The True Meaning Of Being Happy - 1012 Words

What is happiness? What does it mean to be happy? Is happiness real? These questions are the most frequently asked questions that most people ask themselves. By definition, being happy is when something is feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. But, what is the true meaning of being happy? Many people view happiness in many different aspects. Pharrell Williams’s song â€Å"Happy† did just that. It tells people that they don’t have to seek hard to be happy. It is within one’s self. Unlike most songs, there is no hidden message. The message is very clear. It is about maintaining a positive state of mind despite how bad and sometimes heartbreaking events in life can be. When you think about the great times in life, everything seems to†¦show more content†¦But Pharrell’s â€Å"Happy† doesn’t fall into that trap. It’s an exuberant song about feeling the possibilities in a pure, natural, and limitless state. Now, letâ₠¬â„¢s take a deeper look into his lyrics. The song’s first lyrics through us in a whirlpool as he begins with â€Å"It might seem crazy what I m about to say. Sunshine she s here, you can take away. I m a hot air balloon, I could go to space. With the air, like I don t care baby by the way.† Pharrell wants the listener to know how he might be crazy but he doesn’t care what you think about him. He’s just going to be weird when it comes to telling you how he feels. Next, the chorus begins with the lines â€Å"Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof, Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth. Clap along if you know what happiness is to you, Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do.† Here, Pharrell’s narrator is to remind the listener to continue to be happy no matter what. Also, you have no limits so live it up. What’s happiness if you’re going to experience it with limitations? Now, weâ€℠¢ve reached the second verse. Pharrell continues to give us more tips on staying happy. â€Å"Here come bad news talking this and that, yeah. Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold back, yeah. Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine, yeah. No offense to you, don’t waste your time. Here’s why.† In these particular lyrics, he wants us to know that he is happy and he doesn’t give aShow MoreRelatedThe Meaning Of My Life Essay1019 Words   |  5 PagesEssay: The meaning of My life At one or three points in my life I’ve question the purpose of life and what my purpose of being here was,or if there even is a true meaning to my life. Everyone has different aspects on what the true meaning of their life is, some may say that the true purpose is to work hard, by setting goals that you should achieve. 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The Cloud Of Unknowing By J. Alfred Prufrock Essay

A parallel novel, The Cloud of Unknowing, was anonymously written in the fourteenth-century about the journey of transitioning from a secular life to a God centered life. It begins with the writer addressing the reader in a fatherly manner- this way, the reader is able to connect with the writer even when the journey gets rough. The author states the journey to know God is contemplative, through giving up all previous understandings of God and traveling through a â€Å"cloud of unknowing† to obtain a oneness with God. The author also notes that the journey will not be easy and that frustration can happen, but that frustration should be channeled into focus as greater understanding will come as the frustration ends. The hard part of this journey, according to the author, is in having a desire or willingness to work over time to come to oneness with God. In â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† the main character of the poem, Prufrock, expresses the theme of isolation and introduces the reader to his sense of feeling isolated because of how he thinks he is perceived by others. Prufrock’s search to end his isolation is shown by the conversational monologue that he carries out as he searches for a way to connect with other people. Prufrock’s isolation is shown through both an epigraph from Dante and multiple types of imagery spread throughout the poem such as music, sex, and nature. The epigraph used for the poem is from Dante’s Inferno canto XXVII. These short few lines

Market Position of Booktopia Private Limited

Question: Discuss about the Report for Market Position of Booktopia Private Limited. Answer: Introduction Background Booktopia Pty Ltd has seen a downward trend in sales. The company is looking for market trend and digital innovation route to change the position of the company in the market (The Booktopian, 2016). Purpose of Report This report was prepared to evaluate the declining sales of Booktopias books and to look for new digital innovation ideas to augment the sales figure. The report also discusses the current state of the Booktopia and its existing concerns. Suggestions are included for digital innovations/ technology options which may help the company to achieve its target sales. Scope of Report The report is restricted to a discussion of the declining sale of books in Booktopia website. The report includes a market analysis which consists of current market scenario, industry trend, and analysis. Options for digital innovation are explored to increase sales. A suitable value proposition is added in the report. Market Analysis Current market scenario Online book purchasing has revolutionized the manner of reading as the user can buy books from the various online bookstores (Chang, et al., 2016). There has been huge growth in e-commerce and online book market in last few years. As people prefer e-books which can be accessed from anywhere anytime (Yang, et al., 2010). Booktopia has combined new technologies with old technologies, financial and social technology to create flexible and secure online bookstore (The Booktopian, 2016). As per The Booktopian, (2016) Booktopia Pty Ltd runs an online bookstore in Australia. It sells through its online portal books, CDs, DVDs, eBooks, calendars, and several products to Australia citizens, schools, businesses, libraries, universities and government departments. The company is making more than $85 million a year. The online bookstore Booktopia was voted as the Australia's favourite bookshop in a poll conducted by the Australia Booksellers Association (The Booktopian, 2016). The online bookstore is most sought after for book purchasing and when an online bookstore offers the products as per the needs of the customer, it is widely preferred. The Booktopia has become most used online book store in Australia to purchase books online. The company has accommodated the technology and support system to assist the customer via dedicated customer helpline number (Chang, et al., 2016). The rapid growth of sales of books under the Booktopia website has stagnated. The company was the given priority by customers over Amazon as the company offers books at least price. The company is a member of the Australian Booksellers Association (Booksellers.org.au, 2016). Industry Trends and analysis Online bookstores have undergone rapid growth in the last five years. Consumers use to prefer e-commerce transactions more and enjoying online books via delivery (Chang, et al., 2016). According to Gray, (2013) the transformation from bricks-and-mortar retailers to online bookstore have converted into revenue growth for these online retailers like the Booktopia. The decline of traditional book retailers due to parallel import restrictions and regional and overseas online competition has forced many consumers to buy from industry operators (Carrico, 2015). Industry revenue of online bookstore is forecast to grow by a compound annual 14.7 percent over the five years through 2015-16, to reach $115.7 million in 2020-21 (Chang, et al., 2016). As the current trend showing a drop in sales and analysis shows a declining trend in sales. It was found out in the analysis that younger customer segment in the age group of 18 years old to 30 years old which is placing less and fewer orders using the Booktopia (The Booktopian, 2016). The company wants to increase its revenue in the next five years and to become geographically located with an increase in revenue by 20 percent year by year. The current technology used by the company is not enough to fuel the fire of growth company needs to expand (Chen and Cheng, 2012). The company is looking for digital technology and new concepts to further augment the sales to raise revenue and increase its long-term goals. Digital Innovation and Trends As per the view of Gray, (2013)many big brands, retailers and all e-commerce business use the internet as selling and advertising platform in the recent era. Now the sales channel of marketing has become double-digit growth indicators (Yang, et al., 2010). It has become the most useful medium for sales purpose (Carrico, 2015). However, this digital innovation and its growth increase sales revenue of any business. Consumers like to gather information about new products or services every day. They have become time conscious and prefer browsing internet (Carrico, 2015). People are now covered with a digital world that fills with new products, services, and digital innovations. Digital innovation is the latest buzz phrase (Chen and Cheng, 2012). Digital innovation means to carry out of innovative combinations of components- digital and physical for producing novel products. The basic definition of digital innovation is turning paper records into electronic records (Gray, 2013). This change requires data collection, processing, and analysis of the data. After digital media, digital innovation is the next iteration. Digital Innovation is the important source to make consumers life easier, more productive and more enjoyable (Chang, et al., 2016). Many companies recognize that the online marketing or the digital marketing is moving rapidly to the mainstream business. Over the past two decades, the way of shopping has evolved rapidly. People now can shop with clicks (Gray, 2013). Digital innovation makes the consumers more digitally savvy. Speed and sophistication are on the rise for innovative digitization. It lets the social platform to drive the world. Productivity and efficiency rise for digital innovation in recent trends (Yang, et al., 2010). In order to understand the characteristics of digital innovation of recent trends, it is important to know how digital technology differs from previous technologies (Carrico, 2015). Chen and Cheng (2012) have explained that new digital innovation has three unique characteristics: (1) the programmability, (2) the homogenization of data, and (3) the self-referential nature of digital technology The programmability- Digital innovation includes programmability as a digital device is reprogrammable. It can separate the semiotic functional logic of the digital device from the physical embodiment that executes it. The homogenization of data- Digital innovation provides homogenization of data. The self-referential nature of digital technology- The meaning of self-reference is that digital innovation requires the use of digital technology. The recent trends in digital innovation include many new things. Many e-commerce business organization use Snapchat as their advertising platforms. Marketing automation software is used to send mass emails in recent trends (Chang, et al., 2016). There are many mobile-friendly apps that are helpful in digital marketing. Value Proposition Value proposition serves as the base for all the marketing efforts of the company and defines what makes the company different and unique from its competitors. The value proposition of the company should include: Assurance to solve a specific problem or achieve a particular goal Clear description of how the prospective customer will benefit from using your products and services Identifies visible results customers can expect due to using your services Enables the company to offer must-have services and create tempting marketing messages Demonstrates the company lucidly its target customers, what they are looking for and where competitors fall short Carrico (2015) has defined Value proposition solves the problem of a customer or satisfies his needs. Each value proposition includes a selected range of products or services that serve the requirement of a particular customer segment. In this manner, the value proposition is a bundle, or an aggregation, of benefits which a company offers to its customers (Yang, et al., 2010). As the value proposition requires the Booktopia includes in a bundle of benefits, not just one thing. The value proposition of the Booktopia includes: Fast and easy service Cheap delivery charges Huge discount and coupons Gracious return policy Good customer service with full customer helpline Full availability of all types of books, e-books, CDs and DVDs Most trusted online bookstore in Australia Recommendation Following Chen and Cheng, (2012) it can be recommended that Booktopia need to follow certain key aspects to increase the target sales and company growth of the company. In the digitization era, customers become the powerful part of the business (Chang, et al., 2016).The company believes in online reviews. The company should use video reviews or reviews containing product image can work (Yang, et al., 2010). The company can use feedback programs to increase the volume of feedback which is submitted by the customers. The company can introduce sponsored products list as this can make the products to be displayed below search results (Carrico, 2015). The company should give discounts on products if the buyer buys in a bulk. Conclusion The report has analysed the Booktopia declining sales and digital innovation technology to increase revenue. The purpose of this report has been fulfilled by searching new digital innovation technology and providing a clear discussion of how the sales of the company in the young customer market will increase. Digital innovation has unique characteristics of the programmability, the homogenization of data and the self-referential nature of digital technology (Chen and Cheng, 2012). Building a suitable value proposition is very significant for the growth of the company. Booktopia value proposition is prepared in such a manner the target customer will be attracted towards the online bookstore. Fast and easy service with cheaper delivery charges and gracious return policy will be given a warm welcome by the customers. The company can include Snapshot as other e-commerce businesses are using for their advertising platforms. Recommendations such as video reviews and products reviews are given to lure young customer market. Discount on bulk purchase is one of the techniques to attract youth consumer segment. References blog.Booktopia.com.au, 2016. The Booktopian - Booktopia Blog. [Online] Available at: https://blog.Booktopia.com.au/ [Accessed 24 August 2016]. Booksellers.org.au, 2016. About ABA - Australian Booksellers Association. [Online] Available at: https://www.booksellers.org.au/about-aba [Accessed 24 August 2016]. Carrico, S., 2015. Online Book Selling at the Smathers Library Bookstore. Library Resources Technical Services, 49(4), pp. 276-283. Chang, J., Lee, M. Wang, T., 2016. Integrating a semantic-based retrieval agent into case-based reasoning systems: A case study of an online bookstore. Computers in Industry, 78(2), pp. 29-42. Chen, C. Cheng, C., 2012. How online and offline behavior processes affect each other: customer behavior in a cyber-enhanced bookstore. Quality Quantity, 47(5), pp. 2539-2555. Gray, D., 2013. Out of the Box and Into the Bookstore: Non-Traditional Use of the Bookstore. Against the Grain, 15(3), pp. 56-94. Yang, J., Zielinski, A. Cheng, L., 2010. Purchasing college textbook from online e-bookstore: an empirical study. IJMIE, 3(2), pp. 162-174.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay Example For Students

