Effects of Internet Online Booking in Travel Agencies

Effects of Internet Online Booking in Travel Agencies Can High Street Travel Agencies Survive  With Online Travel Agencies? Contents (Jump to) Chapter 2 Literature Review Chapter 3 – Methodology Chapter 4 Findings and Analysis 4.1 UK Travel Industry, Current Analysis 4.2 Composition of Travel The travel industry represents the classic example of firms operating as agents between the seller and buyers as represented by the multitude of offers that are present in the industry. The foundation for this process was established in the pre-computer era that utilized direct reservation systems. This mode inculcated the industry and became the accepted operational norm as airlines had an exterior sales force as represented by these independent operations, and customers had a means to wade through the difficult maze of airline flight possibilities. The advent of the internet brought a new variable into the scenario whereby it provided consumers with a choice as a result of the capabilities of this medium to collect and display flight availability, schedules and pricing through search engine compiling. Transaction costs were lowered as a result of economies of scale and 24 hour availability, with the heart of the process fueled by utilizing consumers to conduct the work in finding b argains. This examination will seek to equate whether the traditional travel agencies known as High Street, representing brick and mortar operations in the industry parlance, can survive the onslaught to their business as represented by online travel agencies. The travel industry represents a phenomenon that we are all familiar with in terms of verbiage, however, the definitive meanings as represented by specific words may not be as clear as one would think. In order to provide the necessary verbal underpinnings for this analysis of ‘if High Street Travel Agencies can survive with online Travel Agencies’, a definition of terms seems in order. Travel represents a word that emanates from ‘travailen’ in Middle English, which means to toil, and has its roots in the French word ‘travailler (Wikipedia, 2007). It, travel, is defined as (American Heritage Dictionary, 2007) 1. being transported â€Å"†¦ from one place to another †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as represented by either a trip or journey, and, 2. the process and or time entailed in moving a person from a particular location to another. Travel can be further explained as tourism, which is the visiting of family and or friends, the process of commuting as represent ed by traveling to either work or other functions, the act of migration in moving one’s local or as a constant series of moves as illustrated by nomadic peoples, and as pilgrimages for religious reasons (Wikipedia, 2007). In the context of this examination, travel shall be defined by the transport of individuals for pleasure, tourism, business and personal reasons. A travel agency â€Å"†¦offers its services in the capacity of an agent †¦Ã¢â‚¬  and provides â€Å"†¦ travel and tourism related services to the public †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as achieved through the agency’s arrangements and agreements with â€Å"†¦ airlines, cruise lines, hotels and other suppliers of travel related services† (Department of the Treasury, 2002). Travel agencies â€Å"†¦ may contract directly †¦Ã¢â‚¬  with the aforementioned companies or through what is termed a â€Å"†¦ coordinating body such as the Airlines Reporting Corporation †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as well as other such agencies or bodies (Department of the Treasury, 2002). In addition to the aforementioned services, travel agencies may offer varied financial related services such as traveler’s checks and trip insurance. An important segment of the travel industry is represented by tourism, which Hermann Von Schullard, Austrian economist, stated is the â€Å" †¦ sum total of operators †¦ which directly relate to the entry †¦ stay and movement of foreigners †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (MedLibrary.org, 2007). The introduction of internet based online travel information, booking and ticketing systems introduced a new variable into the market which allows consumers to research ticket prices, schedules and related aspects at discounted prices as a result of the lower commissioning fees online services charge airlines for acting in their capacity as middlemen. This phenomenon caught on with the public and market share increasingly shifted in favor of online travel services as lower prices, instant access and no frill airlines captured their imagination. High Street travel agencies are thus caught in a battle for survival as a result, however there are market variables that indicate the penetration rates of online travel agencies has been slowing, but massive damage has already been done. If High Street travel agencies are to survive, they will have to capitalize upon inherent facets of customer attitudes and preferences as well as what their service type offers that can not be duplicated by c omputerized access that does not offer human problem solving skills for complex travel related problems that exist in varied circumstances. Chapter 2 Literature Review The rapid pace of changes and developments in the travel industry as a result of travel packages, consumer attitudes, economic variables, utilization histories with varied forms of booking methodologies and related aspects rendered the examination of the subject matter as contemporary. The research methodology deemed best suited to this study was ‘descriptive’ in that it is based upon the use of data, information, facts and associated