Measurement, Irony and the Grotesque in Gullivers Travels :: Gullivers Travels Essays

Measurement, Irony and the Grotesque in Gulliver's Travels  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Postmodernity is obsessed with the Eighteenth Century. As an example of how our nostalgia for that period manifests itself, Hans Kellner has pointed out that a genre of novels and films set in Eighteenth century has exploded in popularity: Lempriere's Dictionary, Perfume, "The Madness of King George III." We could also point to the ongoing revision of scholarship on the period, of which GEMCS itself is an example. In considering what generates this contemporary fascination I have given some thought to the aesthetic and political issues surrounding the beginnings, and perhaps also the end, of the bourgeois social sphere. A conviction, argued most aggressively by Jean Baudrillard, is beginning to take hold, in and out of the academy, that this sphere, after an almost totalizing expansion, is now in decline. The panic over the loss of the social, whether supportable or not, offers a possible explanation for the contemporary nostalgia for the period in which Swift wrote Gulliver's Travels. In this age of dissolution, what do we see when we look back at the age of our creation? One thing we observe is the development of a peculiar kind of irony which we can't help but distinguish from our experience of this trope in the age of its dominance. The satirical effect of the irony in Gulliver's Travels read by the Postmodern will be precisely what it was not at the time of its production. The historical distance between Eighteenth Century and Contemporary readers can be understood by way of Hayden White's use of the master tropes in "Foucault Decoded." White assigns one of the master tropes to each of the four archeological periods described by Foucault in The Order of Things. In White's system, Foucault's Renaissance was metaphorical, locating truth in similarity. Swift wrote in what Foucault considered the Classical Period, which, for White, had metonymy as its overriding mode of reason, because a new transparency of representation made it possible to organize knowledge by a standard and represent it symbolically on a table. The Modern period was characterized by synecdoche, in that the subject of knowledge, Man, was now included in the study of the world, in a part-whole relationship. Finally, the Contemporary or Postmodern mode is ironic, characterized by a questioning of the foundations of knowledge and a Dionysian disappearance of the subject of that knowledge.

