AP by John Updike - 913 Words

Growing Up: Much Harder Than We Expected As people age and grow up, maturity and wisdom is gained through every experience. From the time a child becomes an adult, they are required to deal with real life situations, and learn how to handle their responsibilities. In the short story â€Å"AP† by John Updike, Sammy the narrator, is a young immature nineteen-year-old that makes a drastic change to his life. His immaturity and wishing to do and say whatever he wants leads into consequences he must face. The short story, AP, takes place in a small New England town’s AP grocery store. AP is in the center off the town, five miles down the beach. Sammy is a grocery cashier, who finds himself fascinated by three girls in swim suits. Chunky or†¦show more content†¦When the store manager, â€Å"Lenegel†, comes out and embarrasses the girls, â€Å"Girls this isn’t the beach† (Updike 7). The girls blush and feel embarrassed, but have a great response, â€Å"My mother asked me to pick up a jar of herring snacks† (Updike 7). Feeling guilty of their attire they continued with the purchased and head out the door. Wanting to look like a cute super hero, he quits. He hopes that he said it loud enough for the girls to hear him. However, as soon as he quits, he realize that the girls didn’t bother to turn around and care. He was living a fantasy that he hoped would come true. He leaves the store, and looks around for his â€Å"girls† like if they knew he had a thing for them. To Sammy, it seemed that quitting was something he had to do to feel proud; for not accepting Lengel attitude towards the girls. In the end Sammy realizes the consequence that his crazy impulse caused him. No job, no income, and no cute girls. In this story, the author clearly emphasizes the different events throughout the story. He explains vivid images of unacceptable attire wore in the 1960’s. He elaborates his though about Sammy’s immaturity and his feelings towards others. His actions may be a lesson in to think twice before doing something. He may gain some maturity to realize that the things he does can lead to consequences in life, but he can look back to realize that this was one of the steps in becoming aShow MoreRelatedA P By John Updike982 Words   |  4 PagesThe story that this research paper is being written over is â€Å"AP† by John Updike. This story is filled with good grammar and has a well written plot and good transition. A person reading the story â€Å"AP† could see it as an interesting story filled with good symbolism. The main character, Sammy, uses a great deal of symbolism when describing the three girls in bathing suits who walked into the store he works in. the thr ee girls in bathing suits that walked into the store where the center of the wholeRead MoreA P By John Updike1190 Words   |  5 PagesA P is a story of Sammy who is a 19 year old boy working as a clerk at a grocery store in a small town in New England. Published back in 1961 narrative defining A P is the popular mythology of 1960s basically where youthful rebellion powers took over the soulless system. (Sustana) Therefore Updike has written a story that includes key elements of myth along with the background of postwar prosperity and the attendant consumer culture. Where there is a strong hint of the Cold War as hero characterRead MoreA P By John Updike1704 Words   |  7 PagesIn the story AP by John Updike a young cashier by the name of Sammy learns about the power of desire and the mystery of others minds when working at an AP supermarket in a small town north of Boston in the 1960’s, where there was a lot of social norms and many people didn’t step out of th em. The young nineteen-year-old Sammy wasn’t expecting his Thursday shift at AP to go the way it did when income three young girls but, these are not your socially normal teenagers who come walking in the doorRead MoreA P By John Updike843 Words   |  4 Pageshelp establish the uniqueness of his or her use of speech through the story’s title, structure, punctuation, setting and the communication between characters. In the story A P by John Updike, the author sets the story in a very ordinary place where everyday people go shopping for their groceries, in a market known as A P. Updike’s style within the story shows many aspects of ordinary life. For example, in the first sentence of the story, the narrator Sammy uses incorrectly the word walks, â€Å"InRead MoreA P By John Updike1160 Words   |  5 Pagesthe girls’ exit and regret fills him. What he thinks is noble and just becomes a changed, regretful soul. In â€Å"AP† by John Updike, the symbolism portrays the theme of the desire for change. The girls’ immodesty is a symbol of rebellion, revealing the theme of the desire for change. As Sammy acknowledges in the short story, the story takes place â€Å"north of Boston† (Updike 360). The estimated time period is the 1960s. At this time, most of the younger generation longed for change, whichRead MoreAP by John Updike512 Words   |  2 Pages â€Å"AP† by John Updike is a story about a boy who learns that all actions have consequences. In â€Å"AP† three girls walk in to the store AP in nothing but their bathing suits. Sammy one of the stores cashiers describes what the girls are