The Journey of Man Essay Example for Free

The Journey of Man Essay It has long been debated both in religion and in science about the origin of man. One cites that man was created out from the flesh of some higher Being while the other has many theories regarding such issues. But whatever the most possible theory might be, there is no denying that over time, scientists have established a profound link between the genetic composition of man and how he has evolved over time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In his latest book, Spencer Wells tries to trace our evolution up to our very first ancestor. This book tried to answer some long-standing anthropological questions regarding the origin of humans and we were able to migrate. To answer and trace this, he relied heavily on science, specifically the modern techniques and developments in DNA research for support. He basically reiterated that the Y chromosome (that of the male) is the unaffected marker of the human heritage (Wells, 2004). From that basis, he worked backward through time and concluded that the earliest man can be found in Africa who lived between 31,000 to 79,000 years ago which he then called the â€Å"Eurasian Adam†. As time goes by, a subsequent population would grow and become isolated from its fellows who then gain new genetic markers that subsequently created a new (genetic) map in time and space. He also said that the first modern humans â€Å"left Africa only 2,000 generations ago† (Wells, 2004) who speedily crossed out to Asia, Europe and America. Utilizing the same indicators, he was quick to debunk the notion that the Neanderthals are our ancestors. Moreover, in this book, he was able to find unusual links between faraway peoples (which were not specifically named in the book) and was able to give evidences that all Native Americans can be marked out from a group of at least a dozen people. Throughout the book, he was able to elaborate his terminologies and methods which made the human tree seem easy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book thus has compelling arguments with regard to the origin of man. Wells explicitly argued (and as can be seen from the title itself) that the origin of the human race is that of man; but he did not trace any blood samples of that of a woman. In lieu with this, a question may arise as to where was the origin of women per se come from. In regard to this argument, Wells did not give any hard evidences. Although his primary goal was to find the original male, the real revolution that he was able to illustrate is racial in nature. Racial in a sense that he was able to find links (no matter how odd it may seem) regarding the origins of certain populations today. But, as he elaborates further in the book, he stresses that what makes us distinguished form each other are purely cultural and not solely based on our biology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, the author utilized a new kind of archeology in his research. And this archeology does not dig into remnants or fossils but into human cells and genes. Accompanied by his revolutionary techniques, the author was able to give revolutionary details and insights as to where we came from and how we were able to migrate, our origin and more importantly, our races. With the numerous advancements that science and technology were able to develop, it is quite commendable in the author’s part to attack his research in a refreshing and more scientific approach. He is praiseworthy because he was able to apply his expertise and at the same time, use new methods that proved to be very successful and reliable. Instead of going through the conventional way of finding the origin of man, he was quick to turn to genetics to answer his queries. And thus, he was able to come up with new theories and some new arguments. It also helps that his arguments is backed up by his data by his own researches. Through this, he was able to refute ideas of some anthropologists who claimed that varying human races were subspecies that had its origin from different regions at different times. This further hardened by diagrams and maps that the author provided.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Maybe one of the more underrated topics included in the book was how our languages was spread. The author also gives us an idea how language was able to spread and evolve. Much like migration and mutation, language evolved from the addition of new genes throughout time. Analogous to the trail of how the Y chromosome has lead its way out of Africa, Wells says that language encountered that same route but as we develop a new culture, our respective languages are dying at a very fast rate. This means that the original language that we new are added with new meanings and it is slowly using its original sense; but this kind of evolution is not something to fret about for it only signifies that change (good change for that matter) is constant.   As new gene line-ups are added to every race and culture, so as the evolution of language is inevitable. Therefore, culture then is still a major factor to the growth of the race.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many new and refreshing take that one can find in this book. The author clearly gives us a new perspective and arguments regarding our origin. But, unlike many other theories where more questions arise, this book tries to answer its own (and other queries as well) questions. The author had the Y chromosome as his basis for tracking down our ancestors and he employed the latest in genetic mapping which proved to be very successful and reliable. It is also of good importance to note that not only does the author focused on the Y chromosome per se but also on how it migrated and its direction; which implies the migration pattern of the first humans and their journey to the outside world. Moreover, the author also added how language came about its development and evolution throughout time. Lastly, as from the book itself, races were formed from the influx/addition of new line of genes and the environment as they travel through different lands. As humans move from one place to another, they met other people that mostly added to their culture. And perhaps the most startling statement from the author is his argument that races does not exclusively came form genes but importantly, environment and culture were additional factors that contributed to the growth and development of races that we know today. References: Wells, S. (2004). The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey: Random House Trade Paperbacks.

