Dont Quit!

Dont Quit! When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but do not quit.Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don’t give up though the pace seems slowâ€" You may succeed with another blow.Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor’s cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside outâ€" The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hitâ€" It’s when things seem worst that you must not q uit.

Universal Healthcare Is Not a Priviledge, It is a Right

Teri Reynolds once said that â€Å"It is hard to talk about a middle ground for something that is a fundamental right.† This country has no reason to compromise something that is in the U.S. Constitution and that was meant to be available for all U.S. citizens. Universal Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a right. â€Å"In the second half of the 19th century, advances in biology and chemistry helped medical doctors better understand the human body, incorporating principles of modern science into the practice of medicine. Sanitation prevented infection, more effective treatments for diseases and injuries were developed, and surgical techniques were refined.† (Shultz and Shoven). Doctors and scientists worked hard to develop certain skills for which the citizens of the U.S. could be more cared for. â€Å"Medical schools did not exist at this time, and medical training largely consisted of working as an apprentice to an existing practitioner. People who got sick genera lly paid out of pocket for their medical treatments, but costs were quite low, perhaps because results were often negative.† (Shultz and Shoven). In all the research that the doctors and scientists had done, there came trial and error. As this was a concern for peoples’ well-being, healthcare services should have been free as it should be now. â€Å"In 1847 the American Medical Association (AMA) was founded to create professional standards for doctors and set minimum educational requirements. Medical colleges were established,

Analysis Of Terrence Malick s Days Of Heaven And Badlands

Against a subdued landscape of blushing scarlet skies, rolling countryside hills, and endless terrains of natural Earth, Terrence Malick constructs his divine cinematic world. Malick’s films, Days of Heaven and Badlands both contain the element of paradise lost, making almost every scene reminiscent of an Eden-esque time and place before the heavenly garden was on the cusp of ruin. This recurring element indicates that Malick is an Auteur, a filmmaker whose original directing style can be reflected in each of his works as an artistic stamp (Boda). This stamp can take the form of a common motif, a common setting, or a common set of actors. For Malick’s films, several of these mutual components exist. Terrence Malick demonstrates the Auteur†¦show more content†¦Terrence Malick’s distinct emphasis on setting provides for this reserved subplot within the central synopsis of his films allowing it to serve as a â€Å"silent character† with the capacity to develop and progress the storyline. Furthermore, this emphasis establishes setting as one of the most chief elements of a Terrence Malick film, as demonstrated again in his later film, Days of Heaven. Complementary to Badlands, Malick’s Days of Heaven takes place in the prairielands of Texas with endless fields of grain and Earth. Protagonists, Bill and Abby find themselves on the run from civilization into the wild, as Kit and Holly had. Once again, the audience finds itself overwhelmed by the Eden-esque setting of the film. Malick uses this setting to demonstrate the preeminence that the natural world holds over civilization spiritually (Angelson). Its beauty and quietude along with the steady or still camera shots provide this consistent sense of a perishing almost-paradise in need of salvation. Through his choice of setting, Malick creates a visual Eden for the public eye to feast upon, while it serves as a voiceless character in his many works. A remarkably unique ele ment of all Terrence Malick’s films is the lack of artificial lighting usage. Rather than rely on equipment, Malick utilizes muted, natural sunlight during a period of time referred to as â€Å"magic hour†, the twilight hours before sunrise and after sunset, to illuminate his shots (Hopwood). The

Star Studies and the Mass Culture Debates Free Essays

string(50) " spectator and the Hollywood stars she discusses\." Star Studies and the Mass Culture Debates Since the dawn of time, society has always had its own stars that multitudes of people look up to as idols. Today, most of the stars that people flock to are famous people within the entertainment business, most notably actors and actresses. Movie stars have been consumed by the public’s eye ever since the film industry took off in the early 1900s. We will write a custom essay sample on Star Studies and the Mass Culture Debates or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are certain movie stars that transcend time, and lately, people do whatever they can to find out as much as they can of these stars to reveal who they truly are outside of being in front of a camera. However, some critics of the Mass Culture Debates do find holes in the star system we have today. The critics feel as if the culture of these stars are becoming very standardized, which is greatly affecting the culture of people watching them. To demonstrate my point, I will be discussing how Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer oppose the arguments made about star figures in Richard Dyer’s essay, â€Å"Living Stars. † I will also explain how Dwight MacDonald takes a very similar stance against Jackie Stacy’s â€Å"Feminine Fascinations: Forms of Identification in Star-Audience Relations. Finally, I will finish off by explain how critic David Riseman seeks to mediate the Mass Culture critics’ arguments and take the side of Dyer and Stacy. If Adorno and Horkheimer were to read Richard Dyer’s â€Å"Living Stars† and dissect it, they would feel that movie stars today aren’t original in that they use a very scripted formula to attract themse lves to the masses, which is why they become popular in the first place. Throughout his essay, Dyer explains that star figures are representations, like myths, who serve to resolve many of society’s vital binary oppositions. He goes on to explain this point by saying, â€Å"The private self is further represented through a set of oppositions that stem from the division of the world into private and public spaces, a way of organizing space that in turn relates to the idea of the separability of the individual and society. † (FSR 130) His primary opposition for which he discusses stars and their relationship to the public eye is stars portraying their private