Terrorism Essays (2398 words) - Organized Crime, Terrorism, Abuse

Terrorism Summary 1Terrorism, use of violence, or the threat of violence, to create a climate of fear in a given population. Terrorist violence targets ethnic or religious groups, governments, political parties, corporations, and media enterprises. Organizations that engage in acts of terror are almost always small in size and limited in resources compared to the populations and institutions they oppose. Through publicity and fear generated by their violence, they seek to magnify their influence and power to effect political change on either a local or an international scale. 2In their struggle to bring an end to British rule over Palestine and to reclaim it for the Jewish people, radical Jewish groups such as the Stern Gang and the Irgun resorted to terrorist acts in the late 1940s. The most notorious of these attacks was the bombing of British government offices at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1946, which killed more than 100 people. Acts of terrorism by Israel's Arab adversaries accelerated in the 1960s, especially following the Six-Day War in 1967, which led to the Israeli occupation of territory populated by Palestinians. A succession of terrorist groups such as Fatah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, loosely organized under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), conducted commando and terrorist operations both within Israel and in other countries. In 1972 a Palestinian splinter group called Black September took hostage and then killed 11 Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. Alth ough the PLO renounced terrorism in 1988, radical Palestinian groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad have continued to wage a campaign of terror against Israel and its allies. In 1996 a series of suicide bomb attacks in Israel by supporters of Hamas killed more than 60 Israelis and imperiled the fragile peace between Israel and the PLO. Hostility to the support of the United States for Israel led to numerous acts of terrorism against American citizens by Palestinian radicals or their sympathizers. In 1983 attacks by Shiite Moslem suicide bombers on the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, and on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut killed nearly 300 people, most of whom were Americans. In 1988 a bomb destroyed Pan American Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board, including 189 United States citizens. In 1991 the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency charged two Libyan terrorists with the crime. In 1996 a truck bomb exploded outside an apartment building housing U.S. military personnel in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, killing 19 American servicemen. 3One of the most spectacular terrorist episodes in U.S. history was the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City in 1993 by Islamic radicals. This incident aroused anxiety about the threat posed by foreign residents from nations hostile to the United States. Six people died in the blast, which caused an estimated $600 million in property and other economic damage. Trials that followed convicted six people of carrying out the attack. 4 In addition to concerns about foreign-sponsored terrorism, the United States has an ample history of domestic terrorism. Early in the 20th century, labor leaders such as William Dudley (Big Bill) Haywood openly espoused a philosophy of revolutionary violence and a commitment to the destruction of government power. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, during the latter stages of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, left-wing groups such as the Weather Underground bombed buildings on university campuses throughout the country and at corporation headquarters and government buildings in New York City. Between 1978 and 1995, an anarchist and terrorist known as the Unabomber planted or mailed homemade bombs that killed 3 people and wounded 23 others in 16 separate incidents throughout the United States. The Unabomber, who claimed an allegiance with radical environmentalists and others opposed to the effects of industrialization and technology, targeted university professors, corporate executives, and computer merchants. In April 1996 federal agents arrested Theodore Kaczynski, a suspect they thought to be the Unabomber. Kaczynski, a Harvard-educated former math professor who became a recluse, pled guilty to 13 federal charges in 1998 in exchange for agreement that prosecutors would not seek the death penalty during sentencing. The court sentenced Kaczynski to four life

Colonialism and Darkness Essay

Colonialism and Darkness Essay Colonialism and Darkness Essay CONRAD Heart of Darkness; KIPLING Beyond the Pale (Plain Tales from the Hills) Writing in the latter part of the nineteenth century, Heart of Darkness and Beyond the Pale (Plain Tales from the Hills) were published in Blackwood’s Magazine for an implicitly colonial and masculine readership.1 Both writers draw upon autobiographical experience, with Conrad employing his 1889 experience as a sailor in the Belgian Congo, and Kipling his six year childhood and adult return to British India. The two writers demonstrate distinct philosophies and styles, and the extent to which this is manifest shall be the centre of this essay’s debate. While RASKIN contends a fundamental dissimilarity between the two2, contemporary critics such as SYMONS frequently reviewed the writers together, famously Captain Courageous and Nigger of the Narcissus.3 This essay examines the two works within three frames of reference: a) the purpose of the work; b) narrative technique; and c) imagery and symbolism. It will demonstrate that Conrad and Kipling promote fundamentally distinct views towards the Scramble for Africa- the Pole criticises the colonial project itself, while the British Imperialist criticises its implementation. Nonetheless, upon close examination the writers cannot be labelled as wholly dissimilar to the extent argued by RASKIN, as both warn against the integration of White Man into the Native community and question the authenticity of fiction itself. While Heart of Darkness refers prima facie to the impenetrable jungle at the heart of the ‘dark continent’4, it alludes also to the darkest side of human nature, seen in the brutal colonists and ivory traders. YALE SCHOLARSHIP proposes it matters little whether the novella is ‘set in Africa, Chipping Ongar or Baden Baden’.5 The fact that Africa and Congo are never named, instead referred to as ‘some ghastly nowhere’, supports the notion of the novella’s transferability, and Conrad himself remarked, ‘people read me [not for subject matter], but the effect my work produces’.6 ATTELL disagrees. To strip the novella of all its context demonstrates great ignorance.7 Heart of Darkness at its core offers a scathing critique of the ‘horrors’ of nineteenth century colonialism (examined further below), and Conrad’s sailor experiences in the Colonies suggest the subject choice quite deliberate. The balanced and convincing view is that the novella is