Greasy Lake by T. C. Boyle Essays

Greasy Lake by T. C. Boyle Essays Greasy Lake by T. C. Boyle Essay Greasy Lake by T. C. Boyle Essay Essay Topic: Easy In the coming of age, young adults and adolescents experience with numerous positive and negative things, in doing so they gain hands-on life experience and knowledge of important life lessons that shape and mold them into the adults they become in the future. many if not all young people coming into the age of majority explore different things in life and want to step out of the traditional societal norm during this phase they may indulge in drugs alcohol and many other mischievous activities for in doing so they learn from their mistakes and grow into better mature adults. in the short story greasy lake by author t.c. boyle the above statements can be shown indefinitely. the story follows the adventure of three boys and their one night of juvenile exploration into the greasy lake, the characters are intent on proving that they are bad and in the process they have a most unfortunate chain of events, which lead them to change their ways and hopefully take a different path in life. th roughout the story the young men boast on how bad they are and the main character gives us some details about the other boys badness but they soon learn that they are not cut out for that bad lifestyle in the first passage of the story the main characters elaborately recalls his adolescents and how him and his friends at the time were dangerous characters reminiscing on a time when it was good to be bad The protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the story, and his two friends, try to reciprocate what a typical â€Å"bad boy† is and what they would typically do.T.C. Boyle states â€Å"watch a girl take off her clothes and plunge into the festering murk, drink beer, smoke pot, howl at the stars, savor the incongruous full-throated roar of rock and roll against the primeval susurrus of frogs and crickets. This was nature.†As if this is what felt natural to them.Hunting down this kind of fun.Seeing that all of these words are used in the past ten :

Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane in the Napoleonic Wars

Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane in the Napoleonic Wars Thomas Cochrane - Early Life: Thomas Cochrane was born December 14, 1775, at Annsfield, Scotland. The son of Archibald Cochrane, 9th Earl of Dundonald and Anna Gilchrist, he spent the majority of his early years at the familys estate in Culross. Under the practice of the day his uncle, Alexander Cochrane, an officer in the Royal Navy, had his name entered on the books of naval vessels at age five. Though technically illegal, this practice reduced the amount of time Cochrane would need to serve before becoming an officer if he elected to pursue a naval career. As another option, his father also secured him a commission in the British Army. Going to Sea: In 1793, with the beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars, Cochrane joined the Royal Navy. Initially assigned to his uncles ship HMS Hind (28 guns), he soon following the elder Cochrane to HMS Thetis (38). Learning his trade on the North American station, he was appointed an acting lieutenant in 1795, before passing his lieutenants exams the following year. Following several assignments in America, he was made eighth lieutenant on Lord Keiths flagship HMS Barfleur (90) in 1798. Serving in the Mediterranean, he clashed with the ships first lieutenant, Philip Beaver. HMS Speedy: Angered by the young officer, Beaver ordered him court-martialed for disrespect. Though found innocent, Cochrane was reprimanded for flippancy. The incident with Beaver marked the first of several problems with superiors and peers that marred Cochranes career. Promoted to commander, Cochrane was given command of the brig HMS Speedy (14) on March 28, 1800. Putting to sea, Cochrane was tasked with preying upon French and Spanish shipping. Ruthlessly effective, he captured prize after prize and proved a brazen and daring commander. Also an innovator, he once eluded a pursuing enemy frigate by building a raft mounted with a lantern. Ordering Speedy blacked out that night, he set the raft adrift and watched as the frigate chased the lantern through the darkness while Speedy escaped. The high point of his command of Speedy came on May 6, 1801, when he captured the Spanish xebec frigate El Gamo (32). Closing under the guise of the American flag, he maneuvered at close range pummeling the Spanish ship. Unable to depress their guns low enough to strike Speedy, the Spanish were forced to board. In the resulting action, Cochranes outnumbered crew was able to carry the enemy ship. Cochranes run came to an end two months later when Speedy was captured by three French ships of the line led by Admiral Charles-Alexandre Linois on July 3. During his command of Speedy, Cochrane captured or destroyed 53 enemy vessels and frequently raided the coast. Exchanged a short time later, Cochrane was promoted to post-captain in August. With the Peace of Amiens in 1802, Cochrane briefly attended the University of Edinburgh. With the resumption of hostilities in 1803, he was given command of HMS Arab (22). The Sea Wolf: A ship with poor handling, Arab afforded Cochrane few opportunities and his assignment to the vessel and subsequent posting to the Orkney Islands were effectively punishment for crossing the First Lord of the Admiralty, Earl St. Vincent. In 1804, St. Vincent was replaced by Viscount Melville and Cochranes fortunes improved. Given command of the new frigate HMS Pallas (32) in 1804, he cruised the Azores and French coast capturing and destroying several Spanish and French vessels. Transferred to HMS Imperieuse (38) in August 1806, he returned to the Mediterranean. Terrorizing the French coast, he earned the nickname Sea Wolf from the enemy. Becoming a master of coastal warfare, Cochrane frequently led cutting out missions to seize enemy ships and captured French coastal installations. In 1808, his men occupied the fortress of Mongat in Spain which delayed the advance of General Guillaume Duhesmes army for a month. In April 1809, Cochrane was tasked with leading a fire ship attack as part of the Battle of the Basque Roads. While his initial attack greatly disrupted the French fleet, his commander, Lord Gambier, failed to effectively follow up to completely destroy the enemy. Cochranes Fall: Elected to Parliament from Honiton in 1806, Cochrane sided with the Radicals and frequently criticized the prosecution of the war and campaigned against corruption in the Royal Navy. These efforts further lengthened his list of enemies. Publically criticizing Gambier in the wake of Basque Roads, he alienated many senior members of the Admiralty and did not receive another command. Though loved by the public, he became isolated in Parliament as he angered his peers with his outspoken views. Marrying Katherine Barnes in 1812, Cochranes downfall came two years later during Great Stock Exchange Fraud of 1814. In early 1814, Cochrane was accused and convicted of being a conspirator in defrauding the Stock Exchange. Though subsequent examinations of the records show he should have been found innocent, he was expelled from Parliament and the Royal Navy, as well as was stripped of his knighthood. Promptly re-elected to Parliament that July, Cochrane relentlessly campaigned that he was innocent and that his conviction was the work of his political enemies. In 1817, Cochrane accepted an invitation from Chilean leader Bernardo OHiggins to take command of the Chilean Navy in its war of independence from Spain. Commanding Around the World: Named vice admiral and commander in chief, Cochrane arrived in South America in November 1818. Immediately restructuring the fleet along British lines, Cochrane commanded from the frigate OHiggins (44). Quickly showing the daring that had made him famous in Europe, Cochrane raided the coast of Peru and captured the town of Valdivia in February 1820. After conveying General Jose de San Martins army to Peru, Cochrane blockaded the coast and later cut out the Spanish frigate Esmeralda. With Peruvian independence secured, Cochrane soon fell out with his superiors over monetary compensation and claims that he was treated with contempt. Departing Chile, he was given command of the Brazilian Navy in 1823. Conducting a successful campaign against the Portuguese, he was made Marquis of Maranho by Emperor Pedro I. After putting down a rebellion the following year, he made claims that a large amount of prize money was owed to him and the fleet. When this was not forthcoming, he and his men seized the public funds in So Luà ­s do Maranho and looted the ships in the harbor before leaving for Britain. Reaching Europe, he briefly led Greek naval forces in 1827-1828 during their struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. Later Life: Returning to Britain, Cochrane was finally pardoned in May 1832 at a meeting of the Privy Council. Though restored to the Navy List with a promotion to rear admiral, he refused to accept a command until his knighthood was returned. This did not occur until Queen Victoria reinstated him as a knight in the Order of Bath in 1847. Now a vice admiral, Cochrane served as commander in chief of the North American and West Indies station from 1848-1851. Promoted to admiral in 1851, he was given the honorary title of Rear Admiral of the United Kingdom three years later. Troubled by kidney stones, he died during an operation on October 31, 1860. One of the most daring commanders of the Napoleonic Wars, Cochrane inspired such notable fictional characters as C.S. Foresters Horatio Hornblower and Patrick OBrians Jack Aubrey. Selected Sources National Maritime Museum: Admiral Lord Thomas CochraneWestminster Abbey: Lord Thomas Cochrane

