New Heritage Doll Company Capital Budgeting - 3226 Words

New Heritage Doll Company: Capital Budgeting In mid-September of 2010/ Emily Harris, vice president of New Heritage Doll Companys production division, was weighing project proposals for the companys upcoming capital budgeting meetings in October. Two proposals stood out based on their potential to strengthen the divisions innovative product lines and drive future growth. However, due to constraints on financial and managerial resources, Harris knew it was possible that the firms capital budgeting committee would decline to approve both projects. She also knew that New Heritages licensing and retail divisions would promote compelling projects of their own. Consequently, Harris had to be prepared to recommend one of her projects over†¦show more content†¦.# Ã'„. ~ New Heritages Production Division Production was New Heritages largest division as measured by total assets, and easily its most asset-intensive. Approximately 75% of the divisions sales were made to the companys retailing division, with the remaining 25% comprising private label goods manufactured for other firms. Table 1 summarizes the divisions various sources of revenue and operating income. Table 1 |New Heritage|Private Label|Total| Production Division Data:|Dolls|Accessories|Dolls|Accessories|| Revenue (S millions)|80|14|26|5|$125| Operating Income (S millions)|4.4|0.5|2.3|0.3|S 7.5| New Heritages dolls and accessories were offered under distinct brands with different price points, targeting girls between the ages of 3 and 12 years. The companys baby dolls were generally priced from $15-$30, and were offered to younger girls in earlier stages of development. These dolls typically came with a birth certificate and a short personal history. Dolls in the higher-end of this category incorporated technology that produced a limited amount of speech and motion. For the S75-S150 price range, New Heritage produced a line of heirloom-quality dolls and accessories. These were designed to appeal to older girls and to convey a sense of cultural and family tradition among grandmothers, mothers, and daughters. The heirloom dolls had more elaborate accessories and personal histories. Finally, the company offered a line of high-end dollsShow MoreRelatedNew Heritage Doll Company : Capital Budgeting1321 Words   |  6 PagesNew Heritage Doll Company: Capital Budgeting The New Heritage Doll Company offered a unique line of dolls as an alternative to its competitors, and it wanted to extend its brand for future growth. The company has three operating divisions: production, retailing and licensing. All three divisions planned to promote projects of their own to compete for the same limited resources. Emily Harris, vice president of the production division, had to be prepared to select one of the two project proposalsRead MoreNew Heritage Doll Company: Capital Budgeting3236 Words   |  13 PagesNew Heritage Doll Company: Capital Budgeting In mid-September of 2010/ Emily Harris, vice president of New Heritage Doll Companys production division, was weighing project proposals for the companys upcoming capital budgeting meetings in October. Two proposals stood out based on their potential to strengthen the divisions innovative product lines and drive future growth. However, due to constraints on financial and managerial resources, Harris knew it was possible that the firms capital budgetingRead MoreThe New Heritage Doll Company : Capital Budgeting902 Words   |  4 PagesThe New Heritage Doll Company: Capital Budgeting Summary The New Heritage Doll Company was founded in 1985 by Ingrid Beckwith, a retired psychologist, who specialized in child development. She was also a grandmother of two young girls. Beckwith created her downline to target young girls ages 3 to 12 years old. She even had a baby doll line targeting even younger girls and â€Å"celebrity† line for teens. Her goal was to develop girl s imagination and foster positive self-image. To do this she createdRead