First experience to a foreign country Essay

I have an aunt who has been living in the United States since she was eighteen years old and she used to invite me to stay with her many times. One day I decided to go. Staying with her and her family was one of the greatest experiences in my life. Besides learning a new language, I made new friends and I really got into the culture of a great and beautiful country. When I arrived there, I got very excited. First, I was excited because it was my first time in a foreign country, and second because I was going to live something really new in my life. On the other hand, learning English wasn’t an easy process because my aunt used to speak just Portuguese with me; I used to take English classes just twice a week and all the students were foreign too. My experience of learning English in a regular course was limited to this little experience and a short period taking English as a Second Language at the local College. Thus, from that period until de end of the time there, I learned the language with the people from the city and the new friends I had met. Besides the experience of studying a new language, making new friends was the best aspect of living abroad. I had a girlfriend who lived in a beautiful city by the Pacific Ocean and I used to spend every weekend with her. We used to go out often and in one of these times I met my first American boyfriend. He was handsome and very kind and we had a great time together. He took me to many interesting places and showed me the authentic American way of life by introducing me to his family, his friends and his culture. Moreover, going out constantly and talking to him helped me to improve the skills with the language and mainly to be familiar with the American people and their habits and customs. Another great experience I had was working as a babysitter. Once I read in the newspaper an advertisement looking for a foreign girl to take care of two children. At first I got really scared with the big responsibility of taking care of two children, but I decided to live this new adventure. The family’s house was in a very nice place by the ocean and the children were very cute and curious about my â€Å"weird accent†. In spite of the fact that this new experience wasn’t easy due to my lack of practice at that time,  everything went well and the whole situation was very meaningful to my life.

Mexico Current Issues: Drug War

?Stefan Tian Period 2 War in the Cities Recently, Mexico has been facing a horrendous civil war. This internal conflict is coming from the country’s powerful drug leaders. This epic drug war was been taking place ever since these â€Å"cartels† relocated from the South American nation of Columbia to Mexico in the mid 1980s. since then , this bloody conflict has arose several issues in Mexico. Mexico’s new president, Felipe Calderon, just recently launched an all out military campaign against these drug lords in 2007. This campaign included increased military personnel stationed in locations of intense combat. These increased troops eventually ammounted to more than 25,000 troops stationed throughout Mexico(1). But still, this drug war rages on and has dramatically affected Mexico in negative ways. If not stopped, this drug war will continually drag down the Mexican economy as well as the continued corruption of the Mexican infrastructure. One of the more shocking results of this ongoing drug war is its diminishing effect on the Mexican economy. This horrendous civil war, unfortunately takes place on Mexican soil. Specifically, it takes place in the bustling urban cities that make up Mexico’s tourism and industrial trade. For example, one of the most heated spots of this drug war is at Tijuana. This is obviousley due to its close proximity to the United States. Tijuana faces constant suburban warfare between the cartels and the mexican military. This conflict in Tijuana climaxed on April 26, 2008 when a major battle took place and ended up in the deaths of 17 people(2). Because of this extreme violence , the citizens, as well as factories of Tijuana are scared to go out of their homes or begin to operate. They have reached a mere standstill. This is a huge problem because Tijuana is Mexico’s sixth largest city and its annual GDP is higher than the nation’s average by 35,000. Its GDP is the 3rd highest in the country, closely trailing Cancun and Mexico City(3). These conflicts have been immobilizing whole cities, such as Tijuana, the whole state of Michoacan, Morelia, and Tijuana. These battles have not only been a direct detriment to the economy, but they have also provided many indirect factors. Because of all the crime and violence occuring in Mexico, foreign investors are beginning to worry about their investments. They are starting withdraw some of the money that they had put into Mexico in fear of governmental collapse. According to Mexican Finance Minister, Agustin Carstens,†the deterioriating security level is reducing gross domsetic product annually by 1 percent in Latin America’s second-largest economy. †(4) This one percent decrease is from the withdrawal of investors alone, not including the immobilization of cities and slowing of production. Now, some may argue that the drug industry has been beneficial to the Mexican economy. They claim that the illegal drug trade has been a vital part of Mexico’s international trade. According to the United Nations, the annual revenue generated by the illegal drug industry is at 400 billion dollars. (6) This money is in turn introduced to the Mexican economy, giving it substantial stipulus. While, this may be true, we have to look at the fact that in the process of acquiring this money, people’s lives were held in danger. In the process of this war, over 7768 people’s lives have been lost. (5) Also, the money that the Mexican federal government put in to counteract these illegal practices is also substantial. The 400 billion dollars gained from this trade is not worth the thousands of lives sacrificed for it. The economy has been lowering in a drastically sharp manor due to this drug war. Another major consequence of this raging drug war is that it’s corrupting affect on the Mexican infrastructure. The drug cartels have infiltrated the core of the Mexican government. They have been able to corrupt the very federal police that is supposed to combat them. Their vast influence has been able to penetrate the supposed upholders of the law. The Attorney Geenral of Mexico did a scan of his federal police force and found that 1/5 of all federal officers are now put under investigation for criminal activity. Also, 1500 AFI’s are also put under criminal activity. (7) This creates a severe unresting feeling in the mexican population as to whether who they can trust. If the drug cartels had already infiltrated the system to the point that they had influences in the very law enforcement department, that is an extensive amount of corruption. The reasons for this corruption is that these cops and federal agents see the kind of money that these cartels generate in the course of a year and they flock to them. They have a considerable amount of revenue, and these cartels know that bribing these officers would help in their peration by ten-fold. The mexican government needs to be careful of their law enforcement department and purge their systems regularly in order to get rid of the corrupted officers. This Mexican drug war has become more than just a nation wide epidemic. Its influences have begun to spread farther, into the United States as well as other South American nations. Once we do settle this conflict with the cartels, a system wide purging is needed too of the government infrastructure. What would probably work better is a whole reorganization of the sytem in order to make sure that no corrupt officers hold any power. Mexico needs to keep this situation under control in order to become one of the top world powers that it currently has the potential to be. 1. http://www. iht. com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/america/LA_GEN_Mexico_Drug_Violence. php 2. http://www. reuters. com/article/newsOne/idUSN2639514820080427 3. http://www. inegi. gob. mx/lib/buscador/busqueda. aspx? s=est&textoBus=tijuana&e=&seccionBus=bieb 4. http://www. bloomberg. com/apps/news? pid=20601087&sid=akDCw. fUKYOc&refer=home 5. http://www. eluniversal. com. mx/notas/560074. html 6. http://www. dpft. org/hernandez/ 7. ttp://ftp. fas. org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215. pdf Annotated Bibliography Cook,Colleen â€Å"Mexico’s Drug Cartels† CRS Report for Congress 2007, Oct 17. http://ftp. fas. org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215. pdf Epstein, Jerry â€Å"Esquiel Hernandez Killing† Drug Policy Forum 1998, March 15 http://www. dpft. org/hernandez/ Unknown â€Å"Ejecuciones rompen record: van cinco mil† El Universal 2008, December. http: //www. eluniversal. com. mx/notas/560074. html Gould, Jens â€Å"Mexico’s Drug War turns into Terrorism† Bloomberg 2008, Oct 20 http://www. bloomberg. com/apps/news? pid=20601087&sid=akDCw. UKYOc&refe r=home Unknown â€Å"Banco de Informacion Economica† Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas y Geografia 2005, Jun 4 http://www. inegi. gob. mx/lib/buscador/busqueda. aspx? s=est&textoBus=tijuana&e=&seccionBus=bieb Diaz Lizbeth â€Å"Seventeen Killed in Mexico’s Drug War† Reuters 2008, Apr 26 http://www. reuters. com/article/newsOne/idUSN2639514820080427 Unknown â€Å"Mexican Government sends 6500 troops to state scarred by violence,drugs, and beheadings. † Herald Tribune 2006, Dec 11 http://www. iht. com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/america/LA_GEN_Mexico_Drug_Violence. php

