Horror stories Essay Example for Free

Horror stories Essay Horror stories have caught the attention of audiences throughout history, be it in literature or in film, because of its ability to ignite in us one of the most primordial of human emotions fear. As H. P. Lovecraft’s quote above explicitly states, there is no other emotion as old and strong as that of fear, particularly that of the unknown. But what is the horror genre? Arguably, it can be said that horror, as exemplified in films, are fictional stories which aim to stoke feelings of horror, terror, fear from its audience. Simple enough as it may sound, however, it has been found that one of the main problematic of dealing with the horror genre when studying it as a text, would be its overlapping characteristics with other genres, such as science fiction and fantasy. However, although horror may oftentimes be viewed as having no clear-cut boundaries, there are several delineations in it when compared to science fiction and fantasy. For example, according to Paul Wells, †¦[T]he horror genre is predominantly concerned with death and the impacts and effects of the past, while science fiction is future-oriented, engaging with how human social existence could develop and dealing with humankind’s predilection for self-destruction. While science fiction is potentially utopian (although often critically grounded), the horror genre is almost entirely dystopic, and often nihilistic in outlook. Science fiction is more concerned with the external and macrocosmic, while horror is arguably preoccupied with the internal and microcosmic. On the issue of crossing the threshold over to the realm of the fantasy genre, its main difference would be that fantasy â€Å"is based on re-imagining the world in a more playful or utopian guise, while only temporarily moving out of (endorsing) the terms and conditions of the status quo. † Horror, on the other hand, does also contain certain elements, but the status quo, for the most part is left untouched. Having shown how horror is a unique and independent genre despite having overlapping similarities with others, this paper will now go into the individual elements of it in order to further elucidate through the use of Alfred Hitchcock’s â€Å"Psycho† as an example. It is important to take note of a genre’s individual characteristics because â€Å"genre is addressed as a system for organizing production as well as groupings of individual films which have collective and singular significance. † Noel Carroll is of the opinion that what sets the horror genre apart from the others is primarily the reaction of the audience to what is being portrayed to them. He says, In horror fictions, the emotions of the audience are supposed to mirror those of the positive human characters in certain, but not all, respects†¦ Our responses are meant, ideally, to parallel those of characters. Our responses are supposed to converge (but not exactly duplicate) those of the characters; like the characters we assess the monster as a horrifying sort of being (though unlike the characters, we do not believe in its existence). This mirroring-effect moreover, is a key feature of the horror genre. For it is not the case of every genre that the audience response is supposed to repeat certain of the elements of the emotional state of the characters. But apart from that, common elements would also include the depiction of the dark, malevolent side of humanity, the relatability of the audience to the characters – despite their being haunted individuals, the dark, foreboding mood, the violence present, which are usually graphic, and the inclusion of unexpected and frightening twists in the plot. Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film Psycho does contain these elements, and thus is regarded as one of the finest examples of the modern horror genre. The beginning of the story started out plain enough. Marion is a secretary who runs away with the money of his boss’ client in order to be with her lover. However on the long drive to Sam, she is met by several obstacles like the cop that seems to be sniffing her out, bad weather and fatigue. It was because of the last said obstacle that she ended up in the Bates Motel. Here she meets the owner and keeper of the motel, Norman Bates. He seems nice enough, gentlemanly and soft-spoken even, but there already are sure signs that he is not as pleasant as he looks. The parlor in his office is filled with stuffed birds, and when Marion assumes that he knows a lot about birds, he corrects her by saying that he is no expert on birds; he just likes stuffing them. Also, it is in this conversation between the two of them that the audience is first given a glimpse of Norman’s seemingly disturbed mental state, becoming rigid and taking offense when Marion suggests that he place his â€Å"ill† mother in an institution. The way Hitchcock framed the headshots of Norman made him seem like he was about ready to strike, aggressive. Later on, in the famous shower scene, he would prove to be exactly