Minit-Lube Case Study Essay Example

Minit-Lube Case Study Paper Date: September 12, 2011 1. What constitutes the mission of Minit-Lube? To provide fast, reliable and superior service in a customer friendly environment while ensuring lowest possible prices. 2. How does the Minit-Lube operations strategy provide competitive advantage? A narrow products strategy could be defined as lubricating automobiles that allows the subsequent development of more focused and efficient operations. Because of limited task variety, high repetition, good training, and good manuals, quality should be relatively easy to maintain. The process strategy allows employees and capital investment to focus on doing this mission well, rather than trying to be a general purpose garage or gas station. Facilities are usually located near residential areas. The three bays are designed specifically for lubrication and vacuuming tasks to minimize wasted movement on the part of the employees and to contribute to the speedier service. Purchasing is facilitated by negotiation of large purchases and custom packaging. Focuses on hiring a few employees with limited skills and training them in a limited number of tasks during the performance of which they can be closely supervised. Should be relatively low, and they should expect a high turnover. Scheduling: Scheduling should be very direct, assisting both staffing and customer relation. Very little equipment to be maintained, little preventive maintenance required. We will write a custom essay sample on Minit-Lube Case Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Minit-Lube Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Minit-Lube Case Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer With three bay and three systems, there is backup available in the case of failure. 3. Is it likely that Minit-Lube has increased productivity over its more traditional competitors? Why? How would we measure productivity in this industry? Yes, precise task assignments and good training are designed to move the car into and out of the bay in 10 minutes. The idea is to charge no more, and hopefully less, than gas stations, automotive repair chains, and auto dealers, while providing better service.

