Ancient Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro

Ancient Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro The Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro is what generations of besotted archaeologists have named a 10.8 centimeter (4.25 inch) tall copper-bronze statuette found in the ruins of Mohenjo Daro. That city is one of the most important sites of the Indus Civilization, or more accurately, the Harappan Civilization (2600-1900 BC) of Pakistan and northwestern India. The Dancing Girl figurine was sculpted using the lost wax (cire perdue) process, which involves making a mold and pouring molten metal into it. Made about 2500 BC, the statuette was found in the remains of a small house in the southwestern quarter of Mohenjo Daro by Indian archaeologist D. R. Sahni [1879-1939] during his 1926-1927 field season at the site. The Dancing Girl Figurine The figurine is a naturalistic free-standing sculpture of a nude woman, with small breasts, narrow hips, long legs and arms, and a short torso; her genitals are explicit. She wears a stack of 25 bangles on her left arm. She has very long legs and arms compared to her torso; her head is tilted slightly backward and her left leg is bent at the knee. On her right arm are four bangles, two at the wrist, two above the elbow; that arm is bent at the elbow, with her hand on her hip. She wears a necklace with three large pendants, and her hair is in a loose bun, twisted in a spiral fashion and pinned in place at the back of her head. Some scholars suggest that the Dancing Girl statuette is a portrait of a real woman. Individuality of the Dancing Girl Although there have been literally thousands of figurines recovered from Harappan sites, including over 2,500 at Harappa alone, the vast majority of figurines are terracotta, made from fired clay. Only a handful of Harappan figurines are carved from stone (such as the famous priest-king figure) or, like the dancing lady, of lost-wax copper bronze. Figurines are an elaborate class of representational artifact found in many ancient and modern human societies. Human and animal figurines can give insight into concepts of sex, gender, sexuality and other aspects of social identity. That insight is important for us today because many ancient societies left no decipherable written language. Although the Harappans had a written language, no modern scholar has been able to decipher the Indus Script to date. Metallurgy and the Indus Civilization A recent survey of the use of copper-based metals used in Indus civilization sites (Hoffman and Miller 2014) found that most of the classic Harappan aged objects made of copper-bronze are vessels (jars, pots, bowls, dishes, pans, scale pans) formed from sheet copper; tools (blades from sheet copper; chisels, pointed tools, axes and adzes) manufactured by casting; and ornaments (bangles, rings, beads, and decorative-headed pins) by casting. Hoffman and Miller found that copper mirrors, figurines, tablets, and tokens are relatively rare compared to these other artifact types. There are many more stone and ceramic tablets than those made of copper-based bronze. The Harappans made their bronze artifacts using a variety of blends, alloys of copper with tin and arsenic, and varying lesser amounts of zinc, lead, sulfur, iron, and nickel. Adding zinc to copper makes an object brass rather than bronze, and some of the earliest brasses on our planet were created by the Harappans. Researchers Park and Shinde (2014) suggest that the variety of blends used in different products was the result of fabrication requirements and the fact that pre-alloyed and pure copper was traded into the Harappan cities rather than produced there. The lost wax method used by Harappan metallurgists involved first carving the object out of wax, then covering it in wet clay. Once the clay was dried, holes were bored into the mold and the mold was heated, melting the wax. The empty mold was then filled with a melted mixture of copper and tin. After that cooled, the mold was broken, revealing the copper-bronze object. Sex and the Dancing Girl Most of the images of women from Harappan-period sites are from hand-modeled terracotta, and they are primarily curvaceous mother goddesses. Many of them have explicit sexual organs and navels, heavy breasts and broad hips; most wear a fan-shaped headdress. Male figurines appear later than the female ones, with early male motifs represented by male animals- bulls, elephants, unicorns- with explicit genitals. The dancing girl is unusual in that although her genitals are explicit she isnt particularly voluptuous- and she is not hand-modeled, she was created using a mold. American archaeologist Sharri Clark suggests that the process of making hand-modeled terracotta images was ritually or symbolically meaningful to the maker, that the manufacturing of the figurines was as important or perhaps more important than the figurine itself. It is possible, then, that the manufacturing technique chosen by the maker of the Dancing Girl had some specific meaning that we dont have access to. Possible African Origins The ethnicity of the woman depicted in the figure has been a somewhat controversial subject over the years since the figurine was discovered. Several scholars such as ECL During Casper have suggested that the lady looks African. Recent evidence for Bronze Age trade contact with Africa has been found at Chanhu-Dara, another Harappan Bronze Age site, in the form of pearl millet, which was domesticated in Africa about 5,000 years ago. There is also at least one burial of an African woman at Chanhu-Dara, and it is not impossible that the Dancing Girl was a portrait of a woman from Africa. However, the figurines hairdressing is a style worn by Indian women today and in the past, and her armful of bangles is similar to a style worn by contemporary Kutchi Rabari tribal women. British Archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler, one of many scholars besotted by the statuette, recognized her as a woman from the Baluchi region. Sources Clark SR. 2003. Representing the Indus Body: Sex, Gender, Sexuality, and the Anthropomorphic Terracotta Figurines from Harappa. Asian Perspectives 42(2):304-328. Clark SR. 2009. Material Matters: Representation and Materiality of the Harappan Body. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory 16:231–261. Craddock PT. 2015. The metal casting traditions of South Asia: Continuity and innovation. Indian Journal of History of Science 50(1):55-82. During Caspers ECL. 1987. Was the dancing girl from Mohenjo-daro a Nubian? Annali, Instituto Oriental di Napoli 47(1):99-105. Hoffman BC, and Miller HM-L. 2014. Production and Consumption of Copper-Base Metals in the Indus Civilization. In: Roberts BW, and Thornton CP, editors. Archaeometallurgy in Global Perspective: Methods and Syntheses. New York, NY: Springer New York. p 697-727. Kennedy KAR, and Possehl GL. 2012. Were There Commercial Communications between Prehistoric Harappans and African Populations? Advances in Anthropology 2(4):169-180. Park J-S, and Shinde V. 2014. Characterization and comparison of the copper-base metallurgy of the Harappan sites at Farmana in Haryana and Kuntasi in Gujarat, India. Journal of Archaeological Science 50:126-138. Possehl GL. 2002. The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. Walnut Creek, California: Altamira Press. Sharma M, Gupta I, and Jha PN. 2016. From Caves to Miniatures: Portrayal of Woman in Early Indian Paintings. Chitrolekha International Magazine on Art and Design 6(1):22-42. Shinde V, and Willis RJ. 2014. A New Type of Inscribed Copper Plate from Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation. Ancient Asia 5(1):1-10. Sinopoli CM. 2006. Gender and archaeology in south and southwest Asia. In: Milledge Nelson S, editor. Handbook of Gender in Archaeology. Lanham, Maryland: Altamira Press. p 667-690. Srinivasan S. 2016. Metallurgy of zinc, high-tin bronze and gold in Indian antiquity: Methodological aspects. Indian Journal of History of Science 51(1):22-32.