that. But despite those telling signs, in those moments when he is the nice Norman, the audience can relate to the lonely young man who is verbally abused by his mother, but would not leave her because he sincerely believes she needs him to take care of her. It is precisely in this charm and relatability of his character that made the revelation of the plot highly successful later on. As for the mood, the house atop the hill behind the motel is indeed a dark and foreboding one. Always cast in shadows, and the structure itself, being old, looks scary by itself. Of course, the violence aspect of the film is also one of the most pivotal parts of Psycho. Although there is but one shower scene which depicted the killing of Marion with a kitchen knife in the shower, the movie is rife with the element of violence. Arbogast the detective was killed, Norman’s â€Å"mother† was verbally abusing him, and both the dead bodies were later on ditched in the swamp. As for the twist, as mentioned earlier, it is because of Norman’s charm as a character that made the twist even more effective. All throughout the film, the audience – as well as the other characters – were led to believe that Norman’s mother is indeed alive. Later on, the audience finds out that the â€Å"mother† they all thought to be in the story is actually Norman himself who has somehow kept his mother alive, quite literally, in his own mind. What makes this movie the successful horror story that it is then is because it was successful in eliciting from the audience the emotion of fear, be it for Marion who was running away from the cop, or being stabbed in the shower. Because the audience’s attention was focused on the hunt for Marion and the money, the element of surprise clearly was on the side of Norman’s story, him being not a direct figure in the Marion-money-Sam storyline anyway. With this example, we clearly see that the horror genre is not defined by the presence of monsters in the film (although Norman, in a figurative sense, can be considered a monster), but by its ability to evoke the emotion of fear from the audience, mirroring that of the characters they see onscreen. BIBLIOGRAPHY Carroll, Noel, The Philosophy of Horror, Or, Paradoxes of the Heart, Routledge, London, 1990. Deutelbau, Marshall Leiland Poague (eds), A Hithcock Reader, Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, 1986. Kapis, Robert E. , Hitchcock: The Making of Reputation, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1992. Nelmes, Jill (ed), An Introduction to Film Studies, 3rd Edition, Routledge, London, 2003. Spadoni, Robert, Uncanny Bodies: The Coming of Sound Film and the Origins of the Horror Genre, University of California Press, California, 2007. Wells, Paul, The Horror Genre: From Beelzebub to Blair Witch, Wallflower Press, 2000. , Few thoughts on Horror, http://web. utk. edu/~wrobinso/590_lec_horror. html.

Environment Of Kamat Hotels

Environment Of Kamat Hotels Kamat hotels are a new chain of luxury business hotel in India promoted by KHIL (kamat hotel India ltd). Kamat hotel began as a single landmark namely VITS Mumbai, located near Mumbai international airport, but is now recognized all over the India as the symbol of true Indian hospitality. KHIL is a pan-India network of hotels that offers business and leisure travelers a hotel designed for the modern nomad. The hotel promises a whole new experience of tranquility and total wellness proposal. Called the jiva spa, it is a unique concept, based on a mixture of heritage, wisdom and the Indian philosophy of wellness and well being. All hotels built with similar infrastructure are four star hotels which consist of 200 rooms and aims to give prospective customers, a total experience of hospitality. Each hotel has a six banquet halls, a conference hall and fitness clubs complete with sauna and steam bath are open in the lobby area. KHIL is well known for being environmental friendly. It has won many awards like environmental champion, global ecotel, regional direct tourism award and pata (pacific Asia travel association awards), hotel and catering international management associations (HCIMA) best environmental policy 2000, India chapter environmental award for 2001 on the hotel excellence category. In 2009, VITS achieved excellent profitability based on the trend of rising demand for suitable accommodation in the city of Mumbai. Based on its early success, KHIL has expanded heavily in India, opening new branches in more states like Ahmadabad, Aurangabad, Baroda, Gujarat, Hubli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nasik, Pune, Sholapur, Surat and it is expected to add twenty more branches in the next five years. With the rapid expansion of Indian economy, budget and mid market hotel segments are fast expanding as more business people travel and look for short pleasant stays. The group also introduced tours and travels in 2010 and was engaged in marketing of destination and package tours. KHIL along with its flagship hotel, VITS are well positioned to meet the increase in