Aurora Biosciences Corporation

This is one of those picket and shovel companies in the Biotechnology sector. ABSC designs and develops drug discovery technologies and services. Aurora Biosciences is developing a system using fluorescent assay technologies and ultra-high-throughput screening systems (UHTSS) to allow researchers to overcome many limitations of traditional drug discovery processes. Aurora's functional genomics technology can successfully analyze over half a billion discrete cells derived from 20 million independent GenomeScreen(TM) clones in one day. It's GenomeScreen(TM) technology acts as a search engine to rapidly scan the genome of living, human cells to find genes associated with specified diseases or physiological processes. ABSC has technology capable of searching through expansive libraries of compounds to identify those that might lead to new medicines. This enables Aurora to rapidly identify commercially relevant genes, and to directly develop screens for drug discovery, faster and more efficiently than existing methods. To date, Aurora has filed for patent protection on over 100 previously unknown gene sequences, including their use for compound screening, human diagnostics and drug discovery. ge ·nome – set of chromosomes: the full complement of genetic information that an individual organism inherits from its parents, especially the set of chromosomes and the genes they carry. A genome is the complete collection of an organism's genetic material. The human genome is made of about 50,000 to 100,000 genes located on the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a human cell. A single human chromosome may contain more than 250 million DNA base pairs, and it is estimated that the entire human genome consists of about 3 billion base pairs. Genetic information is found in each cell of the body, encoded in the chemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The ultimate goal of genomic mapping and sequencing is to associate specific human traits and inherited diseases with genes at locations on the chromosomes. The successful completion of the genome project will provide a better understanding of the organization of human genes and chromosomes. It promises to revolutionize both therapeutic and preventive medicine by providing insights into the basic biochemical processes that cause many Human diseases. Celera (CRA) will soon reveal the sequence of the genome. When completed it will steer to a new great scientific challenge. The big commercial challenge after the completion of the genome will be to understand the function of the genes identified. (This market will be colossal) Aurora stands at the crossroads of this challenge by conducting the gene discovery while at the same time assigning function information to the genes. With their GenomeScreen technology, they're in the business of discovering what genes actually do. So a challenge to sequence-based patents would likely heat up demand for Aurora's technology. (Ok, it gets complicated here so just bare with me) Currently, about 20% of discovery programs are based on genomics. In fact, it has been predicted that virtually all new discovery programs will be genomics based in a few years. A major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry is to determine which of these â€Å"targets† is significant from the drug discovery perspective (meaning $$$). To do this, companies must assign functions to the targets (what it does). Once the target has been identified, you still have to build a screen to find drugs that affect the target, a process which takes up to a year. Aurora's Genomics and Molecular Biology division has developed a technology to overcome these challenges. The value that Aurora brings to this process is added at all stages, from gene identification to target validation to screening compounds to the compounds themselves. In other words, it does important (cool) stuff that makes the company the good old American dollar bill. Revenue in 1999 was 90% higher than in 1998. Aurora has grown from $2 million in revenue in 1996 to $50 million in revenue in 1999, compared to revenue of $26.5 million and a net loss of $18.7 million, or $1.14 per share, for the year ended December 31, 1998. This year ABSC is expected to make $.19 and $.34 in 2001. Last year ABSC made $.01 per share, its EPS growth is expected to be 1750% this year and 82.43% in 2001. From three months ago its earnings have been raised 11.7% for 2000 and 21.4% for 2001. In the past four quarters is has beat expectations by between 18.75% and 54.55%. It is estimated that it†s growth for the next five years will be around 50%. ABSC has a proprietary enabling technology, agreements with almost every major pharma co., forecast profitability, high growth, strong management team, track record of exceeding earnings forecast, growth industry, small float leading to great price elasticity, and one positive press release after another and most importantly an explosive market. The future of this company is very bright. This sector is very volatile, this is a long term hold. The price hit a high of $140 a few months and has now dropped to $31 7/8. The reason for the drop was due to President Clinton†s comments concerning the Human Genome. Those comments do not affect ABSC, but because the shareholders did not know what Aurora Biosciences does they sold when Clinton said something negative about genomics. He said that when the Human Genome was decoded it would have to be shared. ABSC benefits from genome, it does not sell it. Current customers include American Home Products, Becton Dickinson, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cytovia, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Exelixis Pharmaceuticals, F. Hoffmann- LaRoche Ltd., Genentech, Inc., Glaxo Wellcome, Merck & Co., Inc., National Cancer Institute, Pfizer, Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. and Warner-Lambert Disclaimer: (its really good and it took me a lot of time to phrase it just right, so please read it) I know that the future growth might sound too good to be true and it might actually. And remember these are only ESTIMATES and no matter how conservative I make them sound the company might not fulfill them. This is not an investment advisory service, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The information herein should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities. The information is taken from sources thought to be accurate but there is no guarantee. All due diligence should be done by the reader or their financial advisor.

