Nokia Corporation Strategic Management

Nokia Corporation Strategic Management Introduction I have chosen Nokia Corporation as the company to write about in this assignment. Nokia Corporation is based in Keilaniemi, Finland and is, by far, the largest manufacturer of mobile instruments in the world. There are other fields that the company is engaged in, such as multimedia and networking.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nokia Corporation Strategic Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nokia Corporation has been in the telecommunications field since the last 50 odd years. But prior to venturing in the telecommunication field, Nokia had tried its luck in various sectors such as paper mill, rubber boots, car tyres, electricity, televisions etc. Presently, the company has its manufacturing facilities across the globe in various European and Asian countries. Nokia Corporation’s logo, ‘Connecting People’, is tantamount to its line of business. According to Datamonitor, Nokia â€Å"employs about 129,355 people. The company recorded revenues of â‚ ¬42,446 million ($56,363.6 million) during the financial year ended December 2010 (FY2010), an increase of 3.6% over 2009† (Datamonitor, 2011). Nokia Corporation can be considered as the pioneer in mobile technology. â€Å"On July 1, 1991, Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri makes the world’s first GSM call, using Nokia equipment. And in 1992, Nokia launches its first digital handheld GSM phone, the Nokia 1011† (Nokia). In order to have a better understanding about the company, it is always better to do a SWOT Analysis. SWOT Analysis of Nokia Corporation Strengths of Nokia Corporation Well equipped research and development department. World’s first GSM call was made from a Nokia instrument. Largest manufacturer of mobile phones with manufacturing facilities in not less than 15 countries worldwide. Largest marketing network. Follows the ‘Diverse Workforce Management’ policy. Nokia products are marketed in not less than 160 countries worldwide. Nokia has a strong financial base. Better re-sale value as compared to other brands. Weaknesses of Nokia Corporation Profits of the company dropped by almost 40% in the year 2010. In spite of global presence, Nokia Corporation does not have specific presence in the United States of America. The same is the case in Japan though the reason is greater competition from local brands such as Panasonic, Sharp etc. In India Nokia has an appreciable presence but the after sales service is not up to the mark. Some of Nokia’s products are not compatible with the available software. Pricewise, Nokia mobiles are costly as compared to Chinese mobiles. Opportunities of Nokia Corporation Nokia Corporation entered into a joint venture with Germany’s Siemens and as such now there are greater opportunities for the company to expand in the hitherto neglected European markets. Nokia has specific presence in t he Asia Pacific region and it is encouraging that this particular market is one of the fastest growing ones. Nokia mobiles are stylish and colourful. This feature is liked by the younger generation. There is tremendous scope for Nokia in developing countries. There is an incessant growth in the telecommunication industry. Threats of Nokia Corporation Due to the launch of several Chinese brands, Nokia’s monopoly in the mobile market has started to diminish. Other brands like Apple etc. have introduced mobiles with better and more user-friendly software. Due to a variety of choices available in the market, customers have more and better options. Past, Present and Future Position of Nokia Corporation Nokia Corporation ruled the mobile market for about 14 years but due to its not paying attention to the emerging competition from brands like Apple and Samsung, there has been a drastic drop in its sales. Initially, Nokia provided its customers with value for their money. Nokia h andsets were considered to have the latest technology. When Apple introduced the Android phones, Nokia did not suffer much because the Android phones were meant for high-end customers whereas Nokia phones were meant for the masses. But unfortunately, the different models launched by Nokia had only some minor changes and since the customers wanted something different, Nokia started losing ground.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During this period, Samsung also launched its Android phone but with a difference and at a lesser price. â€Å"All these factors created an opening for Samsung which gave the public exactly what they wanted – variety of prices in the smart phone segment, with touch screens, with android and with fabulous marketing plan† (Bhasin, 2012). As a result, Samsung took over the number one position in mobile phones and it is expected to be there until Nokia Corporation comes up with some innovative features in its mobile phones. Following is a table depicting the comparison of sale of mobiles using different operating systems: â€Å"Looking at the present scenario, Nokia has started to make efforts to enter smart phone market by collaborating with Microsoft and bring its smart phones to the market, with Nokia Lumia 800 being the recent one in the stable† (Raina, 2011). Market share of Nokia According to Gartner, â€Å"Nokia’s share of the mobile phone market dropped to 25 percent in the first quarter of 2011, the lowest for 14 years, down from 30.6 percent at the same time last year† (as cited in Globaltimes, 2011). Talking about Nokia’s market position, Gartner further reported that â€Å"It is still ranking well ahead of second place Samsung, which holds 16 percent, followed by LG in third with 5.6 percent, Apple in fourth with 3.9 percent and RIM with 3.0 percent† (as cited in Globaltimes, 2011). Alex Webb reported that â€Å"Nokia, the world’s biggest mobile phone maker, reported that first-quarter profit fell as it continued to lose market share to competitors† (Webb, 2011). Target Market of Nokia Initially, Nokia did not pay much attention to the European and the US markets but as mentioned earlier in the paper, it entered into a joint venture with Germany’s Siemens and as such now there are greater opportunities for the company to expand in the hitherto neglected European markets. But the main area that Nokia is paying attention is the Asia-Pacific region, to be more specific, India and China. Both these are developing countries and as such there is a lot of potential in these markets.