All About Summer Homeschooling

All About Summer Homeschooling If your children are currently in public or private school, but youre thinking of homeschooling,  you may think that summer is the perfect time to test the homeschooling waters. But is it a good idea totry out homeschooling during your childs summer break? Learn about the pros and cons to a summer homeschool trial, along with some tips for setting up a successful trial run.   Pros for Trying Homeschooling During the Summer Many kids thrive on routine. Many children function best with  a predictable schedule. Moving right into a school-like routine may be ideal for your family and result in a more peaceful, productive summer break for everyone. You may also enjoy year-round homeschooling. A six weeks on/one week off schedule  allows for regular breaks throughout the year and longer breaks as needed. A four-day week is another year-round homeschool schedule that may provide just enough structure for the summer months. Finally, consider doing formal studies only two or three mornings each week during the summer, leaving afternoons and a few full days open for social activities or free time. It gives struggling learners a chance to catch up. If you have a student who is struggling academically, the summer months may be an excellent time to strengthen weak areas and see what you think of homeschooling at the same time. Don’t focus on the trouble spots with a classroom mindset. Instead, practice skills actively and creatively. For example, you might recite times tables while bouncing on the trampoline, jumping rope, or playing hopscotch. You can also use the summer months to try an entirely different approach to areas of struggle. My oldest had difficulty with reading in first grade. Her school used a whole word approach. When we began homeschooling, I chose a phonics program that taught reading skills in a systematic way with lots of games. It was just what she needed. It gives advanced learners an opportunity to dig deeper. If you have a gifted learner, you may find that your student isn’t challenged by the pace at his school or is frustrated at only skimming the surface of concepts and ideas. Schooling during the summer provides the opportunity to dig deeper into the topics that intrigue him. Perhaps he’s a Civil War buff who wants to learn more than names and dates. Maybe he is fascinated by science and would love to spend the summer conducting experiments. Families can take advantage of summer learning opportunities. There are  many fantastic learning opportunities during the summer. Not only are they educational, but they can provide insight into your childs talents and interests. Consider options such as: Day camps- art, drama, music, gymnasticsClasses- cooking, driver’s education, writingVolunteer opportunities- zoos, aquariums, museums Check with community colleges, businesses, libraries, and museums for opportunities. A history museum on a college campus in our area  offers summer classes for teens. You may also want to check your favorite social media outlets for local homeschool groups. Many offer summer classes or activities, providing you with educational opportunities and a chance to get to know other homeschooling families. Some public and private schools send children home with a summer bridge program that includes reading and activity assignments. If your childs school does, you can incorporate those into your homeschooling trial. Cons to Summer Homeschooling Kids may resent losing their summer break. Children learn early to embrace summer break with excitement. Jumping into full-fledged academics when your kids know that their friends are enjoying a more relaxed schedule could leave them feeling resentful. They may project that feeling onto you or onto homeschooling in general. Transitioning from public school to homeschool can be tricky anyway. You don’t want to start off with unnecessary negativity. Some students need time to reach developmental readiness. If you’re thinking about homeschooling because your child is struggling academically, consider the fact that he  may not be developmentally ready for that particular skill. Focusing on the concepts your child finds challenging may seem like a good idea, but doing so can prove counterproductive. Many times parents notice a marked improvement in a particular skill or understanding of a concept after children have taken a break from it for a few weeks or even a few months. Let your child use the summer months  to focus on his areas of strength. Doing so can provide a much-need boost of confidence without sending the message that hes not as smart as his peers. It can leave students feeling burnt out. Giving home education a try with a heavy focus on formal learning and seatwork will likely leave your child feeling burnt out and frustrated if you decide to continue with public or private school in the fall. Instead, read lots of great books and look for hands-on learning opportunities. You can also use those summer bridge activities. That way, your child is still learning and youre giving home educating a try, but your child can return to school refreshed and ready for the new year if you decide not to homeschool after all. A sense of commitment may be missing. One problem I’ve seen with a summer homeschooling trial run is a lack of commitment. Because parents know that they’re just trying homeschooling, they don’t work with their children consistently during the summer months. Then, when it’s time for school in the fall, they decide not to homeschool because they don’t think they can do it. It’s much different when you know that you’re responsible for your child’s education. Dont base your overall commitment to homeschooling on a summer trial. It doesn’t allow time to deschool. Deschooling is a foreign word to most people outside of the homeschooling community. It refers to allowing children a chance to let go of any negative feelings associated with learning and rediscover their natural sense of curiosity. During the deschooling period, textbooks and assignments are put aside allowing kids (and their parents) to rediscover the fact that learning happens all time time. It isnt constrained by school walls or blocked off into neatly-labeled subject headings. Instead of focusing on formal learning during summer break, leave that time for deschooling. Thats sometimes easier to do over the summer without stressing and worrying that your student is falling behind because you don’t see formal learning happening. Tips for Making a Summer Homeschool Test Run Successful If you choose to use the summer break to see if homeschooling might be a good fit for your family, there are some steps you can take to make it a more successful trial. Don’t recreate a classroom. First, don’t try to recreate a traditional classroom. You don’t need textbooks for summer homeschooling. Get outside. Explore nature, learn about your city, and visit the library. Play games together. Work puzzles. Travel and learn about the places you visit by exploring while youre there. Create a learning-rich environment. Kids are naturally curious. You may be surprised at how much they learn with little direct input from you if you’re intentional about creating a learning-rich environment. Make sure that books, art and craft supplies, and open-ended play items are easily accessible.   Allow kids to explore their interests. Use the summer months to help children rediscover their natural curiosity. Give them the freedom to explore the things that capture their interest. If you have a child who loves horses, take her the library to borrow books and videos about them. Check into horseback-riding lessons or visit a farm where she can see them up close. If you have a child who’s into LEGOs, allow time for building and exploring. Look for opportunities to capitalize on the educational element of LEGOs without taking over and turning it into school.  Use the blocks as math manipulatives or build simple machines. Use the time to establish a routine. Use the summer months to figure out a good routine for your family so that you’re ready whenever you determine it’s time to introduce formal learning. Does your family function better when you get up and do schoolwork first thing in the morning, or do you prefer a slow start? Do you need to get a few household chores out of the way first or do you prefer to save them until after breakfast? Do any of your children still take naps or could you all benefit from a daily quiet time? Does your family have any unusual schedules to work around, such as a spouse’s work schedule? Take some time during the summer to figure out the best routine for your family, keeping in mind that homeschooling doesn’t have to follow a typical 8-3 school schedule. Use the time to observe your child. Look at the summer months as a time for you to learn rather than teach. Pay attention to what sorts of activities and topics capture your child’s attention. Does he prefer reading or being read to? Is she always humming and moving or is she quiet and still when she’s concentrating? When playing a new game, does he read the directions from cover-to-cover, ask someone else to explain the rules, or want to play the game with  you explaining the steps as you play? If given the option, is she an early riser or a slow starter in the morning? Is he self-motivated or does he need some direction? Does she prefer fiction or non-fiction? Become a student of your student and see if you can pinpoint some of the ways he learns best. This knowledge will help you choose the best curriculum and determine the best homeschooling style for your family. Summer can be a good time for you to explore the possibility of homeschooling- or a great time to begin preparing for a successful start to homeschooling in the fall.