Youtube Videos as Nursing Study Tools

The biggest con would be that It goes Into a lot of unneeded Information when considering my audience Is nursing students. There is a lot of Information that nurses don't necessarily need to know. Imperativeness. (2014, January 3). Oxygenation of the Respiratory System for Nursing [Video file]. Retrieved from http://move. Youth. Com/watch? F92503sXnOLM The videos from this particular user are great for nursing students because this guy is a nursing student. Martin Rexes, the user who uploaded the video, apparently sakes these videos, speaking about what he learned in nursing school that day along with tips on studying.For the nursing student this is great and helpful for studying. They video is short, easy to understand, and summarizes the oxygenation lecture for a nursing school class. The cons are that It Is rather boring, It may be difficult to rely on Information on a subject from an Inexperienced nursing student, and while It summarizes oxygenation very well, it doesn't go into very much depth. Sinking, S. (2014, January 3). U School of Nursing Oxygenation Song [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www. Youth. Mom/watch? FzHatR96cBxw I have a soft spot for these videos that use a song for teaching purposes.We know that every student learns In different ways so by presenting a video using a song to help remember important parts of oxygenation or any other topic is great. They cover important parts about oxygenation with a catchy tune which can help students learn or remember these parts better. It's a fun video so it is a sort of way to take a break while still learning. The cons are that it is really a very poorly made video as far as production value goes. At times it is difficult to hear the song and it is, obviously, a I felt that the first video, from abracadabra, was the best video considering my audience.Yes, it is lengthy, but it is so thorough and tells the viewer everything that they need to know about oxygenation. I felt that the speaker in the vid eo did a great job with visuals as he discussed the information in a clear and concise way. Chapter 41 – Fluid and Electrolytes Youth videos Monoclinic, M. (2014, January 3). Fluid & Electrolyte Basics [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www. Youth. Com/watch? V=subdividing Without a doubt, Megan Monoclinic, the person that uploaded this video has done a antistatic Job here. The video is specifically geared to review the basics of fluid and electrolytes for nursing students.Liners, M. (2014, January 3). Electrolyte Magnesium (Hypo & Hyper) [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www. Youth. Com/watch? V=Japanned As far as content goes for this particular video it isn't the best choice because it only talks about a short topic pertaining to fluid and electrolytes. I chose this video though because of the creator of the video, Michael Liners. He creates videos for nursing students about everything that we need to know to be nurses. The pros are that Michael Liners clearly and easil y discusses topics that make it easy to understand, Mr..Liners specifically created these videos for nursing students, and it's a fun video, I thought that the use of humor and analogies were great. The cons are that, as I fluid and electrolytes. The production value of the video is pretty poor and it's difficult to hear the speaker at times. My favorite video was the near comprehensive one by Megan Monoclinic. The fact that is specifically made to help nursing students understand everything they can about fluid and electrolytes is reason enough to consider it the best of the three, but t is Just really well made and thorough in content.Youth videos as study tools I have found that Youth videos are great for study tools and knowledge generators. As nursing students there are so much material that we much digest and memorize at times. As I mentioned earlier, everyone learns in different styles and it seems that Youth has a video for people who have any of the many different learning styles. As supplemental material these Youth videos are best used. Most of the videos aren't meant to be used as a way to learn everything there is to know bout a certain topic, but to give a person a baseline on a topic of interest.I couldn't think of many cons to using Youth as a study tool. I believe that if something can help you than you should use it. If there is any argument against using Youth as a study tool it's that there isn't anyone to check information to see if it is correct. Anyone can upload a video about anything, spout nonsense and inaccurate information and no one would know. So, as supplemental material to what your teacher is telling you in class these videos can be beneficial, but not as a main source of knowledge.

Syntesis of (1R,2S)-1-(m-Bromophenyl)-3-methyl-1,2-butanediol Assignment

Syntesis of (1R,2S)-1-(m-Bromophenyl)-3-methyl-1,2-butanediol - Assignment Example Any project that involves synthesis of organic compounds requires a thorough knowledge of synthetic methods available, the reaction mechanisms, the possible commercial starting materials, tools for analyzing the product such as IR, UV, NMR and MS and means of isolation. Bromination of benzene is an electrophilic substitution reaction, which takes place in the presence of aluminium chloride. The reaction mechanism of this electrophilic substitution reaction is a two-step process. Step 1 is a Lewis-base-Lewis acid reaction between bromine ion and benzene. Step 2 involves the loss of a proton to regenerate the benzene ring. The bromobenzene formed in the first stage then reacts with 3-methyl-2-butenal to form 1-(m-Bromophenyl)-3-methyl-2-butenal. Hydration of 1-(m-Bromophenyl)-3-methyl-2-butenal using water in presence the of dilute sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and heat gives an anti-Markovnikov’s product (McMurry

International Hospitality Business Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Hospitality Business - Case Study Example The company holds, administers or franchises a portfolio of world's renowned and highly regarded brands, including Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Grand Vacations, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Doubletree, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection and Hilton Garden Inn. After a great success worldwide, the Hilton group remained the key player in exploiting the opportunities in Indian Hotel Industry which is still in a nascent stage by coming up with a joint-venture with the Indian group DLF to open 75 hotels in the country (DLF holds 75% of the stake) in five to seven years time. The DLF group is one of the biggest real estate developers in India. The group has already got over 224 million sq. ft. of existing development where planned projects account to 748 million sq. ft. DLF's core business is development of residential, commercial and retail estates. DLF has recently forayed into the financial services sector, and hotel business in India. Human resource management has been quite a big challenge, as is inherent in the international hospitality industry. The concerns over a potential US recession are a point of concern as it remains to be seen whether buoyancy of New York's occupancy rates will carry on in 2008 or not. This would determine the future of HR in the hotel industry across the board. While on the other hand India is an emerging economy with growth potential. There are approximately 55000-60000 rooms currently under construction where the demand for rooms is doubled over a five year vista. If the overall demand materialises over next 5 years, on an average of 1.5 employees per room, 187000 new jobs are likely to be created. HR would be a key area of concern for Hilton Group as Talent scouting and retention would require a lot of emphasis. All non-operational areas would require constant attention. In this regard, Hilton Hotel needs to train the functional head where an out-and-out effort would be required to understand the cultural and social dynamics of India, and endeavours to meet, the requirements and ambition of a more demanding generation of employees than that of the US hotel Industry. MARKETING In the recent years the Government of India has taken various steps to boost tourism and development within the country which will benefit the hotel industry in the years to come. The key benefits by the Indian government include the removal of the 15% inland air travel tax and removal of a number of impediments on outbound chartered flights. The government's latest pronouncement to treat convention centres as part of core infrastructure has also fuelled the demand for hotel rooms. Furthermore, Liberal foreign Investment policy would enable the hotel industry to witness a boom in the forth coming years. Though the above mentioned issues are a hurdle for Hilton group, the chain of hotels is likely to keep up its head above troubled waters and will significantly benefit by the economic revival in India. India has been endorsing its

How Far Is Globalization an Unstoppable Force That Will Destroy Or Essay

How Far Is Globalization an Unstoppable Force That Will Destroy Or Marginalize the Nation-state - Essay Example This report stressses that the post-Second World War international economic order is characterized by the rise of intergovernmental organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO), among others. Multilateralism and trade liberalization appeared to fight the economic depression after the war. However, these institutions have been questioned in the pessimist view of globalization. TAll the authors considered in this essay acknowledge the influence of globalization in the nation-state. Although globalization is an unstoppable force, it will not destroy the nation-state. However, the changes are significant and undeniable. The possibility of a marginalization of the nation-state, due to the forces of global institutions and markets, depends on the role of each state to manage globalization and the processes involved in it, according to the social and economic objectives of a nation-state, which keeps its sovereignty. Globalization implies risks and hazards, but it can be channelled to support national objectives. To avoid the negative influence of free trade, it is important that nation-states recover the concern on people’s interest. A continuous debate on the global economic regime is essential to reinforce the role of the state. In this globalising era, nation-states not only are able to survive, but also may strengthen their national identity with an increase of hybrid identities and cosmopolitan features.

How Global Warming and Hurricane are related Essay

How Global Warming and Hurricane are related - Essay Example Continuation of historical trends of greenhouse gas emissions will result in additional warming over the 21 century, with current projections of a global increase of 2.5F to 10.4F by 2100, with warming in the U.S. expected to be even higher. Hurricanes, tropical cyclones or typhoons, which can be defined as closed-circulation, warm-cored, low-pressure systems with maximum sustained surface wind speeds (1-minute mean) of at least 39 mph, are intense tropical storms with sustained winds above 74 miles/hour (Ahrens, C. Donald. Meteorology Today1) and are conventionally divided into two intensity classes: tropical storms (with maximum winds of 39-73 mph) and hurricanes (with maximum winds of at least 74 mph). Hurricanes have been subdivided into five potential damage classes depending on their maximum wind speed, minimum central pressure and storm surge magnitude. Sea level is rising and will continue to rise as oceans warm and glaciers melt. Rising sea levels means higher storm surges, even from relatively minor storms, causing coastal flooding and erosion and damaging coastal properties. In a distressing new development, scientific evidence now suggests a link between hurricane strength and duration and global warming. Understanding the relationship between hurricanes and global warming is essential if we are to preserve healthy and prosperous coastal communities. Storm intensity and duration increases as global warming emissions increase in our atmosphere. Rising sea levels, also caused in part by rising global temperatures, intensify storm damage along coasts. For hurricanes to occur, surface ocean temperatures must exceed or retain 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To understand how global warming can affect ocean storms, it's important to understand how these storms develop in the first place. Seasonal shifts in global wind patterns cause atmospheric disturbances in the tropics, leading to a local drop in pressure at sea level and forcing air to rise over warm ocean waters. As warm, moist air rises, it further lowers air pressure at sea level and draws surrounding air inward and upward in a rotating pattern called a vortex. When the water vapor-laden air rises to higher altitudes, it cools and releases heat as it condenses to rain. This cycle of evaporation and condensation brings the ocean's thermal energy into the vortex, powering the storm. Depen ding on the severity, meteorologists call these tropical storms or hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. Natural cycles alone cannot explain recent ocean warming. Because of human activities such as burning fossil fuels and clearing forests, today's carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere are significantly higher than at any time during the past 400,000 years. CO2 and other heat-trapping emissions act like insulation in the lower atmosphere, warming land and ocean surface temperatures. Oceans have absorbed most of this excess heat, raising sea temperatures by almost one degree Fahrenheit since 1970. September sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic over the past decade have risen far above levels documented since 1930. (Global Warming, Hurricanes and climate change) By examining the number of tropical cyclones and cyclone days as well as

Why is language a cultural resource and Should provisions be made for Essay

Why is language a cultural resource and Should provisions be made for the support of lesser used and indigenous languages in th - Essay Example For an ethnic group, it forms part of the way meanings are constructed and contexts are created, facilitating social relations. It is, hence, easy to understand why ethnic groups cling to their languages with such fervor even when living in a foreign society – language is part of their cultural identity. The dynamics of this fact is illustrated in the way bilingualism persists among Americans. Latinos, Asians and other ethnic minorities speak at least two languages. Collectively, they represent a sizable portion of the American population. In education, this issue is important because, until only recently, the erstwhile government policy on language is â€Å"English only.† The government reduced support for bilingual programs in education, effectively reducing bilingual teachers in the process. According to Katz (2004), if this policy will continue, it will seriously affect the chances of the children of the 47 million non-native English speakers today and in the future . Teachers who understand the language requirements of students would be scarce and students study in â€Å"sink-or-swim† mainstream English classes, effectively compromising the attainment of academic proficiency.