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay The Scarlet Letter Nathaniel Hawthorne uses diction and symbolism to show the negative effects of stifling conformity verses the positive empowerment found in embarrassing ones own truth. He tries to impress upon his readers that an outsider whether from another physical location, or simply someone who thinks and acts outside that societys definition of acceptable behavior can in fact facilitate positive change within that society regardless of the generation or society. The secret in this novel most likely represents an idea, privacy, or even social censure. The Mary-like character Hester Prynne represents feminism, as the female-heroine, and truth, as she is unwavering in her stand against the wishes of the state, church, family and community with regard to her own truth. As represented by The Scarlet Letter, Do you not think it is better for your little ones temporal and eternal welfare that she be taken out of your charge and clad soberly and disciplined strictly and instructed in the truths of heaven and earth? What can you do for the child? I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this, laying her finger on the red token. Woman it is thy badge of shame. Nevertheless, this badge taught meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦it teaches me daily lessons by reasons of which my child may be better and wiser. Prynne is aware of how her truth can set her free. Later in the novel it states à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦people brought all their sorrows and perplexities, and besought her counsel. This shows how Prynnes stand for the truth has eventually affected the entire community in a very positive manner, changing its perspective on social norms. We will write a custom essay on The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Yet the character Dimmesdale, the co-adulterer, was said to be liken with unutterable torment. Hawthorne was showing that Dimmesdales silence about the truth and his love was worse than any judgment that would have been bestowed on him by his community or maker. Later Prynee offers to save Dimmesdale from his jail guilt and jailer Chillingworth, the devil-like character. He refuses and eventually dies of shame and guilt at the end of this romantic tale of the love between two people. Pearl, the bastard-daughter character, represents the world of nature truth, a nature-friendly pre-Christian time in mankinds history and the struggle between the town societal taboos and the simpler way of forest respect for the truth. Her name is extremely symbolic. It was stated in the novel that she was purchased at a great price. This shows the suffering experienced by the characters and society at large when truth and understanding are stifled within a society. She also represents purity of children artists that are eventually turned into conformists by the adults society and religion. In the forest scenes, the witches and devil never materialize, as they are only aberrations as presented only through the dialogue and in the minds of the characters in this novel. This represents that superstition is consistent throughtout the history of mankind and that modern society was not immune. We have not evolved as  far as we would like to think we have. Conformity, represented by the scary witches and monsters are real if societal pressures prevail. The disastrous affects of the telling the truth are only in the human mind. In conclusion, the characters represented church, government, society at large, truth and feminism. The scarlet letter A itself originally represented guilt or shame, then destiny or understanding, and eventually angel or able. Hawthorne believed Puritanism, which represents an unbending society of judgmental people, debilitates that society and breeds hypocrisy. In short, what we say and do are worlds apart in a society with great restriction on behavior and belief. Embracing societys diversity will benefit the entire society.