ACCT 712 Essays

ACCT 712 Essays ACCT 712 Essay ACCT 712 Essay ACCT 712 Final Exam 1. Net cash will be different from a companys net income because of the changes in working capital (inventories, receivables, etc. ) which is derived in the operating flows on a cash flow statement. By taking net income and making adjustments to reflect the changes, net cash flow from operating section will show how cash was generated. Another main reason is the translation process from accrual accounting to cash accounting because for example revenue reported on a accrual basis may not have been collected but on the cash flow statement and changes in cash is accounted for. For the operating section of the cash flow (CF) statement a positive sign will show high quality and identifies that the cash is flowing is available to pay operating expenses. For the investing section of the CF statement a negative sign will usually show investing of capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions. For a growing company a negative investing flow is preferred to show grow potential. Lastly, the financing section of the CF statement should show a positive to be evidence in the ability to pay debts or other flows. A growing company would show negative cash low due to the start up of taking out debt to finance capital within a growing company. Investing and financing sections for a growing company will likely show a negative due to the growth potential and start up of limited cash flows available. Sale proceeds from a sale of accounts receivable will result in a gain on sale affecting the balance sheet, income statement, CF statement. 2. Intrinsic value method is the difference between the market price and the preset strike price at any point in time. It represents the amount realized by the option holder, if exercised. Also known as the true value of a companys stock. Fair value method total compensation expense is computed based on the fair value of the options expected to vest on the date the options are granted to the employees. Estimation is done by using an option-pricing model such as the Black- Scholes to estimate fair value. From a investors perspective, the fair value method is preferred because of reporting more transparency to investors as well as restoring market confidence in financial reporting. This method requires expensing all stock options by allocation when the service is performed. In addition, by valuing at fair value, it appears consistent and comparable to the end user of a financial statement. From an companys perspective, the intrinsic value is favored over the fair value method because when employees are granted the stock options, it is reported as compensation expense. But due to the intrinsic value method, most employee stock plan option at the measurement date is zero because the option is set equal to the market price at the date that the options are granted. Thus, showing no compensation expense and only a foot note disclosure. In my opinion, I prefer the ntrinsic value method because accounting is based on present values that are realized not assumptions or estimates of values by using an option-pricing model. 3. arrangement Step2: Do the continuing cash flows result from a migration or a continuation of activities? No, the royalty agreement does not provide for a migration or a continuation of activities. The revenue-producing activities and cost generating activities of the component before the disposal transaction were the manufacturing and sale of medical devices. No continuance of those activities after the disposal ransaction; therefore, the cash flows associated with the royalty fee are indirect cash flows. Accordingly, Step 3, an evaluation of the significance of the continuing cash flows, is not necessary. Step 4: Is there significant continuing involvement in the operations of the disposed component? No ability to significantly influence is based on the insignificance of the royalty agreement to the overall operations of the disposed component. Also, the ongoing entity is involved in the operations of the disposed component is limited to the ability to receive Just a royalty for five years. Lastly, no rights by the agreement enable the ongoing entity to exert significant influence over the disposed component. Thus, the continuing cash flows are indirect cash flows and the ongoing entity will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the disposed component, this will be classified as a discontinued operation. . FASB is looking to make changes to lease accounting that would affect almost every organization. Lessees would be required to recognize in their balance sheets an asset representing the right to use the leased property over the estimated lease erm and a liability to make estimated future lease payments for each lease under this proposed capital lease method. This would ultimately eliminate the accounting and reporting of leases classified as operating leases. This impact could face timing recognition issues for example study analysis of financial data reveals that the proposal would depress company profits, economic growth and financial stability because it does not accurately reflect the economics of the lease transaction. 5. The three motivations for earnings management: 1) Compensation compensation is the driving force in management especially alary bonuses, whether pay is linked to performance, or controlling operating results compensation is very important to be profitable in a large part to motivation manipulation. For example, a more high-powered compensation is necessary to incentivize effort when earnings management is possible. 2) Covenant violation- by violating covenants this can cause interest rate to increase. Managers that violated covenants can avoid default by making income- increasing accounts choices. Such actions may improve the firms bargaining positions in cases of renegotiations. As a result, this usually leads to higher cost of orrowing or new restrictive covenants. ) Provide window dressing for IPO This relates to market incentives to manage earnings when there is a connection between reported earnings and the companys market value. Managers can use accounting discretion to increase earnings in the periods affecting an initial public offerings or a seasoned equity offerings to build also decline following offerings. The difference between real earnings management and accounting earnings management is real earnings management involves discretionary spending, manipulation of p roduction, selling of assets, stock options, or repurchase stock. Accounting earnings management is the way real earnings is accounted for within classifications, for example discretionary accruals or management buyouts. Earnings management is not necessarily bad from the shareholders perspective because by allowing managers to manipulate earnings figures mangers can meet a pre-specified target. But abusive earnings management would be considered bad due to the excessive income smoothing. Different methods used by managers can be very complex and confusing, which makes it very difficult for shareholders to pick up on accounting frauds before they happen.

Seminar paper (Sydney Harbour Bridge) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Seminar paper (Sydney Harbour Bridge) - Essay Example of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and how the author uses the theories of Roland Barthe to explain the depoliticisation, as well as the aura and allure of the bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in March 1932, was a spectacular event in Sydney’s history1. It was one of the major engineering feats of the twentieth century, and is the largest though not the longest one-bow bridge in the world. The construction of the bridge was a remarkable accomplishment in the years of the Great Depression, using labour-intensive technology. The Bridge crosses from Dawes’ Point on the downtown side to Milsons’ Point on the North Shore2. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate what Carl Hooper means by the ‘depoliticisation’ of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and how Hooper uses Roland Barthes’ theories to explain this depoliticisation, and the aura and allure of the bridge. harbour†3. A steel deck hangs from the arch, and each side are five steel truss approach spans. The hinges or bearings support the entire weight of the bridge, and allow it to move with expansion and contraction of the bridge, with temperature changes. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was part of the Bradfield Plan, named after the engineer John J.C. Bradfield who conceptualized the detailed and comprehensive plan4. Besides solving Sydney’s transport problems of that time, he foresaw the city’s future transport formulating the plan, he took care to orient the Sydney Harbour Bridge towards the future. There is provision of four railway lines, six-lane roadway for vehicular traffic, and two wide footwalks. â€Å"Adequate transport facilities between the city and Northern suburbs enable 1,000,000 people to reside on the northern side of the Harbour without unduly congesting traffic†5. With a view to overseas developments and their impacts on the local waterway traffic, adequate size of the vessels and ample waterways for the mammoth liners of the future were provided for6. Carl

Manufacturing Planning and Scheduling Techniques Assignment

Manufacturing Planning and Scheduling Techniques - Assignment Example Authentic BMW Light alloy wheels are the consequence of a complicated innovation and style practice – concentrated around the private BMW versions along with the numerous problems. The outcome is a sizable collection of light alloy wheels that satisfy the finest quality criteria and are flawlessly incorporated into the all-around depiction of the BMW they were meant for. Â  Forging is a basic process included in the production process of light alloy wheels. A paired thermo-mechanical form of the analysis of plastic-type deformation and ambiance substitute is personalized in the binding component configuration. With the intention to take into consideration the strain-rate impact on element traits in conjunction with the flow and pressure dependence on high temperature, the inflexible visco-plasticity is commonly employed in the display. An assortment of process scenarios was applied to the display such as punch pace, side perimeter, along with the deepness of the die cavity. Evaluation of a more straightforward and compact style is conducted and matched against the appearance in regards to forging load to verify the genuineness of the structure customized. Following that, various methods with the full-scale item for a 6061 aluminum-alloy wheel are simulated. Material flow, pressure distributions exerted on the die fortification, heat distributions a nd then forging weight are summarized similarly to basic data for process structure and selection of an appropriate press equipment. Â  With this particular method of High-Pressure Die Casting, the alloy in the liquid form is injected at extremely swift speed and significant stress into a steel cast. This equipment consists of two upright platens upon which enhancers are placed which cause the die to be maintained as halves. One platen is installed, whereas, the other may move very well, guaranteeing that the die is going to be exposed and closed.

