Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Prostate Cancer Causes And Treatment Health And Social Care Essay

Prostate Cancer Causes And Treatment Health And Social Care Essay This paper will investigate several different academic journal articles and some popular media articles that are about prostate cancer. These articles discuss prostate cancer causes, (hypothetical and known), detection methods, and treatment options. A couple of the articles also focus on the cost of treatment for patients, as well as the risks involved with the differing methods of treatment. Several treatment options for prostate cancer are still being studied. This essay will critically analyze and compare prostate cancer detection methods, (such as Prostate-specific antigen or (PSA) tests) treatment options, and the differing success or failure of each method, as well as focusing on the increasing cost of treatment that patients are forced to pay. Some of the articles also suggest that more resources and more education are needed to help lower the mortality rate from prostate cancer. This paper will explore what is being done to help lower the mortality rate as well as what is be ing done to help increase the rate of early detection of prostate cancer. Keywords: Prostate-specific antigen Prostate Cancer: Causes and Treatment Options Available in Todays Scientifically Advanced Society According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer occurs when cells within the prostate grow uncontrollably, creating small tumors. The term cancer refers to a condition in which the regulation of cell growth is lost and cells grow uncontrollably. Prostate cancer is a disease of epidemic proportions. 1 in 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and new cases are diagnosed every 2.7 minutes (Charles 2009). As prostate cancer poses such a threat to men worldwide, more time and money should be spent to improve upon the existing methods and technology as well as invested towards education and awareness programs. The fact that these statistics are real is why prostate cancer awareness and education is so essential because many deaths could have been prevented if the cases had been detected at earlier stages of the cancer. Prostate cancers specific cause is still unknown, however scientists hypothesize that genes play a role, because the risk factor for getting pro state cancer is substantially higher if you have a family history of it. The two main methods used for prostate cancer screening are rectal examinations and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing. Rathus, Nevid, and Rathus (2008) remind men 50 years and older that the American Cancer Society recommends that men receive annual rectal examinations and PSA blood tests. Treatment methods for prostate cancer are limited, but new technology has allowed for a higher survival rate because of early detection. The first point of interest is that the costs of prostate cancer treatment have gone up substantially in the last 20 years according to USA Today reporter Lisa Szabo. In her article entitled Patients bear brunt as cancer spending hits $90 billion she discusses how these rising costs have been driven by forces such as new drugs, robotic surgeries, and radiation techniques (2010). In her findings she discovered that from 1991 to 2002 the cost of treatment for cancer doubled. These increases are unsustainable claims John Seffrin, CEO of the American Cancer Society. Because of the increasing costs of treatment the American Cancer society can only help 1 out of 6 patients as opposed to in the past when they were able to help 1 in 5. When one takes into account how many cancer patients are in the United States, then they can realize how many people are forgoing treatment because they are uninsured and cannot afford treatment. It is tragic that the rising costs are resulting in preventable deaths. In another article reviewed, Krahn, Zagorski, Laporte, Alibhai, Bremner, Tomlinson, Warde, and Naglie, (2009) set out to discover healthcare costs in relation to prostate cancer. They researched direct medical costs for around 42,000 men over the progression of the disease. The costs they found were between $2,000 to around $16,000 dependent on where the individual patient was in the treatment process and how advanced their cancer was. The resulting conclusion was that prostate cancer costs are highest around two events, cancer diagnosis and cancer death (Krahn et als. 2009). The second point of interest is that drug company Roches Avastin a prostate cancer drug recently hit headlines and not in a good way. According to the Wall Street Journal, Roche Holdings released a statement that said that Avastin had failed in late stage prostate cancer trials. This news was not good for stockholders who are estimated to have lost projected sales of 7.48 billion dollars. The other bad news is that people who have been using Avastin an antibody for treatment of cancer, are also paying for something that is not as effective as they have been lead to believe. The third point of interest is that although scientists know what causes cancer, new steps are being made to discovering what specifically causes prostate cancer, and other types of cancer. In an exciting article in Science News, author L. Sanders reviews a new study that suggests probable links between self-renewing stem cells and prostate cancer (2010). The study suggests that genes are the culprit. Think about cancer as a disease of stem cells, Mutations in these cells can cause normal stem cells to lose their regularized behavior and instead turn into an incipient cancer (Sanders 2010). The researchers also found that prostate tissue cells called Basal stem cells are the most likely culprit in laboratory tests done on mice. In all the research they have done, Basal stem cells are what drives the cancer, regardless of the type of mutation says Owen Witte, a researcher at the University of California. A specific gene called Bmi-1 plays a significant role in Basal stem cells renewal process, when Bmi-1 activity was reduced, the cells were no longer able to self renew, nor did they form tumors (Sanders 2010). The fourth point of interest is that studies show family history of prostate cancer as one of the leading risk factors associated with prostate cancer. As Damber and Aus (2008) discovered while researching prostate cancer, family history is a large factor when assessing ones individual risk factors. They hypothesize that one apparent reason for this is that genes are passed down biologically from father to son. They also believe that the cancer causing genes mutate, but the reason(s) why are still unknown. According to the textbook authors, Rathus, Nevid, and Rathus (2008) consuming high amounts of animal fats has been shown to increase ones risk of getting prostate cancer. They also discuss how the chances are higher in black males than in white males. One thing Damber and Aus (2008) did note in their study was that the number of cases of prostate cancer was higher in men in urbanized nations as opposed to Asian men. The resulting studies showed that lifestyle differences as well as exposure to radiation were the reasons for the different statistics between Asian men and those in more urbanized nations. They also discuss how PSA and other screening methods are still being studied too analyze just how effective they actually are. Once men are suspected of having prostate cancer, the most common method of diagnosis is a biopsy