Learning Strategies and Information-Processing Development Essay Example for Free

Learning Strategies and Information-Processing Development Essay Learning can be simply defined as the process that leads to relatively permanent change in behavior or potential change in a person’s behavior. Learning makes one change the way they perceive the environment, react to stimuli and interact. Cognitive psychology is a very important branch of modern psychology. The main focus of this approach is the memory-how information is stored and retrieved. Several theories have been developed with regard to this subject such as the stage theory (Atkinson Shriffin, 1968). The stage theory model is widely accepted since it proposes that information is processed and stored in three sequential stages i.e. â€Å"the sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory† (Atkinson Shriffin, 1968, p. 90). In addition to this model other accepted theories include levels-of-processing theory proposed by Craik and Lockhart (1972), the parallel-distributed processing model and the connectionistic model. This paper examines how attention, memory, recognition and knowledge are related to various learning strategies. In addition, the paper discusses how visual-perceptual, motor and language relate to information processing development. Information processing development As stated in the introduction above, cognitive psychology forms an integral part of the discipline of psychology. The most widely used theory is the stage theory whose focus is on how information is stored in memory. Information is processed in three stages and this is done in a serial and scholastic manner. Another important theory is the â€Å"levels-of-processing† theory whose proposition is that the learner utilizes different levels of explanation as he or she processes in formation. A major advantage of the information-processing strategies is in their explicitness and accuracy in diving complex cognitive functions into distinct elements that can be easily studied. However, when it comes to analyzing cognition into its distinct parts; information processing fails to re-unite them into a general, comprehensive construct. In addition, most information processing tools such as computer models have lost touch with real-life learning experiences (Berk, 2009). Information processing approach towards cognition seeks to explain how the learner (children and adults) operate on the different types of information. Most scholars view the mind as a complex system (a type of computer) through which information flows and is manipulated. General models such as the store model by Atkinson and Shiffrin assume that information is stored in three parts of the brain for processing: â€Å"the sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory† (Berk, 2010, para.1). Craik and Lockhart (1972) level-of-processing model assumes that information is transferred from working memory to the long-term memory depending on the level processing. There exist several other information processing developmental models such as the Case’s theory which is a reinterpretation of Piaget’s theory of information processing model. Case views cognitive development as the increase in information processing capacity as a result of brain development which can be linked to more efficient learning strategies. Connectionism on the other hand explains information processing development as a result of learning strategies such as computer-simulated strategies which enhance; inter-connectivity of processing units that are well stratified just like the neurological structure of the brain. Siegler’s using his model of learning strategy choice argues that, learners always generate a number of strategies for problem solving, the more the experience, the more strategies are selected or discarded (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). Attention is a critical factor when it comes to human thinking, it dictates the information that will be considered when undertaking a task. Attention is greatly enhanced during early and middle stages of childhood. Thus, improved attention makes one to be more adaptable, selective and organized. Enhanced cognitive reticence and efficacy of attentional learning strategies are pertinent to the fine-tuning of selective attention. The fine tuning of attentional learning strategies takes place in four stages: â€Å"production deficiency, control deficiency, utilization deficiency, and effective strategy use† (para.2). Whenever there is a problem with attention students would develop learning disorders. The argument here is that, when a student is learning a new concept, their attention needs to be focused on the new concept.   