Bean Trees Essay

Most authors convey an important message or idea throughout their noevls to give a greater understanding to their readers. In Barbara Kingsolvers novel, ‘The Bean Trees’, a strong idea that was developed was the possiublity of new beginnings. ‘The Bean Trees’ is the story of the protagonist Taylor Greer, who starts off on a journey from her home town of Kentucky to Arizona. Along the way she she is given an abandoned child which is the start to her learning about motherhood, becoming a women, the power of friendships and also learns to be capable. The idea of new beginnings is the ability for characters to start over and leave their past behind them. It was mainly developed through Taylor, Turtle, and also a Guatamalan couple Estevan and Esperanza. The first person who helped develop this idea is Taylor. At the beginning of the story Taylor was called Marietta before she decided that she wanted to have a clean break because she had never been crazy about the names which she had been called previously. I didn’t have any special name in mind, but just wanted a change’ this fitted into the theme of new beginnings because she was capable of leaving behind her old life and things that surrounded her name and had the opportunity to have the chance to create a new destiny for herself. As well as giving herself another chance to start her life and live it the way that she wanted through the changing of her name she also left her home town, house, friends, and mother all in search of somewhere new to live her life. She used chance to decide where she was going to stop with the use of her car. Wherever it ran out of fuel or something happened to it, she would stop there. With the ambition of leaving her old Kentucky life behind her, she started a journey which led her to Oklahoma. this just happened to be the place where she was given an abandoned child. This was another new beginning for Taylor. ‘Can you talk?†¦ What am I supposed to do with you tonight?†¦ What do you eat?†¦ ‘ This series of questions that Taylor asked the abandoned child showed that she had absolutely no idea what she was doing and still had to learn the first steps of becoming a mother. It was a new beginning for her to take on responsibility for someone else. She had to grow, learn and understand in order to take care of the child that she had suddenly gained to take on her journey. She may not have understood what to do or how to do it, or even truly wanted this new beginning, but all in all she was given the chance. Kingsolver suggests through the use of Taylor that often life presents us with unexpected occurances, but if grasped correctly can lead to a possible great change, and therefore future. Through the use of Taylor as a character Kingsolver helps to show us that around the corner, in every situation, if something as small as a car journey, can lead to amazing opportunities to start afresh in our lives. Turtle is another character that helps develop Kingsolver’s idea of new beginnings. Turtle is an abandoned 3 year old Indian child, who was abused when she was younger. After her mother died she was left to an unexpected Taylor who was just someone passing through the town, but turned into the receiver of a child who she had no clue what to do with. On later inspection of the child which she named Turtle she noticed that her body was covered in ‘bruises and worse’ as Taylor said. When Taylor realised that turtle was a girl she said ‘that fact already burdened her short life with a kind of misery that she could not imagine’. Through this you can picture just how horrible the life this young child must have had. However this was the end of her bad story and the beginning to a new one. Just like Taylor she is given a new name, but also a new mother, new friends, and a new chance. With the opportunity Turtle is now able to grow. ‘Turtle had managed to get through her whole life without a book, I suppose, and then she had two of them bought for her in one day. ‘ This quote shows the beginning if Turtles chance of recovery. She was a 3 year old stuck in an 18 month old body. She was a child with a horrible past, but a chance to start over. The development of Turtle made you understand that the majority of people are at some point given the ability to have a new beginning, no matter how terrible their life was before hand. Estevan and Esperanza are a Guatamalan couple who are also given the opportunity to have a new beginning and therefore helped develop the idea of new beginnings. Estevan and Esperanza are people who are illegally living in Tucson. Esperanza and Estevan live in Mattie’s sanctuary that she has set up for people like them. After becoming good friends with Taylor they decide that they need to move on from Tucson and constantly running from the law. With Taylor and Turtle they set off to go to a safe house in Oklahoma. They were considered ‘illegals’ and needed to be taken out of the country. however there should not be people judged as legal or illegal. There is only a difference between people who are good or bad. Because of this they are taken to a safe house where they are unlikely to be taken away. Instead of focusing on the negative once at the church Estevan says ‘don’t think of us stuck here forever. Think of us back in Guatemala with our families’. His optimism in their new ability to have a clean break and go back to their home country showed the idea of new beginnings in a different light. It'[s not always physically being somewhere that gives people their new beginnings. Sometimes it is just a chance that makes believing in what was, or what could be, possible again. This is how Estevan and Esperanza helped deleop new beginnings as an idea in the novel. In conclusion, everyone has a chance at a new beginning, whther big or small. Three different sets of characters showed this throughout the novel ‘The Bean Trees’. Taylor helped the idea become present in the story as well as develop in as not only the physical actions that allow the new beginning to happen, but also a state of mind. Turtle developed the idea so that it showed the readers that just because someone’s life starts out badly, it doesn’t mean their opportunity to have a new beginning wont come along. Estevan and Esperanza developed the idea so that you realised sometimes all that you need is faith to have the chance at a new beginning. In the end new beginnings was an idea that many characters showed their their own stories and therefore developed into their own way of showing the idea and allowing readers to understand it.