selves versus their public serves. Public stars control themselves on screen, and maintain great poise and try not to display their emotions to readily, because they want to keep a ophisticated image of themselves; whereas private stars are much more intense and introverted, they aren’t afraid to express their emotions and show who they truly are behind close doors. Martin Scorsese’s film The Aviator serves to depict the private and public image of real life filmmaker and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. To the public, Hughes becam e a larger than life star in directing Hell’s Angels and purchasing a major airline of the time. However, his mental health soon began to crumble when his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder began affecting both private and public facets of his life. Eventually, Hughes comes a point where he locks himself in his house and slips into a deep depression. As a result of Hughes manic behavior, Adorno and Horkheimer would believe that if Hughes’ private behavior were to ever leak out into the public spectrum, his image would be forever tarnished because the Howard Hughes behind closed doors is not the same man who became a superstar director. One of the primary arguments Adorno and Horkheimer have with mass culture is that they feel that culture itself is becoming too standardized based upon formulas to streamline mass reproduction. When profitable, these formulas can become reproducible, like the star system of today. â€Å"Not only are the hit songs, stars, and soap operas cyclically recurrent and rigidly invariable types, but the specific content of the entertainment itself is derived from them and only appears in change. † (FSR 9) It is as if they feel like nothing is original anymore and that everything is scripted and painted with this formula that works for the system to get the masses interested in a particular artist, song, show, movie, or in Dyer’s case, a movie star. Take for example Bette Davis, who in her films displays a very mannered style and grace under pressure. She usually plays very strong, independent, manipulative characters who have a solid surface disguised by an internal inferno. So when someone may want to see the latest Bette Davis movie, they may not like it if she plays in the style of a goodie goodie housewife just like all the typical housewives seen in such 1950s sitcoms as Father Knows Best and Leave It To Beaver. People are going to want to have her display some internal conflict she is constantly struggling with but in the end, over powers it because of her strong will and female empowerment. This same principle goes for Howard Hughes and his image. People want to see the Howard Hughes that is a public sensation, a brilliant filmmaker, a man with a taste for beautiful women. Nobody wants to see him in a depressed state locking himself in his house, because that will deter people’s images of him and less people will go out to see his movies. This plays into Adorno and Horkheimer’s idea of these formulas becoming reproducible and how this type of consumerism the individual plays can create the illusion of individual identity and authentic community. They feel like stars like David and Hughes have become statistics based on their genres they play best rather than recognized as individuals with creative freedom over their work. Just as Adorno and Horkheimer would have a problem with Richard Dyer’s essay, Dwight MacDonald has many of the same qualms with Jackie Stacey’s views of seeing movie stars as idols we should strive to be someday. In her essay, â€Å"Feminine Fascinations: Forms of Identification in Star-Audience Relations,† Stacey analyzes the relationship between the female spectator and the Hollywood stars she discusses. You read "Star Studies and the Mass Culture Debates" in category "Papers" In her discussion of imitating and copying the female stars, the female spectators often try to emulate either the stars looks or personas to try and be just like them, and in turn want others to think they are just like the star. Stacey explains that, â€Å"Stars are thus identified with particular commodities which are part of the reproduction of feminine identities. The female spectators in these examples produce particular images of femininity which remind them of their favorite stars. In so doing they produce a new feminine identity, one which combines an aspect of the star with their own appearance. † (FSR 153) It seems that Stacey is pointing out that these particular stars are consumable feminine images which female spectators then reproduce through other forms of consumption. Not only do these stars try to solve the binary oppositions of private self and public self as Dyer mentions, they are meant to be consumed by an audience as role models. Both seem to agree on the fact that stars fill some voids in people’s lives. We try to see ourselves as these very public figures and emulate every facet of their lives to try and improve our lives as a whole. Dyer’s and Stacey’s arguments also share many direct correlations with David Buxton’s article, â€Å"Rock Music, The Star System, And The Rise Of Consumerism. † In it, Buxton talks about how rock stars are being consumed by youth culture everywhere in that the youth are trying to replicate the stars’ styles and attitudes. He explains that, â€Å"The presentation of the life-style of the stars as the ideal of sophisticated modern living grew as part of the American Dream. † (OR 432) This proves that the idolization of stars is not a new concept that was originally thought up of by any of these three writers. Dwight MacDonald, however, does have a problem with the standardization of this process and how our culture is heading in the wrong direction as a result of this. Dwight MacDonald wrote an essay entitled, â€Å"A Theory of Mass Culture,† in which he explains that elements of mass culture and high culture are starting to merge and become standardized. MacDonald uses the merging of Broadway and the movies as an example of this by saying, â€Å"The theatre was High Culture, mostly of the Academic variety†¦ The movies were definitely Mass Culture, mostly very bad†¦ With the sound film, Broadway and Hollywood drew closer together. Plays are now produced mainly to sell the movie rights, with many being directly financed by the film companies. (FSR 15) One specific example of this can be found in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Though the themes of Shakespeare’s story are still in the movie version, Luhrmann blends high art and folk art to make a midcult style movie by placing the setting in present day South Central Los Angeles. MacDonald fears this type of media renders people passive by the end, and is one o f the greatest threats to high