Essay on Worth in Everyday Use -- Everyday Use essays

A Question of Worth in Everyday Use  Ã‚     Ã‚   From the fashionable, expensive clothing that the character Dee in Alice Walker’s "Everyday Use" wears, the girl seems almost immediately to be a person of great value and importance. It may seem, too, at first glance, that Dee’s mother and sister, Maggie, in their tin-roof house and shabby clothing, are of little or no worth in "Everyday Use." The story ironically shows, under more careful thought, that the very outer characteristics which deem Dee the more valuable character are the ones which prove that the mother and Maggie have the more powerful inner worth. In the beginning of the story, Dee is portrayed to be more physically valuable than her mother and Maggie. Dee’s outfit reeks of a money-based society, much different from that of her heritage. Dee wears "A dress down to the ground...There are yellows and oranges enough to throw back the light of the sun. Earrings, too, gold and hanging down to her shoulders" (Walker 1151). Dee’s mother even reflects on her oldest daughter’s full figure and nice hair(1150). The mother and Maggie, on the other hand, are given an air of simplicity and unattractiveness. The mother is described as a large, big-boned man-worker whose usual attire consists of overalls and flannel nightgowns. Maggie, referred to as a "lame animal," is thin and shabbily dressed(1150). From the vivid description of Dee and rather bland ones of the mother and Maggie, it may be readily assumed that Dee is of much higher extrinsic value than her family members. Despite the outer attractiveness of Dee and unattractiveness of her mother and Maggie, the differences in the behavior of the groups indicate a turnaround in the presumed value judgments of the characters... ... as well. The first glimpse of "Everyday Use" may suggest that Dee surpasses her mother and sister in value, but closer scrutiny of the work reveals that the mother and Maggie have just as much, if not more, merit than Dee. Works Cited Walker, Alice. "Everyday Use." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. 1149. Baker, Houston A., Jr. and Pierce-Baker, Charlotte. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler. Vol. 5. Gale Research Inc.: Detroit, MI,1990. 402. Mickelson, Anne Z. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler. Vol. 5. Gale Research Inc.: Detroit, MI, 1990. 406. Works Consulted Matriz, Roger, ed. Contemporary Literary Criticism. Detroit, MI: Gale Research Inc., Vol. 5, 6, 9, 19, 27. 1991. Draper, James P., ed. Black Literature Criticism. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, Inc., Vol. 3. 1992.   

North and Central Florida Springs Essay example -- Geology

Introduction Groundwater is the largest and most available usable source of drinking water in the state. There is a vast and mysterious system of caves and natural springs in North Central Florida. The cave system within the aquifer is one of the most amazing parts. The caves are remarkable in many ways. They are among the deepest and longest in the world, let alone the U.S. Another amazing aspect of the system is the purity of the water. The springs collectively produce billions of gallons of crystal clear water per day. The whole system stems from the Florida Aquifer that rests under the entire state. When most people think of Florida, they think of the weather and the beaches, but its the springs and the whole water system of the Florida Aquifer that makes the State so lush. The springs are an invaluable resource and natural wonder of the state. Combined, the system of 320 known springs produces nearly 8 billion gallons of water per day, more than the state currently uses (alt hough at present population growth, this remains to be seen). The springs of North Florida have always been a wonder. From the days of the Spanish Conquistadors searching for the "fountain of youth" to the millions of tourists that come to visit the springs today they have intrigued and amazed. With crystal clear waters feeding rivers that can disappear as quickly as they appeared the springs truly are an amazing sight. It was always thought that these springs were an unlimited resource, but scientists have discovered that man's influence can harm these spring. The Biscayne Aquifer in South Florida are already showing signs of a reduced flow due to the overpopulation of the area. The whole system is very fragile and we must all be ... ...d protect the water. There are grass roots organizations trying to help their areas and organizations like NSWA, but we need some cohesive concerted group effort if anything is going to get done. Individuals need to do their part to help preserve and protect the natural springs and the whole water system. The NSWA continues its lobbying of the FDA in its fight with the bottlers that use boreholes. Other groups are also helping and if they work together they may yet save one of our states most important resources. Although groups like the NSWA and Save Our Springs, Inc. have won small battles and stalled the advances of some companies, they are facing a booming 3 billion dollar industry with its own powerful