Countries grow at different rates because they accumulate capital at Essay

Countries grow at different rates because they accumulate capital at different rates. Is this true Explain your answer - Essay Example Accumulation of wealth can be viewed in two ways. The first is where one party amasses wealth at the expense of another. The second is where there is an increase in the amount of wealth for both parties. It happens due to a mechanism in place that generates wealth for both parties. These two mechanisms cannot work in isolation. In the economic wars, available countries are using both tactics to gain economic advantages over others. A look at the two graphs above reveals a significant difference in the rate of GDP growth between a developed country and a developing country. There are three theories that expound how the difference in the rate of accumulating wealth determines the variation in the rate of growth between the various countries. The theory argues that the economic growth of a country is dependent on the output of its individual citizens. In country where the capital per individual is large, the rate of economic growth is higher. Therefore, in countries where the level of technology is high, lesser employees are required per unit of output. This cuts down the labour cost and increases the capital goods which have higher returns on the inputs. This confirms that the higher the capital goods per individual, the more the more the returns per input and hence a higher growth rate is achieved (Setterfield 2010, p.49). Karl Marx in his theory argues that, the rate of accumulation of wealth is determined by how much profit is returned back into the production process in order to produce more profit. He measures the rate of wealth accumulation by how much the capital is grown. The amount invested back into the production process determines how fast the wealth of the nation grows. He further explains that, the process of accumulating wealth involves legal trading between two parties for the purpose of making profit or just acquiring property from someone at their expense. This two process breeds both fair and unfair competition among nations for the

Diplomacy in the international system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Diplomacy in the international system - Essay Example ubmitted at the outset that within the current framework, the globalisation of world politics and the complex nature of international relations in the contemporary environment has meant that increasingly the dynamic of international relations is intrinsically dependent on where the balance of political power lies within the international framework (Siracusa, 2010). As a result, the role of diplomats in contemporary international relations is very wide and can often take a multifaceted role depending on the priority of state objectives (Siracusa, 2010). Indeed, Randin comments that: â€Å"one aspect of the existing literature on co-operation in the international relations context is that most of it stems from a view of international relations that often fails to take into account security challenges other than those posed by states to states† (2006, p13). Accordingly, on this basis it is argued as a central proposition in this paper that the role of diplomats is fundamental not only as a method of facilitating co-operation between states; they also serve as important tools in implementing state objectives. In turn, the extent of diplomatic influence will be intrinsically dependent on where the balance of power lies within the international framework as evidenced by the post September 11 system of international relations (Baylis & Smith, 2005). As such, in reviewing the contemporary relevance and role of diplomats, this paper will review international relations theory and highlight the gap between theory and reality due to the multifaceted and wider roles falling within the ambit of diplomacy duties within the contemporary socio-political framework of international relations (Baylis & Smith, 2005). With regard to the theoretical models, a central theory in international relations is realism, which developed in the aftermath of the Second World War as reflected by the United Nations Charter, which focuses on mutuality of obligations in preventing a repeat of the

Final report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 2

Final report - Essay Example rban forests sustainability largely depends on the people’s attitudes, character and activities on urban trees such as planting, land development, plant injury and pruning. Users of urban forests include the public, private enterprises and local economic groups among others. Management bodies formulate appropriate policies; apportion appropriate resources and manpower to implement urban forest projects. Managers must consider how to integrate public safety of urban forested areas and open spaces into the planning and management of urban forests. Tree selection is critical to ensuring that urban forests are diverse, healthy, and adapted to the urban environment, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (2005). Urban forestry is a form of biophysical urban forest ecosystems management which is both dynamic and complex. It comprises of all trees found within a city, amidst large human populations and artificial infrastructure. Reports in Arborday (nd), indicate that this practice has a variety of benefits which benefit the lives of all urban dwellers. The focus of managing urban forests is on acquisition of non- tangible benefits. Sustainable urban forest management decisions focus on human safety, health, and psycho – socio benefits and tree disturbance by engineering works. These benefits include social, aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits. With the tremendous growth of urban areas and a subsequent high population growth outside the urban areas, urban forestry forms a fundamental basis of human livelihood. Rapid urban growth poses a threat to both the ancient natural forests as well as the urban forests. Urbanization causes a potential risk of changes in the social syste ms and attitudes, with a notion of less environmental concern and consumption behavior. Unfortunately, local planning procedures fail to consider the impact of urbanization in regards to community development. This causes a challenge to the local management agencies and forestry