A Nation Should Require All Its Students to Study the Same Curriculum Till They Enter College Essay

For any nation, the youth shapes the most vital part of their future. They would be full of hope , enthusiasm, with a zeal to strive ahead at every thing they aim to acheive. The moulding of such minds requires a proper, balanced and diversified course of education. The curriculum moulds the youth’s minds to think in that direction. With such a sensitive issue , one should be allowed to think freely, as to what one wishes to study. Indeed a nation would like its students to have coherent , national values to an extent, but I firmly believe that, to prosper, as a whole, a student must be entrusted with the decision to choose . To choose an option that will help him or her achieve their dream. In fact, a curriculum should be diversified and tailormade as per a student’s needs, not the same to be forced upon. A national curriculum, I believe , would strive to make a coherent, streamlined thinking process , for the entire student community in general. It would not encourage students to think more, to delve into their own areas of interests. This is not just in the interest or benefit of the student , it aims at a more developed nation, where all spheres of life, are truly balanced. This indeed makes a nation more diverse and strong. Instead of forcing a student to follow a particular set of norms and curriculum for the most essential part of his or her life, the youth, which shapes their future, I firmly would encourage a more adaptive curriculum, keeping all interests of the youth in mind. Not everyone would prefer fashion over engineering. Not everyone would prefer music over agriculture. A diverse curriculum promotes an all rounded nation. Once you give a student the freedom to choose , they will explore more options and in that process they will learn through experiences and engagement. It nourishes and encourages creativity, entrusts a youth with the capability of making his or her own well informed decisions. It will be a surety of a youth graduating as a complete, wholesome and well-rounded individual, not just a student.

Pentecost Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pentecost - Essay Example The term, â€Å"they† indicates the apostles who were present at the place where Lord Jesus was crucified, with an intention to spread the preaching of the gospel to various corners of the earth. The term â€Å"all† is indicative of the number of people present there at that time which was 120 including the apostles (Acts 1:15). However, a common consensus could not be arrived as regards the â€Å"one place† which has been mentioned here. It could however be concluded that the place was a room upstairs (Acts 1:13). The phrase â€Å"suddenly† indicates the unpredictability of the event although they were expecting the descent of the Holy Spirit. The term â€Å"from heaven† is used to emphasis the fact that the sound descended from the sky. Rushing like a violent wind signifies the magnitude of the sound and the house was full of it describes aptly the force and power of the sound that it filled the entire house where they had gathered. The term it is indicative of the sound and not the wind. The term appeared unto them suggests that they saw or had visions of. The word cloven means divided or distributed whereas the term tongues is used shape of fire that looked like a tongue. In Hebrew the word tongue is described as something which is long, narrow and pointed in shape, and hence resembling fire. It sat upon each of them denotes that it rested on the heads of those gathered there and is indicative of the descent of the Holy Spirit. The phrase and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost is used to indicate that they were graced by the sacred presence of the Holy Spirit and hence were entirely under his command / power / influence / spell. The term filled with is used to signify the absolute power cast by his presence. The term began to speak in other tongues means that they started conversing in different languages and as the spirit gave them utterance denotes that the power / ability to speak in different languages was conferred on them by the holy spirit,