wearing and what they do throughout the story. The girls walk up and down the aisles catching the attention of many of the other customers. The girls then get in line at Sammy’s checkout, the manager Lengel walks up and tells the girls they will have to leave thisRead MoreA P, By John Updike1019 Words   |  5 Pagespsychoanalytical lens can be used to analyze AP, a short story by John Updike, lone, a piece of art by John William Godward, and â€Å"To My Best Friend - Short Film†. Through this lens, readers can draw the theme that all humans have basic instincts and urges that lie in the unconscious mind. Throughout Updike’s AP, it stands clear that we are always being influenced by fundamental human desires. AP is told from the perspective of Sammy, a teenage cashier at AP. In the beginning of the story, three teenageRead MoreA P By John Updike1441 Words   |  6 PagesJohn Updike is considered one of the greatest writers in modern American history. He is known for the idea that seemingly ordinary aspects of American life are actually quite fascinating. He wanted readers to see the beauty and magic of life, so he tried to describe everyday things using the most clear but beautiful language possible. Many of Updike’s pieces are drawn from his own life such as his marriage and his boyhood, as shown in three of his short stories: â€Å"AP†, â€Å"Ace in the Hole†, and â€Å"PigeonRead MoreA P By John Updike765 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Updike wrote, â€Å"A P† in 1961. In this era of the 1950s and early 1960s, conservative dress mirrored conserv ative social values. Conformity was the measure of popularity as well as a measure of moral rightness. During this time, people were more afraid of being labeled outsiders than they were afraid of the outsiders themselves (â€Å"A P†). Gender issues and the emergence of feminist consciousness are represented when Lengel states the rules that proclaim the girls are decently dressed-codingRead MoreA P By John Updike1033 Words   |  5 Pageshow we face these decisions will have an impact in our lives, and sometimes the ones that seem to be small are the most important ones. John Updike understood how making decision affects people’s life, and he develops it in his short story â€Å"A P,† which is the story of an unhappy boy who quits his job for a pretty girl. In order to develop this theme, John Updike takes Sammy, the main character of the story, through three different stages. In the beginning stage, Sammy is just a boy who is not happy

The Ideal School Free Essays

The Ideal School Lakeside School of Football is positioned on the coast of Lake Erie and gives you the opportunities to work with trained professional football players. Lakeside teaches you the ropes of football at an affordable price. If you want to learn how to play and meet the players of your choice, Lakeside is the school for you. We will write a custom essay sample on The Ideal School or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Lakeside School of Football will have a college campus set up; it will have dorms along the beaches of Lake Erie; the Lakeside academic building will be located behind the dorms. It will have three full -sized football fields stretched across campus each for specific purposes. There’s also a rec center stationed in the center of campus, including a weight-room, a full sized track with eight lanes, a pool and fitness instructors for all of your fitness needs. They will help you acquire a workout specifically designed for your level of physical fitness always ready to help you achieve your goals and improve more. The rec center will be easily accessed with your student I. D card. The school year will consist of eight months August to March and then have a four month break April to July. The school days will begin in the morning at 8:30 beginning on the fields. At 12:30, everyone will have open campus for lunch until 2:00; at 2:10, classes in the academic building will be going until 6:10. If there is anyone who chooses to keep progressing through the summer break, there will be summer classes available; just contact admissions. There is a very open variety of classes available not just through the school year but also throughout the summer. The classes fit you as a person if you want to do it we have it; we have classes going over the bases of defense and offense of football. Other classes focus only on the statistics of football. For the more active people enrolling at Lakeside, there are several gym classes that you should get involved in. We continue the study of football in our history classes and ,if you’re not just pleased with those classes, we have other things to get involved in as well as those required classes. You can get involved in art or student council. We here at Lakeside believe that there is a lot of potential in everybody, so if you have any talents that you want to bring out , we are open for more suggestions in our curriculum. We want to keep high standards here at Lakeside, but our rules are quite lenient. There are professionally trained football players here to help you improve your skills; we expect all students to be to class on time and treat all instructors with respect. If you are unable to attend any of your classes, please let your instructor know in advance. If you skip class for any illogical reasons, there will be mild consequences; after four unexcused absences, you will be removed from the class. If any student is caught involved in any illegal activity, you will miss the first session of school from 8:30-12:30 for a month for first offense; if caught again you will then be expelled. You’re only going to get out what you put in. We believe there is a future for everyone. Lakeside wants you to start your future here. We want all students to work on improving your skills in the on and off season; remember you only get out what you put in. How to cite The Ideal School, Papers

