Analysis Of The Financial Statements Of Coca Cola Finance Essay

Analysis Of The Financial Statements Of Coca Cola Finance Essay The firm and the outside providers of the capital that is the investors and the creditors will all take the financial statements into considerations .The Investor in the companys will be interested in the present and future expected earning of the company . As a result the investoes will be interested in the profitability of the company usually this will be their focus of their analysis. They are also concerned with the firm ability of the firm to pay dividends Internal management will also employ financial analysis for the following reasons: Better purpose of internal control Management need to undertake financial analysis in order to plan and control effectively The financial manager is particularly concerned with the return on investment provided by various assets of the company. Financial statements Financial analysis is the art of transforming data from financial statement into information that is useful for decision making. Balance sheet: A summary of a firm financial position on a given data that shows total assets =total liabilities + owners equity INCOME STATEMENT:- A summary of a firms revenues and expenses over a specified period ending net income or loss for a period. Cash flow statements:- Is a financial Statements that shows how changes in the balance sheet accounts and income affects cash and cash equivalents and break the analysis down to operating investing and finance activities. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Balance sheet Cash Flow Statement INCOME STATEMENT COCA COLA BACKGROUND INFORMATION The coca cola company is the worlds largest produces of non alcoholic beverages concentrates and syrups.This company is based in atalnta, gerogia which makes concentrated form of beverages and sells them to the retailers. The company has its operation in more that 200 countries and sells nearly up to 100 different brands .Coca cola is now one of the worlds largest co-operation with a global workforcw of 90000. Over the years the brand equity of Coca cola trade mark,the produces brands ,has established the company a prominent figure in the non alcoholic industry and allowed comapnay to maintain high revenue and profits . The Coca-Cola Companys major offerings include such as coca -cola, sprite ,Fanta ,coke zero etc. EVALUATION Liquidity (Appendix A) Current Ratio: The current ration from the years 2007 to 2009(Appendix A) has been increasing but when compared to the standard ration 2:1 these ratios are much lower which shows short term liquidity effencicy and inefficient use of resources.Some corrective measures should be taken by the management to maintain the resources. Acid test ratio:This show the ability of the firm to pay its current obligation more quickly without considering the inventory and per-paid expenses . From the ratios (Appendix A) the firm has no trouble in meeting its current obligation ;there is an incline in the ratio and the company has the ability to meet the current obligation. working capital: The working capital of the company (Appendix A) when seen from 2007 to 2008 the net working capital was negative and the situation was alarming.The ablity of the firm to meet its current expenses for day to day operation shows a constraint. But in 009 the working capital shows a positive impact. Receivables Turnover:In Coca cola the number of times receivables are converted into cash has showed continuous varation from 2007 to 2009. In 2007 the accounts receivables turnover showed incline but again in 2008 due to the financial crisis it has showed a decline. So improvement has been made in 2009 in collection of accounts receivables. So overall situation is quite satisfactory. AVERAGE COLLECTION PERIOD: In coca cola the number of days requires to collect receivables have increased over the time; it shows the ineffective management of the credit department. So this ratio shows the negetive trend as efficiency has not improved Days sales in inventory: In coca cola the number of days requires to collect receivables have increased over the time; it shows the ineffective management of the credit department. So this ratio shows the negetive trend as efficiency has not improved. Inventory turnover: In coca cola cash were increased in 2007 and 2009. This was indication of negative trend. However improvement has been made in 2008. Leverage (Appendix A) Leverage ratios measure the degree of protection of suppliers of long term funds. The level of leverage depends on a lot of factors such as availability of collateral, strength of operating cash flow and tax treatments. Thus, investors should be careful about comparing financial leverage between companies from different industries. In Coco cola The amount of funds provided by creditors in relation to total assets has been the same from 2007 to 2009. Debt- to total -asset ratio it is obvious that amount of funds provided by creditors to purchase total assets are continuously remaining the same. As in last 3 years the more than 25% of the total assts are being financed by creditors, so the current situation is quite alarming. Operating cash flow that show a great percentage increase which the suppliers and the investors should see . Profitability(Appendix A) It is this ratio analysis which would give an insight into the prfotability of the firm , as it would help the investors analysi the combined effect of the liquidity of the firm , its dividend yield Earning pershare , revenue growth and the are all important for the survival of the firm. This would tell how the company has been utilizing its resources in generating profits and shareholders value. GROSS PROFIT MARGIN: In coca cola the gross profit margin of the organization has showed a continuous increased from 2007 to 2009. But the above time serious analysis clearly implicit, that the ability of the organization to generate profit is improving. The management has taken reasonable as well as tremendous efforts to improve profitability. Net Profit Margin: In coca cola although there was slight decline in 2007 from 2008 due to the financial crisis net profit margin , but in 2009 serious analysis clearly implicit, that the ability of the organization to generate profit is improving. This showed that the management is managing it selling and admin expenses efficiently and effectively with increasing sales profit to add more to net profits. Profit generation capability is showing positive trend over the years. Operating Income margin: In coca cola operating profit was increased in 2009 from 2008 . It was decreased in 2008 as compared to previous year. However in 2009 a considerable increased has occurred. Operating profit has increased considerably. So the overall situation is quite satisfactory. Return on Equity: The Return on Equity was maximum in 2008 but decreased in 2009 and went down more in 2007 . This again may have happened due to the issue of more long-term debt recession. Return on investment: The overall trend is positive over the timeperiod. The return on investment has increased considerably from 2007 to 2009, which indicates that funds are being utilized effectively to generate revenue. INVESTOR ANALYSIS(Appendix A) DEGREE OF FINANCIAL LEVERAGE: The degree of financial leverage is fluctuating over the time period. It was improved in year 2009 and 2007 but, in 2008 once again it indicate a negative trend. The loan is not being utilized efficiently to made more earnings available toshareholders. So the above trend needs corrective action. Earning Per Share: Earning per share has been increased continuously. It is obvious, that earning capacity of the organization is improving continuously with the time. Earning made on each share of the stockholders equity is increasing. This showed that the shareholders fund is being used efficiently and effectively to maximize the shareholders wealth. Price / Earning Ratio: Price/earning ratio has been decreasing continuously over the three years. It has decreased considerably in 2008. It reflects a very bad indication on the price of the share. It is quite alarming for the marker price of the stock. Corrective action should be taken immediately. Dividend Yield: Dividend yield which shows dividend per share in relation to market price per share. It was decreasing from 2008 to 2009. Dividend yield showed improvement in 2008 as compared to previous 3 years. So the above analysis shows that some improvement has been made. Book Value per Share: It relates the stockholders equity to the number of shares outstanding, giving the shares a raw value. Comparing the market value to the book value can indicate whether or not the stock in overvalued or undervalued. CRITICAL ANALYSIS: (Appendix A) The fizz is back in Coca-Colas stock. As we can see in the envaluation the company is generating a huge amount of cash flow of 44.70 billion and about $2.93 per share.It has made a net prfit margin of 20.55% in 2009 and a return on equity of about 26.92% . Any one would tell that this is a fabulous company. The company last year saw profit and sales rise following a strong performance in the developing markets. Coca-Cola remains financially awesome and its drinks will be sold even if the economy cools off. The company has moved into the an emerging consumer market such as China , as now China is taking is firt sip of Coca cola.If the history is any guide, the people of that country will get hookied to Coca cola nad will become their loyal customers. Coca cola has a strong Earning per share and this would continue growing for the next 2 to 5 years. The stock would hit $62 within this year. Coca-Cola shares were trading at a price-earnings ratio of 19.45 Coca-Colas stock has gained about 20% more than the Standard Poors 500 Index ($INX) over the past five years Earnings growth in the past year has moved up moderately compared to earnings growth in the