David Foster Wallace is on YouTube giving the commencement address at Essay

David Foster Wallace is on YouTube giving the commencement address at Kenyon College, a speech that when published, is called T - Essay Example As a function of seeking to understand this particular speech and a more effective manner, the following analysis will take a nuanced approach, incorporating criticism, review, and analysis of Wallace is pronouncements in the hopes that the reader will gain a more informed understanding with respect to the approach that he champions and the relevance of the information that he presents. Wallace starts by discussing the experience of life; exhorting the listener to â€Å"construct meaning and create relevance† from the otherwise mundane and seemingly pointless activities that all human beings, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnic origin, must engage as a function of living. From there, the author delves into the issue of what a liberal arts education actually means; denoting that the education itself means nothing. Rather, the ultimate meaning that is derived from a liberal arts education is solely contingent upon what the individual has the potential to do with it. However, the author strongly encourages the listener to avoid a type of arrogance; maintaining critical awareness in its stead. Whereas it is true, as a Wallace states, that reality is ultimately designed with the individual experience as the only measurement through which understanding can be accomplished, seeking to define the world through such a selfish viewpoint necessarily decreases the degree of empathy and understanding that an individual might otherwise exhibit (Boswell 368). As a function of this, Wallace encourages the individual with regards to what they should pay attention to; defining the debate within oneself and utilizing the liberal arts education as a means of affecting this. As such, not becoming detached, not refusing reality because it is painful, sad, monotonous, or mundane, and continually exercising a right and will towards thinking come to be the prime mechanisms through which Wallace point of view can most reasonably be affected (Veggian 99). In effect, what Wallace is promoting is an understanding of the fact that thinking is a choice and should not be an automatic setting; albeit a choice that a liberal arts education necessarily encourages. Finally, hammering this point home further, Wallace discusses the necessity of not being lulled into a complacent routine. Rather, seeking out â€Å"thinking† and utilizing the experiences and knowledge that are gained from a liberal arts education is not only an opportunity but in fact something of a calling that each and every individual that experiences such an education and can draw upon it must necessarily engage. The irony of all of this has to do with the fact that even though each of these points is effectively expounded upon by Wallace, the author and speaker himself ultimately committed suicide in 2008 (Fest 127). Although the events surrounding his suicide remained largely misunderstood, it is the view of this particular author that Wallace was unable to ascribe to t he high standard of open-mindedness, compassion, and a sense of selflessness that he promoted to the audience within the commencement address. However, this inability upon Wallace part should not be understood as an effective dismissal of the

Karl Marx Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Karl Marx - Essay Example Though earlier works created by Marx seem to be advocating the scientific and technological development by taking it to be beneficial for the growth of human societies through his political ideology (156-7); nevertheless, his later works looks opposing the same partly because of the increase in exploitation of proletariat by bourgeoisie in the wake of industrial developments taking place in society (324). Somehow, instead of censuring the development, Marx aims to defy the evils the development had brought along with it. Since the political, social, economic, cultural and religious environment under which man is brought up and experiences the socialization process leaves an indelible imprints on his ideological thoughtfulness, the initial era cognitive development and thoughts keep on influencing his outlook and opinion on the one side, and regulating his actions and behavior on the other; the same is equally applied to the set of political and socioeconomic beliefs maintained by thi s distinguished philosopher and Father of Socialism i.e. Karl Marx (1817-1883). Born in the culturally divided Prussian state of Europe, Marx personally noticed the existence of the state of conflict between the social classes, which helped the young philosopher to examine the prevailing circumstances within the historical background of human societies. Instead of adopting the notion that the development of human societies was an outcome of the growth of the rule of law or man’s cognitive development, Marx declares it actually the result of material conditions of life (3). The improvement of material conditions of life, according to Marx, simply refers to the development of means of production actually, which play decisive role in enhancing the political and economic conditions as well as intellectual growth of the individuals and societies, which he has also described in his letter to Kreuznach (12). In addition to this, the latest modes of productions, Marx elucidates, not only increase the productivity to an imperative extent, but also pave the way towards the exploration of further avenues of productivity in the wake of the advent of technological advancements (153). Consequently, Marx’s initial years political ideology appears to be providing an unconditional support to the advent of industrial growth taking place within his social surroundings. Somehow, this great German thinker has aptly viewed the rapid flow of industrialization to be detrimental for the peace and stability of society in his later work(s). The claim was actually the outcome of the disadvantages the industrialization had introduced in society by allowing the domination of the investors as the owner of all production units in the Marx’s contemporary European societies. Since the proletariat used to work from dawn to dusk in the production activities of the industrial units, and hence maintained major share in income and profit generation, they certainly deserved the same proportion of share in profit volume (341). However, the lion’s share went to the producer/owner of the industry, according to Marx, without offering any benefits necessary for improving the condition of the workers altogether (376). Such a perturbed state of affairs not only invites disappointment of the workers, but also sense of alienation started haunting the minds of the workers,

Literature of the Japanese Golden Age Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature of the Japanese Golden Age - Essay Example Japanese literature is not as prominent and popular as the Western literature; but it is nevertheless rich in literary traditions and folk stories. Drawing upon almost one and a half millennium of writings, the categorization of Japanese literature into time-bound periods has been the centre of debates and conflicts (Japanese Lifestyle, 2010). Towards late 8th century, the emperor of Japan had an entire city planned and built on a new site, encompassed my verdant mountains, this city which is today referred to as ‘Kyoto’ was then popularly known as Heian-kyà ´, which in literal terminology meant ‘the city of tranquility’, Heian period named after this city and spanning from 794 to 1185 is regarded as the Golden Age of Japan, marked by peace and harmony, as the country and its nationals devoted time to the development of classical culture of Japan that lives to date, these are even read and venerated by the Japanese people in contemporary times. It is this period wherein the Japanese began to transfer from a Chinese influenced literature to a pure Japanese literature, referred to as the Classical Literature period (William and McCullough, 1980). The culture that thrived in this period gave boost to aesthetic writings, stories of everyday lives of the Japanese individuals were written and made inh erent in the history, with their belief that love and compassion is the foremost emotion an individual can have, since the Heian period focused on peace, harmony and solidarity rather than war and bravery as cherished by their later militant counterparts, stories of love and epics of romance became readily acceptable and regarded, the mark of which can be seen in Japanese art and literature even today due to the fact that the patricians of this era associated human accomplishment with the development and progress in art, music and poetry. Women also gained