The ability of the brain to re

Introduction The ability of the brain to change following an individual’s experience is referred to as neuroplasticity (Alamacos, Segura, Borrel, 1998). This characteristic of the brain was discovered more recently and discredits the earlier belief that the brain could never change after a person has gone through the critical period of infancy. The brain is chiefly made up of nerve cells and glial cells which are usually linked.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The ability of the brain to re-task a different area following brain damage to one area specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Learning can be achieved through the alteration of the strength of these connections. In the last century, the common belief was that the lower brain and the neocortical areas could not be altered in structure after structure after childhood (Winship murphy, 2009). This belief has been challenged by the new revelations t hat indicate that all parts of the brain are plastic and can be altered even in older individuals. This paper seeks to identify the ability of the brain to re-task a different area to perform a function that has been affected by brain damage (Lazar, Kerr, Wasserman, 2005). Earlier studies Previous studies done by Wiesel and Hubel showed that ocular dominance columns that are located in the lowest neocortical visual area were largely not changeable after one has passed the critical period in development (Black, Cianci, Markokowitz, 2001). These critical periods were also examined in respect to language development; the findings suggested that all the sensory pathways were permanent subsequent to the critical period (Kaeser, et al., 2010). However, the earlier brain studies had also shown that changes in the environment could result in change in behavior and cognition. This change was linked to the alteration in neuronal connections and neurogenesis in specific parts of the brain su ch as the hippocampus (Boudrias, Mcpherson, Frost, Cheney, 2010). Decades of enduring research on the functions and structure of the brain indicate that alterations take place in the lowest neocortical processing areas and that the alterations could result in marked changes in the pattern of neuronal activation in response to experience (Kaeser, et al., 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The resulting neuroplasticity theory asserts that experience can result in the modification of the brain’s physical structure and the functional organization (Alamacos, Segura, Borrel, 1998). Neurobiology and cortical maps The idea of synaptic pruning forms one of the important aspects of neuroplasticity. Synaptic pruning explains that specific links in the brain are subjected to constant removal or recreation depending on how they are being used (Draganski, 2006). The concept o f synaptic pruning is best captured in the aphorism â€Å"which states that neurons that fire together, wire together/neurons that fire apart, wire apart† (Boudrias, Mcpherson, Frost, Cheney, 2010, p. 8). This indicates that two neighboring neurons that concurrently produce an impulse can form one cortical map. Cortical maps are used to explain cortical organization of, in most cases, the sensory system (Giovanna, Paolo, Luca, Thomas, 2008). For instance, sensory impulses from the two arms are projected to different cortical sites in the brain. Thus the cortical organization defined by the response to sensory inputs represents the human body in form of a map. Researchers Merzenich, Doug Rasmusson and Jon Kaas conducted studies on the cortical maps by removing sensory inputs (Cutler Hoffman, 2005). Their findings which have been supported by various other studies show that the removal of an input in the cortical map results in the rewiring of the impulse through adjacent in puts. Treatment of brain damage as an application of neuroplasticity Through neuroplasticity studies it has been found out that a brain activity that results into a certain function can be relocated to a different part of the brain. This may take place in the course of normal experience or may occur in the course recovery following brain damage (Draganski, 2006).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The ability of the brain to re-task a different area following brain damage to one area specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Neuroplasticity forms the basis on which the scientific explanation for the treatment of acquired brain injury is founded. The restoration of the lost functions through therapeutic programs in form of rehabilitation is achieved due to the plastic nature of the brain (Frost, Bury, Friel, Plautz, Nudo, 2002). Cortical tissue damage, as might occur following stroke, is usually known to affect the initiation and execution of muscular contraction in the extremities opposite the side of the injury (Winship murphy, 2009). In addition the precise manipulative power and the ability to skillfully utilize the upper extremity are usually weakened. Depending on the extent of the injury, some functions usually return in weeks or months, although full recovery is uncommon in human beings. There is increasing evidence which indicates that the return of function observed following â€Å"cortical injury is largely attributed to the adaptive plasticity in the remaining cortical and sub-cortical motor apparatus† (Black, Cianci, Markokowitz, 2001). For instance, the studies pneurophysiologic and neuroanatomic on animals and the neuroimaging and other non invasive stimulation research studies conducted on humans provide evidence to show that adaptive changes take place in the undamaged tissues that surround a cortical infarct (Lazar, Kerr, Wasserman, 2005). Contrary to the previous beliefs, the adult brain is not â€Å"hard wired† with fixed immutable neuronal circuits (Draganski, 2006). There are several instances through which the cortex and sub cortex can be rewired as a consequence of training or following an injury to the brain. This is supported by evidence that new brain cells can develop even in the adult mammal even at old age. The research findings so far have shown that this mainly occurs in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, however, there is increasing evidence that indicates that other regions of the brain may undergo neurogenesis (Frost, Bury, Friel, Plautz, Nudo, 2002). In most parts of the brain, dead neurons are not recreated but the specific functions are seen to be restored. However, evidence on the active, â€Å"experience-dependent re-organization of the synaptic networks of the brain involving multiple inter-related structures including the cerebral cortex is lacking† (Kaeser, et al., 2010, p. 13). The specific pathwa y through which the process takes place at the molecular level is subject to intense research.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Some theories have been advanced to explain how experience results in the synaptic organization of the brain, one of the theories include the general theory of the mind and epistemology referred to as Neural Darwinism which was developed by Gerald Edelman (Lazar, Kerr, Wasserman, 2005). Neuroplasticity also occupies a central point in the memory and learning theories that are characterized by changes in the structure and function of the synapses through experience (Lazar, Kerr, Wasserman, 2005). Sensory substitution and neuroplasticity is best remembered through the works of Paul Bach-y-Rita (Lazar, Kerr, Wasserman, 2005). He came up with a brain port while working with a patient whose vestibular system had been injured. The â€Å"brain port machine would replace the patient’s vestibular apparatus by sending signals to her brain via the tongue† (Winship murphy, 2009, p. 15). The patient used the machine for a certain period of time and regained the normal function. Her experience is best explained through plasticity because her vestibular system was disorganized following prolonged gentamicin medication and thus was sending uncoordinated signals to the brain. Using the machine developed by Paul bay her vestibular system was able determine new neural pathways that were instrumental in reinstating the lost function. Paul Bach-y-Rita used the following analogy to explain the plasticity concept; â€Å"if one is driving from one place to another and the main bridge that connects the two places goes out, he will be paralyzed before deciding to take the old farmland roads that are definitely shorter† (Winship murphy, 2009). By using these roads more, one will start getting wherever he wanted to go faster. Thus the new established neural pathways become stronger with more use. The unmasking process of the new neural pathways is generally understood to one of the main principal ways through which the plastic brain reorganizes itself (Boudrias, Mcpherson, Frost, Cheney, 2010). Another group referred to as the Randy Nudo learned that if an infarction leads to the cutting of blood supply to a certain part of the motor cortex of a monkey, the part of the body that is stimulated by the affected brain portion will respond when adjacent areas are stimulated (Kaeser, et al., 2010). In one of their studies, the intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) mapping techniques were applied on nine normal monkeys (Draganski, 2006). Some of the monkeys were subjected to ischemic infarction protocols. The monkeys that underwent ischemic infarction retained more finger flexion during food retrieval and after several months this deficit returned to the levels they were before the operation (Kaeser, et al., 2010). In regard to the mapping conducted to represent the distal forelimb, it was shown that cortical representations of movements had undergone reorganization in the entire surrounding cortex that had not been damaged. Better understanding on how the normal and damaged cortical tissues interact has formed the basis for current therapeutical approach in the treatment of stroke patients (Frost, Bury, Friel, Plautz, Nudo, 2002). The Nudo group is currently taking part in studying the treatment approaches that may result in better management of stroke. Such approaches include â€Å"physiotherapy, pharmacotherapy and electrical stimulation therapy† (Cutler Hoffman, 2005, p. 4). A professor at the Vanderbilt University known as Jon Kaas has been able to reveal â€Å"how somatosensory area 3b and the ventroposterior (VP) nucleus of the thalamus are affected by long standing unilateral dorsal column lesions at cervical levels in macaque monkeys† (Kaeser, et al., 2010, p. 10). This shows that the brains of an adult mammal can reorganize following brain damage or injury but the reorganization will be injury dependent. His more recent studies have been focused on somatosensory structure. Normally when injury is inflicted on the somatosensory cortex, one experiences a dysfunction in the perception of some part of the body. Jon Kaas is currently trying to understand how these systems (somatosensory, cognitive, motor systems) are plastic as a result of injury (Frost, Bury, Friel, Plautz, Nudo, 2002). More recently, neuroplasticity was applied in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. The treatment was done by a team of doctors and researchers at Emory University, particularly Dr. Donald Stein and Dr. David Wright (Cutler Hoffman, 2005). This particular treatment was first of its kind to be applied in that it is affordable and does not show any side effects. Dr. Stein had had earlier observed that female mice recovered better from brain injuries as compared to their male counterparts. In addition he realized that the female mice had a better recovery record in some stages of the estrus cycle. After intense research studies, the team attributed this phenomenon to the levels of progesteron e (Cutler Hoffman, 2005). The higher the progesterone levels the better the recovery witnessed in the mice. Thus they developed a therapeutic approach that included enhanced levels of progesterone administration to patients with brain injuries. It was shown that if progesterone administration was done following brain injury that result in â€Å"stroke there were fewer instances of edema, inflammation, and neuronal cell death, and enhanced spatial reference memory and sensory motor recovery† (Kaeser, et al., 2010, p. 7). Administration of progesterone on a group of severely brain injured patients showed a reduction in mortality rates by up to 60%. Conclusion This paper sought to use existing literature in academic sources to explain how a lost function due to brain injury or damage can be re-tasked to another part of the brain. The area concerned with this study is referred to as neuroplasticity which can be simply defined as the ability of the brain to change following an in dividual’s experience (Boudrias, Mcpherson, Frost, Cheney, 2010). Neuroplasticity has led to a major shift in the way the understanding of the human brain. Major studies have been carried out by researchers and doctors to understand how the brain is able to re-task different area following damage to one area. Though there is no conclusive evidence to show how this occurs at the molecular level, there has been a marked improvement in the understanding and therapeutical application. References Alamacos, M. C., Segura, G., Borrel, J. (1998). Transfer function to a specific area of the cortex after induced recovery from brain damage. Eur J Neurosci, 5:853-863. Black, P., Cianci, S., Markokowitz, R. S. (2001). Question of transecallosal facilitation of motor recovery: Stroke implications. Trans Am Neurol , 95:207-210. Boudrias, M., Mcpherson, R. L., Frost, S. B., Cheney, P. (2010). Output Properties and organization of the forelimb Representation of Motor Areas on the Lateral Aspect of the Hemisphere in Rhesus Macaques. Cereb Cortex , 20(1):169- 186. Cutler, S., Hoffman, S. (2005). Tapered progesterone withdrawal enhances behavioral and moleculae recovery after traumatic brain injury. Experimental  neurology , 195(2):423-429. Draganski, B. (2006). Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the brain structure changes during extensive learning. The journal of Neuroscience , 26(23):6314-6417. Frost, S. B., Bury, S., Friel, M., Plautz, J., Nudo, R. J. (2002). Reorganization of Remote Cortical Regions After Ischemic brain Injury: A potential Substrate for Stroke Recovery. J Neurophysiol , 89:32053214. Giovanna, P., Paolo, P., Luca, B., Thomas, R. (2008). Genesis of Neuronal and Glial progenitors in the cerebellar cortex of peripuberal and adult rabbits.  journal pone , 12(4):345-7. Kaeser, M., Alexander, F., Wyss, F., Bashir, S., Hamadjida, A., Liu, Y., et al. (2010). Effects of Unilateral Motor Cortex Lesion on Ipsilesional Hand’s Reach and Grasp Perfom ance in Monkeys: Relationship With Recovery in the Contralesional Hand. J Neurophysiol , 103(3): 1630-1645. Lazar, S., Kerr, C., Wasserman, R. (2005). Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. neuroreport , 12(17)1893-97. Winship, I. R., murphy, T. H. (2009). Remapping the somatosensory cortex after Stroke: Insight from Imaging the Synapse to Network. Neuroscientist, 15(5):507-524. This research paper on The ability of the brain to re-task a different area following brain damage to one area was written and submitted by user Ibrahim P. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Confusing Spanish Words and How To Use Them Correctly

