Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Introduction of Arjun Mehta Essay Example

The Introduction of Arjun Mehta Essay Example The Introduction of Arjun Mehta Paper The Introduction of Arjun Mehta Paper Arjun Mehta is introduced in the story as a nervous man; the writer has done this to show that he is an outcast from the rest of his surroundings. The writer uses juxtaposition to portray the differences between Arjun and the people surrounding him. Arjun is described to be confused â€Å"he was visible from a distance, a skinny flagpole of a boyan expression of mild confusion.† From this we see that Arjun is new to his surroundings and we are represented with his contrast of characteristics when the writer describes his surroundings personalities. The use of the quote â€Å"elbowed past beggars† shows the contrast of personalities between Arjun and others, the use of this is to show his vulnerability which portrays his character to be new to his surroundings. The reader is also aware that Arjun’s status is seen as minor as he is described as â€Å"a skinny flagpole of a boy† this quote shows that he hasn’t much respect because of the word â€Å"a. † This quote implies that he isn’t regarded as an individual but just another person, which lowers his status. The writer uses exposition with the use of juxtaposition. We are placed in a busy street where people are rushing around, however, Arjun Mehta is portrayed to be the opposite if the atmosphere used. He is seen as worried, nervous and scared. â€Å"The face fluttering on top wore an expression† The writer uses personification, he does this to show how Arjun is trying to hide his emotions by using the word â€Å"wore† which also can represent him trying to represent fake characteristics to make himself appear less nervous. The writer makes clear hints that Arjun Mehta has a low status in the story by the use of the quote â€Å"Skinny flagpole.† This can portray Arjun to be as disregarded as an object and it shows he is easily able to be pushed around because he is described as a â€Å"flagpole.† The writer also uses the technique of hyperbole to describe the flagpole. Flagpoles ar