lobbyists. The battle is far from over to protect our springs and everyone should be made aware of their obligation to help protect this invaluable resource. North and Central Florida Springs Essay example -- Geology Introduction Groundwater is the largest and most available usable source of drinking water in the state. There is a vast and mysterious system of caves and natural springs in North Central Florida. The cave system within the aquifer is one of the most amazing parts. The caves are remarkable in many ways. They are among the deepest and longest in the world, let alone the U.S. Another amazing aspect of the system is the purity of the water. The springs collectively produce billions of gallons of crystal clear water per day. The whole system stems from the Florida Aquifer that rests under the entire state. When most people think of Florida, they think of the weather and the beaches, but its the springs and the whole water system of the Florida Aquifer that makes the State so lush. The springs are an invaluable resource and natural wonder of the state. Combined, the system of 320 known springs produces nearly 8 billion gallons of water per day, more than the state currently uses (alt hough at present population growth, this remains to be seen). The springs of North Florida have always been a wonder. From the days of the Spanish Conquistadors searching for the "fountain of youth" to the millions of tourists that come to visit the springs today they have intrigued and amazed. With crystal clear waters feeding rivers that can disappear as quickly as they appeared the springs truly are an amazing sight. It was always thought that these springs were an unlimited resource, but scientists have discovered that man's influence can harm these spring. The Biscayne Aquifer in South Florida are already showing signs of a reduced flow due to the overpopulation of the area. The whole system is very fragile and we must all be ... ...d protect the water. There are grass roots organizations trying to help their areas and organizations like NSWA, but we need some cohesive concerted group effort if anything is going to get done. Individuals need to do their part to help preserve and protect the natural springs and the whole water system. The NSWA continues its lobbying of the FDA in its fight with the bottlers that use boreholes. Other groups are also helping and if they work together they may yet save one of our states most important resources. Although groups like the NSWA and Save Our Springs, Inc. have won small battles and stalled the advances of some companies, they are facing a booming 3 billion dollar industry with its own powerful lobbyists. The battle is far from over to protect our springs and everyone should be made aware of their obligation to help protect this invaluable resource.

Islam Invasion of India in 1200-1700 72103725 Essay

The historical excerpt of India draws its genesis from the Indus Valley civilization which mushroomed in the North-Western part of the sub-continent as early as 3300 towards 1700BCE. Rashid Barrack (1999). This era was popularly known for Bronze and the subsequent Iron Age. Historians concur with the fact that this is the period that triggered the massive uprising of pinnacle kingdoms otherwise known as Mahajanapadas from 700–300 BCE. Rashid Barrack (1999). The scramble and partition and economic influence were a dreaded disease on the global scale before the papacy age; this affected almost all societies in the historical context. India like other societies in history was vulnerable to the Islamic invasion. The scramble for India began one century after the death of Mohammed, during this period Arabs advanced into the deep most parts of India where they settled at the Indus valley. Most of these successive raids were affected by Mahmud who had the main objective of controlling the wealth of India. They took over the Indian home turf Delhi by 12th century. Apart from the Islamic vested interest in India, other tribes from Persia and Central Asia also were seen as potential invaders into this sub-continent. Chirac. R (2000). Immediately the Sassanids succumbed, the consequent entourage of the Caliphate’s that welded enormous power and subsequently saw to its monopolistic dominion, It gave rise to Muslim dynasties of Asian heritage, which consisted of the Turks. Chirac. R (2000) Expansion of trade One of the impeccable reasons Islam expanded to India was strictly for economic reasons. The Muslims came in contact with India through the Arab invasion on a nest of pirates near neo-Bombay. Muslims enhanced their dominance in both accumulating the economic power and enhancing religion through a comprehensive structure that fused the political power, law and religion. This was meant to safeguard their vested interest. This prompted a massive expansion of world trade far beyond in the medieval era. Free trade was vividly enhanced by Sher Shah Suri who bunned all trade tariffs. Large infrastructures were built and by (1540-1544) Grand Trunk Road was built to create a conduit between Calcutta through to Kabul. Chitendra Sonigra (1997). This was prompted by the curiosity to secure trade empires along