culture. In MacDonald’s opinion, as our lives become inundated with midcult such as Romeo and Juliet, the reality of consumerism becomes naturalized. In essence, the heroes and heroines of masscult and midcult that MacDonald speaks of become idols of consumption, mainly movie stars. Stacey explains how female stars such as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford are meant to be consumed by the public because those are the actresses that women most frequently hear about, and want to live just like them because they are classy ladies who are real role models of how one woman should act in society. Based on MacDonald’s argument, the branding and consuming of stars oday represents a demise in our society’s high culture in that these shouldn’t be the people we should be idolizing. The real people that should be getting the praise are the people who changed our country to make life better for everyone in the end, like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin. Using stars to fill the voids in our lives to solve key oppositions to MacDonald are detrimental to our high culture, which is what we really need to be praising instead all of the new media and stars that’ve become mainstream, like Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. Even though the left wing critics could have many potential problems with the star system of the past and of today, liberal sociologist David Riseman does present some points that could easily counter Adorno, Horkheimer, and MacDonald’s arguments. Riseman insists that mass culture consists of multiple forms of response by audiences. He believes everyone reacts differently to different forms of media and that no one is the same. The formulas that the left wing critics think is ultimately destroying high culture do not exist in Riseman’s opinion. Even though some people may want certain stars to stick to their formula, some may like to see those artists branch out and explore new fields. The stars that people ultimately consume and strive to become are all different for each individual. Buxton, Dyer, and Stacey don’t say that people only idolize the stars that they talk about. Riseman also argues that audiences of high art want to find their own kitsch in what they consider high culture, just like mass culture audiences want to see their own kitsch in their forms of entertainment. OR 7) He seems to think that Adorno, Horkheimer, and MacDonald have their own ideas of what high culture needs to be, which in the end, becomes something that is copied and will soon generate the same response. For anything negative that the left wing critics might say towards Dyer and Stacey’s arguments, Riseman is there to back up there arguments to prove that their theories are valid after all. It is very apparent that the issue of the Mass Culture Debates has been around for quite some time. So much so, that you can readily apply them to many different aspects of life, including the star system in Hollywood. There always have been and always will be movie stars or musicians that we enjoy and like to go see because they are good at their craft. Dyer, Stacey, and Buxton are just like every other person out there who ca truly see the effect that stars can have on society and the crazy things that people will do to try and copy their methods. Whether or not the Star System is good or detrimental to mass culture like Adorno, Horkheimer, and MacDonald seem to believe, as long as stars continue to make the industry interesting, critics will continue to discuss their methods and an on-going will last for many generations to come. Bibliography Hollows, Joanne, Peter Hutchings, and Mark Jancovich. â€Å"Section One: Political Economy and Mass Culture Theory. † The Film Studies Reader. London: Arnold, 2000. 9. Print. Hollows, Joanne, Peter Hutchings, and Mark Jancovich. â€Å"Section One: Political Economy and Mass Culture Theory. † The Film Studies Reader. London: Arnold, 2000. 15. Print. Hollows, Joanne, Peter Hutchings, and Mark Jancovich. â€Å"Section Four: Star Studies. † The Film Studies Reader. London: Arnold, 2000. 130. Print. Hollows, Joanne, Peter Hutchings, and Mark Jancovich. â€Å"Section Four: Star Studies. † The Film Studies Reader. London: Arnold, 2000. 153. Print. Frith, Simon, and Andrew Goodwin. â€Å"Part One: Groundworks. † On Record: Rock, Pop, and the Written Word. New York: Pantheon, 1990. 7. Print. Frith, Simon, and Andrew Goodwin. â€Å"Part Seven: Reading The Stars. † On Record: Rock, Pop, and the Written Word. New York: Pantheon, 1990. 432. Print. How to cite Star Studies and the Mass Culture Debates, Papers

Strange Meeting Essay Example For Students

Strange Meeting Essay Question:Present a detailed commentary on the poem STRANGE MEETING by WilfredOwen. To include Explanation of the ideas expressed in the poem. Linkswith specific moments with other Owen poems. Discussion of how the poemworks in term of poetic technique. Answer:STRANGE MEETING is probably Owens most problematic poem. Its title comesfrom Shelleys The Revolt of Islam Gone forth whom no strange meetingdid befall. It was written in the spring or early summer of 1918, the yearhe died. It was based on an earlier poem Earths Wheels which I reproduceas Appendix I. The poem recounts a dramatic meeting in Hell between twosoldiers who had fought on opposing sides. No longer enemies they find itpossible to see beyond conflict and hatred in a shared awareness of thetruth untold and the need to proclaim that truth. As Owen said in hisfamous Preface, All a poet can do is warn. We will write a custom essay on Strange Meeting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The poem is written in first person and hence we tend to assume that thefirst speaker is Owen, but Owens message is delivered by the secondspeaker. This has lead to a speculation that the second speaker is anapparition of the first. In the first verse the first speaker dies andfinds his way to Hell. Titanic wars imply not just this war, butconflicts throughout history on a gigantic scale. In the second verse the first speaker realises that he is in Hell afterseeing the dead bodies, which however were groaning under the burden oftheir suffering. He prods one, which gets up, recognises him and blesseshim. Piteous is a key word here, which connects to almost all his poetrythat, really is about the pity of war. The similarity of the dead in thispoem to the living or should one say dying in his other poems isintentional. Compare the living of Mental Cases -Thus their heads wearthis hilarious, hideous, Awful falseness of set-smiling corpses- to thedead of Strange Meeting By his dead smile I knew we stood in Hell. In the beginning of the third verse Owen compares Hell with war. There isno blood, no smoke, no noise in Hell but all these are