SKILLS AND LEARNING STATEMENT (SLS) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SKILLS AND LEARNING STATEMENT (SLS) - Assignment Example With further discussions, I chose HDFC (Housing Development and Finance Corporation) India as the bank on which my RAP will be focused. The bank had currently undergone an ICT innovation initiative for improving its performance and increasing its customer’s base (Rajan, 2010). My objective was to evaluate the bank’s performance before and after the introduction of the integrated multichannel in its operations. In the meeting with my project mentor, we discussed my strengths and weaknesses. I discovered that I was technically strong in literature writing however I was worried about the project analysis .With the help of my mentor, I outlined the structure of the project and he suggested ways to acquire information about the research project. According to him, the RAP should have a suitable structure, illustrative, conciseness, clarity with factual accuracy. Before my second meeting with my mentor, I was prepared with the draft of my project. My project was almost over an d I was just left with the conclusion and recommendation part. After going through the draft of my RAP, my mentor identified some errors on the referencing and Part one of the RAP. According to my mentor, the drafted RAP does not fully explain the reasons for choosing my project topic area and neither provided him with an understanding of the overall framework. He guided me with more information and asked me to make amendments but assured me that the overall approach of the project was satisfactory. He assured me the timetable I have been following is good enough to meet my project deadline. The reassurance and encouragement that the project approach is going on the right direction, helped my confidence. In third meeting with my mentor, I gave a presentation of my project. Before this meeting I had already provided my mentor with the draft of my RAP. This meeting included a 15 minutes presentation. The presentation helped overcome my fear of speaking in public and enhanced my orator y skill. I am an introvert and often stay behind in company’s meetings. I was overcome with fear during the presentation to my mentor and his partner. In the presentation, my mentor recommended some changes. He advised me to keep the language totally business-oriented without use of colloquial terms. The language had to be lucid as well as professional. My mentor commented on my nervousness. There were certain changes he recommended for example, the colour combination, referencing, structure, evidences and outcomes. He mentioned that timing is an important factor to consider in presentations. The presentation enhanced my communication skills and made me learn how to conduct while presenting a project- one should be aware of the right gesture, facial expression and stances. The presentation enabled me to exercise introspection and I am now confident that I can take a lead in office meetings. 2. How well do you think that you have answered your research question(s)? While doing the RAP I had proposed four research questions. Research questions are very important, as they determine the formal aim of the study. The research questions formulated by me clearly stated what the study is going to investigate and efforts had been made by me to address the questions properly. The first proposed research question is â€Å"