travel activities and is set to benefit fully of this market expansion. The restaurants, known for their top quality food, attract high number of middle class families for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However limited capacity of its butchery and bakery cause delays in periods of high customer turnout and often leads to customer complaints KHIL group employees are gentle, skillful, and knowledgeable and are given certificates of honesty which keeps them motivated and loyal. But Management at VITS has been very poor at embracing Technology to help them in their daily task or for the benefit of their customers. There is no Wi-Fi installed on the premises, and internet connections are slow. Management have not upgraded their software but have stuck to their PMS i.e. (property management system) while their competitors are already using Opera or Fidelo, softwares which are faster in performance and standards. Using the stakeholder model, this paper will assess the strengths and weaknesses of VITS and then analyses its external environments using Porters 5 forces model and PESTEL. This will give us a proper indication of the hotels position and will conclude by coming up with workable proposals for VITS. 2.0 Analysis of the internal environment 2.1 Stakeholder model 2.1 Stakeholder An individual, group or business with a keen interest may be positive or negative in an organization success are known as stakeholder. They are concerned with an organization to deliver an intend result and also to meet its financial objectives generally stakeholders are of two types they are internal within the organization and external outside the organization. Stakeholders are shareholders, employee, suppliers, customer, financial institution, government and society. A stakeholder is usually stands to gain or lose depending on the decision taken or policies implemented. 2.1.1 Importance of stakeholder Stakeholders are very important persons who in fact control the organization and the success of the organization lies in their hands. The participation of stakeholders in an organization is from the beginning of the organization. Stakeholder analysis is a technique which is generally used by an organization to identify the importance of key people, groups of people or stakeholders which influence the success of an organization. It is an important process because if we find the needs and interest of stakeholder than it become easier for an organization to achieve its goals. This can be done by an individual or by a team. The analysis helps us to determine the influence and power that each stakeholder has. If we know the most powerful stakeholder than it is easy for an organization to gain support in order to gain success. We can implement stakeholder to an organization in three steps they are {1} identifying the stakeholders, {2} prioritizing the stakeholder and {3} understanding impo rtant stakeholder opinion and interest. 2.1.2 Shareholders KHIL hotels formally reports to their shareholders twice a year when it releases its results. This comes amidst great media and specialized press speculation as KHIL is known to be a star performer. Shareholders have over the past 5 years, constantly been rewarded with dividends to the tune of 21% per annum after tax every single year. They generally hold meetings with their shareholders and stakeholders to keep them informed about the progress of business and future plans for the group. 2.1.3 Employees KHIL hotels places great importance on communication about its business and performance to their employees. They follow a program of effective staff training to understand the purpose and goals of hotel management strategies and deliver on the organizations sustainability objectives. 2.1.4 Suppliers KHIL supports local suppliers and promotes responsible business practice. Given the strength of their bargaining power they can source produce at a very competitive price which helps them on profitability. Supporting local suppliers wherever they are also helps them to build good relations with the community whom they support. Suppliers are very supportive of KHIL and have been working with them ever since they started business. KHIL welcomes feedback from their suppliers which helps them to better understand how they are performing against their peers and they get a clearer picture of risk. 2.1.5 Customers KHIL has mastered guest relationship through constant interaction and feedback from them. They offer top quality service which is known and appreciated by customers. This is what has built the KHIL brand as they are known for the unique experience they offer customers. KHIL charges them a slightly premium price but which customers do not complain about as they feel pampered. Customer feedback lies at the center of their strategy. Customers recommend the hotel to their friends and word of mouth spreads. Feedback and adaptation to customer requirements have kept them ahead of competition and rising up to end increasing guest demands. They have mastered the art of proactively engaging with their guests to understand and anticipate their requirements. 