Social Comparison Theory

Social Comparison Theory With regards to questions about identity, the average person responds by comparing himself to others. However, it is important to point out that the person compares himself to people that are in his immediate vicinity. Comparisons are made based on unique attributes, such as, age, gender, eye color, and height.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Social Comparison Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, the average person relies on distinguishing features in self-description (Kassin, Fein, Markus, 2014). Interestingly, the answer to the question does not remain constant. If the interviewer has the power to change the person’s social surroundings, then, he must also expect a different set of answers based on the same questions. Therefore, the self is a â€Å"relative† social construct (Kassin, Fein, Markus, 2014). The significance of social comparison theory is in the idea that an individual has the capability to change his behavior, and how he perceives himself. Defining Social Comparison Theory The core concept of social comparison theory is the brainchild of Leon Festinger. He pointed out that a person belongs to a particular social group. Festinger added that the said social group influences a person’s opinion and abilities. Social comparison theory asserts that a person’s self-description is dependent on information gleaned from observing family members, friends, acquaintances, and other important person in the lives of the interviewee. Festinger asserted that, â€Å"individuals adopted a group’s standards by comparing their own opinions, and abilities with the consensus in the group, and modifying their views so that they were in accordance with the group’s norms† (Krizan Gibbons, 2014, p.39). Festinger emphasized the idea that â€Å"individuals compare themselves to others in order to seek information about the world and thei r place in it† (Krizan Gibbons, 2014, p.39).  It is important to point out, that to some extent self-description is even influenced by the â€Å"fleeting, everyday exposure to strangers† (Kassin, Fein, Markus, 2014, p.64). Nevertheless, the average person compares himself to those who are similar to him in relevant ways. For example, a college student will determine his reading ability based on how he sees himself in comparison to other college students. He will not compare himself to high school students.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Significance of Social Comparison Theory Social comparison theory’s biggest contribution is the discovery that â€Å"the more uncertain people are, the more they will rely on those comparison for definition and validation† (Gerber, 1999, p.173). As a consequence, â€Å"individuals resolve their uncertainties by reference to groups, and that group definition often comes from comparison with other groups (Gerber, 1999, p.173). One of the problematic stages in personal development occurs during the teenage years when an individual is least uncertain and more vulnerable. Teenagers are prone to make choices that will negatively affect their future. It is therefore interesting to apply social comparison theory in crafting strategies that will help solve social problems involving teenagers. There are a variety of ways that social scientists can apply insights gleaned from the study of social comparison theory. Two of the most exciting areas are in the study of gang-related violence, and the creation of more effective intervention strategies in cases involving alcoholism or drug addiction. In this regard it is important to point out that the family is the â€Å"primary and most influential group for comparison, and for establishment of lifestyle† (Gerber, 1999, p.173). The focus must be on the family. It is imperative to support parents. It is imperative to focus resources to families in order to help parents build a strong family structure. Community resources must be redirected to the family. When it comes to gang-related problems, it is imperative to consider the impact of the group when it comes to validation, and the establishment of the person’s lifestyle. It is therefore foolish to attempt reforming behavior without creating a mechanism that can help the individual receive positive validation and develop a different kind of lifestyle. This is perhaps the reason why Alcoholics Anonymous is successful in helping people change their behavior towards the consumption of liquor. Alcoholics Anonymous created a new group or an environment filled with new social interconnections that help the individual create new social norms. Conclusion Social comparison theory has many applications. This theory offers insights when it comes to personal develop ment and human behavior. However, one of the key aspects of social comparison theory is the way it explains how an individual’s self-description is influenced by social factors that surround him.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Social Comparison Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to this theory, â€Å"self† is a relative construct. This is an interesting insight into human behavior and personal development. This theory can be utilized to solve social issues, such as, gang-related violence and drug addiction. It means that a person is dependent on social factors when it comes to altering behavior. It is therefore important to strengthen family structures. In the struggle against gang-related violence and drug addiction, half the battle is already won if a child belongs to a family that can help him establish a positive lifestyle. With regards to individuals that needed a way out of their troubled past, counselors and intervention specialists must develop a mechanism that will enable patients to generate positive validation. They need a mechanism that will help them establish a new kind of lifestyle. It can be argued that Alcoholics Anonymous is successful in helping people overcome destructive behavior, because they create a new environment that helps patients alter their â€Å"self† construct in a positive way. References Gerber, S. (1999). Enhancing counselor intervention strategies: An integrational  viewpoint. PA: Taylor Francis Group. Kassin, S., Fein, S., Markus, H. (2014). Social psychology. CA: Cengage Learning. Krizan, Z. Gibbons, F. (2014). Communal functions of social comparison.  New York: Cambridge University Press.Advertising Looking for research paper on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