Death Penalty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Death Penalty - Essay Example Death penalty has been a controversial issue in the international community. Many nations have been disturbed and argued about the best way it can be handled. This has made generation of questions on how best the capital offenders can be punished in order to have justice for both the offenders and victims of the circumstances. The bill of rights supports the right of individuals to live and associate freely. On the other hand, the same legal provision is also used to condemn capital offenders to death sentence. The religious community questions the legality of the death sentences and at the same time urges citizens to follow the law. It is still ironical when they defend the law breakers. Many countries stress that the justice system must be observed for the victims. Several views have been given on this issue. They are legal, religious, political and socialist perspectives. There are arguments about the pros and cons of execution. Publicized studies have also confirmed that many innocent people have been wrongly executed. On the other hand, the issue of terrorism is a threat to state, especially when the perpetrators are not brought to book. What should be the best action to take? This has brought divergent views. Generally, opinion is divided on the step to take on this issue. Some people insinuate that it will be very expensive on the tax payer’s side if execution is allowed. It costs about between two to five times more to execute a criminal than to maintain a criminal in the prison for the rest of the life (Paternoster and Bacon 91). Those against argue that the financial amount required is pegged on the long court procedures, legal wrangling and many endless appeals. A criminal can be on death row for up to 20 years (Baumgartner, Boydstun and De Boef 47). This is very expensive for the state due to the said legal procedures. Supporters of the death penalty state that it is better to use state resources to penalize the murderers in order to save lives of innocent people. They categorically state that this action creates crime deterrent. Crime would always be on the increase if there is no any stern action taken against these people (Vaughn 98). According to research carried out in P ennsylvania alone, there are ineffective defense attorneys who fail to conduct satisfactory investigations to support their clients. This has lead to conviction of innocent suspects, especially those involved in complicated cases (Hood and Hoyle 105). Many cases are confirmed that some lawyers made mistakes and the judges have made rulings based on their findings. It is also argued that death penalty is barbaric form of punishment. Paternoster and Bacon state that all forms of death penalty are unfair (55). In exemplifying this, the argument states, whether it is through lethal injection, hanging, using the firing squad or electric chair, this state sanctioned murder is not fair before a crowd of people (Paternoster and Bacon 56). For instances, California physicians refused the demand by the government to use lethal injection as a means of execution hence execution was stopped. They claimed that there are many constructive ways in addressing violent crimes and those two wrongs do n ot make a right (Baumgartner, Boydstun and De Boef 78). However, the proponents of death penalty action feel that this is the only way to deter criminals from any further illegal actions. They argue that justice must be served in favour of the victims. Most fundamental legal provision is that punishment should always fit the crime. In addition, justice delayed is justice denied (Morris 70). Those against death penalty sentences say that it is bad because the state should not use killing to show that murder and manslaughter are bad. There should be another appropriate method. Prison alone is effective because life there is quite deterring, as stated by those who are against the death penalty. They quote, ‘