resources to reveal the way things are. To this end, this examination relied heavily on Internet sources to provide the aforementioned. The definitions utilized herein to provide a basis for understanding of travel agencies as represented by the statement provided by United States Department of the Treasury was used as it represented a definition honed from a governmental classification of an industry sector which represented the culmination of intensive study to arrive at its meaning in a universal sense that is applicable. This same approach was utilized to conduct data and survey research which entailed the collection of information from the Tourism Society of England, the International Air Transport Association, ITB Berlin and IPK International, Internet World Stats and other sources. In conducting the research on the question as to whether High Street travel agencies can survive with online travel agencies, the first aspect that was noted is that the various travel and tourism books offered information on each sector from a dated perspective that did not take into account new developments, many of which appeared in 2005 through 2006 as new travel packages and the a new travel sector, cruises, emerged as an industry force. The preceding contention is supported by the data uncovered by surveys conducted by Travel Weekly in the United Kingdom that asked respondents in the travel agency sector direct questions regarding their impression and view of their industry. Such a source represents more viable research that was conducted during 2006, offers a more comprehensive base of industry information on how things actually are as it asked the experts in the field of study, travel agents themselves. Their responses on what they viewed as the emerging segment of most importance, cruises, which also represents their most viable revenue stream is data which was not found in the numerous research studies conducted by the World Trade Organization, PricewaterHouseCoopers, Accenture and World Stats. These sources were extremely valuable in providing supporting data on trends, patterns and other facets of the travel and tourism sector, however, information from industry insiders in the High Street sector represented t he foundation for the question being examined. ITB Berlin and IPK International offered invaluable information concerning the breakdown of consumer utilization of travel agency sectors, as did PriceWaterHouseCoopers and Internet World Stats. Accenture’s research gave depth to the previous information as it provided data on how and what consumers do in the process of seeking travel services. Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model provided the means to correlate all of the indicated data and survey information into a concise summary of High Street and online travel agency competitive points to hone in on the variables and factors that the prior sources offered. Chapter 3 Methodology In examining the context of whether High Street travel agencies can survive with online travel agencies it was determined that the research would have to delve into the nuances of the travel and tourism sector to determine the following: Components of the industry from an historical perspective Key aspects of varied consumer attitudes, preferences, trends and views Travel industry product components, trends, developments and projections Trend of High Street and online travel agency market share progressions Relationships and importance of differing travel segment components in both sectors in relationship to their inherent strengths and weaknesses as applied against each service model Variables and factors at work, along with developing trends that might have a bearing on the examination To accomplish the foregoing the methodology selected entailed the utilization of secondary research of a limited historical nature to provide background information to understand the context of the industry sectors and their changing relationships. The preceding was accomplished through the use of books and journals along with statistical information. Since changes in any industry occur quickly the reliance upon books and journals for contemporary developments was deemed as inappropriate and inconclusive. Therefore, to determine the present status of both sectors, the research and operative methodology centered upon the analysis of data as well as trends and inherent characteristics. To accomplish the preceding quantitative research was determined as the methodology as it â€Å"†¦ generates new information about the world †¦Ã¢â‚¬  by virtue of (University of North Carolina, 2007): Objectivity, whereby the potential for bias that could potentially affect and or influence the outcome is kept to a minimum through the collection of varying points of view from a number of differing sources. Rigorous, in that the researcch process utilizes data to uncover obvious as well as obsure information, with attention to accuracy and detail as underlying precepts. Systematic, in that the conduct of research seeks coherent data and information in order to equate the true undercurrents of what is the case as opposed to what appears to be the case in the study and analysis. The subject under examination represents a puzzle that is ruled by the governing question (International Research Network, 2007). The preceding helped to determine the reseach process, the identification of the sources of data as well as information, and the methodologies to be utilized. Kravitz (2006) states that there are differing types of research which can be used in a study. The one selected for this examination included descriptive along with quantitative as it entails the collection of information and trends