If they fail to fully pay their attention, it means that they will have a serious problem with the learning of the new information (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). Memory strategies are said to improve with age, as children continue to develop various methods such as, organization, and elaboration. This increases the likelihood of storing information in working memory and its consequential transfer to the long-term knowledge bank. Thus, over childhood stages and even in adolescence, students’ recall steadily improves as knowledge is continually amassed and its organization is improved effectively. Childrens metacognitive abilities usually change from passivity to activity. A more productive view of mental functioning increases with the increase in awareness of information processing strategies, cognitive aptitudes, and task variables. Self-regulation cognitively develops gradually during childhood and adolescence stages. Recently, scholars of information-processing have focused their attention towards academic learning of children (Berk, 2009). Visual-perceptual, motor and language relation to information processing development A visual-perceptual skill is simply the brain’s ability to process information as seen.   Previously, most scholars had assumed that a deficiency in visual-perceptual skills was directly linked to the malfunctioning of the eye.   That is having a poor physical vision or poor muscle control in the eye. However, the presence or absence of physical vision has nothing to do with visual perceptual. Instead, visual perceptual refers to the ability of the brain the receiving of visual information, its interpretation, organization, storage, and transmission Thus, if a student’s brain is not properly storing information, recall will definitely be poor. This directly affects the student’s ability to concentrate and read since he or she has a slow recall of words. The slowing down of recall can also have a negative impact on their mathematical abilities let alone their fluency in speech and reading (Smith 2004). Language and phonological processing abilities are affected by the student’s ability to store, process, and retrieve information.   Usually language and phonological problems are rooted to reading disorders.   Many students with reading disorders have difficulty storing, processing, and retrieving information.   A normal student’s left brain hemisphere becomes dominant when they are carrying out tasks involving language processing (Berk 2009). A student’s motor skills are also an important factor when discussing about learning strategies.   Children will learn from their interaction with the environment; this ability is affected hindered by a child’s motor or verbal skills, a child will learn better when their motor skills are well developed.   This can be observed in a math class.   A conventional practice in the learning of fractions is the use of multiplication.   A student with a problem with their motor skills will have a problem with the use of manipulatives.   Thus they will definitely have it rough when it comes to the learning of fractions (Berk, 2010). Conclusion This paper argues that there exist several other information processing developmental models such as the Case’s theory which is a reinterpretation of Piaget’s theory of information processing model. Case views cognitive development as the increase in information processing capacity as a result of brain development which can be linked to more efficient learning strategies. The most widely used theory is the stage theory whose focus is on how information is stored in memory. Learning strategies such as memory strategies are pertinent to the process of information development. Information processing approach towards cognition explains how the learner operates on various kinds of information. The mind is a complex system (a type of computer) through which information flows and is manipulated. Deficits in information processing skills have negative impacts on a student’s ability to learn effectively. This is attributed to the reason that all learning is relatively cumulative.  Thus, problems in learning should be detected early in enough and solved otherwise; they would get worse with advancement of age.

Corporate Policy of Starbucks Coffee

Corporate Policy of Starbucks Coffee Starbucks Corporation is a multinational corporation based in the United States and is the most famous and largest coffeehouse company in the world. It boasts of 15,000 stores in 45 countries. Starbucks specializes in coffee in all its forms: brewed, espresso, served hot or cold along with other related snacks and raw coffee beans. This conglomerate started in 1985 as a coffee bean roaster and retailer in Seattle, Washington where it still holds its corporate offices. From the 1900s up to now, a new store is opened every day. As of the last quarter of 2007, Starbucks owns 8,505 stores around the world, and 6,500 stores are franchised. As of last quarter of 2007, Starbucks reported a gross profit of $1.5 billion and a net income of $208 million. According to the financial report for Starbucks that is published in the web, Revenue and earnings have grown at roughly 25% annually for the past five years, and should continue at an above-average rate given Starbucks competitive position an d already proven record. Management is expecting 18% top-line annual growth and 20-22% in the bottom-line for the next several years. Domestic same-store sales have been stabilizing at around 4%, with transactions accounting for 1%. Internationally, same-store sales increased 7% for Q3 driven by 5% transaction growth. International comparable sales growth has been north of 5% every quarter. It would be wise to invest in shares of stock for Starbucks since it can be seen in their financial statements that