The Kite Runner Character Analysis - 891 Words

Throughout the novel The Kite Runner, Amir experiences self-destructive guilt through sinning against his father and servant, Hassan. Though Amir is continuously disturbed by his conscience, he realizes the only way to be at peace is by repenting for his sins, forcing Amir to be selfish as a child and, selfless as an adult. As a child, Amir struggled to find similar interests between him and his father, seemingly inheriting no traits from his paternal figure. Amir always felt responsible for the death of his mother and an urge to make up for killing, â€Å"[Baba’s] beloved wife, [Baba’s] beautiful princess† (20). Her name was Sofia Akrami, a descendant of royal ancestry, who bled to death while giving birth to Amir. Before her death she was†¦show more content†¦After the talk, Amir became very dedicated to become the champion, and ultimately earn his fathers affection. After all, the bitterness between Amir and Baba did thaw during winter because, they both enjoyed kite flying which, gave Amir a one in a lifetime opportunity to redeem for his past sins. Since the incident which occurred at the Kite Flying Tournament in 1975, Amir has been struggling to cope with the action he chose to make. After Amir cut the string of the blue kite; the last kite remaining, he decided to ask Hassan to run the kite as he: â€Å"was by far the greatest kite runner [Amir had] ever seen† (56). As Hassan went to catch the kite for Amir, he encountered Assef, who raped him because Hassan refused to give the kite to him. At the same time, Amir finally found where Hassan had disappeared but, he ran back home because, â€Å"[Amir] was a coward. [Amir] was afraid of Assef and what he would do to me† (82). This quote demonstrates Amir’s selfish and weak mindset because he, did not do anything to stop the assault even though, Hassan had always defended Amir in the past when he was teased. In other words, Amir was so eager to earn his fathers affection, he thought he needed to sacrifice Hassan in order to obtain the kite for himself. After the event, deep down Amir constantly felt like he should have took action against Assef and, felt gruesome whenever he encountered Hassan; he could not even look atShow MoreRelatedThe Kite Runner Character Analysis911 Words   |  4 Pagesmorally ambiguous character is one who shows positive and negative moral traits. Khaled Hosseini points out that, the main character in his story, The Kite Runner is morally ambiguous. That being Amir, who shows a great deal of moral traits. Hosseini put morally ambiguous characters in the reading to show the reader that good can overcome any negative situation. Amir shows how he is a terrible kid at the beginning of the story and towards the end, as he grows up, he shows a new character in himself. Read MoreThe Kite Runner: Character Analysis. Essay1394 Words   |  6 PagesTMuhammad A. Khan English (A). Period (5). The Kite Runner Character Analysis. 1) Amir: Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Amir was the son of a wealthy social worker. He was brought up with the son of his servant, and perhaps his only best friend, Hassan. Amir had a rocky relation with his father. At times, it seemed as his father loved him but those moments didn’t lasted forever. He thinks Baba (his father) wishes Amir were more like him, and that Baba holds him responsible for killing his motherRead MoreThe Kite Runner Character Analysis730 Words   |  3 PagesThe novel, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, focuses on one main character, Amir. Throughout the entire book, Amir progresses as a character and shows that while he may have done things in the past that he regrets, he will do anything to get redemption for his sins. Over the course of the novel, Amir develops drastically as a person. Yet there are a few characters, specifically Assef and Hassan, who show no progression and stay static characters for the entirety of the book. Their lack of developmentRead MoreThe Kite Runner Character Analysis2253 Words   |  10 PagesThe Kite Runner In the book The Kite Runner the two main characters are Amir and Hassan. Amir and Hassan become best friends even though the two are different social status. Hassan is a Hazara which is an ethnic minority in Afghanistan who are often looked down upon. Hazaras are most likely to become a servant their whole life and never be able to attend school. Amir is a Pashtun, which is a higher social class, who has a chance to receive education and become a leader in the community. Even thoughRead MoreKite Runner Character Analysis2167 Words   |  9 Pages What makes someone your friend? In the bildungsroman novel Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini tragically displays the betrayal of a so-called friend. When they were young, Amir and Hassan did everything together and they were inseparable. Amir’s obsession with gaining Baba’s love not only made him lose someone that adored him, but also someone that would always stay by his side. Later on, Amir redeems himself of his horrible past by taking in Hassan’s son, so he can have a clean future. Hosseini depictsRead MoreThe Kite Runner Character Analysis Essay2101 Words   |  9 Pages Amir, the protagonist of Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner began the novel as the stereotypical anti-hero, but as Sohrab, Amir’s half nephew said in the book, â€Å"... bad people sometimes become good† (Hosseini 318). Amir clearly proves this quotation to be factual over the span of the novel. At the beginning of The Kite Runner, he was a selfish character that only thought about himself, he was insecure and guilt-ridden about his betrayal of H assan, and finally was a coward who ran away fromRead MoreCharacter analysis: How does Amir change in the novel The Kite Runner?1139 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Question: How does Amir’s character change throughout the novel? The character of Amir goes through drastic changes as he moves from adolescence to adulthood. As a child Amir begins his life in Kabul, where his character is shaped through conflicts with his father and Hassan. Later, when he moves to America he leaves these conflicts behind and is able to create a stronger relationship with his father. However, when Amir is an adult he is called back to Afghanistan by an old friend to confront theseRead MoreSymbolism Of Kite Running By Khaled Hosseini1243 Words   |  5 PagesAP Literature and Composition 11 December 2015 Symbolism of Kite Running In this essay the book being discussed is, Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Khaled Hosseini’s biography will be discussed as well as the historical influences upon him that affect the novel as a whole. The essay will contain a critical analysis as well as an analysis of the critical response to the work by others. In the novel and now a grown man, the main character Amir recalls events in his childhood that shaped the man heRead MoreAchieve a Level Four Performance in an Oral Exam Through the Formal Speech/the Oral Essay1002 Words   |  5 Pagesno shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.