Panera Case study free essay sample

The SWOT Analysis revealed about Panera Bread Co. (PBC) in its overall attractiveness in the following. SWOT analysis is a simple but powerful tool for sizing up a company’s strengths and weaknesses, its market opportunities, and the external threats to its future wellbeing. Strengths of the company have made it the leading competitor in the â€Å"fast-causal† dinning segment of the restaurant industry. Basing a company’s strategy on its most competitively valuable strengths gives the company its best chance for market success. The core competence of fresh bake items proficiently performed is the internal activity that is central to a their strategy and competitiveness. Their menu of fresh breads, salads, soups, sandwiches, and combination plates are very appealing to Americans since the culture has change their eating habits to healthier choices. Promoting their bread-baking expertise of artisan breads will distinguish them from the dozens of deli/coffee shops that are competing in the restaurant industry, and in their market segment. Their bread expertise is their distinctive competence which means is a competitively valuable activity that a firm performs better that its rivals. Panera offers these healthier choices in their â€Å"fast casual† atmosphere giving the consumer the option to eat ‘n go or dine in their â€Å"third place† establishments. Panera’s establishments offer consumers alternative place, naming this theory the â€Å"third place† to relax, catch up with friends, do work/study by offering free wifi, and of course EAT! Panera has achieved to acquire a good brand name and high consumer satisfaction ratings. Their success with catering is another indicator that their products are preferred over competitors in the market. Their franchisee program is unique with most of the initial money up front, therefore boosting financial strength and growing without much debt. Based on the article the franchisee owned stores reported higher sales than the company-owned stores. Weakness of Panera Bread Company is highly concentrated geographically in North American. I consider this a weakness because when compared to other competitors such as McDonalds or Starbucks, PBC lacks scale. PBC will have to consider international operations if they want to grow financially. Global expansion will enhance their competitive power that is needed to broaden the company’s position to pursue emerging market opportunities. A company’s weaknesses are shortcomings that constitute competitive liabilities. Opportunity for Panera Bread Company is with expansion of its menu and number of outlets in designated areas. The expansion of the menu to include vegan, vegetarian, organic, tofu and other healthier options will tap into the emerging market opportunities. New recipes will keep returning consumers interested in the company. PBC should expand their outlet areas to colleges and other younger demographic areas, so they can capitalize on the â€Å"third place† idea to get consumers stay longer in their establishments to spend more money. I believe these to be interests of an absolute â€Å"must pursue† market opportunities which will represent much potential but is hidden in the future. Threats of Panera Bread Company include competitors coming at all directions. These can be considered normal course-of-business threats. PBC has to constantly evaluate what strategic actions can be taken to neutralize or lessen their impact of competitors in their market segment if they want to stay competitive. A simple shift in buyer needs and tastes away from the industry’s product can result is a substantial financial blows. PBC has to prove themselves in specialty food, quick service, and casual dining against competitors like Starbucks, Chipolte, Noodles and Company, and McDonalds just to name a few. PBC has to keep finding ways to distinguish themselves against their competitors, because the market is so saturated with industry rivals. SWOT reveals about the overall attractiveness of its situation is the brand awareness and customer loyalty that Panera has based upon their 9 million domestic users loyalty program It has been able to reinvent their menu with changing consumer likes and introducing new marketing information and incorporating the data to improve their profits. Example is introducing evening meal options because they found that Panera customer only think of Panera for breakfast or lunch. Even though SWOT stresses to heavily place strategic plans on a company’s best competitive asset, Panera decide to . 