there in war. Vividdescriptions of these are a hallmark of his poems. If you could hear, atevery jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs fromDulce et Decorum Est What murk of air remained stank old, and sour Withfumes from whizz-bangs, from The Sentry . The first speaker addresses the second as strange friend. Much mysteryhas been attributed to this paradox, but to my mind he uses strange becausehe does not know the person and friend because from this point on they willshare a common destiny. In response to the first speakers statement thathere is no cause to mourn, the second replies that they have to mourn theyears of their life they spent fighting each other. Precious years in whichthey could have fulfilled their hopes and achieved their desires. Lines 17to 23 (After the wildest beauty in the world etc.) refer to Owens questfor beauty and truth which he believed he had inherited from Keats andShelley and which perhaps may have been the subject of his poetry had notit been for his experiences in the war which changed everything. So must Itempt that face to loose its lightning. Great gods, whose beauty is death,will laugh above, Who made his beauty lovelier than love. I shall be brightwith their unearthly brightening. from Storm. H e began to write about thepity of war; purely about the pity unpolluted with other emotions. Itbecame his mission to tell the truth untold, the real and monstrousnature of war, which became the subject of all his later poems. The untoldtruth negates the old lie that it is a sweet and seemly thing to die forones country. This is the subject of Dulce et Decorum Est. The poet saysthat in the future will accept a world shattered with war as the norm anddo nothing about the bloodshed and violence. A prediction that has cometrue with frightening accuracy. In the remaining part of the verse thepoet, through the second speaker, says what he as a poet wants to do andhence in general what poetry should do. He says that poetry has the courageand wisdom, the mystery and the mastery to heal and is not tainted by war. .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c , .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .postImageUrl , .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c , .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:hover , .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:visited , .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:active { border:0!important; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:active , .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u47445e684d83d4d94c6480b7438d096c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Computers and Biology EssayThe poet would have liked to bring this life-giving water from sweetwells and spread it without restraint. He would like to tell the world thetruth that war is not glory and honour but stark pain. In poems such asGreater Love and Anthem for the Doomed Youth the images of love and delightare transformed into images of death. These transformations are theexperience of his generation. Red lips are not so red As the red stoneskissed by the English dead Here Owen perhaps refers to his decision tofight rather than be a conscientious objector. This decision was takenbecause if Owen wanted to write about the pity of war, he needed toexperience that pity. And his writing about the pity would hopefully be abalm to the next generation. The poem ends with the enemy killed showing no hatred; no feeling ofvengeance for his killer imparting the message that mankind must seekreconciliation. The friend of this verse contrasts ironically with thefriend of Dulce et Decorum Est My friend, you would not tell with suchhigh zest The friend of Strange Meeting is a stranger whos views areOwens views whereas the friend of the latter poem is a known person(likely reference to fellow poets who glorify war) whos view Owendisagrees with. The study of the structure of a poem is known as prosody and comprisesmeter, rhyme, and verse. Structurally the poem comprises 44 lines of iambicpentameter with pararhymed couplets. I have come across different versestructures in the various places I located the poem one, three and fourverses. Since I referred to the version in the 12th Grade textbook, 19thand 20th Century Verse, I will stick to that. Lines 1 to 3 comprise thefirst verse, lines 4 to 10 the second, lines 11 to 39 the third and lines40 to 44 the fourth. As the ideas get more complicated, more philosophicalthe length of the verse increases. Though the bulk of the poem lies in thethird verse, it is the last verse which has the most impact and Owen hasintentionally saved it for the end. The second speaker has recognised thefirst as his killer in the beginning itself and could have revealed thisvital information immediately but does not do so. He launches into theundone years and truth untold and only after finishing what he has to say,he dramatically but softly reveals the relationship between the two I amthe enemy you killed, my friend. No wonder these words have been chosen toadorn the poets memorial in the grounds of Shrewsbury Abbey. The iambicpentameter which consists of five feet each having one unstressed and onestressed syllable, is the most common meter used in English literature. Thereason probably is that it is just the right length for a narration, nottoo short not too long. Shakespeare used it in his plays and Wordsworthused it in his Preludes and Excursions. In this poem too, it provides aneasy flow to the narration. Pararhyme, or half-rhyme as it is often called,is an imperfect rhyme in which the final and the preceding consonants ofthe last stressed syllable agree but the intervening vowel sound does not. Examples from the poem are world walled and years yours. Owenbrilliantly uses pararhymes as an instrument in imaging the discords whichwere his subject. Full rhymes tend to bring smoothness in flow of the poem,whereas half rhymes jar the flow a bit which goes well with the ugliness ofthe subject. Yesterday through me as you jabbed and killed. .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 , .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .postImageUrl , .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 , .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:hover , .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:visited , .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:active { border:0!important; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:active , .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04 .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3971341d3b3ea67846f293ab954a9d04:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Multicultural Education EssayI parried, but my hands were loath and cold.