which is surgically removing a small portion of the suspected tumor for testing. Most patients once they are diagnosed with the disease, are concerned with how concentrated the cancer is, because it is this factor more than any other that determines how long they have to live. In other words, the disease establishes the prognosis more than the choice of treatment. (Damber and Aus 2008) Treatment methods are varied and all have risks involved, but as the authors pointed out, most treatment plans are based on factors such as the PSA number, (how high or low) the level is, the size and placement of the tumor, as well as the patients individua l life expectancy. Treatment plans also vary depending on if the cancer is localized to just the prostate, or if it has advanced (grown) within the prostate, or if the cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body more serious treatment options will be considered. Damber and Aus (2008) theorize that treatment methods for both localized and advanced prostate cancer will remain the same for the time being. The fifth point of interest is the actual treatment procedures that are currently used. According to K. Charles in her article about prostate cancer in the Daily News, NY, she discusses the three major ways to treat prostate cancer. Surgery, external beam radiation, and radioactive seed implant therapy. A fourth new and radical treatment option is known as active survellaince, which is basically doing nothing but constantly monitoring the cancer. She discusses in her article that doctors have not yet been able to decide which treatment option is more effective than another, as they say that the results of each treatment option vary case to case. These variants also depend on how progressed the cancer is and how healthy the patient was before they got cancer. The sixth point of interest is a possible prostate cancer treatment that is still being researched called Cryotherapy. In an article by A. Gardner, she discusses how several prostate cancer patients had successful cryoblation and their tumors were successfully thwarted. The method is still in research however, and as Dr Debra Monticciolo said, The concept is good, but we need a bigger study with longer follow up. It takes a while for a couple of tumor cells left behind to gather enough steam to be noticed (Gardner 2010). One of the most controversial methods of treatment is to do nothing and just check in on the cancer frequently, to ensure that it has not grown or spread. In an article by Johnsun and Treurnicht, they claim that, The majority of men with low-risk prostate cancer will die of unrelated causes (2009). They also discuss how this newer method of treatment, officially known as active surveillance challenges the old method of radiation, and instead theorizes that attentive non-action, with only minimal treatments is possibly more effective. Johnsun and Treurnicht researched a group of 549 cancer patients who were offered active surveillance or surgery. The patients chose the surgery. Over an 8 year time span, it was discovered that the only way to ensure if active surveillance is an effective method of treatment is by repeated studies of men who have had biopsies. In another article I reviewed, author R. Lane and C. Metcalfe looked into a study that is being conducted in the UK. The study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating different prostate cancer treatments (2008). In the article, they claim that repeat PSA testing is one of the most effective methods for deciding if one needs surgery. According to the article, men whose PSA levels are between 3.0 and 19.99 ng/mL are all candidates for treatment and most likely, a biopsy. Also according to Lane and Metcalfe, in the trial referred to in the article, the participants were between 50 and 70 years old. The conclusions of the authors was that repeat PSA blood testing, particularly in men aged The seventh point of interest in regards to Prostate Cancer detection methods is the conflict over PSA testing and its accurate results, or is it as accurate as one would hope? Nogueira, Corradi, and Eastham (2009) explore other biomarkers besides PSA tests. They believe that although PSA is the best cancer biomarker available, it is not perfect. It lacks both the sensitivity and specificity to accurately detect the presence of prostate cancer (Nogueira et al., 2009). In their article, they evaluate the progress that is being made towards being able to use newly discovered biomarkers to help screen for prostate cancer. The studies that they review show that Human Kallikrein 2 or (hK2) is a serine protease that is closely related to PSA in sequence. The studies have revealed however, that (hK2) is not ready to be used yet as it can indicate that there are cancer cells active in the blood, but not accurately enough. This is similar to the problem that researchers run into with PSA test ing. Several other membrane antigens and antibodies are also being studied, but none of them are yet ready to be used as further research and testing is still needed. In the textbook, Rathus, Nevid, and Rathus (2008) agree with this article that PSA testing is the best method available. This should not be seen as though no progress has been made however, because as Dr. Richard Stock said, The past 40 years have seen a revolution in prostate cancer treatment. Not only are 90% of cases caught before they metastasize, but doctors have vastly improved technology for fighting cancer in the other 10% of patients (Charles 2009). The eighth point of interest is the recent news that the American Cancer Society has released new guidelines on prostate cancer screenings. In the article by A. Gardner, it discusses how the American Cancer Society is now putting less emphasis on routine PSA testing and more emphasis on doctor-patient conversations and decisions. These new guidelines are issued as a result of research and the ongoing conflict over how accurate PSA testing really is. According to a statement issued by the American Cancer Society, men with no symptoms of prostate cancer who are in relatively good health and can expect to live another 10 years should make an informed decision with their doctor about prostate cancer screening after learning the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits associated with such screening (Gardner 2010). These new statements disagree with with what Rathus, Nevid, and Rathus (2008), state in the textbook, The American Cancer Society recommends that men receive annual digital rectal examinations beginning at the same age as PSA tests (Rathus et al. 2008). They are now suggesting that PSA testing should not be a requirement for all men over 50. The ninth point of interest, however, is that many agree that PSA testing is still not a very reliable or effective method of detection. In an article in Practical Nurse, urologist Professor Roger Kirby, director of the Prostate Centre in London, states that, PSA testing is hugely controversial because the number of false positives and missed diagnoses of prostate cancer generated by the test raises questions about its usefulness (2009). In the article Kirby also points out that although PSA testing is so sketchy, that unfortunately men do not have many other options for detection. He calls for more research into alternative testing methods for the presence of cancerous cells in ones blood. He also calls for more education among men, to make them aware of their risk of contracting prostate cancer. Personal