Friday, November 22, 2019

Definition and Examples of Philippics

Definition and Examples of Philippics Philippic is  discourse (traditionally an oration) that is characterized by fierce condemnation of a subject; a diatribe or rant. The term philippic (from Greek philippikos) is derived from the virulent denunciations of Philip II of Macedon delivered by Demosthenes of Athens in the fourth century BC. Demosthenes is commonly regarded as the greatest orator of his age. See Examples and Observations, below. Novelist Donna Tartts Philippic Against Prescriptive Usage Michael Pietsch: Before I began editing your book, you sent a philippic against standardization. You declared that spell-check, auto-correct, and (if I recall correctly) even sacred cows like Strunk White and the Chicago Manual of Style are the writer’s enemies, that the writer’s voice and choice are the highest standard. Do you have advice for other writers confronted with editorial standardization?Donna Tartt: Was it really a philippic? I thought it was more a cordial memorandum.Pietsch: Two-thirds of the way through a set of notes to the copy editor, you wrote: I am terribly troubled by the ever-growing tendency to standardized and prescriptive usage, and I think that the Twentieth century, American-invented conventions of House Rules and House Style, to say nothing of automatic computer functions like Spellcheck and AutoCorrect, have exacted an abrasive, narrowing, and destructive effect on the way writers use language and ultimately on the language itself. Journalism and newspaper writing are one thing; House Style indubitably very valuable there; but as a literary novelist who writes by hand, in a notebook, I want to be able to use language for texture and Ive intentionally employed a looser, pre-twentieth century model rather than running my work through any one House Style mill. Tartt: WellIm not saying that the writers voice is always the highest standard; only that a lot of writers who are fine stylists and whose work I love wouldnt make it past a contemporary copy editor armed with the Chicago Manual, including some of the greatest writers and stylists of the 19th and 20th century. (Donna Tartt and Michael Pietsch, The Slate Book Review Author-Editor Conversation. Slate, October 11, 2013) Paul Simons Simple Desultory Philippic I been Norman Mailered, Maxwell Taylored.I been John OHarad, McNamarad.I been Rolling Stoned and Beatled till Im blind.I been Ayn Randed, nearly brandedCommunist, cause Im left-handed.Thats the hand I use, well, never mind! . . .I been Mick Jaggered, silver daggered.Andy Warhol, wont you please come home?I been mothered, fathered, aunt and uncled,Been Roy Haleed and Art Garfunkeled.I just discovered somebodys tapped my phone. [Paul Simon, A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamarad into Submission). Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by Simon Garfunkel. Columbia, 1966] The Philippics of Demosthenes (384-323 BC) From 351 BCE, until his self-induced death by poison in 323 BCE (to avoid death at the hands of Philip of Macedons soldiers), Demosthenes turned his talents to public affairs, particularly to rallying the Athenian people against the imminent threat of invasion by Philip...The Philippics are speeches delivered by Demosthenes between the years 351 BCE and 340 BCE. There are four Philippics orations although Dobson doubts that the fourth is legitimate. The first two Philippics are calls to the Athenian people to resist Philip before Athens itself is threatened with domination by the barbarian from the north. The Third Philippic occurs after Philip has gained control of many parts of the Athenian empire and is about to march on the city of Olynthus. Demosthenes pleads urgently and desperately for a military mission to help the Olynthians and prepare for war. Despite his failure in rousing the Athenian people to arm themselves against Philip, Demosthenes Philippic orations are considered masterpieces of rhetorical invention and technique. (James J. Murphy, Richard A. Katula, and Michael Hoppmann, A Synoptic History of Classical Rhetoric, 4th ed. Routledge, 2014) The Philippics of Cicero (106-43 BC) With Julius Caesars assassination in 44 BCE Cicero re-entered a political arena that granted him an opportunity to renew his consular voice and use his Republican rhetoric, now against Caesars lieutenant Marcus Antonius. These Philippics allowed Caesar to revive his Demosthenic persona and to provide a capstone to his claim to be the near embodiment of the [Roman] Republic, boasting at the start of the Second Philippic that in twenty years there has been no enemy of the Republic who has not also simultaneously declared war on Cicero... Ciceros proscription by the triumvirs and his brutal murder showed that he miscalculated his rhetorics power to impose his image of the Republic upon this changed political landscape.Ciceros final stand on behalf of the Republic in his speeches against Antony secured his heroization as the orator who embodied the Republic and its values, his contradictions and compromises largely forgotten.(John Dugan, Rhetoric and the Roman Republic. The Cambridge Com panion to Ancient Rhetoric, ed. by Erik Gunderson. Cambridge University Press, 2009) Despite the final outcome, Ciceros fourteen extant orations against Antony (perhaps three more are lost) may be felt to represent his finest hour. . . . Cicero invokes a rhetoric of crisis, in which good is pitted against evil with no room for compromise (cf. Wooten 1983; Hall 2002: 283-7). Even his style has changed. Sentences are shorter, periodic structures less frequent, and main ideas are not kept in suspense until a sentence ends . . ..(Christopher P. Craig, Cicero as Orator. A Companion to Roman Rhetoric, ed. by William Dominik and Jon Hall. Blackwell, 2010) The Lighter Side of Philippics A PHILIPPIC*Down with that phrase soporific, bromidicWhatever that isRelic of days paleozoic, druidicWhatever that is.Does one remark, in a tone unspectacular,I think the comet diffusely opacular,Some one will cry in the vulgar vernacular:Whatever that is!Curses on him who invented the sloganWhatever that is!Jump on his neck with an ensiform broganWhatever that is.Phrase without meaning, bourgeois and pestiferous,Phrase that is wearying, dull and somniferous,Here is anathema umbraculiferousWhatever that is.*Whateverthatis. (Franklin Pierce Adams, By and Large. Doubleday, 1920)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