† How much more we suddenly know about the shoes and the feet, thinking of them together. This is the power of comparison and contrast. In this comparative-analysis essay, you need to describe, explore, and explain how different events, characters, or ideas in two literary texts are connected or related. You need to draw them together to show how they are similar and/or different. While â€Å"comparing† is widely accepted as including both similaritiesRead MoreHow does Hosseini tell the story of the kite runner in chapter 1?942 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿How does Hosseini tell the story of the Kite Runner in chapter 1? Khaled Hosseini uses a veritable smorgasbord of literary and narrative techniques to tell the story of ‘The Kite Runner’. From engaging in the use of foreshadowing and symbolism, to characterisation and the way he styles his prose. Below is an analysis of how he does so. As mentioned, Hosseini’s use of foreshadowing almost encapsulates the chapter. Baba states that â€Å"God [should] help us all†, anticipating the Talibans takeover

Theories of Psychology in Fairy Tales Essay example

Theories of Psychology in Fairy Tales Many parents read fairy tales to their children. Young people are able to use their imaginations while listening to these fantastical stories. Filled with dragons, witches, damsels in distress, and heroes, these tales stay in the mind children for years to come. However, these young listeners are getting much more than a happy ending. Fairy tales such as The Goose Girl, The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, and Snow White one can find theories of psychology. Erik Eriksons theories of social development as well as Sigmund Freuds theory of the map of the mind and his controversial Oedipal complex can be found in many fairy tales. Within every fairy tale there lies a hidden lesson in†¦show more content†¦Gaining autonomy from ones parents is the topic of a once famous Brothers Grimm story, The Goose Girl. The story is of a beautiful princess who is to be married to a prince chosen by her mother. The girl along with her maid was sent to the castle of the prince. On the way the princess gave her maid a golden cup and asked for a drink. The maid took the cup and told the princess she would no longer be her servant. Again this happened and this time the maid realized her power over the princes and forced her to switch horses and dresses and to tell no one. Upon arrival at the castle the maid was married while the true princess was forced to tend to the geese in a pasture. In the pasture while tending geese with a boy she let her pure gold hair down. The boy wished to grab it. However, the princess summoned the winds and would not allow the boy to touch her hair. The boy calls the king to witness this daily event. This reveals the truth and the maid is killed. The true princess marries her prince and they rule their kingdom in peace. This tale shows the consequences of a childish dependence clung to for a long time. The princess trusts her mother who then sends her off to get married. Because she was protected as a child she did not develop autonomy. She was very dependent on her parents. Her dependence is then shifted to her maid who robs her of her title. The princess fears the maid and goes along withShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Bruno Bettelheim s Beauty And The Beast 1414 Words   |  6 PagesBruno Bettelheim, he analyzed fairy tales in terms of Freudian psychology, which is represented in his works of The Uses of Enchantment. Beaumont’s story of Beauty and the Beast is where the first discovery of Beauty’s problem was identified as the Oedipal complex. The Oedipal complex is a child’s desire to have a sexual relation with the parent of the opposite sex, but it is repressed deep in the mind. Beauty in Beauty and the Beast has a special bond of affection with her father; there is the problemRead MoreCinderella Or The Little Glass Slipper : A Children s Classic857 Words   |  4 PagesCinderella or the Little Glass Slipper: A children’s Classic Charles Perrault’s fairy tales have enlightened young minds over the past two centuries. They are classified as a children’s classics because they pertain deep moral values which shape the identity of young children and aid them in understanding the image of self. Perrault’s Cinderella or the Little Glass Slipper is a fairy tale displays both positive and negative values which are inculcated by children. The positive values are analyzedRead MoreEssay about An Analysis of Fairy Tales1684 Words   |  7 Pagesprincesses, beauty, magic, and love, fairy tales like Snow White and Cinderella among others have become children’s favorite bedtime stories. However, as parents tuck their sons and daughters in, they fail to realize that there is a much more daunting purpose to these stories. American writer and poet, Jane Yolen suggests that fairy tales indicate life values. Furthermore, Yolen insists that these tales are â€Å"thumbprints of history† (Yolen 27). Studying fairy tales in depth, she proves that the â€Å"functionsRead MoreGender Roles In Cinderella In The Classroom By Ella Westland1717 Words   |  7 Pagesfeaturing distressed and docile princesses relying on a princely savior, fairy tales have recently prompted discussions on the gender roles being instilled in children with each â€Å"once upon a time.