education and personal awareness are key elements in fighting the mortality rate of prostate cancer. The tenth point of interest is the progress being made towards educating the public on prostate cancer. In the European Journal of Cancer Care, contributing author S. Bowen, discusses a public health program in Ireland called the National Cancer Information Service. It was developed because of the National Cancer Forums, concern that high quality, accurate information and resources should be available to the public (Bowen 2010). The majority of people who called in to the service concerned about prostate cancer were men in their 50s to mid 60s. The service also found that most men were calling to find out how and where to get screened for prostate cancer. Bowen thinks this is due to not enough public awareness of prostate cancer, he believes that, as the public becomes increasingly aware of cancer, it is important that they have access to clear unbiased information from a responsible quality service informed by ongoing evaluation (2010). Overall, the popular media articles that I reviewed did seem to agree with the academic journal articles. In regards to the cost of prostate cancer treatment, the textbook did not really go into depth on the topic, but the two articles that I reviewed did seem to agree with the consensus that prostate cancer treatment is expensive, and that the cost of treatment is rising. Another issue that I reviewed was also not really covered by the textbook, but the article that I reviewed was convincing in that it shows that more research is needed for prostate cancer drugs. Another issue that I reviewed was also not covered by the textbook, but I found it fascinating that scientists are coming so close to finding a way to cure cancer. Another issue I reviewed was agreed upon in my textbook, the academic article and the popular media that risk factors for prostate cancer are pretty consistent. Another issue that I reviewed was the actual procedures which did agree with my textbook. Another issu e I reviewed was Cryotherapy, which is an experimental method, not covered in the textbook. Another issue was conflict over PSA testing, and I found that the academic and popular media did agree mainly when it came to this issue. I do not feel that anything was left out in these articles or the textbook. I did feel that the academic studies were and are legitimate. I believe that future studies should focus on prostate cancer detection and treatment. The articles that I reviewed were very promising as they show that a lot of progress has already been made in reference to prostate cancer treatment and detection. I think that scientists and researchers should continue what they are doing, especially with the research on stem cells and their direct connections to cancer. I think that finding the cause of prostate cancer should be the number one priority of researchers. I also feel that finding the future cure to cancer can only be done if much more extensive stem cell and gene research is conducted. Until that cure is found howver, I believe it is important to focus todays research on finding more accurate methods of testing, as PSA blood testing has been shown time and time again to not be as reliable as medical professionals would like it to be. The new findings that I discussed are quite exciting though, and the possibility of finding a 100% ac curate test for cancerous cells in the bloodstream is most likely soon to be a reality. The discovery of a new and more accurate testing method for prostate cancer would help increase the number of survivors as well as decrease the number of false readings and wrong diagnoses. I feel that the important message throughout the articles and research that I conducted is that men need to be more educated and more aware of prostate cancer and its symptoms and that doctors need to spend more time with their patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. I think that families with a history of prostate cancer need to have father-to-son discussions about prostate cancer and that they might want to cut down on their intake of animal fats and their exposure to radiation as that raises their risk. Black men who consume a lot of red meat with a family history of prostate cancer should be especially concerned. The other important thing is that men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer need to be informed of all their options, not just the options that benefit and are profitable to the medical institution providing the treatment, or the drug company providing the drugs for treatment. The new active surveillance prostate cancer treatment method is still under scrutiny as to whether it is as effective as medical professionals are hoping it will be. I also think that reform is needed in regards to the outrageous cost of treatment, which for the average person, is very hard to afford. The general public needs to be more aware and educated; more societies such as the American Cancer Society are needed to help raise awareness and to provide valuable information, resources, and support to those who are affected. The financial burden on those with prostate cancer is also something that needs to be addressed. The future of prostate cancer is one that is hard to predict however, because cancerous cells and genes are constantly mutating and changing generation from generation. The sheer amount of time, money, and resources that have been put into cancer research and treatments is incredible. I think that the future of prostate cancer will hopefully be cut short by the discovery of a way to prevent the cancerous cells from mutating, whether it is from radiation, antibodies, or removal of the cancerous cells. I also feel that the important message to anyone reading this is personal responsibility and personal awareness and education. It is not groups such as the American Cancer Societys responsibility to educate and help those who are fighting prostate and other forms of cancer, it is the individuals responsibility to do all that they can, within reason, to prevent and detect cancer early, before it is too late. Fear, procrastination, ignorance, and lack of health care and coverage are big issues when it comes down to the truth. The fact of the matter is that many people who are dying and have died from prostate cancer could have been saved if they had detected it earlier. The importance of getting routine screenings for men over 50 years old is crucial. The testing methods may not be 100% accurate, but it is better to be informed than to just take a chance with your life.

Karl Marx and His Beliefs About Society Essay -- Karl Marx Philosophy