through the review of data, surveys and examination of varied sources. Kravitz (2006) indicates that this research type is best at describing the way things are, and that the review of prior research aids in the process, along with contempory information. Chapter 4 Findings and Analysis 4.1 UK Travel Industry, Current Analysis As of 2002 there were 3,181 travel agencies in the United Kingdom, representing a growth rate of minus 17.2% that generated $11, 659 billion in sales (International Air Transport Association, 2002). Globally, the travel industry generates in excess of one trillion USD annually and is the largest industrial sector (Vogel, 2006, pp. 50-59). The Tourism Society of England indicates that domestically this segment of the industry generates 75 billion pounds in a highly fragmented industry (Tourism Society, 2007). In polls conducted by Travel Weekly, the British based industry travel magazine, travel agents were asked their views on a number of areas (Travel Weekly, 2007). 47% indicated that cruises would represent the biggest growth area in travel in 2007, followed by long haul trips at 32%, and domestic breaks at 21% (Travel Weekly, 2007). The implications of the preceding seemingly bode well for travel agencies in that these types of trips consumers seek the aid of professionals to aid them with arrangements, features, pricing and the varied packages that are available, which can be quite extensive. Travel agents indicated that they were worried, however regarding the state of the travel industry entering 2007, registering 61%, with 26% indicating confidence and 13% checking indifference as their response (Travel Weekly, 2007). Travel agent responses provide a valuable insight as to how they feel concerning various aspects and as the most up to date informational source such is being utiliz ed to provide a gauge on the prospects of High Street travel agencies and their battle for market share with online travel agencies. A significant response to the polls in this regard can be found in what travel agents thought about the price wars lowering High Street fares. 36% indicated that they believed that such would end up in lower prices, while 42% replied no, with 21% indicating probably (Travel Weekly, 2007). With respect to the dollar to pound exchange rate that has increased in favor of the pound, travel agents indicated that they felt Christmas shoppers would benefit the most, 51%, followed by New York City retailers at 23%, High Street travel agencies, 15%, and online retailers and airlines at 11% (Travel Weekly, 2007). The preceding represents an indication of travel agent’s attitudes toward High Street travel agencies that mirrors their responses concerning their battle for market share. This view was also confirmed by travel agent responses to if there is any future for independent High Street travel agents. 54% stated that they felt there would always be room for independent agents, with 27% indicating the affirmative but as part of a larger buying group, and 19% stating that they would not be able to compete against the larger companies (Travel Weekly, 2007). When asked about the importance of cruises to their industry, travel agents responded in the following fashion. 53% indicated that this area is growing in importance, with 21% stating that it represents the one area that they make money (Travel Weekly, 2007). 17% indicated that this segment is too complex and that they do not sell cruise packages, and 9% stated that cruise business is vital to their business only if they sell these via self packaging (Travel Weekly, 2007). Given that 47% indicated that the cruise business will enjoy the largest segment of growth in the industry in 2007, that seemingly indicates that High Street travel agencies are factoring in this segment as an important revenue stream. The utilization of the Internet as a booking method has seen high growth in Europe, mostly in flights as well as accommodations (ITB Berlin and IPK International, 2006, p. 13). The foregoing represents an approximated one/third of all outbound trips and also entails online booking for some segments of an individual’s trip as represented by hotel and vehicle reservations (ITB Berlin and IPK International, 2006, p. 13). ITB Berlin and IPK International (2006, p. 13) reports that the utilization of the internet is primarily the mode used for airline ticket purchases, with accommodations second, however, vehicle reservations leads both categories as a percentage of sales of the total. Table 1- Travel Bookings in Europe, January Through August 2006 (as a percentage of pre-bookings in total travel) (ITB Berlin and IPK International, 2006, p. 13) Total Internet Accommodations 78% 37% Flight 63% 38% Travel insurance 23% 6% Bus/coach 15% 2% Rental car 15% 10% Ferry 9% 7% Train 7% 4% Others 5% 3% Interestingly, travel agents utilize the internet as a source of information and the use of tour operators in placing their rates and packages online represents a key reason for the preceding (ITB Berlin and IPK International, 2006, p. 13). Consumers utilize the Internet for a large percentage of their travel arrangements, especially in the area of airline, accommodation and auto rental, as shown by the following: Table 2 – Information Sources Used by European Outbound Travelers, January through August 2006 (ITB Berlin and IPK International, 2006, p. 14) Source % share Internet 45 Travel agency 20 Friends/relatives 17 Travel guide 8 Travel brochure 7 Newspaper 3 Tourist office 2 TV 2 Others 5 The preceding seemingly indicates that incursions by Internet based booking in the cruise travel segment is going to remain low as a result of the complexities encountered in making selections