both philosophical and historical, whereby the problems of colonial domination are used to expose deeper philosophical implications. Similarly, the title Beyond the Pale purports a deeper meaning and refers to the uncivilised Irish population of the fourteenth century, who lay beyond the boundaries of English control in Greater Dublin, ‘The Pale’. Kipling hereby grounds the story upon critical undertones of colonialism and notions of separatism between the Colonist and Native. Beyond the Pale distinguishes itself from Heart of Darkness as it is a moral fable in nature rather than mere philosophical exploration. The opening two paragraphs warn to observe correct behavioural codes, whereby ‘White go to White and Black to Black’. However, this moral message of separatism is riddled with ambivalence, arguably stemming from Kipling’s deep-rooted affinity with India, having lived there as a child until the age of six.8 The division between the White and Native is qualified by the Hindu proverb, which acknowledges the potency of love, and the delivery of the crucial moral punishment seems hesitant, with Trejago receiving a cautiously described ‘slight stiffness’. Thus, Beyond the Pale and Heart of Darkness are distinct in their philosophical aims, but not to the extent critics presume. In Heart of Darkness, the narrative frame imbues the novella with a universal, parable-like quality. Pervasive in medieval tale-telling of CHAUCER and BOCCACCIO, Conrad transforms the technique to enable the narrators to be distant observers of events. The

The History of Rubiks Cube and Inventor Erno Rubik

The History of Rubiks Cube and Inventor Erno Rubik There is only one correct answer- and 43 quintillion wrong ones- for the Rubiks Cube. Gods algorithm is the answer that solves the puzzle in the least number of moves. One-eighth of the worlds population has laid hands on The Cube, the most popular puzzle in history and the colorful brainchild of Erno Rubik. Erno Rubiks Early Life Erno Rubik was born in Budapest, Hungary during World War II. His mother was a poet, his father an aircraft engineer who started a company to build gliders. Rubik studied sculpture in college, but after graduating, he went back to learn architecture at a small college called the Academy of Applied Arts and Design. He remained there after his studies to teach interior design. The Cube Rubiks initial attraction to inventing the Cube was not in producing the best selling toy puzzle in history. The structural design problem interested Rubik; he asked, How could the blocks move independently without falling apart? In Rubiks Cube, twenty-six individual little cubes or cubies make up the big Cube. Each layer of nine cubies can twist and the layers can overlap. Any three squares in a row, except diagonally, can join a new layer. Rubiks initial attempt to use elastic bands failed, his solution was to have the blocks hold themselves together by their shape. Rubiks hand carved and assembled the little cubies together. He marked each side of the big Cube with adhesive paper of a different color and started twisting. An Inventor Dreams The Cube became a puzzle  in the spring of 1974 when the twenty-nine-year-old Rubik discovered it was not so easy to realign the colors to match on all six sides. Of this experience, he said: It was wonderful, to see how, after only a few turns, the colors became mixed, apparently in random fashion. It was tremendously satisfying to watch this color parade. Like after a nice walk when you have seen many lovely sights you decide to go home, after a while I decided it was time to go home, let us put the cubes back in order. And it was at that moment that I came face to face with the Big Challenge: What is the way home? He was not sure he would ever be able to return his invention to its original position. He theorized that by randomly twisting the Cube he would never be able to fix it in a lifetime, which later turns out to be more than correct. He began working out a solution, starting with aligning the eight corner cubies. He discovered certain sequences of moves for rearranging just a few cubies at a time. Within a month, he had the puzzle solved and an amazing journey lay ahead. First Patent Rubik applied for his Hungarian patent in January 1975 and left his invention with a small toy making cooperative in Budapest. The patent approval finally came in early 1977 and the first Cubes appeared at the end of 1977. By this time, Erno Rubik was married. Two other people applied for similar patents at about the same time as Rubik. Terutoshi Ishige applied a year after Rubik, for a Japanese patent on a very similar cube. An American, Larry Nichols, patented a cube before Rubik, held together with magnets. Nichols toy was rejected by all toy companies, including the Ideal Toy Corporation, which later bought the rights to Rubiks Cube. Sales of the Rubiks Cube were sluggish until Hungarian businessman Tibor Laczi discovered the Cube. While having a coffee, he spied a waiter playing with the toy. Laczi an amateur mathematician was impressed. The next day he went to the state trading company, Konsumex, and asked permission to sell the Cube in the West. Tibor Laczi had this to say on first meeting Erno Rubik: When Rubik first walked into the room I felt like giving him some money, he says. He looked like a beggar. He was terribly dressed, and he had a cheap Hungarian cigarette hanging out of his mouth. But I knew I had a genius on my hands. I told him we could sell millions. Nuremberg Toy Fair Laczi proceeded to demonstrate the Cube at the Nuremberg toy fair, but not as an official exhibitor. Laczi walked around the fair playing with a Cube and managed to meet British toy expert Tom Kremer. Kremer thought Rubiks Cube was the wonder of the world. He later arranged an order for a million Cubes with Ideal Toy. Whats in a Name? Rubiks Cube was first called the Magic Cube (Buvuos Kocka) in Hungary. The puzzle had not been patented internationally within a year of the original patent.  Patent law  then prevented the possibility of an international patent. Ideal Toy wanted at least a recognizable name to copyright; of course, that arrangement put Rubik in the spotlight because the Magic Cube was renamed after its inventor. The First Red Millionaire Erno Rubik became the first self-made millionaire from the communist block. The eighties and Rubiks Cube went well together. Cubic Rubes (the name of cube fans) formed clubs to play and study solutions. A sixteen-year-old Vietnamese high school student from Los Angeles, Minh Thai won the world championship in Budapest (June 1982) by unscrambling a Cube in 22.95 seconds. The unofficial speed records may be ten seconds or less. Human experts now solve the puzzle in 24-28 moves on a regular basis. Erno Rubik  established a foundation to help promising inventors in Hungary. He also runs the Rubik Studio, which employs a dozen people to design furniture and toys. Rubik has produced several other toys, including Rubiks Snake. He has plans to start designing computer games and continues to develop his theories on geometric structures. Seven Towns Ltd. currently holds the rights to Rubiks Cube.