The Rhetorical Image of Free

The Rhetorical Image of Freedom Essay In Phillis Wheatleys poem, To the Right Honorable William†¦, evokes a spirit of an American vision that undermines that of Thomas Jeffersons Declaration of Independence, by reminding the Earl of Dartmouth that all should have freedom but for those who have obtained it, should not forget to thank God. Thomas Jeffersons vision of America is almost the same as Wheatleys with one major difference, his version doesnt include African Americans nor for that matter, equality for women. The words expressed, written, and agreed upon by our founding fathers, regards the vital importance to being free from Britain but ignore that the word man can mean mankind, human and not just white male (Arnold 2) Wheatleys version of America has a major difference with Thomas Jeffersons vision of America, she speaks for equality of African Americans and yet as she illustrates, freedom should be thanked by acknowledging God (Lauter 1243). In 1765 when the first echoing of dispute to British authority became obvious to Parliament, the frontier in America consisted of thirteen separate colonies. Each had a resident legislature which served on provincial soil, but which served only at the pleasure of a governor appointed by the crown. By July 2, 1776, in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopted the resolution, introduced by Richard Henry Lee and John Adams, which actually declared independence from Great Britain. It declared, in part, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved/ (Arnold 4) The Declaration, which explained why the Colonies that were now states declare their independence, after which was adopted by the Continental Congress July 4, 1776. The leading draftsman was Thomas Jefferson, assisted by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Some of the text follows:We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or  to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness (GA 1). Jefferson, as others had complained that they felt King George of Britain had enslaved the people in the colonies and had forgotten their needs. When he wrote the crucial points of needing Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, they were radical ideas written on paper but aired the need to justify that their Creator (God) was the authority who approved that men were created equal/ Hence, the reasoning behind the need to be liberated on their own terms (Arnold 2). Jeffersons message, forever written in our countrys history, uses strong language acknowledging the fact that people need to be free. On the other hand, history tells another story. Jeffersons vision of a free America is freedom for white men against their oppressor and failed to grant freedom to African Americans. Jefferson at the time argued that blacks were 3/5 humans and owned 200 slaves (7). He wasnt impressed with Phillis Wheatleys poetry or anything else she had to say (9). The Declaration of Independence immediately became the worlds foremost manifesto celebrating human rights and personal freedom. The fact of the matter is that America still had real slave issues to deal with (8). Wheatley, a former slave, wrote, the 1773 publication of Phillis Wheatleys Poems on Various Subjects established her as a young prodigy and defied the major justification for enslavement of Africans the European assumption of African inferiority. One of the best-known poems in the collection is dedicated To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth, His Majestys Principal Secretary of State for North-America, Etc. Wheatley was encouraged by the appointment of Dartmouth, whom she had met in London. She knew that he was friends with the abolitionist Countess of Huntingdon and of the late Reverend George Whitefield, who had helped initiate the Great Awakening (VanSpanckeren 2). The poem opens with hopefulness that under Dartmouths blissful sway, the  colonies will see Freedoms charms unfold and experience an end to the reign of wanton Tyranny that meant tenslave the land. Those lines provide a subtle yet powerful segue into the next verse, in which she proposes that her love of Freedom and by the implication, that of the black Patriots, springs from the anguish Africans have known as slaves. In here lies vital information that she too loves freedom. To find this freedom, her parents in Africa, she notes, What pangs excruciating must molest, What sorrows labour in my parents breast?/ describe what they may have felt after she was kidnapped and brought to America. Perhaps including her experiences in the poem she reinforces that she too knows what it is like to come through the Atlantic and then be sold into slavery. She was a slave who found freedom. She has empathy for those had to make the difficult voyage to get here; fought to separate themselves from Britain because they felt enslaved and needed to be free just as the Declaration of Independence proposed (1243). The vision Wheatley wanted for America is just like that of Jefferson except for the fact that she wanted to include African Americas. The question she provokes to undermine the author of The Declaration of Independence would be how can he argue the need for freedom from bondage of your motherland and not free the African Americans he has in his own backyard (Arnold 8). For example, when she writes, And can I then pray others may never feel tyrannic sway?/ She asserts to the response that there are still enslaved people around. She wants them to obtain the same freedom America will have. She writes strong and eloquent words to the fact that she, like America, who were brought here and suffered with under the monarchy, was now free. Her journey on being brought here, although hard, still afforded her to overcome these experiences through finding God (1243). Jefferson mentions God as the Creator and permits his creations (man) to seek liberty (GA 1). Wheatley notes that through the celebration of finding liberty, one must thank God for it. The spirit of liberty and the disruptions of the Revolutionary era encouraged African American men and women to choose sides. They were either Patriots or Loyalists. They were a fundamental part of what this nation would become  (Arnold 10). This same spirit of liberty propelled Jefferson to write, The Declaration of Independence and Wheatleys, To the Honourable William†¦, which combines one ideal for America. This principle which the country was founded upon speaks volumes about the need of man to be free from their tyrant, whoever this tyrant is. Jefferson saw it as King George of England. Wheatley saw it as some people in power in America who didnt want African Americans free from their bondage. She used kinder words to express her opinions. In an ironic twist, Jefferson, whose final draft of The Declaration of Independence, was altered when he used very strong language referring to the Monarchy as enslaving the colonies and its people, helped establish equal rights for all minorities . It was his words that helped minorities win the case the first of equal rights in the Supreme Court in 1896, Plessy v. Ferguson, and the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that separate but equal accommodations were constitutional. (Hendrickson 2)Works CitedArnold, H. J. ed. The life of Thomas Jefferson. From Revolution to ReconstructionHTML project. http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/ (November 16, 2005)Lauter, Paul, ed. The Heath Anthology of American Literature: Volume A. Boston, MA:Houghton Mifflin Company. (2006)The Government Archives. http://www.archives.gov/. (November 5, 2005)Hendrickson, B. The Beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement. NAACP: Voices inAmerica.http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/projects/discrimination/AfricanAmerican/cvrights.html. (November 11, 2005)VanSpanckeren, Kathryn. Democratic Origins and Revolutionary Writers, 1776-1820:Phillis Wheatley (c.1753-1784). An Outline of American Literature. http://www.rlc.dcccd.edu/annex/comm/english/mah8420/ColonialPage.htm. (November 2,2005)