the Arabian Sea. During this period in time many Arabs settled at the Indian ports, prompting a transcendental increase of minute Muslim communities along the Indian costal line. Communities spontaneously occupied these regions, where they were used as mercenaries by most Hindu kings that hailed from the south. Chitendra Sonigra (1997). A fundamental aspect of the Muslim period in world history was the emergence of Islamic Sharia courts capable of imposing a common commercial and legal system that extended from Morocco in the West to Mongolia in the North East and Indonesia in the South East. Critically the imposition of the common commercial strictures was meant to facilitate the ease of operation in the region as the Islam looted the economy. Chitendra Sonigra (1997). While southern India was already in trade with Arabs/Muslims, northern India found new opportunities. Islamic forces become so tactical and designed common legal framework that subjugates the Hindu kingdoms. The adoption of the Sharia laws was an integral era in the history of Islam that enhanced the imposition of trading tariffs. The Sharia incorporated business conduits that favored both the Muslims and the Kaffirs. Hadley M. (1970). The marshaled out an economic annexing stratagem by clinging on a system that was rounded between the clergy, the administrative and the mercantile classes. This system granted them ease in terms of navigating potential territories in the sub-content. The Islamic legion was clever in that they established a political embodiment that amalgamated both the law and religion in order to safeguard and dominate on the economic spheres. As a consequent, Bengal was taken over and the central India by the Delhi Sultanate, empires like the Turko-Afghan reigned from Delhi: the Mamluk ruled during 1211-1290; the Khalji ruled 12-90-1320: the Tughlaq ruled from 1320-1413 the Sayyid (1414-51) while the Lodhi ruled from 1451-1526. Hadley M. (1970). The Islamic hegemony also eyed the Southern kingdom where futile resistance was marshaled up by Vijayanagar until the tumbling down of the Sultanate Empire in 1565. Rashid Barrack (1999). This resulted into the expansion of international trade, in all spheres of the sub-continent. Chitendra Sonigra (1997). While it is evident that during this era a section of leaders were overzealous about spreading Islam and varied sections inclined to the Akbar dynasty was liberal in founding a more harmonious religion. The economic aspect was championed through the massive empire uprising such as the Mughal dynasty in 1526–1707, that domineered India for 200 years: the Mughal annexed so much wealth that made them so rich. Hadley M. (1970). The Islamic intrusion in India was categorically for economic reasons; this was achieved through the expansion of slave territories and the exploitation gun powder. After the death of Auranzeb’s death, the dominance of Muslim subsided, this was followed by the successive imperialistic and provincial hereditary powers was coupled with intrigue and force. After a short while mansabdari system gave birth to the zamindari system where aristocratic structures of government collected rents. Hadley M. (1970). Technology Expansion The expansive international trade during these wee years enhanced the transportation of industrial technology and urban ethical paradigm shift. Although the Indian sub-continent had a rich intellectual culture that was more advanced, the water-wheel technology for irrigation was imported during the Muslim period of invasion. Architectural designs such as those ones of the ceramic tiles that was dominant in Iraq and Iran was also transported by the mughal rulers. These designs gave Arabs a bargaining ground and they enhanced their economic mission under the pretext of ushering foreign technology. Hadley M. (1970). Cultural influence To enhance prolific dominance on the Indian subcontinent, the Islam had to incorporate the divide and rule philosophy that polarized the sub-continental psyche, which complicated issues majority of settled agrarian societies of India during this time. The Muslim’s however did not adopt the Indian mores and values; they instead retained their identity and fronted legal cum administrative structures that outrun the mainstream systems. The fundamental effect of Islam on the Indian culture influenced the evolution of all spheres of human endeavor; this includes language, dress, cuisine, architectural development and also the social and cultural values. The Muslim reign witnessed a magnificent urbanization of India and the spontaneous mushrooming of many cities and their urban mores. There was bit of language modification that was as a result of Muslim invasion. Since the Islam was a key player in the transatlantic trade the monetary factor was a major consideration in welding dominance in India, they however, extended their trade conduits that spread from Morocco through to Indonesia. This change of emphasis on mercantilism and trade from the more strongly centralized governance systems further clashed with the agricultural based traditional economy and also provided fuel for social and political tensions. Rashid Barrack (1999).