Self-leadership analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Self-leadership analysis - Essay Example Based on the self-assessment of self-confidence, I am currently at position 6.4. What this means in essence for me as a leader is that, I have a have a strong sense of self-efficacy or self-confidence. This means that I belief that I have the ability to succeed when I am confronted with achievement situations in general. For that reason, therefore, I believe in my ability to successfully influence an outcome when I am presented with an opportunity (Mowday, 1979). To improve my self-confidence score, I can take the following two steps. Firstly, I can contact experts on self-confidence building/development for an expert advice on what I need to do to improve my self-confidence score, and secondly, I can make an effort to trust myself and my abilities more, so that I may have a more positive attitude towards my abilities. Based on the self-assessments, the following is the description of where I am currently in regard to skills, traits, and styles. In regard to skills, I scored 25 in technical skills, 24 in human skills, and 26 in conceptual skills. This means that my main leadership strengths in regard to skills lies in conceptual and technical skills, while my weaknesses in skills lies in human skills. To improve my score on human skills, I need to study and do more practice so as to be more competent in human skills. In regard to traits assessments, there was a total difference of -1.5 between my rating and the ratings that the other five gave me in regard to traits. This means that there is a minor incongruence between my rating on leadership traits and the rating that the other people gave me. In regard to my scoring in leadership style, I scored the following. In task score, I scored 46, while in relationship score I scored 45. This generally means that, as a leader, I am good at my leadership tasks and I relate well with my juniors in leadership. To improve my scores in leadership style,

Eleven Minutes Written By Paul Coelho Summary English Literature Essay

Eleven Minutes Written By Paul Coelho Summary English Literature Essay Once upon a time there was a prostitute called Maria. The novel Eleven Minutes is about a young adult named Maria who finds herself through travelling around Europe in order to achieve her dreams to become famous. Although this was not what she achieved she found love even after she was certain she will never find true love. Maria experiences what she thinks love is at a very young age. From the age eleven she fell in love with her neighbour and hated him when he didnt love her back, she then had many boyfriends and experienced the depths of relationships until she decided she didnt need a boy and promised to never fall in love again. At the age nineteen she decided she wanted to pursue her dream and persuaded her boss for a week holiday. After travelling to Rio de Janeiro she met a Swiss man who offers her work as a Samba dancer in a nightclub in Geneva. Realising dancing was not her passion, she quit the job and searched for work as a model but found herself being offered money for one night with an Arab man. This night led her to the brothel, Copacabana in Rue de Berne where she began work as a prostitute as she enjoyed the easy money and the way she got it. Here she worked many nights but only befriended one colleague, Nyah, as many other women saw her as a threat to their profession. The dehumanizing profession caused her to shut out her body and mind to any connection with love and her life now revolved around something that took eleven minutes which was the time Maria found that was actually spent having sex. As Maria only worked at night, she spent her days at the library, befriending the librarian and taking out books on many different subjects such as how to learn French, books about sex and farm management. She also explored the city which led her to the Road to Santiago where she meets a Swiss painter, Ralf Hart. Hart as a painter, loved her light that she gave off and asked if he could draw a portrait of her. This encounter caused Marias body and soul to become reintegrated because of the love and passion she shared with him although they first argue and he disrespects her profession. One particular client however, enabled her to experience pain yet reach a sense of pleasure from sex known as sadomasochism. This brought her to realise that pain and pleasure can relate. Although she experienced this, she didnt tell Ralf Hart and one day he introduced her to a different sense of pain that helped her to travel beyond any other pleasures. After several meetings with Ralf Hart, often at his house they shared something she didnt share with any other clients. She fell hopelessly in love with him as he brought her to rekindle her soul as it was only destroyed from her profession. Maria then felt she needed to leave Rue de Berne because of her feelings and travel home to her family regardless of the fact that if she worked for just six months longer, she could have given her family everything they desire. She then buys a ticket to Brazil, disappointed that she hadnt filled her suitcases with souvenirs as she has wished. Before travelling back home she wanders around the ci ty grasping the concepts, saying goodbye to those she had grown close to. During this time, the reader begins to learn about the librarian as Maria listens to what she has to say after she has read many books about sex after ordering them for the library. The librarian explains her life to Maria and although Maria does not know what to say, she simply listens and allows the librarian to express herself. However, Maria does ask if she had ever had an affair and although she did, she never told this to Maria. In the evening saw Ralf for the last time, or at least what she thought would be the last time as the love they experienced with each other brings them closer than past relationships. Ralf Hart becomes the hopeless romantic and meets Maria in the airport and the words The End appear on the cinema screen. Narrative Style This novel is written in third person singular with an omniscient style but however shifts to first person singular when Maria writes in her diary; She grew prettier and prettier, and her sad, mysterious ways brought her many suitors. and Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just a part of life. What does the world want of me? This therefore indicates that there is an epistdary style to the novel as Marias thoughts are shared through diary entries. The pronouns he and she are frequently used and characters are continuously addressed by their names. The novel is also written with an intrusive style; But if, one day, someone should decide to tell her story, she would ask them to begin it with just as all the fairy tales begin: Once upon a time. Character Analysis Maria: is an independent, selfless young lady who dreams of success which she will go out of her way to achieve. This is shown through her determination and even during her self-destroying profession she longs to achieve her dream she had since she was a little girl even though this is achieved through an adventure which causes her to change from being the innocent young girl she was. Maria is caring woman, this characteristic is portrayed through her nights with many clients as she not only gives them sexual pleasure but she also relieves them of their problems by discussing their life problems and situations. She is also a friendly lady as although Ralf Hart first offends her profession she still continues to talk and resolve the tension which then leads to a friendship and then a relationship. Her friendliness is also shown through her relationship between the librarian and her work colleagues although they see her as a threat. Maria is also devoting as she spends the money she pe rsonally earned on her family in order for her family to succeed in life by buying a farm for her family. Language Diction Eleven Minutes is a descriptive novel that uses informal language often including language commonly used amongst many people. There are many conversations in the novel between the characters, especially dialect between Maria and her sexual clients as well as between herself and Ralf Hart and Maria and the librarian. Techniques of creative writing are used such as personification; Geneva would just be the face of a man she loved and whom had loved her. There are also quite a few rhetorical questions which emphasize the situation and allow the reader to become involved with the situation in the novel. Several long sentences are used to describe feelings or objects; She was beginning to realise that after long months of self-control, the pressure, the earthquake, the volcano of her soul was showing signs that it was about to erupt, and the moment that this happened, she would have no way of controlling her feelings. Short sentences are also used to make an impact and emphasize the meani ng, for instance; She was terrified. Imagery The imagery is evident throughout the novel because all stimuli are aroused. Tactile imagery is evident when Maria sleeps with many different men because of her profession. The novel is very descriptive when Maria and Ralf Hart discuss their sexual relationships and when he seeks her as a customer; Maria felt Ralfs hand on her waist, his cheek pressed to hers and the music Thank God was too loud for them to talk. This description of Ralf and Marias encounter therefore links to auditory imagery as one can imagine the sound of the music around them. There is a sense of smell when Ralf caresses Marias face with his fingers; she can smell just a hint of ink on them, a smell that will stay there forever, even if he washes his handsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Visual imagery is foreseen throughout the novel when Maria enters the church before leaving back to Brazil. The novel explains traditions of a church; splendid stained-glass windows and empty cross; she was confronted not by an instrument of to rture, by the bloodied body of a dying man, but by a symbol of resurrectionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Taste imagery is evident when Maria has experience with a variety of foods, in Brazil she can only afford sandwiches and occasionally restaurants however, in Switzerland she eats more extravagantly and dines at more expensive restaurants after she is employed at The Copacabana. Themes The theme of discovery, pain and loneliness is evident throughout the novel as Maria had to experience pain throughout her life in order to discover her true self. Loneliness is shown through the novel as Maria was lonely and her soul and mind was lost in order for her to continue with her difficult career choice. Discovery also relates to this as she discovered herself from having made love with Ralf Hart and she began to feel much happier and realise that she had found love and that her soul was rejuvenated. The theme of sexual relations is represented deeply throughout the novel as Maria is a prostitute and has many sexual relationships throughout the novel because of this. Sex in the novel is a very dominant theme especially when Ralf Hart helps Maria to discover that sex is sacred and goes beyond ones soul. This theme may link to love and romance as Maria falls in love with Ralf Hart and they begin a relationship together after she flies home from Switzerland to Brazil. Setting This novel has various different settings which all motivate the novel in various ways. Whilst Maria is a young girl, the novel is set in Brazil in a secluded town. At nineteen she travels to Rio de Janeiro, a famous city for its carnival celebrations and many dances. These two scenes encourage the novel because as a young girl her parents are poor and as she begins to travel she wants to earn a decent salary to be able to support her family. As a young girl Maria also dreams to have the typical lifestyle and a glittery life and by moving from a secluded area to a populated town, Marias dream is truly reflected. The novel then takes the reader to Geneva in Switzerland then to Rue de Berne, down town from Geneva where sadly she becomes a prostitute but meets Ralf Hart. Genre The genre of Eleven Minutes is romance because of the relationships between Maria and her clients. Although Maria didnt fall in love with her many clients, she fell in love with a man who had occasionally entered The Copacabana and then paid for a night with her. The two endured sex and love and experienced what is called sacred sex in the novel. The genre could also be true life drama as the story line is based on a persons life but is altered in ways so that it isnt simply a biography. I say this because Maria experiences prostitution that is portrayed through everyday life although it is often not spoken about. Aspects I liked I enjoyed the fact that Maria finally realised that prostitution was not the way she should live her life and that although after another year she would have earned enough money to pursue her lifelong dreams and give her parents the life they had dreamed of, she left Geneva in order to live her life a better way. The novel also helped me to gain insight that there is a different side of earning a living and that prostitution is a settlement that young women make. I also enjoyed the fact that Ralf Hart went through effort in order to please Maria at the airport. It was the typical tender moment that every hopeless romantic will love. Despite this, I didnt enjoy that the novel ending in this way as I felt that the ending was a clichà © in comparison to the novel. I feel that the reader is able to imagine the ending before actually reading it which spoils the novel as it involves deep discussion about prostitution but then changes to a typical romance. Recommendations I would recommend this novel to any high school child that is sophisticated and mature to read about sexual relationships and prostitution. The novel is very open regarding the subjects sex and love and defines that sex without love is of no use. Saying this, I would specifically recommend this novel to teenage girls over the age of 17 because the theme, prostitution can be offensive to those who do not have an open mind. The novel discusses prostitution which is not an everyday topic although it can be a part of everyday life for certain people and it involves deep descriptions about sex and the discovery of sex in different ways. I would also recommend this novel to a woman who feels that they were once just a sexual object for men as the novel suggests female sexuality although it is explained through prostitution.