Confusing Spanish Words and How To Use Them Correctly Partly because Spanish and English have so many similarities, its tempting to think youll seldom find Spanish vocabulary confusing. But in fact, there are plenty of words that trip up Spanish students repeatedly. And they arent all false friends, words similar to their English counterparts that dont mean the same thing. Some are homophones (two or more different words that sound alike), some are words that are closely similar, and some can be blamed on the rules of grammar. If you want to avoid embarrassment or unnecessary confusion, here are some top candidates for words to learn: Ano vs. Aà ±o Ano and aà ±o dont sound alike. But those who dont know how to type an à ± (or are lazy) are often tempted to use an n instead in aà ±o, the word for year. Dont succumb to the temptation: Ano comes from the same Latin root as the English word anus and has the same meaning. Cabello vs. Caballo English speakers tend to be imprecise in their pronunciations, partly because some sounds, such as the ai in fountain, can be represented in writing by any vowel. But Spanish speakers, although they tend to pronounce consonants softly, are usually distinct with their vowels. So words such as cabello (hair, but collectively rather than as a single hair) and caballo (horse) arent thought of as sounding much alike. Caro vs. Carro Its easy for foreigners to mix up the r and rr - the former is usually a  flap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, while the latter is a trill. Usually, reversing the sounds wont cause misunderstanding. But the difference between caro and carro is the difference between something expensive and a car, respectively. And, yes, you can have a carro caro. Cazar vs. Casar While there may be some who have gone hunting for a spouse, cazar (to hunt) and casar (to marry) arent related to each other even though they sound alike in Latin America. Cocer vs. Coser Another pair of verbs that sound alike in Latin America are cocer (to cook) and coser (to sew). Although they can both be homemaking tasks, they arent related. Dà ­a Although there are dozens of words ending in -a that break the main gender rule and so are masculine, dà ­a (day) is the most common. Embarazada If youre embarrassed and female, avoid the temptation to say youre embarazada, as the meaning of that adjective is pregnant. The most common adjective of embarrassment is avergonzado. Interestingly, embarazada (or the masculine form, embarazado) has been so often used as a mistranslation of embarrassed that that definition has been added to some dictionaries. Éxito Éxito is a word youll come across frequently- but it nothing to do with an exit. Its the best translation for success and can be used in many contexts. For example, a hit song or movie can be called an à ©xito. An exit is a salida. Gringo If someone calls you a gringo (feminine gringa), you might take it as an insult- or you might take it as a term of affection or as a neutral description. It all depends on where you are and the context. As a noun, gringo most often refers to a foreigner, especially someone who speaks English. But at times it can refer to any non-Spanish speaker, a British person, a resident of the United States, a Russian, someone with blond hair, and/or someone with white skin. Inhabitable In a sense, the Spanish inhabitable and the English inhabitable are the same word- both are spelled alike, and they come from a Latin word habitabilus, which meant suitable for habitation. But they have opposite meanings. In other words, the Spanish inhabitable means uninhabitable or not inhabitable. Yes, thats confusing. But its confusing only because English is confusing- habitable and inhabitable mean the same thing, and for the same reason flammable and imflammable have the same meaning. The situation came about because Latin had two prefixes spelled in-, one meaning inside and the other meaning not. You can see these meanings in words such as incarcerate (incarcerar) and incredible (increà ­ble), respectively. So with inhabitable the prefix in English has the inside meaning, and the identically spelled prefix in Spanish has the not meaning. Interestingly, once upon a time the English inhabitable meant not habitable. Its meaning shifted a few hundred years ago. Ir and Ser in the Preterite Tense Two of the most highly irregular verbs in Spanish are ir (to go) and ser (to be). Although the two verbs have different origins, they share the same preterite conjugation: fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron. If you see one of those forms, the only way to know whether it comes from ir or ser is by context. Lima and Limà ³n You may have been taught that limà ³n is the word for lime and lima is the word for lemon- the opposite of what you might expect. While that is true for some Spanish speakers, the truth is that, depending on where you are, either Spanish term at times is used for  either fruit. And in some areas, limas and limones are seen as two similar fruits, both of which may be called lemons in English. In some places, limes arent commonly eaten (theyre native to Asia), so theres no universally understood word for them. In any case, this is one word that you are likely to have to ask the locals about. Mano Mano (hand) is the most common feminine noun that ends in -o. In fact, it is only such word in everyday use if you exclude occupational names (such as el piloto or la piloto for pilot), proper nouns, and a few shortened words such as la disco (short for la discoteca) and la foto (short for la fotografà ­a). Two other feminine nouns ending in -o are seo (cathedral) and nao (ship), but they get almost no use. Marida Most nouns ending in -o that refer to people refer to men, and the ending can be changed to -a to refer to women. So, of course, it makes sense that esposo, a common word for husband, has the feminine form esposa, meaning wife. It would be just as logical to assume that another word for husband, marido, would have corresponding term, marida, for wife. But, at least in standard Spanish, there is no noun marida. In fact, the usual phrase for husband and wife is marido y mujer, with mujer also being the word for woman. Although there may be some limited colloquial use for marida in some areas, its most common use is by foreigners who dont know better. Molestar and Violar To molest someone is a serious offense, but to molestar someone is merely to bother that person (although the phrase molestar sexualmente can have a meaning similar to the English word). An similar situation occurs with violar and violate, but in the other direction. Violar and violacià ³n typically refer to rape, although they can have a less severe meaning. In English violate and violation usually have a mild meaning, although they can refer to rape. In both languages, context makes all the difference. Papas and a Pap Spanish has four types of papa, although only the first two below are widely used. The first papa comes from Latin, while the others come from indigenous languages: A pope (the head of the Roman Catholic Church). The word normally shouldnt be capitalized except at the beginning of a sentence.In most of Latin America, a potato, which can also be a patata.In Mexico, a type of baby food or bland soup.In Honduras, a foolish woman. Also, pap is an informal word for father, sometimes the equivalent of daddy. Unlike the other papas, its stress or accent is on the second syllable. Por vs. Para There are perhaps no prepositions more confounding for Spanish students than por and para, both of which are frequently translated to English as for. See the lesson on por vs. para for full explanation, but the way-too-short version is that por is typically used to indicate the cause of something while para is used to indicate a purpose. Preguntar vs. Pedir Both preguntar and pedir are usually translated as to ask, but they dont mean the same thing. Preguntar refers to asking a question, while pedir is used in making a request. But dont feel bad if you get them mixed up: Spanish speakers learning English often get mixed up with question and doubt as nouns, saying I have a doubt rather than I have a question. Thats because the noun duda has both meanings. Sentar vs. Sentir In the infinitive form, sentar (to sit) and sentir (to feel) are easy to tell apart. The confusion comes when theyre conjugated. Most notably, siento can mean either I sit or I feel. Also, the subjunctive forms of one verb are often the indicative forms of the other. So when you come across verb forms such as sienta and sentamos, youll have to pay attention to the context to know which verb is being conjugated.

Operation Management about EasyJet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Operation Management about EasyJet - Essay Example EasyJet will be forced to layoff some of its employees after the tremendous drop of passengers seeking its services. The management prefers the government to impose a tax on planes rather than tax passengers. Operation management is caught between maintenance of customers and generation of revenue on one hand, and government taxation on the other (Lewis & Slack, 2003, p64). The third challenge experienced by operation management is the incapability of EasyJet to provide adequate customer satisfaction. This issue is evident when the customer wants to present a complaint to the airline’s management. At EasyJet operation management does not have enough staffs to handle customer complaints, even though; they have enough staffs to handle booking and payment services. Hiring more staffs mean allocating more resources to pay these staffs, which EasyJet cannot afford (Peters, 2011, p12). A number of customers have expressed the criticism that booking and paying for services are easier than issuing out a complaint. This fact is detrimental to the organization’s success in that it can lose out on its customers, who are important for its survival and success (Lewis & Slack, 2003, p321). The fourth factor that is commonly experienced as a challenge in operating management at EasyJet is the dynamic airline industry. The industry is dynamic in that there are numerous technological advancements and regular fluctuation of flight prices. It is advantageous for organizations to be advanced technologically. Swift adaptation to technological changes taking place in the airline industry at times is a problem to EasyJet (Peters, 2011, p6). This is as a result of a lot of resources needed in acquiring a more recent technology, which can be in terms of acquiring the latest... Operation management is essential to a company’s success or survival in the industry. However, this aspect is bound to come across various challenges, which inhibit its capabilities. EasyJet, an airline company, is not an exception; it has succumbed to a number of challenges that have inhibited its normal operation management. The challenges involve; cancellation of flights due to volcanic eruptions, a new government tax policy, complaints from customers, a dynamic airline industry, lack of market diversification, and change of strategy. The challenges have had negative impacts on EasyJet’s performance and reputation in the airline industry. Although, EasyJet experiences these negative challenges on its operation management, it has proved to be one of the most thriving airline companies in Europe. Its success is attributed to its operation management, which is highly focused towards its primary strategy of providing cheaper air transport.

Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategies - Essay Example This paper briefly analyses the cause of recent US financial problems and recommends certain solutions for that. The major reason for the current financial crisis in America is the credit policies of the Federal Reserve. They have made the credit cheaper and loan seekers like the home buyers took advantage of the easy credit and the bid up prices of the homes increased drastically. Financial institutions were ready to pay any amounts to the loan seekers as a result of the policies of the Congress and Federal Reserve. Congress continued its support for mortgage tax deduction which encouraged the home buyers to purchase expensive houses beyond their financial capabilities. Real estate agents took advantage of the favorable housing market conditions and they encouraged the home buyers to buy expensive houses in order to get more commissions. Wall Street firms paid too little attention to the quality of the risky loans that they bundled into Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) and the Bush administration failed to provide needed government oversight of the increasingly dicey mortgage-backed securities market (Wall Streets Role in the U.S. Mortgage Crisis Examined, 2008). In short, lack of control over the financial institutions was a major cause of the recent financial crisis. Everybody tried to catch the fish in the muddy water and nobody thought that the American economic bubble may burst in the near future. In short, lack of governmental control and the visionless policies caused the current financial crisis in America. Globalization and liberalization policies also contributed heavily to the current crisis. The huge expenditure made for war on terror and that for the recent gulf war put immense financial burden upon the common public. Tight control over the financial sector is the most important strategy the US government should take to avoid future financial

Racism and Football (soccer) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Racism and Football (soccer) - Essay Example For example, FIFA was arranged with no English hold up in 1904 and England team did not take part in the World Cup Finals till 1905 at which end they were abruptly mortified by the hasty USA. Afterward, in late 1950s, the Football association ineffectively resisted the contribution of English society in European club rivalries. Fundamentals of the magnificent narrowness of British football's history is today repeated in the aristocratic racism exposed in enlightenment made by football executives and senior football officers about black players such as they have an inborn lack of regulation and constancy, a break off on their shoulder, a abhor of the bitter and many more. Such comments gives out merely to effect typecasts by functioning ahead the racial mythology about black footballers who are variously supposed to be short of bottle plus are no superior in the dirt and have no endurance. However, these comments are but daily cases of the type of crumbling, informal racism which has usually infused professional football all through the organizational, training and playing stages of the game. Simply now are such visions being effectively challenged and reassessed inside the sport, though for aspiring British Asian footballers a fresh set of typecasts have to be defeated. Though, it would be unjust to advise that the same racist outlooks and performance have been current at all football clubs at all era as there are substantial dissimilarities flanked by the society at different clubs. Such as, clubs like Bromwich Albion forged with the mark of black players in the new era and in the late 1970s the WBA meadows the brilliant black trio of Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham and Brendan Batson and in doing so concerned substantial local black hold up. In numerous other clubs, attitudes towards black players seem to have been quite diverse. Even nowadays it is not odd for managers, executives and trainers to be frankly racist about black players. Game is an ordinary sp ot for racism partly because organic and hereditary suppositions about the bodily abilities of blacks are set next to the racist suppositions about their imaginary rational restrictions. It is burly in Britain because of the past relations between sports, the country and territory which themselves appear out of racist society together with slavery. (Cohen, P., 1998) Racism of the Crowd Racism on the football patios and in the position is normally quite more obvious and for most people easier to recognize than the partially institutionalized appearances which have a propensity to distinguish specialized football society. Patios and position racism characteristically absorbs individualized appearance of mistreatment plus communal hymning with a racist contented, the most ordinary of which has been a monkey hymn connecting with mumbling sounds which can or can not be escorted by monkey kind gesticulations. There is also a proof of racist songs being poised and sung to a variety of admired melodies. At a number of the football sites in British football where unconcealed admirer racism has been most apparent, black players have been bathed with

Study On Faith Seeking Understanding Theology

Study On Faith Seeking Understanding Theology Daniel L. Migliore in the book he authored, the 2nd edition of Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology, made an effort to strengthen the fullness of Trinitarian faith and its relational understanding of God, creation, reconciliation, and consummation. It is an expanded and updated version to the earlier edition which presents a foreword to Christian Theology that is both critically respectful of the classical theological tradition and critically open to the new voices and emphases of recent theology. As an introduction to Christian Theology, Faith Seeking Understanding contains fundamentally theological themes which are catholic in nature and critical of the beliefs and way of living of the faith community. Its basic coverage makes it suitable to first readers in theology and its criticism from the liberal theologians point of view recommends reflection to renew and rethink the beliefs and practices of traditionalists or of those who observe the beliefs and practices they had but have totally forgotten the core message of what they believe and practice. In line with the spirit of optimism, humility of heart and open-mindedness, the criticisms employed, having their respective criterion, entails a challenge to rediscover the journey of faith. Upon reviewing it, one was reminded that a believer in the true sense is a learner who constantly looks for the truth and searches for the way. As the impetus of various theological movements became obvious, the first edition of the Faith Seeking Understanding was born in the immediate context of the mainline Protestant church in North America. The authors reflections on the inseparability of faith and practice were formed in a small Presbyterian congregation in Pennsylvania. Unsatisfied with its inadequacy in the present human situation of widespread anxiety and insecurity, Migliore brought to existence these updated and expanded edition. This was done to respond to the need of the church especially in times of crisis where clarity of conviction and purpose is certainly necessary in this time of uncertainty. In order to obtain a better understanding of the values it points, one needs to notice where the author with his reflections is coming from. Three methods were utilized and influenced its contents in one way or another. First, theology was presented in a way that highlighted the Word of God posing questions to man. Second, theological questions were formulated by an analysis of the human situation in a given period as seen in its philosophy, literature, art, science, and social institutions. Lastly, praxis approach of liberation theology is apparent. Faith Seeking Understanding discusses the importance and purpose of the pursuit of faith for understanding. Here and now, faith sees only dimly and the questions of faith abound. There are events that will challenge our beliefs and practices which may, at the same time, open us up to a praxis that may overcome evil and suffering, violence and ambiguity. Faith seeks understanding not for the sake of obtaining knowledge but seeks wisdom that will illumine life and practice of Christian virtues. It is not speculative knowledge! Quoting various philosophers, theory without practice is empty, practice without theory is blind. When faith is rethought and understanding of it is sought, its purpose and meaning gains clarity. The author provides sources from which believers may claim to have knowledge of God in relation to human condition. It does not confirm what we already know about Him rather utterly surprises and disturbs a believer. God reveals himself but remains hidden. As Tersteegen states, A God comprehended is no God. Understanding of faith does not mean to know all the known and the unknown but the application of what was understood in service of God and his creation. Although man cant fully understand God or faith, the seeking is not a waste but leads one to become a better person with better understanding and better witnessing with an open mind and a humble heart. The Triune God revealed and celebrated in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit attested by the Sacred Scripture viewed through the eyes of those who are suffering and weak connects the main points. It tells the reader that the understanding of God is always an initiative of God! Mans is a response. The tradition of faith is interpreted from its center, in Jesus Christ, allowing Him to become a transforming power in human life. Faith seeks development not in theory but through personal encounter and witnessing of God sought through faith. This lays down the liberating love that creates a new community. In this time of crisis, in a world characterized by violence, nuclear threats, ecological crisis, spiritual confusion and what not, a right understanding of the confession of faith in God the Creator is perhaps more important today than ever before. A Christian faith that seeks understanding clearly emboldens, sharpens and makes patent its identity respecting the character of other religions. Understanding may be achieved through attentive and trustful reading and hearing of the witness of scripture in company with other members of the people of God. Faith Seeking Understanding truly captured its purpose of reexamining faith in order to appreciate it fully and become an active and responsible believer who consciously recognize our identity as we freely respond in faith and in joyful hope of discovering the truth of what was handed to us and what was hidden from us. This will help us posses a new perspective and a new criterion of understanding. There is so much to discover in faith thus the use of intelligence is essential to avoid reducing faith into a euphoric feeling. There is lot of things to learn about the Triune God thus we are in need to intensify our witnessing of charity. As Pope Benedict XVI states in his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, Faith is choosing to stand with the Lord so as to live with him, this standing with Him points towards and understanding of the reasons for believing. Faiths real prize is not realized until its worth is examined. Faith Seeking Understanding by Daniel L. Migliore proves to be a timely response to the signs of the time as the world encounters crisis of ambiguity and precariousness. The honesty of the author is to be commended for there is no pretension as he acknowledges that some topics remain broken and incomplete. However, it is also just to subject the criticism of the author into criticism for he is also doomed to human condition. In addition, Catholic readers should remember the background of the author to reconsider the apparent biases towards Catholicism.

Julius Caesar Essay -- essays papers

Julius Caesar Expository Essay The decisions that one man makes can determine the length of life. Rome has many people that have the characteristics to be great leaders. Antony is a manipulative man, Brutus is an honorable man, and Octavius is a quiet strength. All three men would do an excellent job in leading Rome. Antony is a manipulative man. This is shown throughout the play in several cases, but most prominently at Caesar’s funeral. â€Å"I thrice presented him a kingly crown which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?† (III, ii, 96-96). Antony is very cleaver in the way that he presents his case to the people. He uses rhetorical questioning to show the people that Caesar was in fact not ambitious. Antony also played on the people’s greed, to influence them to his side. â€Å"I found it in his closet; ‘tis his will/and they would go kiss Caesar’s dead wounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (III, ii, 129, 132-133). Antony is very smart in the way he does this. He knows how to talk to the people to get them to believe his side of the story and revenge Caesar’s death. Likewise, Antony is conniving. He uses this strength by flattering Brutus, and falsely befriending the conspirators into letting him speak at Caesar’s funeral. â€Å"I doubt not of your wisdom. Let each man render me his bloody hand.† (III, i, 200-201). Antony presents his case in such a way that Brutus and the other conspirators think that he is on their side, when in fact he really is going to turn the common people against them to revenge Caesar’s death by creating a war. Furthermore, Brutus is an honorable man giving him the chance to be a great leader. Brutus is an idealist man , who is optimistic about assassinating Caesar. â€Å"Grant that, and then is death a benefit. So are we Caesar’s f... ... the only way to honor his dead uncle was to revenge his death. Even thought Octavius is the quiet strength of the second triumphant, he displays his leadership qualities and respect for others in a diplomatic way. In conclusion, throughout the play Rome has a source of people who would make excellent leaders and guide Rome to victory. Antony is seen as being a manipulative man and proves that nothing will stand in his way to revenge his friends death. Moreover, Brutus proves that he is an honorable man by keeping his motives pure and standing by his story that he truly loved Rome more than Caesar. Likewise, Octavius played a small roll as a quiet by-stander, yet proved his point that he will not stand for being push around in any sort of matter. Antony, Brutus, and Octavius learn that the decisions they make today could very well be their death of tomorrow.