Diploma in Business Essay Example for Free

Diploma in Business Essay Describe how marketing techniques are used to market products in two organizations.P2- describe the limitations and constrains of marketing.M1- compare marketing techniques used in marketing products in Two organizations. Answer: P1 I am going to be talking about how marketing techniques are used to market products in two different organizations.Marketing is the process of understanding the market, within which a business operates and satisfying customers, needs in order to meet the objects of the business. The role of marketing within a particular organization will depend on the organization overall objectives. The object of many businesses is to make a profit, but it not the purpose of many voluntary and public (government owned) organization, although marketing is as equally important for them. In order successfully identify, anticipate and satisfy customer ‘needs, a businesses need to carry out market research to assess its competitive position and its customers’ needs.Once a business knows more about its customers and competitors it can set clear and smart marketing objectives. Unit 1 Different types of business activity and ownership Pass 1 A) Type of businesses activity If I live in a city of any size especially in an area where new people are moving in people are increasingly using the Internet to find local businesses. Microsoft cant be local because people search jobs by region: United States, Europe and Asia etc. Oxfam is a local as well such as located in Watford High Street. Some of the businesses that can be helped by local Internet marketing include: chiropractor, computer retailer, travel agent, locksmith, massage therapist, insurance agent, real estate agent, mortgage broker, maid service hardware retailer, plumber, auto repair etc. How to use the Internet to market a local or regional business. There are many businesses in UK. It is located sites across a country. For example, Microsoft Company is found in Cambridge that is UK. Of course Oxfam is collecting money to save people and it is every where in the UK, i.e. London, Hertfordshire, Oxford shire and Birmingham etc. they will be called National Businesses. An International business company is a legal entity incorporated in a tax haven which is free from all local taxes (except small fixed annual fees). Typically the IBC  cannot conduct business in the country of incorporation. Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 organizations working with over 3000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. Microsoft International Careers Newsletter, a free quarterly e-publication that will give us timely information on career opportunities at Microsoft, i.e. from Europe somewhere else. Both Microsoft and Oxfam are global companies, but Microsoft careers can take us to a global presence. They offer opportunities around the world to make an impact with the next generation of technology theyre building today. Political factors: include legal aspects (e.g. Microsoft copyright), the general political ethos. Economic factors: Marketers need to consider the state of a trading economy in the short and long-terms. This is especially true when planning for international marketing. to look at: Economic factors include the effect of the economy (e.g. Int erest rates) on individuals, and on organisations. Social factors: The social and cultural influences on business vary from country to country. It is very important that such factors are considered. Factors include demographic change (e.g. Oxfam is concerned of changes in proportion of age groups and educational changes.), other changes in social habits (where people go to shop, leisure expectations), Technological factors: Technology is vital for competitive advantage, and is a major driver of globalization. Consider the following points: There are obviously a wide range of technological factors affecting libraries and information centres (e.g. Microsoft Internet, telecommunications, and the media in which people expect to find information). Section 2 National and international laws: International laws are created by international bodies; in particular Britain can be affected by European Union laws. The European Union courts are increasingly important in making judgements which apply across the Union. European Union laws are regarded as having supremacy over national laws. * Employment: Over time a body of law or legislation has developed governing employer/employee relations and the rights of employees and employers in the workplace. The Working Time Directive, 1999 Both businesses must guarantee to all employees a maximum 48 hours working week, and a four week holiday. Employees can choose to opt out of the Working Time requirement and agree to work longer hours if they wish. * Contracts: Oxfam employees have rights under their contract of employment. An employment  contract is a legal agreement between an employer and an employee, setting out the terms on which one agrees to employ the other. The plan must set out where the business wants to go, the aims and objectives, and details of how they will accomplish these aims; it is referred to as the strategy. Aims and objectives: The aims of the companies depend on the kind of business they are. For example, the aims of Oxfam will be quite different from those of Microsoft. A firm needs to have a clear sense of direction that should be clearly communicated to all stakeholders. The aims of the businesses that can be split into objectives. The objectives set out more specifically how the aim can be achieved. For example, the aim of the Microsoft is to be the worlds leading software supplier. The objective is to undercut the price of rivals; to take over other similar makers; to increase sales by giving discount price to the customers so this shall increase the needs of the company. Internal structures: The two chosen businesses are Microsoft and Oxfam vital to generate a structure that will enable them to better meet the needs of their stakeholders. For example, an essential part of the structure of a private company is the Board of Directors with the MD at the top. By giving high priority to the Board means that the interests of the owners (stakeholders) are given priority. However, the companies need to predict for the customers that are very significant organisational structure needs to ensure there are obvious links to customers. For example, the businesses can give priority to the position of customer service managers. Make a judgement about the importance of these factors on the organisation concerned. Factors Organisations can be concerned on Political Funding Wars and conflict Government policies Elections Political trends Government term and change Trading polices Economic Interest and exchange rates Taxation changes specific to product/services Disposable income Job growth/unemployment Import/export ratios Production level Internal sources of finance i.e. banks, hire purchase, leasing and etc.

The Rebirth Of American Musical Theatre Essay example -- essays resear

Two great writers of American musical theatre, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, had one idea in common. They wanted to present to the American public a new and revolutionary musical that would stand out above the rest. They wanted to make an impact on the societies of the era. They wanted to be creative and do something that was considered rebellious. When they finally combined their ideas together they created an American masterpiece in musical theatre: Oklahoma!. It was the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration, starting the most successful creative partnership in the history of American musical theatre. According to Joseph Swain in his book The Broadway Musical: A Critical and Musical Survey, there are a number of reasons why a particular work of art might be considered a milestone in the history in its genre. It might introduce innovations of technique and style so convincing that they may become extremely influential. It might attract such wide acclaim that it cannot be ignored by the artists who come after, even if the acclaimed fame eventually fades with time. It could stand as the first work of an important series. Or perhaps, it sets a new standard of artistry. (73) For whatever factors that influenced the writers to create the works they did, they produced some of the most successful and incredibly influential works of musical theatre in their time. In the years before Oklahoma! was created, Broadway was dying. New and refreshing musicals were a rare occasion and when an artist tried to create something that he hoped his audience would like, he was sadly disappointed. Broadway was suffering from a lack of what it was revered for: astounding plays and musicals. Its time of glamour and glitz was almost forgotten, and was in need of being saved. That is why Oklahoma! is considered a rebirth of the American musical theatre at the time. It brought Broadway back to life, filling theatre seats with enthusiastic audiences who embraced the changes of this new theatre musical with open arms and made it a legend. Oklahoma! set new standards for classic American theatre by introducing new techniques of presenting the musical to the audience, introducing a new genre of music into the theatre, and strayed away from the usual classic form and structure of a musical that audiences had grown used to. It was a time of change, a time of excitement ,... ...ve musical that riveted audiences and even continues to attract audiences all over the world to this day. Although Oklahoma! premiered some 40 years ago, and its style of music and dance have grown old with the passing of time, it still demands respect for its combination and imaginative ideas that revolutionized the musical industry at the time. Rodgers and Hammerstein were the dominate force in musical comedy in the 1940's and 50's. Even their flops had notable songs. Several of their shows became successful films. Oklahoma!'s importance in opening a new era in the American Musical Theatre will never be challenged. It has become an American classic that society will forever treasure for its beautiful integration of song and dance. Works Cited Bordman, Gerald. American Musical Comedy. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1986. ---. American Musical Theater: A Chronicle. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1986. Ewen, David. American Musical Theater. New York: Henry Holt, 1959. ---. The Story of America’s Musical Theater. New York: Chilton, 1968. Green, Stanley. The World of Musical Comedy. Washington, DC: Da Capo, 1980. Swain, Joseph P. The Broadway Musical: A Critical and Musical Survey. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1990.