Raymond Carver (what We Talk About When We Talk About Love) Essay

Mel McGinnis of â€Å"What We Talk About When We Talk About Love† seems like that one guy that everyone seems to know. He stands out from others; he’s unique. You either love him or hate him. Mel is very much like one of my good friends. They are both very individualistic and hey are both annoying drunks. They are both interesting characters though. I think the author Raymond Carver created the character Mel based off someone he knew. Carver created Mel for one reason or another.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mel is just like one of my good friends. One day I like him; the next day I hate him. People like this tend to get annoying to others around them. They are very argumentative. My friend will argue forever and Mel is the same way. Mel is touchy and does not seem to take a joke well. Despite these characteristics that frustrate most people; Mel stands out. He seems to be a leader.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mel is very individualistic. He is a Cardiologist who is always busy. This job creates for good stories. Mel is telling stories throughout this whole story. He will start to tell a story, get sidetracked, argue all of his points, and then go on to the story again. He is constantly talking. It seems like there would not be much of a conversation between Mel, his wife Terri, Nick, and Nick’s wife Laura if it was not for Mel’s constant babbling. He surely leads the group. The problem is that he never clearly express...

Brand Valuation

Methods of Brand Valuation The various methods of brand valuation can be placed into four categories: (1) cost-based approaches; (2) market-based approaches; (3) income-based approaches; and (4) formulary approaches incorporating future benefits or comparative advantages. Cost-based Approaches This method considers the costs involved in creating the brand through the stages of research and development of the product concept, market testing, continued promotion during commercialization, and product improvements over time. Historically based, this approach is the valuation technique that complies with standard accounting practice for valuating assets. It is also the most conservative method of valuation and provides little future-oriented information that is useful in the brand management process. However, this technique fails to capture value-added through the application of effective strategic brand management activities and processes. Market-based Approaches This valuation method is a much more externally focused approach. It is based on an estimation of the amount for which a brand can be sold. This method requires being able to determine a market value. In the absence of an actual market for most brands, this can be a difficult estimation challenge. To circumvent this problem, proxies are created based upon how the financial markets estimate the value associated with the brand. One way to determine the financial market effects is to separate tangible assets from intangible assets. The market value created by the intangibles can be inferred once the entire value of the firm is determined. The consultants Trademark and Licensing Associates create a similar estimation by comparing the brand being valued to the performance of another substitute brand that is unrelated to the firm. The method is much more realistic if a similar brand exists in the marketplace for comparison purposes. Income-based Approaches The valuation process involves determining future net revenues directly attributable to the brand and then discounting to the present value using an appropriate discount rate. Several methods may be used to determine net revenue. One method compares the brand's price premium to a generic product–one that exists in the marketplace without benefit of marketing investment and name ownership. A second method estimates the annual royalties associated with the brand, as in a licensing agreement. This approach to valuation is generally more applicable to brands competing in international markets. An alternative approach relies on the strength of brand name recognition to estimate revenue. The branded product is then compared to a generic product to estimate volume. Formula Approaches These approaches consider multiple criteria in arriving at a brand value. The consulting firm Interbrand and Financial World magazine use similar methods that are based on an income approach. Interbrand developed its formula approach in the context of external financial reporting, but indicates that the approach to valuation is also very suitable for internal management purposes. The Interbrand approach uses a three-year weighted average of profits after tax as an indicator of brand profitability. In calculating brand profitability, Interbrand strives to consider only factors that relate directly to the brand's identity. This is often difficult because the company may not consider specific functions as separate from the brand. For example, much of a brand's success might be attributable to the distribution system, which supports the brand but is likely not a key element of its identity. Once brand profitability is determined, a multiplier is attached to the calculation. The multiplier is created from an evaluation of brand strength based on seven factors, which are weighted according to Interbrand's guidelines. Leadership: This is the ability of the brand to function as a market leader and secure the benefits associated with holding a dominant market share. Stability: Brands that retain their image and consumer loyalty over long periods of time are more valuable than brands without such stability. Market: Brands in certain product markets are more valuable than brands in other markets because of their ability to generate greater sales volume in a more stable environment with greater barriers to entry from competitors. Internationality: Brands that are international in scope possess the potential to expand the brand and are more valuable than regional or national brands. Trend: This is the ability of the brand to remain current in the perception of consumers. Support: Brands that have been consistently managed and supported by the organization over time are much more valuable than brands that have functioned without any organizational investment. Protection: This factor relates to the legal issues associated with the brand. Brands that are protected by registered trademarks are more valuable in that the organization has the legal right to protect the brand. Financial World arrives at a valuation by estimating the operating profit attributable to a brand and then comparing it to an unbranded product. The resulting premium associated with the brand is adjusted for taxes, and then multiplied by the above seven-item factor using Interbrand's assessment of brand strength. Aaker's â€Å"Brand Equity Ten† concentrates on five categories of measures to establish a comprehensive assessment of brand equity. Specific measures of price premium, satisfaction or loyalty, perceived quality, and leadership or popularity add a customer focus to the valuation methods. Other customer-oriented measures include perceived value, brand personality, organizational associations, and brand awareness. External measures of market share and market price and distribution coverage complete the set of criteria. Overall, the superiority of the formulary approaches lies in the comprehensive nature of these measures. The formulary valuation process allows for the most comprehensive assessment of all areas that have the potential to affect the ability of the brand to generate value for its owner. Brand valuation appears to be the most promising technique capable of illustrating the importance of the brand to managers while also bridging the different orientations between marketers and accountants. Since the value of the brand can be expressed in monetary terms, all decision makers have a common point of reference. The measure of brand value may include subjective elements, but the lack of such a measure means that the importance of intangible assets may be overlooked. The use of brand valuation can help foster a recognition of a common goal for individuals in pursuing strategic objectives. Each discipline can contribute a substantial amount of expertise to the brand valuation process. This joint contribution can then assist the organization with brand management. Cost Approach The cost approach is a valuation technique that estimates value based on the cost required to create the item. Under the cost approach, the actual dollars spent to build a brand are analyzed. While it is difficult to isolate and quantify all historic expenditures incurred in building a brand, it may be possible to identify external marketing costs, including media and promotional spending. This approach can be a highly conservative estimate of the brand value because the cost approach does not factor all costs incurred in building the brand. For example labor costs, other overhead, soft dollar costs, the cost of trademark registration or internal marketing time, just to name a few costs, may not be specifically identifiable and therefore difficult to factor in. Additionally, the historical cost approach does not consider future economic benefits of a branding campaign. As media markets have become more competitive in recent years, the cost of recreating a brand would most likely exceed the historical cost even in real terms. Therefore, the cost approach may be considered as a baseline value of a brand by which to measure future investment. Market Approach The market approach is a valuation method that estimates value based on actual market transactions. The market approach requires the collection of market data from comparable transactions and analysis of the data to estimate the value of the brand through comparison and correlation. AbsoluteBrand combines information and research from our proprietary databases and external market data. The market approach is helpful in researching for potential licensing transactions. Income Approach The most accurate valuation of a brand is the present value of the incremental profit attributable to that brand. The income approach is based on the present value of an income stream. This approach to valuation is based on the assumption that if the brand’s underlying product or service did not own its trademarks it would need to license them from a third party trademark owner. Ownership of its trademarks therefore ‘relieves’ it from paying a license fee (the royalty) for the use of the third party trademarks. It requires the development of income stream projections that are then discounted for risk and the time value of money, i. e. , â€Å"present-valued† as of a certain date. Under the income approach, a complex model integrates historic and forecast financial results, market risk and brand contribution. The result can be a static brand valuation as of a particular date or it can be transformed into a dynamic brand management model. A brand valuation under the income approach is comprised of three main variables: 1. Forecast Income Statements from the Branded Business. The valuation model is segmented to reflect the relevant competitive environment within which the brand operates and forecasts are made. This information is gathered through management input and market research information. 2. Royalty. The brand is benchmarked and comparable brand royalty rates are researched and then applied to a forecast revenue streams. 3. Brand Risk Rates. The brand’s contribution to earnings is analyzed to establish the security of future brand earnings using consumer research and competitor review. This approach utilizes sound valuation principles, namely the discounted cash flow analysis along with quantifiable market research and it relies on the forecast amount of operating earnings that are attributable to the brand. The future expected brand earnings are then present-valued using a discount rate that factors in the risks associated with achieving those future brand earnings. ? Cost-Based Approaches Cost-Based Approaches involve calculating the costs associated with: — Creating the brand (market research, development of the product concept, arket testing, packaging, advertising, etc. ) — Continued promotion through the product life cycle — Product improvement over time and the insuring costs connected with the product improvement According to â€Å"Strategic Brand Valuation: A Cross-Function Perspective† by Karen Cravens and Chris Guilding (Business Horizons, July/August, 1999) the cost-based method â€Å"is the most conservative method of valua tion and provides little future-oriented information that is useful in the brand management process. †