MoreNew Heritage Doll Company Write Up1317 Words   |  6 PagesChmykhalo-Friermood Professor N. Cohen FINA 6273-Section 10 October 23, 2014 New Heritage Doll Company Write-up Introduction New Heritage Doll Company is a firm that has ventured into doll production which has sought to extend its brand in order to broaden its market framework and more importantly capitalize on high levels of customer loyalty. The vice president of the Company, Emily Harris, is to forward her project proposal to the Budgeting Committee for evaluation. The Vice-president’s objective for proposingRead MoreNew Heritage Company Essay3998 Words   |  16 PagesNEW HERITAGE DOLL COMPANY Capital Budgeting NEW HERITAGE DOLL COMPANY Capital Budgeting Brief Case Brief Case Brief Case Brief Case Brief Case Brief Case Brief Case Brief Case To: CFO (New Heritage Doll Company) From: Date: 11/16/12 RE: NEW HERITAGE DOLL COMPANY To: CFO (New Heritage Doll Company) From: Date: 11/16/12 RE: NEW HERITAGE DOLL COMPANY Here a composite report is advanced on the toy industry, New Heritage Doll Company and the evaluation ofRead MoreCapital Budgeting Is A Means By Which Companies Can Evaluate The Long Term Economic Impact On Investment Projects1490 Words   |  6 PagesCapital budgeting is a means by which companies can evaluate the long-term economic impact of proposed investment projects. It comprises both a financial and investment component. The complex nature of capital budgeting offers measurability and accountability for making financial decisions regarding which investments are worthwhile in meeting an organization’s strategic plan. Financial simulations offer the opportunity to understand the complexity of capital budgeting. The New Heritage Doll CompanyRead MoreCapital Budgeting Hbr2246 Words   |  9 PagesN F OR EG R OU ND R E A D IN G Finance: Capital Budgeting Company  and  Industry  Overview   The  New  Heritage  Doll  Company,  based  in  Sacramento,  California,  was  a  privately  held  company   with   450   employees   and   approximately   $245   million   in   fiscal   2009   revenues.   This   represented   approximately  8%  of  the  $3.1  billion  U.S.  doll  industry,  which  was  projected  to  grow  by  2%  annually   to  $3.4  billion  in  retail  sales  by  2013.  Ã‚  In  turn,  the  doll  industry  represented  a  7.4%  share  of  the  total   Read MoreDolls and New Heritage Doll3976 Words   |  16 Pagespresident of New Heritage Doll Company’s production division, was weighing project proposals for the company’s upcoming capital budgeting meetings in October. Two proposals stood out based on their potential to strengthen the division’s innovative product lines and drive future growth. However, due to constraints on financial and managerial resources, Harris knew it was possible that the firm’s capital budgeting committee would decline to approve both projects. She also knew that New Heritage’sRead MoreSimulation Methods1214 Words   |  5 PagesCase Study admin | April 3, 2013 Case Study Acting as the CEO of New Heritage Doll company and need to decide which investment projects can create values for shareholders’ wealth so that the company can receive funding in the next five years. Student’s task is to evaluate proposed projects using the financial and qualitative information provided and to select projects to be approved for a given year’s investment plan using any evaluation criteria deem appropriate. Students are to submit the simulationRead MoreNew Heritage Doll1010 Words   |  5 PagesNew Heritage Doll Company Capital Budgeting Analysis The New Heritage Doll Company is a company that makes dolls for children between the ages 3 – 12 years. The company has revenues of 245 million USD and an operating profit of 24 million USD. The company has three major divisions – The Retailing division, the Licensing division and the Production division. The head of the production division has to choose between two capital intensive projects that have been presented to her - the â€Å"Make My Doll