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nokia Corporation Strategic Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Marketing Strategy and Strategic Marketing Plan of Nokia â€Å"Nokia has un veiled a ‘youthful’ and ‘revitalised’ marketing strategy, using the internal strap line ‘live adventure everywhere’ for the launch of its debut windows phone devices as it looks to reclaim its position at the top of the smart phone market† (O’Reilly, 2011). The following are the main points of Nokia’s marketing strategy (Source: www.authorstream.com). Focused on handset manufacture only Enhance product portfolio Increase distribution channels Adjust preferences for specific markets Customer satisfaction Focused on replacement Increase commitment to emerging market Improve collaboration on designs Ensure accountability and quality Aggressive pricing (Source: www.authorstream.com) Nokia’s strategy is to â€Å"Create irresistible solutions through vibrant ecosystems with our partners, user experience at the heart of all we execute, intensify pulse on consumer needs, bringing the best devices to all markets, smart cont ext aware services with people places† (Nokia, 2009). Analysis of Samsung and Apple â€Å"Midway through the fourth quarter earnings season, it’s becoming apparent that while Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) had a record breaking quarter with 37 million iPhone sales and Samsung did nearly as well, most other handset makers are struggling or facing stagnation† (Goldstein, 2012). Goldstein further suggests that â€Å"Analysts point to the unique attributes that have buoyed Apple and Samsung, including their access to components, scale, brand recognition and overall product execution† (Goldstein, 2012). One of the major advantages that these two companies have is that all the components are manufactured indigenously. Both the companies have invested huge amounts in their research and development programmes. Another advantage that these two companies have is the instant delivery of products in the markets. Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy range have creat ed a brand name of their own. Key competitive factors between Nokia, Apple and Samsung For comparison purpose, we shall consider the latest models of each company i.e. Nokia’s Lumia 800, Apple’s iPhone 4S and Samsung’s Galaxy S2. Factor Nokia Lumia 800 Apple iPhone 4S Samsung Galaxy S2 Winner Design Basic design of Nokia N9. The material used is polycarbonate that makes the body light weight. Almost similar to that of iPhone 4 but there have been major improvements in the downloading speed. Designed sleekly with only one button (the home key). Samsung Galaxy S2 Screen 3.7 inches, clear black OLED screen, Gorilla glass 4.3 inches, AMOLED plus technology 3.5 inches, retina display, Samsung Galaxy S2 and Apple iPhone 4S Camera 8 MP 8 MP 8.1 MP Samsung Galaxy S2 Processor Qualcomm MSM8255 Dual core A5 1.2 GHz dual core AARM Cortex A9 iPhone 4S Battery 1450 mAh. 265 hours standby with 2G and 335 hours standby with 3G Li-Ion Li-Ion 1650. 710 hours standby with 2G and 601 hours standby with 3G Samsung Galaxy S2 and iPhone 4S Price (without contract) $699 $749 $600 Samsung Galaxy S2 Conclusion The chart clearly shows that Samsung Galaxy 2S is the clear winner based on most of the factors. If Nokia wants to retain its top most position, it has to work hard on various aspects such as pricing, innovation, customer satisfaction, after-sales service etc. The management of Nokia Corporation has to evolve a long term business strategy and implement it religiously. It’s beyond doubts that Nokia is a giant company and can sustain the competition in a healthy manner.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The brand Nokia has been the favourite of consumers since long and an emotional bond has been created. It’s only that new and innovative products have entered the mobile market that people have diverted their attention. But if Nokia maintains the innovation that it has shown in Lumia 800, the time is not far when Nokia will retain the top-most position. The only thing required is positive approach and value for money to the end-users. References Bhasin, H. (2012). Nokia loses its top position after 14 years to Samsung. Retrieved from marketing91.com/nokia-loses-top-position-14-years-samsung/ Datamonitor. (2011). Nokia Corporation – SWOT Analysis. Retrieved from researchandmarkets.com/research/e2b6c5/nokia_corporation Globaltimes. (2011). Nokia’s share of market slips down to 25%: Gartner. Retrieved from globaltimes.cn/business/world/2011-05/657066.html Goldstein, P. (2012). Analysis: Why Apple and Samsung are killing it in the smart phone market. Retrieved from fiercewireless.com/story/analysis-why-apple-and-samsung-are-killing-it-smartphone-market/2012-01-27 Nokia. (2009). Nokia’s vision of the future. Retrieved from nokia.com/NOKIA_COM_1/About_Nokia/Company/Vision_and_Strategy/pdf/NokiaStrategy10.pdf Nokia. (n.d.). The Nokia Story. Retrieved from nokia.com/global/about-nokia/company/about-us/story/the-nokia-story/ O’Reilly, L. (2011). Nokia reveals youthful global marketing strategy. Retrieved from marketingweek.co.uk/nokia-reveals-youthful-global-marketing-strategy/3031339.article Raina, R. (23012). Why Nokia lost its market share. Retrieved from marketing91.com/nokia-lost-market-share/ Webb, A. (2011). Nokia profit declines as market share falls. Retrieved from telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/8466235/Nokia-profit-declines-as-market-share-falls.html

How to get rid of the negative way of thinking