Study of Knowledge

Epistemology – The Study of Knowledge Jeff Castro PHI 200 Dr. Akins February 4, 2013 Epistemology – The Study of Knowledge The study of knowledge has always been the journey toward truth and understanding. Epistemology deals with the creation and distribution of knowledge in certain areas of inquiry. Humans should be free to gain, study and question knowledge and claims without repercussions in any social, cultural or religious setting. As we move forward in our understanding of life, religion and nature, we have changed our way of thinking through philosophy.We are less ignorant and uneducated about the truths of the world and how we as human beings perform in it. Knowledge and the confirmation of knowledge can be confirmed by propositional and procedural knowledge or knowledge by acquaintance. Propositional knowledge is expressed in declarative sentences or indicative propositions of one’s knowledge based on the known or knowing that. If someone says â€Å"all birds have feathers† they are stating or asserting a proposition that is factual or somewhat factual. Procedural knowledge is the knowledge used in the performance of a task, such as knowing how to replace brakes on a vehicle.It is learned knowledge through doing that act. Knowledge by acquaintance is experience based knowledge learned through casual interaction, such as knowing a place or person well (Mosser, 2010). Knowing for certain is always questionable because everything can be challenged. For the three identified ways of attaining knowledge, the most challenged one is propositional knowledge. Propositional knowledge receives the most skepticism because of the statements it brings forward, like â€Å"I believe that†, â€Å"I know that† and â€Å"I think that† (Steup, 2005). These statements are based on one’s beliefs, thoughts and ideas which can be questioned.If knowledge is based on one’s beliefs or opinions it will bring challenges , but remember an individual’s ideas based on beliefs or opinions should respected. We are certain of the other two due to experiencing or performing acts to solidify the knowledge. But then still can be questioned because of different procedures or experiences can still result in a different or validation of an outcome or answer. To justify what we really know is inherited, learned or experienced. We cannot really be certain of our knowledge because we can be tricked or limited by our sense that provides us this information to confirm or deny what we know or learn.Knowledge at one point is imperfect, but the truth at that point and is reinforced by the progress of science to be an absolute truth to some degree and as Vladimir Lenin says, â€Å"There is no impassable boundary between relative and absolute truth. † (Bogdanov, 1908). The normal order of the world is how we perceive it through our senses. It can play tricks on us and deceive through illusions that the min d receives from sight, sound, taste and touch. How humans recognize what is real and not real through their senses is known as empiricism (Mosser, 2010).Empiricists view that there is no such thing as innate knowledge, but instead knowledge is received from experience. On the argument side you have rationalism which view knowledge to be innate. It argues that the knowledge of God, mathematics and science cannot be explained by the senses (Mosser, 2010). But this does contradicts how we learn, because without the senses how do we learn mathematics, science or the knowledge of God (the bible). Innate knowledge is derived from the mind, but requires other things to support or build the mind, the senses.Let’s break down the five senses (vision, sound, touch, smell and taste) and try to understand what can be limited and why. Vision can be received or altered based on the ability to distinguish objects, the depth or field, color, contrast, or even color blindness. Sound can be aff ected by the volume or pitch that is received by the ears. Touch can be affected by your haptic perception and how sensitive one’s outer skin is. Smell and taste can be affected by our bad habits (smoking and drinking), disease or medications. So the limitations of one’s senses can fool and be limited by our own doings and by the aging process (Gwizdka, 2010).Cognitive relativism is the idea of the knowledge we hold of the real world requires assistance from our mental/mind to build and support and that things being the truth or false are relative to a society, group or individual. I also realize that there are cognitive bias, notational bias and culture bias, which prevents us from seeing or analyzing something objectively with our senses (empiricism) which we cannot discount. So to really assert a position of truth would depend on who interprets it based on moral, ethical, or social view (Slick, 2012).Friedrich Nietzsche developed perspectivism which supports cogniti ve relativism in that there are many possible perspectives to determine any possible assessment of the truth to be determined. This means that there is doubt and uncertainty about how we see the world and the truth about it based on perspectives. The limits to human perception or cognition are bounded by each individual and how they can comprehend or process what they are receiving. The processing of the knowledge can be expanded upon through the