Write an essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Write an - Essay Example perience for me and through this time I have tried to change most of the conventional methods employed by the other teachers we have worked with and introduced more effective ways to involve the students, more so in learning. Curriculum, in my understanding, and in an educational context broadly defines the experiences that one undergoes through the educational processes. The term as defined by a variety of scholars majorly refers to a planned sequence of instructions often set by organization instructional goals. The curriculum in this sense should be able to incorporate all the learning usually organized, planned and guided by the school, carried out in groups or individually and done both inside and outside the school environment (Null, 2011). The curriculum should define the reasons for doing particular things, the range of activities to be carried out and also the designated times in which these activities are to be carried out. In totality it involves among other things the skills, performances, values and attitudes that are to be expected from students or pupils that are in the schooling systems. When taken specifically in the education system, the curriculum should entail such aspects as the cont ents of the syllabuses offered, the strategies used to achieve their set targets and also the norms and values accepted by the school systems. The curriculum as defined and applied in the several spheres of the learning environment and other setups include the explicit, implicit, hidden, excluded and extracurricular curriculum and are as described: Explicit curriculum; includes those subjects and courses that are taught, the set objectives of the school, and the specified skills and knowledge that are expected from students that undergo the schooling system successfully. Implicit curriculum; also defined as the unintended curriculum, involves the lessons that arise due to the culture of the learning institution and its behaviors, its attitudes and the various

Criticizing an Argument by Analogy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Criticizing an Argument by Analogy - Essay Example ion, articulating that they feel as if a friend has been lost, and demonstrate the signs of opiate-withdrawal, augmented anxiety, aggravation, and misery. Drugs make individuals behave this way too, and these are the typical indicators of an addict in refutation. The recent experiments in the USA that illustrate that the typical American watches over 4 hours of TV each day, as well as 49% of those, persist to watch despite confessing to doing it exceptionally reflects the threat that TV has on human beings. Very many individuals do not realize that they are addicted to a drug called TV. This is because literally all they do revolves around them coming back to watch it, after whatever task. Drugs have the capacity to get one hooked and he or she thinks about is getting to use them; this is exactly what TV does to people. Addicts recognize they are doing damage to themselves, but go on to utilize the drug regardless. Human beings should recognize that the TV works as an ultra-modern drug delivery method, and it is just as damaging to the brain as each other drug, and they should just say

The Financial Impact of Medical Errors On Health Service Organizations Essay

The Financial Impact of Medical Errors On Health Service Organizations - Essay Example A definition of medical errors cited by Neilipovitz (2005) denotes it as "Both as the failure of a planned action to be completed as intended or as the use of a wrong plan to achieve an aim, whether or not the error results in harm" (p. 28). Neilipovitz (2005) notes that it is hard to measure the extent of medical errors as a problem in the healthcare sector. This is in regard to the fact that some of the medical errors do not elicit unfavorable effects or outcomes hence are not easily identified. However, many fatalities have been reported over the past due to medical errors. In fact, Neilipovitz (2005) asserts that between forty four thousand and ninety eight thousand fatalities are reported in the U.S. per annum. In order to explicate and understand the financial impact of medical errors in health service organizations, it is of significance to delineate the causes of medical errors. Medical errors according to the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) (2011) may result from a number of factors such as ineffective communication, poor flow of information within a healthcare facility, inadequate staffing levels, as well as poor action plans and strategy implementation. These medical errors impact on all stakeholders and the society in general socially, physically, emotionally, and economically. According to Naylor (2002), more than fifty percent of medical errors are caused by prescription mistakes while more than thirty percent relate to how drugs are administered. For instance, if a physician does not have all the information relating to a drug, then he or she is more likely to give the wrong dosage, give wrong directions on how the drugs ought to be administered, and somet imes even give the wrong medication for a specific ailment. Medical errors may also occur when a physician does not take time to assess a patients medical history (Naylor, 2002).