Karl Marx and His Beliefs About Society In the beginning of the nineteenth century, several aspects of life were coming together for those that lived in Europe, and especially for those that lived in England. The Scientific Revolution had ended in the late seventeenth century; consequently, leaving the lingering aspects of science as a proven way to show that some ideologies of the Catholic Church were incorrect. The Enlightenment of the late eighteenth century had caused all of England and Europe to decide where to let their lives lead them in terms of faith; either towards Christianity, or towards Protestantism. The final time period that had a major impact on the English and European society was the Industrial Revolution, which introduced new ways to make life easier in terms of the production of goods, and make life as simple as possible. These three main time periods gave Karl Marx the reason and drive to reform the way that society was run, as shown in the words that he wrote in the Communist Manifesto pertainin g to the life of the individual in terms of faith. The society in the time of Marx’s writing dealt with many past events in which their faith and social standing was questioned. The latter part of the Scientific Revolution, around the middle of the seventeenth century, greatly influenced a change in faith with the public as a whole due to the new developments brought about by scientists. Up to that point, the Church, which controlled the thought process of Europe throughout most of the previous centuries, had not ever really been challenged in terms of the theories taught. The Church said that Earth was the center of the universe, whereas philosophers, such as Copernicus and Galileo, proved oth... ... was ready to change the way life was lived. Endnotes: 1. Paulos Mar Gregorios, A Light Too Bright the Enlightenment Today: An Assessment of the Values of the European Enlightenment and a Search for New Foundations (New York: State University of New York Press/ Albany, 1992), 7. 2. Peter Gilmour, Philosophers of the Enlightenment, (Trenton: Barnes and Noble, 1990), 133-134. 3. Colin Gunton, Enlightenment and Alienation: An Essay Towards Trinitarian Theology (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1985), 125. 4. UD Humanities Document Binder, Manifesto of the Communist Party (1848), 41, 52. 5. UD, 41,53. 6. Alvin Plantinga, Warranted Christian Belief, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000), 141. 7. Plantinga, 367. 8. UD, 41, 52.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Comparing Death in Do not Go Gentle into That Good Night and Australia,

Rage against Death in Dylan Thomas’ "Do not Go Gentle into That Good Night", and Judith Wright’s "Australia, 1970" Mortality is a subject often contemplated in both traditional and modern poetry. Traditionally, death has been viewed as a great leveler of people, and as a frightening, yet noble experience that is best approached with a quiet, dignified, Christ-like acceptance. In the work of some modern poets such as Dylan Thomas and Judith Wright, however, the message is a different one altogether. These poets advise the dying to not assume the role of the martyr, teaching by quiet example; rather, the dying are instructed to "rage, rage against the dying of the light" (Thomas) and "die like the tigersnake" (Wright) in order to send their messages to the living. While these two poets give these startling instructions with different goals in mind, one idea comes across clearly: that the image of the martyr quietly and knowingly accepting death is no longer an image that will satisfy modern poetry as it looks for reason in its examination of impending mortality. In his 1952 poem "Do not Go Gentle into That Good Night", Dylan Thomas examines the idea that entering quietly into death is not the proper way to leave life; instead, as life draws to a close, he instructs his readers to "rage, rage against the dying of the light" (Thomas). At first glance, this could appear to be futile advice, for raging against an inevitable, unalterable experience such as death obviously does nothing to impede its course, and could therefore be seen as a pointless exercise. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Thomas’s poem does not attempt to fight or ward off death; rather, it attempts to convince others to live fully and ... ...ugh mercilessly taunted by the turncoat crowds, those dying in these poems are instructed to do so violently and wildly, to kick and scream, yet at the same time accept the fact that death is an unstoppable force. By depicting these violent, unorthodox, traditionally ignoble methods in a positive light and instructing others to partake in them, Dylan Thomas and Judith Wright are disassociating themselves with the ‘beneficial martyr’ outlook on life and death adopted by Christianity and instead aligning themselves with a far more rebellious and modernistic school of thought Works Cited and Consulted Stanford, Derek. Dylan Thomas. New York: The Citadel Press, 1986. 116-118. Thomas, Dylan. "Do Not Go Gentle." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 1996 Thomson, A.K. Critical Essays on Judith Wright, ed. 1968. Wright, Judith. Collected Poems 1994. Comparing Death in Do not Go Gentle into That Good Night and Australia, Rage against Death in Dylan Thomas’ "Do not Go Gentle into That Good Night", and Judith Wright’s "Australia, 1970" Mortality is a subject often contemplated in both traditional and modern poetry. Traditionally, death has been viewed as a great leveler of people, and as a frightening, yet noble experience that is best approached with a quiet, dignified, Christ-like acceptance. In the work of some modern poets such as Dylan Thomas and Judith Wright, however, the message is a different one altogether. These poets advise the dying to not assume the role of the martyr, teaching by quiet example; rather, the dying are instructed to "rage, rage against the dying of the light" (Thomas) and "die like the tigersnake" (Wright) in order to send their messages to the living. While these two poets give these startling instructions with different goals in mind, one idea comes across clearly: that the image of the martyr quietly and knowingly accepting death is no longer an image that will satisfy modern poetry as it looks for reason in its examination of impending mortality. In his 1952 poem "Do not Go Gentle into That Good Night", Dylan Thomas examines the idea that entering quietly into death is not the proper way to leave life; instead, as life draws to a close, he instructs his readers to "rage, rage against the dying of the light" (Thomas). At first glance, this could appear to be futile advice, for raging against an inevitable, unalterable experience such as death obviously does nothing to impede its course, and could therefore be seen as a pointless exercise. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Thomas’s poem does not attempt to fight or ward off death; rather, it attempts to convince others to live fully and ... ...ugh mercilessly taunted by the turncoat crowds, those dying in these poems are instructed to do so violently and wildly, to kick and scream, yet at the same time accept the fact that death is an unstoppable force. By depicting these violent, unorthodox, traditionally ignoble methods in a positive light and instructing others to partake in them, Dylan Thomas and Judith Wright are disassociating themselves with the ‘beneficial martyr’ outlook on life and death adopted by Christianity and instead aligning themselves with a far more rebellious and modernistic school of thought Works Cited and Consulted Stanford, Derek. Dylan Thomas. New York: The Citadel Press, 1986. 116-118. Thomas, Dylan. "Do Not Go Gentle." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 1996 Thomson, A.K. Critical Essays on Judith Wright, ed. 1968. Wright, Judith. Collected Poems 1994.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Custom Written Term Papers: Othello’s Involved Imagery :: Othello essays