How to get rid of the negative way of thinking How to get rid of the negative way of thinking Have you ever thought that nothing seemed to go your way? Our mistake is that we always expect something disappointing to happen. We get exactly what we are thinking about. Modern people are so used to the negative mindset, that it seems that discouragement surrounds us all the time. The negativity is out of our control! It shouldn`t affect us so much. We have to switch on positive thinking and stop the influence of the negative energy. Try to nurture the positive mindset, removing the lack of optimism and putting yourself in the positive and peaceful frame of mind. You are the only person who is responsible for your own happiness. You will be definitely happy and successful, if you make yourself sure, that you can overcome everything. How to incorporate a positive mindset on a daily basis? Get ready for a positive change It is very important to assess your thinking and understand all the benefits of being a positive thinker. Try to write a list of what was special and unusual about the present day. Start charting all your achievements and keep a diary to reflect your thoughts. Surround yourself with everything positive Surround yourself with people, who think in a positive way and can teach you something. Read and watch everything that can inspire you and make you happy. Use various CDs and self-help books to learn how to feel yourself much better. Combat the negative thoughts Identify and become more aware of your automatic negative thoughts. Try to move them right out of your head. Try to find out, what caused them and what stimulates your negativity. Start to challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with the positive ones. Stop thinking, that you are personally to blame for everything, that goes wrong in the world. Always remember, that every situation has both its positive and negative side. Avoid catastrophizing. Start to live an optimistic life Give yourself time to change and don`t let yourself to fall back into the negative way of thinking. Become physically positive, changing you bodily habits in a positive way. It is very important to be mindful about your daily activities and choices. It will definitely make you feel happier. Express yourself, exploring your creative side. Communicate with positive people in order to feed your own positivity. Set meaningful goals and work hard to achieve everything you want. Always make time for fun and laughter. Believe in yourself Visualize all positive results in your mind. Raise your expectations.   Embrace the ‘I can’ attitude. You will definitely override the bad days, if you believe in your powers – power to change your way of thinking and power to change your way of life. It is your choice to have a positive outlook. If you don`t know, how to find the way out, just color your day with more hopeful and brighter approaches. Your worries and obstacles will be definitely transformed into solutions and possibilities. Positive thinking has a lot of benefits.   Your physical and mental well-being will be better and the resistance to the common cold will be greater. Your life span will increase and the chances of distress and depression will be lower. So, just embrace a positive mindset! Try to find everything positive and pleasant in every day of life. A positive attitude is the critical factor for your fulfilled life and success. Remain grateful even if you face disappointments, stay faithful even when all is hopeless. Give love even if you are unappreciated and trust in the power of positivity even in times of hardship.

Facilities Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Facilities Management - Essay Example Factors Influencing Growth of Facility Management. 7 2.5. Facilities Management Transformation 8 2.6. Support Service Facilities Management at HSBC 8 3.0. Facilities Management Strategy 10 3.1. Facilities Management Development Strategy 11 3.2. Strategic Analysis of Facilities Management 11 3.4. Developing Solutions 12 4.0. Strategic Implementation 12 5.0. Conclusion 13 6.0. References 14 HSBC (Hong Kong Banking Corporation Limited) 1.1. Introduction HSBC is has its headquarters in London and is among the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world. Its international network comprises or close to 8, 000 offices in more than 80 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. In the United States alone, HSBC has more than 460 bank branches and has its listings on the London, Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Bermuda stock exchanges. The shares at HSBC are held by over 220,000 shareholders in 132 countries and te rritories. With respect to the New York Stock Exchange, the shares are traded in form of American Depositary Receipts. On close observation, it is clear to note that HSBC provides a comprehensive range of financial services to close to 89 million customers through four global businesses. These constitute: Retail Banking and wealth Management (prior referred to as Personal Financial Services); Commercial Banking; Global Banking and Markets; and Global Private Banking. 1.2. Background Information HSBC Private Bank is the marketing name for the private banking business. With its established presence in virtually every financial market in the world, HSBC possibly has the most valuable place in multinational banking giants. HSBC has many facilities to the distinguished customers in Retail and Wealth Management, as well as commercial bank offering financial services to small, medium and middle market enterprises. HSBC was founded in Hong Kong Shanghai in 1865 and the banking facility rega rds Asia as its most crucial market region; with America, Asia Pacific and Europe each represent a third of its business. HSBC offers the following financial services to its customers; Customer’s personal financial services. Current and savings accounts. Mortgage Car Financing 1.3. Objectives and importance of Study The main objective of this study is to develop a facilities management strategic framework for HSBC support services with respect to the contracts to other companies to make the service delivery effective. With greater insights in the contemporary world towards the improvement of the global economy, the world has been rocked by major financial crisis in the recent past orchestrating for strategic measures to ensure that the global economy remains well functional. The main focus is aimed at the transformation strategy for Facilities Management in the public sector. 1.4. Organizational Framework of HSBC HSBC organizational structure is specially designed to be dynam ic and customer focused. On the same note, it seeks to ensure effective control, supervision and enhance consistency in all standards across the organization and align all areas of operations to achieve overall organizational objectives. HSBC organizational structure is divided into six principal groups namely: - Retail Banking. The Retail Banking Group is in charge for the products and services for retail customers and small enterprises including various credit products, liability products, distribution of third party investment and