2.1.6 Financial institution KHIL works and is supported by the biggest and the best financial institutions like the State Bank of India, Baroda Bank, ICICI, and private investment funds. Gathering funds for expansion and development is not a problem because of the support as KHIL has always lived up to expectations of financial institutions and has never defaulted. 2.1.7 Government KHIL relies on both central and local government provisions. Statutory and regulatory sanctions of authorities are required for approval of restaurant and bar licenses. As such it is in its best interest to stay within the legal provisions. Both central and local governments are very supportive of KHILs investments as it creates wealth, jobs and supports to local communities. KHIL is a major benefactor of governments incentive schemes and low interest investment funds and this helps to expansion. KHIL does not fail on taxes, levies, duties, company or municipal taxes. KHIL has provided for Rs 1, 63,17,4381/ for the current financial year for different taxes and no dues are pending. 2.1.8 Society KHIL, since the very beginning is a major supporter of social development. This is a reason why communities welcome its developments. The group supports sustainable livelihood as an underlying principle of their social initiatives. In order to improve the quality of life of villagers who live around the hotel KHIL helps them by providing solar lighting, health, hygiene and nutritional support for children and women, drinking water facilities and educational support. They provide hotel related artisan jobs for them like making candles, dusters, staff snacks and stationery. 3.0 Analysis of the specific external environment I will use Porters five forces to analyze KHILs specific external environment. 3.1 Barriers of entry Barriers of entry in the hotel industry are very high as lots of investment goes into initial infrastructure and getting initial customer support. Credit facilities to tour operators and other agents supplying customers result in cash flow issues which very often cannot be supported by new entrants as they rely heavily on loans. 3.2 Availability and substitutes The substitutes exist when the alternative product with lower price and better performance for the same product. Likewise the Kohinoor provides the spa at the low cost compared to KHIL which reduces the potential sales volumes of KHIL. There are a lot of price variation between KHIL and the Kohinoor hotel service, which leads customers to feel that KHIL is at times over priced. The Kohinoor have various rates and tariffs, a good brand image and the hotel chain currently operating different services like spa, boatels, resorts, city center and heritage hotels. 3.3 Bargaining power of suppliers The suppliers consist of all the sources of input that are needed to provide a goods and services. KHIL has good supplier support but is at a disadvantage against competition as it has a tendency of buying because of the long standing friendship they have with suppliers who supported them initially. Very often this plays against price and quality. Furthermore large quantity items are tendered and bought on price which often plays against quality. 3.4 Bargaining power of customers The hotel industry is a very competitive one and having invested in its fixed assets, hotels want to recoup their investment as quickly as possible. They are ready to offer discounts the whole year to attract and keep customers therefore reducing margins. Availability of substitutes such as the Kohinoor improves the bargaining power of customers and they can put even more pressure on margins and volumes. 3.5 Competitive rivalry KHIL has several good challengers like the Kohinoor, Continental and the Mirador who are competing in similar market with similar offerings. The Kohinoor has 200 rooms, excellent conference facilities, multi cuisine restaurants, bars, health clubs, and 24 hours coffee shop, doctor on call, is situated in the main business area of Mumbai and is close to the international airport. These facilities are similar to KHILs and reason why they are strong challengers. This has the overall effect of reducing both revenue and profitability. 4.0 Pestle analysis Pestle analysis is the useful tool to understand the clear picture of the environment in which the organization lies and to find the opportunities and threats that lies in the environment they can be express as the Political, economic, socio cultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors affect an organizations external environment which in turn affects an organization by offering it either opportunities to progress or threats to regress. it is also used as a generic orientation tool to find out about the organization or the product is in the context of what happening inside as well as outside of the organization. 