Othello’s Involved Imagery  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   The intricate imagery peppering the language of the characters in Shakespeare’s drama Othello is deserving of our detailed consideration in this paper. It has significant meaning, and nearly expresses a life of its own.    The play’s imagery is oftentimes reflective of the fortunes of the protagonist. As the Moor’s status declines, the quality of the imagery in the play declines. In The Riverside Shakespeare Frank Kermode explains the relationship between imagery and Othello’s jealousy:    It is very important to see that Othello’s self-estimate – â€Å"one not easily jealious, but, being wrought, / Perplexed in the extreme† (V.ii.345-46) – is, as Bradley says, â€Å"perfectly just,† and perfectly consistent with the release of unsuspected grossness of language and imagery under the shock of discovering infidelity in the loved one. The peculiar pain of sexual jealousy is deeply involved with the excremental aspect of the sexual organs, and the emotion in betrayal in a supremely intimate trust is involved with agonizing associations of filth and animality. (1200)    A surprising, zoo-like variety of animal injury occur throughout the play. Kenneth Muir, in the Introduction to William Shakespeare: Othello,   explains the conversion of Othello through his increased use of animal imagery:    Those who have written on the imagery of the play have shown how the hold Iago has over Othello is illustrated by the language Shakespeare puts into their mouths. Both characters use a great deal of animal imagery, and it is interesting to note its distribution. Iago’s occurs mostly in the first three Acts of the play: he mentions, for example, ass, daws, flies, ram, jennet, guinea-hen, baboon, wild-cat, snipe, goats, monkeys, monster and wolves. Othello, on the other hand, who makes no use of animal imagery in the first two Acts of the play, catches the trick from Iago in Acts III and IV. The fondness of both characters for mentioning repulsive animals and insects is one way by which Shakespeare shows the corruption of the Moor’s mind by his subordinate. (21-22)    Just how strong a force is the imagery in this drama? Is it more powerful than the chorus in ancient Greek tragedy? H. S. Wilson in his book of literary criticism, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, discusses the influence of the imagery of the play:    It has indeed been suggested that the logic of events in the play and of Othello’s relation to them implies Othello’s damnation, and that the implication is pressed home with particular power in the imagery.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Small Scale Business Management

TABLE OF CONTENTS Â  EXECUTE SUMMARY This is a business expansion. The business name is Mcraj Arts & Designs – catering and decoration busi. t started on 04 December 2010. It was funded by Department of Youth on the 29th June 2010. When I started this project my aims was to make something that is unique in my place, I wanted to combine catering and decoration as I have registered at registration of companies, the project that I wanted to run was to hire tents with catering combined with a garden decorated for photos and video shooting. Unfortunately the finance that I got from the Department of Youth wasn’t enough for the project. In catering t be done during wedding, parties and funerals ceremonies because some customer they usually ask why is it not possible for me to cater for them with food also. And I will be catering for rallies, exhibitions, workshops and meetings because in my area when there are activities like workshops, rallies and exhibition they ask for ca tering of youth first. And in Kgalagadi north there is none existing business of youth for catering. I have also realise that in my area there is no resting place and where people can take photos and video shooting.Then I came up with an idea for a plot for photos and video shooting and sometimes. And sometimes people need to celebrate their weddings outside their place that’s is why I came with an idea of making a plot decorated for photo and video shooting, this will be not only for photos and video shooting and it will be for the customer who want celebrate their weddings and parties outside their place. In may market research, their some customer who need a place for resting with their friends and families. As for now I have been operating tent hire only.Since I have started this project I have realised that during festive season there is shortage of tents in areas because this festive I have more than four to five customers booking tent on the same date but I have only o ne tent. I have realise that I have to increase numbers of tents so as to cater for more events on the same date. According to income statement of my business from December 2010 up to December 2011 I have realize that the loss that I have is only for buying materials and transport as can see from attached documents.When I started the business the project was having full equipped materials especially dress lining for draping and decorations. My plans was to start saving for the project after I had full equipped material in the tent and also to buy small gazebos and jumping castles as my customer usually need then they hire the tent. The business was operating by the following organization and management structures. MANAGING DIRECTR {NONOFO SETLHOGILE} CLEANERS TENT PITCHERS TENT DECOTATORSNALEDI SETLHOGILE KEORAPETSE RAMOSESANE RAPELANG TSIENYANE KEOSIILE KARABOOTENG SEGOLE LETSHOLATHEBE MOHEME KEOBAKILE SEGOLE MOLEFI TSHIDI OBJECTIVE * To promote rural development and stimulate the provision of other services in remote areas of the country and also to reduce rural urban migration. * To lead other youth by example and encourage them to venture in to sustainable and viable income generating projects. * Generate employment mainly in rural areas and improve our standard of living. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTUREAs the business will be expanding the structure will be as follows MANAGING DIRECTOR 1 SECRETARY ACCOUNTANT 1 1 CLEANERS TENT PITCHERS TENT DECOTATORS DRIVER 2 64 1 STOCK SUPPLY GROUNDS MAN COOKERS 1 24 OPERATIONAL PLAN The business will be providing tents for hire with catering and a garden decorated for photos and video shooting and the business will be operated by 23 employees as you can see from the organization plan.The managing director will be a decision maker, supervising the whole project to see if all work is done properly. The accountant will be doing records and booking keeping and also the employees payments. Secretary will be typing the projects minutes and hand – to – hand with the accountant. Cleaners will be cleaning storerooms, doing the laundry when there is a tender for tents hire, clean plates, glasses, cutlery, chafing dishes and bowls Tents pitchers will be washing tents before the events, also pitch tents during the eventsTents decorators will be preparing decorations, lining for draping according to the colours of events and decorate during events. Driver will be transporting equipment wherever the events are, acting as messenger e. g checking mails at the post office and also transporting employees for caterings. Grounds men will watering, cleaning, cultivating, cutting trees and lawns and the garden plot. Cookers will be cooking food for events and acting as cashiers e. g weddings, parties, funerals, workshops, rallies, exhibitions, individuals e. t. cStock supply will be supplying employees with equipment needed e,g books at the office, pins, cable ties, draping materials, decoration equ ipments for tents and count equipments like tables, chairs, cutlery, plates, chafing dishes, and glasses before and after the events to see if they are which is missing and also buy all materials that will be needed in the business. MARKET PLAN TARGET MARKET The business will be targeting wedding events, parties, funerals, meetings, workshop, rallies, exhibitions and individuals as the business will be offering combined services making wedding planning simpler and cheaper.Prices will be affordable with high quality services and good customer care. MARKET SIZE SALES FORECAST GOODS/SERVICES| YEAR SALES| UNIT PRICE(BWP)| TOTAL AMOUNT(BWP)| TENTS| 10 X 24m| 13| 19Â  500. 