Role and Responsibilities Support Staff Essays

Role and Responsibilities Support Staff Essays Role and Responsibilities Support Staff Essay Role and Responsibilities Support Staff Essay Support staff Teaching assistant (TA) / Learning Support assistant LSA compliments the Class Teacher and support learning for all pupils. works under the guidance of the Class Teacher would not be expected to undertake any direct teaching responsibilities or lead the class, however may be required to supervise the class in the temporary absence of the teacher. Duties and responsibilities can include: planning, delivering and evaluating teaching and learning activities with the Class Teacher, helping to prepare for lessons, assisting pupils who require additional support, observing pupil performance and behaviour, setting up resources and using ICT. Playworkers School Midday Supervisors and Assistants (SMSA) / Lunchtime Supervisors/Assistants look after the welfare of pupils in school during the lunchtime break. Responsibilities and duties can include: supervising pupil behaviour indoors and outdoors, helping younger children with tasks such as cutting up food, ensuring the health and safety of pupils at all times, distributing and tidying away lunchtime resources, assisting with play activities, dealing with any misbehaviour and reporting to a senior member of staff. All midday staff are expected to be aware of safeguarding and child protection legislation and their responsibilities in relation to this. Cover Supervisors (typically found in Secondary schools) to cover short-term absences of teachers such as unexpected sick leave or professional development setting work for pupils in accordance with school policy, behaviour management and supervision, collecting work at the end of the lesson and reporting back to the appropriate senior member of staff. Learning Mentor support, motivate and challenge pupils who are underachieving in schools as a form of pastoral support. to help pupils overcome barriers to learning aused by social, emotional and behavioral problems. Duties and responsibilities identifying pupils who would benefit from mentoring, liaising with parents and carers, implementing strategies to support pupil confidence, listening to and helping pupils resolve a range of personal or social issues, monitoring pupil attendance and working closely with teachers and other professionals across the Children’s Workforce. Caretakers and Cleaning Staff upkeep and mainte nance of the school premises and grounds. maintaining the security of the school during the school day and during any extra-curricular events or activities, dealing with grounds maintenance, carrying out basic repairs, stock taking and supply and developing relationships with outside contractors. Catering Staff planning menus, following guidelines on nutrition and healthy eating, preparing meals, complying with food safety legislation, monitoring and managing supplies within a budget and developing relationships with food suppliers Science ICT Technicians provide valuable information, resources and expertise to support teaching and learning Librarians Maintain library resources; show, encourage and help develop research skills; help with ICT related topic within library environment Clerical and Administrative support staff Schools Business Managers (Bursars) / School Administrator to manage the school’s finances, policies, resources and planning. may lso undertake a range of other bespoke responsibilities to support the smooth running of the school as a centre of the local community. may be part of the senior leadership team in the school and work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Head to plan the staffing, budgets and running of the school. Receptionists, Personal Assistants or Front Office staff provides a key role in the day-to-day running of the school, communication between staff, pupils and parents, handling of staff rotas, parent enquiries, pupil absence and admissions.