Mathematical Logic :: essays research papers

Mathematical logic is something that has been around for a very long time. Centuries Ago Greek and other logicians tried to make sense out of mathematical proofs. As time went on other people tried to do the same thing but using only symbols and variables. But I will get into detail about that a little later. There is also something called set theory, which is related with this. In mathematical logic a lot of terms are used such as axiom and proofs. A lot of things in math can be proven, but there are still some things that will probably always remain theories or ideas. Mathematical Logic is something that has a very long history behind it. It has been debated on for many centuries. If someone were to divide mathematical logic into groups they would get two major groups. Both groups are very long. One is called â€Å"The history of formal deduction† and it goes all the way back to Aristotle and Euclid and other people who lived at that time. The other is â€Å"the history of mathematical analysis† which goes back to the times of Archimedes, who was in the same era as Aristotle and Euclid. These to groups or streams were separate for a long time until Newton invented Calculus, which brought Math and logic together.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Somebody who studies mathematical logic and gives his or her own concepts about it is called a logician. Some well known logicians include Boole and Frege. They were trying to give a definite form to what formal deduction really was. Aristotle had already done such a thing but he had done it with language, Boole wanted to do it with only Symbols. Frege came up with â€Å"Predicate Calculus†. As time went on people did not make new theories as much as they used to in the time of Aristotle. They mostly concentrated on expanding on theories that have been said centuries ago, proving those theories or putting them into symbolic form. Table of Logicians* Boole Frege Newton Gà ¶del Aristotle Euclid Archimedes Leibnitz *This Table has a few of the Logicians listed in my book Words that have to do with logic like and, or, not are given symbols like &, V, or an upside down L reversed. The Letters X, Y, Z and so on are commonly used as variables and P, Q, R are used as predicates, properties or relations. Sometimes there are theories that have to do with machines that do not exist and usually have things in them that are infinite and they usually work with letters and numbers.