Compensation Strategy Essay

1) Briefly describe the company you researched, its compensation strategy, best practices they are applying, and compensation-related challenges they are facing. Marriott International, Inc.-formed in 1993 when Marriott Corporation split into two separate companies-is the world’s leading lodging and contract services company. Marriott International has two operating groups: Marriott Lodging, which generates about 60 percent of company revenue, and the Marriott Service Group, its contract services operation. Marriott Lodging manages or franchises more than 1,350 lodging properties under 10 hotel brands worldwide. It also operates more than 30 timeshare vacation properties through Marriott Vacation Club International, and 25 U.S. conference centers through Marriott Conference Centers. The Marriott Service Group includes Marriott Management Services, which provides food and facilities management for business, education, and health care clients; Marriott Senior Living Services, wh ich manages 75 senior living communities; and Marriott Distribution Services, which operates 15 distribution centers nationwide that provide food and related products to internal Marriott and external clients. Marriottinternational.com Compensation strategies Culture and Global Diversity and Inclusion Marriott founder, J. Willard Marriott coached managers to â€Å"take care of your employees and they’ll take care of guests.† It’s this philosophy that is the cornerstone of our culture and the foundation of our success. We are committed to providing an environment where employees have the opportunity to achieve their potential, are highly engaged and are empowered to deliver great guest service. We are proud that our inclusive culture is the main ingredient that sets us apart from other companies. We know that when our employees feel valued and respected, they’ll help make our guests feel that way too. At Marriott, everything they do is built on their culture of â€Å"people first.† From investing in their employees’ health and well being, to rewards for hard work and recognition for length and talent in service, Marriott is proud to reward and recognize their employees for the work they do everyday. In addition to competitive benefit packages (which may vary by country according to employment laws and practices) Marriott employees enjoy: Valuable room rate, food and beverage, and retail discounts at global  Marriott locations Well-known training and learning opportunities and educational assistance to ensure you’re equipped to do your job and prepared for the next step in your career Employees for the work they do everyday. In addition to competitive benefit packages (which may vary by country according to employment laws and practices) Marriott employees enjoy: Valuable room rate, food and beverage, and retail discounts at global Marriott locations Well-known training and learning opportunities and educational assistance to ensure you’re equipped to do your job and prepared for the next step in your career Workplace Recognition At Marriott they recognize their employees for their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and their passion for our business, including recognition of: Non-management employees who demonstrate outstanding commitment to our guests, and recognition of managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership each quarter. Employees for their contributions to the success of their location as well as demonstrating commitment to their local communities. Years of service, at 5 year intervals. Employees with 25 years of service with free weekend stays at Marriott properties around the world. Best practices and related challenges As one of the world’s largest hotel brands, Marriott International employs approximately 110,000 associates in its 700 managed U.S. hotels. With a large staff and significant safety challenges, Marriott has developed a sophisticated and innovative workers’ compensation program, recognized by the 2007 Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation Award committee as one of the best programs in the country. The objectives of Marriott’s workers’ compensation program are simple: promptly respond to workplace injuries with quality medical care and return associates to work as quickly and safely as possible—all while controlling costs. The program has an impressive track record of success—over the past five years, its claims frequency has dropped by 15 percent, and claims costs also decreased by 15 percent. 2) Analyze how your company applies compensation practice to determine the positive or negative impact to the company and its stakeholders. The Compensation Policy Committee (the â€Å"Committee†), which is composed solely of independent members  of the Board, assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to executive compensation. The Committee is responsible for overseeing compensation programs that enable the Company to attract, retain and motivate executives capable of establishing and implementing business plans in the best interests of the shareholders. The Committee, on behalf of and in certain instances subject to the approval of the Board, reviews and approves compensation programs for certain senior officer positions. In this context, the Committee reviewed and discussed with management the Company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of SEC Regulation S-K. Following the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and this proxy statement. The Committee reviews individual base salaries for the NEOs each February for the current fiscal year. As a part of this review, the Committee considers whether base salary levels are commensurate with the executives’ responsibilities and the external market. For 2011, management recommended a 3.5% salary increase for each of the NEOs, except for Mr. Berquist for whom management recommended a salary increase of 5.0% based on a review of market data. The increases, as shown in the table below, were consistent with the increase for all eligible management associates and with salary increases in the marketplace. The Compensation Consultant reviewed and supported the recommendation, which was approved by the Committee and, with respect to Messrs. Marriott and Sorenson, by the Board. To promote growth and profitability, the Company maintains two annual cash bonus plans: the Marriott International, Inc. Executive Officer Incentive Plan (â€Å"Incentive Plan†), which focuses on a diluted EPS objective, and the Marriott International, Inc. Executive Officer Individual Performance Plan (â€Å"Individual Plan†), which targets several other financial, operational and human capital objectives for the year. Together, the plans are designed to provide executives with appropriate compensation incentives to achieve identified annual corporate and individual performance objectives. At its February 2011 meeting, the Committee approved the specific performance objectives under each bonus plan for 2011. In February 2012, after the release of the 2011 fiscal year audited financial results, the Committee reviewed each NEO’s performance The Incentive Plan rewards executives for  the Company’s achievement of pre-established Company financial objectives . The Incentive Plan payout represents 60% of the total annual bonus opportunity under the combined Incentive Plan and Individual Plan for all named executives other than Mr. Capuano, for whom it represents 10%. For Mr. Capuano, the largest relative component of his annual bonus opportunity is room growth, consistent with his primary area of responsibility. In 2011, the Incentive Plan focused entirely on diluted EPS performance. The Company places a heavy emphasis on diluted EPS as a performance measure because diluted EPS is an important indicator of Company profitability and aligns the interests of management with those of shareholders. For the purpose of the Incentive Plan, the Company uses diluted EPS as reported under U.S. GAAP, as may be modified during the target-setting process for items that are not expected to have a direct impact on the business going forward. Although no such adjustments were made during the target-setting process for 2011, in February 2012 the Committee adjusted the diluted EPS target and diluted EPS results to reflect the spin-off of the Company’s timeshare business as described below. www.files.shareholders.com 3) Examine the ways in which laws, labor u nions, and market factors impact the company’s compensation practices. Provide specific examples to support your response. There are six main forces in any company’s Macro-environment. Political Political factors can affect the company’s macro-economy. As it did when there was a blast in Islamabad in 2008, which had a negative effect on the business of the company. People get scared and loyalty guests of Marriott were lost to some extent. Economic Keeping in mind the competition by major hotels like Hilton the Marriott has an extensive growth plan with many projects pipelined in 2011 in many countries like India, Vietnam, China, etc. Socio-cultural Marriott contributes towards American Red Cross societies by driving towards the blood donation rides by the employees contributing towards disaster relief and it contributes towards the Red Cross relief fund annually. The company supports Children Miracle Network’s since 1983 and was the first to support. Marriott Vienna started supporting the SOS children groups in 2004. Marriott got many rewards  ³America most admired company award. ´- (fortune magazine 2000-2007) 250 properties of Marriott hotels have  ³ENERGY STAR ´ label Technological Marriott have developed a lot since 1998. Earlier reservations were just done by calling on particular numbers or by travel agents, tour operators. Currently they have centralized reservation system where you can book the hotels from anywhere in the world. They have accurate room rates on their website. Environmental factors Marriott international is very environmental friendly brand. Most of the amenities used are eco-friendly and have water recycling plan 4) Evaluate the effectiveness of traditional bases for pay at the company you researched. Key Objectives for an Effective Pay System †¢ It should encourage people to develop the kind of skills that will make them more productive, will enhance their self-esteem/self-worth, and will help the organization become more effective. †¢ The pay system needs to attract and retain the right kind of individuals for the organization. †¢ It should reinforce the kind of behaviors the organization needs in order to be effective. †¢ It must motivate performance †¢ It should impact the culture of the organization in a positive way. Some specifics could include: – Have at worst a neutral impact on labor management cooperation – Contribute to teamwork or at least not get in the way of teamwork – Support the idea of life long learning as appropriate †¢ It should have some cost dimensions that are favorable for the organization such as being competitive in the marketplace. Center for competitive management