U07d1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

U07d1 - Essay Example This paper highlights that when a person is in condition as bad as this, they tend to be more trusting and willing to take up any help that they are provided. Also with the old age, people tend to trust what others say and take the time out to listen to others. Imagine if the same thing were to happen to a younger person, firstly, they would not let the strangers inside the house secondly, the doubt would always be present and a youngster would prefer to call in to home repair stores than to trust two men who just walk in. From this study it is clear that the level of trusting and the patience to listen to strangers; increases in several people as they grow old. In the case of Mrs. White, she has been alone for nine years knowing that she needs to get something done about the home repairs however has not had the courage to call some to assist here. In this state, she might feel the helplessness and would prefer to go with anything that is easily available. Hence she was easily persuaded into paying them $12,000 and trusting to strangers without any form of verification. Organisations like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), assist individuals with many things which include, health, money, leisure, family and even social lifestyle and issues like the one faced by Mrs. White. The organisation provides the people with support and care. AARP assists the elderly with several different aspects of life to avoid them feeling low and being dependent on others. Financially, the organisation provi des the elderly with advice and also how to safeguard their money. In the case of Mrs. White, if she had opted to take the assistance of the organisation, she would not have lost the $12,000 and would not go through the trauma of having her house ripped out the way it had been.  

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

IT functions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

IT functions - Research Paper Example Firstly, outsourcing controls operating costs such as management oversight, health insurance, retirement plans and employment taxes costs that the company would incur if were to employ IT experts and other workers for IT department. Secondly, outsourcing enables the company to focus its competencies of on the core business activities; apparently, information technology is not a core activity for most organizations. An organization may also outsource due to lack to of competent human resources that can manage its information technology needs. The need to outsource may also be triggered by the organization’s need to free internal human resources for other purposes for which they are experts instead of engaging them in IT functions where their competencies may be low. An organization may also outsource information technology services in order to gain exceptional capabilities from IT specialists. Finally, the company will choose to outsource in order to retain capital funds for capital investment projects. On the other hand, the organization will consider not outsourcing information technology services due to factors such as internal availability of human resources that are skilled to manage IT services. Further, if the company has surplus funds such that all viable investment projects have been adequately financed, the excess funds may be directed to IT development. Outsourcing poses a number of risks that firms should consider when deciding whether outsourcing the IT function is the best decision. Outsourcing creates dependence of the organization on the Information technology services provider. The outsourcing organization might experience adjusting problems when the outsourcing contract ends. In addition, the organization may not have the capacity to develop its own IT infrastructure as soon as the outsourcing contract ends and the results of this inability may be adverse to its operating activities. By outsourcing, the firm loses control over several

