Abstract This paper examines Aboriginal creative talent in JeanetteArmstrong's poem "History Lesson." The paper points out that the history of Aboriginal Canadians is one of colonization and oppression, and as such, it is hard to imagine that their authentic art or writing could escape dealing with these unpoetic realities. The paper maintains that the poem reflects Armstrong's commitment to ruthlessly dealing with the unpoetic. The paper attempts to show the larger social context in which Armstrong was working. It concludes that grappling with the unpoetic offers the colonized people the opportunity to heal and take back the creativity that was crushed by the colonizers' "educative" attempts.
From the Paper "Thus, all in all, the Aboriginals lost much that was of value in their culture, and gained aspects of the European culture that either were not valuable, or were actively destructive. Moreover, Aboriginals also lost their land, their children, and their economic way of life. We see the results of all of this loss and destruction in Aboriginal lives today. Modern Aboriginal Canadians have a much higher rate of lifestyle-related health problems than do non-Aboriginals. For example, Aboriginal rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, and diseases related to prostitution, are much higher than the rates of non-Aboriginals. Moreover, family violence problems are much more prevalent (Carter). In addition, poor parenting is almost the norm. As has been pointed out: "Poverty and family dislocation are the norm among Aboriginal families" (Robertson 555)."
Abstract This paper discusses David Armstrong's "The Nature of Mind", which presents an attack on the behaviorist model of the nature of the mind and mental states. The paper first discusses Armstrong's arguments and analyses. It then concludes that Armstrong's intentions and arguments are quite valid, but the evidence supporting his position is sorely lacking.
From the Paper "Logic can be used to prove any position, even with identical data sets--this is the danger of critical work performed in the humanities and social sciences. Unlike the hard sciences--such as molecular biology or astrophysics--is more difficult in the humanities to create situations and data that cannot be explained away using a variation of the prevailing theory. Its disciples defend the theory despite any evidence to the contrary. And though this does occur in the hard sciences to some degree, experiments are designed to disprove existing hypothesis, not set up conditions by which they can be confirmed. In asserting the dominance of scientific consensus in regard to conceptions of the human mind, Armstrong should have followed that lead and based his argument on the evidence that exists instead of suggesting a theory and then performing logical and linguistic acrobatics to demonstrate its validity."
Abstract This paper summarizes Karen Armstrong's book, "The Battle for God", and explains the book's focus on the evolution of religious fundamentalism. The paper describes Armstrong's views of fundamentalism, the element of irony depicted in her work, and how she explains the fundamentalist view of secularists.
From the Paper "The book "The Battle For God" by Armstrong is based on the religious fundamentalism that has evolved over the years as the most powerful force in the 21st century. Written in the context of internationalization and imperialism, Armstrong focuses on the way the religious groups and sects organize their fundamental origins and the way these fundamental origins have challenged the secular norms of the dominant cultures of the world. This challenging facet of religious fundamentalism has along other concerns disturbed the global peace and harmony. In this book, Armstrong has focused on this evolution of the fundamentalism and what this fundamentalism is aimed to accomplish, either through actions or narration. Accordingly, ?we see the West in the sixteenth century beginning to create an entirely new kind of civilization, which brought in its wake change in every aspect of life -- often painful and violent, even if liberating. Armstrong argues that one of the things that changed most was religion."
Abstract This paper explains that Louis Armstrong started his career by blowing on a little tin horn, the kind with which people celebrate; he could mimic some of the music he heard around his home and the kids loved the sound of the little horn. The author points out that Armstrong, who lived in an area where he heard street musicians and steamboat bands, developed a perfect pitch and began teaching himself music. The paper relates that, in his teen years, having shot a borrowed pistol into the air, he got arrested and was sent to the city's Waif Home for Boys where he came under the very capable tutorship of Peter Davis, a brass band leader, who taught him how to play the cornet. Picture.
From the Paper "As an infant, his grandmother Josephine Armstrong raised Louis because his father abandoned him and his mother around the time of birth. He began his life struggling in the slums of New Orleans. He grew up in a bad area know as "The Battlefield" were gun and knife fights were not uncommon. At the age of seven he moved back with his mother and sister in Stormville where he worked for Jewish families for money. Now Stormville consisted of dance halls, brothels and honky tonks, it was an entertainment district where music was all around him, so he could hear music from outside his house when he woke up in the morning and when he went to bed at night."