Applying Branding Techniques Essay

Introduction The Brand Techniques simulation is based on cosmetic company’s building of a new brand. Ca’Shara is a United States based cosmetic manufacturer and marketer of skin care, hair care, and make-up. Ca’Shara has an established brand presence and known for quality products. The recent consumer interest in natural products has made Ca’Shara management decide to cater to this segment of the cosmetic market. The company has decided on a 5,000 year old health care system from India called Ayurveda. As the newly appointed Brand Manager, I will be responsible for building the new brand Three executives gave their expert advice in the decision making process throughout the simulation exercise. They were Tina Trotter, Head of Sales; Monique Knight, Brand Consultant; and Jim Reding, Country Manager. Perceptual Map The simulation give the psychographic profile of the Ayurvedic customer as Caucasian to African American, age 18-35 with an income of $50,000 or higher. The consumer survey shows the customer base largely holistic and classy with a combined 55%. Meaning they like the natural base products and exclusive products. The principles of Ayurveda are explained as the Three Doshas. This is important to understand because it shows the three skin types the new brand will target. This will be dry, oily, and irritable. The brand position choice made was high on both holistic and classy and titled Enduring Secrets from the East. This was incorrect. The correct choice was high holistic and low classy. Correct title is Perfect balance, mind and body. The reason for the choice was because of the psychographic percentages only contained a slim difference in weighted value. I didn’t realize this choice meant the brand would need to carve out a new niche instead of competing against another company’s products. The choice made meant the perception of the product would be set as a lofty, unreachable goad of  perfect in every way alleviating all concerns and possible disadvantages. Brand Name, Logo, & Slogan Two choices were made correctly using the focus group information. The brand name chosen was Natural Balance because it aligned with the brand positioning. Logo number 2 was chosen because of the market survey’s information. The logos green color and curves match the preferences of the focus groups. The shape gives the feel of feminine soft. The slogan of A Return to Nature was chose, but was not the best choice as it was similar to a competitor’s slogan. This choice doesn’t allow the brand to stand alone and differentiate itself in the market. It could dilute the brands identity. According to Cron.com the choosing of a name, logo, and slogan are nearly as important as the products sold. â€Å"If you choose your name and logo well, they will stay in your customers’ minds and remind them of the value your company offers. In fact, a well-chosen name and logo can help you to stand out amount the competition. Your customers will instantly think of your memorable business name and logo whenever they are in the market for your products or services.† For this very reason, the slogan that is similar to another like product is a grave error. Brand Associations- The Final Look Now we are down to choosing the brand associations. Who will promote and what events or causes will be align our brand with? The focus groups chose Maria Switzer as the spokesperson. They also pointed to two functions of interest, Partner with GreenEco and providing grants to women’s trust funds. These choices used $27,300 of the allotted $34,000. Total cost of these choices is $327,000 and under budget. It makes sense for a product that is built around natural ingredients to be associated with an environmental group like GreenEco. It also shows the company’s long term commitment to the environment. The choice of providing grants to women’s trust funds is a choice that gives back to the community in a broad spectrum. The customer base can see where they may see benefit locally for the dollars they’ve spent. The choice of Maria Switzer was that of a strong, independent female with her own sense of style. The public’s view of longevity is associated with this individual’s unique persona. Beyond the Simulation The simulation was good about applying the principles of brand positioning, but there are more ways to make your product stand out among similar brands. One additional aspect is to show ownership. The simulation had a spokesperson picked, but customers like to be able to identify an owner. This is true for large and small company’s ability to stand out from the competition. Knowing the face behind the product is important to keeping the consumer engaged. Per the SBA, â€Å"Businesses really thrive when the energy of the owner is there.† A good example was Steve Jobs involvement with Microsoft. Small businesses can equally benefit from the consumer having a face behind the product or service. It lets people know the owner is involved and active with the business. Another way to have stood out was not only the shape of the container, but to have the container recyclable, biodegradable, or refillable would have been a good aspect to have. This would further appeal to the profile of being environmentally friendly and support the GreenEco cause the brand is supporting. The brand in the simulation, Ayurveda, immediately had a sense of well-being and soothing associated with the brand. Not only is it not irritating to the individual’s skin, but the environment too. The brand was immediately associated with everything â€Å"green† in today’s society. Service vs. Tangible product Had the simulation used a service instead of a tangible product application there would have been no real difference. A brand is in the minds of the consumer. It is setting or understanding their perception of the product or service offered. Conclusion The simulation was an excellent tool in learning and applying the branding techniques. It was only after wrong decisions were made and explained, that I understood why they were incorrect. At that point they seem obviously wrong. Making sure to use the differences of a product or service is the key to finding a niche and making a product stand out among the masses. References Chron, retrieved March 9, 2014 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/choose-company-name-logo-2348.html SBA retrieved March 9, 2014 from http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/10-tips-help-you-build-and-grow-stand-out-small-business-brand

Balanced Literacy Literature

Balanced Literacy Literature Pennypacker, S. (2006). Clementine. New York, NY: Hyperion Book CH. The book entitled Clementine is written by Sara Pennypacker. It dwells upon the life of the girl, Clementine, who is very active, resourceful, helpful, creative, responsive and kind. It is possible to state that Pennypacker (2006) depicts an average child who is trying to find her way in the world (performing at school, developing relationships with peers and adults). Adults try to make Clementine follow their rules.Advertising We will write a custom annotated bibliography sample on Balanced Literacy: Literature specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, this girl has her own logic. Pennypacker (2006) uses first person singular which makes the book very intimate. The author tells the story in the way Clementine (a little girl) sees it. Admittedly, this book can be regarded as a great reading for 3-graders. Students will eagerly read the book to find out more about the girl who is just like them. Apart from being a good book for practicing reading and writing skills, the book is also didactic. Students can associate themselves with the cheerful girl and learn many important lessons. Thus, students will be able to develop their reading and writing skills and, at the same time, they will be able to develop appropriate behavioral patterns. Haddix, M.P. (2007). Dexter the Tough. New York, NY: Simon Schuster Children’s Publishing. The book written by Margaret Haddix (2007) and entitled Dexter the Tough is concerned with quite a difficult period in the life of Dexter, the protagonist of the book. Dexter has to handle many difficulties. Thus, his father is getting some cancer treatment and his mother has to spend a lot of time in the clinic. Dexter has to live with his grandmother and has to attend a new school. Of course, Dexter sees everything in the worst light as he is overwhelmed by quite serious problems. Even the cheerful teacher evokes ra ther negative feelings in him. Haddix (2007) tells a story of a child who faces certain problems. Thus, the book will be a good treat for children who find themselves in similar situations. The book provides certain answers which can help children find their own ways to overcome their difficulties. Thus, Dexter understands that his behavior is quite inappropriate. He also learns to develop proper relationships with his peers. He also finds a friend. This friendship helps Dexter to change his outlook. The book is a good source to use in the 5th grade. Students will be interested in the plot and at the same time they will develop their reading and writing skills. The two books mentioned above can be used in a balanced literacy classroom. As far as Clementine is concerned, this book can be used to practice all components of a balanced reading program. Thus, the teacher can read some passages aloud to make the students acquainted with a model of fluent reading. The book is suitable for developing vocabulary as well.Advertising Looking for annotated bibliography on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, such topics as home, classroom, school, etc. can be developed. It is also possible to develop silent reading. The teacher can ask the students to read some passages aloud for the class. It is also possible to act out some passages: a student reads Clementine’s words, a student reads Margaret’s words and so on. Furthermore, the students can practice retelling. Thus, the teacher can ask the students to read some parts of the book at home. The students will retell these parts during the next class. Finally, the teacher can ask the students to write short essays on the book. For instance, the students can write what it means to be attentive. They can also write about Clementine. They can try to reflect upon her behavior and her relationships with Margaret. They can also try to com pare Clementine with someone they know (or with themselves). As far as Dexter the Tough is concerned, the book can also be used to develop reading and writing skills. In the first place, the teacher can ask some students to read passages aloud for the rest of the student. Furthermore, the students can be asked to scan certain passages to retrieve the major idea of the passage. The book can also be used to work on vocabulary. Thus, while working on a particular part of the book, the students can be asked to write out all adjectives or verbs they can find in the passage. It is also possible to practice saying synonyms and opposites. Thus, the students can try to replace all adjectives with their opposites, or they can try to put as many adjectives to a particular word as they can. As for writing skills development, the book can be very helpful. For instance, the teacher can ask the students to evaluate Dexter’s actions at school or focus on his thoughts. The students can reflec t upon Dexter’s problems and the ways he chooses to cope with his problems. They can try to express their opinion and suggest the best solutions. The teacher can also ask the students to reflect upon their difficulties and the ways to overcome them.Advertising We will write a custom annotated bibliography sample on Balanced Literacy: Literature specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Haddix, M.P. (2007). Dexter the Tough. New York, NY: Simon Schuster Children’s Publishing. Pennypacker, S. (2006). Clementine. New York, NY: Hyperion Book CH.