use of one’s innate knowledge.We limited ourselves based on what we only know and what is in front of us. If we can make sense of the world beyond what our senses take in we would be much better off, but remember it is all based on one’s perspective of faith, ideas, thoughts and knowledge. Skepticism is originally was defined as someone who simply looked at things and now it is someone who doubts claims. Skepticism forces claims to be justified (Mosser, 2010). When assessing epistemology on the bases of what is known and the u nknown we will still question everything for it is uncertain that we really know the truth about something.Yet there will still be limits on what we question because some are based on faith, which is an individual’s belief in their religion. There are several types of skepticism: moral, religious, metaphysical and scientific. Each identifying a particular area to question or doubt, but what I find most questionable or intriguing are the religious skepticism or theological skepticism which examines faith-based claims and scientific skepticism or empirical skepticism which uses the scientific method of examining claims.Religious skepticism does not mean one would be either an Atheist or Agnostic. These skeptics question religious authority, but are not anti-religious just because they question specific or all religious beliefs or practices. One of the first religious skeptics was Socrates, he questioned the legitimacy of the beliefs during his time of the existence of various g ods and this led to his trial and execution. Scientific skepticism seek proof through deductive argument before accepting any knowledge in any area, such as health claims, environmental claims, parapsychology, etc.Carl Sagan originated scientific skepticism and was a world-famous astronomer and astrophysicist well known for supporting the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI) and questioned that there was more than earth in our and other vast universes. There is also a sub-set of scientific skepticism which is call activist skepticism who seek to expose or prove false publicly what they see as the truth behind extraordinary claims (Klein, 2000). Socrates claimed that he knew one and only one thing: that he knew nothing, which was in line with being a Pyrrhonist.He questioned everyone who claimed to have knowledge, hoping to learn from them, but he never claimed that gaining knowledge was impossible and never claimed to discover any knowledge. As such proof of never record ing anything to prove or disprove his knowledge (Mosser, 2010). Sagan wrote in his publications â€Å"Too much openness and you accept every notion, idea, and hypothesis—which is tantamount to knowing nothing. Too much skepticism—especially rejection of new ideas before they are adequately tested—and you’re not only unpleasantly grumpy, but also closed to the advance of science.A judicious mix is what we need. † (Sagan, 1995). Both men were skeptics who believed in questioning and challenging claims and exhibited a fascination with discovery. I believe it is in our nature to question everything to ensure we have validated the claim, but as Sagan has stated there is a fine line before tilting it too far to the left or right. I believe the two skepticisms try to get at the answer of how humans came to being. The religious skeptic will question all religions by comparing claims and questioning why to find the ultimate truth of our existence and our tr ue meaning.The scientific skeptic will require proof in the way of science before accepting knowledge to be true (Munchin, 2011). By taking the two and trying to analyze and form a more complete set of questions to develop a more sensible truth or theory behind the human existence would possibly help me understand or rationalize the questions of â€Å"why† and â€Å"how† in my mind. But I understand there are limits to what I chose to believe as my ideas or perceptions (Shogenji, 2011). The decision between right and wrong is relative to one’s society or cultural background.Relativism in the Muslim world would be a death sentence (honor killing) and we would see it as radical relativism. It is easily defendable in their culture and country because it is viewed as a norm or way of life, but not so within most other countries. It is all about perspective because we to at one time burned people at the stake for being witches. Ignorance and lack of education or know ledge made it defensible and accepted at that time. So is radical relativism defensible, it is all about an individual’s or country’s perspective, religious beliefs and culture to decide one way or the other (Mosser, 2010).The basic understanding of philosophy and how it affects our lives is sometimes transparent to most people because they only do without thinking. We have gotten so busy with our tethered lives we do not take the time to question why something is true or not, we move around like mindless beings. Epistemology gives us that way to question and seek knowledge to validate truth and to hope to truly understand the â€Å"why† and â€Å"how† of our lives and everything in and around us.Humans should be free to gain, study and question knowledge and claims without repercussions in any social, cultural or religious setting. But this is an ongoing battle to be free from