and wading through the complex data and choices. As the main revenue source and growth area for High Street travel agencies, consolidation of the services offered in this area represents a strong foundation to be built upon. The consumer climate in the United Kingdom exceeds the confidence of travel agencies with respect to their outlooks. Travel Weekly’s (2007) poll in this segment indicated that 26% of them were confident, while ITB Berlin and IPK International (2006, p. 18) found that the United Kingdom and Spain are at the top of its consumer confidence survey as well as percentage of household consumption. Termed as a willingness to buy, said factor represents increased demand in the UK during 2007, and as the United Kingdom’s placement in this category has consistently been at the top, bodes well for the continued growth forecast in the industry. The growth in eCommerce has shifted the manner and way individuals utilize travel services. Originating in a paper on packet switching by Leonard Kleinrock of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1961, the theoretical underpinnings of Klienrocks work set the stage for the ARANET which was the distant forerunning to the internet (Internet Society, 2007). That beginning has reshaped the manner of global commerce, information availabilities, and created an entirely new set of industry classifications. One such manifestation is illustrated in the travel industry. The ability to search large quantities of data easily and instantly through varied online web sites, and travel agencies without any sales or pressure tactics makes the internet a technology that is ideally suited to the travel industry. In this medium consumers can search and explore at their leisure at any time reviewing all manner of destinations, travel times, pricing and comparative offers. This used to be the exclu sive domain of travel agencies, the search for fares, times, routes, seating, destinations and packages, through information networks that were unavailable to the public. Consumers do not have to queue at call centers, telephone or take a trip to High Street travel agencies, they can simply click online and search easy to find categories from their Internet browser. Online travel agents are able to offer 24 hour access to information that consumers can access and compare at any time, representing a boon to locating the best prices, dates, deals, destinations and packages. The online travel industry is just a decade old, however the impact of online agencies has been tremendous (Economist, 2005). The benefit of the Internet to consumers and travel providers such as airlines, hotels, car rentals and associated sectors is that it saves administrative costs enabling them to offer lower fares and rates (Economist, 2005). There are 37,600,000 internet users in the United Kingdom estimated for 2006 against a population of 60,000,000 people representing a 62.5% penetration rate with user growth rising by 144% between the period 2000 and 2006 (Internet World Stats, 2007a). The UK ranks 6th globally in the total number of Internet users (Internet World Stats, 2007b), and ranks 20th on terms of penetration rate (Internet World Stats, 2007c). Table 3 – Top 20 Countries with the Highest Number of Internet Users (Internet World Stats, 2007b) Rank Country Internet Users Population (2006 est.) Internet Penetration 1 United States 209,024,921 299,093,237 69.9% 2 China 123,000,000 1,306,724,067 9.4% 3 Japan 86,300,000 128,389,000 67.2% 4 Germany 50,616,207 82,515,988 61.3% 5 India 40,000,000 1,112,225,812 3.6% 6 United Kingdom 37,600,000 60,139,274 62.5% 7 Korea (South) 33,900,000 50,633,265 67.0% Table 4 Top 20 Countries with the Highest Number of Internet Users (Internet World Stats, 2007c) Rank Country Penetration (% Population) Internet Users Latest Data Population (2006 Est.) 1 Iceland 86.8% 258,000 297,072 2 New Zealand 76.3% 3,200,000 4,195,729 3 Sweden 74.9% 6,800,000 9,076,757 4 Portugal 74.1% 7,782,760 10,501,051 5 Australia 70.7% 14,663,622 20,750,052 6 Falkland Islands 70.4% 1,900 2,699 7 Denmark 69.4% 3,762,500 5,425,373 8 United States 69.3% 207,161,706 299,093,237 19 Netherlands 65.9% 10,806,328 16,386,216 20 United Kingdom 62.5% 37,600,000 60,139,274 The significance of these figures is that online travel agencies effectively are accessible to 62.5% of the UK population, which becomes more imposing when one considers that 16.7 million United Kingdom residents traveled outside of the country during 2006 (National Statistics, 2007). The utilization of travel outside the UK is utilized as internal country travel represents means generally using short air trips, train, car and coach for brief trips and stays and does not factor into the type of business profile utilized to a high percentage by High Street travel agencies. The impact of the Internet has caused a dramatic decrease in the number of brick and mortar travel agency locations in the United Kingdom as a result of shifting consumer booking patterns. During 2005, the intrusion of the Internet into the brick and mortar travel agency business caused 28 travel agency companies to fail, not to mention the numerous closing of the offices of the larger chains (m-travel.com, 2005). I n 2005, the number of brick and mortar travel agencies totaled 6,124, down considerably from the 7,513 in 1989 (m-travel.com, 2005). The good news is that cruise ship travel is up substantially, and the travel / tourism industry has been experiencing solid growth. However, the cruise ship segment is the sector of the industry that has shown the most dramatic gains. Lines such as Carnival, Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have either ordered or put into service over 