4.1 Political environment One of the political environments for the organization was the times of India (it is a well known newspaper) by Rachna sigh, Jaipur in a bid to attract the international tourists is gearing up with a host of new properties across the different segments. Some of the industries like hotel and tourisms are the backbone of any competitive world. But government charges a huge tax from the hotels which are stars or are in the luxury category these organizations has an impact with the government or the political changes that occurs. If the government takes even a small steps if affect the hotel industries. Its getting huge incentives and the state governments are supporting them in their development. But now Indian hotels are planning to expand in the economic crunch time. The terror attack on the city (Mumbai) renowed hotels like the taj hotel and the oberios had brought into concerns and facing the hoteliers with a drop in foreign travelers to India i.e. the terror attack is one of the threat for hotel industries. 4.2 Legal factor In recent years, government has brought significant changes to the legal framework to facilitate investment and doing business. Several incentive schemes have been introduced to increase investments. Laws that directly impact on the hotel industry are the Hotel development incentive bill, tax holidays of up to 2 years to new investors in the hotel sector, fairer health and safety laws and less stringent employment laws that were acting as limitations to investment. This has led to a lot of development as investors have easy access to funds and are supported by incentives. These new business friendly frameworks have largely helped groups like KHIL to invest further and adopt expansion strategies. 4.3 Economical environment The India economy hardly suffered from the international financial crisis. This is because the Indian system rests on a controlled and sound financial system in the country. The economic environment includes GDP, interest rates, inflation and exchange rates, economic growth, taxation amongst others and it determines disposable income. While larger number of tourists will flock to India for its beauty, history and heritage, Mumbai the financial capital will keep bringing in business people from around the world therefore offering an incessant flow of customers to hotels like the KHIL group to prosper. 4.4 Social environment Changes in social trends also have an impact on the demand for a firms products and offer. Organizations have to respond by constantly adopting their products to new customer trends and demand. This is what KHIL has constantly been doing especially with its unique feedback system. Feedback from customers has also explains why KHIL has more single room than double rooms. 4.5 Technological environment Indian is one of the most advanced technological nations of the world and businesses are well aware of progress in the field of technology and its enduring impact on processes and the reduction of costs. KHIL has not taken technology on board though most major customized products are valuable. 4.6 Environmental factors The growing desire to protect the environment is having a great impact on many industries such as travel industries. Environment protection creates business opportunities and KHIL is well ahead of competitors in this field. To respect local legislation, all hotels of the group are built after an environmental impact assessment and this creates harmony with the community. 5.0 Swot analysis Swot analysis is the most important tool for audit and analysis of the overall strategic position of business and its environment. Basically it is the foundation for evaluating the strength, weakness, probable/likely opportunity and threats from the external environment. It also views the positive as well as negative factors inside and outside of the organization which affect its success. So these are the four factors applying to the property to know about the property in details the strength, weakness, opportunities as well as the threats of the KHIL hotels. 5.1 Strengths Strength is the qualities which helps an organization to achieve its goals. Generally strength are beneficial aspects of the organization which includes human competence, process capabilities, financial resources, product and service, customer goodwill and brand loyalty. Strength of KHIL Competitively priced for value they offer Situated near the international airport and few kilometers away from the domestic airport Is a very convenient alternative for layover guests are those whose flights have been cancelled or delayed Has preferred partner status with airlines Affordable luxury venue for SMEs for their Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions Highly perceived as a environmental friendly hotel Recognized name for fine cuisine and value for money accommodation Loyal, honest and per formant employees Appeals to local middle class families looking for a night out 5.2 Weakness Weakness is a limitation, or the defect in an organization that will keep it away from achieving its goals. The weakness are of