Support the argument that warfare in the Napoleonic era is Essay

Support the argument that warfare in the Napoleonic era is fundamentally similar to warfare as it practicted today - Essay Example Today, we look back to the Napoleonic era and we find a direct link in the military reforms and tactics that were used during the 1792-1815 French revolution having a direct impact on our very own military structures and organizations (Brian 46). France revolution was the of a monarch regime breaking loose and transforming into a nation founded on equality for all. This evidently was not an easy process as it meant doing away with monarchial rule, the nobles and breaking free from the church. It also meant that people would seize from being referred to as subjects, and embrace citizens as a title (Stewart 29). This was a task that had the rest of Europe at odds with France. Late 1791, the French King sought the help of other Europe rulers to aid in his reinstatement. This officially resulted in the emergence of the French revolution in April 1792; with the French new nation aiming at bring change through battle throughout Europe. Their first victory was marked in Belgium at the end o f 1792 (Paul 25). The French armies were now composed of talented men from all parts and class of France as with a nation structure, citizens were all equals unlike subjects who were greatly divided by the class system. This was one of the strengths of the French military as with such a tactic, it had more soldiers at its disposal than others (Brian 45). Moreover with a common goal, and the zeal to overcome whatever form of obstacles, the French military had a bond that was previously scarcely heard of in Europe, the ‘trust’ bond. Soldiers from France were able to with ease exploit tactical maneuvers hence breaking logistical constrains a factor that proved to be advantageous in battle and a contributor to their numerous successes in the fields (Stewart 29). War had been declared and the first coalition was formed by seven nations namely: United Provinces, Great Britain, Spain, Austria, and Prussia. This was at the beginning of 1793, marking the beginning of the 23years of struggle by France against these Nations. This is what created the need of an exceptional military leader who could face up to this challenge (Paul 25).The leadership of the French army was dynamic and strategic, especially since March 1796 when the great Napoleon Bonaparte took over the position of general. Napoleon was a brilliant soldier, a genius of sorts. He was a leader who could gather troops of up to 300,000 or more troops and maneuver them to success against their enemies as was the case in 1812 in Russia. The treaty of Campo Formio is an evidence of the organized and brilliance of Napoleon as a French army leader as it resulted from the defeat of Sardinian and Austrian forces back in Italy that led to French domination of the Belgium and Luxembourg then known as Austrian Netherlands. These two regions were the first additions of the now growing French Republic (Stewart 30). The French made organizational changes to their army that increased there lethality and sparked military reform in other states. Under the governance of Napoleon, greatness was curved for France and other states. Napoleon went by

How is Gender, Class, Race and Ethnicity Signicant in America Today Essay

How is Gender, Class, Race and Ethnicity Signicant in America Today - Essay Example It is therefore important that the society is able to plan for its operations taking into consideration the abilities of its members. According to Wade (96), these are aspects of identity but all in all they create a distinction between individuals. There is the positive and progressive way of consideration of these factors of distinction and there is the negative and retrogressive consideration. This is purely a matter of perception it is that of a person either seeing a half full glass or the half empty glass. This paper therefore seeks to find out the relevance of these major distinctions in America today. Introduction Identity is the first strength that a human being has. One can not determine what identity he is given by nature. We have no ability to choose the social class in which we are born. We have no power to predetermine the race, the gender and the ethnicity. Nature predetermines this to achieve its own balance. The balance is achieved because of all the factors that are given come with abilities that are pertinent to the growth and development of the surrounding of the given entity. To understand the importance of this factors of identity it important to check the inner details of each one of them. In social planning it is important that a government that has been mandated by the people to protect the minority. Among the distinguishing factors come the factors that define identity. The actual number of the people under a given stratification gives the government an insight on what provisions to make (Karim pg1). Gender According to Gurian (10) the fact is a community is stratified in two categories; it is either one is male or female. The art of people of the two genders working together is based on core strength and not science or intellectual ability. Nature has predetermined that the two genders complement each other in a natural way and therefore such are there abilities. In the issues of leadership men have been known to be decisive and this has been highly complimented by women who take their time to analyze and consult. This is the fall back fact of democracy in the world. There are societal issues that affect only the a specific gender therefore for the government to be able to make relevant legislations and provisions it is important that the issue at hand is uplifted and therefore observed in a positive light. Is this is undertaken then it is clear that all the relevant structures to address those specific issues effectively. Traditionally the issue of gender has been a competition platform of the two sexes. But with the modern times and the female gender having made significant advances it has come to be appreciated that the two need each other for the betterment of the society. This however has not been fully achieved as there is still need for affirmative action in favor of the female gender. It is still normal to see the female discriminated against as a result of their gender. This has been so despite the fact that the world has come to accept that the intellectual ability of an individual is not based on gender (Glenn pg 4). The mandate of the government is then to decrease the stereotype minds set and give the same opportunities for the two genders to have fair competition for the resources that can be available to the society. The significance therefore lies in the planning and implementation of all the aspects that are important to achieve the parity

