversity and brands, retailers have to ensure their products remain exclusive. There is also increased competition, rapid globalization, E-commerce and complexity in terms of technology. The impact of these challenges increases as the rate of change accelerates and global markets become more volatile and turbulent. For survival in international markets, retail enterprises will have to embrace the new realities. Simpson and Thorpe’s PLIN Model is appropriate in the assessment of Waitrose international viability. In this model four main factors helps to differentiate Waitrose domestic market. These factors provide the basis to consider int ernational expansion as a possible growth strategy. They include product, lifestyle, image and niche, which are reflected in the various strategies adopted by Waitrose. Waitrose has segmented its products. In terms of lifestyle, Waitrose is considered a luxurious company dealing with quality and safe products. The image of the Waitrose is reflected in high price perception of the company, specialty in fresh and quality food products. Niche on the other hand is reflected through Waitrose specialization on fresh food products that are of high quality. Strategies of Waitrose Waitrose supermarket has specific strategies in place which help to attract more customers, expand its market share and increase its profits. These strategies are useful in the assessment of Waitrose international viability. They include; online shopping, home delivery service, specializing in products of wide range, maintaining the freshness and the quality of products, setting aside vital products that are low pr iced, better customer service and market segmentation. Waitrose has also introduced meaningful ideas which help in cost control and reduction. Its image and reputation has also been boosted by the grocery participation in corporate social responsibility (John Lewis partnership annual report, 2010). The value chain of Waitrose is important, Michael (1985) and Johnson et al (2005) highlights the basic activities of value chain. It includes the following; the first is inbound logistics. Leckford

Labov’s Model of Narrative Analysis

Labov’s Model of Narrative Analysis William Labov’s model of narrative analysis differs from some of the earlier approaches in that his method focuses on oral narrative instead of written text. Earlier linguists, such as Ferdinand de Saussure, believed in a structural approach. This meant that language had to be approached as a fixed, clearly defined set of symbols, which furthermore had to be studied in isolation. However, later linguists, among them Uriel Weinrich, Labov’s mentor, believed that the structural approach failed to assist us in understanding â€Å"the transition of a language from state to state† (Labov 1972:xv). Labov’s focus has been to study language as it is spoken, as a fluid and constantly changing dynamic. Most of Labov’s model of narrative analysis is based on his belief that â€Å"one cannot understand the development of a language change apart from the social life of the community in which it occurs† (1972:3). He feels strongly that observing and recording sound changes is not enough to understand the process of change—that one has to view that change within the context of the community in which it is being made, as it is being made. Using this theory, he carefully chose communities where he felt he could do this most effectively. He conducted the first of several in-depth studies in Martha’s Vineyard, a small, closed island community located in Dukes County, Massachusetts. Labov saw Martha’s Vineyard as an ideal study site primarily because it was very self-contained. In addition, it was physically isolated, located three miles from the mainland. For his next series of studies, Labov selected parts of New York City. One particular area he focused on in the New York City study focused on Black English as it was used in certain parts of the city, specifically Harlem. Although Harlem did not have geographical distance from New York the way Martha’s Vineyard did from Massachusetts, racial and socioeconomic boundaries made it an isolated community in its own way. The main points of Labov’s model were first published in 1972 in an essay entitled â€Å"The Transformation of Experience in Narrative Syntax.† In this essay Labov introduces and explains what he sees as the six main parts of a narrative. He discusses each part as a tool which we can use to analyze narrative patterns, to help recognize recurring themes and ideas. The six main parts of Labov’s model are: abstract; orientation; complicating action; evaluation; resolution; and coda. It is not necessary that all six of these be present in every narrative; for example, some narratives will not have an abstract, while others may not have a coda. Additionally, these components need not appear in a specific order, and each may be present in a variety of ways—these factors are also considered in the final analysis. Labov uses the term â€Å"abstract† to refer to the introductory part of the narrative. This may be, literally, an â€Å"abstract,† or a brief summary of the events; or it may be simply a line or two that will spark the reader’s interest. The role of the abstract is to attract the listener’s interest, and to get the listener to want to hear the rest of the story. The next stage is called â€Å"orientation.† During this phase the speaker gives the listener information about the setting of the story. For example, the speaker will introduce and describe the people or characters who will interact in the story, as well the setting (the place the action occurs) and the time frame. For the story to be valid and understandable to the reader, it is essential that he or she be informed of the time and place in which the narrative unfolds. Following orientation is the â€Å"complicating action.† This refers to the actual events of the narrative, the occurrences that move it ahead. Complicating actions may be physical actions. They may be also be statements spoken aloud, or they may be thought acts â€Å"Evaluation† refers to the point, or reason, the narrative is being told, and it can be done in a number of ways. â€Å"Evaluations† may be specifically and clearly stated, or they may be implied. â€Å"Internal† evaluations are those revealed while the story is taking place, while â€Å"external† evaluations take place outside the immediate action of the story (for example, after the story is told). Another evaluation technique is the â€Å"embedded evaluation.† This can be an explanation offered by one of the people in the story, or by the storyteller directly. In addition, it may also be an event in the story. Following this is what Labov calls the â€Å"result† or â€Å"resolution†: this, basically, is the conclusion. At this point the narrator indicates that the story has come to a close, that a final action has occurred. Finally, there may be a â€Å"coda.† By â€Å"coda† Labov means that the narrator points out the relevance of the story by connecting it with every-day life, or with other events or actions that fall outside the story frame. The coda does not always have to be present. It may also be present without being explicitly stated. One of the issues to be discussed concerning Labov’s model for narrative analysis is the method of data collection, since â€Å"the means used to gather the data interfere with the data to be gathered† (Labov 1972:43). The interview itself may be considered â€Å"public speech.† However, even within this realm, there are other conditions to be considered. For example, does the relationship of the interviewer to the interviewee affect the latter’s speech patterns? Does the use of a recording device affect the interviewee’s choice of words, perhaps make word selection more formal than it ordinarily would be? One way of monitoring this is to compare the subject’s speech patterns during the course of the interview with his or her speech patterns outside the interview setting. For example, the interviewer could also observe the subject while he or she is relaxed with peers or family members in a less formal setting. Labov’s model has strongly influenced language studies since its introduction in 1972, and it continues to be influential in additional settings. With the widespread growth of the internet, we now have a new, informal sort of communication. Linguist Michael Toolan suggests that Labov’s model is a useful tool in the analysis of internet writing. Internet writing is often less formal than academic or other types of writing, but more structured than spoken language. Thus, Labov’s model remains effective today. As language itself continues to grow and change, it is quite probable that Labov’s model will grow to accommodate that change, and to continue to be a useful tool in years to come. REFERENCES Labov, William (1972) Socioloinguistic Patterns. Philadelphia: University of  Pennsylvania Press. Toolan, Michael (1988) Narrative: A Critical Linguistic Introduction London:  Routledge..