Drugs State Control Essay

A drug is any substance that alters the normal biological functions of the body. Production of Illegal drugs is normally prohibited and their use is strictly controlled because they can lead to addiction or habituation. Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana can be extremely dangerous if wrongly used and beneficial if put into correct use. The issue of drug use and misuse has posed a serious real problem. Prohibition of drug use has been at the center of discussion in various countries across the globe. Since this drugs are now on the hands of the nastiest criminals all over the world, control and regulations are necessary. The only remedy to this menace is full legalization accompanied by appropriate controls. I fully support the motion that drugs should be legalized since prohibition will deny the authorities the chance to educate the children on proper use of the drugs (Gargaro). The ongoing debate on legalization of drugs is asking the government whether it will he lp in solving drug problems appropriately. If I were asked a similar question, I would say yes. This is because the current prohibitions on drugs are just mopping up the problem and not providing real solutions. Legalization and taxations are the only ways through which real solutions can be achieved. Just think of this situation; at least every year in Britain, criminals control billions of pounds in the drug industry instead of the government and traders through the black market. This kind of business has encouraged global terrorism, illegal munitions trade, control on prostitution, and sexual slavery. Almost half of all the criminal offenses committed in the country are drug related. Couldn’t reducing these crimes free our legal services and prisons at least for a moment? Unnecessary prohibitions on drug use has led our children into committing drug related crimes, and this has denied them the much needed advice on drugs, besides undermining our respect for the law. The government should therefore take the obvious step, put all the drugs state control, and impose legislation and taxes on their sale. This will relieve our country the burden of staggering under unnecessary prohibitions (Gray). Prohibitions on drug and substance abuse such as alcohol have been in place since the 1920s in the US and other developed countries. It has made people believe that taking it is a criminal activity, which can land someone in jail. The ill effects of the drugs and alcohol are so adverse such that no sane person could like to be associated with them by using the drug. So many people are convinced that these effects are harmful, and have successfully restrained from the habit. It is good to establish such a law in the society, and most government has effectively controlled drug abuse since time immemorial through prohibitions. For example, the alcohol prohibition act of the 1920s proved effective because cases of alcohol consumption greatly dropped even though it did not succeed in eliminating the alcohol. The rate of crime and drunkenness dropped and taxes were reduced by putting the offenders in jail. Minor crimes such as vagrancy, public indecency, and disorderliness have been successfully eliminated use to these prohibitions. This is enough prove that this method really works (C.S). Prohibition of drug use in countries such as the United States, Britain, and other parts of the larger Europe has proved to be futile and the war on drugs in these societies has caused multiple harms to the users. Since prohibition is aimed at increasing price and penalty of a serious drug habit, it makes it unaffordable for most individuals. Penalizing the use of the drugs drives the law-abiding individuals into the criminal market economy. Criminalizing users and prohibitions exposes them to health risks that could have otherwise been avoided. In addition, it doesn’t make sense to criminalize some drugs while providing a free market to others. This distracts attention from legal to those that a re harmful but legal, such as alcohol. The prohibition on drugs has never and will never work. This attempt of trying to deny people their right of doing what they want with their bodies is doomed to fail as long as the person using the drug does not harm his or her neighbor. The current method that has long been used to fight the drug war is very expensive and has not yielded any meaningful results. It is a simplistic solution that has all along failed to recognize the complexity surrounding the problem. It has also been oblivious of the dangers a drug has on the individual. Full scale legalization of the drug act will enable the state to educate the public on risks associated with drug use, and how such problems can be taken care of. While there is a possibility that the act of legalization of drugs will attract more users, their lives will be much healthier and safer. Let us not get speculative here, since we are aware of people who used to take drugs but still leading healthy lives. For instance Barrack Obama to have taken Cocaine (Hope). The common myth surrounding the whole idea of legalizing drugs is that it will make people law abiding citizens, and enable the government to tax the industry. However, I am not sure whether the cartels will be naà ¯ve enough to allow the government takes over such a lucrative business. If the cigarette market has been able to evade the government’s taxing system, what about this industry that has an elaborate network of producers and illegal suppliers in the market? Legalizing and taxing drugs as some argue is not a solution to the drug menace in the world today. The reason is that the black market will be given an easy path to groove is because the act will be made socially acceptable. It will be much easier to take these substances to the market under the legalization act as opposed to government regulated outlets. This would also increase funding for the crime because the drugs will be easily accessed by users who can in turn lure non-users since there are no laws prohibiting the act. What are the results? The drugs will circulate in the society, destroy more lives, tear families, and cause people to be violent. Even if the current war on drugs is not effective, legalizing drugs is much worse and should not be passed into law (James). Conclusion The war on drug has brought more harm than good, and the policy on drug use has failed to protect the people it is intended to. In Mexico alone, the war on drug policy has claimed close to 14,000 lives since 2006. This figure does not however include those people who have been traumatized, maimed or displaced. Prohibitions on drug use have resulted in wars between the authority and the users in most cities across the world, and this battle seems not to be coming to an end any time soon. The war on drug should therefore, be stopped and pave way for the government to impose control measures and legalize the whole business. I support this motion because I believe that the outcomes of such a move would be beneficial, both for the state itself and in the fight against global drugs crime.