Starbucks Corporation & Tully’s Coffee Corporation

Starbucks Corporation & Tully’s Coffee Corporation MBA 522: Financial Management December 9, 2008 Tully’s Coffee Corporation Established in 1992, Tully’s Coffee Corporation is a Seattle based coffee retailer and wholesaler. The main products offered by the company are baked food items, coffee products and pastries. Additionally, their coffee beans have exceptional sales in regional supermarket and grocery stores. The company currently operates over 100 stores in the western region of the United States and they have embarked upon a business venture in Japan where Tully’s is creating quite a coffee presence, they are also investigating expansions into other foreign markets. The Corporation started generating profits in the year 2006 (About Tully’s, 2007). Starbucks Corporation Seattle-based Starbucks Corporation is the leading coffeehouse chain in the world. The company currently has operations in more than 44 countries. The main products offered by Starbucks include a wide variety of beverages, coffee beans and brewing equipment, and a wide assortment of snacks and sandwiches. The company also branched into marketing music and books (The Company, 2008). Ratio Analysis RatiosStarbucksTully's Coffee Current Ratio0. 790. 51 Quick Ratio0. 300. 30 Debt Equity Ratio1. 345. 22 Proprietary Ratio0. 430. 24 Solvency Ratio0. 571. 24 Inventory Turnover Ratio12. 1311. 27 Gross Profit Ratio (%)23. 3444. 96 Net Profit Ratio7. 1515. 76 Return on Proprietors' Funds29. 45- Earning Per Share0. 910. 004 Current Ratio Current ratio may be defined as the relationship between current assets and current liabilities. It is also known as the working capital ratio (2: 1 ratio). It is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Current assets of a firm represent those assets which can be, in the ordinary course of business, converted into cash within a period not exceeding one year. Current liabilities are those obligations which are to be paid within a period of one year of current assets or by creation of current liabilities (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). Current ratio of the Starbucks Corporation and Tully’s Coffee Corporation is . 79 and . 51 respectively, during the year 2007. There is a difference in the current ratio of both companies, reflecting the weak liquidity position of both companies – and it illustrates that neither company has short term solvency. Liquidity position can be improved to some extent and can be made equivalent to industry average. The industry average of current ratio is . 90: 1. The current ratio of Tully’s is unsatisfactory and reflects weak position of the company. Quick Ratio This ratio is also helpful in analyzing the short term financial position of a business. Quick ratio is the measure of the instant debt paying ability of the business enterprise, hence, it is called quick ratio (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). A quick ratio of 1:1 is considered as an ideal ratio. If the liquid ratio is more than 1:1, the financial position of the firm is deemed to be sound. On the other hand, if the ratio is less than 1:1 the financial position of the firm is unsound. Quick ratio of Starbucks is . 30:1 and Tully’s ratio is . 30:1. There is no difference between the quick ratios of Starbucks & Tully’s Coffee. Overall, the short term liquidity position of both firms is quite poor because the ratios are less than the desired norm. For instance, current ratio should be 2:1 whereas, it is less than 1:1. Similarly, the liquidity ratio is much less than 1 as compared to ideal standard of 1:1. Therefore, the companies will face difficulties in paying current obligations on maturity. Debt Equity Ratio This ratio indicates the relative proportion of debt and equity in financing the assets of a firm. Debt Equity ratio reflects the relative claims of creditors and shareholders against the assets of a firm. The industry average of ratio is . 42:1. Debt equity ratio of Tully’s is 5. 22:1. This figure is not at all satisfactory; the ratio of 1:1 is considered within norms and reasonable. The Starbucks ratio is 1. 34:1, which is quite reasonable. A high debt equity ratio has serious implications from the firm’s point of view. A high proportion of debt in the capital structure leads to the inflexibility in operations of the firm as creditors would exercise pressure and interfere in management. Tully’s has high debt-equity ratio which is unfavorable for the company. Proprietary Ratio Proprietary ratio establishes a relationship between proprietors or shareholder’s funds and total assets of the business. This ratio highlights the general financial strength of the firm. It is of great importance to creditors since it enables them to find out the proportion of shareholder’s funds in the total assets used in the business. The ratio of Starbucks is . 43:1 and for Tully’s it is . 