What key skills do employers want fresh university graduates to have Research Paper

What key skills do employers want fresh university graduates to have - Research Paper Example Now-a-days, the employers are trying to find effective and fresh university graduates to enhance their several business operations. It is important for the fresh graduates to avail effective knowledge and skills in their educational fields to achieve significant employment opportunity. However, the employers usually look for general behaviors and competencies that are important for the successful working. These aspects are often overlooked by the fresh university graduates but these are the basic things that the employers or recruitment officials want to find. Discussion The recruitment officers or the employers generally want ten important skills and competencies from the fresh university graduates. These are communication, commercial awareness, teamwork, problem solving, negotiation and persuasion, leadership, perseverance and motivation, organizations, confidence and ability to work under immense pressure. These ten aspects are discussed below in details. Communication Verbal comm unication and ability to listen are considered as important skills of an employee. Clear, focused and concise communication helps an employee to tailor his or her message for the target audience. On the other hand, listing to the views and suggestions of others can enhance and effective communication process. Clear and concise communication is required in an organization between the employers and employees to reduce the possibilities of conflict. Inadequate communication process can affect the business performance of the organization in several ways (Heneman, 22). Ultimately, it can affect the business performance of the organization. Looking into these mutterers, the employers try to hire fresh university graduates who avail good communication skill. Commercial Awareness Commercial awareness or business awareness is quite important of the fresh university graduates. The recruitment professionals always try to observe the knowledge and awareness level of the applicants during the re cruitment process. According to the employers, effective knowledge about an organization can help an employee to perform in significant way. Teamwork Effective teamwork within the workplace can drive an organization towards successful business performance. The fresh university graduates need to prove that they are effective team player. In addition to this, the fresh university graduates should have the ability to delegate and mange other team members within the workplace (Lipman & Hall, 2008). Effective team management is about developing positive and effective working relationship to achieve professional and personal goals. Problem Solving Problem solving and decision making method is quite important for business operation. Effective problem solving and decision ability of the employees can help an organization to achieve successful business outcome. In addition to this, effective problem solving ability of the employees can help an organization to resolve critical issues during s erious situations. Negotiation and Persuasion Effective negotiation and persuasion process of employees can help them to put forward in their desired ways. In addition to this, effective negotiation and persuasion process helps an employee to understand the background of several unknown individuals (Paper, 2007). This key understanding process and the effective negotiation ability of the employees can help the organization to meet business objectives within quick time period. Leadership It is true that each and every leading organization around the globe is trying to improve and maintain their workplace and