different kind like huge debt, high employee turnover, complex decision making process, narrow product range and large wastage of raw materials. Weakness oh KHIL Situated off the road it may see significant impact on FIT guests (free individual traveler) Fails to handle larger crowds and sister hotel Orchid is no substitute Business centre is to small and no WI-FI zone yet Trailing on technology on its processes and still using Whitney rack system Swimming pool located next to the restaurant plays against privacy 5.3 Opportunities An opportunity is a kind of favorable situation in a firm environment. It is usually a trend or an overlooked need that increase demand for a product or service and allows the organization to enhance its position. Opportunities for KHIL Upcoming cricket world cup jointly organized in India, Bangla Desh, Sri lanka will attract guests Event can be used to showcase of value offered to enhance reputation Bus service or the special cabs for the fans to the stadium in and around the world cup venues Targeting opening in new or developing business hubs like Bangalore 5.4 Threats It is an unfavorable situation which may occur in an organization environment and which may harm the business or its strategy. They are uncontrollable when the threat comes, the stability and survival can be stake. Threats for KHIL Security especially in the wake of terrorist attacks Competitor response from Kohinoor, Continental and Mirador 6.0 Conclusion As each and every organization has strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats the kamat hotel also have these factors but they can find out by doing the swot analysis to the organization to its internal and external factor so that one can obtain it and can control the system in a practical way. It can work according to its objectives by allowing an easy way to attain its profit growth. 7.0 Proposal The KHIL hotels should plan and perform their work to achieve their goals and the information and explanation that are considered are necessary to work on them that they need to improve a lot like increasing the rooms in the hotel because of its they are facing the problems when there is an event in India most of the foreigners visit to India because of lack of rooms its losing its business so if it works on it then it will achieve a great success. These are needed to upgrade to an improved integrated management system as it would help reduce the amount of paper work. It would also reduce the work of night auditor and reception staff as they would not have to verify every bill every time guests checkout.

Developing Wireless Communications to Space Essay example -- Science O

A big potential problem in the future is developing a wireless communications network in outer space. In this paper we will discuss the problems presented with this and the potential solutions to these problems using existing and some futuristic technology. We have broke this into two main parts, one being earth to satellite to planet and back, and the other being planetary ground transmission to and from astronauts to rovers to space stations. The solution has already started being implemented and will continue rapidly into the near future. It is called the Interplanetary Internet. As of now it is an array of floating 'nodes' or satellites scattered around in space that can communicate with each other. In the future a backbone of satellites is envisioned with their own high speed protocols. There will also be large antennas on earth and possible other planets hundreds of feet high, amplifiers scattered throughout space, photovoltaic powered satellites, and high precision equipment on multiple planet surfaces. The architectural concept to this is deceivingly simple. The first part is developing Internet protocols to form local networks in quiet environments with little delay. This could be done with free flying spacecraft here on earth or another planet. The second part is to develop a deep space structure of satellites interconnecting LANs. This includes multiple space based data relay satellites. The third part is implementing a new overlay a new protocol concept called bundling to tie together the Internets. This is based on a routing concept in which multiple messages will be bundled and sent through a series of Internets. The problem with this is not the same as here on earth. Here it is billi... ...face devices completed the elements of the hardware setup. (NASA Takes..) In conclusion the improvements to the current inter-planet system of communication involves increasing the number of nodes in space, development of peer to peer hardware nodes and improvement of protocols to deal with long delays and interference. Works Cited NASA Takes the Internet into Space. 13 Dec 2003. TechNewsWorld. 10 April 2007. . Mars Wants Wi-Fi!. 15 Jan 2004. Wi-Fi Planet. 10 April 2007. . NASA tests WiFi mesh networks. 22 March 2004. GCN. 10 April 2007. . NMSU researchers helping NASA develop systems to transmit data from Mars. 14 Oct 2004. SpaceRef. 10 April 2007. .