† In a world where women are still underrepresented in traditionally â€Å"masculine† environments, it is vital that young girls are empowered and inspired by capable female role models. Attempting to determine the extent to which fairy tale gender roles are instilled in children, Ella Westland organized an experimentRead MoreBruno Bettelheim and Psychosocial Development1807 Words   |  8 Pagesdevelopment of children. Bettelheim firmly believed that fairy tales contributed to the molding of a childs unconscious and conscious mind, and the childs entire psych as a whole. Furthermore, Bettelheim also belie ved that fairy tales helped a child in his search for an identity and for a meaning in life. As a child psychologist that dealt with troubled children everyday, Bettelheim cared greatly about children and sought to educate others on fairy tales that enable a child to cope with his inner problemsRead MoreMyths And The Reason Behind Mythology1653 Words   |  7 PagesWHAT ARE MYTHS AND THE REASON BEHIND MYTHOLOGY? Mythos, the Greek word for myth means story, appertain to colorful tales that enlightens about the origins of humans and the universe. Myths, as amazing as it sounds, is also a cause for birth of new religions, where and how they originated. Many cultures have myths about how the gods and goddesses came to be, even elucidating the origin of humanity and its traditions. Even ideas about how this world of ours came to existence have many myths, creationRead MoreBrothers Grimm and Beautiful Mind1109 Words   |  5 Pages 2006 Background It is 1947 and John Nash has arrived at Princeton for graduate study in mathematics Premium 689 Words 3 Pages * Grounded Theory Analysis of A Beautiful Mind (Prologue) Grounded Theory Analysis of A Beautiful Mind (Prologue) Ms.Prakriti Gupta (B.A. Honors Applied Psychology) Faculty of Arts; University of Delhi, Delhi. Contact Information- Email id- prakritigupta1988@gmail.com Premium 5150 Words 21 Pages * BeautifulRead MoreThe Complex Layers Within the Little Mermaid1206 Words   |  5 PagesFairy tales convey political, moral, and social lessons through characters, relationships and setting. They originate from an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation often in a varied form, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as the Bible and mythology. As societies gained access to the printed word, fairy tales became less changeable and tended to focus on characters who were transitioning from childhood to adulthood (Abler). Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm became renowned forRead MoreBruno Bettelheim s `` Punishment Versus Discipline ``1910 Words   |  8 Pages Bruno Bettelheim is one of the most influential child psychologists who lived in the 20th century. Bettelheim’s writings and theories cement his reputation as one of the most influential psychologists by teaching parents the proper way of raising their child. His ideas and writings also establish his prestige by revolutionizing the way in which psychologists treat children with mental health issues. He changes the way in which mentally-ill children are treated by promoting milieu therapy as an alternativeRead MoreWhat I Learned From Your Book1352 Words   |  6 Pages893952268 ENGL 1001 21/09/2016 Dear Professor Csikszentmihalyi, This letter is talking about what I learned from your book, my flow experiences and what are elements of flow in my opinion. But before that I would like to share a old Chinese fairy tale with you. 1800 years ago in Jin dynasty of China, there was a farmer who’s name is Wangzhi. One day he went out to cut firewood in hills, he saw there are an old man and a child playing the GO (a Chinese game) in pavilion. So he left his axe on

Compare and Contrast the Music of the Medieval free essay sample

Starting In the Medieval period, from 400-1475. Music was in the form of what Is called the Gregorian chant. Instruments were very rarely used at this time. Since songs during this period were either troubadour or trouper these chants had no real harmony. One example of this type of medieval composition is Bitternut Omens by Leonine. Like most Gregorian chants the texture of this piece is monophonic and polyphonic. Bitternut Omens is a typical Gregorian chant in that it uses diatonic, not chromatic notes of he scale.Musical compositions during the Medieval period was made mostly by members of the church for the church. It was and is a very slow and steady movement that was meant to create a feeling of peace for worship purposes. As time passed and music continued to evolve what Is known as the Renaissance period emerged from 1475-1600. Music during this period was still written with worship as Its Intentions. We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and Contrast the Music of the Medieval or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Where the Medieval period had no harmony the Renaissance period introduced the use of a constant chord to form the building block of the different ices.A good example of this period of music is Eave Maria by Joaquin written in 1485. The many different voices the repeat the same words create a process called imitation. This particular chant is capable, meaning that it is performed by voices alone and has no musical accompaniment and with all the voices entering at different times but in harmony counterpoint is created. During this period music with instruments was created, the Gregorian chant remained strong as a preference. After the Renaissance period came the Baroque period from 1600-1750. TheBaroque period was broken up into two periods called the Early Baroque period from 1600-1710 and the Late Baroque period from 1710-1750. During the Early Baroque period music from composers such as Vivaldi and Monteverdi emerged and became popular. Music became more light and airy. Instruments were used more often than not than vocals. Melodies on larger scales with more daring leaps came about. An example during this period would be The Spring by Antonio Vivaldi. Just like its name sounds, it is a light piece that gives the warm feelings that a person might feel ring the spring.Harmony becomes more apparent during this period as diatonic chords are played by a continuous bass line to help create melody. Texture becomes more rich with the bass as a support for the melody line and form becomes more apparent as the process of reiteration emerges during this period. The Late Baroque period can be marked by the great Bach. His concerto Organ Fugue in G Minor, written in 1710 is one of the most famous pieces to come out of this period. It Is performed as the title states, on the organ.The melodies of this time became more expansive. They changed often, giving the concertos more texture and feeling. The rhythm continued to pick up speed and lent the music a more exciting feel. Walking bass as It was termed supported the melody. In using Instruments Instead of vocals at this time. Throughout time music has changed and evolved into what we listen to today. It is good that we have music sheets that allow us to study the evolution of this music over time to see how it has evolved.