In Depth Financial Analysis Of Morrisons And Asda Finance Essay

In Depth Financial Analysis Of Morrisons And Asda Finance Essay Financial analysis using ratios between key values help investors cope with the massive amount of numbers in company financial statements. For example, they can compute the percentage of net profit a company is generating on the funds it has deployed. All other things remaining the same, a company that earns a higher percentage of profit compared to other companies is a better investment option. It shows the relationship between profit investment e.g. return on investment, return on equity capital. Financial Ratios Can Measure Different Things. The Net Profit to Capital Employed ratio mentioned above measures the success of a company in using funds available to it. There are ratios to measure the companys: Financial health Operating performance Cash flows and liquidity Under each category, there are multiple ratios that measure different aspects, or fine tune the measurements. For example, different profitability ratios measure profit margins at different stages return on owners funds and effective tax burden. Ratio analysis Ratios express a mathematical relationship between two quantities taken from financial statements. The  study  and interpretation of the  relationships between various  financial  variables, by  investors  or lenders. A  tool to conduct a quantitative analysis of information  in a companys financial  statements. Ratios are  calculated from current year numbers and are then compared to previous years, other companies, the industry, or even the economy to judge the performance of the company.   Ratio analysis is predominately used by proponents of fundamental analysis. Methods of Ratio Analysis : There are two methods of Ratio Analysis : 1. Time Series analysis 2. Cross-sectional analysis Time- Series Ratio Analysis : Time-Series Ratio Anlysis evaluates performance over time. It allows to analyse trends over a number of years and to examine the way in which performance may have changed over time. For instance time series analysis can make by comparing any companys performance of for two or more years i.e. 2007 and 2008. Cross-sectional Ratio Analysis : Cross sectional Ratio Analysis allows for comparison with the industry average or with competitors at a single point in time. This comparison allows a judgement to be made about the firms position within the industry. For instance to make a comparison of any company performance against its rival (competitor) for the same year. e.g. Shall Companys ratios are compared with British Petroleum company.(both are in same industry and same business). Advantages of Ratios : The advantages of Ratios are as follow : Simplifies Financial Statements. Facilitates Inter-Firm Comparison. Helps in Planning. Helps in Investment Decisions. Limitations of Ratios : Ratios have some limitations as well which are mentioned below ! Limitations of Financial Statements Comparative Study Requires Ratio alone are not adequate Lack of adequate standards Limited uses of single ratios Personal Bias Types of Financial Ratios : There are different types of financial ratios used in carrying out financial analysis. These financial ratios are mentioned below :  · Liquidity Ratios  · Activity Ratios  · Solvency Ratios  · Profitability Ratios  · Market Ratios  · Cash Flow Ratios Defining Types of Financial Ratios : Liquidity Ratios : Liquidity ratios assess companys ability to pay off its  short-terms debts obligations.   Generally, the higher the value of the ratio, the  larger the margin of safety  that  the company possesses to cover short-term debts. A  companys  ability to turn short-term assets into cash to cover debts is of the utmost importance when creditors are seeking payment. Bankruptcy analysts and mortgage originators frequently use the  liquidity ratios to determine  whether a company will be able to continue as a going concern. Activity Ratios : Activity ratios are used to assess the effectiveness of management towards utilization for generation of sales/revenue. Let us know how current and fixed assets are efficiently used by company to generate sales. Also analyze the account receivable, payables and inventory roles towards of sales, purchase and cost of goods sold. Determine how quickly account receivables are recovered. Enable us to know duration in which company pays its payables. Inventory conversion period is also calculated under the head of activity ratio. Solvency Ratios :  · Solvency ratios are used to  measure a  companys  ability to meet long-term obligations. It provides a measurement of how likely a company will be to continue meeting its debt obligations. Acceptable solvency ratios will vary from  industry  to industry, but as a general rule of thumb, a solvency ratio of greater than 20% is considered financially healthy. Measures the percentage of total assets provided by creditors or how much debt is supported by assets. Shows ability of the company to cover its interest expenses Solvency ratios tell about the ratio between equity and total assets. Companys total assets are enough to meet its debt obligations These ratios also tell about ratio between debt and total assets. Also tell equity ratio in company And determine debt ratio in company. Profitability Ratios : Measure the ability of profit generations in company. Profitability Ratios are used to assess a businesss ability to generate  earnings as compared to  its expenses and other relevant costs incurred during a specific period of time. They are used to measure the overall effectiveness of management to produce the profitability of the company. For most of these ratios, having a higher value relative to a competitors ratio or the  same ratio from a previous period is indicative that the company is doing well. It is important to note that  a little bit of background knowledge is necessary in order to make  relevant comparisons when analyzing these ratios. For instances, some  industries experience seasonality in their operations. The retail industry, for example,  typically experiences higher  revenues and  earnings  for the Christmas season. Market Ratios :  · They are used to measure a companys standing and position in the market.  · These are considered to be the most important ratios for shareholders.  · They are important for potential investors. Cash Flow Ratios :  · Cash flow ratios are derived from cast flow statement.  · These are used to measure the three activities found in cash flow statement. ASDA ASDA launched an online retailer in 1998, but from the start had over estimated demand. It started off from a dedicated depot facility based in Croydon but was closed with a number of redundancies shortly after as sales were not as expected. It continued the online retailer service but copied the Tesco store based model instead. Wal-Marts corporate stance is anti union, which is refelcted in the stance of Asda. In 2006 A planned five-day strike by Asda warehouse staff was been called off, unions have confirmed. The action had been due to begin on June 30 after thousands of workers voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay and bargaining rights. The decision followed prolonged negotiations between unions and the supermarket chain at the TUC. Asda was about to seek an injunction to block the action, claiming irregularities in the strike ballot. In 2006 Supermarket giant Asda said they were to offer staff up to two weeks unpaid leave to go on a German jolly during the 2006 World Cup tournament. Its 150,000 workers were to be able to take one or two weeks off in the month starting on 9 June. Requests dealt with on a first come, first served basis depending on staffing needs at individual outlets. The first Act of The ASDA Story was set in the old Queens Theatre, Castleford, West Yorkshire in the early 60s. Its roots can be traced to two branches in twenties. The Asquith family had a family business, a butchers shop in Knottingley, W. Yorkshire. The business was eventually expanded to seven butcher shops. The two sons of W.R. Asquith, Peter and Fred were actively involved in the family business and were later to become co founders of ASDA. At the same period, in the 20s, a group of West Riding dairy farmers joined forces, as Hindells Dairy Farmers Ltd. These included the Stockdale family (A. Stockdale), and a subsidiary company, Craven Dairies Ltd, was formed. Through a process of acquisition and diversification, a new public company was formed in 1949 Associated Dairies Farm Stores Ltd. with Arthur Stockdale as Managing Director. During the 50s and early 60s Associated Dairies expanded the number of pork butchery shops and also created the fascia Craven Dairies for its cake shops and cafà ©s. The son of Arthur Stockdale, Noel, met and struck up an immediate rapport with the Asquith brothers and so became the other co-founder of the future ASDA. ASDA was founded in 1965 by farmers from Yorkshire. The name is a contraction of Associated Dairies. For a short time in the 80s Asda Stores Ltd was a subsidiary of ASDA-MFI plc follwing a merger between the companies. Other companies in the group were Associated Dairies Ltd, the furnture retailer MFI and Allied Carpets. After the sale of MFI and Allied the company name changed to ASDA Group plc. The dairy division was sold to Northern Foods plc. The company went through a troubled period in the early 90s, but was revived under the leadership of Archie Norman, who became a shadow cabinet Conservative MP. He was chairman of the company in 96-99. ASDA, which then owned 229 stores, was purchased by Wal-Mart of the USA, on July 26, 1999. Following the takeover by Wal-Mart, several Asda-Wal Mart Supercentres have opened, creating some of the largest hypermarkets in the UK. The first of these stores opened at Patchway, near Bristol, in August 2000. At first, it was criticised for its scale and condemned as an eye sore, but the format has now become extremely popular. In November 2004 a refurbishment of the hypermarket was completed, addressing some of the complaints. In March 2006, ASDA launched a format called ASDA Essentials in a former Co-op store in Northampton. With a focus on own brand products on a much smaller floorplate than ASDAs mainstream stores, the Essentials will only stock branded products are perceived to be at the core of a familys weekly shop. This is seen as ASDAs response to the increasing strength of Tesco and Sainsbury in the convenience store sector. If the trial is a success, it will be rolled out nationally. ASDA is expanding its range of services to include Financial Services sold in store and online. Products currently sold are Child Trust Funds and Credit Cards, Car Insurance Home Insurance, Travel Insurance, Life Insurance, Mortgage Life Insurance, Over 50s Life Cover, Pet Insurance. http://www.asdafinance.com In 2006 Supermarket chain Asda took Brazilian beef off its shelves after claims it could have come from areas where foot-and-mouth disease is rife. In 2006 Supermarket group Asda started selling property through stores. Shoppers were to be able to browse properties for sale via an in store computer terminal. People choosing to sell their homes through Asda will pay lower than average estate agency fees and receive a free Home Information Pack (HIP). The system will be trialled in 10 Asda stores in the Sunderland area during the summer but is planned to be rolled out across the UK by the end of the year. Asda has sponsor techniques the name has been put on the WRU Asda Leagues: the lower leagues of the rugby system. Morrison Morrison is a mainly food and grocery the weekly shop. Uniquely source and process most of the fresh food that we sell though own manufacturing facilities, giving us close control over provenance and quality; and have more people preparing more food in store than any other retailer. Every week nine million customers pass through our doors and 124,000 colleagues across the business work hard each day to deliver great service to them. With competitive prices and hundreds of special offers, we are proud to save our customers money every day. As the Food Specialist for Everyone, they are different from their competitors. Their expertise helps them deliver fresher food, which is also great value. Being closer to source, they understand where food comes from; and they can talk with authority to their customers about the provenance and freshness of their food offer. It is one of the countrys largest supermarket chains, offering a range of goods including both branded and own label products aim is to provide all our customers with the very best value for money wherever they live and uniquely, we have always charged the same prices in every one of our large stores. They view resource efficiency as integral to sustainability and delivering better value to our customers. They approach to CSR recognises