Sunday, November 17, 2019

New Coronary Intervention Codes in 2013 Essay Example for Free

New Coronary Intervention Codes in 2013 Essay Coronary Intervention Codes and Reimbursement: Two Decades of Effective Advocacy Why have interventional cardiologists’ salaries ranked at or near the top compared to other specialties for the past decade (1)? Long hours under high stress using extreme skills to perform dangerous procedures? Yes, but there is more. Effective advocacy by the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) has played a large role. This is the story. Medicare, enacted in 1965, based reimbursement for physician services on the actual charge on the current bill, the customary charge over the past year, or the local medical profession’s â€Å"prevailing† charge over the past year, whichever was lowest (2). This system was chaotic and confusing. In response, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 switched Medicare to the Resource Based Relative Value System (RBRVS). This used Hsaio et al’s estimates of physician time and effort to assign Relative Value Units (RVUs) to physician services (3). In 1991, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) convened a series of Technical Expert Panels (TEP) to refine Hsaio’s initial estimates of work for selected procedures. One of these was percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). A representative of the SCAI/ACC convinced the TEP to increase reimbursement for PTCA from Hsaio’s estimate of 9.5 RVU’s to 10.5 RVU’s. The 20 million or so coronary angioplasty and stenting procedures performed in the US since 1992 have all been reimbursed at a rate reflecting that 1 RVU increase granted by the TEP in 1991. Thus, this one instance of effective advocacy by SCAI/ACC increased reimbursement for these 20 million coronary intervention procedures over two decades. Now jump to 1994 when STRESS (4) and BENESTENT (5) compared elective stenting to balloon angioplasty, and a randomized trial compared then state-of-the-art Palmaz-Schatz and Gianturco-Roubin II stents (6). Elective stenting was just starting; most stents were placed to bail out failed balloon angioplasty. In this milieu a code for coronary stenting was developed. The expert panel that advised CMS on reimbursement estimated that the average stenting procedure required 120 minutes of physician time from first injection of lidocaine to last catheter withdrawn (diagnostic catheterization not included), 45 minutes of preparation time before the procedure, and 60 minutes of physician work after the procedure, for a total physician work time of 225 minutes per coronary stenting case. Thus, interventionists have been paid for coronary stenting at a rate based on almost 4 hours per procedure for the past 17 years. New Coronary Intervention Codes and Values For the past several years, CMS has attempted to curb Medicare expenditures by identifying and reducing payment for over-priced services. In 2011 CMS identified coronary stenting as possibly over-priced and required that it be re-valued. The value of a service depends on the time required to perform it, and to a lesser extent the intensity of the work. SCAI and ACC knew that invasive cardiologists were reimbursed for 4 hours of work per stent case since 1994, and that procedural times might have shortened since then. A re-valuation could significantly decrease the RVUs paid for a coronary stenting procedure. Interventional cardiologists were also keenly aware of problems with the existing coronary intervention codes (Table 1). Reimbursement for an emergency middle-of-the-night ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) stent procedure was the same as for elective stenting of a healthy patient at noon. Stenting of complex left anterior descending bifurcation lesions requiring 3 stents was valued the same as stenting of a type A lesion requiring 1 short stent. SCAI/ACC experts decided that if interventional procedures were to be re-valued, it was time to get codes that recognized and reimbursed for the extra work of performing complex coronary interventions. SCAI/ACC experts developed a new set of codes that describe interventional procedures with greater detail (Table 2) and won their approval by the AMA Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Panel. Then they had to be valued. This required several steps. The first step was a survey of practicing interventionists to estimate physician work and time required for each new coronary intervention code. As expected, practicing cardiologists estimated the skin-to-skin time required for coronary stenting to be much less than original 2 hours – 45 minutes to be exact. Without the new codes, reimbursement for coronary stenting would likely have been reduced proportionately, by over 50%. Fortunately, SCAI/ACC experts convinced the