Turkey’s Retailing Sector Analysis

RETAILING INDUSTRY in terms of Food- Non Food * Sectorial Overview; Retailing is the business activity that involves selling products/services to customers for their non-commercial, individual or family use. Normally, retailing is the final stage of the distribution process. The middle and long term potential of Turkey retail industry continue remaining attractive. Companies in sector support the sectorial expansion with their expansion strategies, negative business administration fund and powerful cash creating capabilities.The defensive structure of sector and low penetration strengthen this situation. With the increase in consumer demand, rapid urbanization, increase in large scale retail investments the number of shopping malls in Turkey increased by more than 20% in the last two years. In the same period, the total surface rent area in Turkey increased by more than 30% and reached As it can be seen on the graph below; the total size of the retail sector (organized and unorganize d) in Turkey is expected to reach $355 billion in 2013 and grow with 10% until 2016. (See Figure 1 in Appendix)Organized retail, a highly promising segment due to increasing per capita consumer spending and relatively weaker presence up to now in comparison with developed markets, is estimated to be 40% of the total retail industry in Turkey. (See Figure 2 and Figure 3 in Appendix) * The share of organized retail continue increasing; The share of organized retail which has the level of %25 in the total retail market in 2000 exceeds the levels of %50 according to the 2013 predictions. Turkey organized retail market achieve an impressive growth in last 10 years.It is anticipated that the share of organized retailers increase from the level %47 to the level %60 in upcoming 5 years. It is anticipated that the share of organized retail increases to the level of %60 till 2015. While the food retail segment constitute more than half of total retail market, traditional structure such as loc al markets and groceries still dominates the market. It is expected that approximate number of 10. 000 organized retail store will be twofold in 5-6 years. Besides, it is predicted that the number of groceries will be regress from 150. 00 to 100. 000 at the same period. Turkey, with its 105 milliard dollars sales figure, is located in 6th line in Europe retail sector. Nevertheless, while the total share of 5 biggest players in Europe is approximately %50, it is %20 in Turkey. Organized Retail Sector is the fastest expanding canal discount merchandising. It is expected that the number of approximately 6. 000 discount stores in Turkey will be twofold in upcoming 4 or 5 years. With the support of increase in the income per capita, %12 growth is anticipated in retail sector between 2009 and 2015.The discount store chain in Turkey (such as A101, SOK, BIM, DIASA) have a very fast growth schedules. BIM is placed in the first row in discount merchandising with its large store quantity. The company is planning to open 300 or 350 new stores every year. The fast increase in store quantities supports scale economy and companies are able to pull down their sale prices thanks to the decline in costs. With the effect of increasing competition in sector, it is expected that the growth accelerate with purchasing in forthcoming years. Despite the high competition, the retail sector is enlarging expeditiously; 6 major organized food retailing brand constitute %37 of total market in spite of divided structure. It is expected that it will be inorganic growth, merchandising and reunions, thus the companies will achieve more competitive charges by increasing their purchasing power in 2013 and later on with the intensity of competition. 2 Major Retailing Companies in the Sector; MIGROS vs BIM BIM and MIGROS which are the prominent players of Turkey food retail sector, are analyzed in this assignment in terms of their financial analysis.In retailing sector, these 2 companies have a gr eat effect and they are known as most powerful competitors with their shares all over the industry. Migros has 6% and BIM has 9% industry shares. (See Figure 4 in the Appendix) 1) BIM BIM (Birlesik Magazalar A. S. ) adopts as a principle the supply of the highest quality basic foodstuff to consumers, at the best possible prices. BIM began its operations in 1995 with 21 stores and in line with this principle. BIM’s product portfolio comprises around 600 products. 44. 12% of BIM shares started to be traded in Istanbul Stock Exchange in 15 July 2005.BIM is the first representative of high level discount model in Turkey and the company got in stock market return for its rapid growth. While BIM finishes its 7th year in stock market, it became the 12th company that has highest market value of Turkey. * Board of Directors Mustafa Latif TopbasChairman of the Executive Committee Ekrem PakdemirliVice Chairman of the Board Mahmud MeraliBoard member and has chaired the Audit Committee Jo s SimonsBoard member and consultant. Omer Hulusi TopbasBoard member. Yalc? n OnerBoard member. Dr. Zeki Ziya SozenBoard member. Turnover doubled to six; The rapid growth of the company had an effect on the rise of BIM , whose capital’s 17,43 per cent belongs to Mustafa Latif Topbas, in stock market. (See Table 1; Structure of BIM’s Shareholders) BIM ‘s sales revenues were 1. 4 billion TL . In the end of 2011, this revenues reached to 8. 2 billion TL. Also, the personnel number of the company increased approximately 3 times in 7 years. In the end of 2010, BIM became the endorsement leader with 6. 5 billion TL in the retailing sector of Turkey and it maintained this position in 2011.As abroad, while the company increases the number of stores in Morocco, aims Egypt for the next year. This year, BIM also started to operate in mobile communication industry with the name of BIMCELL. * Growth Strategy; Aggressive Growth among the competitor companies that strength After 11% increase in number of stores in 2011, with the number of 3. 584 stores in 2012, BIM is the retailer that has the largest store network in Turkey. (See Figure 5; Number of Stores ) BIM plans to open 400 new stores in 2013 and reach 5. 500 stores in 2015.With the store numbers increases there also has been 14% increase in number of employees in the company in 2011. BIM has been expanding their business, operations in every part. (See Figure 6; Number of Employees) These increases in operation side lead to an increase in number of average daily customers with 14% in 2011. (See Figure 7; Average number of Daily Customers) Of course with these changes, company carried out a 25 percent net sales increase over the industry average in 2011 and 2012. (See Figure 8; Sales and Gross Profit Margin) It is estimated that a sales increase over 20 per cent in 2013.Depending on this net sales growth, Company’s net profit has been increased by 22% over the last three years. Due to the inc rease in net sales; margin values regarding net profit, gross profit, EBIT, EBITDA have been decreased over 3 years. (See Figure 9; Net Profit and Net Profit Margin) With the effect of net sales increase, EBIT has been increased to 347,5 in 2011 ( See Figure 10; EBIT and EBIT margin) These was a 19%increase in company’s EBITDA and this means that there is an increase in amortization so we can say that company increased their asset purchases as we can see on the related figure. See Figure 11; EBITDA and EBITDA margin) * 18 times has been increased in 7 years; BIM began to be traded with 672. 9 million TL of market value in July, 2005. The value of the company increased approximately 18 times in 7 years based on TL. The increase in BIM stocks since the first trading day was 1. 861 per cent. As a result of its rapid growth, BIM’s market value is the over of the Erdemir, Arcelik, Ford Otosan, Finansbank and Vak? fbank in addition to Tupras that is the Turkey's largest indu strial enterprise and refinery giant.Also, BIM has paid its shareholders a total dividend of 700 million TL in the period of 7 years in the stock market. (See Figure 12; BIM Dividend Payment over the last 5 years). As the company’s profit increased dividend payments are increased also. There has been a positive relationship between them. This is a very good indicator for the company’s investors who already invested in BIM’s shares and who are planning to invest. Also as a result of the increase in BIM’s stock prices and stock revenues; value of the company also increased. So, this situation put the company's principal shareholder, Mustafa Latif Topbas, to the Forbes list. On the other hand, for each stock BIM has really high returns and it brings some important risks also for the investors. (See Figure 13; IMKB 100 vs. BIM Stocks) When we compare the situation of BIM’s stocks in Imkb 100 with stocks of MIGROS, BIM has a higher return, profit for th e investors and because the returns and prices of BIM higher than IMKB 100 and because there is a really important difference between the line according to Figure, BIM’s stocks are also operated and valued in IMKB 30. Why is it rising? * The rapid growth in the number of stores and endorsement. * The high capacity of dividend payment.. * Increasing profitability of the company every year. * To expand abroad with Morocco. * To bring new revenues with BIMCELL. *3/4 of the shares in stock market is belonged to foreigners. * Growth Targets in Egypt after Morocco: BIM will open stores in Egypt by 2013. The company estimates that the growth in Egypt will be faster compared to the growth in Morocco. Recently, BIM operates in Morocco with 103 stores.And the company plans to open 50 new stores in Egypt every year after 2013. 