00| 253 500. 00| 9 X 18m| 15| 6Â  000. 00| 90 Â  000. 00| 7 x 15m| 17| 5Â  800. 00| 98 Â  600. 00| 9 x 9m| 30| 1Â  200. 00| 32Â  000. 00| CATERING| Breakfast| 550| 20. 00| 11Â  000. 00| Booking breakfast{placed orders}| 550| 25. 00| 13Â  750. 00| Tea break| 530| 20. 00| 10Â  600. 00| Booking tea break{placed o rders}| 550| 25. 00| 13Â  750. 00| Lunch| 810| 25. 00| 20Â  250. 00|Booking lunch{placed orders}| 1400| 35. 00| 49Â  000. 00| Super| 540| 25. 00| 13Â  500. 00| Booking supper{placed orders}| 1300| 35. 00| 45Â  500. 00| GARDEN| Full day| 17| 3 500| 59Â  500. 00| Half day| 32| 2 500| 80Â  000. 00| TOTAL SALES REVENUE| 790Â  950. 00| COMPETITORS My competitors are: Tents * Itshome tent hire * Lokgwabe home base care tent hire * Mantle tents hire * Thati’s tents hire Catering * Itabeni guest house * welcome restaurant. Garden * I have none existing competitors for garden plot which be operated for resting, photos and video shooting MARKET SHARE:The price that I have for tent hire 9 x 18 m with chairs, rectangle tables, cutlery, plates, glasses, draping, carpets(green and red), stand and decorations catering for 200 people is BWP 6Â  000. 00 per event. Prices of my competitors are as follows: TENTS * ITSHOME TENT HIRE: fully equipped (tent 9 x 24m, chairs, rectangle table s, cutlery, plates, glasses, draping, stand and decorations) catering for 250 people – BWP 12Â  000. 00 * MANTLE TENT HIRE fully equipped (tent 9 x 21m, chairs, rectangle tables, cutlery, plates, glasses, draping, stand and decorations) catering for 200 people – BWP 10Â  000. 0 * LOKGWABE HOME BASE CARE: only tent of 5x10m with chairs, rectangle tables, plates, glasses and cutlery : catering for 50 people – BWP 2Â  500. 00 * THATI’S TENT HIRE: only tent of 7 x 15m with Lokgwabe chairs, rectangle tables, plates, glasses, cutlery, draping and decorations; catering for 100 people – BWP 5Â  200. 00 CATERING * ITABENI GUEST HOUSE: Breakfast – P 25. 00 Tea break – P 25. 00 Lunch – P 28. 00 Supper – P28. 00 Bookings for events{placed orders}: Breakfast – P 30. 00 Tea break – P30. 00 Lunch – P40. 00Supper – P40. 00 * WELCOME RESTURANT: Breakfast – P 27. 00 Tea break – P 25. 00 Lunch – P 30. 00 Supper – P30. 00 Bookings for events{placed orders}: Breakfast – P 35. 00 Tea break – P30. 00 Lunch – P45. 00 Supper – P45. 00 MARKET STRATEGIES I intended to beat other suppliers in the area of my market by providing products / services with affordable prices. I will be maintaining high quality services to retain customers and build a reputation in the market e. g my tents will be having caterings, jumping castles, and gazebos.And also I have designs an arcs that will be decorated in front of tents and also others that will be partitioning inside the tents e,g inside the tent there will be portion for bride and groom maids, for groom ‘s parents, bride’s parents and others. DISTRIBUTIONS I will be delivering the my products/services to my customer where they want it to be e. g if I have catering orders for workshops, rallies, exhibitions, weddings, parties, funerals and meetings. And also tents equipments will be deli vered to my customer for events. SUPPLY CHANNELS All tents, catering equipments and landscaping companies will be found in Gaborone and Lobatse.Materials for draping and decoration will be bought in Hukuntsi.. And also grocery for catering will be bought in Hukuntsi. In Hukuntsi there a only two wholesalers and one textile and clothing shop: (Sefalana and Trans and hilda’ clothing and curting for material of decoration and draping). There are two shops of tents in Gaborone: (Funhire and T and T ) and one in Lobatse: (Lobatse canvas). There also two landscaping companies that I found in Gaborone:(Soft rolls and BCD) All my suppliers are reliable. PRICING Tent hiring: * 9 x 37m tent that will be catering for 400 up to 500 people and I it will be BWP 19Â  500. 0 per event * 7 x 15m tent catering for 100 up to 150 people it will be BWP 5Â  800. 00 * 9 x 9m gazebo catering for small events like parties it will be BWP 1Â  500. 00 Catering * Breakfast – P 20. 00 * Tea brea k – P 20. 00 * Lunch – P 25. 00 * Supper – P25. 00 * Bookings for events{placed orders}: * Breakfast – P 25. 00 * Tea break – P25. 00 * Lunch – P35. 00 * Supper – P35. 00 Garden plot for Photos and video shooting only: Full day: BWP 3Â  500. 00 Half day: BWP 2Â  500. 00 PROMOTION I vigorously market my project by advertising through local channel media i. magazine, newspaper, facebook and also fliers, posters, sign boards, business cards e. tc. When I have a wedding I usually offer them free usher tags, and wedding programmes and I put my contact on the back of the usher tags. I also ask my customer to put me in the programme to advertise my products / services during the event. I maintain a database of customer and their requirements. Excellent services and attention to detail will attract repeat orders. FINANCIAL STRUCTURE FIXED ASSETS DESCRIPTIONS| QUANTITY | COST PER UNIT| TOTAL| Vehicle| 1| | | 7 x 15m tent| 1| | | 9 x 37m tent | 1| | | 9 x 9 m gazebos| 3| | | x 15m green carpet| 1| | | 9 x 37m green carpet| 1| | | 9 x 9m green carpet| 3| | | Red carpet 1. 2m x 40| 1| | | Chairs| 400| | | Round tables| 40| | | Rectangle tables| 20| | | Chair covers| 400| | | Round table covers| 40| | | Rectangle table covers| 20| | | Plates| 400| | | Glasses| 400| | | Knifes| 400| | | Forks| 400| | | Chafing dishes| 20| | | Vases| 40| | | Jugs| 40| | | Serving bowl| 10| | | Industrial stove| 1| | | Deep freezer| 1| | | Fridge| 1| | | Electric heating bucket| 2| | | Steel trays| 10| | | Cooking pots| 10| | | Food containers| 10| | | Fence 100m x 100m plot| | | | landscaping| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | OVERHEADS DESCRIPTIONS| QUANTITY | COST PER UNIT| TOTAL| Petrol: Gaborone to Lokgwabe| 562 km | P | | Rent| Year| P 750. 00| P9Â  000. 00| Salaries / wages| 6 months| P 22Â  600. 00| P 135Â  600. 00| landscaping| | | | Electricity| | | | Water| | | | Total | | | | APPLICANTS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRO JECT DESCRIPTIONS| QUANTITY | COST PER UNIT| TOTAL| Youth Loan repayment| 5 years| P | P| Water connection| | | | Electricity equipments| -| P 2 696. 33| P 2Â  696. 33| Grocery for catering| -| P 5Â  000. 00| P 5Â  000. 00| TOTAL| P 11Â  700. 