The Philosophy of Man Free Essays

The Philosophy of Man â€Å"What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? † (NASB1995) This verse is taken from Psalm 8:4, I cited this verse on the account of my wonder and curiosity on what really is man? I guess this question has already been brought up years ago by scribes, teachers, politicians, scientist and even philosophers. Even David, the man after God’s own heart has also asked on what is on this man that even the God of universe is so fond of him. With all reasons, judgments, questions has been clashed, I have no better answer than other great philosophers. We will write a custom essay sample on The Philosophy of Man or any similar topic only for you Order Now But let me try to expound my idea on this notion truthfully. There are many definitions of man. Some says that man is a rational animal. Others would say that man is a being and has a special place in the universe on the account of their abilities and level of reasoning. While others argued that one thing to observe that humans are but a tiny aspect of the universe and even of life on our own planet. Whatever their justifications may be, I hold unto this one truth that I believe in, Man is created in the image and likeness of God. I’m not saying this because I am a Christian but because I have learned not to depend solely on the knowledge of this world but on the wisdom from God. By simply understanding that man is created in the image and likeness of God, then surely man has a great value. Therefore, every human being is bestowed with dignity and his sense of being. I believe that we are all equal here; sinners or saints, rich or poor are all given by dignity. Thus, one cannot say that I am better off with the others. Man is a spiritual being because of the spiritual acts that he does. This includes intellection and reasoning. Indeed, man is a rational animal. Man is formed as the highest creation since being rational, he can think more, he is free to choose and decide, he can explore, and he can do all things according to his goal that will lead him to happiness as well  as to see the good. Moreover, by its uniqueness, soul is  the source of the  things of man  can do what other cannot do. Each one is  unique and thus each one can be distinguished by each soul that describe who you are. Taking up Philosophy of Man subject has been subject to my queries before. Why do we have to take up this when our field is on medical and nursing. It was later then that I realized that this course subject is vital because it gives us a thorough understanding on our patients especially the dignity of humans. Astounding as it was, I found this subject to be a challenging one because it harnessed the way we think and reason out. It taught us to examine ourselves, to look beyond one perspective and to dug deeper. Another essential attribute of man is his freewill. Freewill is the capacity to choose. If by the word â€Å"free† one means that people have the ability to make certain choices on their own free from compulsion, force, or coercion then the answer is â€Å"yes. † For example, people have the ability to choose to go to the store or stay home, to buy a newspaper or not, to eat beef or to eat fish, etc. such choices are within the natural capacity of human beings. People are free to act according to their nature. We humans are moved not by instinct but ideas. I think that this is one of the greatest attribute in man. We are not robots controlled by any manual operations or animals driven by instinct. Yes, we are creations but our creator never imposed on us but give us freewill. I have also pondered out that man is a seeker of happiness. We are all different but we also have something in common and that is our pursuit of happiness. We study hard, get a decent job, find a partner, start our own family, these are all means to gain happiness. Happiness, we all know, comes with the possession of some good; but where, or, in the possession of what good is perfect happiness to be found. However, there’s one thing that I’ve realized, no matter how happy we could be in this world, we would not be content because we are made for something eternal. To be loved is to be known and to be known is to be loved. Man is called to love and communion. I guess this is the basis of our morality everything which is governed by love. Man is not made to be alone. That is why Eve was created for Adam. I truly believed that there is no greater joy to love and be loved in return. Love enables a person to be good and self-giving which creates the good of persons and of communities. How to cite The Philosophy of Man, Essay examples

Personal Ethic Statement Essay Sample free essay sample

I choose to pattern my personal moralss in every facet of my life. whether in my workplace. at school. or in my place. In the workplace. you will necessitate to watch your tone and attitude and be punctual. At school. you need to do certain you have diligence and work as a squad. At place. you should pattern your behaviour and learn stewardship to your kids. All of these will go my personal ethic statement. * I choose to pattern my personal moralss in my workplace because I have learned to be respectful. You should ever be cautious about your tone and your attitude towards your coworkers. Besides. it is of import to demo unity. You can demo unity by being punctual. Always be early for work because if you are ever tardily. it can demo that you do non care about your occupation. Besides. you should non take any cutoffs. I know it is easier to happen some cringle holes because you get the occupation done faster. We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Ethic Statement Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page but you should besides care about acquiring the occupation done right. * I besides choose to pattern my personal moralss in my school. It is of import to me to hold diligence. I want to be disciplined plenty to acquire the work to the full completed and turned in on clip. It is besides of import to hold concentration. If you are non wholly concentrating on your school work. you work will demo that. Next. it is of import to larn the construct of squad work. You should ever make your portion of the work. Make non anticipate your squad to make the work for you and you still earn the recognition. Besides. be aware of diverseness. Your squad could hold different positions and civilization. Have an unfastened ear towards what they say and be respectful. * Last. I choose to pattern my personal moralss in my ain place. I want to learn my kids love. clemency and grace by set uping household values. I besides want to pattern good behaviour so that they will turn up with the same attitude towards other people. I besides want to learn the construct of stewardship. It is of import for my household to larn how to pull off their fundss and larn the importance of tithing. * Above all. it is of import to do ethical determinations no affair where you are at. Workplace. school. and place. are merely a few of those topographic points. When you learn to do ethical determinations. non merely will you profit from it. but your household will besides profit. M aking ethical determinations will develop your character and better your lifestyl