Free Essays on F.D.

, â€Å"He then told her to cross her hands; he tied them with a strong rope, and led her to a stool under a large hook in the joist, put in for the purpose. He made her get upon the stool, and tied her hands to he hook.† He remembered the cries of his Aunt for mercy. â€Å"I remember the first time I ever witnessed this horrible exhibition. I was quite a child, but I well remember it. I never shall forget it whilst I remember anything.† Douglass’s long termed memory can be considered as both a gift and a curse; for to remember such acts must be disturbing and yet to remember also never lets one forget. Douglass had witnessed some unthinkable acts of cruelty, during his life span but managed to use these negativities in a positive way. He uses these memories of his past, of truth, as motivation to become a free man, to escape the making of future dehumanizing memories. He believes in truth, that the truth will set him free from this pain; it will speak for itself. It was a combination of his personal traits: observation, faith in truth, perseverance, self-education and brawn that brought him to seek, attempt, and eventually succeed in finding freedom. His momentum for freedom came from internal instinct. These traits and his exposure to both human and inhuman environments inspired him to resist the dehumanizing character of slavery. His self-sophistication and success as a pre-eminent crusader against slavery, as a speaker and a writer is amazing to me.... Free Essays on F.D. Free Essays on F.D. In Frederick Douglass’s words, â€Å"He then told her to cross her hands; he tied them with a strong rope, and led her to a stool under a large hook in the joist, put in for the purpose. He made her get upon the stool, and tied her hands to he hook.† He remembered the cries of his Aunt for mercy. â€Å"I remember the first time I ever witnessed this horrible exhibition. I was quite a child, but I well remember it. I never shall forget it whilst I remember anything.† Douglass’s long termed memory can be considered as both a gift and a curse; for to remember such acts must be disturbing and yet to remember also never lets one forget. Douglass had witnessed some unthinkable acts of cruelty, during his life span but managed to use these negativities in a positive way. He uses these memories of his past, of truth, as motivation to become a free man, to escape the making of future dehumanizing memories. He believes in truth, that the truth will set him free from this pain; it will speak for itself. It was a combination of his personal traits: observation, faith in truth, perseverance, self-education and brawn that brought him to seek, attempt, and eventually succeed in finding freedom. His momentum for freedom came from internal instinct. These traits and his exposure to both human and inhuman environments inspired him to resist the dehumanizing character of slavery. His self-sophistication and success as a pre-eminent crusader against slavery, as a speaker and a writer is amazing to me....