Communication Research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Communication Research - Assignment Example 2). Qualitative research on the other hand entails a process of inquiry which enables the researcher to understand the social or human issue confronting the society and enables the analysis of this complex phenomenon through a holistic perspective and reporting of detailed views of those involved i.e. the informants/ participants in the study in a natural setting (Cresswell, 2002: 2). For the purpose of this study a qualitative research design is proposed since it offers a wider platform for the researcher to understand and explore the topic of study by methods which help in gathering information that help in understanding one’s qualitative understanding (Guba and Lincoln, 1998). Qualitative research entails several methods of inquiry for analysis such as biography, phenomenological study, grounded theory, ethnography as well as case study. All these types of method afford the researcher in thoroughly exploring the topic of the study and understand the meaning and intentions o f the participants. For the purpose of this study the case study methodology is proposed whereby some key blogs will be selected and its impact on the traditional mainstream media will be observed and analysed. This method is chosen to avoid a mere theoretical interpretation of the phenomenon and engage in a practical discussion thorugh application of case studies that help in supporting the analysis. The blogs will be carefully chosen based on various parameters number of readers, number of views, types of topics dealt with etc among others. References: Creswell, J. W. (2002). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Pearson Education. Guba, E. G. & Lincoln, Y. S. (1998). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. In Norman K. Denzin & Yvonna S. Lincoln (Eds.), The landscape of qualitative resea

Teachers Salary :: National Budget Teaching Pay Essays

Teachers' Salary When was the last time that you saw a teacher sporting off a brand new Lexus? Or when was it that you heard of a teacher owning a ranch? The answer to this question is probably never. Although material possessions such as owning a luxurious home or driving an extravagant car might be chump change for people like the rich and famous, for teachers this kind of spending is literally an arm and a leg. Even simple necessities are out of reach with a teacher’s salary. The reason for this problem is due to our nation’s budget. Teachers along with others in the school system are underpaid and are not being adequately compensated for their services. Instead of rewarding teachers with higher pay the government is undermining their work. As a result, teachers are unable to buy that expensive car or even pay off that Honda that they bought when they were in college working for their teaching degree. School budgets must be increased immensely in order to insure the educational growt h of students and the professional development of teachers. There are four main reasons that are discussed in this paper, as to why more money should be spent on education. There are a number of key reasons why we must ensure adequate funding of our schools. To start, we must increase the accessibility of the Internet in our schools. With our society growing by the minute the need for technology is rapidly on the run. Today we depend heavily on the Internet to provide us with fast information. It is used in high tech businesses, in homes and in schools. Through the Internet we enable students to explore new and interesting issues. In addition to the books found in our local library, the Internet serves as a fundamental tool for education. With all of the assets that the Internet provides not all schools have it at their disposal. â€Å"According to a 1999 survey, conducted by Education Week only 87%, in states like Pennsylvania had Internet access† (Gazette 99). â€Å"This number however rose to 90% in 1999.† Although the numbers did rise there are other states that are not even close to that number of access. This poses as a major proble m because while other students are building their skills and are learning more, others still rely on books and articles. Through Internet use students will not only be introduced to a wide a ray of topics and search engines but will also be able to familiarize themselves with technology.

Foundation’s Edge CHAPTER FIFTEEN GAIA-S

GAIA-S Sura Novi now stepped into the control room of the small and rather old-fashioned ship that was carrying Stor Gendibal and herself across the parsecs in deliberate Jumps. She had clearly been in the compact cleaning room, where oils, warm air, and a minimum of water freshened her body. She had a robe wrapped about her and was holding it tightly to herself in an agony of modesty. Her hair was dry but tangled. She said in a low voice, â€Å"Master?† Gendibal looked up from his charts and from his computer. â€Å"Yes, Novi?† â€Å"I be sorrow-laden†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She paused and then said slowly, â€Å"I am very sorry to bother you, Master† (then she slipped again) â€Å"but I be loss-ridden for my clothing.† â€Å"Your clothing?† Gendibal stared at her blankly for a moment and then rose to his feet in an access of contrition. â€Å"Novi, I forgot. They needed cleaning and they're in the detergent-hamper. They're cleaned, dried, folded, all set. I should have taken them out and placed them in clear sight. I forgot.† â€Å"I did not like to-to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (she looked down at herself) â€Å"offend.† â€Å"You don't offend,† said Gendibal cheerily. â€Å"Look, I promise you that when this is over I shall see to it that you have a great deal of clothing – new and in the latest fashion. We left in a hurry and it never occurred to me to bring a supply, but really, Novi, there are only the two of us and we'll be together for some time in very close quarters and it's needless to be – to be – so concerned – about†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He gestured vaguely, became aware of the horrified look in her eyes, and thought: Well, she's only a country girl after all and has her standards; probably wouldn't object to improprieties of all kinds – but with her clothes on. Then he felt ashamed of himself and was glad that she was no â€Å"scholar† who could sense his thoughts. He said, â€Å"Shall I get your clothes for you?