00| INTERNAL ANALYSIS STRENG Employ staff who have required skills sets and train them to provide excellent customer services * Capability and capacity to provide in time * Networking base * Knowledge of local market * Self driven, motivated young woman able to adapt very quickly to new situations, conforming to and often surpassing expected standards WEAKNESS * Little bit of market skill * Lack of capital for the production purchases, as it will limit effectively complete the job * * I have staff who have required skills sets and I have trained them to provide excellent customer services EXTERNAL ANALYSIS OPPORTUNITIES * Make a difference and diversify economy Increase in the development budget will mean more project to implement * Creatio n of employment for the community area * The business must leverage its inherit strengths to capitalize on all potential sales opportunities * Employ staff who have required skills sets and train them to provide excellent customer services * Build up a strong reputation of reliability exemplary services and high quality services. * Capability and capacity to provide in time THREATS * New competitors emerging in the vicinity * Customers having financial problems * * * IMPLEMENTATION PLAN DATE| ACTIVITY| RESPONSIBLE PERSON| st and 2nd weekMarch 2012| * Buying all equipment of the project| * Managing director| 3rd and 4th weekMarch2012| * Building fence for garden plot * Prepare sketch plan for kitchen and storeroom * Arrange building material for kitchen and storeroom * Landscaping inspections| * Managing Director * Managing director * Managing director and building construction| 1st and 2nd week April 2012| * Landscaping, paving, planting trees and lawns * Start building storeroom an d kitchen| * * Building construction| 3rd and 4th weekApril 2012| * Cleaning up the garden, storeroom and kitchen for inspections * Inspections| * Grounds men and cleaners * | 1st week May 2012| * Arranging equipment in the kitchen and storeroom * Decision making, Pricing,Prepares materials for bookkeeping records,Prepared recipe and schedules for catering | * Stock supply and cookers * Managing director, secretary and accountant| 2nd weekMay 2012| * Business start operating| * All employees|

Friday, August 16, 2019

How accurate does truth universally acknowledged prove to be in the novel Pride and Prejudice? Essay

This essay is concerned with studying examples of courtship and engagement in relation the marriages they produce. Jane Austen’s exciting novel explores the paths taken by young men and women, living in a time when pride and prejudice influenced people’s actions and behavior. Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice in the early nineteenth century, when social etiquette was strict and uniformly. Every male born became an heir to his family’s fortune, every female’s aim in life was to marry and secure her home. Inevitably, this would take away an element of romance to a marriage if it happened on the basis of economical reasons. Austen wrote a novel with a main theme of marriage, although love is mentioned only occasionally. Austen appears to be sceptical of the qualities of passionate love, and more approving of true love that is based upon respect, gratitude and understanding of one another. Hence the character Elizabeth Bennet, who was one of Jane Austen’s favourite characters. Women could not inherit their family’s fortune, which meant that every un-married woman lost their home and possessions when their father died, thus lay the importance of marriage to them. Men could be self sufficient, and not have a direct need to get married, although an heir was important to carry on their family name and fortune. These factors affected women’s perspectives of marriage. Was love important enough to attribute to a good marriage? Many women, like Charlotte Lucas knew that the aspect of love would have to be ignored when, at the age of 27 she was not already wed. Mr Collins is the cousin of Mr Bennet, who, with five daughters, knew what would happen to the un-married amongst them when he passed away. Mr Collins would inherit the Bennet estate, Longbourn. ‘Mr Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society’ (Chap 15) He is a humorous character in the novel, incredibly verbose, absent-minded and un-subtle. When he proposes and is declined by Elizabeth, claiming primarily that she is in no financial position to decline him, he is very condescending and is obvious about his economical reasons for marriage, and does not once mention love. His decision for marriage was prompted by his employer Lady Catherine De Bourgh and he makes reference towards her whilst proposing to Elizabeth; ‘It is the particular advice and recommendation of the very lady whom I have the honor of calling Patroness’ (Chap 19) Lady Catherine De Bourgh employed Mr Collins as a Clergyman on her estate at Rosings, and she would see it as fit that a man with a respectable career and moderate fortune should marry. Elizabeth is civil in her reply to him; ‘You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so’ (Chap 19) When Charlotte declares to Elizabeth of her and Mr Collins’ engagement Elizabeth questions her mercenary motives for marrying, and is unhappy that she knows her good friend will not ever be truly happy. ‘Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance’ (Chap 6) – Charlotte. Charlotte enlightens Elizabeth on the fact that she values security and comfort above love, ‘I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home’ (Chap 22) Mrs Bennet is superficial, ignorant, short tempered, proud and judgmental. She has made it her occupation in life to marry off her five young daughters. She was clearly distressed when Elizabeth turns down Mr Collins, and goes straight to Mr Bennet for assistance, ‘Oh! Mr Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr Collins’ (Chap 20) Mr Bennet is a sharp, witty and sarcastic toward Mrs Bennet, whom he married because he was ‘captivated by youth and beauty’ (Chap 42). They married young, as most people did and confesses to Elizabeth later in the novel that he ‘married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her’ (Chap 42) Their relationship in the book is one of humour, as Mr Bennet took delight in annoying Mrs Bennet, ‘Mr Bennet. You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves’ (Chap 1) Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet’s marriage is also very formal, as they both call each other by their titles Mr and Mrs. They are obviously not a happy couple due to their complete difference in character and their bickering. Wickhams marriage to Lydia is much the same as Mr and Mrs Bennet’s. Wickham is drawn in by Lydia’s youthful flirting and energy, and when they elope then Wickham is paid to marry Lydia (Chap 49) by Darcy. The fact that money had to be included suggests that the marriage was economical, yet Mr Wickham, as we already know from past chapters, is a gambler and a liar. There could be no love involved from his part, and Lydia would be flippant enough to believe herself in love. Neither partner truly cares for the other, and this is why their marriage is similar to that of the Bennets. Elizabeth’s first impression of Mr Darcy is not a pleasant one. Darcy refuses to dance, when pointed toward Elizabeth, ‘She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me’ (Chap 3) Darcy’s pride leads him to be prejudiced by many of the women at the Ball. Especially Mrs Bennet who explains her dislike to Mr Bennet afterwards, ‘He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance with! I wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one of your set downs. I quite detest the man’ (Chap 3) Elizabeth’s pride is hurt and she too is quick to be prejudiced about Darcy, this is her main fault throughout the novel. Elizabeth and Jane are very different; Jane is very passive and strives to see the best in everyone, whereas Elizabeth is more intelligent and observant when judging characters. Jane suggests that the reason for Darcy’s rudeness and pride is shyness, which happens to be the real reason behind his apparent inhospitality at Netherfield. The Bennet’s are of a lower class to Darcy and Bingley. Mr Bingley was good natured and