Paper industry. Stora Enso Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Paper industry. Stora Enso - Essay Example Paper industry. Stora Enso Stora Enso has already become the leader in the market of paper and paperboards. It already has large pool of steadfast and existing customers; however it is important to maintain its position by conducting effective R& D process. Currently, Stora Enso is trying to improve its position by conducting the research in such areas as multi-color printing, new printing techniques as well as fiber-based packaging. Successful research in these areas might lead to the improvement in the quality of products and services that the company provides and assure that it will retain its leadership position in the market. Product development. As R&D is one of greatest priorities in Stora Enso, it is capable to market new products to existing customers. Recently, the company has developed new product- packages with radio frequency indicators, which the company sells to various pharmacies in Estonia and Finland. If the current trial of the sale process is completed successfully (as in today’s technological highly sophisticated era, there is no guarantee that the electronic forms of protection of goods and services can not be fortified), it will reduce the number of fortified drugs sold in Northern European market, and even in the world as well. Market development. The demand on the paper and packaging products has been growing steadfastly during the last several years. High prices on the paper in the USA are ones of the indicators of the growth in the demand on the paper and packaging products, another is growing demand in China. ... Market development. The demand on the paper and packaging products has been growing steadfastly during the last several years. High prices on the paper in the USA are ones of the indicators of the growth in the demand on the paper and packaging products, another is growing demand in China. Most of analytics almost universally agree that the demand will continue to grow in the next several years, and there are grounds to assume that manufactures in China will produce much less paper than current demand of the Chinese economy requires. According to the information of Datamonitor, China exhibited the growth of 9% in the demand on paper in 2005 compared with the same period in 2004.4 Stora Enso continues its aggressive expansion in the Chinese market. It recently has signed the contract with another paper company of China, in the southern province of Guangxi. According to the agreement mentioned the company will be able to acquire the rights on 600 ha of forests in the province, moreover the company is poised to establish 120000 ha of plantation to satisfy the demand on paper products in the province. 5 India is another potential market for the products of Stora Enso. Indian economy has been growing rapidly during the last several years as well; demand on the paper and the packaging products has been growing in this country and according to the predictions of several specialists this country will be another important player in the market of paper industry. Diversification. This is the part of Ansoff's matrix where new possibilities for the marketing of new products and services should be studied. As one knows from the theory of marketing there are two types of diversification: related and

Carpe Diem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Carpe Diem - Essay Example He uses rosebuds as a metaphor for youth and beauty, and unlike the other two poets, does not seem to be talking to one particular lady love, but seems to be directing the advice of 'seize the day' to all in possession of the short-lived splendors of youth and beauty. The stress is less on seduction, and more on the need to celebrate youth and make the most of it, while there is still time. On the other hand, both Andrew Marvell, in To His Coy Mistress, and Richard Wilbur, in A Late Aubade are clearly using their talents to persuade their lady loves to succumb to their baser desires. Marvell's poem starts off by leisurely, languidly enumerating all the romantic things he would do, "Had we but world enough, and time". Then he picks up speed and urgency, as he goes on to say that there is no time to waste since "Time's winged chariot (is) hurrying near". Reason enough not to dally, but to get on with life and love. As he puts it, "Now let us sport us while we may," before "your quaint honor turn to dust,/ And into ashes all my lust." The incredible beauty of his poem barely conceals his agenda, which is very clear and focused - seduction. Richard Wilbur, a contemporary poet, has a completely different approach. Having already spent time with his lady love, he is partially satiated, and seeks to seduce her into staying longer.

Compassion fatigue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Compassion fatigue - Essay Example The condition can affect an individual at a personal level and professionally as noted by Figley (1995). The effects of the condition include reduced productivity, reduced ability to focus, self doubt and feelings of incompetence. Other signs of the disorder include isolation, substance abuse and bottled up emotions. Caregivers need to realise that just one story that overwhelms their ability to sensualise an event can lead to compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is mainly caused when caregivers witness marks of trauma in other people’s lives to an extent that they get overwhelmed (Van & Rothenberg, 2009). Some of the common causes of the disorder include working with suicidal ideation, hearing stories of child abuse, dealing with people suffering from terminal illnesses, providing care to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one , and providing care to rape survivors, just to mention a few. For caregivers to provide high quality services without succumbing to compassion fatigue, they should take care of their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. They should be in good physical health so as to be able to overcome the physical pressures that are exerted on them in the course of work. Emotionally, nurses get affected as they handle different cases, some of which are traumatic. The nurses need to find a way of easing the emotional stresses that they experience taking measures to ensure that these do not build up gradually or progressively. Yet again, nurses need to get in touch with their spiritual selves so as to have an assurance of being under the protection of a superior being. In as much as compassion fatigue can cause a lot of suffering and pain, caregivers can overcome its effects by learning its symptoms and taking appropriate actions to avoid or overcome the disorder in case it takes root