† â€Å"Oh no, Master. It be not for you. I know where they are.† He next saw her properly dressed and with her hair combed. There was a distinct shyness about her. â€Å"I am ashamed, Master, to have behaved so improperly. I should have found them for myself.† â€Å"No matter,† said Gendibal. â€Å"You are doing very well with your Galactic, Novi. You are picking up the language of scholars very quickly.† Novi smiled suddenly. Her teeth were somewhat uneven, but that scarcely detracted from the manner in which her face brightened and grew almost sweet under praise, thought Gendibal. He told himself that it was for that reason that he rather liked to praise her. The Hamish will think little of me when I am back home,† she said. â€Å"They will say I be – am a word-chopper. That is what they call someone who speaks – odd. They do not like such.† â€Å"I doubt that you will be going back to the Hamish, Novi,† said Gendibal. â€Å"I am sure there will continue to be a place for you in the complex – with the scholars, that is – when this is over.† â€Å"I would like that, Master.† â€Å"I don't suppose you would care to call me ‘Speaker Gendibal' or just†¦ No, I see you wouldn't,† he said, responding to her look of scandalized objection. â€Å"Oh well.† â€Å"It would not be fitting, Master. – But may I ask when this will be over?† Gendibal shook his head. â€Å"I scarcely know. Right now, I must merely get to a particular place as quickly as I can. This ship, which is a very good ship for its kind, is slow and ‘as quickly as I can' is not very quick. You see† (he gestured at the computer and the charts) â€Å"I must work out ways to get across large stretches of space, but the computer is limited in its abilities and I am not very skillful.† â€Å"Must you be there quickly because there is danger, Master?† â€Å"What makes you think there is danger, Novi?† â€Å"Because I watch you sometimes when I don't think you see me and your face looks – I do not know the word. Not afeared – I mean, frightened – and not bad-expecting, either.† â€Å"Apprehensive,† muttered Gendibal. â€Å"You look – concerned. Is that the word?† â€Å"It depends. What do you mean by concerned, Novi?† â€Å"I means you look as though you are saying to yourself, ‘What am I going to do next in this great trouble?† Gendibal looked astonished. â€Å"That is ‘concerned,' but do you see that in my face, Novi? Back in the Place of Scholars, I am extremely careful that no one should see anything in my face, but I did think that, alone in space – except for you – I could relax and let it sit around in its underwear, so to speak. – I'm sorry. That has embarrassed you.. What I'm trying to say is that if you're so perceptive, I shall have to be more careful. Every once in a while I have to relearn the lesson that even nonmentalics can make shrewd guesses.† Novi looked blank. â€Å"I don't understand, Master.† â€Å"I'm talking to myself, Novi. Don't be concerned. – See, there's that word again.† â€Å"But is there danger?† â€Å"There's a problem, Novi. I do not know what I shall find when I reach Sayshell – that is the place to which we are going. I may find myself in a situation of great difficulty.† â€Å"Does that not mean danger?† â€Å"No, because I will be able to handle it.† â€Å"How can you tell this?† â€Å"Because I am a – scholar. And I am the best of them. There is nothing in the Galaxy I cannot handle.† â€Å"Master,† and something very like agony twisted Novi's face, â€Å"I do not wish to offensify – I mean, give offense – and make you angry. I have seen you with that oafish Rufirant and you were in danger then – and he was only a Hamish farmer. Now I do not know what awaits you – and you do not, either.† Gendibal felt chagrined, â€Å"Are you afraid, Novi?† â€Å"Not for myself, Master. I fear – I am afraid – for you.† â€Å"You can say, ‘I fear,† muttered Gendibal. â€Å"That is good Galactic, too.† For a moment he was engaged in thought. Then he looked up, took Sura Novi's rather coarse hands in his, and said, â€Å"Novi, I don't want you to fear anything. Let me explain. You know how you could tell there was – or rather might be – danger from the look on my face – almost as though you could read my thoughts?† â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"I can read thoughts better than you can. That is what scholars learn to do and I am a very good scholar.† Novi's eyes widened and her hand pulled loose from his. She seemed to be holding her breath. â€Å"You can read my thoughts?† Gendibal held up a finger hurriedly. â€Å"I don't, Novi. I don't read your thoughts, except when I must. I do not read your thoughts.† (He knew that, in a practical sense, he was lying. It was impossible to be with Sura Novi and not understand the general tenor of some of her thoughts. One scarcely needed to be a Second Foundationer for that. Gendibal felt himself to be on the edge of blushing. But even from a Hamishwoman, such an attitude was flattering. – And yet she had to be reassured – out of common humanity – He said, â€Å"I can also change the way people think. I can make people feel hurt. I can†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But Novi was shaking her head. â€Å"How can you do all that, Master? Rufirant†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Forget Rufirant,† said Gendibal testily. â€Å"I could have stopped him in a moment. I could have made him fall to the ground. I could have made all the Hamish†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stopped suddenly and felt uneasily that he was boasting, that he was trying to impress this provincial woman. And she was shaking her head still. â€Å"Master,† she said, â€Å"you are trying to make me not afraid, but I am not afraid except for you, so there is no need. I know you are a great scholar and can make this ship fly through space where it seems to me that no person could do aught but – I mean, anything but – be lost. And you use machines I cannot understand – and that no Hamish person could understand. But you need not tell me of these powers of mind, which surely cannot be so, since all the things you say you could have done to Rufirant, you did not do, though you were in danger.