30 ships in a few years representing a tremendous capital investment (Prestige Travel Systems, 2007). The lure of cruise ships lies in their first class accommodations and immersing passengers into a totally contained package of luxury, gourmet meals, on ship shops, athletics, movies, entertainment, restaurants all while cruising to destinations. Carrying in the area of 4,000 passengers, with 10 to 15 decks, the typical cruise ship boosts in the area of 10 restaurants, 250 waiters, and most are the same size or larger than the Queen Mary 2 (Guardian Unlimited, 2006). Industry executives in the cruise ship sector report that projections in cruise ship travel forecast it to increase in 2007 (Cruise Critic, 2006). The growth of this segment is good news to brick and mortar travel agencies as airline travel booking has been and is shifting to the online sector. The airline travel segment as a result of the Internet, and user penetration in the UK, 62.5%, has seen an increase in online bookings to the point where it now registers 53%, according to a survey conducted by Accenture (2005). The Report stated that 63% of respondents have booked hotels online, and that nearly two-thirds of those responding to the survey indicating that they expect to increase their use of low cost airlines where price is the primary consideration (Accenture, 2005). One of the key facets uncovered is that consumers are highly price sensitive and that since the 2003 survey it was noted that there has been a significant shift to online bookings from a live agent (Accenture, 2005). Table 5 – Primary Method of Booking Business Travel (Accenture, 2005) Online 53% Phone with a live agent 27% In person 12% Other 8% Table 6 – Internet Use for Flight Arrangements (Accenture, 2005) Research flight times and availability 79% Purchase airline tickets 66% Update and or change reservations 28% Specify personal flight preferences 26% Airline check in 22% Access account history or receipts online 19% None of the above 12% Other 2% Table 7 – Personal Travel Preferences, Airline Type (Accenture, 2005) Major network carriers 48% Low cost airlines 46% Not applicable 5% Other 1% The foregoing indicates a high do it yourself mode in airline bookings whereby the comparisons are rather straight forward. Features incorporated into online sites such as arranging your own seating has proved to be extremely popular, as has the printing of boarding passes and tickets (Economist, 2005). In fact, many online travel agencies are offering more than simply travel tickets and accommodations. Some have gifts shopping, hotel ranking sites, comments from other travelers, tickets to events and more, all in the effort to make the experience personable and get consumers to either remain on the site longer or return (Economist, 2005). As indicated under Table 6 Internet Use for Flight Arrangements, 79% of Internet users utilize online sites to research flight times and availability, while 66% actually purchase tickets. Naturally the more comfortable one

Point of View in Bartleby, the Scrivener Essay -- Herman Melville

Point of View is incorporated in to stories to show the readers how the story is told. It includes describing the position and person in the story. Position is how far the narrator is from everything that is going on in the story. Person is way the narrator shows the character and their attitude. There are four different parts that make up the Point of View. These four parts include: Third-Person Omniscient, Third Person Limited Omniscient, First Person, and the Objective. Third-Person Omniscient is when the author of the story, tells the story as a narrator. They â€Å"know ,† â€Å"speak,† and are able to follow every character in the story. Third-Person Limited Omniscient means that the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character in the story. The author is still the narrator. First Person is when the author chooses one character to tell the story. You will often see the words, â€Å"I,† and â€Å"me,† through out. The narrator will most likely be in the middle of the action, or telling the story from a past perspective. Lastly, the objective is how the author gets the point across without interpreting the character’s feelings. According to our textbook, â€Å"E-Fictions,† it is similar to â€Å"looking at a story as if the audience were watching it through a camera lens.† Herman Melville uses a first person point of view to show the narrator’s first hand fascination with his employee Bartleby, as well as Bartleby’s strange behavior and insubordination. The lawyer hires Bartleby as his scrivener. He is awestruck because Bartleby is so quick and efficient. He asks Bartleby to help him examine papers and Bartleby replies,† I would prefer not to.† Bartleby’s reply surprised the lawyer. The lawyer repeated himself. ... ... these letters speed to death. Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!† Using first person point of view in this story was a good way to show the readers first hand how the lawyer felt. I don’t think the author could have used any other point of view to explain to the reader how the lawyer felt about Bartleby. If he had used third-person omniscient, it would have pulled away from the narrator, and focused on all of the characters more. If he would have used third-person limited omniscient, we would not have gotten how the other characters in the story felt about Bartleby. Objective would not have worked either, because he wouldn’t really get to see what was going on in the lawyers â€Å"head.† In conclusion, point of view is very pertinent to telling the story. It is how the story is told, and who the story is told by. All of these factors go in to point of view.