since they have expanded their operations, there is a steady increase of revenues and profits. Starbucks have produced a more than average sales and earnings growth in the past years. The companys very impressive earnings growth projections are a good indicator to go ahead and invest. Starbucks still focuses on their expansion ventures across the United States and abroad in the companys owned stores and the franchises. Majority if not all exhibited a solid financial performance. The increase of revenue is caused by the opening of more and more stores across the globe to accomplish its vision to establish the most respected brand in coffeehouses. With 1,288 new stores in 2007 and a planned 2,400 more in the next months, revenues and sales would surely shoot up higher. According to the Starbucks Quarterly Report (Mary 2007), Global comparable store sales for Company-operated markets increased by 4% for the 13-week period ended April 1, 2007, and increased 5% over the first half of fiscal 2007. Comparable store sales growth for fiscal 2007 is expected to be in the target range of 3% to 7%. The Company purchased a 90% stake in its previously-licensed operations in Beijing and Tianjin, China. Starbucks in the United Kingdom It was in May 1998 that Starbucks gained foothold in the coffee shop market in Europe by acquiring 65 Seattle Coffee Company establishment in the United Kingdom. Starbucks and Seattle Coffee shared the same culture that centers on the desire to customize coffee. Moreover, they also have almost the same company values of respecting people and the environment. In the UK, the Starbucks store designs and ambiences are meant to be cozy and intimate, at the same giving its coffee drinkers a personal area to stay anytime. Tables, chairs, sofas, armchairs, and stools are specifically designed to make every customer feel important. Anyone who wants serenity apart from the home and solace after the chaos of office work can relax and stay deep in a book or magazine. Some even bring their work along and meet friends and prospects in Starbucks stores. Exclusive Starbucks music is made available in all its coffee shops around the  world. In the UK, the head office and support center of Starbucks is located in Chiswick in South West London. Starbucks Losing in the United Kingdom Costa Coffee is giving Starbucks a hard time in the UK. According to financial sources,  £10 million have been lost by Starbucks since 2009. The figure show a loss before taxes of over  £9 million for one year in the middle of this year compared to only  £2 million in 2009. This poor performance emphasizes the concerns of CEO Howard Schultz last year when he made an evaluation of the UK economy. He himself gave the reason for the companys bad financial showing in the UK: unemployment, mortgage crisis, and low consumer confidence. Value Chain Starbucks is synonymous to coffee. They are present in 41 countries except in Africa. Its mission statement: Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow. Starbucks created a niche in the coffee culture. It has penetrated markets that are not coffee connoisseurs. Schultz envisioned coffee consciousness in his customers hoping that coffee drinkers would take coffee seriously as wine connoisseurs take fine wine. It developed unique coffee taste experiences through coffee blend concept which traditionally is a method done to mask off flavors contributed by mediocre to atrocious beans and to save money. The coffee brand which has penetrated the world sans few places, aimed to deliver high quality and consistent products to keep customers. To achieve this consistency, Starbucks entry to other markets was in the form  of licensing its brand and the technology it has developed through the years. This encompasses all areas in the operation of a coffee shop. Several international coffee shops like Brazilian Coffee Shops, House of Coffees, Seattle Coffee Shops have penetrated many countries through franchising. However, Starbucks opted to licensing agreements for store locations in areas where it did not have the capacity to put up its own outlets. This is handled by Starbucks Coffee International (SCI). It has opened stores in Japan, Singapore, Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. It has opened its market also in Europe. Starbucks has yet to launch its coffee bars in an African country. Starbucks has become a byword in the global business. It has become an epitome of a corporation that has reached its zenith in corporate and service endeavors. Franchising styles and its marketing strategies merit the following of many other companies. It is sufficed to say that Starbucks has become one best examples of a corporation that has not only brewed up the world but created a good aroma for other businesses to emulate. Mission-Vision Statements In 1998, Starbucks announced its vision: 2000 stores in the year 2000. Its mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Its mission statement: Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow. According to the financial report for Starbucks that is published in the web, there is a significant increase in the revenue and earnings in the last five years of up to 25%. A prediction by economic analysts that this trend will continue at an