2)MIGROS Originally established in Turkey in 1954 as a collaboration of the Swiss-based Migros Cooperatives Society and the Istanbul municipality, Migros’s primary mission was to supply economically priced groceries and household supplies to consumers in Istanbul under wholesome conditions. In 1975 the Koc Group acquired a majority stake in the company, following which there was a steady increase in both number of its stores and its brand value for more than a decade.In 1991, Migros became the first publicly traded company in retail. Following a Koc Group strategic decision to pull out of grocery retailing, in February 2008 Koc Holding signed an agreement to sell its 50. 83% stake in Migros to Moonlight Perakendecilik. Transfer of the shares took place on May 30th of the same year. On 30 April 2009, Moonlight Perakendecilik (now known as Migros Ticaret A. S. ) and Migros Turk T. A. S. were merged into a single company which has since been operating under the name â€Å"Migros Ticaret † and whose principal shareholder is MH Perakendecilik ve Ticaret A. S.In 2005 Migros further bolstered its leadership of Turkey’s food ret ailing sector with its acquisition of Tansas, another national chain As of end-2011 Migros was operating through a total of 745 national and international locations. With a national presence in all seven of Turkey’s geographical regions taking the form of 262 â€Å"M†, 190 â€Å"MM†, 59 â€Å"MMM†, and 16 â€Å"5M† Migros-branded stores and of 177 â€Å"Tansas† and 13 â€Å"Macrocenter† stores, its international footprint consisted of 23 Ramstores in Kazakhstan and another 5 in Macedonia. ( See Figure 14,15 ; Breakdown of Net Sales Area by Store Brands of MH Group) Distribution of Dividend According to latest data from the company’s official web-site, at the company’s Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2010, it was decided to distribute a gross cash dividend of TL 195,833,000 to the shares representing TL 178,030,000 capital and the dividend disbursement is to start on May 28, 2010. On July 30th, 2009, it was decided to distribute the dividend of the free reserves after setting aside the reserves required by law to the share certificates representing the capital of TRY 178,030,000 and to use TRY 2,492,420,000 from this source for the distribution of gross cash dividends. See Table 2; Structure of Migros’s Shareholders) * Growth Strategy: The company increased its total store number to 745 in 2011. (See Table 3) and 2012, they increased the stores to 874 by opening 142 new stores. The company is planning to open 100 new stores in 2013. It is expected that the company will maintain rapid growth and increasing operation profitability in 2013 by focusing on its main operations. In addition to this, in 2013, it is estimated that the company will have 13% sales growth in year basis and 6. 4% EBITDA margin. * The positive effect of selling of â€Å"SOK† on Profitability.After selling SOK Discount Stores, thanks to high margins of supermarket segment and improvements in operational manage ment and supply chain, Migros’s EBITDA margin increased in 2011. It increased from 5. 7% in 2011 to 6. 5% in 2011. While Migros leave the channel of low margin discount retailing that is in intense competition, it will increase its penetration in supermarket segment that it is the leader in. In the medium term, 6. 0%- 6. 5% is the sustainable margin level. It is expected that sale, partnership and the reunion debates of Migros and CarrefourSa in 2013 will close the sale after getting purchased the food by Makro. BC Partners’ expectation of selling the share of Migros, BC Partners (MH Retailing) which is %80,5 shareholder of Migros is a private equity company centered in London. In spite of the fact that it is expected that BC Partners will sell their quantum of Migros in between 2013-2014, there is no explanation about the time period. It is thought that, despite the aggressive growth strategies of Migros continue, the quantum sale in 2013 is highly possible. In the ca se of selling deal, it is possible to be made a call for minor shareholders. * Company’s Stock Returns in IMKB 100When we compare the Migros Stock Returns we can say that, the prices of each stocks are less than BIM’s stocks and their returns are above the IMKB 100 line. This situation makes company’s stocks profitable but at the same time it may mean a high risk for the investors ( See Figure 17; IMKB 100 vs. MIGROS Stocks) Analysis of Financial Ratios of BIM & MIGROS (See Tables 4,5,6) 1) Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio: This ratio is commonly used as an index for current financial position and used for measuring company’s ability to pay short-term debts and determining the company’s net working capital if it is enough or not.Generally it is expected to be 2,00. The ratio of 1 is also acceptable. When we look at both companies both of them may have some difficulties to pay their short-term liabilities. For the firms which has a high level of inven tory turnover ratio and receivable turnover ratio like Bim, they are able to pay their short-term debts easily. Quick Ratio: It is a more sensitive ratios than current ratio. It shows us the ability of firms to pay their short-term liabilities when they have no sales growth, when their sales stops. It is expected to be 1. The ratios of both firms are less than deal number so receivable accounts and cash cover short term liabilities and their abilities to pay are not good but at least both firms’ ratios are higher than industry ratio and this brings these 2 companies in a better position in terms of short-term debts. Cash Ratio: It is most sensitive liquidity ratio. Generally, this ratio is not expected to be under 0. 20. As both firms cash ratios are higher than industry ratio, it won’t difficulties for paying their debts in the condition of lack of sales and getting their receivables. Additionally, company is holding more cash than needed.Net Working Capital: If the v alue of networking capital is minus, this means company’s current liabilities are more than current assets. This is the main reason for the company which finance its current assets with current liabilities. This is the case for BIM. We can say that company might have done current assest investments. We can say that BIM has some problems in terms of liquidity. Migros has positive networking capital and it has no liquidity problem. 2) Leverage Ratios Total Debt Ratio: This ratio is expected to be under 50%. With 0. 64, 0. 63 and 0. 64 ratios according to three years, BIM has higher values than this ideal ratio.When we look at industry ratio, it is 2,00. This ratio tells us, foreign resources are used for financing assets by the rate of 0. 64. It shows that BIM can pay its debts by selling assets when the operation stopped. This is the same for Migros expect the year 2010. It has a very high ratio, even higher than the industry level which is 2,41. Debt to Equity Ratio: This rat io can be equal to 1 or higher than 1. If it is higher than 1, it means difficulties in paying debts and interests or if it is lower than 1, it means company finance their assets by using its equities. The industry ratio is 1. 3. By looking Migros’s DTE ratios, they mostly finance their assets by using their equities instead of using foreign resources and they will have no difficulties while paying their debts, liabilities in the future. But when we compare it with the industry which is almost 1, Migros will have less advantage in any crisis condition. In this case, Bim has a more advantageous position than Migros because its ratios are closer to industry ratio and ideal ratio. Long Term Debt: It is a normal ratio 0. 12 – 0. 16 in Turkey. The industry ratio is 1. 03. Migros’s ratios are 0. 47, 0. 44, 0. 49 orderly.Bim’s ratios are 0. 01, 0. 01, 0. 01 orderly. If this ratio is high, this increases interest burden, decreases dividends and as a result, it ca uses not to cover debt burden. Migros prefers long-term foreign resources rather than using their equities. Long Term Debt to Equity: Ideal ratio is 1. Migros’s ratios are 0. 64, 1. 85, 2. 26. Bim’s ratios are 0. 04, 0. 03, 0. 03 orderly. The industry ratio is 0. 84. For Bim with these ratios that are less than 1, it means that Bim’s equity is more than long term debts. It is valid for these three years. Times Interest Earned: This ratio should be more than 8.Higher value of times interest earned ratio is favorable meaning greater ability of a business to repay its interest and debt. Lower values are unfavorable. That means if a company cannot repay its interest and debt it may become in a difficult situation even it may go bankrupt. In general, times interest earned of 1. 5 or below is unsafe. 