Political Factors And Legal Factors Marketing Essay

Political Factors And Legal Factors Marketing Essay Quality is a locally owned restaurant and fast food business. It is a medium size restaurant business which will be located in Dhaka which is capital of Bangladesh. Quality is discovered huge popularity in restaurant business according to Bangladesh current market. Quality is promised to offer best quality food to the customer. As a result Quality will put up their business by offering all kinds Chinese, Thai, Indian, traditional and fast food. It is constituted upon 4 partners with equal ownership. The target market will range from upper class to lower class customer. The market is demanding best product with affordable price so for that circumstance Quality will ensure that each every customer will receive best price and best product. Quality will follow up all the legal issue to register with national board of revenue (NBR). They are planning to keep some fund for corporate social responsibilities on their sales revenue. This business will initially recruit 25 part time and full t ime employees to run the business. Quality is raised available finance to use worth TK.5000000. And assuming to make gross profit margin 35% and it will lead to peak in coming days. 2.0. Business Description: 2.1. History and Background: Quality will be a medium size restaurant business which will be located in Dhaka which is capital of Bangladesh. The history of restaurant industry in Bangladesh not very long. The restaurant business industry is very competitive in terms of price, value, promotion, location. Quality will be a unique concept in Bangladesh. There are substantial number of restaurant is operating in Bangladesh that will compete with quality. There are few numbers of competitors exist in the current market what is called KFC (Franchise), Pizza Hut (Franchise) Nandos (Franchise) is leading the Bangladesh restaurant industry. That business has already coped the large number of market shares. In 2003 Pizza Hut and Kfc in 2006 was launched their business in the Bangladesh market. This is only DHAKA based supermarket chain. There is few more restaurant exist in current market such as BFC, FFC, Boomers, AW restaurant, Captain World. But they are not performing well in the current market to satisfy the custome r with their desire they keep failing to hold sufficient market share due to their strategic drift. But KFC and Pizza Hut will be a big challenge for Quality to compete. 2.2. Mission: Quality is promised to offer high quality food, good services with affordable price. To provide new job for the local community. To make fair profit for consumer. 2.3. Objectives: To make even in few months in setting up. To start making profit after few month times. To raise revenue year by year. To reserve some percentage of revenue for the corporate social responsibility. 2.4. Product and Services Description: Quality will provide quality product with excellent services to the customer. Quality will focus not only on single product based retail business but also verities of products. These are as follows: Chinese food Thai food Indian food Traditional food and Fast food 2.5. Supplier information: Supplier has defined as key factor for a business to improve their buying organization. All the suppliers should base on quality; reliability, on time delivery and the performance of produced which directly influenced to satisfy the customer with affordable price, Product availability with customer desire. Quality will make relationship with several supplier to hold their product quality and price control and supply chain includes most of them are from Bangladesh and few of them from Africa. In restaurant sector major suppliers of fresh produce in Bangladesh is SMEs. Therefore Quality is planning to collaborate with SME (Approximately SME have 70 suppliers in bakery, fast food, vegetables, beef, and chicken. There are few more such as Shiblee hatchery farms will provide all types of traditional food. 2.6. Business Ownership: There are different types of business which is discussed by( lonhnecker, 2010) which is brand new business, take over running business, franchise and family business. Therefore quality will be a new business which is not exists in the market for retail services. The suitable ownership in start- up business may depend on owner determination regarding business profitability, risk and competitive advantages and value of business according to (foss and lien, 2010). There are three types of business those are sole traders, partnership and corporation. Quality will follow partnership business strategy. Partnership business will help in sharing capital between partners, more flexibility to run the business, shared responsibility, easy to make decision. This business will consist with four partner .Every partner will share 25% capital. 3. Business opportunity: 3.1. Target market segmentation: The target market segmentation usually can be segmented on the basis of customer characteristics. These are follows: Geographic ( includes country, region, counties, customer density, climate) Demographic (includes age, gender, life-cycle, income, social class) Psychographic ( degree of loyalty, occasions, interest and hobbies) 3.1.1. Geographical segmentation: The perfect place of quality to do business in Dhaka city because people are gathered there from every corner of the country as well as outside of the country where the people passing at Least 20 hours in a day. Quality has a opportunity from the large number of workforce, good communication for delivering raw materials to other branch. The best place quality looks near the school, shopping centre and the corporate offices. Most of the student who are just finished class feels hungry and starved looks for nearest fast food or restaurant around them. And people love shopping  and go out with their family, quality will look for getting that customer. People who work in the office they may look for lunch or dinner. 3.1.2. Demographic: Quality is targeting people all round of the city such as all aged people (10-64) years, low income , middle Income, high income people . Quality  concern to launch their product with thinking those kinds of consideration. Because different age people have different food criteria to eat.   Example most school student aged 15 years has attraction to fast like burgers , fries , ice-cream etc because of their taste preference even though. They will not be able to pay that sum of money; they usually get allowance from their parents. Middle age people in Bangladesh are becoming hectic day by day   they probably go out with their family to have lunch or dinner therefore they prefer rice and curry so quality need to develop their menu according to those consideration . 3.2. Competitors analysis: Some potential business thinks to get on with their own plans. Some business think to analyse their to help management their competitive advantages and disadvantages. Also to understand competitors present, past, forecasting business strategies. Quality focus on their key competitors KFC and nandos both are located in Dhaka city and they their main competitors in that industry .Competitors analysis are as follows: Table: 1 Content Competitors 1 ( KFC) Competitors 2 ( pizza hut) Location Dhaka , Bangladesh Dhaka ,Bangladesh Established date September, 2006 in Bangladesh May, 2003 in Bangladesh Strength High brand equity High business growth Large amount of cash flow from franchise. Available capital reserve to expand the business World wide recognition High brand equity Specialized in Pizza Restaurant services and delivery services Good reputation Weakness Sales margin decline Labour turnover due to lack of opportunity High obligation from parents company Only based on chicken product Unplanned pricing Based on pizza services High overhead cost Unplanned pricing Focused on same ingredients in everywhere Opportunity Market leadership due to high brand equity Targeting all aged people Interacting with good suppliers New market leadership Introducing with new ingredients Opportunity to reduce the price to make it more affordable Threat Threat from other competitors in that industry Significant change in customer demands New rules and regulation impose by government Threat from other competitors in their revenue Changing in customer demands New government policies Market share Covering 40% in Bangladesh Covering 36% in Bangladesh 3.3. PESTEL Analysis: 3.3.1. Political factors and Legal factors: Political factors defines as government stability, taxation policy, introducing new law and regulation by the government,(Henry , 2008) .The political is regulated by elected government .The political issues in Bangladesh is much viable than the last decades to establish a new business. Elected government usually impose the new policy according to their election agenda. Bangladesh government is planning to launch some very effective scheme for the new investor with decreasing value added tax, business tax, income tax. There is also a legal issue which would affect quality such as new employment law, increasing minimum wages. 3.3.2. Economics Factors: Economics factor which affects on the running of the business activities.   It is undertaken In order to forecast the success of the business or evaluating the business risk involves economics activities. It includes unemployed of the country, buying power of consumer, demand and supply, inflation, economic resource, income level of personnel. Bangladesh Nowadays comparatively economically viable to invest than all other developing country. Because of low labour cost ,   Bangladeshi labour gets average us $ .22 dollars per an hour , rapid change in buying power for consumer, in order to more investment in Bangladesh it decrease unemployment level . 3.3.3. Social environment factor: The social environment factors defines the   combination of customs , poverty, literacy, life expectation, value , tradition , religion . In Bangladesh is improving in poverty level, people are being more literate, and most people are Muslim they prefer halal food. Quality has a wide concentration on those factors 3.3.4. Technology Factor: In major way , businesses are frequently developing their technology to platform to developing their business plan. Nowadays   people have more attraction on using   Social networking through Internet , all the businesses may get opportunity to advertise through Internet, business can use EPCS( electoral point of controlling sales) to evaluate their right stock , card payment against sales to help out the consumer on holding cash. So quality is concentrating on those issues. 4.0. MARKETING STRATEGY: 4.1. Marketing Research 4.1.1. Primary Research: Primary research is short term decision process. It includes observation on customer behaviour, taking face to face interview, focus group, online survey about relevant business. Observation process was done by Quality on strategic location where intended to open up their business. Data of market activities was collected through interviewing on customer with their expectation and who involves in those industries. Online surveys, it is very popular and relatively low cost, Quality has done their online surveys through over viewing on existing customer and potential customers comments. Quality has turned up to focus group to get more information about customer tastes and preference. 4.1.2. Secondary research: Secondary research is a collection of data what is already exists. Secondary research follows outside information clustered by government records, labour unions, media, newspaper commercial sources, These are usually free and provide a lot of good information. Quality has collected data from government statistics to understand about where more people are gathered for several purpose, their ages and their occupations and current growth in Bangladesh (6.5%). Quality also has done their research on commercial market report prepared by research experts that helps to evaluate the business risk, the size of the market, and market shares within these sectors. Example in Bangladesh food industries kfc covering 40% of market and pizza hut is covering 36% of market shares. 4.2. Marketing Plan: Combination of several market elements is called marketing mix. This element refers to 4ps which are product, price, promotion, Place.http://www.marketingplan.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/four_principles_of_the_mark-300300.gif Figure : Price, Product, Promotion, Place the process of implementing marketing strategy 4.2.1. Product Strategy: The product strategy is usually reinforced through marketing research. In terms of customer needs and desire, every company must amend their product strategy. The product concept describes the products details; it includes colours, flavours, objectives, and even the price. Before launching a product in the market, the product must be tested with customer. So, in that Circumstance Company may choose focus group that discuss about customers like and dislike. So, Quality will implement that making strategy on their making food with introducing right colours, right flavour, and relevant ingredients.i.e. Some of customer sometimes they turn up to the restaurant without knowing about the food description. So product information will help to evaluate what will be best for them. 4.2.2. Pricing strategy: There are three aspect of a business to set up pricing . 4.2.2.1. Cost based pricing   4.2.2.2customer based pricing   4.2.2.3competitors based pricing   4.2.2.1. Cost based pricing:   This pricing strategy is determined by adjusting profit on top of the product making cost . It is known as cost plus pricing. It uses widely in all major business operation. An opportunity to use that strategy to understand the business costs are covered. Quality will follow that strategy to forecast their profit mark up. Quality will use 20% mark up on cost:   Sales 100 [emailprotected]% 20 Selling Price 120 4.2.2.2. Customer based pricing:   This strategy is determined  by what a business   assume customers will be prepared to pay . This strategy refers penetration pricing which usually help to increase market share, it offers the  opportunity to increase the price when the objective has been achieved.   4.2.2.3. Competitors based pricing: Basically markets are full of strong competition . The customer always buys from the cheapest provider and who is providing great customer services. But the customer may make their who offers reasonable price with better quality. Quality will research their nearest competitors to fix up their pricing of product. Therefore quality intend to set up their pricing strategy base on 3CS where calculate all the cost with adding profit. Figure 2: Pricing strategy base on cost, customer and competitors 4.2.3. Promotion strategy: Promotion strategy is part of the marketing mix elements, It uses frequently in marketing plan. The business usually uses promotion strategy to deliver information to consumer, to increase product demand, to increase, to differentiate a product. It includes personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing, and publicity (Rajagopal, 2007). Basically Quality will follow different ways to promote their food menu, Quality is intending to use media to advertise their food to bring more customer such as Facebook through internet (nowadays more people are addicted on it) there is an opportunity to cope up large number of customer, Local newspaper ( Prothom- alo most popular newspaper in Bangladesh ). In initial market plan, Quality will give out a discount card on purchasing food as well as discount on age range. Quality will introduce with special offer to promote their food menu as like buy one main course then second one half price. Quality will research their competitors promotions s trategy to understand what they are actually doing in promoting their product. Quality will keep their promotion campaign as long as their strategic objectives will be achieved. Promotion strategy as below: 4.2.4.Place/ distribution: Place or distribution define how the product and services gets to the customer for consumption ( kotler, killer burton, 2009). This is the method a business to get their product through diffrent channel those are as follows: C:UsersTAZNUBADownloadsphoto.JPG Figure 3: There is 3 distribution channel, channel 1 and 2 indirect marketing and channel 3 direct marketing. Channel 1 has two intermediary levels whole seller, and retailer. Normally wholesaler buys and stock large number of quantities of goods. Channel 2 has one intermediary level which is retailer. In typically they act as retailer in a consumer market. Some big production company produce their product and sell it to large retailer and e-retailer. This is basically happens more in supermarket business and electronic business. Channel 3 is called direct- marketing. There are no intermediary levels. In that case manufacturer sells directly to consumer. Quality is looking for direct marketing to reach to consumer. Quality will make the product and sell to customer directly. Quality is also planning to start to delivery service to customer directly to their home address to increase their revenue. 5.0. Business Operation: 5.1. Legal and Licensing: Normally all the business may obtain their license from city corporation. To obtain trade license Quality will provide the following to Dhaka City Corporation are as follows, copy of the companys articles, statement of bank solvency, corporation tax code number, photographs and name of the business persons. 5.2. Registered and Tax authority: To make a business every business must register with tax authority under national board of revenue. Usually all the business acquires tax identification number (TIN code) for the new company. For the VAT purpose, all the business needs to be registered separately with VAT commission (under NBR). Quality will go through all those process to launch their business proper pathway. 5.3. Organisation chart: Organisational chart are used in association with job description. Organisational chart draw a map for management process. Organisational chart provides the guidelines to employees by giving lay out the official reporting engagement (Ingram, 2009). Without the organisational chart employees may find difficulties to understand what responsibilities are there? So Quality will follow up the organisational chart to allocate each employee responsibilities. Qualities organisational chart as follows: http://www.myexceltemplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Small-Business-Organizational-Chart.jpg Figure 4: Organisational chart of Quality restaurant 5.4. Personnel plan: We believe that the personnel plan depends on the size of the business and expected revenues. Quality will recruit approximately 13 full time and 7 part time employees, who will work a total of 700 hours per week. All the staff will be well trained before starting work. Because there are many opportunity can obtain by investing on staff training. First of all, staff will be very efficient doing their work, then well trained staff will help to reduce the business risk, they will be able to perform in any given task. 5.5. Corporate social responsibility: Corporate social responsibility is the process to embrace responsibility for the business actions and influence for a positive impact through its actions on the environment, consumer, employees, communities. Quality will speculate that issue. Therefore Quality will introduce with CSR scheme to help environment, employees, and communities. Quality is assuming 2% of profit to invest in CSR. 6.0. Financial plan: The financial plan consists of a year profit and loss assumption, a cash flow assumption, balance sheet assumption, breakeven point, net present value of project. Quality is planning to finance TK.10000000 which will be provided by 70% of partners of the business and 30% as a bank loan. 6.1. Start up expenses: Every business have varieties of start up expenses it includes cost of capital, professional fees, administration cost, sales and marketing cost, wages and benefits. Quality will spend initially Tk.5500000 and rest will keep for further business operation, expenses as follows: Table:2 Expected : Cost of sales( Raw materials, equipment, furniture, packaging, insurance) TK. 4000000 Rent ( FOR YEAR 1 in advance) TK.1000000 PROFESSIONAL FEES TK. 100000 Sales and marketing cost Tk. 200000 Technology fees Tk. 100000 6.2. Financial indicators: the sales projection indicates, sales operating expenses, collection days, and inventory turnover. The sales growth will be 150% each year. QUALITY is planning to keep gross margin 35% each year. http://www.bplans.com/benefits_administration_business_plan/images/8df5decd340f4ab28c2048fa268c889b.png 7.2. Break Even Analysis: All the businesses concern to determine how much income business must need to pay off their expenses. At that stage business tries to make a breakeven point analysis. Businesses at least need to make the cost of staying in the market place. Businesses make their assumption about breakeven point when fixed cost is covered by sale. So QUALITY is assuming that their fixed cost will be TK. 200000 (Equivalent to $20000), so QUALITY need to make their sale at least TK. 2000000 to make a breakeven point.