advantageous rate if the competitive position of the company stays  at par. It would be wise to invest in shares of stock for Starbucks since it can be seen in their financial statements that since they have expanded their operations, there is a steady increase of revenues and profits. Starbucks have produced a more than average sales and earnings growth in the past years. The companys very impressive ea rnings growth projections are a good indicator to go ahead and invest. Starbucks still focuses on their expansion ventures across the globe in the companys owned stores and the franchises. Majority if not all exhibited a solid financial performance (Michelli, 2007). Business Strategy The technology that Starbucks packaged includes real estate, store design, store planning and construction, product line, store ambiance, building a top management team, employee training, product supply, coffee roasting and its marketing strategies. It is called Starbuck System. All supplies will come from suppliers approved by Starbucks. These ensure control in all areas of the operation. Starbucks is an established business and its success in the domestic and global market can be derived from the socially responsible movement that they promote in their corporate behaviors. Business ethics has always been an integral part of Starbucks as management base their principles on the internal stakeholder issues like product quality, customer satisfaction, employee wages and benefits, and local community and environmental responsibilities. The leadership of Starbucks sees to it that all these responsibilities toward their internal stakeholders are taken care of since they are largely responsible for what Starbucks has achieved today. The internal stakeholders of Starbucks has created a collaboration that work closely with the  executives and business units to fully incorporate the companys values into developing and implementing its positions on key legislative and public policy issues.   Furthermore, it develops and maintains an extensive network of internal contact s (senior management, legal, marketing, category, QA, RD, regulatory, strategy and others) to align strategy, issues and business impact.   Among internal stakeholders, Starbucks sees to it that there is a uniform code of conduct to be followed in all its stores around the world. This is to make sure that the mission-vision of the company is upheld at all times. Internal stakeholders treat each other with professionalism as guided by these uniform codes of conduct. SWOT Analysis Strengths of Starbucks lies on their unique and chef-inspired menu and their market position which is remains in the top five, according to surveys. Unlike other big corporations and franchises, Starbucks has an enormous advertising budget that drives the business. Their comprehensive, award-winning training programs provide franchises and employees with the specific tools and skills that can be used for success in the competitive food industry. Weaknesses of Starbucks lie on some bad-for-the-business lawsuits on their franchising scheme. Another weakness would be the often criticized television advertisements and campaigns that seem to be intended to be funny and outrageous rather than sell their food. Another weakness could be their franchising scheme worldwide where they only allow one franchise holder for a particular country. For example, in China, only one franchise holder owns all the Starbucks stores there. This limits opportunities for other interested franchisers; thus, also limit the full expansion of Starbucks. Opportunities at Starbucks lie in their staff and crew to further develop and grow in their career at the company since a very comprehensive training and development is made available for store managers and staff. Threats come in the form of the existing competitions in the food industry. Problem Areas Advertising With a brand name such as Starbucks, who needs advertisement? Just very recently, Starbucks put on air their television advertisement. Critics say that it is too late for this since a company should start advertising (print and broadcast) when they need it most or when everything is iron hot. From a marketing perspective, this television ad came in late. Still, with a global brand that is popular enough that many think the name itself is enough advertisement, Starbucks do need advertisement. One just needs to look around and see how such immense and successful global brands can still be seen on billboards, television, and magazine. Starbucks advertising campaign continues from word of mouth especially. The logo is enough to persuade patrons and customers to partake of their products. Being the leading retailer and roaster of specialty coffee in the world, Starbucks has been criticized in the past for being very ambitious, expanding throughout the world at a fast speed. But Starbucks has been successful in making a name for itself in record time while achieving a 20% rise in earnings for 2008. Many articles came out written about how and why Starbucks decided to start a television advertisement when they do not really need one. Management of this conglomerate have their  reasons and the prime one is in order to reach across or convince those who have not tried sipping their