Syphilis Essay Research Paper Syphilis is a free essay sample

Syphilis Essay, Research Paper Syphilis is a sexually familial disease caused by the coiling bacteriums called Treponema globus pallidus. Syphilis consists of three chief phases, primary phase, secondary phase, and latent phase. The latent phase may take to a concluding phase called the third phase. There are many remedies to syphilis, and it is virtually eliminated from today # 8217 ; s society. There are a few ways to contract the disease, all of which can be prevented. The primary phase of pox is characterized by a little lesion, called a chancre, which resembles a hickey, blister or unfastened sore. This occurs anytime between nine yearss and three months after infection. Fluid from the chancre is highly infective, but normally painless. Normally it appears on the genitalias or near where the bacterium entered the organic structure. It frequently fells and many people neer realize that it is at that place. On adult females, the sore can be found hidden in the vagina or the creases of the labia. On work forces, it normally hides in the creases of the prepuce, under the scrotum, or near the base of the phallus. Work force more frequently than adult females will besides hold swollen lymph nodes in the inguen. At this phase, the chancre is really infective. It will mend with or without intervention, but the bacterium will stay and get down to distribute if untreated. In the secondary phase, happening about six hebdomads subsequently, a generalised roseola appears. It can last for hebdomads or months, possibly up to a twelvemonth. Painless ulcers develop in the oral cavity. Most people discover raised countries around the genitalias or anus. The bacteriums can be easy spread through mucose spots on the raised countries, which are called condylomalata. Flu-like symptoms start to happen, and can come and travel for old ages. These symptoms may include a roseola ( over full organic structure or merely on thenars of custodies and colloidal suspensions of pess ) , a sore in the oral cavity, swollen and painful articulations, hurting castanetss, and a mild febrility or concern. These symptoms normally disappear in 3 to 12 hebdomads. Some people even experience hair loss during the secondary phase of pox. The disease so enters a latent phase in which no outward marks or symptoms occur, nevertheless, the bacteriums are active inside your organic structure, multiplying and assailing internal variety meats. The latent phase can last from 20 to 30 old ages. When 2nd phase symptoms wholly disappear, the disease is no longer infective. At this point, the # 8220 ; regulation of tierces # 8221 ; comes into drama. Among the entire figure of latent pox instances, tierce will travel off on their ain, one-third will stabilise, and tierce of the instances will germinate to the following and last phase. When the concluding phase, third pox, does occur, it could be fatal. It may bring forth difficult nodules, called gummas, in the tissues under the tegument, the mucose membranes, and the internal variety meats. The castanetss are besides affected, every bit good as the liver, kidney, and other splanchnic variety meats. Infection of the bosom and major blood vass histories for most of the pox related deceases. A particular sort of pox, which occurs in about 15 per centum of the third instances, is called neurosyphilis. It causes deficiency of muscular coordination, loss of urinary control, and devolution of the physiological reactions. It besides may do gestation jobs, including abortion, spontaneous abortion, or to the birth of a kid with inborn pox. Septic kids frequently have typical marks, such as high brow, saddlenose, and peg-shaped dentitions. Syphiliss can be diagnosed and treated with comparative easiness. Because of this, the past 25 old ages or so hold seen a pronounced diminution in the figure of third phase instances of pox and of deceases due to the disease. Syphilis is largely treated by an injection of penicillin, or by a two-week regimen of Achromycin. Two follow-up blood trials two hebdomads apart from the initial trial and two hebdomads apart from each other are needed to guarantee the intervention was effectual. The foremost three phases of poxs are wholly curable, and even in the last phase syphilis can be stopped. With the present medical engineering to name and handle poxs, there is no alibi for anyone in the U.S. to endure the last phase of pox. Options to penicillin are necessary because many people are allergic to penicillin and in some people it is non effectual in handling pox. Early sensing of pox disables the disease wholly. In pregnant adult females, early sensing of the infection can cut down the opportunities of the foetus going infected. Syphilis is sexually a familial disease, and is normally transmitted by sexual contact or caressing. The manner it infects is from the secernments emitted from the sores, and the bacteria gets into little cryings or cuts on the genital organ. Unlike AIDS, infection from contaminated objects is rare, because drying rapidly kills the being. You can non obtain poxs from insouciant caressing, or from lavatory seats in dirty bathrooms. The manner you can forestall contraction of pox is to utilize a rubber, or sustain from sexual activity all together. If you do see any early marks of pox, reach a physician right off, and it can about surely be cured in the primary and early secondary phases.