Overweight And Obesity Of Saudi Arabian Adolescents Physical Education Essay

Overweight And Obesity Of Saudi Arabian Adolescents Physical Education Essay Today, obesity is one of the main concerns among health professionals as a result of its recent and rapid increase in prevalence worldwide. The problems of obesity and overweight are seen in adults and children in both developed and developing countries (World Health Organization (WHO), 1999). Obesity in Saudi Arabia is a rampant disease which has continued to escalate in frequency and size over past decades. Madani (2000) maintains that throughout Saudi Arabia that 14% of children less than 6 years can be categorised as obese; while 83% of adults are simultaneously suffering from the same affliction. Unfortunately, the limited scope of empirical research throughout Saudi Arabia leaves limited attribution variables for analysis and will thereby require in-depth investigation. Furthermore, there is limited research to sustain the relationship between urban and rural lifestyles in this region and their influence on the incidence of obesity. Aims and Objectives of Study The scope of obesity research is extensive given the current affection within international communities. Unfortunately, there is limited empirical analysis of Saudi Arabia that can be used to establish a strategic offensive against this prevalent disease. Recognising such deficiency, the aims of this analysis revolve around conduct of a cross-sectional research study in an attempt to define the socio-economic relationship with obesity in Saudi Arabia among adolescents. Through this analysis, a measurement methodology will be defined which includes categorical qualification and variable comparison to determine at-risk levels for adolescents in this global region. A main aim of this analysis is to investigate the relationship between urban and rural obesity as well as the other variables including exercise and diet which influence the prevalence of this disease. Overall, the objectives of this analysis are to provide indicative data regarding obesity prevalence and the association of socio-demographic and lifestyle variables including dietary habits and exercise frequency. By exploring the specific caloric intake levels and food profiles, determination will be made regarding consumption differences between rural and urban areas, generating a blueprint of obesity that supersedes traditional boundaries. Significance of Study In modern Saudi Arabian society, childhood obesity remains the most significant of health concerns, detracting from overall well-being regardless of economic or social factors. Madani (2000) reminds that obesity is a direct contributor increase in mortality rates due to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and non-insulin dependent diabetes. The main objectives of this study are to explore the main contributors to Saudi Arabian obesity in the context of diet, exercise, and demographic data. Through comparative analysis, this study will provide an empirical framework wherein at-risk categories can be prescribed for health care practitioners to assist in attribution. Furthermore, this analysis will directly contribute to leading academic theories regarding differentiation between urban and rural social foundations and their influence on children. Providing evidence to inform a strategy for obesity combat, this research will offer a gateway for further research and encourage local awar eness and implementation of control measures. Review of Literature Obesity is the heavy and disproportionate collation of fat to an extent that that it can significantly increase risk of disease contraction which can prove detrimental to health like heart disease and diabetes. Whilst there are a genetic, environmental and psychological components contributing to obesity, the main cause is a lack of activity combined with high calorie food intake. This chronic disease is characterized by a severe imbalance in energy metabolism as a result of excessive food intake in tandem with reduced energy expenditure. The WHO estimates that approximately 20 million children less than five years old, all around the globe, are overweight (WHO, 2003). Statistics have shown that it is not only developed countries suffering from this problem; developing countries in the Middle East, Western Pacific and Latin America have high levels of obesity among children (Popkin, 2002a). The Gulf States (GCC) are the richest among the developing countries and as a result of the economic boom, obesity and overweight have become one of the main health problems in this part of the world (Musaiger 2004). Significant economic growth has had a negative impact on the Saudi life style, particularly in terms of diet habits and customs, where traditional food has been replaced by high fat, high sugar, fast food (Al-Othaimeen, 2007). Moreover, this financial change has encouraged the people of Saudi Arabia to move from rural villages to urban cities. This huge change in the environment has led to a change in food habits and styles of physical activities, because urbanisation provides easy access to modern technology, including transportation and a high availability of food at all times of the year (Mendez and Popkin, 2004). Obesity in Saudi Arabia is a rampant disease that has continued to escalate in frequency and breadth over the past decades. More than one study has shown that the prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia ranges between 11.8 per cent and 36.1 per cent (Al-Nozha et al., 2008). Recently, a study found that more than 52 per cent of pregnant women are obese (El-Gilany and El-Wehady, 2009). Moreover, research to study cardiovascular disease and its impacts among 17,232 Saudi adults demonstrated that 72.5 per cent of Saudi people are obese or overweight (Al-Nozha et al., 2005). The highest prevalence of obesity among Saudi children was found in Riyadh, the central region of Saudi Arabia (Al-Nuaim et al., 1996) The prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia is of significant concern, and research studies have been undertaken to better develop causal hypotheses and predictions for future incidence. Abalkhail (2002) determined that between 1994 and 2000, a significant increase in BMI in Saudi Arabian adolescents occurred which was directly correlated with lifestyle and eating habits. These variables led to the conclusion that enhanced nutrition education and school system intervention were essential to supporting healthy development of Saudi children. In fact, recent research by Mahfouz et al. (2008) determined that Saudi school interventions involving increased physical activity and behavioural therapy have garnered significant results in the decrease of childhood obesity. Given that preventative techniques are linked to social networks, establishing a foundation of aversion and active mitigation continues to assist Saudi residents in overcoming the influences of this disease. To date, there is only one national nutrition survey represent prevalence of childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia. This household survey done between 1994 to 1998 and involved only 12,701 children aged 1-18 years (Al-Nuaim, 1996 ). These data were collected from families living in capital cities and urban areas which make this study not truly representative. Beside this national survey, there are number of studies collected at regions level. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabian children is vary because of using different standards and definitions of obesity. Table 1.1 summaries some of published studies. Table 1.1 studies from Saudi Arabia Reference details subjects Measurement methods Main outcomes Life style and nutrition and their impact on health of Saudi school students in Abha, Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia Farghaly, N(2006) Cross sectional Country: Saudi (south) N: 767 Age: male and female students in primary, intermediate and secondary school (7-18 years). -BMI -Height -Weight -BMI=weight (Kg)/ height2 (m2 ) -Obesity: weight-for-height z-scores more than 2 standard deviation above the mean. (WHO NCHS) -72% of primary school students consume food rich in carbohydrates, low fiber -male practicing longer physical activities than female -15.9% were obese -11% were overweight. Overweight and obesity and their relation to dietary habits and socio-demographic characteristics among male primary school children in Al-Hassa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Amin,T et all (2008) Cross sectional study Country: Saudi (Eastern region) N:1139 Age: 5th and 6th grades. -weight -height -BMI -Youth and Adolescence Food Frequency Questionnaire (YFFQ) -obese when BMI>95 -overweight when BMI>85 -YFFQ: to assess dietary consumption of adolescents by asking of frequency food consumption per day. -14.2% were overweight. -9.7% were obese -the prevalence of obesity and overweight is more in urban than in rural. -obesity in children linked with low educated mother. Overweight and obesity among attendees of primary care clinics in a university hospital Country: Saudi (Central region) N:3205 Age: all patient male and female who visited outpatient clinics at the University Hospital -Riyadh Between 22 April-22May 2006 -weight -height -BMI -BMI: weight in kilogram divided by height in meters square. -all anthropometric measurements were taken by professional nurses. -60.3% of adolescent are within normal body mass index -18.7% were overweight, (BMI=25 to -only 3.4% were morbid obese, BMI>40 Obesity among Saudi male adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Al-Rukban,M (2003) Saudi Med J ; Vol. 24 (1): 27-33 Cross sectional study Country: Saudi (central region) N: 894 Age:12-20 -BMI overweight >85th -obese >95th BMI percentile -13.8% were overweight -20.5% were obese. Obesity and Related Behaviors among Adolescent School Boys in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia Mahfouz,A et al(2007) Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Vol. 54, No. 2 Country: Saudi (southern region) N: 2696 Age:11-19 -height -weight -BMI -general structured questionnaire underweight : -normal weight :15th- -Overweight :85th- -Obese:>95th percentile -questionnaire include question about socio-demographic condition, consumed food and physical activities. -16% were obese -95% had lack of exercise -obesity among adolescent in Abha is a health problem now and near future. Prevalence and socioeconomic risk factors of obesity among urban female students in Al-Khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia, 2003 Al-Saeed, W et al (2006) obesity reviews 8 , 93-99 cross sectional study Country: Saudi (Eastern region) N: 2239 Age:6-17 years -socio-demographic questionnaire -BMI -questionnaire given to parents to fill it out, includes question about fathers education, occupation and family incomes. -BMI= Weight (in kg)/Height (in m2). -20% were overweight -11% were obese -obesity and overweight in children are associated with highly educated mothers. -obesity among female is higher than male. Power (2009) voices compelling concerns about the prevalence of obesity within the gulf regions and focuses in particular on Saudi Arabia. According to Power (2009) obesity has now reached such a proportion that it is seriously beginning to threaten the Saudi community as becoming a nationwide epidemic. Furthermore empirical studies performed by Novotny (2003) have further implicated Saudi Arabia as the gulf capital for obesity as a sample of Saudi nationals over a five year period were selected utilizing a multistage stratified cluster sampling format with probability being proportionate to size. Physicians had a health obligation of measuring obesity accurately which was done through a quartet index of Body Mass Index. The data showed a sample of 8,865 participants comprising of 46.8% males with a mean age of 33.5 years. The prevalence of overweight came to 28.7% for females and 31.4% for males. With respect to obesity Novotny (2003) continues that holistic prevalence was 21.5% mal es and 25.4% for females. Indeed, the research design is suggestive of the notion that such figures many indeed represent accurate values nationally. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, issues such as area, income, age and gender etc are from a statistical perspective significant predictors of obesity. Fairburn (2005) agrees and cites that the prevalence of obesity as the data suggests is normally higher in females than males due to sedentary lifestyles but lower in people residing in rural regions who adhere to traditional forms of life. Thus, the data may suggest that the prevalence and pattern of obesity according to gender and age is similar in Arab nations to those in western counties. The risk factors to children are huge. Power (2009) further mentions that Saudi Arabian children in particular are known to be sedentary kids and are more likely to gain weight due to a severe lack of physical activity. Fairburn (2005) however is adamant that some risk factors can be manipulated or modified and eagerly states that most of the risk factors impacting children are controllable in early life and thus negating the risk of heart disease later in life. Fairburn (2008) cites that parents can help children maintain a healthy body weight through physical activity and limiting salt consumption whilst educating them about the dangers of smoking highlighting that nicotine in cigarettes can cause the contraction of blood vessels and thus restricting blood flow through the vessels. In relation to obesity Fairburn (2005) argues that controlling portions containing fewer calories is the best way forward. Power (2009) however cites that this may not be applicable in all instances and states that more methodical ways need to be devised like fun games in order to increase activity. Further research among Saudi adolescents highlighted categorical variance that played a pertinent role in levels of childhood obesity. Amin et al. (2008) determined through quantitative research that male Saudi children with less educated parents and more working mothers were increasingly prone to obesity and overweight. In fact, such research is directly correlated with the work of Al-Subaie (2000) in which mothers education acted as a singular influence on Saudi females dietary habits formation. In a study by Al-Saeed et al. (2007) research amongst Saudi female students determined that parental working patterns were positively correlated to the incidence of childhood obesity. From this perspective, those children whose parents were actively working in private jobs were more likely to become obese. These specific demographic variables and their influence on Saudi obesity are essential to predicting incidence and moderating the increasing prevalence of this disease. From an alternate perspective, geographic research further explores the variability of obesity amongst Saudi adolescents. Regional research by Al-Nuaim et al. (1996) and