From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essays

From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essays From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essay From Hell Chapters 4-8 Essay A significant portion of Chapter Four of From Hell consists of the main character, Doctor William Gull, traveling through the city of London with his driver, Netley. The journey through the city contained a lot of history that seems to be very important to Dr. Gull, like the architecture of the building; he is obsessed with how these buildings came to be and the story behind their creators. Gull’s focus in a lot of these structures associates with the history of the oppression of women. He describes to Netley how women once ruled the world and men were their subjects but eventually men revolted and have had the upper hand in society ever since. Gull is fixated on this part of history and it is essential to him that women will never have power again, which is partly why he is following the orders of the queen. He shows his obsession when he boldly states that â€Å"chaining womankind thus must be reinforced, carved deeper yet in History’s flesh, enduring ‘til the Earth’s demise†(Moore 25). This understanding of history leads him to take his journey around the city of London with Netley. Towards the end of the chapter, Gull forces his companion to connect the dots of the locations they’ve been to on his physical map. The stops on his map reveal a star, shown on page 36, which is connected to Freemasonry, the worship of nature and man and Satan. Earlier in the chapter, Gull retells the history of multiple murders in a specific building and hypothetically asks if the motive behind these murders were â€Å"a ritual act, to shape society†(29). This foreshadows the malevolent acts that will happen shortly to women because he abhors them. Readers can assume that his future actions will be evil, but his motives are to reshape society and keep the blackmailing prostitutes from destroying it. At the beginning of Chapter Five, from pages 4 to 15, both the lives of Dr. Gull and Mary â€Å"Polly† Nicholls are simultaneously shown on the same :

Philosophical aspects of qualitative research Essay

Philosophical aspects of qualitative research - Essay Example Philosophical tenets influence qualitative research in relation to data analysis, data collection approach and research questions. Philosophical aspects of social science are applicable in qualitative research. Qualitative research in social science involves focusing on exploring of ideas, meanings, patterns, inconsistencies and the nature of conflicts in individual’s behaviors and thoughts (Bryman, 2009). The technique provides a technique of eliminating cases of bias in interpreting data. A core value in the use of qualitative research is that it is interpretative and interactive. Philosophical theories are applicable in qualitative research influence the process of data analysis, the general approach to data collection and formulation of research questions. In qualitative research, the data analysis aims at finding understandable output. The focus of the analysis is not in simplification of figures, but it concentrates on giving the figures, some meanings (Hammersley & Traianou, 2012). The approach used in the data collection process greatly affects qualitative research techniques. The nature of the data collected in quantitative research must be in a form that is easy to interpret. Qualitative research questions often lead the researcher towards obtaining information that explains the human behavior. They assist in obtaining information that explains why and how certain phenomena occur in an individual’s

Best Buy business problem and technology solution Essay

Best Buy business problem and technology solution - Essay Example This paper also details technological solutions to enable and to augment the proposed business solutions to get Best Buy back on its feet financially and strategically. These technological solutions are the use of an ERP system or the enhancement of the existing ERP system to make the supply chain more efficient; and the use of data analytics to better understand buyer behavior and preferences (Crosby, 2014; McIntyre, 2014; Zacks Equity Research, 2014; Google, 2014). Best Buy is a retailer of electronics products for consumers, products for computing and for cellular communications, related products for entertainment, home appliances, and the services that are tied to their merchandise. Best Buy is a multinational concern. Aside from owning physical retail outlets spread out in its key geographic markets, Best Buy also has several web properties as well as call centers. Its e-commerce platforms include The Phone House, Future Shop, Magnolia Audio Video, Geek Squad, Pacific Sales, Best Buy Mobile, Five Star, The Carphone Warehouse, and Best Buy. The company divides its operations as a multinational between the United States market on the one hand, and the international market on the other, with the latter made up of its combined operations in Mexico, Europe, China and Canada. In these different latter markets Best Buy employs different subsets its stable of brands. For instance, in China, Best Buy makes use of its Five Star Brand, while in Europe Best Buy has traction as The Carphone Warehouse, Geek Squad, and The Phone House. The US market is comprised of six product segments or categories, namely mobile telephony and computing, services, electronics for consumers, the appliances segment, entertainment products segment, and the others segment. The entertainment division offerings include digital downloads of media, as well as DVD and CD sales, together with Bluray sales. Services include after sales and

Education, Community and Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Education, Community and Diversity - Essay Example The local authorities to be researched are the Manchester City Council and Kent County Council. In addition, this report will concentrate on the major issues concerning the lives of teenagers and children staying in these two districts. The main identifiable difference between the two counties is their population. Information provided by Manchester confidential, reveals that Manchester City Council had a population of 503,100 as of 2011 (Manchester confidential 2012, p. 1). This was an increase of 19 percent from their previous population of 422,700 recorded after the 2001 census. The figure is different from the population of Kent County Council. The population of people staying in this county as from 2013 is presently approximated to be 1,493,500. The population comprises of every individual who stays in this region regardless of their nationality. In addition, it is the biggest non-metropolitan domestic authority region. However, this figure does not include the Medway Council region (Kent County Council 2011, p. 1). The similarity between Manchester City Council and Kent County Council is that both counties have recorded a high rate of child poverty. Manchester’s city center has been experiencing constant financial challenges such as recession. Consequently, Manchester City County has a high rate of child poverty in cities like Moss Side and Hulme that are located slightly away from city center of Manchester. Based on the research done by Wood (2014 p.1), the most affected areas include Longsight that recorded 46.55 percent and Hulme that recorded 47.47 percent. The statistics on the number of teenage children living in poverty in Moss Side was the highest at 49.43 percent. Similar report was recorded in Kent County Council. In 2013, there was disturbing reports that highlighted the increase in the rate of child poverty in the region. It was recorded that more than 56,000 residents of Kent were

Crime Fiction Notes Essay Example for Free

Crime Fiction Notes Essay Study: read over your essay and familiarise yourself with your wording have discussions Figure out the arguments in your head practise exams don’t just Know the material REALLY UNDERSTAND it The Big Sleep Observation: conventions that are constant throughout generations of crime fiction genre (passion, detachment, love, hope, justice) are a reflection on the timeless and universal human needs conventions that are subverted are a reflection of changing values and context Context: 1950’s post WW2 Economic depression Desire for hope, justice, escapism Theorists: Schwartz: â€Å"crime fiction serves to explicate the dangers and pleasures of life. † There is human emotion with which the audience can empathise Gives the illusion that they have entered the world of crime Miller: â€Å"A rhetorically sound definition of genre must be centred not on the substance or form of discourse, but on the action it is used to accomplish,† manipulate audiences empathy to engage them in the text typical of TRADITIONAL crime fiction GENRE Techniques: (Remember these techniques interchangeably and only use the appropriate ones) Context specific 1. Subvert Context: Desire for hope Convention: film noir subgenre traditionally seek to realistically portray the inescapable broken nature of society – subverted – Happy Ending Observation Theorist: Imperative of genre to allow for subversion to become relevant to socio-economic or political context Chandler, â€Å"the cycles and transformations of genre can be seen as a response to the changing political, social and economic conditions† 2. Context: socio-economic context of 1940’s World War 2 America midst of an economic depression employment was low and consequently crime was on the rise yearning for justice and heroism to correct the broken nature of society Convention: Characterisation of Marlowe as determined and relentless Ironic and self-depreciating dialogue â€Å"I’m just a guy whose paid to do other peoples laundry† embodies disposition of lone ranger Heroic connotations, â€Å"why did you have to keep going?†, â€Å"too many people told me to stop.† Observation and Theorist: Crime fiction gives the audience what it NEEDS 3. Context: 1950’s audience can critique broken society and judge morality of characters Convention: Conforms to traditional structure of c/f: red herrings, witnesses, investigation, unveiling of mystery Lack of narration; no point of view; audience critique characters E.G. Marlowe, womanizer, heavy drinker, blatant disrespect for authority and the law, â€Å"I don’t know what I am going to tell them- but it will be pretty close to the truth† retain a degree of morality, reproach toward reprehensible behaviour, â€Å"my, my, my, so many guns for so few brains.† Reflects ambivalent noir concept that everything good is tainted with evil Observation and theorist: Convoluted plotline makes the audience â€Å"objective viewer† Critique the broken society and the morality of characters Livingston, â€Å"different genres are concerned with different world views†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Universal 1. Conform Context: common timeless human desires transcend context and audience and hence are constant throughout generations of crime fiction Convention: human fascination with romantic love interest foregrounded interaction between ‘hardboiled detective’ Marlowe and ‘femme fatal’ Vivien Rutledge Verbal sparring soaked in double-entendres indicative of sexual tension; â€Å"do you always think you can handle people like trained seals?† â€Å"uh-huh and I usually get away with it too† Theorist: Colette, â€Å"romance pervades oral and written story-telling as far back as can be traced† Anil’s Ghost Observations 1. Post-colonial text; exposure to different culture; challenges Western perspective of crime fiction genre Barthes, â€Å"it is in relation to other texts within a genre rather then in relation to lived experiences that we make sense of certain events within a text.† Cohen, â€Å"Genres are open categories. Each member alters the genre by adding, contradicting or changing constituents, especially those members most closely related to it.† 2. Challenges not only our understanding of the genre, but also our perception of the world around us Berger: â€Å"Never again will a single story be told as though it were only the one†. 3. Crime fiction can be a means of contextual political and philosophical discussion The subjectivity of truth Nihilism and post-modernism Techniques 1. Context: socio-political context 1980’s Sri Lanka multifaceted civil war unimaginable for a western audience – but can relate to universal themes Convention: Mystery as a medium for Anil’s quest for her identity Ambiguous characterisation forces reader to share in her frustration and confusion Refuses to be defined or typecast, religious allusion, â€Å"The return of the prodigal†, â€Å"I am not a prodigal† Symbolised through an aggressive campaign to chose her own name Observation and theorist: international audience relate to a common quest multifaceted nature of identity Ambiguity and struggle within an individual, reflective of wider post modern society 2. Observation, context and theorist: Fister; â€Å"crime fiction deliberately exploits anxiety within the reader through reflecting and magnifying societies fear du jour.† Terror of those living within civil war Convention: explored through specific victims, personalise pain; agonising imagery Gunesena’s crucifixion, â€Å"prized the nails from the tarmac, freeing his hands† fear impregnates every facet of society; personification of Sri Lankan national fear through simile used to warn against the dangers of truth, â€Å"truth is like a flame against a lake of petrol† 3. Observation: aware of the horrendous acts of violence but absent from the actual event never presume to understand the degree of suffering novel seeks to extrapolate sympathy NOT empathy Convention: Subversion: post-modern style, not one single perspective, intrusive narration to explore a variety of characters perspectives. (Berger: â€Å"Never again will a single story be told as though it were only the one†.) Foregrounds the differences; â€Å"the darkest Greek tragedies were innocent compared to what was happening here† compares European mythology with Eastern reality, highlights vast discrepancies between crime fiction Theorist: Texts challenge audience’s worldly perceptions; Cole: â€Å"This can function as a form of social protest and reform†¦ giving crime writers the status symbol of social activists.† More on VALUES