Best Buy Analysis free essay sample

According to the Best Buy’s corporate website, the company’s â€Å"unofficial† mission statement is simple, â€Å"We’re a growth company focused on better solving the unmet needs of our customers. †1 Upon reviewing this statement, our team was motivated to construct a unique plan that expands Best Buy brand and influences new target markets, while also continuing to provide growth and development in Best Buy’s products and services. Our initiative is to develop smaller stores that feature a condensed selection of consumer electronics, these stores will be strategically placed in areas where customers have unmet needs. The products, services, and staff offered will, high quality and knowledgeable service. These condensed stores will focus on the newest and most popular consumer electronics for our youthful audience. Additionally, through these operations, customers will continue to receive helpful information and technological services. These stores will be primarily located in towns with an influx of consumer’s aged 18-30. We will write a custom essay sample on Best Buy Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Our strategy involves targeting college students and their parents. Our customers will still be provided the â€Å"Best Buy Renew Experience† with a reputable and knowledgeable staff that can any questions about products and services. To reinforce out strategy we have provided pricing strategies, estimating the expected rate of return, and other ratios. Our strategy involves expanding Best Buy locations and offerings; reaching a new customer segment, create a new, and powerful revenue stream. As with any new venture, however, there are many risks that our team had to acknowledge. Situational Analysis About Best Buy Best Buy Co. , Inc. (NASDAQ: BBY) together with its subsidiaries is a multinational retailer of consumer electronics, entertainment products,  small and major appliances, and cellular phones. Best Buy currently operates on a global scale; its international operations include the U. S. , Canada, China, Europe, and Mexico. This corporation has a multitude of products and services under eleven brand names: Best Buy, Five Star Appliances, Future Shop, Magnolia Audio Video, The Carphone Warehouse, Best Buy Mobile, Audiovisions, and Pacific Sales. Best Buy also offers technology services; this includes supp ort, repair, troubleshooting and installation through the Geek Squad brand.   Best Buy is currently headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota and has approximately 165,000 employees worldwide and has 4,370 total stores operating worldwide. 2 Best Buy operates with a corporate vision stating, â€Å"People, Technology, and the Pursuit of Happiness. † This vision represents the core values of Best Buy. This company invests in its people, from â€Å"unleashing the power† of their employees, to maintaining a clear focus on relationships with customers, vendors, and shareholders alike. Best Buy also remains focused on capturing the market by providing the newest consumer technology. Best Buy understands the products they sell and the services they provide connect the world. Best Buy additionally, strives toward the pursuit of happiness; this corporation has the unique ability to make its people happy. 2 Best Buy presents a great place to work, and happy workers make customers happy. Correspondingly, Best Buy’s is also influenced by its corporate values that guide the company actions and affect its company image. These values include: 1. ) Have fun while being the best, 2. ) Learn from challenge and change, 3. ) Show respect, humility, and integrity, and 4. ) Unleash the power of their people. 3 Best Buy has business objectives to grow in market share, connect digital solutions, international growth, and to operate as an efficient and effective enterprise. Brief History Best Buy began its operations in 1966, Richard Schulze and Gary Smoliak founded Sound of Music Inc. Originally, this company started as a car audio specialty store, however, in 1971; Schulze bought out Smoliak and began expanding the stores retail to electronics. By the early 1980s, Schulze broadened the product line to include consumer products such as appliances and VCRs to access a wider customer base. 4 After almost 20 years of steady operations, Sound of Music officially adopted the name Best Buy and launched its first superstore in 1983. The super store concept allowed Best Buy to expand rapidly between the years of 1984 and 1987. Additionally, Best Buy became publicly traded in 1985. In that short amount of time Best Buy’s operations went from eight stores to twenty-four and resulted in its sales jumping from $29 million to $240 million. 4 The super-store concept allowed Best Buy to differentiate itself from apart from its competitors. Additionally, during this transition Best Buy took its sales staff off commission, reducing the competitive nature of the sales staff. This combination of super stores and non-aggressive sales staff was crucial to Best Buy’s becoming the second largest consumer electronics retailer in the U. S. by 1993. 4 Best Buy continued to expand aggressively in the following years and found itself in a significant amount of debt in 1995. By 1997, the company’s earnings dropped significantly; ultimately Best Buy realized it had expanded too quickly. After such losses the company initiated a massive makeover, scaled back operations and limited the expansion of new stores. 4 After many successful and steady years of operations Best Buy continued to dominate the consumer electronics market. In 2000, Best Buy launched its website, to compete with online competitors and has been somewhat successful in ecommerce ever since. By 2004 Forbes Magazine named Best Buy Company of the year. 2008 was a critical year for the economy, however Best Buy remained in control of the market and was the leader of consumer electronic sales by March 8, 2009. Best Buy was the biggest player in the consumer electronics industry, however in 2010 the consistent decline in household wealth, rising unemployment rates and unclear economic conditions resulted in low household disposable income. 6 The recession that followed the 2008 market crash caused a slow recovering economy and left individuals with less money to spend on consumer electronics. In December 2010, Best Buy reported a decline in profit, and a decline in its market share. Best Buy insisted these problems resulted because of promotional timing, consumer caution, category weakness, and competition from discounters. In July of 2011 Best Buy was trading at an all time low, and shares continued to fall. The competitive nature of online sales was causing immense pressure on Best Buy’s market share. 5 Best Buy Today 2011 to 2012 was an unfortunate year for Best Buy. Early into 2012 Best Buy’s profit margin was at an all time low -10. 40%. In August of 2012 Best Buy reported a 91% plunge in profit. Best Buy’s earnings fell from $128 million in 2011 to $12 million in late 2012. 7 Best Buy has also had significant changes within their corporate structure from 2011 to 2012. In 2011 Best Buy lost its Chief Executive Office Brian Dunn, a company success story. Dunn rose through the ranks from a store salesman to a top executive in his 28 years with the corporation, however after allegations that it was his leadership that caused Best Buy to loose online market-share from competitors, he left the company. 8 In his absence, Director Mike Mikan was named interim CEO for the remainder of the 2011 year. Additionally, Mr. Schulze, Best Buys biggest shareholder and founder, resigned as chairman in 2012. 