past years. Positive. Coca-Colas stock actually looks like a good investment now that it is starting to benefit from a renewed focus on aggressively retooling its product mix. The coca cola stock where fluctuating from $45-69, the price of Coca cola stock now is $53.61which is actually down. The company is now willing to take risks on new brands to capture the strength of hip soft-drink trends such as energy drinks and flavored waters. From now on I can see that Coca-Cola is gaining market share through out the globe. Its safe for investors to assume that the growth in the most recent years is not a fake, but the beginning of a trend the shares will grow steadily higher. As of now I guess that the company has a drop in business in Europe and latin America Developing markets such as China, Africa and India posted double-digit growth in unit volume led in part by carbonated beverages such as Coke and Sprite. The analysi of coca cola would not be complete without taking intpo the consideration the brand recogination because it is one of the billion companies in the world that people recognize. Its hard to tell the worth of coke brand but you can be sure that its an essential ingredient contributing to the companys ongoing success SELECTED COMPITETOR PepsiCo Pepsico is the compitetos for coca cola in the non alcoholic beverge industry. It has 31% of the total maket shar as when comapered to coke which has 42.8%. U.S. non-alcoholic beverage market share, by volume PEP has many brands some very well known Mountain Dew Aquafina Tropicana and Lipton Both the companies are working hard to grab a larger share in the market and for the title of the best soda producer in the world ,both the companies have a similar taste in the investment portfolio.both the companies share equal powerful brand names and global franchises , but when it comes to profit, revenue EPS dididend yield and othe terms realeted to investment in their stock both different in different ways. But during the period of recession both the companies had problems making the stock prices and the revenue incomes , the management of pepsico was far better as we get to see in the critical analysi of the assignment , Pepsico has a larger revenue , due to diversifation of its product lines. Liquidity In the receivables area ,PepsiCo is ahead of coca cola. Coca-cola is better off with the days sales in receivables, but substantially behind either per year and account receivable turnover, days. In the inventory area, Coco cola appears to be ahead of PepsiCo. They do have some what different Inventory methods, which could account for the difference. Coca-Cola has a slightly higher operating cycle ,Which favors PepsiCo Working capital cannot be compared .PepsiCo is materially better that Coca cola PepsiCo current ratio is materially higher than Coca colas. This is necessarily bood because the Coca-cola current ratio is very good and PepsiCo possibly has to many inventory. Coca cola and PepsiCo acid test ratio are both quite the same, which is good. Coca-Cola cash on hand is much better than PepsiCo. Leverages: PepsiCo did better in debt ratio ,debt/equity ratio, and tangible net worth ,Cocacola has good ration in these areas. Coca cola has a materially better operating cash flow/total debt .PepsiCo debt indicator appears to be materially better than Coca cola. The Coca-Cola indicators are good. Profitability Coca-Cola has a number of profitability indicators that are materially better than PepsiCo. Included here are net profit margin, return on investment, return on equity. PepsiCo has a number of profitability indicators that are better than coca cola.In general, PepsiCo s profitability appears to be materially better than coca cola. Investors Analysis Neither company has a high degree of financial leverage ,but Coca-Cola is lower. price/earning ratio is slightly higher for coca cola . Take a note liquidity is better for PepsiCo ,long tern debt paying ability was materially better for PepsiCo and the profitability was materially better for PepsiCo . The Investors Analysis appears to be better for PepsiCo that that of Coca-Cola .Considering the liquidity , long-term debt paying ability and the profitability we would expect PepsiCo price/earning ratio to be higher than Coca-Cola . Getting technical (Appendix B) The stock to see them how they have been performed I took a look at the chart of 4 years price of the stock , in the chart for the coca cola share we see that Coke has done remarkably very well in 2007 but in December 2008 we see that the stock proce has come dwn . even because of this , the stock boasts a total return, including dividends, of about 23% for the past year. But PepsiCo has held its ground better In terms of fundamentals, Pepsi seems to have the slight advantage. While Coca-Cola does have the higher figures, Pepsi has the better margins in terms of operating margins, revenue, and profit which is more important for growing companies. During the 2009 pepsi had a better EPS in their statements. The past year Coca-Cola has only remain in a five dollar range, showing little fluctuation patterns for speculators or investors. While this seems to be bad in coca cola ,the value seems to have increased to its maximum, but we can also see a drop in the prices of shre of Coca cola when compared to 2007 and 2009.While pepsico has seen continued growth throughout its tenure in a nice steady growth pattern. The company is in its prime of its careerand this should be able to carry the stock to high numbers for at least a decade.By investing now in pepsi, the investos have an opportunity to see pepsi rise to near 80-100 points by 2010.and possibility of more by 2015. Such as a process is also favorable with its dividend payoff which allows for reinvestments to increase gains. Likewise, I give PepsiCo an edge on the product side. Both companies have done very well navigating a beverage market that is always evolving. PepsiCo owns the Gatorade brand, which is popular with the athletic set; Coca-Cola purchased the trendy Vitamin Water line in 2007. Depending on the market situation in tha klast two years coke stock trades at 10.8 times the analyst earning while pepsico 11.3 times , which indicates that pepsico is doing better. My expectation is that coke profits would grow to 9 percent over the next five years ,but pepsico would grow at 11 percent ,which is behind the forcast. To me, thats an edge for PepsiCo, because the company has more room for overseas growth. This sort of competition keeps both companies innovative, aggressive and eager to please consumers and shareholders. Pepsi has the edge over Coke in price performance, with a total return, including dividends, Looking at longer-term patterns, PepsiCo has a decided edge. Over 10 years, PepsiCo has an even bigger advantage. EVALUATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS 2008 financial crisis: Coca-Cola Coca cola is selling its products all over the world and it would be a safe investment for the people if they are buying the shares people as I realize that due to the economice crisis investors think twice before they actually buy the stock , the prices of the shaers are increasing and this indicates that the growth will be more as the days pass by. 2009 results. Despite the economic downturn, the company increased its sales by 2 percent in the United States and by 3 percent worldwide. In India, Coca-Colas business grew by 31 percent between January and March 2009. In 2008, sales revenue increased by 7 percent in Brazil In the 2008 due to this crisi profit fell 3 percent to $5.81 billion, or $2.49 per share, from $5.98 billion, or $2.57 per share, in 2007. Commodity Cost Fluctuations Affect Margins:. The varaiation in the prices of the raw materials would directly and indirectly affect the production coas which in turn would affect the profitability of Coca cola. Here Coca cola itself would be directly purchasing the raw materials which are used to make the concertes nad syrups.varation in the prices of these would affect the cost of production of as wellas the profit margins Here also the change in the production cost os the bottlers can also impact the coca cola profitability in and indirect way though. If the raw material becomes more that is necessary for bottling then ,the bottlers would be forced to increase the prices to compensate. Such a nature would hurt the profitabitity of the company , in such an competitive nature of the non alcoholic beverage company.and would be possible incentive for the consumers to switch over to other companies beverages. The prices of these commodities rose in 2007 and dramatically pressured margins. significant rise in Commodities represents a constant threat to profits. Dollar Affects International Performance : The another factor for the decrease in the profit and revenue was the affect in the dollar performance. Although the company was based in north America more that 76% of its revenues was derived from outside north America.Because of this the company is very sensitive to the strength in Dollar price.As the prices of the other currencies weaken relative to dollar , goods that are sold outside the US are worth back in the US, lowering earmning. Thus, if the dollar strengthens (as it did in the second half of 2008 and 2009), it has a negative effect on Coca cola earnings. Coca-Cola expect currency fluctuations to adversely operating income by 10-12% . The Global Economic Recession Threatens Overall Demand http://cdn.wikinvest.com/i/px.gif: In the 2008 -2009 the global economic recession , the credit crunch had a major impact on the sales and revenues of the COCA COLA company as because the consumers where not able to afford the price of coca cola during that period , the company had also increased the prices of their product because of the increase in the price of their commodity. Conclusion and recommendations

The European Impact on Native American Technology Essay -- American Am