† Gendibal pressed his lips together. Leave it at that, he thought. If the woman insists she is not afraid for herself, let it go at that. Yet he did not want her to think of him as a weakling and braggart. He simply did not. He said, â€Å"If I did nothing to Rufirant, it was because I did not wish to. We scholars must never do anything to the Hamish. We are guests on your world. Do you understand that?† â€Å"You are our masters. That is what we always say.† For a moment Gendibal was diverted. â€Å"How is it, then, that this Rufirant attacked me?† â€Å"I do not know,† she said simply. â€Å"I don't think he knew. He must have been mind-wandering – uh, out of his mind.† Gendibal grunted. â€Å"In any case, we do not harm the Hamish. If I had been forced to stop him by – hurting him, I might have been poorly thought of by the other scholars and might perhaps have lost my position. But to save myself being badly hurt, I might have had to handle him just a small bit – the smallest possible.† Novi drooped. â€Å"Then I need not have come rushing in like a great fool myself.† â€Å"You did exactly right,† said Gendibal. â€Å"I have just said I would have done ill to have hurt him. You made it unnecessary to do so. You stopped him and that was well done. I am grateful.† She smiled again – blissfully. â€Å"I see, then, why you have been so kind to me.† â€Å"I was grateful, of course,† said Gendibal, a little flustered, â€Å"but the important thing is that you must understand there is no danger. I can handle an army of ordinary people. Any scholar can especially the important ones – and I told you I am the best of all of them. There is no one in the Galaxy who can stand against me.† â€Å"If you say so, Master, I am sure of it.† â€Å"I do say so. Now, are you afraid for me?† â€Å"No, Master, except Master, is it only our scholars who can read minds and. Are there other scholars, other places, who can oppose you?† For a moment Gendibal was staggered. The woman had an astonishing gift of penetration. It was necessary to lie. He said, â€Å"There are none.† â€Å"But there are so many stars in the sky. I once tried to count them and couldn't. If there are as many worlds of people as there are stars, wouldn't some of them be scholars? Besides the scholars on our own world, I mean?† â€Å"What if there are?† â€Å"They would not be as strong as I am.† â€Å"What if they leap upon you suddenly before you are aware?† â€Å"They cannot do that. If any strange scholar were to approach, I would know at once. I would know it long before he could harm me.† â€Å"Could you run?† â€Å"I would not have to run. – But† (anticipating her objection) â€Å"if I had to, I could be in a new ship soon – better than any in the Galaxy. They would not catch me.† â€Å"Might they not change your thoughts and make you stay?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"There might be many of them. You are but one.† â€Å"As soon as they are there, long before they can imagine it would be possible, I would know they were there and I would leave. Our whole world of scholars would then turn against them and they would not stand. And they would know that, so they would not dare do anything against me. In fact, they would not want me to know of them at all – and yet I will.† â€Å"Because you are so much better than they?† said Novi, her face shining with a doubtful pride. Gendibal could not resist. Her native intelligence, her quick understanding was such that it was simple joy to be with her. That softvoiced monster, Speaker Debra Delarmi, had done him an incredible favor when she had forced this Hamish farmwoman upon him. He said, â€Å"No, Novi, not because I am better than they, although I am. It is because I have you with me.† â€Å"I?† â€Å"Exactly, Novi. Had you guessed that?† â€Å"No, Master,† she said, wondering. â€Å"What is it I could do?† â€Å"It is your mind.† He held up his hand at once. â€Å"I am not reading your thoughts. I see merely the outline of your mind and it is a smooth outline, an unusually smooth outline.† She put her hand to her forehead. â€Å"Because I am unlearned, Master? Because I am so foolish?† â€Å"No, dear.† He did not notice the manner of address. â€Å"It is because you are honest and possess no guile; because you are truthful and speak your mind; because you are warm of heart and – and other things. If other scholars send out anything to touch our minds yours and mine – the touch will be instantly visible on the smoothness of your mind. I will be aware of that even before I would be aware of a touch on my own mind – and I will then have time for counteractive strategy; that is, to fight it off.† There was a silence for long moments after that. Gendibal realized that it was not just happiness in Novi's eyes, but exultation and pride, too. She said softly, â€Å"And you took me with you for that reason?† Gendibal nodded. â€Å"That was an important reason. Yes.† Her voice sank to a whisper. â€Å"How can I help as much as possible, Master?† He said. â€Å"Remain calm. Don't be afraid. And just – just stay as you are.† She said, â€Å"I will stay as I am. And I will stand between you and danger, as I did in the case of Rufirant.† She left the room and Gendibal looked after her. It was strange how much there was to her. How could so simple a creature hold such complexity? The smoothness of her mind structure had, beneath it, enormous intelligence, understanding, and courage. What more could he ask – of anyone? Somehow, he caught an image of Sura Novi – who was not a Speaker, not even a Second Foundationer, not even educated grimly at his side, playing a vital auxiliary role in the drama that was coming. Yet he could not see the details clearly. – He could not yet see precisely what it was that awaited them. â€Å"A single Jump,† muttered Trevize, â€Å"and there it is.† â€Å"Gaia?† asked Pelorat, looking over Trevize's shoulder at the screen. â€Å"Gaia's sun,† said Trevize. â€Å"Call it Gaia-S, if you like, to avoid confusion. Gaiactographers do that sometimes.† â€Å"And where is Gaia itself, then? Or do we call it Gaia-P – for planet?† â€Å"Gaia would be sufficient for the planet. We can't see Gaia yet, however. Planets aren't as easy to see as stars are and we're still a hundred microparsecs away from Gaia-S. Notice that it's only a star, even though a very bright one. We're not close enough for it to show as a disc. – And don't stare at it directly, Janov. It's still bright enough to damage the retina. I'll throw in a filter, once I'm through with my observations. Then you can stare.† â€Å"How much is a hundred microparsecs in units which a mythologist can understand, Golan?