One Of The Most Memorable And Meaningful Socratic Quotes Essays

One of the most memorable and meaningful Socratic quotes applies well when in context of Sophocles' Theban Trilogy. The unexamined life is not worth living, proclaims Socrates. He could have meant many things by this statement, and in relation to the play, the meaning is found to be even more complex. Indeed, the situation of Oedipus, king of Thebes, the truth of this statement is in question. Would Oedipus have been better off if he was blind to the knowledge of his birthing and the fate which was foretold to someday befall him? Truly though, his life would have been a far better and easier path had he never known about his true origins. His life in Corinth would have been long and prosperous, and Thebes would have lived on under King Laius. In fact, everyone would have been better off in the long run if Oedipus had not ventured out beyond the walls of Corinth. So is it worth living an examined life? Socrates had made this statement long after the creation of the Theban Trilogy. In the context of his own time, this was meant to imply that life must be examined and reflected upon, known and discovered by each individual philosopher to better enrich life for all. Yet in terms of Sophoclean drama, specifically Oedipus Rex, this was meant in a vastly different way. The unexamined life was one that was in the dark, unknown as to what fate lied beyond every turn and irony of living. Oedipus, up to the point in which he heard the comment in the tavern in Corinth, lived an unexamined life. To Socrates, he was an unfulfilled man, one who deserved to know more, one who not complete. However, in a much less metaphysical sense, Oedipus' life was complete, in that he had all that he needed, and was living a happy and fruitful life. As the drama progresses, he finds out more and more, learning exactly what the implications of his birth was, he suffers the fate for examining his life. So what Socrates had meant, that the life which was not rich with self exploration and reflection was not worth living, was indeed different than its application in terms of Oedipus, who's life was unexamined, yet complete. The question arises, what would life have been like, if Oedipus had not discovered his true origins? If he had stayed in Corinth, would this have ever happened? We find that indeed, we would have had no story, if not for that lone comment of a drunkard which sparked the fire of rebellion in the young prince Oedipus. He ventured out to Delphi, to pry knowledge of his background out of it, and to discover if this was indeed the truth, despite the fact that his adopted parents of Corinth had assured him of it falseness. Oedipus leaves Corinth, fulfilling the Socratic idea of the unexamined life. However, we must evaluate the eventual consequences of his actions and the implications which they possess. What becomes of his fateful journey out of Corinth leads to the downfall of an entire city and family line. If he had not murdered King Laius, the Sphinx would have never descended upon Thebes, he would have never fulfilled the prophecy, and all would have lived on in a relative peace and tranquillity. Once examining these aspects of the relationship between the quote and Oedipus Rex, we can come to a final examination of its implications. The question which was addressed, that of the value of the examined life, can be answered. Indeed, if Oedipus had not ventured beyond the protective walls of his adopted home, would anything such as what occurred in the play ever have transpired? If Oedipus had not pursued that answers to the mysteries that plagued him, despite the pleading warnings of I?casta, in fact his life would have been contented and happy. Instead, he follows the Socratic method of exploration and discovery, and proceeds down the path of pain and distraught. Was, after it was over, all worth it? We find that no, it was not. Being content and suited with what he knew of himself would have saved Oedipus and his children/siblings much agony. However, in the typical Greek tragedy, we must see his fall from grace through, which is indeed what happens. In the bliss of ignorance, much pain and difficulty is averted. For what worries does the ignorant man have? In the case of Oedipus, ignorance would have suited him fine. The Socratic quote the unexamined life is not worth living certainly doesn't hold true in the case of

How to Use Sample RD Grade Community Essay

How to Use Sample RD Grade Community EssayWith the internet at our fingertips, obtaining sample RD grade community essays has never been easier. Online resources and programs have made the process of writing a sample in no time and with a click of the mouse or keyboard. The possibilities are endless when writing a sample essay, not to mention that you can take a lot of pride in it.For students who prefer online assignments or programs, simply search for the best one that is available. Many different sites offer their own samples for both online students and those who are going to submit them to the teacher. The site may have basic or more advanced versions, so you can find the best ones that suit your needs. You can also ask for help from the teacher, which is always good when looking for sample essays.You can go through sample essays online and see how the writer handles topics. How does the writer frame their statements, how much does the author use slang and if the writer uses spe cific words or phrases, what are they? These are the things that you can use when grading the essay, so make sure you use these questions to improve your grade as well.One of the best ways to make sure you get the most out of an assignment is to read through the sample and see how the writer used specific keywords. This is very important, as some sites provide examples of how well they use certain words. If you're using a sample essay for your written examination, check the examples that the site provides. For example, a sample for 'how to be a kick-ass girl' will give you a better idea of how the writer might write the same essay using other words, rather than just using one specific word.Other things to look for are examples of the style of the writing and how well the essay flows. Also check the tone and diction, as well as how many spelling errors the writer has.Asking someone else to grade the sample is also a good idea. Not only does this ensure you get the best possible grade , but you also can offer them guidance on how to improve their grades.Some of the online resources can even let you take quizzes to find your own strengths and weaknesses. This can help improve your grades and make your essay better overall.