9 Since then, Best Buy has slowly flourished once again under superior management. The company has implemented new innovative concepts in its stores, expanded domestically and internationally. In early 2013 Best Buy still had a negative profit margin; -8. 86%, however, as of July Best Buy noticed improvements in overall market share. 5 Thus far into 2013, this global corporation has had revenues of $ 45 million, prior to the upcoming and highly profitable holiday shopping season. Financially, Best Buy has been successful in 2013. According to the Wall Street Journal analysis Steven Russolillo, â€Å"The stock is up 185% this year as the big-box retailer’s turnaround plans have taken shape much faster than Wall Street anticipated. Best Buy is the SP 500? s second-best performer this year. †8 Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY) – NYSE January 2013 – November 2013 This chart, provided by Yahoo Finance shows Best Buy’s substantial growth since 201210 Best Buy’s New Leadership and Goals In August 2012, Best Buy named Hubert Joly as its new chief executive. Mr. Joly, assumed the CEO and president role in early September. He resigned as CEO of hosp itality and restaurant giant Carlson for the Best Buy position. 9 Mr. Joly, initiated the Renew Blue strategy for Best Buy. This initiative addresses the significant changes needed in Best Buy’s operational goals. 9 Hubert Joly, Best Buy president and CEO, commented, â€Å"In November at our investor meeting, we talked about the two problems we had to solve: declining store sales and declining operating margins. Since that time, the resolution of these two problems has become our Renew Blue rallying cry and the organization’s goals and objectives have been prioritized accordingly. While we are clear there is much more work ahead, we have made measurable progress since we unveiled Renew Blue last year, including near flat comparable store sales, substantive cost take outs, and better-than-expected earnings in the past three consecutive quarters† 9. Hubert Joly’s Renew Blue Strategy for Best Buy3 Additionally Joly discussed his Renew Blue Strategy financially, During the second quarter (2012), we continued to make substantial progress on our Renew Blue priorities. This progress included (1) driving a more than 10% increase in Domestic comparable online sales; (2) improving our Net Promoter Score; (3) enriching our retail customer experience through the rollout of our Samsung Experience Shops and Windows Stores; (4) piloting our â€Å"buy online ship from store† initiative in 50 stores; and (5) eliminating an additional $65 million in annualized costs. † Best Buy’s Organizational Structure Best Buy’s organizational structure is designed to maximize efficiencies across a multitude of business units and service areas, support new business initiatives, advance future digital strategies, and enhance business unit performance. Overall, Best Buy has a newly established structure, which most likely attributes to its recent changes in strategy and leadership. Best Buy’s corporate governance is comprised of the Board of Directors and Corporate Officers. 11 Best Buy’s Board of Directors Hatim A. Tyabji Chairman of the Board, Best Buy Co. , Inc. Director Since April 1998 Hatim A. Tyabji has served as a Director since April 1998; as Chairman? of the Audit Committee since June 2002 and as Chairman of? the Board since June 2012. Mr. Tyabji has served on a number of other public and private company boards? in enterprise software, payment processing and wireless technologies. He holds a B. S. and M. S. in Electrical Engineering and a M. B. A. Mr. Tyabji is? a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program and was awarded an? honorary doctorate by the State University of New York. 11 Bradbury H. Anderson Former CEO, Best Buy Co. , Inc. Director Since March 2013 Bradbury H. Anderson rejoined Best Buy’s Board as a director in 2013 after retiring in June 2010. Prior to his retirement in 2010, he served as a director since August 1986 and was also Best Buy’s Vice Chairman. Furthermore, Anderson served as Best Buy’s Chief Executive Officer from June 2002 until June 2009, having previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer since April 1991. Anderson’s longevity with the company gives him substantial knowledge of Best Buy’s unique company culture and offers a valuable perspective as the former CEO of a Fortune 100 company with global operations. 11 Lisa M. Caputo EVP of Marketing Communications, The Travelers Companies, Inc. Former CEO of Citigroup Women Co. Director Since January 2009 Lisa M. Caputo has extensive experience in politics, media, non-profit organizations and global for-profit companies in the entertainment, media and financial services industries. Caputo brings exceptional leadership, marketing, branding, communications, government affairs, community relations and corporate social responsibility understanding to the board. Caputo earned degrees from Brown University, where she also serves on the Advisory Council on Media Relations, and Northwestern University, where she serves on the Medill School Board of Advisers. 11 Russell P. Fradin President CEO, SunGard Director Since April 2013 Russ Fradin brings a wealth of experience to Best Buy. His background in operations, streamlining cost structures, executive compensation and strategic consulting are valuable to Best Buy as it continues the Renew Blue transformation. Mr. Fradin is the President and Chief Executive Officer of SunGard, a leading software and technology services company, serving approximately 25,000 customers in more than 70 countries. Mr. Fradin holds a degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. 11 Kathy J. Higgins Victor Founder President, Centera Corporation Director Since November 1999 Kathy J. Higgins Victor brings forth an extensive knowledge in executive development, human resources, and succession planning to the company. As Chairwoman of the nominating committee, Victor holds a critical role in helping to shape corporate governance for the company while ensuring the board has optimal composition. Most recently, Victor led the efforts to identify and select Best Buy’s new Chief Executive Officer, Hubert Joly. Victor received a degree from the University of Avila in Kansas City, Missouri. 11 Hubert Joly Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy Co. , Inc. Director Since September 2012 Since 2012 Hubert Joly has been the Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors. Hubert was implemented for his track record of successful turnarounds. He is described as a strategic thinker with deep financial expertise. Hubert also has global experience leading large, international employee groups. Over the past 15 years, Joly has developed growth in the media, technology and services sectors. 11 David W. Kenny Chairman CEO, The Weather Company Director Since September 2013 David W. Kenny was appointed as a director on Best Buy’s Board of Directors in September 2013. Kenny has served since January 2012 as the chairman and chief executive officer of The Weather Company, the leading provider of weather forecasts and information. In 1997, Mr. Kenny founded and became the chief executive officer of Digitas, Inc. , a provider of integrated strategy, technology and marketing solutions for internet-based, e-commerce companies. Kenny’s success it attributed to his technology knowledge. 11 Sanjay Khosla Retired EVP President, Kraft International Commercial Director Since October 2008 Sanjay Khosla provides Best Buy with a strong background in multi-national operations and transformational leadership, as well as a deep knowledge of branding and consumer marketing. Mr.