coffee while lounging in their free WI-FI zone stores to come and see for themselves the difference of being in a Starbucks shop. More reasons are obvious just like what their other competitors would say. For Starbucks, there is no such thing as being late nor is there a set time when to advertise or not. This new ad is not purported to sell but to remind and create more impact to their captured market. Competition In the United Kingdom, Starbucks major rival is Costa, followed by Caffe Nero. The UK coffee shop market is actually being slowly dominated by these three competing brands. Fierce competition aggravated into a bitter fight this year when Starbucks filed a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that the Costa advertising campaign that says: Starbucks drinkers prefer Costa and Seven out of ten coffee lovers prefer Costa. However, ASA came with a decision that favored Costa, saying that all these claims by the latter were based on blind tasting tests. Coffee is the second largest imported product of the United States and specialty coffee market is approximated to be $11 billion a year in worth. To lure coffee drinkers (and other variants of coffee) from Starbucks, competitors of the same product line have come up with all sorts of gimmicks and come-ons as well trying to make a niche in the coffeehouse industry. In a report written by Georgia Flight (2006), the top five competitors of Starbucks show how each is different from the other and identify some salient points in their competitions with the leading brand. Founded in 1981, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters that originated from Vermont has used the slogan Be Green to portray the kind of coffee they serve. Starting as a small cafe, it has stuck to its use of organic roots and organic coffees. Keep Innovating is the slogan of Coffee Bean Tea Leaf which is headquartered in Los Angeles. It has 400 outlets. The company is famous for the wide choice of coffees and teas and its reputation preceded its brand for its innovation. Furthermore, it has established branches in places/countries where Starbucks is absent like Israel. Costa coffee was founded in 1971 in London. Even with Starbucks abounding in that city, Costa is a lead ahead in India where it has adapted its coffee flavors to suit Indian taste. Their strategy? Head East. Having 120 outlets in the country, Peets of California uses the strategy: Go Upscale. Java connoisseurs love the strength of the taste of its coffee. The special and complicated process of working on the coffee makes the taste unique. Caribou Coffee coffee business based in Minneapolis was founded in 1992. The strategy to Sell a Lifestyle features their cafes and stores in a mountain-lodge-style decoration including the chairs and a fireplace. They have made a deal with some airlines and some other fitness establishments. Starbucks has got itself many competitors, many of which got their inspiration from it. Since the product is a beverage that many would patronize, it is no wonder that Starbucks as well as other related businesses are rising. Marketing: Franchising: Expanding in Africa Putting up a Starbucks coffee bar in South Africa guarantees presence of Starbucks in almost all of the continents in the future. As a gateway to the African continent, the country is convenient path for businesses to expand in the area. Since the first national elections in 1994, government policies have been enacted to encourage foreign investments. Granting a license to a local company or close corporation to operate Starbucks stores in the country would benefit both parties. This would allow transfer of Starbucks System technology that would benefit the employment program of the government through its program Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (BEE). The partnership of Starbucks and a local closed corporation can enjoy the economic incentives given to new foreign investments that are brought into the country. While there will plus and minuses for both the licensor and licensee, they will get benefits from the license agreement (Andover, 55.) However, because of different cultures, Starbucks will have to make adjustments in their marketing and strategies to achieve its growth. Several standards will have to be altered to accommodate the different palate and eating habits of the people. Whatever criteria in its service and product Starbucks has come up, changes have to be made to accommodate the new market. Starbucks has to consider also an important observation made by the franchise sector of South Africa that 90% of South Africas franchise opportunities are based on locally developed concepts which is in contrast to most countries outside the USA where foreign brands trend to dominate the market (Handsenn, 40). This is also true to the restaurant and fast food market where the business Starbucks can be compared. Most food brands (restaurant type) are franchised out in other countries. Recommendations On Advertising Problem Area Starbucks can save their millions by forgetting about putting up television advertisements and commercials. The company is so established that making a commercial now would not have that much impact. Moreover, the company should enjoy its business success by being