The European Impact on Native American Technology When European exploration led to the populating of the Americas, it was described as the event with one of the greatest ecological impacts in history. The force behind this impact was the mass movement of people and their behavior's toward their "New World". It only stands to reason that a clash would occur with the natives of these lands. One of the areas with the greatest conflict was the field of technology. Scientifically, when the cultures of 15th century Europe and the natives in the Americas are concerned, the two are fairly alike. In Europe,a great deal of work was done in astronomy. Of course this was because it was a necessity for navigation. From the studies of the heavens, the Europeans were also able to have calenders and a reliable way to keep time. Perhaps the best instrument was the astrolabe(a flat model of the night skies). (McGovern ,61). Despite these achievements, tables used for planetary positions were still very inaccurate. At the time of Columbus, the Earth was still the center of the universe and the planets revolved around it. It would be another 40 years before the Copernican system of the sun being the center of the universe was even suggested(McGovern, 66). The Indians of South and Central America also had calenders and time pieces based on the stars and movements of the planets. The Indians had a much better understanding of the actions of the universe than did the Europeans. This could be considered odd when you think that the Indians did little or no oceanic navigation for any great lenghts, but nature was the foundation of the Indian religion. In the 1490's in Europe, the human body was still a mystery. Christian religious beliefs... ...eadily when traditional concepts are breaking down. The acceptance of these technologies has other effects on the society.(Rogers,56) Such was the case when the Indians began accepting European technology. The Europeans took it as a sign from God that what they were doing was right. The Indians took a feeling of inferiority as they watched their society crumble. The destruction of native life would have made it difficult for many aboriginal groups to maintain their traditional methods even if they wanted to.(Rogers,49) The American Indian had no powerful incentive to dream up new technologies to assist human survival.(Sale,322) The postcontact Indian was a far different creature than the pre-contact Indian, and the aberrations of those later societies can be laid to the effects of decimating diseases, and the pressures of war, alcohol, and technology.(Sale,321)

Alternative Culture Medium for Fungi Essay

Scope and Delimitation This study is focused on how to produce ointment out of banana and papaya fruit peelings extract to help avoiding fungal infections. It must be done within a laboratory. The place must be conducive for only a matter of years. This study builds upon on how to lessen fungal infection. We only used 200g of chopped fruit peels (banana and papaya), 1.5 distilled water, 3 gulaman bars and etc. This product efficiency must estimate three trials having three replication each. After three trials that the study is not proved, it will be considered failure. The paper covers five important chapters namely: the problem and its background, theoretical concept, methodology, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data and summary, conclusion and recommendation that will explain further this study. This product diminishing fungal infection concluded that it must be solve first the basic reason for the occurrence of fungal infections produced by the combination of chemicals. These chemicals are studied to produce bad effects to the consumers of this product and may lead to allergy when it is not resolved for longer time. Chapter II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Review of related Literature Studies conducted by different researches were proved to support this investigatory project. Naomi (2012), when I was a child I suffered with mild eczema. It slowly diminished, but as an adult I still have sensitive skin which is prone to developing dry areas. As a result, looking after my skin is very important to me and I am constantly on the lookout for new skincare products which may be suited to my troublesome skin. One such product that I recently discovered is the cult beauty classic, Papaya (or pawpaw) Ointment. PURE’s Papaya Ointment has become a must-have in Australia, where it originates from, and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and Europe because of its skin healing properties. The science behind the sauce is this†¦ The papaya fruit which this ointment contains is extremely rich in nutrients, and due to its anti-inflammatory properties has been used throughout Australian history to treat skin complaints. The skin’s pH naturally sits at a lightly acidic 5.5 (known as the skin’s acid mantle), but this can be made more alkaline by shower gels and soaps, which in turn can irritate the skin. Papaya ointment helps to hydrate the skin and bring the pH level back down to an appropriate level, using the probiotics that are used to ferment the papaya before it is made into ointment. PURE Papaya Ointment is petrochemical-free and contains only natural ingredients, so there’s nothing nasty and chemically in it to cause any irritation. All the ingredients are carefully chosen for their beneficial properties too. For instance, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Macadamia Oil are intensely moisturizing and nourishing, Calendula is anti-fungal which helps to prevent some skin diseases, Vitamin E helps to heal and protect the skin and Beeswax is insoluble in water so forms a protective barrier on the skin. Because of its healing properties and because it is so nourishing, PURE Papaya Oi ntment has an endless list of uses. I have been using it for weeks now, and I have found it to be invaluably versatile. The backs of my hands are naturally very dry, which is only made worse by hot showers and using cleaning products, which often cause the skin to crack. Using the ointment as a moisturizer has softened the skin on my hands and has stopped them chapping, which I am so, so happy about. I’ve also been massaging it into my cuticles on a regular basis to condition them, which has made my nails look a lot better. I used it to calm an insect bite last week too, and as a lip balm when I accidentally bit my lip and made it sore. PURE also state that the ointment can be used to soothe nappy rash, sun burn or weather-irritated skin, to moisten sore nipples caused by breastfeeding, to soften calluses, as skin protection by runners or hill-walkers, to soothe skin after shaving or epilating, as a natural hair styling wax and much more. The product is also very popular with make-up artists, who use it as a base for make-up and on the lips of models as, because it doesn’t contain petroleum jelly, it doesn’t melt or sweat under hot lights. PURE sell three different sized containers of Papaya Ointment, which can also be bought in bundles. The 25g squeezy tube pictured costs  £9.99 and is the perfect size to carry with you in your handbag. For  £19.99 you can get a large 100g tube, or for  £35.99 there’s a 200g jar of ointment available, both of which are a great size for the bathroom cabinet or for use by make-up artists. If you want to try PURE Papaya Ointment for yourself, visit the PURE Papaya website here. After featuring in their Must Haves Beauty Kit, PURE recently teamed up with BeTrousse to offer a 20% discount on their products. The Difficulties of fruit dealers, it’s not different from other market dealers in a certain way. Commonly, problem occurs when delivering it results of disadvantages. For example, traffic, road constructions, and even weather disturbances. All of these are stated here in the review for the fact that these can be a reason of fruit spoilage. Choosing an appropriate fruit shouldn’t be lost here either. Fruits commonly seen in the market would be like apple, banana, oranges, mango, and any other fruits. And I say banana would easy to be eaten. The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. The plants are normally tall and fairly sturdy and are often mistaken for trees, but their main or upright stem is actually a pseudo stem that grows 6 to 7.6 meters (20 to 24.9 ft.) tall, growing from a corm. Banana is a staple starch for many tropical populations. The flesh can vary in texture from firm to mushy. Both skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Bananasà ¢â‚¬â„¢ flavor is due, amongst other chemicals, to isoamyl acetate which is one of the main constituents of banana oil. Banana hearts are used as vegetables in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine, either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups, curries and fried foods. The flavor resembles that of artichoke. As with artichokes, both the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart are edible. Banana leaves are large, flexible, and waterproof. They are often used as ecologically friendly disposable food containers or as â€Å"plates† in South Asia and several Southeast Asian countries and may be also used as umbrellas when the pseudo stems are tied together to form a floatation device only in regions where banana grows. The tender core of the banana plant’s trunk is also used in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine, and notably in the Burmese dish mohinga (rice noodles in fish soup) Banana peel may also have capability to extract heavy metal contamination from river water, similar to other purification materials. (Most of it is taken from Wikipedia) Papaya with the scientific name, Carica papaya is a common fruit to be found in tropical countries. It is a succulent fruit of the family Caricaceas. Papayas are usually grown from seed. Their development is rapid, fruit being produced before the end of the