American Medical Association Relative Value Update Committee to recommend to CMS that the new complex coronary intervention codes be reimbursed at higher rates (by up to 25%) than simple coronary stenting. Overall, reimbursement for the family of coronary intervention procedures will drop 18-20%, much less than the 50% that might have occurred without the new codes. New Coronary Intervention Codes Solve Old Problems The new codes solve several longstanding problems. .1. For a decade interventionists have complained that they are not reimbursed for the intensity of STEMI PCI. Now they are. RBRVS rates intensity using units of â€Å"RVU’s per minute of procedure time†. The intensity of seeing patients in clinic rates.03, coronary bypass surgery rates.10, and emergency tracheostomy rates.26. Coronary intervention codes were previously rated at.10, but the new code for STEMI PCI has an intensity rating of .18. Intensity of other new coronary intervention codes is raised to the .13 – 15 range. .2. The extra work and stress of PCI of grafts and chronic total occlusions is now recognized and reimbursed higher, by 10% and 25% respectively. .3. Stenting preceded by atherectomy is now reimbursed at a higher rate (by 12%) than stenting alone. Previously there was no differential. .4. The additional work of performing PCI on multiple branches of a single artery is now recognized with separate codes. CMS refuses to pay for these, and SCAI and ACC are lobbying CMS reverse this decision. The good news is that CMS’ decision does not limit reimbursement because CMS bundled the value of the â€Å"additional branch codes† into payment for the base codes. SCAI/ACC still recommends that the â€Å"additional branch codes† be used because some private payers may choose to reimburse them. Interventional Coding Examples to Illustrate Basic Principles .1. Problem: Coronary angiography is followed by ad hoc coronary stenting of the right and circumflex coronary arteries. Solution: 93454 (coronary angiography), 92928 (stenting single coronary), and 92928 again (stenting circumflex). Principles: As before, catheterization is coded using the separate cardiac cath codes, which are paid at 50% when performed with coronary intervention. Also, the base code for coronary stenting (92928) is used for both vessels, whereas previously the base code was used once, along with an â€Å"each additional vessel† code which was retired in 2013. .2. Problem: Stenting of the circumflex is performed followed by atherectomy and stenting of the ramus. Solution: 92928 (stenting single coronary), 92933 (atherectomy and stenting single coronary). Principles: Previously CMS recognized and reimbursed for procedures in only 3 arteries (the left anterior descending, the circumflex, and the right) and might have denied reimbursement for the ramus PCI. Starting in 2013, CMS recognizes two additional arteries (the left main and ramus arteries) and will reimburse for PCI in all of them. Also, use the new â€Å"atherectomy + stenting† code (92933) offers higher reimbursement than the stent code (92928). . 3. Problem: A patient with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction has a 99% lesion with slow flow stented. Solution: 92941: (stenting of subtotal/total occlusion causing acute MI). Principle: This code can be used for any acute MI patient (STEMI or non-STEMI) with a â€Å"total or subtotal† lesion. CPT does not provide a definition of â€Å"total or sub-total†, so if the code is used an accurate description of the lesion to support this code should be included in the procedural report. .4. Problem: Bifurcation stenting of the left anterior descending is performed, with PTCA of the sidebranch ostium and stenting of the parent vessel. Distally, a separate diagonal sidebranch is rotationally atherectomized. Solution: 92928 (stenting of the LAD), 92921 (angioplasty, additional branch for the LAD diagonal bi9furcation), 92925 (atherectomy, additional branch). Principles: PTCA of the diagonal as part of the bifurcation stenting is now recognized. When a separate branch is treated, use a second â€Å"additional branch† code. .5. Problem: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) shows a significant left main lesion extending into the proximal LAD which is stented. Fractional flow reserve across a distal lesion is measured and is not significant. Solution: 92928 (stenting of the left main/LAD), 92978 (intravascular ultrasound), 93571 (fractional flow reserve). Principle: As before, IVUS and FFR codes are used as â€Å"add-on† codes in addition to the base coronary intervention codes. When a single stent is used to treat a lesion in the left main extending into the LAD or circumflex, it is coded with only one code.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Leagility Defined for the Supply Chain Essay example -- essays researc