CookSafe Food Safety Management Audit

CookSafe Food Safety Management Audit Introduction to HACCP Principles and CookSafe Food Safety Management System HACCP Principles Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is defined as a system concerned with food safety management (Eves Dervisi 2005). According to Riswadkar (2000), the system’s major focus is identification and prevention of hazards likely to cause food borne illnesses (FBI).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on CookSafe Food Safety Management Audit specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More HACCP is used to overcome the shortcomings associated with manufacturing processes with regards to food items. The system also involves of random sampling of various food products to enhance safety. Bolton, Meally, Blair, McDowell and Cowan (2008) are of the opinion that HACCP ensures quality and safety are integrated into every step of the food production process. The system encompasses specifications of the product formulation and distributio n. Consequently, safety is ensured even in cases where potential consumers misuse or abuse the food product. According to Buchanan (1990), HACCP was developed in the 1960s. Over the years, it has emerged as a major approach in securing and enhancing the safety of food products supplied in the market (Buchanan 1990). The popularity of the system emanates from its preventive approach to food safety. To this end, the system indentifies, evaluates, and controls hazards that are associated with food safety. CookSafe CookSafe, on the other hand, refers to a guidance manual for caterers. It was developed by the Food Standards Agency Scotland (Food Standards Agency [FSA] 2004). The manual provides information on the various types of food businesses.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The HACCP working group of the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee (SFELC) was a lso involved in its formulation (FSA 2004). The caterers’ guidance manual is designed to help catering businesses understand and implement HACCP based systems. It is noted that the manual categorises hazards into chemicals, micro-biologicals, and physicals (Bolton et al. 2008). Hazard is considered as anything that may harm individuals who consume the supplied food products. CookSafe adopts the HACCP approach in managing food quality and safety. It requires all caterers to conduct hazard analysis in their food businesses (FSA 2004). The analysis takes place where caterers identify the various hazards associated with each process and step in their business. Consequently, anything that can go wrong in the business is highlighted and measures to control or prevent the hazard implemented (Bryan 1999). According to Riswadkar (2000), the risk management philosophy adopted by HACCP is very basic. The system is used to highlight the critical risk areas. The identification helps the f irm to focus on these hazards. As a result, risk management efforts are maximised in the process. In light of this, HACCP provides a very systematic approach to food safety management. Outline of the Audit Report The following report provides a HACCP and CookSafe audit analysis. The report critically reviews the various aspects of these systems that are essential in food safety management. The approach adopted in this review demonstrates the effectiveness of food safety management using HACCP.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on CookSafe Food Safety Management Audit specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The report highlights some of the difficulties related to the application of CookSafe in small and large catering firms. The HACCP based audit investigates the various aspects of the system. In addition, the report explores the effectiveness of HACCP application in the CookSafe program. The audit also highlights some of the major problems hindering the application and effectiveness of the CookSafe system. Key Aspects of HACCP Audit According to Ehiri, Morris, and McEwen (1995), the desire to promote food safety has made HACCP a necessity for the food processors. HACCP has emerged as the preferred mode of achieving total quality management in the industry. As such, the need for HACCP audit in this industry is made apparent. Many food regulation agencies, such as FDA, have incorporated this system into their programs. For instance, FDA made HACCP part of its audit program in its 1999 Food Code (Riswadkar 2000). At the heart of most food safety management programs today is HACCP. Auditing the effectiveness of the system in various food safety management programs involves analysing several aspects related to the same (Eves Dervisi 2005). The aspects are apparent from the process approach adopted by HACCP. Riswadkar (2000) advances seven principles associated with the implementation of the HACCP model. The first principle involves conducting hazard analysis and risk assessment. It is noted that this is the most important principle of this system. Effective food safety controls rely on the proper identification and assessment of risks. The first principle entails a very involving and engaging process.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The reason is that all the potential hazards must be identified. Failure to highlight these items can result in unacceptable risks. The risks may manifest themselves in spite of the implementation of the correct control and monitoring systems. As such, this principle is very essential in enhancing the effectiveness of HACCP. The second aspect of HACCP entails identifying critical control points (CCPs) in food preparation (Gilling, Taylor, Kane Taylor 2001). It is a fact that many aspects of the food processing system are considered as control points. However, only very few of them qualify as CCPs. CCPs refer to controllable points in a given process. Failure to control these elements may result in unacceptable risks (Gilling et al. 2001). CCPs refer to those points, procedures, and steps in the food production process where safety and hazard can be controlled. The various hazards can also be prevented, reduced, and eliminated at such stages. Most of the control points are defined i n relation to consumer protection. However, other steps beyond this basic protection can be identified and dealt with. The third principle of HACCP entails establishing critical boundaries, specifications, and limits for each of the CCPs (Gilling et al. 2001). The system requires the establishment of critical limits for each