Analysis of Rites of Passage Essay Example

Analysis of Rites of Passage Essay Example Analysis of Rites of Passage Paper Analysis of Rites of Passage Paper Rites of Passage by Sharon Olds It would be impossible to go through life without attending at least a single childrens party. In these special occasions one scarcely remembers the details, just the assessment at the end of the day whether the food was good or if it was fun. But for poet and writer extraordinaire, Sharon Olds, she did not only remember the minutest detail – for instance the shape and design of the dark chocolate cake – but also the intricacies of schoolboy behavior. While everyone was distracted with the bewildering whirl of childhood activity, the poet discovered that there is more than meets the eye. In the opening part, the first two verses introduced the poem without fanfare. The author simply stated that she was hosting a party for her son. The visitors came and went straight to the living room. There was no additional information with regards to the demographics of the incoming guests. It is fair to assume therefore based on what was given that majority were boys, all first-graders and their age range, between six and seven. Before going any further it is interesting to note the amazing display of skills; the author was able to describe the setting and the major characters involved using only a few words. It is only in poetry, where the suggestion to read between the lines should be followed at all times. Heeding the aforementioned advice one can see how Olds skillfully chose words to create a double entendre. The first example of this technique can be seen as early as the third line of the poem when she when she used the term â€Å"short men† to describe her son’s guests. The intended effect was to make the reader to see the outward appearance first. They were short and since they were of normal height then they must be children. But immediately afterwards the author offered another description, they were men. The adults inside the house could only see boys but the author saw something else. She saw a glimpse of their future. She realized that even at such a young age the boys are already showing off an inner fire, a competitive spirit that would later on help them in their life’s quest or bring them to ruin. After an uneventful introduction, the atmosphere began to get tense. The other adults inside the house were oblivious to the ensuing power play between little men. They were jockeying for place, jostling to occupy a prime spot inside the house – near the toys or the TV set. Others saw children playing but Olds was certain that they were role playing practicing for the day when they will be asked to play the adult version characterized by an executive initiating a hostile takeover of a rival company, a general barking orders or a banker evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a proposed deal. The children’s version of a power play does not require money or complicated paperwork but the effect is as intense. One kid tried to appraise the pros and cons of challenging a playmate and demanded to know his age. The one being interviewed answered six and hoping to intimidate the boy in front of him, the interviewer confidently declared, â€Å"I’m seven. † Sensing that the older fellow is ready to go for the kill the younger boy curtly retorted, â€Å"So? † It was a verbal slugfest and at the same time, demonstrating their ability to initiate psychological warfare. Since they were still young and not yet fully matured they could not continue to act like adults and continue to pretend that everything is all right. One of the â€Å"short men† had to express what he felt, he had to release the pressure building up inside him and approaching one boy he said, â€Å"I could beat you up. † One can almost be sure that no is going to back down from such a challenge. After a while a new game is in progress. The author’s son mindful of his role as the host was up to the challenge of leading his men. But before going into the middle of the action, Olds had to first highlight the frailty of his son and yet with such small frame he declared, â€Å"We could easily kill a two-year old. † Nothing to fear it was only a game but Olds knew there is something more than that. Underneath the facade these â€Å"short men† are showing everyone what they are made of. But no one noticed this plea for attention everyone thought that they were simply acting out as boys. Conclusion In one Al Pachino movie where he played the role of a CIA counter-intelligence expert, he uttered a memorable line that goes something like this, â€Å"I am a scary judge of character. † No one knows if Al Pachino in real life can substantiate his character’s boast but one can be sure that Sharon Olds is one scary judge of character. She seems to know more about human nature than the average person. In a crowded house where children are playing she saw the meaning behind their actions. It has been said that for a child it is not simply a game. Their actions in a party, in the playground and in the classroom are done with purpose. They may not be fully aware of the extent of their actions but they are preparing for something. In fact by observing how children play one can tell if this one is a future leader or if this one will grow up to be an expert negotiator. When Olds used her power of observation she did not see mere children, she saw future bankers and generals.