first year. Under favorable conditions, a papaya plant may live for five years or more. Papaya is oval in shape and the colour of the skin is green if unripe. It will turn to green yellowish when it is ripe. The flesh of papaya is white before maturity, turns to a rich orange-yellow or deep rose when ripe, with colour varying according to variety. Papaya fruit is sweet in taste, with an agreeable musky tang, which is more pronounced in some varieties and in some climates than in others. Papaya has been regarded as one of the most valuable tropical fruits that contains many biological active compounds. Filamentous fungi of 84 genera, represented by 234 species, were isolated in the period 1919–1977, from such library materials as books, paper, parchment, feather, textiles, animal and vegetable glues, inks, wax seals, moving pictures, magnetic tapes, microfilms, black and white photographs, papyrus, wood, and synthetic materials (in books). Thirty-four genera of fungi have been isolated in the air of three archives in Warsaw, Poland. Most of these have also been found in library materials. Based on 219 isolations from library materials, a list of 40 species of filamentous fungi has been provided for those species isolated with a frequency of three times or more. Despite 80 years of investigations into the microbiology of library materials there is still a substantial lack of information on fungi colonizing library materials in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Among the 84 genera and 234 species of filamentous fungi, 19% may be a source of different diseases caused by mycotoxins. So far though, nobody has labelled libraries ‘sick’ buildings. In addition, culture collections do not seem to acquire or retain strains isolated from library materials (e.g. IMI in Egham, UK, retains over 16 500 strains, yet none of these strains are isolated from library materials). Review of related Studies Moore-Landecker (1998), studied the fungi of mycology. At various points throughout history, fungi have been considered to be either plants or animals. It was finally concluded that fungi are neither plants nor animals, but are a distinct group. Fungi are now considered one of the five kingdoms into which all living organisms are classified. Fungi have a unique cellular structure and an unusual pattern of sexual reproduction. They may be single-celled or multicelled organisms (the great majority are multicelled), in which each cell contains a nucleus. Examples of fungi include puffballs, mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. Fungi have an unusual cellular structure in that the nuclei stream between cells, making it appear as if the cells have multiple nuclei. This cellular structure, along with their unique method of reproducing by forming spores, distinguishes the fungi from all other organisms. Fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they cannot produce their own food from inorganic matter (not de rived from living organisms). Fungi secrete enzymes that breakdown organic matter (derived from living organisms) outside their bodies. Their cells then absorb the products. The digestive activities of fungi are essential in the decomposition (breakdown) of organic material and the cycling of nutrients in nature. Some fungi, called saprobes, obtain nutrients from nonliving organic matter. Other fungi are parasites, meaning they obtain nutrients from the tissues of living host organisms. Toe jam (2007), studied that some Fungi cause a number of human, plant, and animal diseases, while the others provide numerous drugs (such as penicillin and other antibiotics), foods (e.g., various Mushrooms, Truffles and Morels, and various Yeasts which are used in bread, champagne, and beer). Other common Fungi are rusts, smuts, puffballs, molds, many Ascomycetes such as the agents of Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight. However, many other fungi are biotrophs, and in this role a number of successful groups form symbiotic associations with plants (including algae), animals (especially arthropods), and prokaryotes. Examples are lichens, mycorrhizae, and leaf and stem endophytes. Among the other well-known associations are fungal parasites of animals. Humans, for example, may succumb to diseases caused by Pneumocystis (a type of pneumonia that affects individuals with supressed immune systems), Coccidioides (valley fever), Ajellomyces (blastomycosis and histoplasmosis), and Cryptococcus. Lichens (1887), studied that some of the fungi familiar to people are used in fermentation, such as Saccharomyces sp., which can be used to make bread or wine and only can be seen with microscope. Some members of order Mucorales (Zygomycota) are used to make fermented soy beans. Rhizopus sp. that grows on old bread are also members of Zygomycota. Penicillin, widely used in medicine, is made from Penicillium sp., a member of Mitosporic fungi. Many edible fungi, such as Lentinusedodes (Berk.), Agaricus bisporus and auricularia, are members of Basidiomycota. In addition to their use as food and medicine, fungi are also important players in nature. Many fungi, such as wood-rotting fungi and Piloboous sp., participate in the decomposition process of bio remains or organic matters, accelerating the cycle and use of natural substances. Some fungi are parasitic and may cause diseases. For example, cordyceps sinensis is the host insect of Cordyceps sp. Ganoderma sp. lives on trees parasitically and causes damage to them. Many fungi form mutually-beneficial symbiotic relations with other life forms. For instance, lichens, commonly seen in the forests or woods, are symbiotic life forms consisting of fungi and algae. Root systems of a vast majority of seed plants and members of Endogonaceae may form endomycorrhiza relationship, which enhances the ability of plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. Many species of fungi form ectomycorrhiza relationship with plants. In short, fungi of various kinds play an important role in both natural ecosystems and our daily life. However, our knowledge of them is still quite limited. The book introduces members of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota in the hope that the general public can know more about them and more students can be inspired to join the research work of this biological field. Gauthier (2003), according to her that the children, especially during the summer time when they spend a lot of time outdoors, can often get scrapes on their knees and elbows. Carpet burns from sitting on the ground too long can also occur. Instead of using a commercially-sold ointment from the pharmacy, use a banana peel to alleviate the pain from the scrape and promote healing. Cut a small portion of the banana peel and rub the inside of the peel against the scrape or carpet burn. The inside of the banana peel acts as ointment to help heal the wound. Bobby Gene (1998), conducted an extract composition derived from the peel of a banana and the method for producing the extract composition. An aqueous solvent is combined with the peel of a banana. If the banana is unripe, a base is also added. The mixture is homogenized and allowed to react at least until a black supernatant appears. The entire slurry is filtered. The resulting extract is used alone or combined with a cream or ointment. Medicinal benefits of the extract include relief from pain, swelling, itching, bruising, wrinkles, and sunburn. Boyle (2003), studied that people can use papaya ointment to help sterilize and heal rashes, burns, and open cuts. It is also popular for treating dry skin, eczema, and other skin irritations. Some individuals find that it works to reduce skin blemishes, pimples, and acne. Basically, it can be used on any skin condition for which a person might otherwise apply another type of commercial antibiotic. It is also available as a lip balm to treat cracked, chapped, or peeling lips. To make papaya ointment, manufacturers ferment the fruit of the pawpaw and typically combine it with other stabilizing ingredients, such as petroleum jelly and preservatives. The thick, pale-yellow gel that is produced has a vague, sour odor. Some manufacturers combine the papaya ointment with other ingredients to enhance its skin-softening and healing properties and mask the unpleasant smell. For instance, coconut oil, aloe, or honey might be combined with pawpaw extract to create a product that encompasses the benefits of each while having a pleasant fragrance. Some individuals prefer a purer form of papaya ointment, and some retailers sell all-natural products containing no added preservatives or other ingredients. For those seeking the purest approach, the moist underside of the peel from a raw papaya actually contains a sticky substance that many claim has all the benefits of manufactured lotions. If a person is lucky enough to have regular access to pawpaw fruit, he or she can take advantage of the healing benefits by rubbing the peel directly onto the problem skin areas. As a caveat, some people might have a sensitivity to papaya or the ingredients used in the manufacture of papaya ointment. In that event, using the salve could actually cause additional, more serious skin irritation. Further, there is some evidence that papaya, especially when not completely ripened, could affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Consequently, individuals who are trying to become pregnant are advised against usingpapaya ointment. According to Hawks worth (1992), there are approximate a little 1.5 million described species of fungi. A little more than 400 of these species are known to cause disease in animals, and far fewer of these species will specifically cause disease in people. Many of the latter will only be superficial types of diseases that are more of a cosmetic than a health problem. Thus, there are not many species of fungi that are pathogenic to human that will be fatal. The study of Fungi as