of these points. The limits ensure that the system controls the identified hazards effectively. They also act as safety margins for each of the CCPs, enhancing the control and prevention of the identified hazard in the process (Riswadkar 2000). Establishing the procedures needed to monitor the CCPs constitutes the fourth principle of HACCP (Riswadkar 2000). Monitoring and review entails a planned set of activities. It involves conducting tests and carrying out observations. The aim is to ensure that the CCPs are regulated. The principle ensures that the various aspects of monitoring are mapped out. The fifth HACCP principle entails the establishment of correctiv e action protocols for each of the CCPs (Gilling et al. 2001). It helps in making corrections in case the monitoring aspect indicates any deviations exceeding critical safety margins. Riswadkar (2000) provides a working definition of critical deviations. Riswadkar views them as deficiencies that may lead to unacceptable risks with regards to health of the consumer. Such deficiencies need to be addressed immediately. Establishment of procedures for recordkeeping constitutes the last aspect of HACCP system (Eves Dervisi 2005). Maintenance of records is very essential to the system. The records encompass all the other aspects of HACCP, including critical control points and safety limits. Corrective actions, hazard analysis, and verification activities constitute the other components of the HACCP system. The current comprehensive HACCP audit will take into account all these elements of the system. Evaluation of the key aspects will determine the efficiency of HACCP implementation in a given food safety management system. The presence of all these elements should be highlighted in the CookSafe program. According to Taylor (2001), an effective and efficient HACCP program involves a systematic approach to the issues associated with food safety management. Effectiveness of HACCP is also reflected in the risk management philosophy of the system. The philosophy puts emphasis on the reduction of potential hazards, most of which are inherent in food safety (Eves Dervisi 2005). The strategy enables food processing firms to direct their resources towards the prevention and mitigation of threats to food safety. HACCP EC 852/2004 Regulation on Foodstuffs Hygiene The suitability of HACCP in food safety management is made apparent in the wide scope of the system. The effectiveness of this approach is enhanced by various regulations. One of them is the HACCP EC 852/2004 Regulation on Foodstuffs Hygiene. Caterers and other food producers have are legally obliged to provide safe products to the consumers (Regulation (EC) no. 852/2004 of the European parliament and of the council [Regulation 852/2004] 2004). The regulations seek to modernise, consolidate, and simplify legislations on food hygiene in the European Union. In addition, HACCP EC 852/2004 regulation focuses on controlling the various public health protection systems. The regulation clarifies the primary responsibilities of food business operators, ensuring that they conduct their activities safely. Generally, regulation 852/2004 stipulates what is expected from food business operators. The regulation applies to all categories of operators, including those at the primary production level (Seward 2000). However, it is important to note that the needs of the primary producers are different from the expectations of other food operators. All food business operators are required to maintain and implement a HACCP based system (Regulation 852/2004 2004). In addition, the HACCP principles must be implemen ted. The implementation takes into consideration the flexibility of individual cases. The regulation explores flexibility levels, which simplifies HACCP’s implementation requirements for small businesses. How CookSafe Works As already indicated, this system is important in the food industry. A number of adjustments were made on food regulations in 2006. Under the new rules, entrepreneurs operating in this industry were expected to implement safety management protocols in accordance with the HACCP system. The Food Standards Agency Scotland sought the assistance of HACCP working group (the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee [SFELC]) to undertake these changes (FSA 2004). SFELC developed a guidance manual for the caterers, drawing from the perspectives of various experts in the food industry. The outcome of the taskforce was the manual referred to as CookSafe (FSA 2004). The caterers benefit from the new guidebook by following the instructions provided. They are capable of developing HACCP based approach to meet their business needs. CookSafe program consists of five phases. They include the introduction phase, the flow diagram section, and the HACCP charts part. The others include the house rules and the records sections (FSA 2004). Based on the program, it is apparent that the various aspects of HACCP system are addressed in CookSafe. The introduction phase provides caterers with guidelines on the various HACCP terms used in CookSafe food safety management program (Taylor 2001). The flow diagram section provides templates to help operators customise their business operations. The HACCP charts section outlines the steps to be followed in the business process (Eves Dervisi 2005). The section also highlights what may go wrong. In addition, it provides solutions to the problems. The section provides guidelines and examples that caterers can adapt in their business. The house rules section of CookSafe program assists caterers to develop their own bu siness regulations. The aim is to enhance the safety of their day-to-day operations (Seward 2000). The section ensures that safety practices are incorporated into the food production processes. The records part provides caterers with guidelines on the template used to link the sections constituting the entire CookSafe food safety management program (Taylor 2001). CookSafe provides caterers with a framework to fully implement HCCP in food production activities. The program can also be utilised to enhance good business practices in an already existing system. Ultimately, CookSafe addresses the issue of food safety management by caterers in general. The system is tailored to suit the needs of most catering businesses. However, the caterers are required to adapt their business records and rules to suit their business operations. The system manifests this strength by providing guidelines, a template, and recommendations for every