Urbanism in archaeology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Urbanism in archaeology - Essay Example Urbanism means the way of development, shaping and modification of the built environment found in the towns and cities. It is not the planning of town as is usually understood by some people.It explains the way communities came into being in cities, and how they interacted with one another to give rise to the social systems. The concept of the contemporary world is totally incomplete without cities. According to an estimate, population of people that live in cities exceeds half of the total, and in the upcoming century, it is quite likely to approach two-thirds (Marcus and Sabloff 3). Cities used to be non-existent in the past. This has stirred up a lot of debate regarding the factors that have caused cities to form. Some scholars think that old scattered populations nucleated to create the cities while others believe in the role of several other factors. An in-depth analysis of the literature relevant to ancient cities is a potential means of identification of the factors that gave rise to urbanism. â€Å"These diverse settlements not only have much to tell us about the social, political, religious, and economic conditions of their times but also say something about our own† (Marcus and Sabloff 3). The division of class played an important role in maintaining the balance of social systems in cities and their civilization. Mesopotamian civilization is generally recognized as the first civilization (â€Å"The Birth of Civilization† 8). The modern Baghdad can be divided into two zones of ecology, namely the northern zone and the southern zone. Sumerians founded many of the ancient cities of Mesopotamia in the 4th millennium B.C.E. in Sumer that forms the southern Babylonia. Uruk was the a city in Sumer that was world’s largest city in 3000 B.C.E. However, many cities existed in Sumer before that. In the Early Dynastic Period that mainly ranged from 2800 B.C.E. to 2370 B.C.E., a lot of Sumerian cities were aligned north to south of Mesopotamia aside the watercourses (â€Å"The Birth of Civilization† 8). These cities included but were not limited to Ur, Lagash, Uruk, Shuruppak and Nippur. Many of these city-states had developed leagues of religious and political importance. These city-states quarreled with one another over possession of more resources and land for irrigation and agriculture. With the passage of time, stronger leagues gained hold of the weaker, and gradually increased enough to develop whole kingdoms which would in turn, rule many city-states. Ten major criteria of difference between the earliest and modern villages can be drawn from the archaeological data, which can be summarized as follows: Although most of the first cities are smaller than contemporary villages, they used to be considerably densely populated and voluminous as compared to the settlements that preceded them. The ancient urban population differed in function from a village. Most of the people living in cities were peasants, and wou ld cultivate crops in the lands aside the cities. People who had other professions and lived in cities like merchants, priests and craftsmen used to acquire food from the surplus prepared by the peasants as a support. The peasants did not take any service or goods from them for offering them the fish or grains they collected. The primary producers were obliged to reserve a portion of the surplus for a divine king as tax. This was extremely necessary in order to generate capital. Monumental structures not only signified the concentration of the surplus of the society, but also distinguished cities from villages. A lot of temples were constructed in the Sumerian cities. However, many magazines and workshops were attached to them. Each temple had a big granary. Many examples of this trend can be noticed. The grand tombs of pharaohs dominated the Nile Valley. Likewise, the pyramids and temples of the Maya cities are quite well known. Therefore, it can be said that the social surplus in Sumer was

Controversy native american names symbols mascots in U.S Essay

Controversy native american names symbols mascots in U.S - Essay Example But five pro teams and hundreds of high school teams with no connection to Indians continue to portray their teams under Indian imagery. Now the fight has reached the NCAA, the governing body of college sports, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, which has, for the first time, called for â€Å"an end to the use of Native American images and team names by non-Native schools.† The use of Native American mascots is quite an extensive issue in college sports. There are quite a few examples of this. As of 2001, Florida State University’s mascot was Chief Osceola with his steed Renegade. The image of the mascot was actually painted onto the turf of the playing field. Their pregame ritual actually consisted of the living mascot representative running out with a flaming spear and stabbing it into the image on the playing field. â€Å"Meanwhile, outside the delirious stadium a small group quietly stands with signs protesting the use of Seminole Indian imagery for the school’s sports mascots. They came two hours before the game and they will stay two hours after, holding vigil as fans file in and out, paying little attention to the authentic Seminoles who attend every game, rain or shine† (Teaching Tolerance, 2008, pg. 1). The teams themselves and their fans on one side attribute the use of the Native American mascots as a tribute to Native Americans. Some individuals beg to differ however, taking great offense to the fact that it is allowed on grounds that they consider it to be racist and degrading. Altogether, there are around 100 colleges in the United States that have Native American names or mascots. Some of those have been changed. For instance, Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma held its mascot as the Savages until it was changed to ‘Savage Storm’ just a few years ago after much controversy prompted the decision in an area of the country so filled with individuals of Native American ancestry. This practice is