animal and human pathogens is medical mycology. There is also such a thing as veterinary mycology, but the types of diseases that are found in your pets often are the same as those that are found in people. Because of the rarity of human diseases caused by Fungi, most people have little, if any, knowledge of such diseases. The diseases of warm-blooded animals caused by fungi are known as mycoses. Although such diseases are relatively few, the fungi that cause them have a wide host as well as geographical range. Most of these diseases are not fatal, but once contracted; they may forever be a source of constant irritation and can lead to permanent scaring, which is why they are not such a pretty sight to view. The successful treatment of fungal diseases is more difficult than those caused by bacteria. Because bacteria are prokaryotes, the makeup of their cells are very different than our own eukaryotic cells and pharmaceutical products, such as antibiotics, are able to successfully destroy bacteria without harming our cells, tissues and organs. However, because fungi are eukaryotes, finding a treatment that will kill the fungus and not harm our own cells is more difficult. Thus, most chemical treatments are also toxic us as well as the fungus. The most widely used drug for treating systemic mycosis and other fungal infections that do not respond to other drugs is Amphotericin B. Azole drugs are also widely used, but these only inhibited fungal growth and do not kill the fungus. Conceptual Framework Hypothesis a.) Both Banana and papaya peels extract would be an alternative culture medium for fungi. b.) Only the banana peel extract will be the alternative culture medium for fungi c.) Only the papaya peel extract would be an alternative culture medium for fungi d.) Both banana and papaya peels extract will not be an alternative culture medium for fungi. Definition of Variables a.) Banana Bananas are the most popular fruit in the world. Members of the genus Musa (part of the family Musaceae), they are considered to be derived from the wild species Musa acuminata (AA) and Musa balbisiana (BB). It is believed that there are almost 1000 varieties of bananas in the world, subdivided in 50 groups. b.) Papaya Papaya is a luscious fruit that has been taken for granted. Papaya fruits are good sources of Vitamin A, B and C. It is a familiar meat tenderizer because for clearing fruit juices, on fermenting liquors, pre-shrinking the quality of wool and as soap for washing clothes. Papaya possesses medicinal values. c.) Fungi Fungi constitute one of the life kingdoms. Fungi are eukaryotic (eu=true; karyon=nucleus) organisms with a cell wall like plants, but they do not have chlorophyll. Fungi are not able to ingest their food like animals do, nor can they manufacture their own food the way plants do. Instead, fungi feed by absorption of nutrients from the surrounding environment. They accomplish this by growing through and within the substrate on which they are feeding. d.) Extract To withdraw (as a juice or fraction) by physical or chemical process or to treat with a solvent so as to remove a soluble substance. e.) Feasibility Capable of being used or dealt with successfully f.) Experiment An operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law g.) Potato dextrose agar Potato dextrose agar (BAM Media M127) is common microbiological growth media[->0] made from potato[->1] infusion[->2], and dextrose[->3]. Potato dextrose agar (abbreviated â€Å"PDA†) is the most widely used medium for growing fungi and bacteria which attack living plants or decaying dead plant matter. Potato Dextrose Agar is a nutrient rich media that mycelia thrive upon. h.) Fruit peels Peel, also known as rind or skin, is the outer protective layer of a fruit[->4] or vegetable[->5] which could be peeled off. The rind is usually the botanical[->6] exocarp[->7], but the term exocarp does also include the hard cases of nuts[->8], which are not named peels since they are not peeled off by hand or peeler, but rather shells because of their hardness. i.) Autoclave a device for sterilizing implements using steam at high temperature. Conceptual Framework Hypothesis a.) Both banana and papaya peels extract would be an alternative culture medium for fungi. b.) Only banana peel extract will be an alternative culture medium for fungi. c.) Only papaya peel extract would be an alternative culture medium for fungi. Definition of Variables Banana The banana plant is the largest herbaceous[->9] flowering plant. The plants are normally tall and fairly sturdy and are often mistaken for trees[->10], but their main or upright stem is actually apseudostem[->11] that grows 6 to 7.6 metres (20 to 24.9 ft.) tall, growing from a corm[->12]. Each pseudo stem can produce a single bunch of bananas. After fruiting, the pseudo stem dies, but offshoots may develop from the base of the plant. Many varieties of bananas are perennial Papaya The papaya is a large, tree[->13]-like plant[->14], with a single stem[->15] growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft.) tall, with spirally arranged leaves[->16] confined to the top of the trunk[->17]. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred[->18] where leaves and fruit were borne. The leaves are large, 50–70 cm (20–28 in) in diameter[->19], deeply palmately[->20] lobed, with seven lobes. Unusually for such large plants, the trees are dioeciously[->21]. The tree is usually unbranched, unless lopped. The flowers are similar in shape to the flowers of the Plumeria[->22], but are much smaller and wax[->23]-like. They appear on the axils[->24] of the leaves, maturing into large fruit – 15–45 cm (5.9–18 in) long and 10–30 cm (3.9–12 in) in diameter. The fruit is ripe[->25] when it feels soft (as soft as a ripe avocado or a bit softer) and its skin has attained amber to orange hue. Fungi A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic[->26] organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts[->27] and molds[->28] as well as the more familiar mushrooms[->29]. These organisms are classified as a kingdom[->30], Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria[->31]. One major difference is that fungal cells have cell walls[->32] that contain chitin[->33], unlike the cell walls of plants, which contain cellulose[->34]. These and other differences show that the fungi form a single group of related organisms, named the Eumycota (true fungi or Eumycetes), that share a common ancestor[->35] (a monophyletic group). This fungal group is distinct from the structurally similarmyxomycetes[->36] (slime molds) and omycetes[->37] (water molds). The discipline of biology devoted to the study of fungi is known as mycology[->38], which is often regarded as a branch of botany[->39], even though genetic studies have shown that fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants. Potato dextrose agar Potato dextrose agar (BAM Media M127) and potato dextrose broth are common microbiological growth media[->40] made from potato[->41] infusion[->42], and dextrose[->43]. Potato dextrose agar (abbreviated â€Å"PDA†) is the most widely used medium for growing fungi and bacteria which attack living plants or decaying dead plant matter. Gulaman The gulaman jelly bars are used in the various Filipino refreshments or desserts such assago at gulaman (or gulaman at sago, commonly shortened to sago’t gulaman), buko pandan, agar flan, halo-halo[->44], different varieties of Filipino fruit salads, black gulaman, and red gulaman. CHAPTER II THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK Review of related literature Studies conducted by different researches were proved to support this investigatory project. Fungi exist primarily as filamentous dikaryotic organisms. As part of their life cycle, fungi produce spores. In this electron micrograph of a mushroom gill, the four spores produced by meiosis (seen in the center of this picture) are carried on a club like sporangium (visible to the left and right). From these spores, haploid hyphae grow and ramify, and may give rise to asexual sporangia, special hyphae which produce spores without meiosis. The sexual phase is begun when haploid hyphae from two different fungal organisms meet and fuse. When this occurs, the cytoplasm from the two cells fuses, but the nuclei remain separate and distinct. The single hypha produced by fusion typically has two nuclei per â€Å"cell†, and is known as a dikaryon, meaning â€Å"two nuclei†. The dikaryon may live and grow for years, and some are thought to be many centuries old. Eventually, the dikaryon forms sexual sporangia in which the nuclei fuse into one, which then undergoes meiosis to form haploid spores, and the cycle, is repeated. Some fungi, especially the chytrids[->45] and zygomycetes, have a life cycle more like that found in many protists[->46]. The organism is haploid, and has no diploid phase, except for the sexual sporangium. A number of fungi have lost the capacity for sexual reproduction, and reproduce by asexual spores or by vegetative growth only. These fungi are referred to as Fungi Imperfecti, and include, among other members, the athlete’s foot and the fungus in bleu cheese. Other fungi, such as the yeasts, primarily reproduce through asexual fission, or by fragmentation — breaking apart, with each of the pieces growing into a new organism. Fungi are heterotrophic. Fungi are not able to ingest their food like animals do, nor can they manufacture their own food the way plants do. Instead, fungi feed by absorption of nutrients from the environment around them. They accomplish this by growing through and within the substrate on which they are feeding. Numerous hyphae network through the wood, cheese, soil, or flesh from which they are growing. The hyphae secrete digestive enzymes which break down the substrate, making it easier for the fungus to absorb the nutrients which the substrate contains. This filamentous growth means that the fungus is in intimate contact with its surroundings; it has a very large surface area compared to its volume. While this makes diffusion of nutrients into the hyphae easier, it also makes the fungus susceptible to desiccation and ion imbalance. But usually this is not a problem, since the fungus is growing within a moist substrate. Most fungi are saprophytes, feeding on dead or decaying material. This helps to remove leaf litter and other debris that would otherwise accumulate on the ground. Nutrients absorbed by the fungus then become available for other organisms which may eat fungi. A very few fungi actively capture prey, such as Arthrobotrys which snares nematodes on which it feeds. Many fungi are parasitic, feeding on living organisms without killing them. Ergot, corn smut, Dutch elm disease, and ringworm are all diseases caused by parasitic fungi. Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants. Most plants[->47] rely on a symbiotic fungus to aid them in acquiring water and nutrients from the soil. The specialized roots which the plants grow and the fungus which inhabits them are together known as mycorrhizae, or â€Å"fungal roots†. The fungus, with its large surface area, is able to soak up water and nutrients over a large area and provide them to the plant. In return, the plant provides energy-rich sugars manufactured through photosynthesis. Examples of mycorrhizal fungi include truffles and Auricular IA, the mushroom which flavors sweet-and-sour soup. In some cases, such as the vanilla orchid[->48] and many other orchids, the young plant cannot establish itself at all without the aid of its fungal partner. In liverworts, mosses, lycophytes[->49], ferns, conifers, and flowering plants[->50], fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the plant. Because mycorrhizal associations are found in so many plants, it is thought that they may have been an essential element in the transition of plants onto the land. Fungi are classified within their own kingdom – The Kingdom Fungi, while some are in The Kingdom Protista. A fungus is neither a plant nor an animal. It is similar to a plant, but it has no chlorophyll and cannot make its own food like a plant can through photosynthesis. They get their food by absorbing nutrients from their surroundings. Kingdom Fungi includes mushrooms, rusts, smuts, puffballs, truffles, morels, molds, and yeasts, and thousands of other organisms and microorganisms. They range from microscopic single-celled organisms, such as yeast, to gigantic multicellular organisms. Many fungi play a crucial role in decomposition (breaking things down) and returning nutrients to the soil. They are also used in medicine, an example is the antibiotic[->51] penicillin, as well as in industry and food preparation. For a long time fungi were classified as plants, mainly because of their similar lifestyles – both are seen to grow in soil and are sessile (permanently attached; not moving). Plant and fungal cells both have a cell wall, while cells from the animal kingdom don’t. Fungi are thought to have diverged from the plant and animal kingdoms about one billion years ago. Mycology is the study of fungi – it is a branch of biology. A mycologist studies fungi’s genes, biochemical properties, their use to us as a source of food, their hallucinogenic, poisonous and pathogenic (ability to cause disease) properties. It was not until the 16th century, when the microscope was developed, that mycology became a well-established science. Review of related Studies Brendan (1986), conducted an extract composition derived from the peel of a banana and the method for producing the extract composition. An aqueous solvent is combined with the peel of a banana. If the banana is unripe, a base is also added. The mixture is homogenized and allowed to react at least until a black supernatant appears. The entire slurry is filtered. The resulting extract is used alone or combined with a cream or ointment. Medicinal benefits of the extract include relief from pain, swelling, itching, bruising, wrinkles, and sunburn. Hudson (1988), studied that papaya is a fruit that contains precious enzymes like chymopapain and papain that assist our digestion process. The enzymes specifically help to convert proteins from the food that we consume into amino acids. Recent research has shown how amino acids act as a key agent in various processes concerning our physical and mental health,including chemical reactions that take place in our bodies. As we grow older the production of digestive enzymes slows within our pancreas and stomach, and this causes the digestion of protein to become less effective. The result is an excess of undigested proteins that help fight the growth of the harmful bacteria within the gastrointestinal system and the absence of important amino acids that facilitate all vital chemical reactions. In order to maintain good health, it is absolutely essential to retain quality protein. The enzymes in papaya play a crucial role in this process. Proteolytic enzymes such as papain digest non-livi ng or inert proteins. Intestinal parasites are attacked and killed by papain as these parasites are made of protein. Research is being conducted in relation to the use of papain for relieving the side effects of cancer therapy. It is known to effectively ease side effects such as mouth sores and problems with swallowing following chemotherapy and radiation sessions. It prepares our body to fight cancer and strengthens our immune system as well. Fermented papaya enzymes are used by an Australian company known as Rochway to create a product called papaya35. This product is made out of organically grown papaya. Their probiotic papaya mixture has antioxidant properties that strongly resist harmful molecules in our bodies. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes are all caused by these same harmful molecules. Numerous studies are being carried out on the benefits of papaya, and new benefits are being added to a long list. If you are interested in the current studies being conducted you can find more information at PubMed.gov. You’re likely to come across a useful papaya ointment if you search the market or alternatively, you can consume fresh papaya fruit. If you are seeking the therapeutic effects of consuming papaya, you may take note that ripe papaya contains chymopapain and papain (proteolytic enzymes) in lesser amounts than green papaya (as it has not ripened at this point). Strakosch 1943 experimental studies on the penetration of the following substances: lard, cod liver oil, olive oil, petrolatum, vaseline (Chesebrough), lanolin, petrolatum and lanolin to equal parts, â€Å"Aquaphor† (Duke), petrolatum plus five per cent cetyl alcohol, a base consisting of mannide monooleate-ceresin wax-petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin, â€Å"Hydrosorb† (Abbott), rose water ointment USP., lecithin ointment, a base consisting of stearyl alcohol-mineral oil-water-petrolatum and a base consisting of liquid petrolatum-peanut oil-triethanolamine-stearic acidcetyl alcohol and water, were reported. The relative intensity of the penetration into the normal human skin of the different test substances listed in the order from the best to the worst penetration, as revealed by this study is as follows: the base consisting of: liquid petrolatum-peanut oil-steric acid-triethanolamine-acetyl alcohol and water; â€Å"Hydrosorb† (Abbott), â€Å"Aquaphor† (Dule), lard, cold liver oil, stearyl alcohol-mineral oil-water-petrolatum, lanolin, a base consisting of mannide monooleate-ceresin wax-petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin, lecithin ointment, petrolatum and lanolin to equal parts, petrolatum plus five per cent cetyl alcohol, olive oil, rose water ointment, vaseline (Chesebrough), and finally petrolatum as such. [->0] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_medium [->1] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato [->2] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infusion [->3] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucose [->4] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit [->5] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable [->6] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany [->7] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exocarp [->8] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_%28fruit%29 [->9] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbaceous [->10] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree [->11] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudostem [->12] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corm [->13] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree [->14] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant [->15] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_stem [->16] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf [->17] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trunk_(botany) [->18] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scar [->19] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diameter [->20] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmate [->21] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioecious [->22] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumeria [->23] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wax [->24] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axil [->25] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripening [->26] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eukaryote [->27] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeast [->28] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold [->29] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushrooms [->30] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_(biology) [->31] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria [->32] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_wall [->33] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitin [->34] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose [->35] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_ancestor [->36] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myxomycetes [->37] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oomycetes [->38] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycology [->39] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany [->40] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_medium [->41] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato [->42] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infusion [->43] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucose [->44] – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo-halo [->45] – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fungi/chytrids.html [->46] – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/alllife/eukaryotasy.html [->47] – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/plants/plantae.html [->48] – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/monocots/liliflorae/orchidales.html [->49] – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/plants/lycophyta/lycophyta.html [->50] – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/anthophyta/anthophyta.html [->51] – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278.php