Poverty in India Essay -- Socioeconomic Concerns, Indian Government

Poverty has been a serious and a long-lasting issue in India. India is set to become a global economic power in decades to come. The hype of this booming economy causes great socio-economic concerns for this country and is being ignored by the government. This paper will argue the recent rapid increases in population, growth of cities, the burgeoning economy and government corruption in India. These factors all combine to create growing inequities in the provision of the basic needs of society; food, water, shelter, health care and education result in an increased gap between rich and poor in the country. Poverty is a condition in which a person fails to maintain a standard living adequate for a comfortable lifestyle. India has the world's largest number of deprived individuals and out of its total population, 350 to 400 million people are living below the poverty line. Nearly 75% of the poor reside in rural areas, earn daily wages, lack land and are self-employed householders. There are a numerous reasons for poverty to be existent in India. A few basic reasons of rural poverty in India are: high population growth, illiteracy and corruption. The only way to solve these issues is to eradicate these causes. Corruption and literacy are a tremendous problem in India and ranks first in the world. (Gaiha, R & Vani K., 2006) India’s birth rate has been on a steady increase over the past decades. Being an overpopulated nation there is a lack of workforce in India. Many believe the solution to this problem rests on the development of more companies or present companies creating newer jobs to employ workers. This will accommodate more opportunities for workers in India, as the unemployment rate in the country has been high in the pa... ...arily designed to help bring the poorest populations out of poverty. (Sharma, A. 2010) The recent rapid increase in population, growth of cities, the burgeoning economy and corruption in India did not combine to create a growing inequity in the provision of the basic needs of food, water, shelter, health care and education. Government corruption in a democratic nation can arise many problems. The above problems are being faced by India will take time before the governments solutions starts working. There is a possibility that new growth trend or policy change could benefit the country’s poor population and benefit from innovation and growth. To conclude, India can benefit if the nation stands together and supports each other, the government needs to build strict plans and most importantly impose hefty penalties on individuals creating a corrupt system.

The Chinese Literati Painting Tradition :: Art History Papers

The Chinese Literati Painting Tradition One can not help but marvel at the beauty of the Chinese landscapes, the vast space, the intricacies, the imaginative structures, the subtle colorations. To a western eye they are beautiful but to the Chinese they are far more. The paintings embody or portray all aspects of Tao. The caligraphy and imagery in each painting take on spiritual significance. The artist-scholar can spend years searching for understanding in each work. This understanding he seeks is not just of the scene he sees but of universal structure and himself within it. In turn, his discoveries surface in his brushwork, composition, and the spirit of his mountains, trees, water, and sky. It is no wonder, that the cannon for Chinese art remained among the literati painters over so many centuries. Through painting, one could reach a further understanding of Tao or rather repossess his ancestors knowledge of Tao. The Tao, with its associated notions of oneness of "spirit and matter," the external flux of all things, the resolution of opposites, and the significance of the nonexhistant, was the cornerstone on which Chinese based theirpainting and their theories of painting It is the search for understanding that drives the artist-scholar to paint. Shen Chou, an artist from the Ming Dynasty tells of his new found knowledge and cleansed mind which he has reached through only experiencing nature. His words are translated from the calligraphy in Night Vigil (above, center). Through mental abstinence and by sitting alone by the light of the flickering candle long into the night, I must pursue both the [outer] principals of things and the wondorous [inner] workings of the mind. By using this method for self-cultivation and responding to things, I shall posess understanding. The Literati were generaly of the beurocracy. They were well mannered in Confucian traditions, well educated, and well off. They were first scholars before they were painters. In fact painting was generally concidered an outlet for scholars. Scholar-painters were greatly respected, their work was part of high culture. The great artist-scholars wrote at length, advising techniques for painting and calligraphy. They formed different schools of thinking across China. Their names and spirits were remembered through vast literature and in the paintings themselves. Every succeeding generation of artist scholars rekindled the spirit of their ancsestors through their own works of art and literature. And so it continued until the fall of Dynastic China. Unfortunately though, literati remains difficult for Westerners to fully comprehend and appreciate.