both responsibility and opportunity, enabling us to make a difference in ways that are good for the environment and good for business. They have made considerable progress in meeting our challenging targets. Carbon emissions have been reduced by 56% better than they planned; theres much less waste going to landfill and they have cut packaging. They are also running their own farm, which is being used as a base for research projects looking at the sustainability of food supplies and the efficiency of agriculture. They research will provide benefits to their business  and will also strengthen our relationships with the farming community. Morrisons Fresh Food Academy offers training and progression for all their staff, providing them with the opportunity to grow from shop floor to top floor and means they can deliver more knowledgeable service to their customers. CSR is embedded into their operations and plans. They do not claim to have all the answers but aim to do all they can to make a real difference by being both practical and persistent.   Many of the issues they address are wide ranging, complex and sometimes very challenging. Solutions may develop over the long term and they can sometimes prove elusive for a variety of reasons, including cost effectiveness, practical application, or they lack direct benefits. However, many projects and initiatives have come to fruition successfully to deliver tangible results that are  making a real difference. They offer a number of useful services for your convenience, so you can save time and money while visiting them.  To find out when your local store is open, visit our store finder, type in your postcode and youll find all the information you need. Fill up at your convenience Stop by their petrol station to fill up and enjoy many other services like gas, a car wash and snacks for the road. Facilities for shoppers with disabilities They offer lots of services to our shoppers with additional needs, including dedicated parking, wheelchairs, staff assistance, seating and induction loops.   Take a break at our cafà © If you fancy a relaxing bite to eat, their cafà © serves freshly prepared meals to your table, from all-day breakfasts to hot puddings with custard as well as freshly ground coffee. Your one-stop medicine counter Get free advice on medicines and healthcare from their pharmacists no appointment necessary and why not have your prescriptions dispensed while you shop. Print your memories in store They offer quality photo processing in store, including digital and 1-hour photo printing services. Latest price Change Currency LSE code 277.50 -4.20 GBX MRW Last closing price 277.50  (23  Jul  2010 4:30pm ) Current share price information Bid 277.50 Ask 277.80 Day high 286.00 Day low 277.00 Year high 305.00 Year low 257.60 Day open 280.20 Day volume 10,130,828 On 11th March 2010 the Board comprised a Chairman, four Executive Directors and  six Non-Executive Directors. With the retirement of the Chairman and the planned recruitment of an additional Non-Executive Director, at least half of the Board will ultimately comprise of independent Non-Executive Directors. The Board is responsible for setting and approving the strategy and key policies of the Group, and for monitoring the progress towards achieving these objectives. It monitors financial performance, critical operational issues and risks. The Board also approves all circulars, listing particulars, resolutions and correspondence to the shareholders including the Annual Report, Half yearly financial report and Interim management statements. The Formal Schedule of Matters Reserved for the Board can be found in the Corporate Governance Compliance Statement. Committees of the Main Board The principal committees of the Board are the Audit, Remuneration,  Nomination and Corporate Compliance and Responsibility (CCR) Committees.  Ã‚  Ã‚  The composition and terms of reference of each of these Committees are set out in the Corporate Governance Compliance Statement. Internal control The Board is responsible for setting a system of internal control for the Group and reviewing its effectiveness. The control system is intended to manage rather than eliminate the risk of not meeting the Groups strategic objectives. Any such system can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Board is satisfied that a continual process for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks has been in place for the financial year to 31 January 2010 and remains in place. Shareholder relations The CEO and the Group Finance Director meet regularly with analysts and institutional shareholders. The Investor Relations Director also maintains a programme of work that reports to the Board the requirements and information needs of institutional and major investors. This is part of the regular contact that the Group maintains with its institutional shareholders. All Directors, Executive and Non-Executive attend the AGM. The Chairs of the Audit, Nomination, Remuneration and CCR  Committees are available to answer any questions. Additionally, the Groups brokers sought independent feedback from investors following the Annual and Interim results in 2009. This feedback was reported to the Board. Liquidity Ratios (ASDA) : Ratio Name Answer Result Reason 2009 2008 Current Ratio 0.526 0.491 Favourable C. Assets increased more in proportion to C. liabilities Quick Ratio 0.282 0.252 Favourable More C. Assets in proportion to C. liabilities Absolute Quick Ratio 0.111 0.345 Unfavourable Stock and debtors increased, C. Assets decreased Working Capital ratio (958) (943 ) Unfavourable Lower proportion of Assets to Liabilities W.C. to C. Liabilities Ratio (0.473) ( 0.508 ) Favourable Assets increased Activity Ratios (ASDA): Ratio Name Answer Result Reason 2009 2008 Current Asset Turnover Ratio 13.628 14.251 Favourable Assets increased in 2009 Sales to Cash Ratio 44.428 67.900 Favourable Cash increased in 2009 Fixed Asset Turnover Ratio 2.029 1.928 Favourable The proportion of sales to fixed assets was a bit higher W. Capital Turnover Ratio (15.164) (13.752) Unfavourable Less working capital in 2009 Inventory Turnover Ratio 29.091 25.963 Favourable CGS increased in 2009 A. Receivable Turnover Ratio : 65.441 58.418 Favourable More sales in 2009 A. Payable Turnover Ratio 7.101 7.237 Unfavourable A. Payable increased in 2009 Average Collection Period Ratio 5.501 6.162 Favourable Higher A.Receivable turnover in 2009 Average Payment Period Ratio 50.704 49.792 Unfavourable A.Payable decreased in 2009 Solvency Ratios (ASDA): Ratio Name Answer Result Reason 2009 