Biography of Andrew Young, Civil Rights Activist

Biography of Andrew Young, Civil Rights Activist Andrew Young was born March 12, 1932  in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a pastor, civil rights activist, and former politician. As a Democrat, he was mayor of Atlanta, a U.S. congressman representing Georgia’s 5th District, and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He also served as executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and as pastor of various churches. Andrew Young Full Name: Andrew Jackson Young, Jr.Occupation: Civil rights activist, politician, pastorBorn: March 12, 1932 in New Orleans, LouisianaParents: Daisy Young and Andrew Jackson Young Sr.Education: Dillard University, Howard University, Hartford SeminaryKey Accomplishments: Atlanta mayor, US Ambassador to the United Nations, US House of RepresentativesSpouses: Jean Childs (m. 1954-1994), Carolyn McClain (m. 1996)Children: Andrea, Lisa, Paula, and Andrew Young IIIFamous Quote: â€Å"It is a blessing to die for a cause because you can so easily die for nothing.† Early Years Andrew Young grew up in a middle-class Italian neighborhood in New Orleans. His mother, Daisy Young, was a teacher, and his father, Andrew Young Sr., was a dentist. His family’s privilege, especially relative to African Americans, could not shield Young and his brother, Walt, from the racial tensions of the segregated South. His father so feared for his children’s safety in this environment that he gave them professional boxing lessons to help them protect themselves, if necessary. Andrew Young, American senator and civil-rights leader who began his career as a pastor, also worked with Martin Luther KIng, Jr. Young was the ambassador to the United Nations and the mayor of Atlanta.   CORBIS / Getty Images In 1947, Young graduated from Gilbert Academy and enrolled in Dillard University. He ultimately transferred out of Dillard, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Howard University in 1951. He went on to get a divinity degree from Hartford Theological Seminary in 1955. A Pastor, Pacifist, and Activist Young’s early career as a pastor led to some significant changes in his life. At an Alabama church, he met his first wife, Jean Childs, with whom he would go on to have four children. He also served on the pastoral staffs of Georgia churches. Early in his career, Young took an interest in the philosophy of nonviolence and civil rights. His efforts to register African Americans in the Deep South to vote led him to meet the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and join the Civil Rights Movement. He faced death threats because of his activism but continued to advocate for voting rights. He moved to New York City in 1957 to work with the National Council of Churches, but returned to the South to continue his civil rights activism in Georgia in 1961. He participated in the citizenship schools that taught rural blacks how to read and mobilize politically. African Americans who tried to exercise their voting rights in the Jim Crow South were often presented with literacy tests at the polls, though such tests were not routinely given to white voters. In fact, the examinations were used to intimidate and disenfranchise would-be black voters. Civil rights activist Andrew Young addressing the crowd at the funeral of assassinated American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr (1929 - 1968), Atlanta, Georgia, 9th April 1968.   Archive Photos / Getty Images Young’s involvement with the citizenship schools and his relationship with King resulted in him taking a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement. Having successfully organized anti-segregation marches, Young proved himself a trustworthy activist, and he rose to the highest ranks of the SCLC. He became the organization’s executive director in 1964. During this tenure, he would serve jail time for engaging in civil rights protests in Selma, Alabama, and St. Augustine, Florida. But serving as the SCLCs executive director also led him to help draft important civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Together, these