repercussions or persecution of our thoughts, ideas and actions when publicall y projected. Some countries and cultures still lash out in the way of medieval and barbaric manner at anything that does not fit their way of life and interactions, but it is all relative and it still falls within the study of philosophy.Choosing to accept this or not, based on beliefs, ideas and religion is your choice, but to understand and have a greater degree of insight of knowledge and truth is true epistemology. References Bogdanov, A. (1908). Absolute and Relative Truth, or the Eclecticism of Engels. Retrieved from: http://www. marxists. org/archive/lenin/works/1908/mec/two5. htm Gwizdka, J. (2010). Human Perception & Cognition. Retrieved from: http://comminfo. rutgers. edu/~jacekg/teaching/ITI230_HCI/2006_4f/lectures/Lecture3. pdf Klein, P. (2000).Contextualism and the Real Nature of Academic Skepticism. Retrieved from: http://www. jstor. org. proxy-library. ashford. edu/stable/pdfplus/3050570. pdf? acceptTC=true Mosser, K. (2010). A Concise Introduction to Philosophy. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Munchin, D. (2011). ‘Is theology a science? ’ Paul Feyerabend’s anarchic epistemology as challenge test to T. F. Torrance’s scientific theology. Retrieved from: http://search. proquest. com. proxy-library. ashford. edu/cv_756002/docview/894110952/fulltextPDF/13C00235777679CB0A0/4? accountid=32521 Sagan, C. 1995). Wonder and Skepticism, Vol 19, Issue 1. Retrieved from: http://www. positiveatheism. org/writ/saganws. htm Shogenji, T. (2011). Internalism and Externalism in Meliorative Epistemology. Retrieved from: http://search. proquest. com. proxy-library. ashford. edu/cv_756002/docview/1111853938/fulltextPDF/13C06554AFF58193594/1? accountid=32521 Slick, M. (2012). Cognitive Relativism. Retrieved from: http://carm. org/secular-movements/relativism/cognitive-relativism Steup, M. (2005). Epistemology. Retrieved from: http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/epistemology/

Peter Skyrznecki Essay

Our idea of belonging is a result of the choices that we make. We feel a sense of acceptance wherever we choose to belong. This is explored in Peter Skrzyneckis poem Feliks Skrzynecki and St Patricks showed the ides of alienation and belonging. They are shown through various techniques such as an allusion, direct speech and many more poetic techniques. Feliks Skrzynecki is a poem that shows a tribute to Peter Skrzyneckis father. Through the use of powerful and vivid imagery, the poet successfully conveys Feliks as a man who is comfortable, content and secure in his own identity. In this poem, concepts of belonging and not belonging occur within place, family, community and culture. The first stanza emphasizes the idea of belonging. Feliks sets standards ‘of his own minds making’. He is comfortable in belonging to his own world, his garden, family and cultural heritage. This is further emphasized through the use of the simile ‘ loved his garden like an only child’ which demonstrates the love he possessed for his garden. The garden can also be interpreted as Feliks constructed world: a place he escapes to in order to feel a sense of belonging. The garden is also the reward for his hard work. Skrzynecki’s poem ‘St. Patricks College’ displays how a sense of belonging is influenced by external forces. For someone to belong to something they must make their own decisions in life, understand their surroundings and build relationships with those around them. These qualities are lacked by Skrzynecki in ‘St. Patrick’s College’ which resulted in him not belonging. Skrzynecki was sent to this school because his mother was ‘only wanting, â€Å"what was best†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. The direct speech is a cliche as every parent wants what is best for their child. The irony of the situation was that ‘for eight years’ sending Skrzynecki to St. Patrick’s College ‘Wasn’t â€Å"for the best†. He did not understand the ways of the school which led to his lack of belonging. The repetition of the phrase ‘for eight years’ reinforces how long the alienation and detachment lasted for, the feeling of not belonging did not change for eight years. The use of the personal pronoun ‘I’ throughout the poem gives a dreary, detached tone which emphasises his loneliness. No relationships with students, teachers or anyone else at the school were formed over his time there. The time at the school was useless as highlighted by ‘I could say the lord’s prayer in Latin, all in one breath. ’ He claims that as what he received from eight years at the school, a useless skill. Skrzynecki found it so hard to belong to St. Patrick’s College because the decision to go to the school was not his own, he did not understand his surroundings and he did not build any relationships with those around him. In Conclusion the ability to belong can be affected by understanding, choices, culture, relationships and experience. In the poem â€Å"Feliks Skrzynecki† showed the sense of belonging in the respective place, like his garden. In contrast, the poem â€Å"St Patricks College† showed that Skrzynecki lacked in building any relationship with those around him. Peter Skrzynecki used various to show the alienation and belonging in the poems â€Å"Feliks Skrzynecki† and St Patricks College†.