Abstract This paper discusses the strategic issues associated with Armstrong Holding's market expansion project as it considers either the Mexico or Italy market for market entry. It discusses the various opportunities and risks associated with each market. The paper concludes by presenting a recommendation for Armstrong Holding that the Mexican market holds the most promise and provides best cost-benefit analysis for market expansion.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Comparative Analysis
Opportunity/Risk Rationale
Recommendation
From the Paper "Another opportunity within the Mexico market is the size of its labor force. Not only is the labor force considerably larger than that of Italy but it is also less expensive since the GPD per capita in Mexico is roughly $10k while the GDP per capita in Italy is a little over $30k (Mexico, 2006). The overall cost of doing business in Mexico is substantially lower in the Mexican market than it is in the Italian market. Add to these opportunity costs the added benefit of lower transportation costs for both supplies and product into and out of the market and the cost-benefit for the Mexican market becomes substantially better than that of Italy. This cost-benefit is also increased by the lower operating costs associated with green field operations where Armstrong currently has some sales and supply channels already in place within Mexico but would need to organically grow all of these assets in the Italian market."
Abstract This essay compares and contrasts the points of view of Armstrong and Lewis on the centuries-old debate regarding the question of what exactly is the mind, and the degree to which mental states are identical with brain states.
Abstract This paper explains that Gotama, the Buddha, changed common perceptions in many ways because, at this time Buddhism, was essentially a new religion preceded by Hinduism based on the
Vedic teachings. The author points out that Gotama made Buddhism a religion by extending the common perceptions of Buddhism from a code of living for individuals to a code for the greater collective. The paper agrees with Armstrong's book in asserting that the Buddha was an axial person, who changed the fabric of the society he was living, testing the bounds of convention and personally creating a new school of thought and living into existence.
From the Paper "It is common knowledge that in Buddhist thought, which originated in India and made significant inroads into Chinese and other east Asian societies, there is a belief in the concept of karma. This karma can be likened to the Western concept of fate, although it is not quite the same, in that it shows the importance of destiny and the supposition that the individual's destiny is preordained. This changed the common perception significantly. It was also a factor that Gotama offered universally accessible enlightenment that was not restricted by class or social structure."
Abstract This paper examines the representation of demons in Jeanette Winterson's novel, "Oranges are Not the Only Fruit". Demons are manifested whenever the character of Jeanette is confronted with a problem, as these demons signify that she is torn through confronting her own fears.
Abstract The paper looks at the novel, "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" that tells the story of a young girl in England who lives in a home with her adoptive evangelical parents and who develops a lesbian lifestyle. The paper relates that this is a story with a consistent point of view, but with a varying tone, depending on Jeanette's age in the story. The paper relates further that it is romantic, comedic, with a rich theme, interesting motifs and a satisfying resolution when Jeanette is satisfied and accepts herself as she is.
From the Paper "The novel, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit tells the story of a young girl in England, as she comes of age, living in a home with her adoptive evangelical parents. Winterson claims the book is only somewhat autobiographical, although the family life and encounters she describe seem to mirror her experiences growing up. The author was born in 1959 in Manchester, England and was adopted by a Pentecostal Evangelical couple, who fueled Winterson's desire to become a missionary. She discovered she was a lesbian, which led to the church and her family cutting off ties to her when she was only sixteen years old. She eventually began to write about her life experiences, which let to Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit being published in 1985. Winterson has followed up "Oranges" with several successful books she calls "metafiction"."
Abstract This paper takes a look at cancer survivor Lance Armstrong and examines his decision to return to racing in the 2008 Tour de France. The paper provides the highlights of Armstrong's cycling career and examines the conditions of racing competitively again in the Tour de France. The author discusses substance abuse in athletes and allegations of Armstrong using drugs in 1999. The paper speculates that by hiring his own drug-testing firm, Armstrong is hoping to bring the issue of substance abuse to the forefront of his comeback. In any case, the author agrees that whether this comeback is successful or not, Armstrong would be traveling around the world raising awareness for cancer, a victory of sorts in itself.
From the Paper "The word is out - Lance Armstrong is coming out of retirement to ride once again in the Tour de France, the world's premier cycling challenge. The man who rose to the very peak of the cycling world, and retired at the top, is giving it another go. Armstrong announced his decision at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, Armstrong may have shocked the sports world with his decision, but he also opened up new conjecture on one of sports biggest legal challenges, doping in competitive professional sports. The Tour de France seems especially plagued by doping scandals, and already Don Catlin, the founder of Anti-Doping Research, a nonprofit organization that monitors athletes, has made it abundantly clear that he will monitor Armstrong for "everything" during his attempt at a comeback, which Armstrong maintains he welcomes. In fact, he's the one that brought Catlin on board to do the testing."