The Morality of Reading The Catcher in the Rye in School Essay

The Morality of Reading The Catcher in the Rye in School The story of The Catcher In The Rye, can and is misinterpreted by many people. It is very easy to find The Catcher In The Rye immoral if you are reading the book only to prove that idea. This is so because you can ignore the good things and ideas the author is trying to convey by using certain incidents that might be labeled wrong. On the other hand, if you are reading the book and taking that extra step to analyze the things that Holden Caulfield does and the things that happens to him you end up having a greater appreciation for the novel and what it says. Throughout the book Holden has shown that he is a boy who in reality has a conscience and uses it. One example of this is when Holden goes to see Mr. Spencer, his former history teacher. Holden goes to visit Mr. Spencer, who is ill with the grippe. He goes to tell him not to feel bad for failing him in history. Holden did not have to do this; this was an act of courtesy because he knew that Mr. Spencer felt sorry that he had flunked Holden in his class. Holden also sits through Mr. Spencer’s lecture on how life is a game, a game that one must play according to the rules. Holden who absolutely hates talks like this, did not have to sit through it, he could have gotten up and left, but he didn’t he showed respect for one of his superiors and what he had to say. I believe this is an act that every child and adult should know and do. â€Å"I am the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.† (16) Holden Caulfield is a good liar. Holden even admits to it. Many people might say that this is setting a bad example but throughout story his lies make people feel better. For example, when Holden was .. ...ain is â€Å"fuck you†. Even though Holden always uses these words, he doesn’t want his younger sister being exposed to that kind of profanity. He does care about innocence and morality. â€Å"†¦You can‘t ever find a place that‘s nice and peaceful, because there isn’t any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you‘re not looking, somebody‘ll sneak up and write ‘Fuck You’ right under your nose†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The virtuousness, morality, or principles are as apparent as the depravities throughout the novel of The Catcher In The Rye. Although when you actually read and examine the book you realize that there are no immoralities. The only way you can come to that conclusion, is with ignorance and a lack of knowledge. To fully recognize and understand the hidden ideas or picture the author is trying to portray in the readers’ minds you need knowledge and insight.

Surecut Shears Inc.

Company: Fischer is both treasurer and president †¢Stewart did approve the 2,5mill loan extension †¢House hold scissors and industrial shears †¢Severe competition from foreign companies †¢Made profits every year since 1958 †¢Short term borrowing were normally between july and December, additional capital neeede to support sales peak †¢Produce at an even rate throughout the year – contributed to the need of seasonal funds †¢June 1995 †¢3,5 mill loan- anticipated to pay it of in decemebr 95 need for another 1. 2mill in june 1996 because of a plant modernization program †¢Program need 6mil, half completed- finised by august 1995 †¢Expected to save 900 per year in manufacturing costs. †¢Sept 95 †¢Neede 500K more to cover peak season †¢January 1996 †¢Sales came down- retailing downturn- †¢Need for more short term borrowing- higher expenditures for modernization project. †¢Funds needed unitl adjuntsing t o economic conditions †¢Estimated it would not occur until april 96 †¢April 1996 Not able to pay 1. 25mill before seasonal upturn in june †¢Further slaes decline, retail recesiion Why was SureCut Shears unable to repay its bank loan by December 1995 as originally forecast Major sources: †¢Net income †¢Bnak loans †¢Decrease in inventories †¢Decrease in cash Major use †¢Increase in account receivalbes †¢Increase in fixed assets Sources and uses July December Sources Uses Net income2221 AR 3,489 depreciation Bank Loans2,279 AP 177 Long term debt 299 Dividends 600Fixed assets 3,321 Inventories1,604 Tax pre payable303 miseclanoues 1 Decrease in cash1,480 78877887 †¢Decrease in liquidity due to increase in AR †¢CCC is shortened because of higher payment period and lower payable period †¢Decrease in sales growth, therefore less revenues are generated to potencially be converted into cash †¢Build up in inventory from august du e to increased sales. †¢Lower real sales than expected in forecast ii) Why SureCut required $500K more than initially requested? Payment period increased by 10 days from august to September †¢reduction in payable period= negative cash conversion cycle, Sure cut in need of cash †¢COnitnous expenditure on modernization project, was suppose to be only 2990 in proforma, but turned out to be 294k more up to September †¢Operating and investing activites are the major USES OF CASH, although the analisis shows that the cumulative cash is in excess of the proforma, it is because of the short term borrowing that has taken place.