Etop Analysis

12 | Annual Report 2009-10 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT ‘What is that life worth which cannot bring comfort to others' – Dr. S K Burman Founder, Dabur India Ltd This noble thought by its founder has been the driving force behind Dabur India Ltd's community initiatives. At Dabur, we firmly believe that an organisation's true worth lies beyond its business, and is best reflected by the service it renders to the community and the Society. Businesses have a responsibility to subserve larger societal goals as they have the ability to contribute significantly and impactfully to sustainable and inclusive development.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a public relations exercise for us. Dabur defines CSR as conducting business in ways that provide social, environmental & economic benefits for the communities and geographies where we operate. The greatest value is in making a difference in lives of people. Dabur's CSR initiatives are driven by Sustainable Deve lopment Society or SUNDESH, which aims to reach out to the weaker and more vulnerable sections of our society. Today, SUNDESH operates in Ghaziabad & Gautam Budh Nagar districts of Uttar Pradesh and in Rudrapur district of Uttarakhand.Over the years, it has contributed to many worthy causes, addressing children's literacy, improving healthcare services, skill development, and environment. To cite a few examples, almost 2,000 women have been offered skill development training and they are now supplementing their household income. Our self-help groups too have benefited many, with repayment of bank loans at almost 100%. It is highly encouraging to see that our small steps and efforts have helped many an illiterate kids see a school from inside, helped unemployed youth set up small businesses, made healthcare accessible to many†¦ n short, brought smiles on the faces of scores of families. Health Services The objective of rural health care is to mobilize the community and build awa reness, equipping them with adequate information, skills and confidence to access health services. SUNDESH provides health services across villages. It extends primary health services to the poor and the marginalised rural people at a reasonable cost. It focuses on community-oriented healthcare and works towards empowering every individual with essential knowledge and skills, which would enable them to lead a healthy life.Services provided to the rural people through this programme include: OPD & Diagnostic Facilities: The number of patients at the Health Post has been growing substantially every year, reflecting the increasing faith of the rural community in our medical facilities. Till date, 61,628 patients have benefitted through OPD services. It also provides diagnostic facilities like urine and pregnancy test, haemoglobin, blood sugar and doppler test to the poor rural populace at nominal rates. Mother & Child Healthcare: This initiative is aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, besides improving the quality of life of the villagers.Given the fact that pregnancy and child-birth related deaths are high in India, SUNDESH is focused on promoting and motivating expecting mothers to go in for institutional deliveries. Dabur India Limited | 13 It is the number of children who have benefitted from our education-related initiatives till date, with 830 children having joined formal schools Eye Care Camps: SUNDESH takes care of the elderly by holding eye care camps at its Health Post and in villages. Cataract cases are even operated free of cost. Prevention of female foeticide: SUNDESH has organised workshops in Ghaziabad on prevention of female foeticide.Anganwadi workers were sensitized to make the community aware about the importance of girl child and improve the girl-boy ratio in the region. AIDS awareness: An awareness drive on HIV/AIDS was undertaken with CARE India Trust and UP State AIDS Control Society. This sought to reduce Sexually Transm itted Infections/HIV transmission among high-risk migrants in urban areas of Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh. Education & Literacy The educational initiatives of SUNDESH for underprivileged children include nonformal education [6-14 years non-school going], special school for working children [8-13 years], emedial education [6-14 years school-going], besides holding classes for women between the age of 18 and 45 years. This programme's success is reflected in the fact that a host of mothers are now following their daughters and seeking admission at our adult education centre. Non-formal Education: SUNDESH holds classes for underprivileged children between 6 and 14 years of age. After completing their basic education, these children, who have either never had a chance to see a school from inside or are school dropouts, are then encouraged to get enrolled in formal schools.Income Generation Programmes Capability enhancement programmes have been introduced offering vocational train ing in cutting & tailoring, machine & hand embroidery, bee keeping, mushroom farming, mehandi application and vermi-composting. Still a long way to go†¦ Dabur believes in having a long-term relationship with communities in and around its operational area, and in providing sustenance to regions that remain isolated and neglected. A beginning has been made but there are still miles to go before the huge disparity is bridged and a better future delivered to both the rural and urban poor.