Leagility Defined for the Supply Chain Two words, lean and agile, combine to make the word leagility. Supply chain managers need lean supply lines to eliminate waste and keep costs low. They also require agile supply chains to get the right amount of the product to the right place in order to satisfy the ever-changing nature of the marketplace. Traditional management recommended a lean supply chain for products with a stable demand, yet low profit margin. Conversely, products with a high profit margin and volatile demand should have an agile supply chain (Van der Vorst). Modern managers may benefit from studying hybrid supply chains that are both lean and agile. Lean supply chains work best with products that sell in high volume and low variety (Christopher). The reason for this is clear when one considers a type of product meeting this criterion. Toilet paper sells in predictable volume and while there is some variety with this product, it is basically the same from brand to brand. The consumer is more likely to buy this product as a result of price rather than bells and whistles. A manager of a supply chain of toilet paper can use many tools to keep the logistics cost low. Sales of this product are likely to be tied to population size with little of no variation in sales†¦except in college towns where TP sales may be higher during rush week. This consistency allows managers to ship regular orders of the product. Consistency allows for long-range contracts with shippers, wh...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Meaning of life †Human Essay

I believe the meaning of life is to give life a meaning. Throughout my entire life, I have wondered what the purpose is. Why am I and every other human being even on this planet in the first place? That brings me to my next question. Is there a God? If there is, why did he put us here? Any Christian asked will say our sole purpose is to serve God. First of all, what does that even mean? And second, I must ask why? Why would a supernatural being place us strategically on this planet strictly to serve him? That sounds pretty selfish to me. There has to be something more. Something concrete. Something greater. How could there not be? All my life I have worked hard to succeed. I have challenged myself and fought to do better than my best. Why? I asked myself. Why stress so much when I’m only going to die in the end? Pessimistic, I know. Finally, I thought, maybe the meaning of life doesn’t have to be so complex. Maybe the meaning of life is whatever we want it to be. Maybe the meaning of life is to give life a meaning. I do what I do because I want to do it. It’s that simple. I do it because it means something to me. Everyone adds their own meaning to life. The meaning of life is never universal. The meaning of life is never complex. The meaning of life is actually quite simple to think about. Many people help the needy. Others play sports. Both activities add meaning to those lives involved. Purposes change, but the overall meaning of life will always stay the same. The meaning of life is simply to give life a meaning. This I believe.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Madame Bovary Personal Response

In part two of Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert we see Emma’s development as a character in a negative way. Emma’s development is seen as she embarks on a path to moral and financial corruption all for a search of love and passion. The passion and love Emma seeks cannot be found in the reality of that time causing her to feel imprisoned in society with Charles whom she has no passion or lust for. To Emma love is defined as lustful, spontaneous action which she only reads about in her romance novels. SHe learns to fulfill this inner lust by undertaking in adultery with different men.Throughout this section of the novel we see the emotions Emma encounters, guilt, anger, lust, passion and spiritual longing. â€Å"The more Emma became aware of her love, the more she suppressed it. She would have liked Leon to guess at it†¦ † [p. 86] This quote shows the change is Emma’s character from part one due to the fact that in part one she only longed for such a r elationship and what she read in books and took pity on herself while now she has taken action by committing adultery. When Emma first meets Leon there is a spark and common interests emerge unlike between Emma and Charles.This is seen in the quote â€Å"Their Eyes indeed were full of more serious conversation; and, while they were struggling in search of banal phrases, each felt assailed by the same langour; it was like a murmur from the soul†¦ † [p. 88] Emma’s Lust for Leon is an example of the commencement of her thoughts of adultery actions, once Leon leaves she becomes even less satisfied by Charles than before and continues to seek for that same love she had for Leon. She goes to such extremes with love due to her idea of love coming from novels, this is seen when she considers ruining after Leo after he had left for Paris.This part of the novel is seen as Emma’s attempt at filling an empty gap in her hear in search of romance that she has always long er for yet never grasped. She seems to do this by committing such unfaithful acts. â€Å"†¦ but i always relish the upheaval; I do love being on the move. † This quote emphasizes the fact that Emma cannot stay with one decision or be in one place for a long period of time because she is easily bored and dissatisfied. Once Leon leaves Mme. Bovary has an understanding of her feelings for Leon and her regret for not pursuing these feelings. the bad days form Tostes came back again. † [p. 114] Emma then realizes the option of adultery and Leon was the one to open this idea up to her.This is what leads her to commit adultery later on in this section of the novel. The second major development is the love affair between Mme. Bovary and Rodolphe. This love affair fulfills the dream of the romance she has always longed for from the books that she has read. â€Å"She merged onto her own imaginings, played a real part, realizing the long dream of her youth, seeing herself as one of those great lovers she had so long envied! † [p. 51] This quote emphasizes Emma’s happiness and sense of accomplishment that she feels during the affair. This is a development in her character because this can be compared to previous areas in the book where she was bored and unhappy waiting for something to occur this sudden even has now changed this view on life to a more happy one.This is because there was now an aspect of excitement that allows her to experience her dreams that she has so long longed for which causes her to isolate herself from reality. This is seen when she wants to run away with Rodolphe â€Å"Take me away! † [p. 80] This also shows Emma’s selfish behavior because she is acting only to please herself while Charles sacrifices his love and lets Emma be with Rodolphe to treat her depression (illness). The final major development in Emma is when she is plunged back into reality with the letter the Rodolphe sends her. This letter a llows her to realize the difference between the romantic novels and dreams and reality. The fact that she had so many ideas to pursue with Rodolphe such as running away which she though would allow her total freedom.However these longings are all crushed and the caged feeling from before begins to come back again. why have not done with it? Who was to stop her? She was free† This quote shows her thoughts of running away with Rodolphe and how she want to be free. In conclusion these major developments such as the love for Leon and the introduction to the idea of adultery as well as the affair with Rodolphe and the longing for freedom show Madame Bovary’s change throughout part two of the novel. One is also able to see the constant unstable actions of Emma and her decisions. She is one to go from being spiritual to wanting to commit suicide, then desiring a proper family household and yet none of these make her happy for very long.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Whats Eating Gilbert Grape Essays - Films, Free Essays, Term Papers