Free Essays on Honor As Viewed In Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun

Honor as Viewed in Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun Webster’s dictionary defines honor as â€Å"a keen sense of ethical conduct; one’s word given as guarantee of performance†. The characters in Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun are each a vivid depiction of this definition. Beginning with Louisa Ellis, whom is a prim and proper woman engaged to a man she no longer knows and does not love, but none the less will marry because she has committed to doing so. Leading next to Joe Dagget, the mannerly fiancà © of Louisa’s whom has fallen in love with another woman, but will go through with the marriage to Louisa because not doing so would make him less of an honorable man. And ending with Lily Dyer, the young woman who captured Joe Dagget’s heart, but would not dream of letting him back out of his engagement to Louisa because â€Å"Honor’s honor, an’ right’s right. I’d never think anything of any man that went against ‘em for me or any other girl†¦Ã¢â ‚¬  (1619). Freeman’s story gives the reader a glance at how practicing honor and integrity can destroy the lives of those whom live a life of honor, just as Louisa Ellis, Joe Dagget, and Lily Dyer. In the fourteen years that Joe Dagget had been away from Louisa, she had become a self-sufficient woman whom was content with her quiet homely life. Louisa, a reputable lady, had developed a life style that she was accustomed to and this routine life made her happy. Upon Joe Dagget’s return Louisa was now confronted with the issue of having to sacrifice her comfortable way of living for the sake of keeping her honor. If she were to refuse Joe Dagget after his return, she would be going back on her word, therefore making her a less than respectable woman. Although this compromise to many is small, Freeman expounds upon the effect marrying Joe Dagget would have on Louisa. She would not merely be giving up her home to live with the man she loved, but she would be gi... Free Essays on Honor As Viewed In Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun Free Essays on Honor As Viewed In Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun Honor as Viewed in Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun Webster’s dictionary defines honor as â€Å"a keen sense of ethical conduct; one’s word given as guarantee of performance†. The characters in Mary Wilkins Freeman’s A New England Nun are each a vivid depiction of this definition. Beginning with Louisa Ellis, whom is a prim and proper woman engaged to a man she no longer knows and does not love, but none the less will marry because she has committed to doing so. Leading next to Joe Dagget, the mannerly fiancà © of Louisa’s whom has fallen in love with another woman, but will go through with the marriage to Louisa because not doing so would make him less of an honorable man. And ending with Lily Dyer, the young woman who captured Joe Dagget’s heart, but would not dream of letting him back out of his engagement to Louisa because â€Å"Honor’s honor, an’ right’s right. I’d never think anything of any man that went against ‘em for me or any other girl†¦Ã¢â ‚¬  (1619). Freeman’s story gives the reader a glance at how practicing honor and integrity can destroy the lives of those whom live a life of honor, just as Louisa Ellis, Joe Dagget, and Lily Dyer. In the fourteen years that Joe Dagget had been away from Louisa, she had become a self-sufficient woman whom was content with her quiet homely life. Louisa, a reputable lady, had developed a life style that she was accustomed to and this routine life made her happy. Upon Joe Dagget’s return Louisa was now confronted with the issue of having to sacrifice her comfortable way of living for the sake of keeping her honor. If she were to refuse Joe Dagget after his return, she would be going back on her word, therefore making her a less than respectable woman. Although this compromise to many is small, Freeman expounds upon the effect marrying Joe Dagget would have on Louisa. She would not merely be giving up her home to live with the man she loved, but she would be gi...