Case-Training for Excellence at Wegman Food Market

Case-Training For Excellence At Wegman Food Market Case: Training for Excellence at Wegman Food Market Wegmans Food Markets, â€Å"a regional supermarket chain based in Rochester, New York, is one of the top 75 U. S. supermarkets in terms of sales volume and is widely respected in the industry. Observers agree that training is a big reason why the company stands out,† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 209). In this paper I will discuss how training at Wegmans’ is related to its organizational needs and how Wegmans’ measure the success of their training programs. I will also discuss if an e-learning will be an appropriate training method at Wegman and for what aspect of training might it be most beneficial? I will discuss how on-going training for employees can have a positive impact on employee retention Discuss how training at Wegmans’ is related to its organizational needs. â€Å"Hiring the right people means more than just securing employees who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a particular job; these people must also be able to acquire new knowledge and skills as jobs and environments change,†(Dreher Dougherty, 2001, p. ). Wegman Food Market Human Resources department have to ensure that they are hiring the right people that will provide the customers with superior customer service and commit to implementing the knowledge they receive during training. Wegmans organizational strategy is for the employees to â€Å"understand sales and competing on the basis of quality and service,† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 209). Wegman Food Market uses hands on training throughout their stores, to provide the employees with an opportunity to experience making the products themselves. Training content includes practical matters such as product knowledge, food safety, and the ways to cook and bake,† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 209) fits the organizational needs of the Wegman Food Markets. According to the case, how does Wegmans’ measure the success of its training? Increased sales and customer satisfaction reviews are ways that Wegman Food Market executives can mea sure the success of company training. â€Å"Wegmans measures the success of its training based on whether a store’s sales are growing. In fact, sales and profit growth are primary ways the company measures the performance of the company’s director of training and development,† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 209). Wegman Food Market employees’ new positive attitude towards doing their job and providing the best customer service are also ways that executives can measure success of company training. â€Å"Assessment of training also should evaluate training outcomes, such as change in attitude, ability to perform a new skill, and recall of facts or behaviors taught in the training program,† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 07). Do you think e-learning might be an appropriate training method at Wegmans? Why or Why not? For what aspect of training might it be most beneficial? E-learning â€Å"involves receiving training via the Internet or the organization’s intranet, typically through some combination of Web-based training modules, distance learning, and virtual classrooms,† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 192). E-learning â€Å"content may be delivered via the internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, CD-ROM and satellite TV,† (SHRM, 2008, p. ). Wegman Food Market could benefit from implementing an e-learning training method in their stores. The Human Resource department can use the training tool to train new and old employees that may have missed a previous training session due to a scheduling issue. The employees would be able to train on their own time or refresh their knowledge about preparing a particular product without having to ask another employee or supervisor. The employees will be able to assist the customers with confidence and enthusiasm. The e-learning system may also process enrollments, test and evaluate participants, and monitor progress,† (Noe, Hollenback, Gerhart Wright, 2009, p. 192). This training system can help the Human Resource department keep track of all the employees tra ining. They will be able to see which employee’s needs to be trained and which employees passed or failed any training sessions. Implementing an e-learning system at Wegman would reduce the cost of traveling to training locations and the cost of bringing in training coaches from different companies. Discuss how on-going training for employees can have a positive impact on employee retention. Knowledge and skill acquisition will not lead to improved firm performance unless employees are allowed and encouraged to use job–related knowledge and skills when performing their jobs,† (Dreher Dougherty, 2001, p. 7). In order for Wegman Food Market to reduce retention rates, they will need to develop new training programs and make improvements continuously. Training should be offered to Wegman employees annually or quarterly to ensure that they are learning new techniques and different recipes to teach to the customers. â€Å"Effective initial and ongoing training can ge t employees engaged in their work. New employees that are given thorough orientation and training can take their new skills and start performing in their new role with confidence. On going training demonstrates that the organization values the employee in their current role as well as their potential for future personal development,† (Loyaltyworks, 2010). On going training at Wegman Food Market will lead to increased morale and a sense of achievement from the employees. Employees will feel appreciated for their work and want to help the company succeed in reaching any company goals and providing the best customer service to Wegman customers. When employees job satisfaction rates are up, the employees will be less likely to leave the company. In this paper I have discussed how training at Wegmans’ is related to its organizational needs and how Wegmans’ measures the success of their training programs. I have also discussed that e-learning will be an appropriate training method implemented at Wegmans’ and what aspect of training it will be most beneficial. I have also discussed how on-going training for employees can have a positive impact on employee retention rates. Dreher Daugherty. (2001). Human Resources Strategy: Understanding Behavior in Organizations. New York: McGraw-Hill Loyaltyworks. (2010). The 8 Drivers of Employee Satisfaction and Engagement. Retrieved on October 27, 2010 from http://hubpages. com/hub/The-8-Drivers-of-Employee-Satisfaction-and-Engagement Noe, R. A. , Hollenbeck, J. R. , Gerhart, B. , Wright, P. M. (2009). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management (3rd ed). New York: McGraw-Hill SHRM. (2010). Introduction to the Discipline of Human Resources Technology. Retrieved on October 29, 2010 from http://www. shrm. org/hrdisciplines/technology/Pages/TechnologyIntro. aspx