Collection of Classic Christmas Poems

Collection of Classic Christmas Poems Classic Christmas poems are a joy to read during the holiday season. They offer a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated in the decades and centuries of the past. It is likely true that some of these poems have shaped how we view and celebrate Christmas today. As you snuggle beneath the Christmas tree or before the fire, browse some of the poems gathered here for your holiday reading and reflection. They may inspire you to add new traditions to your celebration or even to take up your own pen or keyboard to compose your own verses. Christmas Poems from the 17th Century The traditions of the Christmas season in the 17th century combined the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus with baptized versions of pagan solstice revelries. The Puritans tried to rein it in, even to the extent of banning Christmas. But the poems from these times tell of holly, ivy, the Yule log, mince pie, wassail, feasting, and merriment. William Shakespeare, Lines spoken after the ghost’s exit from Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 1 (1603)George Wither,â€Å"A Christmas Carol† (1622)Robert Herrick,â€Å"Ceremonies for Christmas† (1648)Henry Vaughan,â€Å"The True Christmas† (1678) Christmas Poems from the 18th Century This century saw political revolutions and the Industrial Revolution. From the bucolic list of gifts of fowl in The Twelve Days of Christmas, there is a transition to more somber issues of war and strife in Coleridges A Christmas Carol. Anonymous,â€Å"The Twelve Days of Christmas† (1780)Samuel Taylor Coleridge,â€Å"A Christmas Carol† (1799) Christmas Poems from the 19th Century St. Nicholas and Santa Claus became popular in the United States in the 19th Century and A Visit from St. Nicholas popularized the elements of nocturnal rounds of gift giving. The poem helped crystallize the image of a chubby Santa Claus with a sleigh and reindeer and arrival on the roof and down the chimney. But the century also has Longfellows lament about the Civil War and how the hope of peace can survive harsh reality. Meanwhile, Sir Walter Scott reflects on the holiday as celebrated by a baron in Scotland. Sir Walter Scott, â€Å"Christmas in the Olden Time† (from Marmion, 1808)Clement Clark Moore (attributed to him- but more probably written by Major Henry Livingston, Jr.),â€Å"A Visit from St. Nicholas† (first published in 1823, likely written in 1808)Emily Dickinson,â€Å"’Twas just this time last year I died† (#445)Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,â€Å"Christmas Bells† (1864)Christina Rossetti,â€Å"In the Bleak Midwinter† (1872)Robert Louis Stevenson,â€Å"Christmas at Sea† (1888) Christmas Poems of the Early 20th Century These poems are ones worth setting aside some time to muse over their meanings and lessons. Did the oxen kneel at the manger? Who gave the poet an unseen kiss under the mistletoe? What is the worth of a field of trees if not to be cut down for Christmas trees? What brought the Magi and other visitors to the manger? Christmas can be a time for contemplation. G.K. Chesterton,â€Å"A Christmas Carol† (1900)Sara Teasdale,â€Å"Christmas Carol† (1911)Walter de la Mare,â€Å"Mistletoe† (1913)Thomas Hardy,â€Å"The Oxen† (1915)William Butler Yeats,â€Å"The Magi† (1916)Robert Frost, â€Å"Christmas Trees† (1920)

The Language of Change in Mary Barton †Literature Essay

The Language of Change in Mary Barton – Literature Essay Free Online Research Papers The Language of Change in Mary Barton Literature Essay In the novel Mary Barton, language is used to convey mood as well as religious commitment. Elizabeth Gaskell uses an obvious shift from common language to an almost biblical language when she wants display a change in the mood or the religious manner of the characters. This is most apparent in the dialogue of John Barton, when he either seems to need or has lost his religious fervor. However, some of her intentions can be interpreted in a modern context quite differently than they were intended in the nineteenth century. Gaskell also uses a subtler, possibly unintentional, language shift in various passages to show the mindset of the upper class in contrast to the lower class. In the beginning of chapter three, after the death of Mary’s mother, John Barton has a common dialect. He says, on page 51, â€Å"Nothing could have saved her-there has been some shock to the system† (Gaskell 51). However, a few pages later he is talking to Mary after she says that she will do anything to help him he says, â€Å"I know thou wilt. Thou must not fret thyself ill, that’s the first thing I ask. Thou must leave me, and go to bed now, like a good girl as thou art† (Gaskell 53). This shift in language shows a shift in tone, almost a prayer for divine intervention. M. M. Bakhtin would refer to this as heteroglossia, meaning different languages. In his essay, â€Å"Discourse in the Novel,† he states, â€Å"Shifts from common language to parodying of generic and other languages and shifts to the direct authorial word may be gradual, or may be on the contrary quite abrupt.† (Bakhtin 302-3). Gaskell’s shift from common language to a biblical tongue is quite abrupt, as Bakhtin theorizes in all novels, but contrary to Bakhtin’s assumptions that in all novels this is type of shift is an unintentional occurrence, Gaskell’s shift is quite intentional and purposeful. Bakhtin says, â€Å"To one degree or another, the author distances himself from this common language, he steps back and objectifies it, forcing his own intentions to refract and diffuse themselves through the medium of this common view that has become embodied in language (a view that is always superficial and frequently hypocritical)† (Bakhtin 302). I believe that he is trying to say that the author often changes the common language without thinking directly about the shift, but subconsciously adds his own feelings to the language, which often shows his (or in this case her) own bias view of the world. In Mary Barton, however, this is not always the case. In the case of Mary Barton, Elizabeth Gaskell has a point that she is trying to make, and that point is quite intentional. In the passage where John Barton speaks to Jem Wilson as Barton is dying he says, â€Å"Lad! thou hast borne a deal for me. It’s the meanest thing I ever did to leave thee to bear the brunt. Thou, who wert as innocent of any knowledge of it as the babe unborn. I’ll not bless thee for it. Blessing from such as me would not bring thee any good. Thou’lt love Mary, though she is my child† (Gaskell 449). This is a direct shift from the common language that John Barton was using prior to this statement. It seems to reflect a need for forgiveness. The tone is like a catholic confession. The reader is left with the feeling that he is not only asking for forgiveness from Jem, but he is also asking forgiveness from God. Once again, in this passage the author creates this change intentionally contrary to Bakhtin’s assumptions of an author’s shift being unintentional. However, sometimes Gaskell’s intentions can be interpreted differently. In a modern context, a person who speaks in a biblical dialect is considered pompous and arrogant. We assume that the person is talking as if he/she is God. Early in the novel, when John Barton is speaking to his daughter Mary about her relationship with Jem Wilson he says, â€Å"Thou’st played thy cards badly, then†¦At one time he were desperate fond o’ thee, or I’m much mistaken. Much fonder of thee than thou deservest† (Gaskell 177). Although this is intended to be a father’s concern for his daughter’s well being, it seems more like he is trying to control her, when taken in a modern context. In the nineteenth century it might have been fine to expect a daughter to have a man to take care of her, but in a modern context it is taken as degrading to women to think in such terms. This is an idea where Bakhtin’s theory might apply more clearly to this novel. Bakhtin states, â€Å"The relationship of the author to a language conceived as the common view is not static-it is always found in a state of movement and oscillation that is more or less alive†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bakhtin 302). I take this to mean that the language takes on a life of its own, and can sometimes go beyond what the author had originally intended. In the previous passage, Gaskell might have intended for the change in discourse to show a father’s love for his daughter (much like that of God himself), but it appears to me, over a century