contented with posters on their stores, occasional promotions and announcements of new products, etc. Business and advertising analysts say that Starbucks can live without such domineering advertisements on television. Actually, they do not need any. On Marketing/Franchising in Africa Problem Area This is also true to the restaurant and fast food market where the business Starbucks can be compared. Most food brands (restaurant type) are franchised out in other countries. Also, the following factors are as important from a prospective franchisees point of view: The advantage of operating under a local brand is that the product has been designed from scratch with the local conditions in mind. Only a professionally managed operation can be relied upon to deliver on the implied promise of franchising. This is considered a threat to Starbucks. With the experience of the local companies developing its market strategies, most likely, Starbucks will have difficulty in guarding its technology. Penetration in the market is also a challenge. Also, the company had encountered problems in its image, paying low price for coffee beans from another African country. Having a  local partner may help to quell the threat and open a huge market. Perhaps it would be wise to brainstorm on these possibilities. If the company wants to grow more and succeed more, then they should review their policies on franchising. Recommendations on Competition Problem Area It is a fact that all people eat in order to survive. However, not all people can afford the same food and luxuries that these businesses offer. While Starbucks is known to cater to class A and B market because of the prices of their products, Caribou Coffee grabs the C and D with a lot lower prices of the almost the same products. McDonalds, being the leader of fast foods and affordable prices, remains to top the market monopoly. People around the world are reported to patronize their products, thanks to the non-stop advertising and maintaining the quality of their food. Dunkin Donuts has a limited list of food, mostly sweet pastries and yes, doughnuts. The taste and type of food offered by this establishment continue to serve as a come on to many customers and a specified market. Starbucks should take seriously the growing number of rivals in the food industry, especially in the same products they are selling. Pricing is a very important aspect to take into consideration. With these hard times, people become practical. If they can have the same taste and quality coffee from another store, why go to Starbucks? Although the company wants to maintain its unique quality brand, it should consider their consumers satisfaction when it comes to expenditures.

Catcher in the Rye Essay: Eight Early Reviews :: Catcher Rye Essays

Eight Early Reviews of The Catcher in the Rye      Ã‚  Ã‚   Published in 1951, J. D. Salinger's debut novel, The Catcher in the Rye, was one of the most controversial novels of its time. The book received many criticisms, good and bad. While Smith felt the book should be "read more than once" (13), Goodman said the "book is disappointing" (21). All eight of the critics had both good and bad impressions of the work. Overall, the book did not reflect Salinger's ability due to the excessive vulgarity used and the monotony that Holden imposed upon the reader.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Agreeing with Smith was Stern, saying "the book should be read again." There are many reasons for accepting this comment. Peterson, for example, felt that Holden Caulfield's "spirit is intact," while Stern enjoyed Phoebe's good personality.   Phoebe was important because she "preserve[d] Holden's innocence" (Jones). In the end, she keeps Holden at home with his family - after all, who knows what Holden could be up to, living by himself? He has been "trying to live up to his height, to drink with men, to understand mature sex and why he is still a virgin at his age" (Smith 13). It is because of this personality, that Salinger is able to "make the reader chuckle" (Breit). Phoebe is also important to Holden because he "finds a human warmth in [her]" (Engle).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Despite all these positives, many critics felt the book was lacking a great deal. There were many reasons given for not liking The Catcher in the Rye: the vulgarity, the monotony, and the immature personality of the protagonist. To put it bluntly, "one expects something more" out of Salinger (Goodman 21).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   All through the book, Holden, as well as his "friends", uses vulgar language. Because of this, Longstreth feels the book is "not fit for children." Although vulgar language is used in the real world, it was very rarely encountered in literature. Other critics agreed with Longstreth, Peterson said the book was "obscene," while Smith warned readers "be advised to let the book alone" if they are bothered by this language. It is Jones' feeling that this language could only be mouthed by a "disturbed adolescent," and that Holden is "immoral and perverted" (Longstreth).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The language was only part of the problem. The book, in many critics' eyes, was monotonous.