3) Efficiency Ratios Receivable Turnover: If a company has a low receivable turnover it means, that company has some important difficulties to collect their receivables a nd the collection policy of that company is not so good and this means that they are unnecessarily relax about sales on credit.When we compare Bim and Migros, Bim is a better position for collecting its receivables in a quicker way. Its ratios are even less than industry ratio. When we compare Bim with Migros, Bim really has a strong ability to get their sales and receivables and their portfolios include low-risk and trustful customers Average Collection Period: It can also be evaluated by comparison with the terms on which the firm sells its goods. For Bim, with the high value of this ratio, it may not have the ability to finance its own debts because of long-term collection.Migros has a shorter average collection period Inventory Turnover: It is the most important ratio in retailing sector and it measures company's efficiency in turning its inventory into sales. Its purpose is to measure the liquidity of the inventory. Migros has ratios 7. 43, 8. 52, 8. 47 orderly and Bim has rati os 16. 98, 19. 56, 20. 23. Industry average is 10. 61. Migros’s ratios are less than Bim’s and industry’s ratios so this is a signal signal of inefficiency, since inventory usually has a rate of return of zero. It also implies either poor sales or excess inventory.For Migros low turnover rate can indicate poor liquidity, possible overstocking, and obsolescence, but it may also reflect a planned inventory build up in the case of material shortages or in anticipation of rapidly rising prices. Bim has highest inventory turnover ratios over Migros and industry. It means that Bim is really strong in terms of sales and at the same time very effective to control its inventories. Its higher inventory turnover ratio also means better liquidity. Also its efficiency in managing their stocks were increased, their stocks are becoming sales revenues in a short time and their stock costs were decreased year by year.With this positive development, it has less financial resource s for their stocks as necessities and their competition force has increased by this activity. Average Days in Inventory: Generally, the lower (shorter) the DSI the better. Bim has lower Average Days in Inventory than Migros and industry. This means, Bim is doing good in the sector and it has a good position in industry competition. This is an indicator of good operating cycle of Bim. In this case, Migros is in a worse situation. Asset Turnover: Bim has higher asset turnover ratio than Migros and industry and it shows us Bim has much more effective sales than Migros.It is more successful than Migros in order to generate sales with fewer assets it has a higher turnover ratio which tells it is a good company because it is using its assets efficiently. Migros is not using its assets optimally. Total asset turnover ratio is a key driver of return on equity 4) Profitability Ratios A company’s stock price, in large part, is driven by the company’s ability to generate earnings . Therefore, it is useful for investors to analyze the profitability of a company before investing in it. One way to do this is by calculating and tracking various profit margins, which reflect how efficiently a company uses its resources.Gross Profit Margin: Due to higher sales volume of Bim, Bim has lower gross profit margin than both Migros and the industry and it means Profit Margin: It tells us about company’s profits and their different kinds of policies, strategies and decisions. When we look at Bim’s profit margins over the 3 years they are higher than Migros’s profit margin values and the industry average. It is the most advantageous one. Bim has a better position than Migros in the industry. It has a competitive advantage over Miigros. ROA: It shows us at what amount companies get returns from their investments.Bim has higher ROA than Migros and industry over 3 years. It has become really effective to use their assets in a profitable way. For Migros, i n 2011 the ratio became a minus value this means Migros lost its asset profitability and started to not to get any profit from their assets. ROE: Stockholders invest to get a return on their money, and this ratio tells how well they are doing in an accounting sense. It measures the performance of companies’ equities. Again for this ratio, Bim has a much better position. It has higher ratio than Migros and industry. But on the other hand, there has been a small ROE reduction for Bim over 3 years.For example in 2011, ROE is 0. 48 and this means that owners of Bim could get 10% income from their equity that they invest for Bim. Operating Profit Margin: With a higher ratio of Bim, it is more successful in generating from operating its business. It is more important than net profit margin because it measures the profit margin which companies gain from goods and services sales in companies’ main activity subjects. This ratio is higher than industry ratios which is really imp ortant especially for Bim’s investors. APPENDIX Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Table 1: Structure of BIM’s ShareholdersTable 2; Structure of Migros’s Shareholders Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Table 3; # of National and International Stores, Net Sales Area Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Table 4: Financial Ratios of Migros | 2009| 2010| 2011| 2010| | Migros| Migros| Migros| Industry| LEVERAGE RATIOS| Debt to equity| 2. 76| 3. 13| 3. 58| 1. 03| Total debt ratio| 0. 73| 2. 41| 0. 78| 2. 00| Long Term debt ratio| 0. 47| 0. 44| 0. 49| 0. 22| Long-term debt to equity ratio| 0. 64| 1. 85| 2. 26| 0. 84| Times Interest Earned| 1. 54| 1. 28| 1. 43| 22. 35|LIQUIDITY RATIOS| Current ratio| 1. 34| 1. 01| 1. 13| 0. 82| Quick ratio| 0. 94| 0. 58| 0. 70| 0. 45| Cash Ratios| 0. 88| 0. 55| 0. 66| 0. 32| Net Working Capital| 497,628| 27,363| 218,876| -31,682,086| EFFICIENCY RATIOS| Total asset turnover| 1. 01| 1. 14| 1. 04| 2. 08| Inventory turnover | 7. 34| 8. 52| 8. 47| 10. 61| Receivable turnover| 150. 11| 127. 5| 85. 64| 66. 25| Average collection period| 2. 43| 2. 86| 4. 26| 8. 80| Average days in Inventory| 49. 72| 42. 84| 43. 09| 38. 61| PROFITABILITY RATIOS| Gross profit margin| 0. 25| 0. 24| 0. 25| 0. 22| Net profit margin| 0. 01| 0. 006| -0. 02| 0. 02| Operating Profit Margin| 0. 01| 0. 03| 0. 04| 0. 01| Return on Asset| 0. 01| 0. 00| -0. 02| 0. 03| Return on Equity| 0. 07| 0. 03| -0. 13| 0. 11| Table 5:Financial Ratios of Bim | 2009| 2010| 2011| 2010| | Bim| Bim| Bim| Industry| LEVERAGE RATIOS| Debt to equity| 1. 83| 1. 74| 1. 81| 1. 03| Total debt ratio| 0. 64| 0. 63| 0. 64| 2. 00| Long-term debt ratio| 0. 01| 0. 01| 0. 01| 0. 22| Long-term debt to equity ratio| 0. 04| 0. 03| 0. 03| 0. 84| Times Interest Earned| 156. 8| 83. 67| 140. 6| 22. 35| LIQUIDITY RATIOS| Current ratio| 0. 88| 0. 95| 0. 98| 0. 82| Quick ratio| 0. 51| 0. 56| 0. 61| 0. 5| Cash Ratios| 0. 24| 0. 33| 0. 36| 0. 32| Net Working Capital| -80,986| -38,285| -18,386| -31,682,086| EFFICIENCY RATIOS| Total asset turnover| 4. 84| 4. 79| 4. 72| 2. 08| Inventory turnover | 16. 98| 19. 56| 20. 23| 10. 61| Receivable turnover| 32. 99| 34. 15| 30. 21| 66. 25| Average collection period| 11. 06| 10. 68| 12. 08| 8. 80| Average days in Inventory| 21. 4| 18. 66| 18. 04| 38. 61| PROFITABILITY RATIOS| Gross profit margin| 0. 17| 0. 16| 0. 16| 0. 22| Net profit margin| 0. 04| 0. 037| 0. 037| 0. 002| Operating Margin| 0. 04| 0. 04| 0. 04| 0. 01| Return on Asset| 0. 19| 0. 17| 0. 17| 0. 3| Return on Equity| 0. 54| 0. 49| 0. 48| 0. 11| Table 6: Financial ratios of Tesco Kipa, Carrefoursa, Migros, Bim, Industry, in 2010 2010| | Bim| Migros| Carrefoursa| Tesco Kipa| Industry| LEVERAGE RATIOS| Total Debt ratio| 0. 63| 2. 41| 0. 41| 0. 70| 1. 03| Debt to equity| 1. 74| 3. 13| 0. 71| 2. 43| 2. 00| Long-term debt ratio| 0. 01| 0. 44| 0. 02| 0. 42| 0. 22| Long-term debt equity ratio| 0. 03| 1. 85| 0. 04| 1. 45| 0. 84| Times interest earned| 84. 6| 1. 28| 1. 54| 2. 00| 22. 35| LIQUIDITY RATIOS| Net working capital| -38,285| 27,363| -126,853,307| 178,586| -31,682,086| Current ratio| 0. 8| 1. 01| 0. 81| 0. 59| 0. 82| Quick ratio| 0. 51| 0. 58| 0. 53| 0. 20| 0. 45| Cash Ratios| 0. 24| 0. 55| 0. 36| 0. 16| 0. 32| EFFICIENCY RATIOS| Total asset turnover| 4. 84| 1. 14| 1. 42| 0. 95| 2. 08| Inventory turnover | 16. 98| 8. 52| 10. 3| 6. 65| 10. 61| Receivable turnover| 32. 99| 127. 5| 21. 5| 83. 04| 66. 25| Average collection period| 11. 06| 2. 86| 16. 9| 4. 39| 8. 80| Average Days in Inventory| 21. 4| 42. 84| 35. 4| 54. 8| 38. 61| PROFITABILITY RATIOS| Gross profit margin| 0. 17| 0. 24| 0. 22| 0. 27| 0. 22| Net profit margin| 0. 04| 0. 006| -. 008| -0. 03| 0. 002| Operating Margin| 0. 4| 0. 03| -0. 005| -0. 002| 0. 01| Return on Asset| 0. 19| 0. 00| -0. 011| -0. 03| 0. 03| Return on Equity| 0. 54| 0. 03| -0. 02| -0. 11| 0. 11| | | REFERENCES * http://www. bim. com. tr/yatirimci-iliskileri. html * http:// www. migroskurumsal. com/Foreks. aspx? IcerikID=35 * http://tesco. kipa. com. tr/default. asp * http://www. carrefour. com. tr/Kurumsal/finansalsonuclar;jsessionid=b3a0da5ff5e79ee039b023b24ca0 * http://www. ampd. org/ * http://www. capital. com. tr/perakende-AltKategoriler/48. aspx * http://www. aaii. com/computerized-investing/article/profit-margin-analysis. pdf