† â€Å"Three billion kilometers; about twenty times the distance of Terminus from our own sun. Does that help?† â€Å"Enormously. – But shouldn't we get closer?† â€Å"No!† Trevize looked up in surprise. â€Å"Not right away. After what we've heard about Gaia, why should we rush? It's one thing to have guts; it's another to be crazy. Let's take a look first.† â€Å"At what, Golan? You said we can't see Gaia yet?† â€Å"Not at a glance, no. But we have telescopic viewers and we have an excellent computer for rapid analysis. We can certainly study Gaia-S, to begin with, and we can perhaps make a few other observations. – Relax, Janov† He reached out and slapped the other's shoulder with an avuncular flourish. After a pause Trevize said, â€Å"Gaia-S is a single star or, if it has a companion, that companion is much farther away from it than we are at the present moment and it is, at best, a red dwarf, which means we need not be concerned with it. Gaia-S is a G4 star, which means it is perfectly capable of having a habitable planet, and that's good. If it were an A or an M, we would have to turn around and leave right now.† Pelorat said, â€Å"I may be only a mythologist, but couldn't we have determined the spectral class of Gaia-S from Sayshell?† â€Å"We could and we did, Janov, but it never hurts to check at closer quarters. – Gaia-S has a planetary system, which is no surprise. There are two gas giants in view and one of them is nice and large – if the computer's distance estimate is accurate. There could easily be another on the other side of the star and therefore not easily detectable, since we happen – by chance – to be somewhat close to the planetary plane. I can't make out anything in the inner regions, which is also no surprise.† â€Å"Is that bad?† â€Å"Not really. It's expected. The habitable planets would be of rock and metal and would be much smaller than the gas giants and much closer to the star, if they're to be warm enough – and on both counts they would be much harder to see from out here. It means we'll have to get in considerably closer in order to probe the area within four microparsecs of Gaia-S.† â€Å"I'm ready.† â€Å"I'm not. We'll make the Jump tomorrow.† â€Å"Why tomorrow?† â€Å"Why not? Let's give them a day to come out and get us – and for us to get away, perhaps, if we spot them coming and don't like what we see.† It was a slow and cautious process. During the day that passed, Trevize grimly directed the calculation of several different approaches and tried to choose between them. Lacking hard data, he could depend only on intuition, which unfortunately told him nothing. He lacked that â€Å"sureness† he sometimes experienced. Eventually he punched in directions for a Jump that moved them far out of the planetary plane. â€Å"That will give us a better view of the region as a whole,† he said, â€Å"since we will see the planets in every part of their orbit at maximum apparent distance from the sun. And they – whoever they may be – might not be quite as watchful over regions outside the plane. – I hope.† They were now as close to Gaia-S as the nearest and largest of the gas giants was and they were nearly half a billion kilometers from it. Trevize placed it under full magnification on the screen for Pelorat's benefit. It was an impressive sight, even if the three sparse and narrow rings of debris were left out of account. â€Å"It has the usual train of satellites,† said Trevize, â€Å"but at this distance from Gaia-S, we know that none of them are habitable. Nor are any of them settled by ‘human beings who survive, let us say, under a glass dome or under other strictly artificial conditions.† â€Å"How can you tell?† â€Å"There's no radio noise with characteristics that point them out as of intelligent origin. Of course,† he added, qualifying his statement at once, â€Å"it is conceivable that a scientific outpost might go to great pains to shield its radio signals and the gas giant produces radio noise that could mask what I was looking for. Still, our radio reception is delicate and our computer is an extraordinarily good one. I'd say the chance of human occupation of those satellites is extremely small.† â€Å"Does that mean there's no Gaia?† â€Å"No. But it does mean that if there is a Gaia, it hasn't bothered to settle those satellites. Perhaps it lacks the capacity to do so – or the interest.† â€Å"Well, is there a Gaia?† â€Å"Patience, Janov. Patience.† Trevize considered the sky with a seemingly endless supply of patience. He stopped at one point to say, â€Å"Frankly, the fact that they haven't come out to pounce on us is disheartening, in a way. Surely, if they had the capacities they were described as having, they would have reacted to us by now.† â€Å"It's conceivable, I suppose,† said Pelorat glumly, â€Å"that the whole thing is a fantasy.† â€Å"Call it a myth, Janov,† said Trevize with a wry smile, â€Å"and it will be right up your alley. Still, there's a planet moving through the ecosphere, which means it might be habitable. I'll want to observe it for at least a day.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"To make sure it's habitable, for one thing.† â€Å"You just said it was in the ecosphere, Golan.† â€Å"Yes, at the moment it is. But its orbit could be very eccentric, and could eventually carry it within a microparsec of the star, or out to fifteen microparsecs, or both. We'll have to determine and compare the planet's distance from Gaia-S with its orbital speed – and it would help to note the direction of its motion.† Another day. â€Å"The orbit is nearly circular,† Trevize said finally, â€Å"which means that habitability becomes a much safer bet. Yet no one's coming out to get us even now. We'll have to try a closer look.† Pelorat said, â€Å"Why does it take so long to arrange a Jump? You're just taking little ones.† â€Å"Listen to the man. Little Jumps are harder to control than big ones. Is it easier to pick up a rock or a fine grain of sand? Besides, Gaia-S is nearby and space is sharply curved. That complicates the calculations even for the computer. Even a mythologist should see that.† Pelorat grunted. Trevize said, â€Å"You can see the planet with the unaided eye now. Right there. See it? The period of rotation is about twenty-two Galactic Hours and the axial inclination is twelve degrees. It is practically a textbook example of a habitable planet and it is life-bearing.† â€Å"How can you tell?