2008 Debt Ratio 0.450 0.426 Unfavourable Total Debt increased in 2009 Equity Ratio 0.306 0.573 Favourable T. Equity and T. Assets increased Debt to Equity Ratio 1.470 0.744 Unfavourable Total Equity decreased Debt Income Ratio 3.656 2.536 Unfavourable Long term debt increased, net income decreased Profitability Ratios (ASDA): Ratio Name Answer Result Reason 2009 2008 Gross Profit Ratio 6.284 6.307 Unfavourable Lower gross profit in proportion to sales in 2009 Net Profit Ratio 3.166 4.271 Unfavourable Lower net income in relation to sales in 2009 Return on Equity Ratio 18.253 12.654 Favourable Higher proportion of net profit to total equity Return of Total Assets Ratio 5.592 7.255 Unfavourable Lower net profit in proportion to total assets Return on Investment Ratio 7.416 9.579 Unfavourable Lower return on investment Morrison: Liquidity Ratio Ratio Name Year 2008 Year 2009 Result Reason Current Ratio Quick Ratio Absolute Quick Ratio Working Capital 0.48 0.22 0.32 947 0.52 0.30 0.42 958 Favourable Favourable Favourable Favourable Cash increased while liability decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Reason Liability increased while cash decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Reason Liability increased while cash decrease Liability increased while cash decrease Liability increased while cash decrease Activity Ratio Ratio Name Current Asset Turnover Ratio Fixed Asset Turnover Ratio Working Capital Ratio Inventory Turnover Ratio Solvency Ratio Ratio Name Debt Ratio Equity Ratio Debt to equity Ratio Year 14.31 1.92 13.6 27.4 Year 0.42 0.57 0.74 Year 13.62 2.0 15.1 28 Year 0.45 0.54 0.81 Result Unfavourable Favourable Favourable Favourable Result Unfavourable Unfavourable Unfavourable Profitability Ratio Ratio Name Gross Profit Ratio Operating Profit Ratio Net Profit Ratio Operating Ratio Year 6.30 % 4.7 % 4.2 % 95.7 % Year 6.28 % 4.6 % 3.1 % 95.6 % Result Unfavourable Unfavourable Unfavourable Favourable Reason Liability increased while cash decrease Liability increased while cash decrease Liability increased while cash decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Market Ratio Earning Per Share Dividend Pay out Ratio Cash flow Ratios Cash flow Operation to Net Income Cash flow from investing to Operation Financing Year 20.7 0.23 Year 1.04 0.25 Year 17.39 0.33 Year 1.71 0.75 Result Unfavourable Favourable Result Favourable Favourable Reason Liability increased while cash decrease Cash increased while liability decrease Reason Business has excess cash Business has excess cash Cash flow from Sales to Total Sales Cash flow to Long Term Debt Operations Cash flow to Current Liabilities Cash Dividend Coverage Ratio 0.044 0.90 0.31 120.6 0.053 0.86 0.38 136.2 Business has excess cash Business has Cash flow Problem Business has excess cash Business has excess cash Regression Line: Year (Sales) X (Asda) y (Morrison) xy (x)^2 (y)^2 Y2007 14856 12115 179980440 220700736 146773225 Y2008 12969 12462 161619678 168194961 155301444 Y2009 14528 12969 188413632 211062784 168194961 Y2010 15180 14528 220535040 230432400 211062784 = 57533 = 52074 = 750548790 = 830390881 = 681332414 B = 4 (750548790) (57533) (52074) 4 (830390881) (57533)^2 B = 3002195160 2995973442 3321563524 3310046089 B = 6221718 11517435 B = 0.54 A = Y 0.54X A = 18145.75 0.54 X A = 18145.75 (0.54) (57533) A = 18145.75 31067.82 A = 12922.1 Y = 12922.1 + 0.54 X Correlation Co-efficient of Correlation: R = 4(750548790 ) (57533) (52074) [4(830390881) (57533)^2 ] [ 4 (681332414) (52074)^2 R = 3002195160 2995973442 [ 3321563524 3310046089 ] [2725329656 2711701476 R = 3002195160 ( 11517435 ) (13628180) R = 3002195160 156961677318300 Time Series Analysis: ASDA : Year Sale 3 point total 3 point moving average Variation 2006 14756 2007 14856 42581 14193.67 662.33 2008 12969 42353 14117.67 -1148.67 2009 14528 42677 14225.67 302.33 2010 15180 Morrison Year Sale 3 point total 3 point moving average Variation 2006 12115 2007 12462 37546 12515.33 53.33 2008 12969 39959 13319.66 350.66 2009 14528 42907 14302.33 225.67 2010 15410 Task: 3 Table presents annual net income and net cash flow figures for three projects A, B C. Initial investment for all three projects is same  £98,500. Year Project A Project B Project C NI NCF NI NCF NI NCF 0 (98500) (98500) (98500) 1 7500 24750 16450 45000 24500 44300 2 95000 31000 17650 52000 30500 39200 3 14750 34000 17950 59250 19000 39000 4 21250 40250 2400 5000 13000 31250 5 24950 44500 5000 24200 (1) Calculate ARR (Accounting Rate of Return) by selecting the required rate of return. (a)Project A (b)Project B (c)Project C (2) Calculating payback periods for A, B C projects. Solution: (a) Project A Year Cash flow Net Cash flow 0 (98500) (98500) 1 24750 (73750) 2 31000 (42750) 3 34000 (8750) 4 40250 31500 5 44500 76000 Pay back Period project A = 3.22 year (b) Project B Year Cash flow Net Cash flow 0 (98500)

Comedy Film Wanda

The film A Fish Called Wanda is on the AFI†s (American Film Institute) Greatest 100 Comedies list. Although this film features talented actors like John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline easily steals the show. Kline gives a brilliant performance as the pseudo-intellectual Otto. What makes Kline so remarkable is the way that he moves and makes his character dance across the screen. Right from the outset, in one of the film†s first scene, we see that Kline†s Otto is no normal jewel thief. Even though Otto is supposed to be working under the guise that he is Wanda†s (Jamie Lee Curtis) sister, he quickly gives her breast a squeeze in full view of Ken, one of the other robbers. What makes this movement work comically is that Kline does it so lightening fast and that if you blinked you might miss it. He has such control over his arm that he is able to extend it, and withdraw it in a matter of maybe a second. This allows for the suspended disbelief that Ken does not see him do it. Another movement that Kline makes also speaks volumes about his body control. Otto and Wanda are together in what I take to be Otto†s quarters. They are speaking excitedly about something and he leaps into the air, grabs a pipe that is suspended from the ceiling, lifts himself completely off the ground and sails on to the bed with the grace of a ballerina. This is so interesting because Kline†s Otto is supposed to a be a vulgar American bank robber. His graceful movement is evidenced again when Otto and Wanda go to the garage to claim the jewels the stole from a safe. Otto is angered by the fact that the jewels are not there. He goes over to kick a car out of anger. Rather then just kicking the