Peasants DBQ Essay

This revolt lasted from 1524 till 1526, it began in the German states, and the main reason for the revolt was new Lutheran ideas that were beginning to go against the traditional Catholicism ideas. Documents 1,4 and 5 give insight on the views those who were on the nobility side, Documents 2 and 3 give more specific details over the views of peasants and finally for Documents 7,8 and 12 explain how the mainly how the revolt didn’t have much meaning behind it. Documents 1, 4, and 5 explained the point of view of the nobility which mostly all of the nobility agreed it was negative. In Document 1the Chancellor of Bavaria wrote how he believed that the revolt was simply the belief of the time and that’s why so many peasants were following the same belief. Yet the chancellor doesn’t realize the side of the peasant who strive for a better life for themselves, they simply want to have more rights for the individuality. In document 4 it explains how they have not reach any religious achievements, so for their freedom they must give a large amount of money to buy their freedom. As for document 5 a pope explains how the peasants are more like salvages and act very ruthless during their revolt. All 3 of these documents are more than likely extremely biased since the nobility only wanted to better themselves and nobody else. Document 2 and 3 explained how the peasants felt during the revolt which they unlike the nobility believed their actions were going to a positive cause. In document 2 a local craftsperson explain how the lords been cruel to all peasants. He is stating the lords and nobles should offer payment for their services not simply force them to do task like slaves. This relates to Luther’s knowledge and ideas instead peasants apply it not only to the church but outside of the church. In document 3 they explain the wrong doing of the lord by controlling peasant, they continue into saying that the rulers set by god would be the only one peasants would follow, but that they should still be set free and not be under so many restrictions. Both sides will not be entirely correct since they both strive to better themselves,  which of course they would maintain bias to their sides. Documents 7, 8, and 12 explain the negative side of the revolt from a 3rd person point of view. Document 7 comes from Martin Luther saying how the revolt from the peasants contradicts what they said; he goes on explaining that their actions are under the devils order. Although the actions they may have taken wasn’t the best response they did fight for what they believed in and all throughout history this has occurred many times fighting for what you think is right. Document 8 explains how if they all are brothers then the rich should share their wealth with the peasants, yet many would have trouble with this, because the one person’s wealth is every wealthy person wealth. Document 12 explains how the peasants forgot their place in the revolt, how they do not have the power to de3ciede for themselves. It truly shows how the peasants have absolutely no word in their treatment.

Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts

Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts Warning: After watching this play, you may be compelled to drive to the nearest donut shop, thereupon eating your fill of bear-claws, maple bars, and old fashioned glazed. At least, that was the effect the play had on me. Theres quite a bit of donut-talk, and were easily persuaded, especially when it comes to dessert. However, Superior Donuts, a 2009 comedy written by Tracy Letts, offers a bit more than sweet talk. About the Playwright Tracy Letts, son of author Billie Letts, is most famous for his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, August: Osage County. He has also written Bug and Man from Nebraska. The aforementioned plays blend dark comedy with an even darker exploration of the human condition. Superior Donuts, in contrast, is lighter fare. Although the play does delve into issues of race and politics, many critics consider Donuts closer to a TV sitcom rather than a brilliant piece of theater. Sitcom comparisons aside, the play features lively dialogue and a final act that is ultimately uplifting, albeit a bit predictable at times. The Basic Plot Set in modern-day Chicago, Superior Donuts depicts the unlikely friendship between a down-and-out donut shop owner and his enthusiastic employee, who also happens to be an aspiring author with a serious gambling problem. Franco, the young writer, wants to update the old shop with healthy choices, music, and friendlier service. However, Arthur, the shop owner, wants to remain set in his ways. The Protagonist The main character is Arthur Przybyszewski. (No, we didnt just mash my fingers on the keyboard; that is how his last name is spelled.) His parents immigrated to the U.S. from Poland. They opened the donut shop which eventually Arthur took over. Making and selling donuts has been his lifelong career. Yet, even though he is proud of the food he makes, he has lost his optimism for running the day-to-day business. Sometimes, when he doesnt feel like working, the shop stays closed. Other times, Arthur doesnt order enough supplies; when he has no coffee the local police, he relies on the Starbucks across the street. Throughout the play, Arthur delivers reflective soliloquies in between the regular scenes. These monologs reveal several events from his past that continue to haunt his present. During the Vietnam War, he moved to Canada to avoid the