step followed in the implementation (Tsarouhas 2012). Cook Safe food safety management program is based on the best available information. Verification and Validation of CookSafe System Elements Verification of the various CookSafe system elements constitutes a very essential aspect of the program. The process involves performing an overview analysis of the entire HACCP system (FSA 2005). Verification also includes establishing the effectiveness of the procedures followed in controlling hazards and their applications in operations. Major components of the CookSafe system facilitating the verification and validation of the elements involve documentation and the action plan (FSA 2004). Documentation ensures that the records of the steps comprising the system implementation are documented. Record keeping facilitates tracking of the system implementation process. According to FSA (2004), the action plan in CookSafe system records the progress made in the implementation of the five phases. The action plan refers to a documented record listing th e completed actions in relation to system implementation (Tsarouhas 2012). It is maintained by the person utilising the manual. The plan is used to devise a HACCP compliant food safety management system. Documentation provides the mechanism used to ensure that the elements of the CookSafe system work effectively (Pierson Corlett 1992). It details the primary intentions and the achievements made in the various sections of system implementation. If some elements exhibit shortcomings, a review is conducted and a different approach adopted. Some examples of verification elements in CookSafe system include checking for consistency in the application of control measures at CCPs (Taylor 2001). Monitoring the records for consistency and accuracy is another instance of verification in the system. Conducting CookSafe Food Safety Management System Audit According to Grujic, Keran, Vujadinovic, and Perusic (2012), employees are an important element in any HACCP system in facilities dealing wit h food production. The members of staff make up the primary force that audits the implementation and outcomes of CookSafe system. Business operators can perform the audit function, although they might favour the firm and produce biased results (Seward 2000). Grujic et al. (2012) are of the opinion that employees need motivation. Incentives facilitate compliance with the regulations, especially in relation to food safety and hygiene. In addition, providing practical and ongoing training to the staff involved in handling food is very important. The training should enhance their industrial skills and add to the general information available to the system. According to Pun and Bhairo-Beekhoo (2008), employees need enhanced knowledge on product safety, expertise, hygiene, and HACCP. Several authors have investigated the need for training in enhancing employees’ knowledge on food safety (Holford 2010). Training the employees is a strategy used to improve food safety and the overall human health. Holford (2010) argues that prerequisite training is inevitable in the successful implementation of HACCP system in the catering industry. Prerequisite activities are important in the industry, including in the implementation of HACCP CookSafe food safety management system. Other activities include health insurance, hygiene practices, pest control, and competent manufacturing practices (Kane 2011). Equipping employees in the catering sector with the relevant knowledge and skills on CookSafe food security management supports the success of the system. In addition, employees conduct excellent audit on the entire process. External auditors, such as officials from the Food Standards Agency, can also audit the process. Auditing the Food Businesses There are numerous aspects of auditing, especially in the food industry. External auditors uphold the effectiveness of the whole review process. They must be authorised and knowledgeable about the standards in the industry. As suc h, auditing the effectiveness of the CookSafe food safety management system is a major undertaking. According to Paniscello, Quantick and Knowles (1999), the frequency of auditing CookSafe food safety management system is informed by various factors. For instance, determining the CCPs in the flow chart section is subject to debate. Such factors as sanitation and location are, however, under the control of fixed guidelines (McSwane Linton 2000). In light of this, the audit process should be carried out regularly. For instance, it can be carried out on a monthly basis. The audit process must be guided by a checklist. The CookSafe system manual condenses the implementation process into five major sections (FSA 2004). Consequently, the audit checklist must highlight the achievements made in the various sections. For instance, the checklist can address such issues as the relationship between house rules and temperature control, personal hygiene, training, and cleaning (Mitchell, Fraser Bearon 2007). Other aspects that can be addressed include available hazards and risks, as well as the control measures can put in place. The checklist can highlight sub-sections on effective manufacturing processes and work flow in food processing. According to Pierson and Corlett (1992), there are various methods of collecting and reporting auditing data. Data collection should begin with the documentation feature of the CookSafe system. The information derived from this phase is secondary in nature. However, the feature is an excellent source of management information. Primary sources of data include observations, laboratory tests, and responses generated from the checklist. The methods used in collecting such information should support the legitimacy and validity of the findings. Laboratory tests, observations, and checklist findings complement each other. For instance, the documentation section of CookSafe system should enhance the results generated through observations. Public ation of the findings made in the audit is the best alternative for reporting the information generated from the CookSafe food safety management system. Publishing the findings would facilitate comparisons with outcomes from other parts of the country given that the system is implemented in the whole region. In addition, reporting the findings would help in publicising the CookSafe system. Using the Audit Approach on a Small and a Medium Business Using the HACCP food safety management system to audit the sandwich business and the restaurant would be relatively