What Are Essential For Strong Relationships - 1821 Words

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.† (1 Corinthians 13:13, HCSB) Intro: The basics of a relationship are like the pillars or foundation stones of a house. All must be strong. If you try to make up for one weak pillar by strengthening another, the whole structure will be out of balance. If someone were to ask you the question, What are the factors necessary for a lasting relationship? what would you say? What foundation stones or pillars are essential for strong relationships? Think about it. What if you had to limit them to just four factors? There are actually many, but what is needed in any relationship, especially a lifelong marriage, are the following:love, trust, respect and understanding. The most lasting of these is love. Paul indicated this when he said that faith, hope and love abide or remain, but that the greatest of these is love. He also said: Colossians 3:12-13 The most fragile of these four pillars is trust. The most neglected one is respect or honor. The one that takes the longest to develop is understanding or knowledge. These are like four pillars of a house. Each of these pillars must be nurtured. If one is weak you can t make up for the lack in that area by adding to another. Love won t make up for mistrust, nor understanding for disrespect. Look at what happens. This house tilts! There s no balance. 1. The Pillar of Love: Greek word: ag – ah – pay This pillar hasShow MoreRelatedHow Strong Is Your Relationship With Your Child s Teacher?924 Words   |  4 Pages4. How strong is your relationship with your child s teacher? a) (Very Strong = 29% | Strong = 21% | Somewhat Strong = 39% | Not Strong =11% | No Relationship = 0%) These results shows that parents have a 39% of somewhat strong relationship with their child s teacher. There is a 29% of a very strong relationship between parents and their child s teachers. 5. 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