2. Which rival chains appear to be Panera’s closest rivals? In the article Exhibit 3 gives a detail list of industry rivals that competed against Panera Bread in some or many geographical locations. From the chart I reviewed the â€Å"Key Menu Items† to decide the closest rival chains. Panera’s rivals include any fast casual dining place with fresh baked breads, soups, salads, and variety of hot and cold drinks. Some of those are Corner Bakery Cafe, Brueggers, Atlanta Bread Company, Au Bon Pain, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jason’s Deli, and Starbucks. I based this on high volume at breakfast or lunch to differentiate the market segment further. The rival chains with international operations are the competitors that Panera needs to address in their strategy. Their weakness is lack of international operations and penetrating those market opportunities. Starbucks, Au Bon Pain, Bruegger’s are strong competitive forces. Panera will have to factor whether competitive forces seem likely to intensify and squeeze industry profitability to subpar levels or whether the company should be able to earn good profits despite the expected strength of competitive forces. I believe that industry overcapacity is a domestic issue for Panera to go internationally will bring in more profits in global areas that are not over compensated with fast casual dining. 3. What strategic issues and problems does Panera’s management need to address? Panera’s management needs to address the restaurant business is always going to be laborintensive, extremely competitive, and risky. PBC management should evaluate and pursue differentiation strategies to set themselves apart from rivals via pricing, food quality, menu theme, signature selections, dining ambiance and atmosphere, service, convenience, and locations. While being aware of changing demographics, likes, trends, culture to pursue strategic differentiation course of actions. In the article, I was surprised that in the early years, marketing only play a minor role is the success of the company. Their targeted market segment was urban socialites, suburban upper middle class families, and the trendy â€Å"foodie† conscious people who have access to commercials via internet, cable, and smartphone apps. So why not utilize marketing? Their band awareness is built on customer satisfaction with their dining experience and word of mouth by these happy patrons. My conclusion is that Panera establish their value chain very early in the development of the company. Value chain identifies the primary internal activities that create and deliver customer value and the requisite related support activities. Customers believe that Panera gives them value. My suggestions would be constant evaluation of the value chain, keep an eye on trendy menu items, and pursue the dinner and third place strategy for additional profits. 4. How do they look from a financial point of few? In the last portion of the article Panera reported strong financial and operating results highlighting: ? 18 percent increase in sales revenue, from $743. 3 million to 873. 2 million ? 30% increase in net income, from $52. 5 million to 68. 5 million ? Average check growth of 1. 5% ? First quarter of 2011 sales increases (compared to 2010) average 3. 3% at existing company owned bakery-cafes, 3. 4% at existing franchised-operated baker-cafes, and 3. 3% at existing bakery-cafes systemwide ? Panera’s stock prices traded between $129 and $132 per share 2011 a net of 40 new company-operated and franchised bakery-cafes were opened boosting the systemwide total locations 1,453 to 1,493 locations. Even the weak economic conditions Panera only saw about a 7% decline in shares, and 4. 5% average sales growth. Evaluating how well a company’s strategy is working should include quantitative as well as qualitative assessments. These figures are commonly used to evaluate a company’s performance and balanced sheet strength. Profitability ratios include: Reference Exhibit 1 and 2. ? Gross Profit Margin: shows the percentage of revenues available to cover operating expenses and yield a profit. Higher is better and the trend should be upward. ? Return on Sales: shows the profitability of current operations without regard to interest charges and income taxes. ? Net return on total assets: a measure of the return earned by stockholders on the firm’s total assets. ? Return on stockholders’ equity (ROE): The return stockholders are earning on their capital investment in the enterprise. A return in the 12-15% range is â€Å"average† and the trend should be upward. ? Debt-to-equity ratio: Shows the balance between debt and the amount that stockholders have invested in the enterprise. The further the ratio is under 1. 0, the greater the firm’s ability to borrow additional funds. ? Price-to-earnings ratio: P/E ratios above 20 indicate strong investor confidence in a firms outlook and earnings growth; firms whose future earnings are at risk or likely to grow slowly typically have ratios below 12. In conclusion Panera is a profitable company, but in the â€Å"restaurant rat race† they will need to be constantly evaluating their strategic plans for improving their value chain as a company.