Tags: competitive cycling, celebrity athlete, cancer awareness, substance abuse
Abstract The paper looks at Armstrong Holdings, Inc, a company that operates various divisions within the commercial and residential building supplies industry. The paper relates that Armstrong has operations in the Mexican market in both flooring and ceiling products, but is intent on expanding its ceramics line of products into that market as well. The paper discusses how Armstrong has to meet product and service standards in the Mexican market, fulfill World Trade Organization (WTO) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) restrictions and comply with Mexican labor laws.
Outline:
Abstract
Executive Summary
Overview
Product & Service Standards
International & Legal Frameworks
Impact on Armstrong Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Armstrong Holdings, Inc. operates various divisions within the commercial and residential building supplies industry with a concentration on flooring, ceiling, and cabinetry products. These commercial and residential building products are in high demand because they are central to any office or residential structure and while some markets are experiencing a slow down in growth, other markets are seen as growth markets. Armstrong Holdings, Inc. is considering expanding its ceramic products line into other international markets with a focus on the Mexican market. Mexico, despite its reputation as a developing market has a thriving economy and a population of approximately 107 million individuals. Since Armstrong Holdings, Inc. already has a construction products division in Mexico City, it is believed this greatly reduces the resource requirements necessary to establish its ceramic product line in that market."
Abstract This paper discusses the human resources (HR) issues that may accompany Armstrong Holding's entry into the Mexican market. It discusses the issues of culture dimensions as they relate to Gert Hofstede's cultural dimensions vis-a-vis Armstrong Holding's local workforce and choice of local or home-market management structure. Additionally, the paper makes several recommendations regarding the management, personnel and appraisal structures within Armstrong Holding's Mexico operations.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Global Human Resource Management: Armstrong Holdings
Human Resource Issues
Recommendations
Opportunities and Risks
Market Entry Vehicles
Issue Summaries
From the Paper "A smaller company, such as Armstrong Holdings, should almost exclusively aim for a joint venture for several reasons. Opting for the licensing option typically results in a lack of operational oversight, far too much dependence on local manufacturers, local management, and exposure to competitive intrigue as well as the threat of loss of intellectual capital (Bjerke, 1999, p.112). The joint venture option allows for greater oversight, a greater degree of managerial control, as well as higher revenues. While not requiring as much in the way of financial resources as a wholly owned subsidiary would it does require more upfront capital than licensing. Yet, for Armstrong Holdings, the ability maintain decision-making and strategic control over a joint venture is much more desirable than the threat of lost intellectual capital that a licensee market entry strategy would entail."
Tags: HR, manufacturers, management, market, global
Abstract This paper explores the central theme of "History of God" by Karen Armstrong, that the definition of God is subject to conventionality. The paper does this by highlighting the influences that led Armstrong to embark on this quest for illumination as well as by providing a summary of the book. The writer illustrates Armstrong's belief that Man's definition of God is continuously being modified, abandoned, revived and reiterated in accordance with Man's realistic and pragmatic challenges, as opposed to philosophical reverie.
From the Paper "Before providing an analysis of the book's core theme, it is necessary to study the influences that drove Armstrong to write this book. Armstrong's interest in religion was cultivated at an early age, manifesting in her entering the religious order at the age of 17. For 7 years, Armstrong lived the life of a Roman Catholic nun (Powell, 1998, 1). Her monastic life afforded her exposure to the 3 Abrahamic religions. She obtained a BA in literature at Oxford University. However, she experienced great difficulty in conforming to the restrictive realities of her convent life and decided to leave the convent on amicable terms."
Abstract In this paper the author examines how Winterson addresses the issues of boundaries and desire. The author specifically looks at "Written on the Body" and tries to convey to us what physical love means through the act of making us complicit. The author suggests that Winterson does this by telling the story via a narrator who is given neither name nor gender. The author suggests the book thus serves as a personal way of investigating new avenues of sexuality and thus of love.
From the paper:
?This book is an investigation of the body of a beloved ? the body as the site of nerve endings that provide us with all the physical pleasures that we will ever know as well as the repository of all the emotional responsiveness that we can desire. One of the most compelling things about this book is that Winterson does not fall into an easy dichotomy between these two kinds of passions as is all too often the case.?
Abstract This ten-page paper explores the levels of deeper meaning within the contents of Jeanette Winterson's brilliant 1985 novel, "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit", specifically in terms of literary approach, sexuality, maturation, betrayal, religion, and coming of age.