draft. In his middle-age years, Arthur lost contact with his young daughter after he and his wife divorced. Also, at the beginning of the play, we learn that Arthurs ex-wife recently died. Even though they had been apart, he is deeply affected by her death, thus adding to his lethargic nature. The Supporting Character Every crotchety curmudgeon needs a pollyanna to balance things out. Franco Wicks is the young man who enters the donut shop and ultimately brightens Arthurs perspective. In the original cast, Arthur is portrayed by Michael McLean, and the actor poignantly wears a T-shirt with a yin-yang symbol. Franco is the yin to Arthurs yang. Franco walks in seeking a job, and before the interview is over (although the young man does most of the talking, so its not a typical interview) Franco has not only landed the job, he has suggested a variety of ideas that could improve the store. He also wants to move up from the register and learn how to make the donuts. Eventually, we learn that Franco is enthusiastic not simply because he is an ambitious up-and-coming businessman, but because he has huge gambling debts; if he doesnt pay them off, his bookie will make sure that he gets hurt and loses a few fingers. "America Will Be" Arthur resists and occasionally resents Francos improvement suggestions. However, the audience gradually learns that Arthur is a pretty open-minded, educated guy. When Franco wagers that Arthur would not be able to name ten African American poets, Arthur starts off slowly, naming popular choices like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, but then he finishes strong, rattling off the names and impressing his young employee. When Franco confides in Arthur, revealing that he has been working on a novel, a turning point is reached. Arthur is genuinely curious about Francos book; once he finishes reading the novel he takes a more vested interest in the young man. The book is titled America Will Be, and although the audience never learns much about the novels premise, the books themes profoundly impact Arthur. By the plays end, the protagonists sense of courage and justice have been reawakened, and he is willing to make great sacrifices to save Francos physical and artistic life.

buy custom African Americans Perception about Diabetes essay

buy custom African Americans Perception about Diabetes essay Diabetes is an incurable disease that can be effectively managed if correct measures are taken. Some of the measures include early diagnosis, proper dieting, and increased awareness on the risk factors. Even though such information is vital among Native Americans who have risen up against the odds to fight it, African Americans are still lagging behind on it. Diabetes has been related to a luxurious lifestyle that most African Americans may not have a privilege to. This has hence made them not to seek early diagnosis or rather seek awareness on the same. They believe that it is impossible for them to acquire the disease, as they are not into luxurious living as their fellow natives. The few that have been diagnosed with the disease are always treated as terminally ill and hence not being given the assistance they need. They face stigmatization as they are left for dead. Such stigmatization has prevented some who may suspect to be infected not to seek medical help. In order to facilitate such awareness programs among black Americans, it is important for awareness campaigns to be held on the entire black population. Issues such as the disease being hereditary rather than just luxurious lifestyle should be made clear to them. They should also be informed that the disease is manageable and the sufferers can be helped to live longer healthy lives. The issues of the disease not being infectious should also be clarified to minimize on cases where such patients are isolated. Most African Americans are ignorant about diabetes, which makes them not to get involved in its campaigns. It is about time that proper information about the disease, how it is acquired, and the safety measures that should be taken to prevent infection, should be addressed. They should also be encouraged to take the tests so that they are given more information on how to remain healthy depending on the results. Buy custom African Americans Perception about Diabetes essay

Research paper about technological developments and adolescents Essay

Research paper about technological developments and adolescents gambling - Essay Example In United States and other parts, gambling is on the rise due to activities of gambling and increased acceptability of the routine. This has been due to the promotion of the available government lotteries, media exposure of poker tournaments, and accessibility of internet gambling. This is a significant change from what was there in the past years. However, problems exist in analyzing gambling in adolescents. Even after this weakness, it is necessary to consider gambling behavior in this growth phase due to the prevalence of risk taking behavior in this cohort. This will help in analyzing the extent to which the young gamble, influence of gambling on development, and other social aspects. Additionally, this will help with prevention and intervention strategies at a certain amount of gambling in adolescents. According to Wilber and Potenza (1), gambling is placing something of value at risk anticipating that one will gain something worthy. In adolescents, mostly gambling involves thin gs as flipping cards that eventually translates into problematic areas like sneaking