What's Eating Gilbert Grape Essays - Films, Free Essays, Term Papers What's Eating Gilbert Grape Whats Eating Gilbert Grape portrays a family that is dealing with the trials, tribulations, and also great times of having a member with a disability. The Grape family consists of Gilbert, Ellen, Amy, Mama, and of course, Arnie. The Grape family lives in an isolated town of Endora in a house that seems to be in shambles since their father died. In the beginning, Gilberts voiceover states that living in Endora is like dancing to no music, which one can definitely relate to after viewing this touching film. Gilbert Grape is a young man that has been impeded by more burdens than any man ought to have in an entire lifetime. He stocks shelves and delivers groceries for a local store, Lamsons Grocery, whose business has been deserted by the new supermarket in town. The movie begins with the yearly ritual of Gilbert and Arnie watching the caravans that pass along the road. Gilberts adversity seems to have started when his father hung himself seventeen years ago in their basement, which in turn drove his mother to obesity and a life confined to only their home. His mother has become a burden on him and he feels ashamed and humiliated by her. Gilbert even regards to his mother as a beached whale, and at one point lifts a young boy to the window to experience the sight of her. Gilberts mother is not his only complication; he is having an aimless affair with a frustrated housewife, Betty Carver, whose rash sexual demands have placed much apprehension on him. Gilberts brother Arnie, who is mentally challenged, needs constant supervision, which places many ongoing responsibilities on Gilbert, as well. His oldest sister, Amy, is a very caring woman that tries to take on many responsibilities herself and the youngest sister Ellen, who is only fifteen, has many issues with her family that she is trying to overcome, as well. Becky, a young girl that traveled into town with her grandmother and their caravan found romance with Gilbert and a certain connection with Arnie accordingly. Arnie is not your average boy; he is mentally challenged and was not expected to live to see his tenth birthday, let alone, his eighteenth, which he surpasses in the movie. Arnie is associated with many heights in the movie as he is regularly seen dangling from the roof, climbing trees, and of course, his ritual of scaling the water tower. Although Arnie loves the heights, he can not seem to conquer the depths as he will not venture to the basement of the house. I dont want to go down there, Gilbert; Dads down there, thus voicing the repressed fear that no one in the family will, or can put into words. Arnies water tower escapades are a source of great aggravation to the police, yet are greeted by the locals with an understanding of occasion and courteous applause when his feet are firmly planted back on the ground. Arnie obtains a fear of water when Gilbert abandons him in the bathtub for the night, and does not over come his apprehension until he flees to Becky after a fight he had with Gilbert. Bibliography none