24:1. The proprietary ratio is low for both companies. Although there is little difference in performance of both corporations, it is Starbucks that is in better position. Solvency Ratio This ratio measures the long term solvency of the business. It reveals the relationship between total assets and total external liabilities. This ratio measures the proportion of total assets provided by the creditors of the firm, i. e. what part of assets is being financed from loans (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). The total assets of Starbucks are more than their total liabilities, which indicates that the company is solvent. Tully’s liabilities are more than their total assets, reflecting that the firm is not solvent. In this instance the higher the ratio, the greater the amount of creditors that are being used to generate profit for the owners of the firm. The difference in both the companies’ ratio is very high, although Starbucks has better performance than Tully’s in terms of solvency. Inventory Turnover Ratio The ratio indicates the number of times inventory is replaced during the year. It measures the relationship between the cost of goods sold and the inventory level. The inventory turnover ratio measures how quickly inventory is sold (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). The inventory turnover ratio of Starbucks is 12 times while Tully’s ratio is 11 times. Starbucks and Tully’s both have similar ratios, below that of the industry average. Thus, both corporations have inefficient inventory management. Generally speaking, a high inventory turnover ratio is better than a low ratio. A high ratio implies good inventory management. A very low level of inventory has serious implications, as it adversely affects the ability to meet customer demand. Gross Profit Ratio The ratio expresses the relationship of gross profit on sales to net sales in terms of percentage (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). Goss profit is the result of the relationship between prices, sales volume and costs. Gross profit margin of Starbucks Corporation is 23%, whereas the ratio for Tully’s is 45%. Tully’s ratio is high as compared to Starbucks, which is a sign of good management. It implies that the cost of production for the firm is relatively low. Tully’s has reasonable gross margin which ensures adequate coverage for operating expenses and sufficient return to the owners of the business, which is reflected in the net profit margin. Net profit Ratio This measures the relationship between net profits and sales of a firm. The net profit margin is indicative of management’s ability to operate the business with sufficient success not only to recover revenues of the period, the cost of merchandise or services, the expenses of operating the business and the cost of the borrowed funds, but also leave a margin of reasonable compensation to the owners for providing their capital at risk (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). Net profit ratio of Tully’s Coffee and Starbucks is -15. 67% and 7. 15%, respectively. Starbucks Corporation is generating adequate returns for its owners. On the other hand, Tully’s net profit margin is negative. The company is suffering from huge losses and has incurred net losses in the year 2007. Overall efficiency and profitability of Starbucks is higher than Tully’s Coffee. Return on Proprietary Funds The ratio expresses the percentage relationship between net profit and proprietors funds or shareholder’s investment (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). It is used to ascertain the earning power of shareholders investment. Return on proprietors’ fund for Starbucks is 29. 5%. The ratio could not be calculated for Tully’s Coffee as net profit and shareholder’s funds, both are negative. Starbucks has better performance and a higher return than Tully’s Coffee. Earning Per Share The rate of dividend on shares depends upon the amount of profits earned by the firm. Whatever profit remains, after meeting all expenses and paying preference share dividend, belongs to equity shareholders (Van Horne, Wachowicz & Bhaduri, 2005). These are the profits earned on equity share capital. The earning per share is calculated by dividing the profit available to equity shareholders by the number of shares issued. This is a popular ratio as it measures the profitability of a firm from the owner’s standpoint. Starbucks EPS is higher than Tully’s, which shows that the market price of the firm would be greater. Earning per share of Tully’s Coffee has no value, it is almost negligible. Higher EPS helps the company to raise additional capital without difficulty. This ratio plays an important role in comparison of the two companies from an investment point of view. Investment Decision It would be my choice to invest in Starbucks Corporation, as the overall performance and productivity is higher. The liquidity analysis performed through current ratio and quick ratio reveals that the Starbucks is positioned better in terms of liquidity; the company also has superior position in term of long-term solvency. Though gross profit ratio of Tully’s Coffee is high, overall Starbucks has a favorable financial position in that they would be able to quickly convert various assets into cash. Starbucks Corporation is generating adequate returns and reasonable profits which are sufficient for effectively running their operations. The corporation is generating higher returns for their shareholders, illustrating that the resources are effectively utilized. EPS is very high at Starbucks, which is necessary for the investment. Thus, I feel that an investment in Starbucks Corporation is a better choice, as it would yield higher returns for this investor. References About Tully’s. (2007). Retrieved November 21, 2008, from http://www. tullys. com/company/ Starbucks Corp: Financial Statement. (2008). MSN Money. Retrieved November 21, 2008, from http://moneycentral. msn. com/investor/invsub/results/statemnt. aspx? Symbol=SBUX&lstStatement=Balance&stmtView=Ann The Company. (2008). Retrieved November 21, 2008, from http://www. starbucks. com/aboutus/overview. asp Tully's Coffee Corporation. (2008, November). Hoovers. Retrieved November 21, 2008, from http://www. hoovers. com/free/co/secdoc. xhtml? ID=58100=6157151-141335-231989 Van Horne, J. C. , Wachowicz, J. M. , & Bhaduri, S. N. (2005). Fundamentals of Financial Management (12th Ed. ). (pp. 130-133). United Kingdom: Pearson Education