Enterprise Technologies and the Value Chain Research Paper

Enterprise Technologies and the Value Chain - Research Paper Example As the paper stresses mobile business refers to electronic business transactions enabled, in part, by mobile technology targeting both consumers and businesses. Mobile business includes mobile commerce activities that represent mobile technology enabled transactions. Mobile technologies that support mobile businesses are grouped as networks and devices. Mobile devices can range from GPS and RFID chips to tablets and barcode scanners. Mobile networks include RFID, Bluetooth, GPS and mobile telecommunication networks. These are utilized, by organizations, to offer customization and flexibility. Unlike e-commerce, M-business offers value via enabling users to be reachable anytime and be mobile. According to the discussion findings value creation can occur via support to mobile users (employees) or mobile activities such as tracking supplies and raw materials. An industry trend that is growing is Fixed Mobile Convergence where centralized infrastructure and management support a mobile workforce that provides access to business applications from all locations and network connections. The greater the mobile workforce size in an organization, the higher the value proposition for mobile business in the organization. Three components are vital in the value proposition of mobile business for an organization; relevant actors, mobile technology’s unique attributes, and activities supported.

Seek feedback Essay Example for Free

Seek feedback Essay Seek feedback from people that you know about a task that you regularly carry out. This might be a task that you carry out at work. If so, you should seek feedback from employees, clients and colleagues. Alternately, this might be a task you carry out in your day-to-day life, such as driving a car or making dinner. If so you should seek feedback from friends and family members. How would you ensure that the feedback you receive is useful? How would you use this feedback to identify and develop ways to improve competence in the task you have selected? I have recently been learning to drive a manual car and have been getting lots of feedback from my instructor each lesson I have. While I already no how to drive automatic my focus is mainly based on driving the actual car itself. The feedback I receive is always positive on weather it is something I have done well or need to work on. They include: †¢1st gear I need to practice taking off in first gear as I tend to stall a lot, I can do this by feeling the point of which the clutch grabs and the car starts moving without acceleration. At this point I can then slowly accelerate and release the clutch simultaneously †¢Clutch – again feeling the point of which the clutch grabs. †¢Gear transitions – I need to work on smoother gear transitions whilst in movement. This is done with practice, watching revs and taking my time. †¢Stopping – working on coming to a stop by using my engine, this is done by knowing what limits a certain gear has and when I can drop back without revving the car to high as this could cause damage. †¢Changing gear while turning a corner – this is difficult at first as you are trying to not only steer but also change gears with the other hand. Also just takes practice. †¢Reversing – I have the same problem here as in first gear as I am just dong the opposite. Just need to know where the point of grab is in my clutch. By continuing to have lessons and perhaps finding a family friend to teach me also, with enough practice I should be able to master the task of learning to drive a manual with ease. I can insure that the feedback I receive is useful by : †¢Asking for specific examples, rather then generalisations. †¢Ask for explanations on their feedback they have given. †¢Ask for information on specific situations.