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

How to Manage Invasive Insects in Firewood

How to Manage Invasive Insects in Firewood Nothings nicer on a cold winter day than sitting in front of a roaring wood fire in the fireplace. When you bring that firewood indoors, you might be bringing bugs indoors, too. Heres what you need to know about insects in firewood and how to keep them from coming inside. What Kinds of Insects Live in Firewood? Firewood often houses beetles, both under the bark and inside the wood. When firewood contains beetle larvae, adults may emerge as long as two years after the wood was cut. Longhorned beetle larvae usually live under the bark, in irregular tunnels. Boring beetle larvae make winding tunnels loaded with sawdust-like frass. Bark and ambrosia beetles typically infest freshly cut wood. Dry firewood may attract carpenter bees, which nest in the wood. Horntail wasps lay their eggs in wood, where the larvae develop. Sometimes adult horntail wasps emerge from firewood when its brought indoors. You dont need to worry about them stinging or damaging your home, should one surprise you. If firewood is still damp or stored in contact with the ground, it may attract a number of other insects. Carpenter ants and termites, both social insects, may make their homes in a pile of firewood. Critters that migrate into the wood from the ground include sowbugs, millipedes, centipedes, pillbugs, springtails, and bark lice. Can These Insects Damage My Home? Few insects that live in firewood will cause damage to your home. The structural lumber in your homes walls is much too dry to sustain them. As long as you dont store firewood inside your home, you shouldnt worry about insects from firewood infesting your house. Avoid keeping firewood in a damp garage or basement, where structural wood might have enough moisture to attract some insects. If insects do come indoors with the wood, just use a vacuum to remove them. Do be careful about where you store your wood outdoors. If you place stacks of firewood right up against your house, you are asking for termite trouble. Also, be aware that if the firewood contains beetle larvae or adults, the beetles may emerge and head for the nearest trees- the ones in your yard. How to Keep (Most) Bugs out of Your Firewood The best thing you can do to avoid insect infestations in your firewood is to dry it quickly. The drier the wood, the less hospitable it is to most insects. Proper storage of firewood is key. Try to avoid harvesting wood when insects are most active, from April to October. By cutting down trees in winter months, you will lessen the risk of bringing home infested logs. Fresh cut logs invite insects to move in, so remove the wood from the forest as soon as possible. Cut wood into smaller logs before storing it. The more surfaces exposed to the air, the quicker the wood will cure. Firewood should be covered to keep out moisture. Ideally, wood should be raised off the ground, too. Keep some air space under the cover and under the pile to allow airflow and quicker drying. Never treat firewood with pesticides. The more common firewood insects, beetles, typically bore into the wood and wont be affected by surface treatments anyway. Burning logs that have been sprayed with chemicals is a health hazard and could expose you to toxic fumes. Stop the Spread of Invasive Insects Invasive insects, such as the Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer, can be transported to new areas in firewood. These pests threaten our native trees, and every precaution should be taken to contain them.   Always obtain your firewood locally. Firewood from other areas could harbor these invasive pests ​and has the potential to create a new infestation where you live or camp. Most experts recommend that no firewood be moved more than 50 miles from its origin. If you are planning a camping trip away from home, dont bring your own firewood with you. Purchase wood from a local source near the camping area.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 7

Marketing - Essay Example In other words, these accounts must be identified, acquired, and followed up, or managed. The sales person/force and manager must also be rewarded accordingly. Key accounts are gained by developing a mutual relationship. In order to gain trust and repeat business and to â€Å"lead† the client and not the other way around (having the client lead the sales representative which results in a loss of sales), one must completely know and understand the client’s business. This can only be accomplished by having a strategy. Key Account Management (2006) lists the benefits of this type of handling such important accounts: Regarding the case study of Glaztex, the reasons for failure to win the order were many. They did not employ the strategies of proper key account management. Dr. Leblanc of Commercial SA had initially contacted sales executive John Goodman. That was an incredible â€Å"foot in the door† where Goodman should have researched and prepared before returning the call. Perhaps he did not have the proper training on key account management, which is very crucial. Most company training involves teaching staff how to sell to corporations and to large accounts which uses a skill-based training. On the other hand, key account management deals with the clients’ needs and uses strategy. (Bandhu, 2004.) Capon (2006) states that, â€Å"†¦it is one thing to recognize that these accounts should be treated differently, it is quite another to figure out exactly what to do.† So training is necessary. Goodman simply described the simply and gave Leblanc literature to read. As Leblanc had stated that he had already spoken with three other companies, Goodman needed to be well informed of not only what his company had to offer, he also needed to know about his possible client and the competitors. He needed to focus on value. An advantage would have been for him to tell and show Leblanc (and Atois, the production engineer, as he stated that