Food Web Case Study Essay

A food web is a type of graph that depicts the relationship between the prey and the predators, also known as a system of food chains and how one another are related. This can be better explained as a connection in a community. Food webs are important because it is a direct illustration of the relationships among certain species within a certain community. Right away the graph will reveal the type of species, what they interact with, the structure in which the environment they are located, and show the relations between each species. Because it is called a food web, the name has already shown that the relationship that will be represented will be a relationship concerning food. Within any given food web, there can very possibly be more than one food chain located inside of the actual food web itself. The different types of food webs will pertain specifically to that environment only. Ecological interactions determine flow of the food web. Food webs will vary from simple to complex dependent on the type of food web being viewed. Competition â€Å"Animals need air to breathe as a source of food, to eat to provide certain minerals to provide some of the body’s needs and to drink (BioTopic.com, 2014).† Because the needs vary from one species to another, there comes the need to compete for many things for the need to survive. Even if this means that the species themselves are considered part of the food web as a meal for a larger species. With not only the competition to survive to make it out alive through another day, there is the need to create a family and also find a safe place to live (BioTopic.com, 2014). Because these animals have mates to take care of, children to feed, and the need to protect what is theirs comes a whole new definition of the word competition. Many competitors within the food chain can at times be after the same types of food, searching for the same type of shelter can cause  issues between not only species, but the living organisms that thrive within these eco systems like plants. Plants are also in need of resources (BioTopic.com, 2014). Although their needs will differ from most animals, they are constantly in need of oxygen during daylight hours. Oxygen for plants is a source of nutrients and energy that allow them to grow and thrive. Resources that animals compete for (BioTopic.com, 2014) 1.Food 2.Water 3.Space 4.The opportunity to mate Resources that plants compete for (BioTopic.com, 2014) 1.The food that animals waste 2.Some plants are pollinated by animals 3.Water, Light, Minerals Food Webs Source web is a type of food web in which one or more types of prey are eaten by their predators and so forth up the food web. A community web will reveal a connection of who eats who. Energy flow web is a type of food web that will depict the energy amongst the consumer of the energy, and the source in which the energy is coming from. A Sink web is a type of web that illustrates this prey eating another prey, and this prey eating the next prey, and the next prey eating the next prey. Paleecological web will visualize the ecosystem showing pictures that depict all the way back to fossil. A functional web will resemble in look to that of the community web. It will show the relations between connections of predator/prey, energy flows, the smaller food web within the web, and a predictable pattern for what type of species need what types of food and natural resources. The most common of the food web are the community web and the functional web. They are the types of webs that most users are more familiar with in terms of what they are called and what they entail. Boxicity Tropic Status Trophic levels depict how the producers, carnivores, and the herbivore have similar yet different types of feeding positions. The First level consist of the plants, the second level consist of the herbivores, carnivores are definitely in the third level and sometimes the fourth. When one species or organism is located in the food web, they are ultimately participating in food transfers. Which is food chain going from species to species, or organism to organism. Rose Plant > Aphids > Beetle > Chameleon > Hawk (Bcb.com, 2014). The example listed here is a great example to use because it shows one organism eating another. Real Life Applications †¢Animals that fertilize the grass. †¢Grass that uses sunlight to grow †¢Animals that eat grass, and in turn produce milk, meat, or their fur coat. †¢I use myself for my last example. I am a human being, located within my own food web. I eat food that come animals. I need the oxygen that omits from trees and plants to survive. I go to work every day to provide for my family so that I can feed them. When I am applying for a job I am in competition with others that are looking to take care of their families, therefore we are in competition with each other. I consume the natural resources that my eco system has to offer. I eat animals that in turn may eat other animals. The image above is also a real world depiction that relates a directed multi graph that is the food web to a real world scenario to better understand the relations in a mathematical way. References Bcb.com. Tropic levels. Retrieved on April 14. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.bcb.uwc.ac.za/sci_ed/grade10/ecology/trophics/troph.htm Biotopics.com. Competition. Retrieved on April 14, 2014. Retrieved From: http://www.biotopics.co.uk/newgcse/Competition.html Figures Retrieved From: www.googleimages.com file:///C:/Users/Green/Downloads/mth221_r2_food_webs_case_study.pdf McGuigan, Robert A. 13 Food Webs. Retrieved on April 14, 2014. Retrieved from: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/0073383090/299355/Apps_Ch13.pdf