Rising food prices

The economic and political ramifications of rising oil prices are astounding. It is interesting how far they reach, and also how deeply dependent countries are on this commodity. It shows that the extent to which oil might be considered fundamental is a significant one, given its impact on the most basic human need: food. The economics of oil demonstrates itself as being perhaps the most intricate of all commodities, as it has the ability to affect not just the economy of its suppliers by also the economy of the entire world. The idea that food (or the lack thereof) can stir national conflict does not appear to be very far-fetched. However, the connection that food has to oil prices certainly places oil (as a commodity) in a much higher place than it perhaps should be. Oil is usually considered closely connected to such non-essential (yet highly used) commodities as gasoline and by extension motor vehicles. The importance of oil on the world market may for this reason have been considered an enigma. However, this connection that it has to food makes it understandable why the demand for oil is so inexorably high (Whitelaw, 2008). Of concern is the realization that the rising food costs have also been affecting the ability of the United Nations’ food aid agency and other philanthropic organizations to provide food for the economically struggling countries. The international aspect of the rising prices may spell doom for certain countries that have benefited from such aid in the past. More frightening is that fact that it may also create further shortages in areas that before had needed no aid, and it has been affecting the chances for relief possessed by refugees fleeing famine in their own countries (Whitelaw, 2008). These implications make it more exigent that alternative energy sources be sought. It may end up being more economical to spend millions on research that will result in a more sustainable form of energy. The prospect of oil depletion in the coming years is clearly not the only problem humans now face in regard to concentration upon this particular energy source. More immediate effects resulting in economic and political tension are clearly serious consequences of humans’ dependence on oil. Reference Whitelaw, K. (2008). â€Å"The dangers from rising food prices: costlier commodities could trigger   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   unrest in poor countries and may curtail food aid to refugees.† U.S. News World Report.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New York. Available

Analysis of Nextcard.Inc

Nectar, Inc. Jeremy Lent lunched a company named Nectar. Inc. Aims to earn money by helping people get credit card more conveniently. But there is two huge flaws in this strategy, first, the way nectar to obtain new customers proved to be much higher than the figure Lent had originally projected. Second, the people who signed up for the Neckband credit card proved to be much higher credit risk than Lent had expected. So, the result is big bad debts. But the company officials still Insist that theIncreasing allowance for bad debts Is caused by hackers and other Internet miscreants. Then in late 2001, they got a large class-action lawsuit by the angry Investors. While the real big problem Is what the audit partner Thomas Trigger did. In order to make the workspaces appear as If the addling teams had been ‘right on the mark' all along, he modifying the workspaces and scour the evidences. Instead of scour the evidence, Trigger's subordinate gave It to federal authoresses. I think t he audit Issue we should concern about Is the destroying of documents.As It Is said In the paragraph, the financial markets depend on the integrity of auditors, lawyers and other professionals to do their jobs ethically and fairly. If they fail to do so, the damage is huge, and the mistake is unforgivable. But I didn't appreciate what Outrages subordinate did. He should at least persuade his superior not to do this. He pretend to be obey the boss's order while do another thing behind wisher's back is kind of betraying. On the other side, Trigger is incompetent to be a good mentor. He didn't teach his subordinate to be honest auditor.Whether the auditor should evaluate the soundness of a client's business model is depends on the position of the auditor. If the clients asked about the suggestions, they can give some advices. If they are not been asked to do, I think the business model is out of an auditor's obligations. Analysis of Nectar. Len By redeemed So, the result is big bad deb ts. But the company's officials still insist that the increasing allowance for bad debts is caused by hackers and other Internet investors. While the real big problem is what the audit partner Thomas Trigger did.In order to make the workspaces appear as if the auditing teams had been ‘right on the mark all along, he modifying the workspaces and scour the evidences. Instead of scour the evidence, Trigger's subordinate gave it to federal authorities. I think the audit issue we should concern about is the destroying of documents. As it is said in other professionals to do their Jobs ethically and fairly. If they fail to do so, the Trigger's subordinate did. He should at least persuade his superior not to do this. He didn't teach his subordinate to be honest auditor. Whether the auditor should