Hotel Cavendish Company Analysis

Hotel Cavendish Company Analysis Hotel Cavendish is located in the dynamic center of Bloomsbury in UK. A PESTEL examination is an essential tool which helps in analyzing the political, economic, social, technical, environmental and legislative pressures which may affect an institution (Institute of leadership and management 2007, p. 23). These external pressures that have an effect on Hotel Cavendish ought to be vigilantly taken into account by the hotel administration.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Hotel Cavendish Company Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The hotel’s strategic fundamental position in the capital makes it susceptible to PESTEL pressures. This is evident in the existence of new rules in the city that need acquiescence. Demographic changes may lead to the diminution of market size and a fresh technology may be introduced (Institute of leadership and management 2007, p. 23). This requires new advertising and end user approval alternatives that need clear exemplification. In a social context, London has an assortment of religion and cultures. Hundreds of languages are spoken in its environs and the employment of more trained staff that is multi-lingual is necessary for the 4-star hotel. Around 2 million visitors from all over the globe visit the center every month either for business purposes or leisurely as tourists. Demographic trends evident in the changes in the populace age, composition along with the entry of new cultures and race in the area make it appropriate for the hotel to identify its potential clients. The capital is an economic center and countless intercontinental businesses are carried out here. Large business moguls arrive in the city of London to transact huge business deals. There ought to be additional options of spacious conference rooms for delegates, aside from the present ones which host 2-80 people (Cavendish hotel, 2010). The hotel administration should endeavor to sust ain regular businessmen who may want urgent accommodation in the hotel or referred to alternative areas. Even though it is required to reserve in advance, there can be exceptional reservations for a number of regulars. There are hundreds of overseas banks and offices for thousands of companies in London, and the employees and officials may need making urgent reservations. The effect of recession and change in stock exchange market fluctuations must be strictly monitored. Trends in economic indicators like the cost of raw materials and the level of income of its clients are essential information in knowing the visiting trends of clients.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Environmental issues from time to time control the social decisions and purchasing options that clients make in the selection of new services being offered in the hotel. Use of solar technology to pr oduce energy and having breezy areas of shady plants are a benefit in selection of whether one will make reservations for the hotel or select a different option. Out-of-doors landscaping with appropriate foliage at the lounge and entrance can take account of areas for dining. The hotel is a non-smoking zone. This course of action will successfully draw more non-smokers (Cavendish hotel, 2010). Those who smoke have to use alternative hotels, hence loss of clients. An effective way of pleasing both is by having rooms in a section for smokers. Some delegates may either be smokers or non-smokers and may desire to be accommodated in the same place. It is not forgotten that technology is intensifying at an extraordinarily rapid pace. Sources of power and information systems are undergoing modification thus the need for the hotel to be very adaptive to these changes. Available options for publicity should be employed in an aggressive edge (Institute of leadership and management 2007, p. 23 ). The government on numerous occasions initiates changes in bylaws and rules which may stabilize or weaken the hotels functionality. Such changes are directly related to politics consequently affecting the number of visitors into the country and the hotel. The operations in Cavendish hotel is affected by different forms of pressure that are best illustrated by the Pestle criterion. It is imperative to acknowledge that the success of the venture is wholly reliant on the manner in which it manipulates the environment as portrayed by the political, economic, social, technical, environmental and legislative concepts (Institute of leadership and management 2007, p. 23) Reference List Cavendish hotel, 2010, Hotel Cavendish, 12th may 2010, www.hotelcavendish.com Institute of leadership and management, 2007, marketing for managers, Massachusetts, Elsevier. Pp. 23Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Hotel Cavendish Company Analysis specifically for you for only $16 .05 $11/page Learn More

HIV and AIDS in Thailand Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

HIV and AIDS in Thailand - Research Paper Example However, the malady remains restricted majorly among the risk groups, that is, commercial sex workers, men who have sex with fellow men, and the intravenous drug users. Recently, data collected from Africa proved that AIDS is a bidirectional disease whose major mode of transmission is through sex. This paper gives an analysis of AIDS pandemic in Thailand. Causes of HIV and AIDS HIV and AIDS incidences have been increasing marginally in the Thailand nation. This terrible increase is attributed to the drivers of AIDS spread (Clark 4). Marginalized groups like the sex workers, men who have sex with men and the injecting drug users are the high-risk groups in Thailand. Sex workers, just like the other marginalized groups, have played a big role in the spread of HIV and AIDS. Though the issue of sex workers as drivers of AIDS spread has raised many debates, the fact remains that paid sex is the excellent driving mode of AIDS pandemic. The factor that has led the rampant spread of AIDS amo ng the sex workers is their common misuse of drugs and the sharing of the needles (McNeil A6). This overlaps two major factors making the disease a common phenomenon among them. Most teenagers in Thailand have ignored the prevention campaigns carried by the country’s government and, instead, are engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors. More than eighty-five per cent of the youth do not consider the damage of HIV, even though more than seventy per cent of STI cases are within the youthful age brackets. Premarital sex among the youth has become a common phenomenon in the country. Only twenty percent of the youth who engage in sex activity use condom during the act (Feimuth, Noar and Edgar 293). Sex workers are criminalized population, so they play the game in secret, thus, it is very hard to track or monitor them. Another driver group of HIV prevalence is the drug users. In the first few years of Thailand’s epidemic, HIV was common among the users of heroine, opium and cocai ne who injected the drugs into their bodies with syringes and shared them with friends. The government has not made a great deal of success in reducing HIV infections among the drug users (Finkel 258). In spite of their efforts to crackdown drug trafficking in the country, the activity has roots underground, making the prevention campaign difficult, if not impossible, for this group. The prime minister of the country held a conference against drug abuse where he addressed the drug issue. Another major risk group in cause of AIDS in Thailand is represented by men who have sex with fellow men. In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the prevalence if AIDS among the gays rose by twenty-eight per cent, in a span of two years, that is, between 2003 and 2005. Currently, AIDS prevalence among the gays in Thailand is the highest in major towns (Eur 19). Comparably, men who have sex with fellow men have the highest prevalence to contract AIDS to the general population. The country has formed ga y associations which educate the victims and rehabilitate them, if need be. Users as patients are not criminals, as suggested (Poundstone et al 23).The organizations have established local community centers for men who have sex with fellow men across the country where they can meet and socialize. Thailand has a high number of migrant workers (bridging population) who have provided the greater share of work force in the country. The major challenge faced by this group of people is the language barrier and fear of arrest and