Sight and Blindness in Shakespeares King Lear - Lack of...

Sight and Blindness in King Lear In King Lear, the recurring images of sight and blindness associated with the characters of Lear and Gloucester illustrate the theme of self-knowledge and consciousness that exist in the play. These classic tropes are inverted in King Lear, producing a situation in which those with healthy eyes are ignorant of what is going on around them, and those without vision appear to see the clearest. While Lears blindness is one which is metaphorical, the blindness of Gloucester, who carries the parallel plot of the play, is literal. Nevertheless, both characters suffer from an inability to see the true nature of their children, an ability only gained once the two patriarchs have†¦show more content†¦Kents imperative to see better is prompting Lear not to use his faculty of vision, but, metaphorically, to become conscious of what is going on around him; to see the world as it truly is. It is fascinating that, upon Kents imperative, Lear swears, Now, by Apollo- (1.1.159). As Apollo is the god of the sun whose maxim is to know thyself, it is particularly telling that Lear is invoking the god associated with sharpness of vision and light, when he, himself, remains unenlighten ed. The unrelenting Kent, recognizes Lears blindness as well as the futility of invoking the god of self-knowledge, and, despite the kings growing anger, declares, Thou swearst thy gods in vain (1.1.161). The theme of consciousness is underscored by the Gloucester plot in King Lear. Gloucester, like Lear, is an aging man who has yet to learn the true nature of his children. In this way, he shares Lears metaphorical blindness, but Shakespeare does not stop there; he adds the physical impairment of vision to Gloucesters character as well. It is mentioned that Gloucester requires the need of spectacles in order to read the fabricated letter his son Edmund presents to him. Ironically, even with the use of an instrument to heighten his vision, Gloucester is still unable to see things as they truly are. With no prior provocation, and hardly any ocular proof, Gloucester immediately believes that hisShow MoreRelatedSight and Blindness in King Lear1615 Words   |  7 PagesSight and Blindness in King Lear In King Lear, the recurring images of sight and blindness associated with the characters of Lear and Gloucester illustrate the theme of self-knowledge and consciousness that exist in the play. These classic tropes are inverted in King Lear, producing a situation in which those with healthy eyes are ignorant of what is going on around them, and those without vision appear to see the clearest. While Lears blindness is one which is metaphorical, the blindnessRead MoreEssay on The Theme of Blindness in King Lear by William Shakespeare862 Words   |  4 PagesThe Theme of Blindness in King Lear by William Shakespeare Shakespeares King Lear tells of the tragedies of two families. At the head of each family is a father who cannot see his children for what they are. Both fathers are lacking in perceptiveness, so the stories of the two families run parallel to each other. In Lears case, two of his daughters fool him into believing their lies. Lear shuts out his third daughter because she cannot her love into words the way he wants her to. GloucesterRead MoreKing Lear, By William Shakespeare938 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s tragic play King Lear is a play that occupies a critical place in the great playwright’s cannon. Harold Bloom noted that it, along with Hamlet, can be thought of as a kind of â€Å"secular scripture or mythology†. If we accept Bloom’s reading, then it becomes possible to read the play as a kind of a parable and to read it’s symbolism in terms of the way that those symbols have been teased out in scripture and in mythology. In pa rticular, this essay will consider how blindness functionsRead More Blindness and Sight - Lack of Insight in King Lear Essays1082 Words   |  5 PagesBlindness as Lack of Insight in King Lear   Ã‚  Ã‚   Blindness can normally be defined as the inability of the eye to see, but according to Shakespeare, blindness is not only a physical impairment, but also a mental flaw some people possess.   Shakespeares most dominant theme in his play King Lear is that of blindness.   King Lear, Gloucester, and Albany are three characters through which Shakespeare portrays his theme of mental blindness, that blindness which was the primary cause of their poorRead MoreA Consideration of the Way Shakespeare Presents and Develops the Theme of Blindness in King Lear1563 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Theme of Blindness in King Lear Introduction ============ Throughout ‘King Lear’, Shakespeare uses the play’s characters to make judgements on society using blindness as a metaphor that runs through the play. 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