Analysis of Tenth of December by George Saunders

Analysis of Tenth of December by George Saunders George Saunders deeply moving story Tenth of December originally appeared in the October 31, 2011, issue of The New Yorker. It was later included in his well-received 2013 collection, Tenth of December, which was a bestseller and a National Book Award finalist. Tenth of December is one of the freshest and most compelling contemporary stories, yet we find it almost impossible to talk about the story and its meaning without making it sound trite (something along the lines of, A boy helps a suicidal man find the will to live, or, A suicidal man learns to appreciate the beauty of life). We have to chalk this up to Saunders ability to present familiar themes (yes, the little things in life are beautiful, and no, life isnt always neat and clean) as if were seeing them for the first time. If you havent read Tenth of December, do yourself a favor and read it now. Below are some of the features of the story that particularly stand out; perhaps theyll resonate for you, too. Dreamlike Narrative The story shifts constantly from the real to the ideal, to the imagined, to the remembered. Like the 11-year-old protagonist of Flannery OConnors The Turkey, the boy in Saunders story, Robin, walks through the woods imagining himself a hero. He trudges through the woods tracking imaginary creatures called Nethers, who have kidnapped his alluring classmate, Suzanne Bledsoe. Reality merges seamlessly with Robins pretend world as he glances at a thermometer reading 10 degrees (That made it real) and also as he begins to follow actual human footprints while still pretending that hes tracking a Nether. When he finds a winter coat and decides to follow the footsteps so he can return it to its owner, he recognizes that [i]t was a rescue. A real rescue, at last, sort of. Don Eber, the terminally ill 53-year-old man in the story, also holds conversations in his head. He is pursuing his own imagined heroics- in this case, going into the wilderness to freeze to death in order to spare his wife and children the suffering of caring for him as his illness progresses. His own conflicted feelings about his plan come out in the form of imagined conversations with adult figures from his childhood and finally, in the grateful dialogue, he imagines between his surviving children when they realize how selfless hes been. He considers all the dreams hell never achieve (such as delivering his major national speech on compassion), which seems not so different from fighting Nethers and saving Suzanne- these fantasies seem unlikely to happen even if Eber lives another 100 years. The effect of the movement between real and imagined is dreamlike and surreal- an effect that is only heightened in the frozen landscape, especially when Eber enters the hallucinations of hypothermia. Reality Wins Even from the beginning, Robins fantasies cant make a clean break from reality. He imagines the Nethers will torture him but only in ways he could actually take. He imagines that Suzanne will invite him to her pool, telling him, Its cool if you swim with your shirt on. By the time he has survived a near drowning and a near freezing, Robin is solidly grounded in reality.  He starts to imagine what Suzanne might say, then stops himself, thinking, Ugh. That was done, that was stupid, talking in your head to some girl who in real life called you Roger. Eber, too, is pursuing an unrealistic fantasy that he will eventually have to give up. Terminal illness transformed his own kind stepfather into a brutal creature he thinks of only as THAT. Eber- already tangled in his own deteriorating ability to find accurate words- is determined to avoid a similar fate. He thinks: Then it would be done. He would have preempted all future debasement. All his fears about the coming months would be mute. Moot.   But this incredible opportunity to end things with dignity is interrupted when he sees Robin moving dangerously across the ice carrying his- Ebers- coat. Eber greets this revelation with a perfectly prosaic, Oh, for shitsake. His fantasy of an ideal, poetic passing wont come to be, a fact readers might have guessed when he landed on mute rather than moot. Interdependence and Integration The rescues in this story are beautifully intertwined. Eber rescues Robin from the cold (if not from the actual pond), but Robin would never have fallen into the pond in the first place if he hadnt tried to rescue Eber by taking his coat to him. Robin, in turn, saves Eber from the cold by sending his mother to go get him. But Robin has already saved Eber from suicide by falling into the pond. The immediate need to save Robin forces Eber into the present. And being in the present seems to help integrate Ebers various selves, past and present. Saunders writes: Suddenly he was not purely the dying guy who woke nights in the med-bed thinking, Make this not true make this not true, but again, partly, the guy who used to put bananas in the freezer, then crack them on the counter and pour chocolate over the broken chunks, the guy who’d once stood outside a classroom window in a rainstorm to see how Jodi was faring. Eventually, Eber begins to see the illness (and its inevitable indignities) not as negating his previous self but simply as being one part of who he is. Likewise, he rejects the impulse to hide his suicide attempt (and its revelation of his fear) from his children, because it, too, is part of who he is. As he integrates his vision of himself, he is able to integrate his gentle, loving stepfather with the vitriolic brute he became in the end. Remembering the generous way his desperately ill stepfather listened attentively to Ebers presentation on manatees, Eber sees that there are drops of goodness to be had even in the worst situations. Though he and his wife are in unfamiliar territory, stumbling a bit on a swell in the floor of this stranger’s house, they are together.