Free Essays on Chrysler

Chrysler A. General Facts: 1. Conglomerate 2. DaimlerChrysler AG designs, manufactures, assembles and sells cars and trucks under the names, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep and Dodge, manufactures commercial vehicles, provides related financial services and has aerospace operations. 3. In less than eight months, Broad, Vogt & Conant fabricated and erected nearly 7,500 tons of structural steel for Chrysler's new world headquarters and technology center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Michigan. BV&C erected 2,600 tons of structural steel for the CTC building and 4,900 tons of structural steel for the 15-story headquarters and adjacent 100,000-square-foot commons building. This is a horizontally structured corporation 4. Chrysler currently has 466,938 employees. The CEO and Board of Directors are as follows: CEO James Holden Chairmen: Robert J. Eaton Juergen E. Schrempp Mercedes-Benz/ smart Juergen Hubbert Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep James Holden Commercial Vehicles Dieter Zetsche Product Development Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, Dodge Tom Gale Aerospace Manfred Bischoff Services Klaus Mangold Chief Financial Officer Manfred Gentz Corporate Development and IT Management Eckhard Cordes Global Purchasing Gary Valade Purchasing Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep Tom Sidlik Research and Technology Klaus-Dieter Voehringer Human Resources Guenther Fleig 5. Their ranking vs. Other corporations is 84% out of a 99% margin. 6. Their ranking within its own industry (market) is 57% out of a 99% margin. a. Their percent of market share is 23.0 7. Although it is the third largest of the United States' domestic manufacturers, Chrysler has at times seemed close to going under. Walter Percy Chrysler started working at GM's Buick plant, rising to works director before leaving in 1921 to buy two ailing Detroit marques, Maxwell and Chalmers. ... Free Essays on Chrysler Free Essays on Chrysler Chrysler A. General Facts: 1. Conglomerate 2. DaimlerChrysler AG designs, manufactures, assembles and sells cars and trucks under the names, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep and Dodge, manufactures commercial vehicles, provides related financial services and has aerospace operations. 3. In less than eight months, Broad, Vogt & Conant fabricated and erected nearly 7,500 tons of structural steel for Chrysler's new world headquarters and technology center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Michigan. BV&C erected 2,600 tons of structural steel for the CTC building and 4,900 tons of structural steel for the 15-story headquarters and adjacent 100,000-square-foot commons building. This is a horizontally structured corporation 4. Chrysler currently has 466,938 employees. The CEO and Board of Directors are as follows: CEO James Holden Chairmen: Robert J. Eaton Juergen E. Schrempp Mercedes-Benz/ smart Juergen Hubbert Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep James Holden Commercial Vehicles Dieter Zetsche Product Development Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, Dodge Tom Gale Aerospace Manfred Bischoff Services Klaus Mangold Chief Financial Officer Manfred Gentz Corporate Development and IT Management Eckhard Cordes Global Purchasing Gary Valade Purchasing Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep Tom Sidlik Research and Technology Klaus-Dieter Voehringer Human Resources Guenther Fleig 5. Their ranking vs. Other corporations is 84% out of a 99% margin. 6. Their ranking within its own industry (market) is 57% out of a 99% margin. a. Their percent of market share is 23.0 7. Although it is the third largest of the United States' domestic manufacturers, Chrysler has at times seemed close to going under. Walter Percy Chrysler started working at GM's Buick plant, rising to works director before leaving in 1921 to buy two ailing Detroit marques, Maxwell and Chalmers. ...

Identifing the North American Gums

Identifing the North American Gums The tupelos, or sometimes called pepperidge tree, are members of a small genus called Nyssa. There are only about 9 to 11 species worldwide. They are known to grow in mainland China and eastern Tibet and North America. The North American tupelo has alternate, simple leaves and the fruit is a single drupe containing seed. These seed capsules float and are distributed over major wetland areas where the tree regenerates. Water tupelo is especially adept at seed dispersal along waterways. Most, especially water tupelo, are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding, some needing to grow in such environments to ensure future regeneration. Only two important species are native to eastern North America and none live naturally in the Western states. Black Tupelo or Nyssa sylvatica is the most common true gum in North America and grows from Canada to Texas. Another common tree that is called a gum is sweetgum and is actually an entirely different tree species classification called Liquidambar. The fruit and leaves of sweetgum look nothing like these true gums. Water tupelo or Nyssa aquatica is a wetland tree living mostly along the coastal plain from Texas to Virginia. Water tupelos range reaches far up the Mississippi River to southern Illinois. It is most often found in swamps and near perennial wet areas and a companion tree to baldcypress. Tupelos are highly valued honey plants in the Southeastern and Gulf Coast states, producing a very light, mild-tasting honey. In northern Florida, beekeepers keep beehives along the river swamps on platforms or floats during tupelo bloom to produce certified tupelo honey, which commands a high price on the market because of its flavor. Interesting Facts About Gums Black gum can be a slow grower but does best on moist, acid soils. Still, its persistence in cultivation can make for one of the most beautiful fall red leaf colors. Purchase a proven cultivar for the best results including Sheffield Park, Autumn Cascade and Bernheim Select. The water tupelo is also called cotton gum for its cottony new growth. It is just as hearty on wetland as baldcypress and ranked as one of the most flood-tolerant tree species in North America. This gum can become huge and sometimes exceed 100 feet in height. The tree can, like baldcypress, grow a grand basal trunk buttress. One species that I have not listed here is the Ogeechee gum that grows in parts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. It is of little commercial value and has a limited range. The Gum Tree List Black Tupelo GumWater Tupelo Leaves: alternate, simple, not toothed.Bark: deeply furrowed.Fruit: elliptical berry.

Draper Manufacturing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Draper Manufacturing - Case Study Example For instance, when Brent asked Adam Fox about on time shipment of orders, Adam’s reply hinted the dearth of workforce rather than any other issue. Additionally, the company does not enjoy financial stability and growth, but is facing some serious financial, economic and environmental challenges. On the economic front, the increase in the oil price passing the point of $60 per barrel negatively impacts over the cost of the company as the petroleum is a basic raw material component for mattress. Second, the Gulf hurricanes severely damage the TDI, the chemical consumed to develop polyurethane foam. In addition, the Draper manufacturing also faces some competitive challenges from the competitors. In the recent times, there has been growing tendency to import low priced Asian products, which bring more challenges for the company. Â  Company has adopted some measures to reduce its cost burden. This is where the Draper manufacturing really needs put its efforts and try to bring imp rovements in order to meet the business challenges. Workforce diversity is going to be there, and it cannot be termed as a problem for the growth of the company. In conclusion, the Draper manufacturing faces business challenges rather workforce diversity issues.Although there is no doubt that the current workforce working in the company is diverse and belongs to different races, yet the cause of contention between or among them does not represent their personal views over the racial issues but the business issues.