later, that this is a domineering type of speech (also much like God in the Bible). There are many other examples of this type of speech in the novel. Early in the novel John Barton is talking about a conversation that he had with Mary’s mother about Mary possibly becoming a lady one day. He says, â€Å"Thou’d best not put that nonsense i’ th’ girl’s head I can tell thee; I’d rather see h er earning her bread by the sweat of her brow, as the Bible tells her she should do, aye, though she never got butter to her bread, than be like a do-nothing lady, worrying shopmen all morning, and screeching at her pianny all afternoon, and going to bed without having done a good turn to any one of God’s creatures but herself† (Gaskell 39). Once again, this may have been intended as a father wanting his daughter to be raised with good values, but in a modern context I see it is a demonstration of a religious zealot forcing a patriarchal belief on his daughter. Since I am not a Christian, and see Christianity as overbearing, I am going to read more into the language than Gaskell had intended when she wrote the passage. I think this type of unintentional discourse is what Bakhtin is trying to get at in his essay. But, there are also more subtle uses of language by Gaskell that reflect Bakhtin’s theory in the novel. In the passage where Harry Carson is talking with Mary about how much he loves her and why she should love him also. In the passage, which is much to long to quote entirely, Gaskell uses words like â€Å"own, luxury, purchase, factory, good deal, offer and ambitious† to describe young Carson’s feelings (Gaskell 187). The shift in language, from sentimental to business like, is used to show Harry’s feeling that everything is a business deal and money can get him anything he wants. This shift in discourse is possibly, although not likely, something that the author might not have intended. I perceived the language as showing how cold and calculating Harry was about love. He is totally incapable of comprehending anything that doesn’t involve money. But, another reader might see it as just his way of arranging his thoughts to best describe his feelings for Mary. Thus, the language had taken on a life outside of the intended meaning. In another example of this type of subtle shift is right after the Trade Union returns from London after unsuccessful negotiations, Gaskell uses the word â€Å"master† frequently in describing the factory owners. This change is language shows the narrators change from an objective observer to a bias commentator. The narrator uses the word master because of the connotation to slavery. If the owners are the masters then the reader will subconsciously think of the workers as the slaves (Gaskell 228). This may or may not have been intentional by Gaskell, but in the context of twentieth, or twenty-first, century life having ones boss called master is very offensive to the worker. Therefore, we see once again that text isn’t static, having only one perceived meaning as the author had intended, but different readers can interpret it differently over time. There is even a more obvious example of how connotative language changes over time, when the author is describing John Barton she says, â€Å" John Barton became a Chartist, a Communist, all that is commonly called wild and visionary† (Gaskell 226). To people living in a post-Cold War society this sentence would make John Barton seem like he is out of control and evil, but the text footnotes the passage to remind the current reader that â€Å"communist† in the nineteenth century only meant that he advocated communal living (meaning sharing things like food and what little money they had with others in there social group for the betterment of all). Thus, one can see that although Elizabeth Gaskell, in the novel Mary Barton, uses an obvious shift in discourse for her own meaning, religious forgiveness, confession, and to show how fatherly love is much like that of God, there is also an unintentional meaning added by the reader, that of hypocrisy and social dominance. There are also subtle, possibly unintended shifts in discourse as well. Either way, it has been shown that the language of the novel, or any novel, is not set on a single connation, but has many different interpretations depending on the reader’s beliefs and the era in which it is read. It is all relative to the reader and goes beyond what the author has put on the page. That in a nutshell is what I believe Bakhtin was also trying to say. Bakhtin, M. M. â€Å"Discourse in the Novel.† Gaskell, Elizabeth. Mary Barton. Ed. Jennifer Foster. Toronto: Broadview, 2000. Research Papers on The Language of Change in Mary Barton - Literature EssayComparison: Letter from Birmingham and Crito19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeHip-Hop is ArtQuebec and CanadaWhere Wild and West MeetEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andThe Fifth Horseman

Major Themes of the Movie (La Vita e Bella) Roberto Benigni Review

Major Themes of the (La Vita e Bella) Roberto Benigni - Movie Review Example They had a son some years later and then the World War II began. Guido, his uncle and his son Joshua were forced to go to a concentration camp on Joshua's birthday. Guido created then a fairy tale in order to keep his son from suffering. He pretended that everything was only a game and they had to score high in order to get the first prize. Even hurt and tired of working all day long carrying heavy metal pieces, he tried to keep a good mood in the presence of Joshua. His attempt to mask the reality was actually a real struggle to keep his son under control and consequently alive, since it was known that children and old people had been sent to the gas chambers. He also created situations that would put him in danger only to keep the fantasy and the safety of his son. Dora was also very brave. She is not Jewish, so her name was not in the list of those who were to be taken to the camp. However, she demanded to go to the same camp as her husband and son. Guido was aware that Dora has b een sent to the same place and tried to reach her in different manners. He made use of a loudspeaker to send her a message in the camp and also played music to her. The major proof of Guido's bravery takes place at the end of the movie. The war was coming to an end and the Nazis were in a hurry to kill as much jews as possible.

Architecture Building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Architecture Building - Essay Example The association would therefore facilitate the construction of modern structures that portrayed the social, political and economic features of Germany as a developed and industrial state in Europe. The move would help portray German’s culture in the constructions besides marking historical landmarks through the construction iconic structures. The association sought to influence the design of structure in the country by first developing a school of designers. This way, the collage would help develop successive architects, designers, artists and engineers who would thus typify and pass on the design dictates of the association thus marking a revolution in the design and portrayal of German’s culture in its buildings. The association developed Bauhaus school of design with the view of establishing a partnership between product manufacturers and design professionals thus influencing and facilitating the development of modern buildings that would not only remain relevant and appropriate for longer but also depict the country’s culture thus competing favorably against other developed states (Cuff 41). Kollhoff Tower is one of the most iconic structures in Berlin. Stretching a height of more than one hundred meters and covering a base of more than two hundred and fifty meter square, the gigantic structure houses modern day commercial offices. The design and subsequent construction of the structured followed the patterns propagated by the modernist movement in the country. Constructed in 1994, the structure has stood the test of time and remains relevant and appropriate for use in the contemporary Berlin (Killen 41). This implies that the designers of the structure considered specific structural factors and infused effective technology in the construction of the structure thus earning it the position it represents in the modern day Berlin. From the design pattern to the facade of the structure, the building portrays some uniqueness that possibly ex hibits the cultural features in the German society. Germany is indeed a developed society and being a member state of the European Union, the country permits free interaction among its citizens and those from other countries within the region. Culture is a dynamic concept that refers to people’s way of life. As explained earlier, German is a cosmopolitan society with millions of immigrants. Kollhoff Tower on the other has a unique design that exhibits specific cultural features. The features infuse both the traditional and specific German cultures and the new aspects of modernism. The design of the building for example considered the need for subsequent renovation of the structure in order to sustain its relevance in the constantly changing society. Through constant renovation and incorporation of subsequent designs in the structure, German engineers succeeded in installing the fastest passenger elevator in the building travelling at a top speed of four hundred and ninety two meters per minute (Schwartz 66). This implies that the elevator can reach the highest floor of the twenty-five story building in two minutes. Such is a feature of the post modernism culture that seeks to improve convenience and the ease of accessing skyscrapers. While the association of architectures existed way before the design and construction of the structure, the Kollhoff Tower exhibits some of their preliminary demands. Key among such was the need for a structure to remain unique. Architecture is