The Bonesetters Daughter Summary

The Bonesetters Daughter Summary LuLing: Ruths mother. She immigrated to United States from China through her sister, Gao Ling. She shows how her life had changed through her writings in part 2. She is very emotional character who loves and acts passionately Ruth: LuLings daughter (of course). As her mother loses memory, she becomes more considerate about LuLing, and searches for her memory instead. This eventually helps Ruth grow mature and find her own identity. Theme Finding Identity Through searching mothers history, Ruth finds out the background of her immigrant mother. This eventually builds up Ruths maturity and her identity as a Chinese Woman. Chapter Notes Part 1 Chapter 1 Ruth Young lost her faith on August 12th for eight years. It happened first at Arts house in San Francisco. August 12th was a day shooting stars fell. Her mother took this as an omen and told Ruth that they were actually melting ghost bodies. Ruth was a book doctor and she had daughters named Dory and Fia. Ruth always looked her day through fingers of her hands, listing from 1 to 10. One day, Ruth couldnt memorize what nine was. Art, who Ruth had met in a yoga class 10 years ago, complained about making things too much complicated. Ruth finally remembered her number 9 was to take her mother to the doctor. Chapter 2 When Ruth was young, she loved spicy turnips instead of junk food. She had imagined through the limited space, which she continued to present. Everyone looked down at her job, for she made it seem easier. She helped to write The Cult of Personal freedom, The Cult of Compassion, The Cult of Envy, The Biology of Sexual Attraction, The Physic of Human Nature, and The Geography of the Soul to make books more interesting. One of the clients had a pseudonym of Agapi Agnos with real name of Doris DeMatteo. Gideon described her so accommodating that would bend backwad. LuLing was very healthy except that she had a type of memory loss that Ruth thought about taking her to the therapist. She always tried to teach Ruth with Chinese. GaoLing and LuLing were two different women who sometimes fought, and sometimes went along. Two sisters had married to brothers named Edmund and Edwin. Edwin died in a car accident. Luling always lamented on her great husbands death. Her mothers health was getting w orse. Chapter 3 Luling asked about Fia starting sixth grade while it was actually Dory. Luling had forgotten that her cat, Fu-fu, died by a dog. Dr. wHuey examined Luling. On documents, Lulings birth year was 1921, but she told him that its 1916. Ruth got frustrated by the complex questions doctor asked the mother. Luling said she had seen O.J. kill his wife in real life. The doctor suggested that Lulings might have Alzheimers. Ruth told Art about this in Chinese, but her children complained about speaking in Chinese. Arts daughter calls Luling Walpo Ruth remembered her past when her mother talked to her in Chinese. Ruth just decided to be silent while her mothers treated. Lulin brought a sand tray and a brush to make Ruth write. Lulings call Precious Auntie as Doggie and asked for forgivenesss. Ruth invited Miriam, Arts divorced wife, to Moon Festival dinner. Chapter 4 On the night of Full Moon Festival, Ruth excitedly picked a place called Fountain Court, which her mother disliked. Dinner went on as the Chinese style of Thanksgiving. There were Billy with his four children, Sally the aeronautical engineer, and George the Violinist of SF Symphony. None of the children liked the dinner for its looks. Gaoling told people about the incident when Luling persisted to say she had paid the bill. Ruth gave out a speech and presents to her family. Ruth was satisfied with dinner. Luling was in confusion and said Precious Auntie was her real mother. Luling gave Ruth the necklace that Ruth had given her for present. Ruth was about her mothers symptoms. Chapter 5 Ruth insured Luling that she was alright, and Luling said she wasnt afraid of death. Luling now visited her for dinner every day. Ruth realized that her mother was mentally ill. Luling became angry when Ruth treated her as a special client. Luling often threatened to kill herself, as if she had no reason to live on. Ruth hired maids and housekeepers, but they all quitted for Lulings violent behaviors. Ruth had a plan to go to Hawaii within few days, but she decided that she would stay with her mother. One of Ruths clients named Ted fired Ruth as a ghost writer. Ruth went to her mothers house, but she was found through calling cops. LuLing was trying to go to grocery store. Ruth finally asked GaoLing to help take care of her mom. Chapter 6 When Ruth was young, she often thought about death. She and her mother used to live at the flatlands of Berkeley. There was a couple named Lance and Dottie. Ruth had a crush on Lance, who was as handsome as a celebrity. Ruth convinced her mother that she got invited to watch the Wizard of Oz together, Ruth put herself right on toilet which had Lances urine and thought she was going to be pregnant. Dottie found out about this, and the couple divorced in confusion. Ruth apologized to Lance, but Lance tried to rape Ruth. Ruth told her mother that Precious Auntie wanted them to move to San Francisco. Chapter 7 Ruth began to clean the house. Ruth threw away everything her mother had been saving. She found a diary on cupboard. She once got into a huge fight with her mother about smoking cigarettes, which had Ruth to write harsh things on the diary. When Ruth arrived home, she found out that her mother fell off out of window and broke her bodies. Ruth regretted what she had written on the diary. Ruth and LuLing frequently got into fight still. Ruth found mothers writings and decided to translate them to learn more about her past. Part 2 Luling was raised by the Liu Clan within the village