Venezuelas Revolution for Independence from Spain

Venezuelas Revolution for Independence from Spain Venezuela was a leader in Latin Americas Independence movement. Led by visionary radicals such as Simà ³n Bolà ­var and Francisco de Miranda, Venezuela was the first of the South American Republics to formally break away from Spain. The decade or so that followed was extremely bloody, with unspeakable atrocities on both sides and several important battles, but in the end, the patriots prevailed, finally securing Venezuelan independence in 1821. Venezuela Under the Spanish Under the Spanish colonial system, Venezuela was a bit of a backwater. It was part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, ruled by a Viceroy in Bogota (present-day Colombia). The economy was mostly agricultural and a handful of extremely wealthy families had complete control over the region. In the years leading up to independence, the Creoles (those born in Venezuela of European descent) began to resent Spain for high taxes, limited opportunities, and mismanagement of the colony. By 1800, people were talking openly about independence, albeit in secret. 1806: Miranda Invades Venezuela Francisco de Miranda was a Venezuelan soldier who had gone to Europe and had become a General during the French Revolution. A fascinating man, he was friends with Alexander Hamilton and other important international figures and even was the lover of Catherine the Great of Russia for a while. All throughout his many adventures in Europe, he dreamed of freedom for his homeland. In 1806 he was able to scrape together a small mercenary force in the USA and Caribbean and launched an invasion of Venezuela. He held the town of Coro for about two weeks before Spanish forces drove him out. Although the invasion was a fiasco, he had proven to many that independence was not an impossible dream. April 19, 1810: Venezuela Declares Independence By early 1810, Venezuela was ready for independence. Ferdinand VII, the  heir to the Spanish crown, was a prisoner of Napoleon of France, who became the de facto (if indirect) ruler of Spain. Even those Creoles who supported Spain in the New World were appalled. On April 19, 1810, Venezuelan Creole patriots held a meeting in Caracas where they declared a provisional independence: they would rule themselves until such time as the Spanish monarchy was restored. For those who truly wanted independence, such as young Simà ³n Bolà ­var, it was a half-victory, but still better than no victory at all. The First Venezuelan Republic The resulting government became known as the First Venezuelan Republic. Radicals within the government, such as Simà ³n Bolà ­var, Josà © Fà ©lix Ribas, and Francisco de Miranda pushed for unconditional independence and on July 5, 1811, the congress approved it, making Venezuela the first South American nation to formally sever all ties with Spain. Spanish and royalist forces attacked, however, and a devastating earthquake leveled Caracas on March 26, 1812. Between the royalists and the earthquake, the young Republic was doomed. By July of 1812, leaders such as Bolà ­var had gone into exile and Miranda was in the hands of the Spanish. The Admirable Campaign By October of 1812, Bolà ­var was ready to rejoin the fight. He went to Colombia, where he was given a commission as an officer and a small force. He was told to harass the Spanish along the Magdalena River. Before long, Bolà ­var had driven the Spanish out of the region and amassed a large army, Impressed, the civilian leaders in Cartagena gave him permission to liberate western Venezuela. Bolà ­var did so and then promptly marched on Caracas, which he took back in August of 1813, a year after the fall of the first Venezuelan Republic and three months since he had left Colombia. This remarkable military feat is known as the Admirable Campaign for Bolà ­vars great skill in executing it. The  Second Venezuelan Republic Bolivar quickly established an independent government known as the Second Venezuelan Republic. He had outsmarted the Spanish during the Admirable Campaign, but he had not defeated them, and there were still large Spanish and royalist armies in Venezuela. Bolivar and other generals such as Santiago Marià ±o and  Manuel Piar  fought them bravely, but in the  end,  the royalists were too much for them. The most feared royalist force was the Infernal Legion of tough-as-nails plainsmen led by cunning Spaniard Tomas Taita  Boves, who cruelly executed prisoners and pillaged towns that had formerly been held by the patriots. The Second Venezuelan Republic fell in mid-1814 and Bolà ­var once again went into exile. The Years of War, 1814-1819 During the period from 1814 to 1819, Venezuela was devastated by roving  royalist  and patriot armies that fought one another and occasionally amongst themselves. Patriot leaders such as Manuel Piar, Josà © Antonio  Pez,  and Simà ³n Bolivar did not necessarily acknowledge one anothers authority, leading to a lack of a coherent battle plan to  free Venezuela. In 1817, Bolà ­var had  Piar  arrested and executed, putting the other warlords on notice that he would deal with them harshly as well. After that, the others generally accepted Bolà ­vars leadership. Still, the nation was in ruins and there was a military stalemate