to gamble in casinos. Recent studies have indicated that there are increased rates of gambling by the adolescents (Wilber and Potenza 1). In fact, a review conducted in United States and Canada indicates both a high level of adolescent is involved in gambling activities and increased rate of participation in the last one decade. For example in the united states between 1989 and 2002, the rate of gambling had increased to 65 % as compared to the past when it was hardly at 45% (DF, 24). In Canada, the rate of underage gambling is on the rise. There are key areas that adolescents engage in gambling. The critical areas include government promoted lottery, cards, dice, board games, sports betting, and games requiring skills. However, the actual rate of gambling depends on regions. Factors that affect the rate of participation include accessibility of gambling opportunities like the internet, types of gam bling available to adolescents and the general population (Wilber and Potenza 1). However, in comparisons to adults, adolescent’s gamblers agree to gamble with less money and less often as adults. This is primarily due to money constrains and lack of gambling opportunities. Moreover, they are most likely to engage in strategic gambling such as card games instead of nonstrategic gambling such as use machines (Wilber and Potenza 1). This is probably due to the diminished legal access to casinos and lotteries. Age sometimes limits adolescent’s participation, but it is less likely to eliminate the behavior. There exist challenges in studying gambling behaviors among the youths. This is because the study involves modification of the problem gambling criteria used to describe the behaviors in adults. The definition of problems in adolescents is likely to involve consideration of differences in the adolescent’s roles and responsibilities. However, the rate of adolescen ts gambling is yet to be established in concrete ways due to lack of consensus around definitions of adolescents involvements. The gambling problems include behavior that interfere with individual and have a negative outcome on their life (Wilber and Potenza 1). Statistics shows that the rate of gambling is high in males as compared to females and the gambling proble

The United Nations and international order Essay

The United Nations and international order - Essay Example From the research it can be comprehended that when the Great powers came together in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, the prevailing issues that obviated the need to form the United Nation were limited to those factors that characterized oppressive powers in Germany, Japan and Italy. Thus international order was perceived in an entirely different way than it is perceived today. Moreover, the founding fathers were embattled having just endured a major war and wanted to take advantage of the failures attributed to the League of Nations in that it had not been able to prevent a Second World War. The resolution was perceived as cooperation among the international community. However, the veto powers and the virtual autonomy of the five permanent members to the United Nation illustrate that the United Nation has been far from cooperative in coping with the prevention, management and cessation of breaches of the peace. Be that as it may, since the establishing of the United Nation the world has not suffered through a world war. It can therefore be argued that maintaining the world peace may not require international cooperation as called for by the United Nation. However, having regard to the proxy wars in the Middle East, the Gulf Wars and many other conflicts and humanitarian crimes, the effectiveness of the United Nation in maintaining international order, peace and security is seriously in doubt... Similarly, the UN decided on promoting peace and security via a framework that consisted of an â€Å"international organization† as opposed to the League of Nation’s framework of a global government.4 Thus the UN set out to consciously distance itself from the failed League of Nations. Setting the general tone of equality among the international community, Article 2(1) of the UN Charter 1945 specifically states that the UN was â€Å"based on sovereign equality of all of its Members†.5 The UK and the USSR were opposed to the UN becoming involved in anything outside of political and security issues. Even so, it was determined that the UN could not be effective without the authority to delve into the underlying root causes of armed conflict such as the economic, social and ideological factors the create tensions among and within states.6 In this regard, the UN’s mandate in maintaining international order would be somewhat expansive. It would not merely limit the scope of its authority to actual conflict, but would take on a much broader role in the international order. Early Challenges to the UN’s International Order Agenda The Allies of the Second World War were for all intents and purposes the founding fathers of the UN. Collectively, the Allies were the world’s Great Powers, having successfully defeated fascism and the Nazi powers. Thus the Great Powers assumed a pivotal role in the UN’s peacekeeping mandate that was designed to maintain and regulate international order. At the time, the main powers with the authority to negotiate peace and order were vested in the US and the USSR. The prevailing belief was that world peace and security was not possible unless the Great Powers cooperated and coordinated efforts to prevent and punish â€Å"aggression†. 7