Letter to Soldier :: War Writing Papers

Letter to Soldier When faced with obstacles in life, people rely on their family and friends to give them support and encouragement. Sometimes, family members can seem harsh and unkind, but their intentions are sincerely good. Mothers will always disapprove of their son’s choice in girlfriends, but she will shed tears of joy at the wedding. Fathers will never like their sons-in-law, but they still tell their daughters that they will find the perfect man. Thirty-year old men will always be treated as if they were ten by their mothers. It has been this way for centuries in our society. A letter from a worried mother to her son, a soldier in the Confederate Army, proved this point. While this young man was, by that time’s standard, an adult, his mother still felt the need to keep her child safe. Aside from the content and ideas relayed in the letter, the document itself is a powerful item from American in history. Reading about a person or event in history is a good experience; a powerful experience, however, is to hold history in your hand and listen to people in their own words. Discovering the story and history behind this letter proved to be even more rewarding than holding and reading the letter itself. Expecting to find a few, uninteresting facts about this Civil War Era, I found that this letter brought to life five southern boys that were thrown off the farm and into battle. The letter also helps to illuminate the way a society lived while it told a story of a mother, her sons, and several friends On January 6, 1863, a mother sat down and wrote her son a letter. The author of the letter was a forty-five year old woman named Kerney A. Stocks. She was writing to her son, John, who was a soldier in the Civil War. From what she mentioned in the letter, she was a very passionate woman. She made some very blatant remarks concerning her feelings toward her son’s behavior. For example, Mrs. Stocks says, â€Å"I feel [sort of] mad this morning because I did not get no letter from you yesterday,† expressing her displeasure to her son. Kerney Stocks was more than likely a middle class woman, since she could read and write.

Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie :: Free Essay Writer

Tennessee William's The Glass Menagerie Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. -- Albert Einstein. The most important theme in The Glass Menagerie is the difficulty people have in accepting and relating to reality. As a result of their inability to overcome this difficulty, the characters withdraw into a private world of illusion to find the comfort they can’t find in real life. Out of the three Wingfield family members, Laura probably is the one living furthest away from reality. There are several symbols in the play that represent that in some way. Her glass collection that she carefully takes care of, is the imaginary world she lives in to escape the real live where she doesn’t finish high school, fails typing class, and doesn’t have any â€Å"gentlemen callers† like her mother expects her to. Another symbol for Laura’s personality is â€Å"Blue Roses†, the nickname Jim gives her in high school. Blue roses are, although beautiful, not real and can’t be found in nature, what refers to Laura’s uniqueness but also to her very own, special beauty that lies beyond her differentness and inability to live in reality. Overall, Laura is a very important character, because the whole story is basically about her (Tom tells us) and she also is the one who is most concerned with the play’s theme of withdrawing fr om reality. At first sight Tom seems to be the only one in the Wingfield family who is capable of functioning in the real world, interacting with strangers, and holding down a job to finance his mother and sister. But he also, withdraws into his illusions to abscond the never-ending conflicts with his mother and his frustration about his monotone, meaningless life. During the play, Tom often mentions â€Å"the movies† he’s going to all the time, which represent his attempt to escape all this and to give him the illusion of adventure. The same goes for the fire escape to where Tom often withdraws whenever the â€Å"fire† of conflict and arguing with Amanda gets to hot. Tom's attitude toward his sister puzzles the reader, since even though he clearly cares for her, he is frequently indifferent and even cruel. Not once in the play does he behave kindly or lovingly toward Laura, not even when he knocks down her glass menagerie. Laura on the other side is the only character who, despite the selfishness that characterizes the Wingfield family, never does anything to hurt anyone else.

Discussion. Digital Nation

Students felt that computing class is less boring than original classes. Also, young students can learn what netiquette is. Another example was ‘Bubby cooks'. Through her story, I could find that humans culture can adopted into technical environment by social services such as twitter, Youth, and personal blobs. 2) Is customizing the message and targeting resources tailored around consumer preferences and habits a good thing? An efficient use of resources? Dealt nations customize each consumer because many business people try to close to consumers by virtual systems.Virtual systems are a kind of online space. Through the virtual systems, people can imagine their commercial goals and create new situations. Also, they can discover diverse unique situations such as crisis markets. For example, according to World Dairy Expo sass, â€Å"Technology has made deep inroads into the world of dairy farming, helping manage day-to-day chores and collecting and analyzing the large batches of data a herd of cattle generates daily' (Acrobat 42). It means that digital and technical life influences not only consumers but also many companies.The reason is that many companies can find products and services which have more benefits for their consumers. Also the consumers can satisfy their consumption and the companies, and they believe digital data that Is related with the companies. For this reason, consuming data can give much more beneficial Information to humans' life. Although the data and Information sometimes give negative parts, the parts also become a kind of digital life where modern people lives in. Hill, Elizabeth. â€Å"Big Dairy Enters The Era of Big Data. † Bloomberg Businesslike 22October 2012: 41-42 print. Discussion. Digital Nation By alleviators 1) In today's technological immersion environment, do you think the good side of it Technological environment is very powerful and complicated to people. The reason is that some people think digital life giv es positive and good affections, but Digital nations customize each consumer because many business people try to data that is related with the companies. For this reason, consuming data can give much more beneficial information to humans' life.