laws helped to strike down Jim Crow in the South. While Young had enjoyed a great deal of success as a civil rights activist, the movement came to a halt with the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. As the turbulent sixties came to an end, Young transitioned out of the SCLC and into the political world. A Rocky Political Career In 1972, Young made history when he became the first black person to serve as a U.S. congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction. This victory came after he lost his bid to be congressman two years earlier. After winning his congressional campaign, Young continued to champion the causes he had as a civil rights activist, including anti-poverty and educational programs. He served in the Congressional Black Caucus and advocated for pacifism; he objected to the Vietnam War and established the U.S. Institute for Peace. Mayor Andy Young (1932- ) announces his bid to run for governor of Georgia with his wife Jean who stands at right. Bettmann  / Getty Images Young left Congress when newly elected President Jimmy Carter appointed him the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 1977. In the role, Young advocated against racial apartheid in South Africa, but in 1979, he inadvertently sparked a controversy that led to his resignation from the post. He had a secret meeting with Zehdi Labib Terzi, the Palestinian Liberation Organizations U.N. observer. This was controversial because the U.S. is an ally of Israel and the Carter administration had promised that none of its officials would meet with the PLO until that organization formally recognized Israel’s existence. President Carter denied any responsibility for Young’s meeting with the PLO and had the unrepentant ambassador resign. Young said he felt that the secret meeting was in the nation’s best interest at the time. The PLO controversy did not interfere with Young’s political career post-White House. In 1981, he successfully campaigned to be Atlanta’s mayor, a post he held for two terms. Afterward, he entered the 1990 race to become the governor of Georgia but lost the campaign. While the loss stung, Young also played a pivotal role in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympic Games to Atlanta. He said he wanted to show the public that Atlanta â€Å"is a world-class city† as well as â€Å"a brave and beautiful city.† Young’s Influence Today In the twenty-first century, Andrew Young has remained relevant. He has served in leadership positions for various organizations, including the National Council of Churches from 2000 to 2001. He also established the Andrew Young Foundation in 2003 to advocate for human rights throughout the African diaspora.   Author Kabir Sehgal, Author and Ambassador Andrew Young, and President Bill Clinton attend the Walk In My Shoes: Conversations Between A Civil Rights Legend and His Godson on The Journey Ahead Book Event at The Paley Center for Media on February 9, 2011 in New York City.   Brian Ach / Getty Images Today, Andrew Young belongs to the select group of activists who directly witnessed the Civil Rights Movement unfold. He has documented his activism in several books, including 1994’s â€Å"A Way Out of No Way† and 2010’s â€Å"Walk in My Shoes: Conversations Between a Civil Rights Legend and His Godson on the Journey Ahead.† Young has won a number of awards, most notably the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He’s also the recipient of the NAACP’s Springarn Medal and the Democratic Party of Georgia’s John Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award. Educational institutions such as Morehouse College and Georgia State University have named the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, respectively, after him. Young’s influential role in the Civil Rights Movement was also captured in the 2014 film â€Å"Selma,† which introduced a new generation of young people to his work. Sources â€Å"Andrew Young Fast Facts.†CNN, Feb. 27, 2019.George, Lisa. â€Å"Andrew Young On 1996 Olympics: ‘We Were Working Together.’† WABE.org, July 21, 2016. â€Å"Young, Andrew Jackson Jr.† History.House.gov.