between the patriots and royalists. Bolà ­var Crosses the Andes and the Battle of Boyaca In early 1819, Bolà ­var was cornered in western Venezuela with his army. He was not powerful enough to knock out the Spanish armies, but they were not strong enough to defeat him, either. He made a daring move: he  crossed the frosty Andes  with his army, losing half of it in the process, and arrived in New Granada (Colombia) in July of 1819. New Granada had been relatively untouched by the war, so Bolà ­var was able to quickly recruit a new army from willing volunteers. He made a speedy march on Bogota, where the Spanish Viceroy hastily sent out a force to delay him. At the  Battle of Boyaca  on August 7, Bolà ­var scored a decisive victory, crushing the Spanish army. He marched unopposed into Bogota, and the volunteers and resources he found there allowed him to recruit and equip a much larger army, and he once again marched on Venezuela. The Battle of Carabobo Alarmed Spanish officers in Venezuela called for a cease-fire, which was agreed to and lasted until April of 1821. Patriot warlords back in Venezuela, such as Marià ±o and Pez, finally smelled victory and began to close in on Caracas. Spanish General Miguel de la Torre combined his armies and met the combined forces of Bolà ­var and Pez at the Battle of Carabobo on June 24, 1821. The resulting patriot victory secured Venezuelas independence, as the Spanish decided they could never pacify and re-take the region. After the Battle of Carabobo With the Spanish finally driven off, Venezuela began putting itself back together. Bolà ­var had formed the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included present-day Venezuela, Colombia,  Ecuador, and Panama. The republic lasted until about  1830  when it fell apart into Colombia,  Venezuela, and Ecuador (Panama was part of Colombia at the time). General Pez was the main leader behind Venezuelas break from Gran Colombia. Today, Venezuela celebrates  two independence days: April 19, when Caracas patriots first declared a provisional independence, and July 5, when they formally severed all ties with Spain. Venezuela celebrates its  independence day  (an official holiday) with parades,  speeches,  and parties. In 1874, Venezuelan President  Antonio Guzmn Blanco  announced his plans to turn the Holy Trinity Church of Caracas into a national Pantheon to house the bones of the most illustrious heroes of Venezuela. The remains of numerous heroes of Independence are housed there, including those of Simà ³n Bolà ­var, Josà © Antonio Pez, Carlos Soublette, and Rafael Urdaneta. Sources Harvey, Robert. Liberators: Latin Americas Struggle for Independence. 1st edition, Harry N. Abrams, September 1, 2000. Herring, Hubert.  A History of Latin America From the Beginnings to the  Present.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962 Lynch, John.  The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826  New York: W. W. Norton Company, 1986. Lynch, John.  Simon Bolivar: A Life. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2006. Santos Molano, Enrique.  Colombia dà ­a a dà ­a: una cronologà ­a de 15,000 aà ±os.  Bogota: Planeta, 2009. Scheina, Robert L.  Latin Americas Wars, Volume 1: The Age of the Caudillo 1791-1899  Washington, D.C.: Brasseys Inc., 2003.

The Mortal God Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Mortal God - Research Paper Example This concept over the years has been employed into interactive human interface games as a creativity perspective. To understand the concept of anthropomorphism in video games, this paper therefore seeks to delve into the portrayal of gods as human figures and look into the reasons for this depiction. It also looks into how gods are given human traits. All these will be with regards to the video game â€Å"God of War 3†. The concept of anthropomorphism is depicted in the video game by a coincidence that most of the gods are named based on human traits and characters (Wade, 56). The controller controls the god of war, Kratos. The naming in this case is reflective of some human naming based on characteristics such as the conqueror, the magnificent, and the merciful among other character based names. The depiction of a god with such a name was directly derived from the human trait of war and retribution. Furthermore, there is the god of the sea, Poseidon. This name is synonymous to the human nature of a sailor. The other god in the game is Hades, also known as the lord of the underworld and ruler over the dead. He is also the god of wealth due to the precious metals mined from earth. In this case, he is named after the common human trait of resourceful people. The game also depicts a goddess known as Hestia, the goddess of virginity. This name is also based on a completely human condition of virginity. Hera is the goddess that protects marriages and takes special interest in women. A custodian of marriage is basically a human approach accomplished either in law or intrinsically held within human nature. Next is the Goddess of the city, handicraft and agriculture. The craft from which she draws her name are completely human activities. Another god in the game is Apollo, the god of music. Music is another primarily human activity. The game also focuses on the god of the sun of