well mannered, and Darcy, in contrast with Bingley seemed proud and unsociable. ‘There is not another woman in the room, whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with’ (Chap 3) The irony in this chapter is that, in her desperate attempt to impress and arrange single men for her daughters, Mrs Bennet is rude, poorly sophisticated and embarrassing, therefore affecting the chance of men being interested. It is clear when Miss Bingley opens the subject of Mrs Bennet’s lack of grace upon Darcy, that he is troubled by it. Darcy is already attracted to Elizabeth’s independence and wit, despite Miss Bingley’s attempts to deter his thoughts. Elizabeth meanwhile meets Mr Wickham and makes a wrong judgement of character. Wickham manipulates Elizabeth’s original dislike for Darcy, by telling her scandalous lies about him. When Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth, it is unfortunate that Colonel Fitzwilliam has told her that Darcy is the reason Bingley had left Netherfield. Elizabeth cares dearly for her sister and she is even more appalled that it is Darcy who has caused her unhappiness. Darcy approaches Elizabeth believing that his proposal would be accepted. Wickham’s words against him unbeknown. He is not tactful enough to change Elizabeth’s dislike for him. ‘He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride’ (Chap 34) Elizabeth is civil in her reply, which shows her strength of character, although she is aggrovated, ‘I cannot – I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly’ (Chap 34) She carry’s on to accuse him of her sister’s unhappiness, and perhaps the turning point in the book, when she reveals Mr Wickham’s lies. ‘Your character was unfolded in the recital which I received many months ago from Mr Wickham’ (Chap 34) They are both very angry; Darcy insults Elizabeth’s social status and ‘inferior connections’. She retaliates, ‘had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner’ (Chap 34) Darcy’s astonishment is great, and he leaves immediately. Upon receiving Darcy’s letter, Elizabeth re-evaluates some things. It is due to her family’s lack of credibility and breeding that is the cause of Jane’s unhappiness. She realises that she has been ‘partial, prejudiced and absurd’ (Chap 36) and this gains Darcy some respect, even though she still does not find him agreeable. The letter in itself made it clear to Elizabeth that Darcy really cared enough to write and explain himself, and he also bestowed trust upon her when he chose to explain about Wickham and Georgiana’s near elopement. Wickham’s main objective being Miss Darcy’s fortune of thirty thousand pounds. Elizabeth discusses Darcy’s proposal and Wickham with Jane. She analyses, ‘One has got all goodness, and the other all the appearance of it’ (Chap 40) People like Wickham could be judged on how well they displayed their manners and good breeding in public, at a time of strict rules for public behavior. Another meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy is when she visits Pemberly. She is told many things about Darcy that are the opposite of what she had previously thought of him. The housekeeper of Pemberly says, ‘He was always the sweetest-tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world’ Chap 43 Elizabeth perception is changed, she is no longer as prejudiced toward him, and thinks him more civil and kindhearted. This is partly due to her maturing and swallowing her own pride. Darcy has changed his proud manner and is very accommodating to Elizabeth and the Gardiner’s when they are at Pemberly. The most exciting and exhilarating section of the novel are chapters fifty to sixty one. The horror of Lydia and Wickham’s elopement makes Mr Bennet realise his failure as a responsible parent, the scandal meant that the rest of the daughters would be thought unsuitable wives. Mr Darcy pays Wickham money to marry Lydia; Wickham’s blatant desire for money shows his superficiality and is the beginning of another marriage devoid of happiness. Later in his second proposal to Elizabeth, when she thanks him for his kindness, Darcy justifies his contribution, ‘But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe, I only thought of you.’ (Chap 58) Elizabeth has found her happiness in a relationship of loving respect and mutual suitability. When Jane Austen handles the second proposal she is careful to show that there is no physical contact, and little eye contact. The way that the normally calm and collected Elizabeth stumbles over her words and reveals her inner thoughts to Darcy show a revelation in character. In conclusion, the statement presented by Mrs Bennet; ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife’ is not accurate. Mrs Bennet’s small mindedness and ignorance mean that she can not understand alternative reasons for marriage. Mr Collins and Wickham could prove this statement correct, as money did pay a part in their decisions to marry; yet they are depicted as scandalous or idiotic characters in the novel. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley’s attitudes to marriage were different as, instead of money being a prime factor pushing them to marry, compatibility was considered, pride overcome and prejudice put behind them, to produce love in a marriage.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Katie And Joe Play

Is she the reason your grades are so low? Katie: NO it isn't about her. [Joey's phone beeps. ] Joe: Did you go to Dry. Phil yesterday by any chance? [Joe walks over to the other side of the room picks up a charger and walks towards the small round table where there was an outlet and plugs in the charger and puts his phone on the table. ] Katie: Yeah.. ; [Pause] Joe: What did you guys talk about? Katie: Doesn't matter. [Joe frowns] Joe: You know you can tell me anything, right? Katie: That's Beethoven me and Dry. Phil. [Long pause] We just talked about mom, again.Joe: Oh, I see. [Joe walks over and sits beside Katie] Katie: Mom is coming back, right? Joe: Sweetie, Janice†¦ I mean your mother, she's gone†¦ She's not coming back. [Katie starts tearing] Joe: Katie [Long Pause] are you- Katie: I'm fine! [Joe walks to the stand across the room that held napkins and walks back with the napkin at hand] Joe: Oh my god, Kate! [Katie is sobbing and takes the cushion from the sofa and buries her face in it. Joe runs to the sofa and sits down] Joe: It's going to be okay, you don't have to cry anymore. Katie cries harder.Joe lets Katie cry for a while and let it all out] Joe: It's going to be alright sweetie. Here wipe your face with this. [Joe held his hand out with the napkin still at his hand] Katie: Just leave me alone! [Katie pushes his hand out the way, the napkin flies across the room] Joe: Katie! [Katie gets up, the cushion falls. Katie tries to run out the room, Katie trips over the cushion and tries to get up, Joe tries to help. ] Katie: I said, leave me alone! [Small pause] I said I'm fine. [Joe stands back and watches Katie limp UT the room.Joe walks over to the other side of the room where his cellophane lied on the table. Joe takes out the plug and picks his phone up and dials a number. The phone rings, no one picks up. Joe walks to the bookshelf still holding onto his phone and picks up a photo album and sits down on the sofa. Joe flips through pages , slowly feeling depressed. Joe receives a phone call, he picks it up. ] Joe: Hello. Mike: Hey, you called earlier? Joe: Yeah, you busy? Mike: No why? Joe: Can you come over? Really need to talk to you.