El-Hazmi and Warsy (2002) has demonstrated that the incidence of obesity is positively correlated to geographic location in Saudi Arabia. These studies highlight increased obesity in the Eastern Province while the Southern Province demonstrated a significant decrease in incidence. El-Hazmi and Warsy (2002) postulate that such discrepancies may be directly related to environmental or genetic factors, thereby illuminating unique traits of obesity that are specific to Saudi Arabia. Further geographic research conducted by Khalid (2008) demonstrated that children at higher altitudes in Saudi Arabia tend to be increasingly overweight which has been suggested to be related to lifestyle and exercise habits. Each of these analyses provides a foundation of necessity for further evaluation of geographic differentiation in obes ity between rural and urban children in Saudi Arabia. Such evaluation could provide an undeniable link between exercise habits, diet, and income which allows regional officials to employ strategic preventative measures to reduce the incidence of obesity. Many medical and psychological risks and complications are associated with childhood obesity and overweight (Lobstein et al., 2004). ).. A strong relationship was found between asthma and BMI among obese and overweight children (Muà ±oz et al., 2001). Further, obesity can affect children emotionally and psychologically, as low self-esteem in obese children is likely to increase levels of anger and loneliness (Strauss, 2000).One of the main concerns of health professionals is the strong relationship between childhood obesity and subsequent adulthood obesity and overweight. Especially among adolescents, a high Body Mass Index (BMI) is highly predictive of obesity in adulthood (Laitinen et al., 2001). As result of the difficulties to assess the relationship between obesity in childhood and obesity in adulthood, epidemiological studies have used different design, age group, definitions and measurements (livingstone, 2000). Beside these limitations, more than one study have found that there is a strong relationship between childhood obesity and adulthood obesity (Whitaker et al., 1997);(Hill et al., 1998) ;(Gue et al., 1999). Obesity in adults is associated in turn with a variety of chronic diseases. For instance, a recent publication of the American Institute for Cancer Research (2007) found that an increase in body fat was associated with a variety of cause cancers including cancer of pancreas, oesophagus, colorectal, breast, kidney, allbladder and liver cancer (AICR, 2007). Roberts (2002) contends that obesity is closely linked to insulin resistance and to elevated blood pressure. Roberts (2002) further contends that complications arising from obesity typically include cancer like renal cell cancer, breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Mendosa (2005) agrees and underlines that other complications include sleep deprivation, liver malfunction, obstetric and gynaecologic complications, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension. Mendosa (2005) in particular relates to the short term consequences of obesity as high blood pressure which can result due to a disproportionate body mass index. Mendosa (2005) cites that whilst high blood pressure has no immediate problems, it is a major risk factor which can lead to serious cardiovascular problems and ultimately heart disease. Wright et al (2005) agrees and further argues that with high blood pressure additional pressure is placed on the to heart to work more intensely in pumping blood around the body which can over a prolonged period of time damage arteries resulting in a blockage and thus a stroke. Contrarily though Roberts (2002) cites that whilst this is a short term problem, this problem mainly increases with age and thus adolescents are not at immediate risk. Wright et al (2005) further notes that osteoarthritis can also be a long term consequence which is a joints disorder. This arises due to additional pressure being placed on bones and joints due to obesity. Wight et al (2005) cites that even reducing weight by as little at 10% can minimise the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation in the heart and osteoarthritis by negating pressure on bones. Fairburn (2005) further alludes to weight management and cites that blood pressure can decrease by up to 2.5/1.5 mmHg for each excess kilogram which is eliminated. Fairburn (2005) contends that a healthy diet is also essential in counteracting high blood pressure i.e. 6-8 portions of a plethora of fruit and vegetables and a low in salt/fat diet. Thus, high blood pressure is a short term problem which can lead to more serious long term problem but can be controlled through weight management and a sensible diet. Childhood obesity is become a major public health concern as result of its immediate and a later-life affects and consequences. Table 1.2 showed the early and late impacts of childhood obesity. Table1.2 Early and late impacts of childhood obesity (Wabitsch, 2000) Early impacts Late impacts Psychological problems Adulthood obesity Social consequences (low self-esteem and more loneliness) cancer Physical appearance Cardiovascular disease Metabolic disturbance Diabetes and hypertension Immune system and infection (High airway infection) Skin problems (acne and skin infection) Physical disabilities (decrease body mobility and activity) Mendosa (2005) refers to diabetes. Obesity can lead to both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease and has affected almost nearly 42% of the adult population in Saudi Arabia. Mendosa cites that obesity and diabetes are both increasing at epidemic proportions that as many as 16% of the population may have even acquired metabolic syndrome. Wilson (2009) agrees and cites that chronic inflammatory response comprising of abnormal cytokine production, can lead to acute phase reactants and inflammatory signalling pathways being activated. According to Wright (2005) there is an intense correlation between obesity and health related quality of life due to multiple domains of quality of life and the heterogeneity of obesity. Furthermore as Wilson (2009) notes the concept of health related quality of life can be rather difficult to operationalise since from a theoretical standpoint it is inclusive of all issues of life. Power (2005) agrees and mentions that each domain of health is characterised by various components. As a consequence, quality of life is measurable by certain indices that mirror certain aspects of overall quality of life like functional restrictions and depression. Empirical studies as alluded to by Power (2005) have focused on the relationship between obesity and quality of life and have made use of generic scales instrumented specially for obese people. Additionally, as Wight (2005) notes obesity is a heterogeneous condition, and evidence does suggest that cultural, social, familial and individual facto rs can impact the level of obesity one contracts. In accordance with such a debate Power (2005) in particular argues that short term implications include difficulty in standing and walking. Power (2005) carried out dual studies in 2002 which solicited data from 120 obese individuals in the Saudi town of Tabuk. The data shows that 92 respondents depicted signs of limitations in relation to climbing several flights of stairs. Furthermore, all respondents displayed signs of physical wear and tear in relation to other activities whilst many also displayed emotional distress. However, the world health organisation (WHO) in contrast is critical and cites that underlying conditions such as arthritis may have contributed to this physical wear and tear. As such there is a link between obesity and poorer quality of life was in all age groups and both genders. A growing body of data has been correlated in obesity to suggest impairments in quality of life from a short term view are a genuine co ncern. Childhood obesity needs to be taken very seriously as contended by Poskitt (2008). Economic development in Saudi Arabia over the last three decades has lead to many changes in nutritional and lifestyle habits. Whilst these alterations have indeed influenced the quantity and quality of food consumption and predisposed individuals to a sedentary lifestyle, research of childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia is inadequate. The literature has shown that obesity has continued to proliferate in Saudi Arabia. Whilst some interventions have been imposed they have failed to substantially buck the trend of rising obesity statistics. The short term and long term consequences have been implicated as being a serious risk to those who are obese. Furthermore, the evidence does not bode well for childhood obesity which needs to be taken very seriously to prevent the emergence of such diseases as enlisted within the literature review. It should be studied and then implemented in the curriculum to prevent children from adopting a sedentary lifestyle leading to potentially deadly diseases. Study hypothesis: Urbanisation is negatively correlated to obesity Socio-economic status is ambiguously correlated to obesity Dietary intake is positively correlated to obesity Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with obesity Location: This study will be carried out in the Riyadh region which is one of the 13 regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh region is located in the centre of Saudi Arabia; it includes 21 small regions called Emirates. It also includes more than fifty rural areas all belong to these small Emirates. Study design and sampling: Cross- sectional study conducted in intermediate and secondary schools in Riyadh region in urban and rural areas. Age group: from 12-17 years male and female students. Participant will be recruited in urban and rural schools which have been chosen randomly based on schools list provided by educational authorities in Riyadh. Schools will be divided into 3 levels depend on the socio-economic statues of the locality; low, medium and high. Five schools will be randomly selected from each SES level. This study design to choose participant will be on two stages by using cluster sampling technique: First stage is choosing schools randomly.Second stage is choosing classrooms randomly. Then 50 participants will be randomly selected from each school by using school enrolment number. Eligibility: All students male and female age 12 to 17 years old attending and studying in the chosen schools. Ethical considerations: This study will be approved by the Social and Behavioral Research Ethics Committee of the Flinders University. Permission will be obtained from the local School Health and Education Directorate authorities. An introductory letter to participant explains research protocol and includes consent form for the parents. *Parents will be asked to sign consent if they wish their child to participate in this study. * In addition agreement will be obtained from children to ensure they do not object to participating in the study. *Parents and participant can refuse or withdraw at any time, even if they signed a consent form. *If they refuse or withdraw from this study, they dont have to give reason for it. Data collection and techniques: Anthropometric measurements All ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURMENTS will be measured by trained researchers and the accuracy of measurements will be checked before use. Researcher will use the SECA digital 763 (Germany) which is a combination scale (weight) and stadiometer (height). The instrument will be calibrated before use at regular intervals as per a standard operating procedure (SOP). Weight: Participant will be weighed without shoes and with minimal clothes. Height: participant will be measured with shoulder in relaxed position without shoes and looking straight ahead. BMI: calculation formula Body weight in Kg/Height in meter*2 (James, 2004). Waist circumference: will be measured with a flexible measuring tape. Blood pressure: by using electronic blood pressure machine, participants will be measured on the same arm with a standard cuff while the participant sitting and in a relax position. Three separate measurements will be taken and the average will be recorded (Pickering et al., 2005). Obesity and overweight determination: Based on the WHO growth chart table (Onis et al,2004); Underweight Nutrient intakes: By using Youth / Adolescents Food Frequency Questionnaire (YFFQ) (Rockett, 1995). This method will be validated with weighed food record on small sample size to evaluate appropriate when using it with Saudi adolescents. YFFQ in Arabic language will be created and students will be asked to complete this questionnaire in the classroom. For assessing food habits and behaviors, closed-ended questions will be added, including the following: frequency of breakfast last week, breakfast at home or outside, frequency consumption of fast food and soft drinks, consumption of confectionary, cakes and biscuits (e.g. ice cream, cake), eating while watching TV or computer. Physical activity: Exercises and physical activities will be measured by using metabolic equivalent (MET) questionnaire (Craig, 2003). Students will be asked to recall last 7days physical activity. It will include activity scale ranged from sleep to high physical activity. For each activity level, MET value will be multiplied by time spend in this activity level. The MET-time at each level will be added to get the total over 24 hours MET-time (Craig, 2003). Socioeconomic status: A self-adminstered questionnaire will be sent to parents to complete and return along with the consent form. It will include questions like household ownership of car, computer, TV and other equipment indicative of socio-economic tatus. -current residence If family has driver or housekeeper. Employment status Educational level. Family income. Family size. Breast feeding status of reference child (i.e. initiation and duration) -Own house or rent -Type of house; villa, town hose, house or unit. Biochemistry: A subsample of participants will be asked to provide a blood sample, obtained by venepuncture for analysis of vitamin D level in the blood. Trained registered nurse staff collected all blood samples. Blood samples were kept on ice and directly transported to a accredited pathology service centre within 12 hours. Vitamin D, lipids and blood glucose will be measured from this blood sample. Data management and data processing: Data entry and data processing will carry out using SPSS software. Expected Outcomes This study is designed to frame tangible data regarding the influence of urbanisation, SES, dietary intake, and physical activity on obesity in children localised to both urban and rural areas in the Central Region of Saudi Arabia. From initial study, benchmark hypotheses will be evaluated including the following suppositions: Physical activity is negatively correlated to obesity Socio-economic status is ambiguously correlated to obesity (non-exclusive)