called Immortal Heart. Precious Auntie called Luling a doggie. After ancient tree died, the fame of the village had declined. The family was working in ink-making, and was successful enough. About thirty people lived together. Precious Aunties father had a ability of bonesetting to heal bones. He was so good that patient came from everywhere. One day, coffin maker and Baby Uncle saw their fortunes. Precious Auntie was a rooster, while Chang was a snake, which was a great match. Precious Auntie however, turned down Chang to marrie Hu Sen. Chang killed her father during the marriage, and Hu Sen died from Horse kicking him. Precious Auntie tried to commit suicide by drinking burning oil, but it only left her scarred. In 1929, scientist went to Dragon Bone Hill. Rumors said that scientists were buying the bones with a good price. Precious Auntie put back the bones to where they were found. Scientists were looking for Peking Man. Precious Auntie, however, didnt say where the bones were, while everyone was so eager to sell bones. One day, Chang came and LuLing accidently told she knew where the bones were. Few days later, Peking asked LuLing to come over for marriage arrangement. LuLing ignored Precious Aunt and went to Old Widow Laus house for preparation. Even though LuLing felt uncomfortable, she could make everyone happy with the meeting, except for Precious Auntie. Since Changs asked LuLing to be their family, Precious Auntie stopped to help LuLing. Precious Auntie gave LuLing a writing that said how she was LuLings real mother. LuLing, however, couldnt finish it, and never got to discover the truth. Precious Auntie was found dead after LuLing announced her future marriage with the Changs. LuLing, in sadness, cancelled the marriage and left for the End of the World to search for corpse of Precious Auntie. The familys ink shop burnt down by the ghost of Precious Auntie. The officials came to inform father about the damages he had done to the neighbors and asked for payment. Father called for a priest to capture the ghost, and sent LuLing to orphanage to stop ghost from returning. LuLing was influenced by some foreigners in the orphanage that she changed her religion to Christianity. LuLing was one of the few who could read and write, among seventy children. When there was a good weather, Teacher Pan took the girls to Dragon Bone Hill. The girls helped scientists when they were asked to. Precious Auntie had left oracle bone and small photograph of her for LuLing. One day, LuLing found a letter from Gao Ling that she wasnt satisfied with her marriage to Chang. Kai Jing, Teacher Pan, and LuLing made a banner for New Year, and took it to the fair. Kai Jing explained how magnificent the banner was. LuLing fell in love with Kai Jing. LuLing and Kai Jing tried to make love, but the storage room was so filthy. The news that there will soon be a war against Japanese reaches the orphanage. GaoLing came over and talked how the priest was actually a fraud. She stayed at the orphanage, and built a friendship with Sister Yu. LuLing and Kai Jing married. Even though the war was still held, Kai Jing went to dig for dragon bones. He and other men got caught by soldiers to join army against Japanese. They soon found out that Chinese were captured, and soldiers were shot one by one. Japanese soldiers occupied the orphanage and forced men to speak where the communists were. Japanese people kill every single man except for Teacher Pan. LuLing and other girls faked to have diseases with chicken bloods to go to Peking. Teacher Pan and girls continued on with the ink shop to live on. War finally ended in 1945. Miss Grutoff was sick and she needed to go to America for treatment. Gao Ling promised to invite LuLing and followed Miss Grutoff as an assistant. Teacher Pan also planned to marry. LuLing received a letter that Miss Grutoff had died and that LuLing had to wait until Gao Ling became a citizen. LuLing decided to move to cheaper house to support herself until Gao Ling invited her. LuLing had internal conflict of selling oracle bone, but she decided to just keep it. She became a made Miss Patsy and Lady Ina. This improved LuLings English skills. Gao Ling sent a letter indicating their future husbands. Fu Nan came in to ask for money, threatening their situations. With the money LuLing had been earning and by selling the bone, she could buy the ticket and flew to United States. Part 3 Chapter 1 Ruth asked Mr. Tang to translate her mothers paper. She discussed about staying with her mother with Art, who disapproved the plan. Ruth tried to make her mother to draw things that could bring her memory back. Twice a week, Ruth went to Vallejo Street for dinner. Art wanted Ruth back, but Ruth was trying to take care of her mother. Mr. Tang finished his work and gave the paper to Ruth. LuLing actually enjoyed a talk with Mr. Tang. Ruth was surprised by the paper that had been translated. Art suggested moving LuLing to assisted-living residence, but LuLing refused. So they brought up a plan of radon leak to deceive LuLing to move to Mira Mar Manor. Chapter 2 The Young Family gathered to celebrate Gao Lings 77th (or 82nd) birthday. Ruth and Gao Ling talked about LuLings writings. Ruth said LuLing was moving into safer home. Gao Ling explains some stories like how Chang was executed for cheating on people and the origin of name Ruth, which came from Miss Grutoff and Sister Yu. There was also stock market money LuLing had saved for Ruth. LuLing had fallen into the pool and almost drowned herself, which drove Ruth to sadness. Ruth and Art had their anniversary dinner at Brunos supper club. Chapter 3 Ruth visited Asian Art Museum with her mother, Art, and Mr. Tang. Mr. Tang showed the Oracle Bone. LuLings family name was Gu, which meant bone. Ruth finally found that Precious Aunties real name was Gu Lix Xin.