Changes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Changes - Essay Example array of studies was conducted by Gendreau and Ross is 1987 that proved to be effective in proving certain reforms to be true and arranging the juvenile system is the set order. More researches are carried by the Greenwood and Zimring in 1985 that added several feature to secure the rights of the juvenile offenders and secure the made the juvenile justice system to be respected and responsive in solving the problems of the juvenile offenders. Similar types of researches are carried by the Altschuler and Armstrong in 1984 that made the juvenile justice system different from the general justice system in every method, proceedings and punishments. Most recently, the National Council on Crimes and delinquency evaluated how the system can be made more responsive in minimizing the crime rate by summarizing the previous reforms in the juvenile justice system. These reforms are made by Lipsey and other colleges of him in

Marketing Plan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing Plan - Research Paper Example Satellite television has premium charges and many people cannot afford its charges. The Beat Broadcasting Network realized this and decided to proceed with the cable television. In so doing it came up with a product service called biTV: which is internet Television and has drawn up a marketing plan to facilitate the implementation of the service to many of its subscribers. Executive Summary of Marketing Plan The Beat Broadcasting Network is an international media company based in America that specializes in cable-based television broadcasting. Through a comprehensive market research the company has realized the importance of cable television especially to the upcoming markets in other continents such as Africa. The company has decided to launch a new television service in the market called the biTV service. This is internet television that is aimed at providing flexible content and affordable prices to the company’s subscribers. Viewers will subscribe to the service and depend ing on the duration of their subscription will access various contents and channels that will be streamed directly to their home Television or PC as long as they are connected to the internet. The purpose of this service is to maximize on sales and profits and to penetrate other continents that the company is yet to make a huge impact. The pricing will be low and this is aimed at getting more people to identify with the company and secondly because the target population is the young generation that are still unstable financially. This service aims at changing the state of the internet television in the market by providing flexible coverage and content to everyone at affordable prices. Company Overview Beat TV was launched in in 1996 as the fifth cable television provider. The company was established from a sister company named The Beat News Network that has a global coverage. This company is owned by two American brothers and renowned journalists who began it to provide entertainmen t and maximize on advertisements in the industry. The Beat Television network has many affiliates and these operate many entertainment channels internationally, broadcasting programs in the US and in local countries. The company was rated as one of the best cable TV in a survey covering people aged between 16 and 49 coming second to Fox TV. It became popular because of its programs that majorly target the young generation producing content that the youths easily identify with and a wide range of other programs that cover a majority of the age groups unlike other cable television networks. The company is fifteen years old and enjoys coverage globally targeting the young and the middle age group in America and the rest of the world. Company has no partnerships but enjoys the coverage of the parent company, The Beat Broadcasting Network that has always supported its marketing activities, though not all activities that are aired by the beat Network are aired by the Beat Television. Rece nt successes in entering the African market have given it a big boost keeping in mind that most American Television networks operate in Europe and Asia. It has partnered with local television networks to air content both local and foreign especially movies and series. The company’s total revenue increased from 1.5 billion in 2009 to 1.8 billion in 2010 representing a 16 percent increase in revenue. This was attributed to the expansion in the African markets and the

Commentary on Endo Shusakus When I Whistle Essay

Commentary on Endo Shusakus When I Whistle - Essay Example When Ueda finally mentions a teacher that he knows will make Ozu recognize him, he touches him, a gesture considered an affirmation to reaffirm the recall of what transpired. At the mention of the teacher ('old Rat Hole'), Endo has slowly started to weave a tapestry of events by which Ozu will recall his past. Ozu's "half pleased and half pained smile" elicits questions from the readers - was he half pleased to realize he actually remembered, or that he was meeting someone from his past Was he half pained because he realizes how distant it was Ozu's pronouncement that he does not attend any of the reunions reflects his personality as a simple man. Reunions are not a special event for him, especially with those who did not contribute much in his life and therefore weren't actually given a special place in his memory; the same does for him during reunions. He was not within the capacity nor is he the type to spend time to mingle and socialize. Of the three characters, Ozu is the most interesting. He is indeed the main protagonist, but rather have the entire novel revolve around him, the first part starts with the narration of how special people and events in Ozu's life was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Endo plainly presents the setting and environment by which his novel is to start - a time when industrialization was sure to stay in Japan. The train passed Lake Hamana. Smoke flowed slowly from the factor chimneys. In the distance, the white buildings of a housing development stretched out in the afternoon sun. (Endo 2) It was during the 1970s that Japan experienced a tremendous shift since the arrival of manufacturing, where industrialization became widely implemented, and a new way of life was slowly being suggested and eventually superseded the traditional way of life in Japan. Settlers in the cities grew in number as jobs in industrial factories also increased. Upon mentioning by Ueda that their former school, Nada Middle-School, has now become the topnotch education institution in their country, Ozu recognizes the immense change - it used to be a place that housed "a lot of the students who couldn't make it into any other middle school" (1). Ozu was not ignorant; he has already heard of the news about their former middle-school, even learning that some parents move near the school in order to have their children attend the school. Such efforts just so parents can support their children as they attend the brightest school in the country affirms the notion of how attaining a grand education has now become the primary goal of families inculcated from parents to children to grandchildren, forgetting the simplicities of a basic life that used to be what Japan had, usually traditional way of life that is content with produce from the farm or from fishing. When Ozu's son tells him , "I just can't believe you went to Nada, Dad," (2) Endo introduces us to this new character who, as we learn through the novel, was a young struggling doctor with desires constituting the Western concepts of life, particularly skilled workers and industrialization, at a time when investing on securing children a good education to declare their social status as somewhere up the