Confucianism Essay -- Papers China Chinese Culture Religion Essays

Confucianism A philosopher named Confucius founded Confucianism in China 2,500 years ago. Confucianism is a system of ethical behavior and social responsibility that became the great traditions of the East.1 It played an important role in the evolution in Chinese culture over the centuries. It has influenced near-by countries and had made a mark in the history of religion. There are today over six million people who call themselves Confucianists. Most Confucianists live in East Asia where Confucianism is thought to be born. For over two thousand years, Confucianism has been the dominant philosophical system of Chinese government, which has still a great hold on their people. Because Chinese culture has spread to the counties of Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, the values of Confucianism can be found there too. Confucius Confucius was born in 551 BC in the village of Zou in the country of Lu. During that time, the Zhou dynasty was in decline-this was controlled by King Zhou. As a child, Confucius would have make-believe rituals; as a young adult he quickly earned a reputation for politeness, fairness and had a love for learning. He traveled often and studied at the imperial capital, Zhou, where legend has it he spoke with Lao Zi, the leader of Daoism. When Confucius returned to Lu, he became a renowned teacher. At the age of 35, Confucius followed Duke Zhao into war. Duke Zhao was later captured and Confucius again followed. Zhao often went to Confucius for advice, but was later advised not to by one of his advisors. Eventually Zhao stopped going to him for advice and Confucius returned to Lu. When he returned, he saw that conditions have been unchanged so he retired from public life to concentrate on teaching and studying... ...ducted at the many Confucian temples on the island. In June, Taiwan?s Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the death, in 299 BCE, of the Confucian diplomat Chu Yuan, who drowned himself to call attention to unheeded demands for government reform. Bibliography: 1Confucianism ? World Religions by Thomas and Dorothy Hoober P. 3 2 Confucianism ? World Religions by Thomas and Dorothy Hoober P. 75 3 Confucianism http://albany.net/~geenius/kongfuzi/teach.html 4 Confucianism ? Encarta Encyclopedia http://www.encarta.com 5 Confucianism ? World Religions P. 56 6 Confucianism http://www.albany.net/~geenius/kongfuzi/modkong.html 7 World Book Encyclopedia ? Confucianism 8 Confucianism http://www.encyclopedia.com 9 Confucianism http://connect.net/ron/confucianism.html 10 Confucianism http://www.encarta.com (I would check it first)

Death Of A Salesman :: essays research papers

No one has a perfect life. Everyone has conflicts that they must face sooner or later. The ways in which people deal with these personal conflicts can differ as much as the people themselves. Some insist on ignoring the problem as long as possible, while some attack the problem to get it out of the way. Willy Lowman's technique in Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, leads to very severe consequences. Willy never really does anything to help the situation, he just escapes into the past, whether intentionally or not, to happier times were problems were scarce. He uses this escape as if it were a narcotic, and as the play progresses, the reader learns that it can be a dangerous drug, because of it's addictiveness and it's deadliness. The first time Willy is seen lapsing off into the past is when he encounters Biff after arriving home. The conversation between Willy and Linda reflects Willy's disappointment in Biff and what he has become, which is, for the most part, a bum. After failing to deal adequately with his feelings, he escapes into a time when things were better for his family. It is not uncommon for one to think of better times at low points in their life in order to cheer themselves up so that they are able to deal with the problems they encounter, but Willy Lowman takes it one step further. His refusal to accept reality is so strong that in his mind he is transported back in time to relive one of the happier days of his life. It was a time when no one argued, Willy and Linda were younger, the financial situation was less of a burden, and Biff and Happy enthusiastically welcomed their father back home from a long road trip. Willy's need for the "drug" is satiated and he is reassured that everything will turn out okay, and the family will soon be as happy as it was in the good old days. The next flashback occurs during a discussion between Willy and Linda. Willy is depressed about his inability to make enough money to support his family, his looks, his personality and the success of his friend and neighbor, Charley. "My God if business doesn't pick up , I don't know what I'm gonna do!" (36) is the comment made by Willy after Linda figures the difference between the family's income and their

Hero Speech

Hero Speech When we hear the word â€Å"hero,† it usually brings up images of super men or super woman. The super powers, sweeping in and saving humanity from villains and natural disasters, but when I hear that word, in my mind’s eye, I see my father. The word â€Å"hero† to me is full of arguments, small, quiet, stable, yet profound ways of making impacts and changing lives. A hero puts his best self forward and uses compassion, kindness, empathy, and non-violence to serve humanity, whether that is the entire world or his immediate family. Service without expectation of material gain or recognition is a true act of heroism.Father and daughter relationship is one of the most important relationships on earth. But many fathers often underestimate their importance in the lives of their daughters, doubting their significance and influence and often withdrawing much too quickly from the essential bond formed in childhood and adolescence. When a father checks out, whe ther that is through physical and emotional absence or abuse of any kind, his daughter’s sense of self-worth, ability to have healthy relationships, mental health, and ability to strive and achieve can profoundly suffer.My father Jaime Ignacio is the most awesome and very kind man in the universe. I am very proud to have him as my father. Even though we lost my mother a year and eight months ago, he did his responsibility perfectly. I know that he is hurting inside but staying strong for us. On the contrary, there is so much in life that I have learned from my Dad. He was in many ways a simple man, but yet he had strong values that he passes down to me. I am incredibly fortunate to have him as a father, and sometimes, I wonder what I did to deserve this blessing.Throughout my life, my father has been a stable, loving presence, supporting and guiding me through my trials and tribulations, sharing in my triumphs, and being a shining example of how a man should act at all times and in all situations. Even though we have some misunderstanding we still work things out, and never let it become a reason for us to lose our great bond. My father is known for his generosity and understanding. I only hope that someday I can repay him for all he has done and continues to do for me. He is the ONLY HERO IN MY LIFE and no one can replace him. EVER.