tire, or burying his foot into the car door, Kline leaps into up and kicks the car twice while he is in the air. He takes what is just a simple movement and makes into something much more. While Kevin Kline is not a big man in stature and he does not look physically intimidating, or especially strong, he shows us the contrary. In one scene, he grabs Wanda by the back of her head and tosses her onto a bed like she was a rag doll. In another scene, in a jealous rage, Otto breaks into the Cabin that Archie (John Cleese) and Wanda are in. He overhears the two of them making fun of him. Otto hates to be called stupid or insulted. When Archi refuses to apologize and take back his insults, Otto takes Archie, who is a much bigger man, and dangles him by the feet out the window until he says he is sorry. While we do not see how Otto gets Archie into the position of hanging out the window, we assume that he quickly and decisively over powered him. Towards the middle of the film, we see Kline†s Otto in front of a mirror with a katana blade. It appears that he is practicing ninjitsu. This makes it plausible for us an audience to believe he has the cat-like quiet skills to be able to sneak into Archie†s house without being heard. Another example he shows of this type of body control is when angered Wanda, he grabs an 8Ãâ€"10 photo of her and punches through it without hurting his hand. We also see him practicing a Buddhist meditation technique that he says he uses for anger management. Something I find personally fascinating about Kline as an actor is the way he seems to be so centered. There is such cleanliness and crispness to all his movements, he speaks very clearly with his body. This control allows him to slip into all sorts of different characters in the movie. He very plausibly becomes a CIA agent, a homosexual, and speaks jibberish Italian, all in his attempts to seem an intellectual. Kline shows the control of an acrobat. When he goes try to Archie, he does a quick, clean backwards somersault and leap into a stride. Movement like this is so rare in film because subtly is needed in close-ups. You can read all you would want to know about Otto by the way he moves. He is someone who wants very badly to be smart. He reads Nitzche, but as Wanda says he â€Å"Doesn†t get it†. He can take control over almost any situation with his body because he is so centered. It†s this control that makes his performance so fun to watch.vJustin Issa The film A Fish Called Wanda is on the AFI†s (American Film Institute) Greatest 100 Comedies list. Although this film features talented actors like John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline easily steals the show. Kline gives a brilliant performance as the pseudo-intellectual Otto. What makes Kline so remarkable is the way that he moves and makes his character dance across the screen. Right from the outset, in one of the film†s first scene, we see that Kline†s Otto is no normal jewel thief. Even though Otto is supposed to be working under the guise that he is Wanda†s (Jamie Lee Curtis) sister, he quickly gives her breast a squeeze in full view of Ken, one of the other robbers. What makes this movement work comically is that Kline does it so lightening fast and that if you blinked you might miss it. He has such control over his arm that he is able to extend it, and withdraw it in a matter of maybe a second. This allows for the suspended disbelief that Ken does not see him do it. Another movement that Kline makes also speaks volumes about his body control. Otto and Wanda are together in what I take to be Otto†s quarters. They are speaking excitedly about something and he leaps into the air, grabs a pipe that is suspended from the ceiling, lifts himself completely off the ground and sails on to the bed with the grace of a ballerina. This is so interesting because Kline†s Otto is supposed to a be a vulgar American bank robber. His graceful movement is evidenced again when Otto and Wanda go to the garage to claim the jewels the stole from a safe. Otto is angered by the fact that the jewels are not there. He goes over to kick a car out of anger. Rather then just kicking the tire, or burying his foot into the car door, Kline leaps into up and kicks the car twice while he is in the air. He takes what is just a simple movement and makes into something much more. While Kevin Kline is not a big man in stature and he does not look physically intimidating, or especially strong, he shows us the contrary. In one scene, he grabs Wanda by the back of her head and tosses her onto a bed like she was a rag doll. In another scene, in a jealous rage, Otto breaks into the Cabin that Archie (John Cleese) and Wanda are in. He overhears the two of them making fun of him. Otto hates to be called stupid or insulted. When Archi refuses to apologize and take back his insults, Otto takes Archie, who is a much bigger man, and dangles him by the feet out the window until he says he is sorry. While we do not see how Otto gets Archie into the position of hanging out the window, we assume that he quickly and decisively over powered him. Towards the middle of the film, we see Kline†s Otto in front of a mirror with a katana blade. It appears that he is practicing ninjitsu. This makes it plausible for us an audience to believe he has the cat-like quiet skills to be able to sneak into Archie†s house without being heard. Another example he shows of this type of body control is when angered Wanda, he grabs an 8Ãâ€"10 photo of her and punches through it without hurting his hand. We also see him practicing a Buddhist meditation technique that he says he uses for anger management. Something I find personally fascinating about Kline as an actor is the way he seems to be so centered. There is such cleanliness and crispness to all his movements, he speaks very clearly with his body. This control allows him to slip into all sorts of different characters in the movie. He very plausibly becomes a CIA agent, a homosexual, and speaks jibberish Italian, all in his attempts to seem an intellectual. Kline shows the control of an acrobat. When he goes try to Archie, he does a quick, clean backwards somersault and leap into a stride. Movement like this is so rare in film because subtly is needed in close-ups. You can read all you would want to know about Otto by the way he moves. He is someone who wants very badly to be smart. He reads Nitzche, but as Wanda says he â€Å"Doesn†t get it†. He can take control over almost any situation with his body because he is so centered. It†s this control that makes his performance so fun to watch.