A Comparison Between the World of Beowulf and Modern America :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

A Comparison Between the World of Beowulf and Modern America Despite numerous cultural and technological advancements, life in modern America continues to bear resemblance to the Anglo-Saxon world. Although it may take time and some loss of pride to admit it, since characteristics of human nature have stayed the same, from work place to personal relationships, the similarities between the two worlds are uncanny. Comitatus, an agreement between a lord and his thanes, may seem a little strange at first. However, a closer look reveals a striking similarity between that code and today's work place. A lord or the modern-day boss chooses the best thanes/workers in the land through their experience in battle or a resume of previous employment. The lord/boss provides his thanes/employees with a share of his wealth/salaries. In return, a thane/employee promises to remain loyal to his lord/boss, ready to die in battle or at the office, finishing a project before a deadline. If a battle is won or a deal is closed, an ideal lord/boss, whose greatest characteristic is generosity, will divide the treasure among his thanes, or award a big bonus check to his employees. A violation of this agreement results in the exile/firing of the thane/employee, and a loss of livelihood followed by shame and embarrassment. The Anglo-Saxon standards of a good leader can be further seen in the modern American political process. The quotation referring to the good prince who "by giving splendid gifts while still in his father's house makes sure that later in life beloved companions will stand by him, that the people will serve him when war comes" ( Norton p.27 ) provides a formula for political success. People tend to favor and vote for candidates who seem to offer the greatest rewards, such as tax cuts or needed legislation. Furthermore, those who support a candidate expect favors in return if that candidate is elected, just as gifts and bribes have become a way of retaining loyalty and trust. Even the idea of a smear campaign existed in Anglo-Saxon culture and can be seen when Unferth twists the truth about Beowulf's competition with Breca: "for he would not allow that any other man of middle-earth should ever achieve more glory under the heavens than himself." ( Norton p.33 ) Throughout the poem, similarities between personal relationships then and now are evident. Betrayal within a family, murder caused by jealousy, and marriage for the wrong reasons are all themes in Beowulf, yet a look at today's soap operas, talk shows, and movies reveals that little has changed.