16 Classic Russian Jokes

16 Classic Russian Jokes Russian humor can be difficult to understand even if you speak fluent Russian. This is often because many Russian jokes play on cultural stereotypes, political events, popular culture, and Soviet-time movies. Russian jokes are called Ð °Ã ½Ã µÃ ºÃ ´Ã ¾Ã'‚ and have a unique history. The first Ð °Ã ½Ã µÃ ºÃ ´Ã ¾Ã'‚Ã'‹ came to Russia through the European tradition of telling interesting, often funny stories. They were popular in the aristocratic circles and eventually developed into the classic joke similar to those in the West. However, these jokes took on a very political slant during the 70 years of the Soviet era. This unique perspective allowed for the development of an unusual, specific Russian humor characterized by its themes of political or cultural relevance. Soviet Jokes About Political Leaders Imgorthand / Getty Images Soviet political leaders provided a lot of material for new jokes, especially Stalin, Brezhnev, and Khrushchev, due to their odd or funny behavior as well as the paradoxical and claustrophobic nature of the Soviet life. 1.Thats enough of messing around, said Brezhnev, gluing his eyebrows under his nose. 2. Brezhnev is speaking at a party meeting. Who said that I can only speak when I have the speech in front of me? Ha, dash, ha, dash, ha, dash. 3. - Do you have a hobby, Leonid Ilyich?- Of course! I collect jokes about myself.- Have you got many?- Two and a half labor camps already! Jokes About Everyday Soviet Life Life was difficult in the Soviet Union, with stores often displaying empty shelves and politics generating a high level of stress and suspicion. People were painfully aware of the lack of things that were considered completely ordinary abroad. All production was done within the country and everything was grey and clunky compared to what was being produced in the West. People responded by coming up with jokes that played on the contrast between life in the Soviet Union and life elsewhere. 4. Two cassette players meet up. One is Japanese, the other is Soviet-made. The Soviet one says:- Is it true that your owner has bought you a new cassette?- Yeah.- Can I have a chew? 5. - What would you do if they opened the borders?- I would climb a tree.- Why?- So I dont get killed in the stampede. Jokes About Contemporary Life in Russia 6. They caught Bin Laden. Washed him, gave him a haircut, turned out it was Berezovsky. 7. A factory worker in a Western country shows his house to his Russian colleague.- Heres my room, this one is my wifes, this is my eldest daughters, thats our dining room, then the guest bedroom... etc.The Russian guest nods and says, after a pause:- Well, its basically similar to mine. Only we dont have the internal walls. New Russians Jokes Arndt_Vladimir / Getty Images New Russians appeared in the 1990s, after the fall of the Soviet Union, as the Russian nouveaux riches. They quickly became the subject of many jokes due to their lack of culture, education, and manners, as well as their garish tastes. New Russians were usually depicted as low in intelligence and reliant on money to solve everything. 8. Two New Russians are driving in a Jeep and see a sign Traffic police - 100m. One of them takes out his wallet and begins to count the money. Then he sighs and says You know what, Vovan, I dont think we have enough for a hundred cops. 9. A New Russian says to an architect:- I want you to build three swimming pools: one with cold water, one with warm water, and one without any water.- Why would the third one not have any water?- Cuz some of my friends cant swim. Jokes About Lenin Andrei Vasilev / Getty Images Just like other political leaders, Lenin has been the butt of many Russian jokes. His character traits, his manner of speech, and his post-death stay at the Moscow mausoleum are all popular topics. 10. A tired father of six comes home after a night shift. The kids surround him and demand to play. He says:- Okay, lets play a game called Mausoleum where Ill be Lenin and youll be the guards. 11. A journalist interviews Lenin.- Vladimir Ilyich, how did you come up with the slogan Study, study, and study?- I didnt come up with anything, I was just trying out a new pen! Jokes About Lieutenant Rzhevsky Lieutenant Rzhevsky is a fictional character in a play by Aleksandr Gladkov and the movie based on the play, The Hussar Ballad. Possessing both negative and positive character traits, Rzhevsky became a popular subject of Soviet jokes after the release of the movie. Although the original character is not that much of a womanizer, it is this trait in particular that dominates the jokes about him. Interestingly, the jokes usually also feature Natasha Rostova, one of the main characters of Tolstoys War and Peace. The reason for this is that while Rzhevsky represents a vulgar, highly sexualized military man, Natasha Rostova depicts the more traditional ideals of a woman as seen in Russian culture as a demure and charming character. The contrast between them creates plenty of opportunities for jokes. 12. Natasha Rostova is at a ball.- It is terribly hot in here. Lieutenant Rzhevsky, perhaps we could open something?- With my greatest pleasure! Would you prefer champagne or cognac? 13. - Chaps, Im so tired of the same old card games! Why dont we go to the theatre instead? They are putting on Three Sisters.Lieutenant Rzhevsky:- This is going to work out brilliantly! There are three of us, too! Jokes About Little Vovochka STUDIOGRANDOUEST / Getty Images Equivalent to Little Johny, Little Vovochka originated in the early 20th century as a nameless little boy who would shock others with his vulgar behavior. Eventually, the little boy became Little Vovochka as an ironic homage to such leaders of Russia as Vladimir the Great and Vladimir Lenin. More recently, Vladimir Putin also joined the ranks of the Vovochkas. 14. A teacher asks:- Children, who has a pet at home?Everyone raises their hands and shouts out Cat! Dog! Hedgehog!Little Vovochka raises his hand and says Lice, ticks, cockroaches! 15. Little Vovochka decided to become president when he grows up. And he did. Jokes About Chapaev Chapaev was a celebrated Russian army commander during the Russian Civil War. After a Soviet movie was made about him in 1934, Chapaev became a popular subject of Russian jokes. His sidekick, Petka, is usually present in the jokes, too. 16. Petka asks Chapayev:- Vassily Ivanovich, can you drink half a liter of vodka?- Of course!- What about a full liter?- Sure!- How about a whole barrel?- No problem, I can drink that easily.- Can you drink a river of vodka?- Nah, I cant do that. Where would I get such a giant gherkin?

Robinson Crusoe3 essays

Robinson Crusoe3 essays ROBINSON CRUSOE - Shipwrecked Englishman Robinson Crusoe was a young Englishman who went to sea in August, 1859, and didn't return home till 28 years later. The ship he was riding on was attacked by pirates in the Caribbees, then shipwrecked. Crusoe was washed ashore on an uninhabited island, now known as Juan Fernandez Island in the Pacific off the coast of Chile, South America. Using materials he found on the shipwrecked ship, Crusoe single-handed built his home, raised his own food, and made himself contented living alone. He stayed there for 18 years with Laddie, a dog companion. Then terror struck him when he found the imprint of a human foot on the seashore. He discovered that cannibals visited the island now and then. Six years later, the cannibals came with victims to kill. One escaped and Crusoe saved his life. The latter turned faithful and Crusoe named him Friday, the day he was saved. On his 28th year on the island, Crusoe sighted a passing ship. He hailed it with signals, and they were rescued and brought to England. Crusoe found a wife and settled down to raise his family and enjoy the wealth he have accumulated before. His man Friday lived with him, liking English city life much. This novel was a real experience of Alexander Selkirk that inspired Defoe to write the novel. He wrote the story with simplicity, yet his style imparted narrative with a very realistic atmosphere that made this novel very popular. ...

Marriages Settled in Heavens Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marriages Settled in Heavens - Article Example One contrast is those love marriages, although they are often celebrated with the consent of parents and elders and often in courts too, yet tend to ignore the importance of consent of the elders of the family. Boy and girl fall in love with each other and settle down that they will get married no matter their parents agree or not. On the other hand, arranged marriages are settled by the parents, and the spouses may not even know each other before marriages and in some countries, they may not have even seen each other before they enter into the wedlock. This contains a lot of surprise for them which in most cases, is accepted with delight. When there is parents’ consent involved, there are God’s blessings too which tend to beautify the relationship more than when parents are not happily agreeing. Parents’ support remains with the spouses throughout their lives in case of arranged marriages while in love marriages, it may not be with them.  One contrast is those love marriages, although they are often celebrated with the consent of parents and elders and often in courts too, yet tend to ignore the importance of consent of the elders of the family. Boy and girl fall in love with each other and settle down that they will get married no matter their parents agree or not. On the other hand, arranged marriages are settled by the parents, and the spouses may not even know each other before marriages and in some countries, they may not have even seen each other before they enter into the wedlock. This contains a lot of surprise for them which in most cases, is accepted with delight. When there is parents’ consent involved, there are God’s blessings too which tend to beautify the relationship more than when parents are not happily agreeing. Parents’ support remains with the spouses throughout their lives in case of arranged marriages while in love marriages, it may not be with them.   Another comparison of the two marriages is that both of them tend to join two families. Boy weds girl and both have been brought up with different values, morals, and standards. They bring their values to the other family and in this way, society gets enlightened. These values help to build the foundations of a healthy happy family that tends to serve the society in the long run. Both marriages introduce new ways of living and boys and girls tend to get mature and sensible with the passage of time. They learn the tricks and tactics to deal with difficult situations which means that they learn lessons from their experiences throughout their lives.   In case of arranged marriage, the failure rate is relatively lower. This is because whenever a conflict arises, the parents of both the spouses are there to solve them and support them morally. Also, the spouses know that they have to bring good name to their parents by abiding by the vows they took at the time of marriage.

Financial & Budgetary Management. Planning Business Performance Essay

Financial & Budgetary Management. Planning Business Performance - Essay Example A budget is a report statement of management’s plans for a specific time period expressed in financial terms (Weygant & Kieso & Kimmel, 2002, p.982). The purpose of this report is to describe the important of a budgeting function and the way it can easily implanted into a business information system. A budget is created to meet the desired timeframe a manager desires. The period of time a budget is created for is a one year accounting period, which is typically aligned with the company fiscal year or the natural year. A budget is an extremely valuable tool that provides decision makers with many advantages. Some of these advantages include; Budgeting is based on the amount of expected economic resources a firm estimates it will generate. Sales are the main source of economic incentive for companies. A budget is created in order to determine the resources need to create the target sales total. The value of a lot of business variables are determined based on expected revenue outcomes. The amount of material purchases, labor requirements, machinery upgrades, information system maintenance among other factors are determined based on an annual budget of a corporation. Budgets are associated with the responsibility centers such as cost centers, profit centers and investment centers. The return on investment of an investment center is studied based on the investment budget which allows the owner to create different profit forecast by manipulating the data from the budget of the investment project. The evaluation that takes place utilizing budgets is data that can be trust if it meets the basic performance standards: Accountability provides budgets with the credibility among professionals since it ensures the system is protected from material error. Accountability is one of many qualities that ensure the quality of the information in the budgeting system. Timeliness, authority, objectivity and accuracy are other variable that ensure quality information is