† â€Å"There are substantial quantities of free oxygen in the atmosphere. You can't have that without well-established vegetation.† â€Å"What about intelligent life?† â€Å"That depends on the analysis of radio-wave radiation. Of course, there could be intelligent life that has abandoned technology, I suppose, but that seems very unlikely.† â€Å"There have been cases of that,† said Pelorat. â€Å"I'll take your word for it. That's your department. However, it's not likely that there would be nothing but pastoral survivors on a planet that frightened off the Mule.† Pelorat said, â€Å"Does it have a satellite?† â€Å"Yes, it does,† said Trevize casually. â€Å"How big?† Pelorat said in a voice that was suddenly choking. â€Å"Can't tell for sure. Perhaps a hundred kilometers across.† â€Å"Dear me,† said Pelorat wistfully. â€Å"I wish I had some worthier set of expletives on instant call, my dear chap, but there was just that one little chance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You mean, if it had a giant satellite, it might be Earth itself?† â€Å"Yes, but it clearly isn't.† â€Å"Well, if Compor is right, Earth wouldn't be in this Galactic region, anyway. It would be over Sirius way. – Really, Janov, I'm sorry.† â€Å"Oh well.† â€Å"Look, we'll wait, and risk one more small Jump. If we find no signs of intelligent life, then it should be safe to land – except that there will then be no reason to land, will there?† After the next Jump, Trevize said in an astonished voice, â€Å"That does it, Janov. It's Gaia, all right. At least, it possesses a technological civilization.† â€Å"Can you tell that from the radio waves?† â€Å"Better than that. There's a space station circling the planet. Do you see that?† There was an object on display on the viewscreen. To Pelorat's unaccustomed eye, it didn't seem very remarkable, but Trevize said, â€Å"Artificial, metallic, and a radio-source.† â€Å"What do we do now?† â€Å"Nothing, for a while. At this stage of technology, they cannot fail to detect us. If, after a while, they do nothing, I will beam a radio message at them. If they still do nothing, I will approach cautiously.† â€Å"What if they do do something?† â€Å"It will depend on the ‘something. ‘ If I don't like it, then I'll have to take advantage of the fact that it is very unlikely that they have anything that can match the facility with which this ship can make a Jump.† â€Å"You mean we'll leave?† â€Å"Like a hyperspatial missile.† â€Å"But we'll leave no wiser than we came.† â€Å"Not at all. At the very least we'll know that Gaia exists, that it has a working technology, and that it's done something to scare us.† â€Å"But, Golan, let's not be too easily scared.† â€Å"Now, Janov, I know that you want nothing more in the Galaxy than to learn about Earth at any cost, but please remember that I don't share your monomania. We are in an unarmed ship and those people down there have been isolated for centuries. Suppose they have never heard of the Foundation and don't know enough to be respectful of it. Or suppose this is the Second Foundation and once we're in their grip – if they're annoyed with us – we may never be the same again. Do you want them to wipe your mind clear and find you are no longer a mythologist and know nothing about any legends whatever?† Pelorat looked grim. â€Å"If you put it that way. But what do we do once we leave?† â€Å"Simple. We get back to Terminus with the news. – Or as near to Terminus as the old woman will allow. Then we might return to Gaia once again – more quickly and without all this inching along, and we return with an armed ship or an armed fleet. Things may well be different then.† They waited. It had grown to be a routine. They had spent far more time waiting in the approaches to Gaia than they had spent in all the flight from Terminus to Sayshell. Trevize set the computer to automatic alarm and was even nonchalant enough to doze in his padded chair. This meant he woke with a start when the alarm chimed. Pelorat came into Trevize's room, just as startled. He bad been interrupted while shaving. â€Å"Have we received a message?† asked Pelorat. â€Å"No,† said Trevize energetically. â€Å"We're moving.† â€Å"Moving? Where?† â€Å"Toward the space station.† â€Å"Why is that?† â€Å"I don't know. The motors are on and the computer doesn't respond to me – but we're moving. – Janov, we've been seized. We've come a little too close to Gaia.†

A Jew Of Gentiles By Mark Twain - 4267 Words

A Jew of Gentiles In his essay â€Å"Concerning The Jews,† Mark Twain marvels over the historic ascendency of Jews in attempt to counter the burgeoning anti-semitism of his time: The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality? (6) In all its seeming marvel, like commentary stereotypes Jews as a homogeneous, insurmountable race and consequently alienates their kind, ignoring the deep empathies that constitute their identities. Even the Holocaust half-blinded audiences†¦show more content†¦in Shenker). Often they take the course readers most dread, but even in their failed ambition and unfulfilled desires, Malamud peels away what it means to be a human being to its very core, from one’s ethnic roots to moral responsibility toward all humanity. When Bernard’s father, Max Malamud, emigrated to New York in the early 1900’s, he arrived penniless and dispirited, a condition seemingly little better than his homeland, Russia. However, here he was not persecuted for being Jewish, nor was he under the control of an unscrupulous leader: a fair yet grim trade to his understanding. He found his hope in consolation; he married Bertha Fidelman, another one of the million Jews who had fled Tsar Alexander III. They soon bore Bernard Malamud, the eldest of two sons, in the growing but fairly destitute city of Brooklyn on April 26, 1914. Despite their poor economic plight, Max and Bertha Malamud supported any and all academic endeavors Malamud pursued, a luxury they themselves never had. Consequently, Malamud’s boyhood, according to his account, was comparatively happy, school making up somehow for a meager family life† (qtd. in World Authors). A self-motivated individual, he was a regular attendee at the Yiddish theater and a budding writer; he considered his surname, derived from the Yiddish word, malamed, meaning â€Å"teacher,† to be a desirable fate, and one that would eventually come true (Davis 8). However, even his name seemed to be twinged with destined tribulation,