Dbq the Renaissance

The Renaissance was primarily thought of as being a period in which the revival of learning flourished, and the arts changed for the better and ideas became more focused life on earth. It was a time when new ideas of individualism, the thought of secularism and the interest in human ideas jumpstarted a new and freer lifestyle for everyone. The new ideas formed in the renaissance made enough impact on the world them and ever since that it deserves to be called its own era. The medieval times was filled with ideas based just around the church.As the Renaissance began, the arts developed into a freer and move creative society based on more Greek and Roman ideas. â€Å"Finding the feudal and ecclesiastical literature and Gothic art of the Middle Ages uncongenial to their taste, they turned for inspiration to the civilization of Roman and Greek antiquity. † (Document 1) This shows how the mind of the Renaissance where done with all the ideas that dominated the world throughout the Middle Ages. The Renaissance artists wanted art that showed human beauty where as in the Middle ages art was very gothic and based in religion.Renaissance art is more lifelike than in the art of the Middle Ages, which was very blocky. They went to the Greek and Romans for all kinds of inspiration for example art. Based on the information given in Introduction to Classical, medieval and Renaissance Art the styles of the classic period and Renaissance and Classical Periods share many similar Characteristics but almost nothing in common with the Medieval period. In the Middles Ages arts main purpose was to teach those about religion who could not read or write. As the Renaissance started the ideas moved to show the importance of people and nature.This is a clear shift that helped define the difference between the two period and it will help support many of the other reasons as well. Along with the arts learning increase exponential. One of best ways to show an increase in learning is t he amount of colleges in a country. Based on the facts given in document 8 it is clear to see the large increase of schools in the height of the Renaissance. In the mid to late 15th century when the world was in the height of the Renaissance 31 new University’s were founded compared to 10 in the 12-13 century in all of Europe besides Italy who entered the Renaissance early.This is clear fact proving that Europe was in a shift to a society not only based on the Church but in schools and learning. Leonardo da Vinci helped illustrate some of the ideas that where new and completely unheard of before the Renaissance. In Document 6 he showed the study of human anatomy. This is new because in the Middle ages the study of human beings and things on our planet where very limited. Majority of learning was done in the Church with relation only to the Church. In 1596 Johannes Kepler the author the Document 7 made observations on orbits and geometrical considerations.Using science to prov e ideas is new to the world and would be frowned upon by the church in medieval times. Art and Learning are two major agreements for the fact that the Renaissance was its own period and helped shape the world, as we know it. There was one point that applied to both art and learning that completely set the Renaissance apart from the medieval times. Which was the study of secularism. â€Å"it is in the true order that mortal men should first care for mortal things† W. H, Draper (document 4) What he is saying played apart in all major parts that have been mentioned.For example art the Renaissance was known for its painting and sculpture with interest in nature and real people going real tasks. This is very different from the medieval times where it was based on the church and what they wanted to show. Also in the learning of the period ideas of Human Anatomy started to emerge as well as geometry and orbits (documents 6/7). With the Renaissance coming back to the â€Å"real worl d’ it marked a change in history. All aspects of life have changed thanks to the ideas that started in this time period.As well as some of the greatest artist and philosophers to ever live. The ideas that came out in the Renaissance where Cleary enough to call its own period in time. The revival of learning flourished, the arts and ideas became more focused life on earth. Though exact start and end dates are not clear everyone should be able to comprehend the importance of this Renaissance and say that it the information provided is enough to prove that The Renaissance period has a place in history which is completely different then the Medieval times.