A Comparison of Online Universities to Traditional Universities Essay

Online Universities and Traditional Universities Traditional universities are a wonderful way to study for students who have the time and patience to deal with teachers and classmates. In contrast, online universities are the ideal way to study for students who do not have the time to go to school and those who enjoy working at their own pace. Some students enjoy traditional universities while others prefer online universities. If someone chooses a traditional university and then realizes that he or she is unable to keep up with his or her schedule and class work, this student might decide to try an online university. Ultimately, everyone chooses which route works best for him or her. Traditional universities require students to attend class in person on a daily basis. One adva...

Revisiting the NASL

It is said that we are able to see the correctness, validity and impact of our actions only after the moment we act had passed. This article looks back into the experience of the North American Soccer League. This is an attempt to revisit the rise and demise of the league.A Brief HistoryThe North American Soccer League (NASL) was established as a result of the merger of the United Soccer Association and the National Professional Soccer League. It was the culmination of the first modern attempts to create a truly national soccer league in the United States. The NASL even had franchise teams from Canada. Prior to its establishment, soccer competition in the United States was primarily on the semi-professional and amateur level.The United Soccer Association (USA) was sanctioned by the Federation of International Footbal Association (FIFA) and established itself in twelve major cities across the United States. The National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), on the other hand, was not san ctioned by FIFA. It also did not abide by FIFA player transfer rules and had ten franchise teams. Fan interest for the two leagues was initially high and attendance was not bad for the first year.The merger of the two leagues into the NASL, however, was an act of desperation. Fan interest had quickly faded, television ratings were terrible and the teams of the USA and NPSL had experienced massive financial losses. The disastrous start was such that only five teams of the original seventeen teams that started the NASL survived the first two seasons (Holroyd, 2005).Teams folded but new franchises took their place in the league. The turning points in league history took place in the 1971 to 1975 period. The New York Cosmos joined the NASL in 1971 and won the league in 1972. The entry of the Cosmos established the league’s presence in a major market and brought greater media attention to the league. The following year saw the Philadelphia Atoms joining the league. The Atoms also won the league title in their inaugural season. The team was bannered by Kyle Rote Jr., son of a former star of the National Football League’s (NFL) New York Giants. Rote also won the league’s Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards. By 1974, the NASL had grown and have fifteen teams competing (Holroyd, 2005).Before the start of the 1975 season, the New York Cosmos got Edson Arantes do Nascimento (more popularly known as Pelà ©) to play for the team. This move placed the league in the spotlight and significantly increased public interest in soccer in the United States. Pelà ©, of course, is considered possibly the greatest soccer player ever. He gained the moniker â€Å"King of Football† or simply King Pelà © during his career. The attention snowballed through 1977 and culminated with 77,691 spectators for the 1977 playoff game between the Cosmos and the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers at Giants stadium. Pelà © retired from the sport, and the league, in 1 977 after an exhibition game between the two professional football clubs he had played for — New York Cosmos and Santos FC from Brazil (Holroyd, 2005).The NASL followed its success by undergoing a major expansion, adding six teams in 1978. League competition was organized into a NFL-style divisional lineup with a 30-game season. Teams also went into an unprecedented spending spree to sign up international players in an attempt to match the Cosmos’ success or at least remain competitive in the league (Litterer & Holroyd, 2003).Seven years after Pelà ©'s farewell, the league started 1984 (its 17th season) smaller than it had been in over a decade with only nine teams. Also, four of these teams were on shaky financial ground. The league eventually closed down after the Chicago-Toronto best-of-three finals series in Toronto, Canada (Holroyd, 2006).Addressing the MistakesPolicy 1: Develop Homegrown Talents to Generate AwarenessWhat could have the league done to sustain its elf? What could have been avoided? Among the team sports played in the United States, soccer had not yet reached the level of fan interest and media attention that is given to professional baseball, basketball and football. As a result, the franchise teams that made the NASL were in shaky financial standing except for that brief golden period that spanned 1971 to 1977.In this regard, the first issue to address is generating awareness and increasing the interest of fans. Soccer was not, and is not yet, dear to the hearts of American sports spectators. It has not reached the manic-obsessive levels of fan interest outside of the United States. According to Paglia (2007), the nature of the game runs counter to the fundamental element required of a US spectator sport.A hallmark of the most popular outdoor spectator sports in America, for example baseball and football, is that fans try to anticipate the next plays, possible game outcomes and share these speculations with one another. Socc er, by its nature, is an extemporaneous sports with many improvisational plays. It is so fluid that speculating on outcomes is close to impossible.Fan interest could, however, be impacted by creating awareness. In 1975, fan interest and awareness of soccer went up when Pelà © played in the league. At the time of his entry, Pelà © was famous even in the United States. This tack is being duplicated again by the Major League Soccer when the LA Galaxy contracted David Beckham to play for the team. Paglia (2007) sees that Beckham will create an impact but this alone will not â€Å"convert the curious to fans†. Furthermore, the impact may not be at the same level as when Pelà © played in the NASL. The two players are not the same whether in stature or even in playing style.Giorgio Chinaglia, the former Italian international who played alongside Pelà ©, does not think Beckham alone can promote the sport and league. Other big European names have to follow him to produce sustained success. Chinaglia even estimates that around 50 international soccer stars may be needed. (Adderley, 2007). But the NASL have already gone through this route before and it was with disastrous results.Some, even in 1978, had criticized the move to bring in more foreign players as shortsighted. They said that it was more important to develop American talent. But those voices were lonely cries in the wilderness.A lesson could be learned from 1973 when the Philadelphia Atoms won the NASL championship. Fan interest was sparked by the emergence of Kyle Rote Jr. He was considered the first â€Å"All-American† soccer star. The American spectator wants a star to relate to and follow. And it would be better if the star was homegrown. The NASL should link up with amateur, collegiate and semi-professional soccer leagues. It would even be better if it had its own developmental league.Policy 2: Cooperation and Fiscal DisciplineLooking back into the 1978 NASL spending spree, despite the i ncreased audience base and interest, more money was being spent than what was being earned. Operating a sports league is an awkward venture. The owners have to co-operate and make many business decisions collegially despite the fierce team competition. Taking a page from the National Football League’s business model, the NASL could have developed an internal incentive system that would stabilize team expenditures and â€Å"equalize† revenue generation.Two sets of incentives used by the NFL are (1) the teams' owners share roughly 70% of their revenues with each other; and (2) they stick to a strict salary cap that limits the amount each team can spend on players' salaries. As a result of these incentives, all thirty-two teams in the NFL have an even chance of being financially viable and athletically competitive despite having different market base (The Economist, 2006). Admittedly, the NASL attempted to institute a salary cap in 1984 but by then it was to little to lat e.Policy 3: Align Game to International StandardsSoccer’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event in world. The third policy that NASL could have done was to align its tournament format to that of the World Cup and international competition.By establishing a tournament format aligned to international (or globally accepted/recognized) format helps the league in two ways. One is that the American audience is educated on the mechanics of the game, and consequently increases the level of appreciation for the sport. Another is that the level of play of American players also gets aligned to that of foreign national teams.European football leagues hold inter-league competitions to determine the â€Å"continental† champion. For example, the Italian League champion plays against the French League champion. The NASL had already previously done this through friendly tours. The Ft. Lauderdale Strikers made a tour of England in February 1978. Foreign teams also toured the United St ates.Becoming competitive against foreign soccer teams could have helped in sustaining fan interest and support. Case in point is the impact of US National Team’s achievement in the 1994 World Cup. The team surpassed all expectations and reached the quarterfinals. This accomplishment sparked greater interest in the sport.ReferencesAdderley, Nigel. 2007. Beckham’s US Test. Accessed October 25, 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6294762.stmHolroyd, Steve. 2005. The Year in American Soccer – 1984. Accessed October 25, 2007 from http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/year/1984.html2006. The Year in American Soccer – 1968. Accessed October 25, 2007 from http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/year/1968.htmlLitterer, David and Steve Holroyd. 2003. The Year in American Soccer – 1978. Accessed October 25, 2007 from http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/year/1978.htmlPaglia, Jim. 2007. A Naysayer View of Pro Soccer. Accessed October 25, 2007 from http://www.soccera merica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage;art_aid=22406The Economist. 2006. In a league of its own. [Electronic version] Accessed October 25, 2007 from http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=6859210