easy. The two businesses fall under the category of small and medium enterprises. Auditing the two ventures will involve a conventional approach. The process requires the presence and participation of the management teams. Submission of HACCP documentation provides the basis for the audit. Inspection of the business operations in line with relevant regulations, including Regulation (EC) No 852/2004, then follows. Review of the food safety program will include analysis of such documentations as the process flow charts, monitoring records, and the specifications for the finished product. Assessment of the hazard analysis reports and CCPs will also feature in the auditing process. Results of tests conducted on various food products, together with verification records, will also be analysed. The findings of the auditing process are enhanced by inspecting the food business license, observing the production processes, and reviewing the manufacturing practices. Review of the food safety program and implementation of corrective actions will follow. The process will come to an end following the compilation of the audit reports and inspection notes. Difficulties in Applying CookSafe Food Safety Management System The use of the CookSafe Food safety management system and the implementation of the HACCP principles are faced by numerous challenges. It is noted that HACCP is based on scientific and empirical foundation s. It is also widely publicised. However, challenges remain as far as its implementation is concerned. According to Taylor and Taylor (2004), one of the problems affecting HACCP is the bureaucracy behind the system. For instance, the documentation aspect of the CookSafe system is complex and characterised by various formalities. In addition, some SME operators feel that the system does not address the needs of their businesses adequately. Kane (2011) argues that the introduction of new legislations in relation to food hygiene poses a major problem to SME owners. For instance, the caterers who fail to comply with the regulations are forced to close down their businesses. Based on this, the system is regarded as limiting and discouraging with regards to entrepreneurship in the food production sector. The effective implementation of CookSafe system requires the utilisation of time and other resources. According to Taylor and Taylor (2004), time and money are highly valued resources tha t some players in the food industry cannot afford to waste. Furthermore, some of the businesses consider the system as unnecessary since they are already taking care of their consumers. Conclusion The HACCP concept is gaining popularity irrespective of the challenges encountered in its implementation. The system is rapidly replacing traditional approaches, such as health examinations, end product testing, and inspections. However, the future of the approach in the food industry remains unclear. However, it is apparent that HACCP principles will continue to evolve over time. The effectiveness of the approach in promoting food safety is encouraging. The need for increased vigilance in relation to food borne diseases is on the rise. As such, the continued use of HACCP depends on its effectiveness in food safety management. References Bolton, D, Meally, A, Blair, I, McDowell, D, Cowan, C. 2008. ‘Food safety knowledge of head chefs and catering managers in Ireland’, Food Co ntrol, vol. 19 no. 3, pp. 291-300. Bryan, F 1999, ‘Hazard analysis critical control point approach to food safety: past, present, and future’, Journal of Environmental Health, vol. 61 no. 8, pp. 9-14. Buchanan, R 1990, ‘HACCP: a re-emerging approach to food safety’, Trends in Food Science and Technology, vol. 1 no. 1, pp. 6-8. Ehiri, J, Morris, G McEwen, J 1995, ‘Implementation of HACCP in food businesses: the way ahead’, Food Control, vol. 6, pp. 341-345. Eves, A Dervisi, P 2005, ‘Experiences of the implementation and operation of hazard analysis critical control points in the food service sector’, International Journal of Hospitality Management, vol. 24 no. 1, pp. 3-19. Food Standards Agency 2004, CookSafe: food safety assurance system. Web. Gilling, S, Taylor, E, Kane, K, Taylor, J. 2001. ‘Successful HACCP implementation: understanding the barriers through the use of a behavioural adherence model’, Journal of Foo d Protection, vol. 64 no. 10, pp. 710-715. Grujic, S, Keran, H, Vujadinovic, D, Perusic, M. 2012. ‘Knowledge of employees in restaurants about the means and application of HACCP’, Quality of Life, vol. 3 no. 3/4, pp. 76-87. Holford, D 2010, ‘Knowledge construction and risk induction/mitigation in dialogical workgroup processes’, Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 5 no. 2, pp. 127-161. Kane, K 2011, ‘Evolving methods of HACCP: costs and benefits’, Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 3 no. 5, pp. 1-6. McSwane, D Linton, R 2000, ‘Issues and concerns in HACCP development and implementation for retail food operations’, Journal of Environmental Health, vol. 62 no. 6, pp. 15-18. Mitchell, R, Fraser, A Bearon, L 2007, ‘Preventing food-borne illness in food service establishments: broadening the framework for intervention and research on safe food handling behaviours†™, International Journal of Environmental Health Research, vol. 17 no. 1, pp. 9-24. Paniscello, J, Quantick, P Knowles, M 1999, ‘Toward the implementation of HACCP: results of a UK regional survey’, Food Control, vol. 10, pp. 87-98. Pierson, M Corlett, D 1992, HACCP principles and applications, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York. Pun, K Bhairo-Beekhoo, P 2008, ‘Factors affecting HACCP practices in the food sectors: a review of literature 1994-2007’, Asian Journal on Quality, vol. 9 no. 1, pp. 134-152. Regulation (EC) no 852/2004 of the European parliament and of the council 2004. Web. Riswadkar, A 2000, ‘An introduction to HACCP’, Professional Safety, vol. 45 no. 6, pp. 33-34. Seward, S 2000, ‘Application of HACCP in food service’, Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, vol. 39 no. 2, pp. 221-227. Taylor, E Taylor, J 2004, ‘Perceptions of â€Å"the bureaucratic nightmare† of HACCP: a case study’, Br itish Food Journal, vol. 106 no. 1, pp. 23-46. Taylor, E 2001, ‘HACCP in small companies: benefit or burden?’, Food Control, vol. 12 no. 4, pp. 217-222. Tsarouhas, P 2012, ‘Reliability, availability and maintainability analysis in food production lines: a review’, International Journal of Food Science Technology, vol. 47 no. 11, pp. 2243-2251.

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