Canadas Victory in the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Canadas Victory in the Battle of Vimy Ridge Canada entered World War One as another country considered to be part of the British colony, and left it with a refined sense of nationalism that would finally lead to the end of Britains authority over Canada. The Canadian victory in Vimy ridge brought Canada a sense of pride. Womens active role in Canada during World War One changed the views of many Canadians in a positive way. Canadas achievements during the Great World War made Canadians have more love and loyalty to their country. Men and women had battled relentlessly during World War One and earned great respect from their country, which caused the increase of Canadian nationalism. Canadas involvement and victory in the battle of Vimy Ridge changed the views of many Canadians and it brought them a greater sense of nationalism. Historians have said Canadian nationalism was born atop the Vimy Ridge in the northern France on April 9, 1917, when the 100,000- strong Canadian corps claimed a strategic prize from the Germans near Arras, France that other allies had failed to capture. [1]After Canada conquered Vimy ridge, Canada was the first allied force that achieved a victory against the Germans. Canadian troops from then on gained the reputation of being tough, courageous, and successful fighters. Their outstanding achievement in the battle of Vimy ridge is what brought them a sense of pride. The feeling of empowerment and respect from other nations is what enhanced Canadian nationalism during and after the Great World War. Canadas achievements in the battle of Vimy Ridge brought a great sense of accomplishment to many Canadians. The victory at Vimy, won by troops from every part of the country, helped unite many Canadians in pride at the courage of their citizen-soldiers, and established a feeling of real nationhood.[2]During the battle of Vimy Ridge, it was the first time all Canadians fought together in a combined force. This encouraged troops to come together as one nation and work as a team to defeat the Germans at Vimy Ridge and is what helped unite many Canadians in a sense of greatness and pride. This is what made Canada considered an independent nation and that is what contributed to the increase of Canadian nationalism. The outlook of many Canadians changed as the success and victory of the battle of Vimy Ridge had brought them a better sense of nationalism. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that if Vimy Ridge had been captured by a British or French formation instead of the Canadian Corps, this action would not enjoy its current celebrity, Sheffield writes.Vimy Ridge resonates largely because of its role in the growth of Canadian nationalism. [3]Canadians after the success of Vimy Ridge believed that they could stand on their own two feet and fight for them selves without the help of Britain or other allied nations. This proved Canada was a strong country and an independent one too. This in turn is what made Canada have a greater sense of devotion to its country. The role of women in Canada during World War One changed the perspective of many Canadians and increased their sense of nationalism. Women were an essential component of the Canadian war effort and their efforts on the home front, in factories as well as on the battlefront were important to a successful outcome.[4]During World War One woman were called on by necessity to do work and take on roles that were outside their traditional expectations. They became an important part of Canadian society, and became more valued by the people of Canada. This wasnt considered the norm back in the day for women to be doing things like that. By Canada encouraging women to be involved in helping out in the war and at the home front, more Canadians have a greater sense of nationalism because they feel like their treating women with more respect. Canadian women performed no less than men did during the Great War. Many Canadian women worked in factories. Their contribution to the war showed that women had great courage and could do the same things the men could do. [5] Women moved into the labor force to do the jobs of men so that they can earn a living, help out the country and the men fighting over seas. This increased nationalism in Canada because Women had gained more rights and had a more active role in the society, which brought Canada closer to its national identity. Womens significant contribution to the Canadian war effort showed Canada had different beliefs from other nations. The Great War dramatically changed the lives of women in Canada. Womens active roles during world war one brought a better sense of pride to the country, which set Canada aside from other nations. [6] The Canadian women that help out during the war years changed the way Canadians felt about its country. Women were treated with a little more respect than before and had the opportunity to be apart of the work force which was different from what the world was used to. The womens active roles during The Great World War changed the views of many Canadians in a positive aspect which set aside Canada from the rest of the world. Canadas achievements on the battleground demonstrably promoted Canadian nationalism. One of the battles in which Canada fought courageously and determinedly was the battle of Ypres. Commander of the Second British Army, General Smith Dorrien said No words Could Be kinder or full of praise. The whole army realized that it was only the gallant actions of the Canadians that saved Ypres: otherwise one the greatest disasters in history of the British Army might have occurred.[7] Canadas involvement in the battle of Ypres changed the way many Canadians felt about their country and brought them a better sense of nationalism. When the Canadian army won the battle of Ypres using unreliable artillery (Ross riffles) its showed that Canadians could make due with what they have and win a battle no matter what the circumstances are. Canadas effort in the battle of Ypres changed the way Canadians felt about its country in a positive way. The accomplishments on the battle field increased Canadian nationalism; one of the battles was the battle of Somme which got Canada a new reputation of being known as storm troopers. War correspondent, Phillip Gibbs said The Canadians have gained great glory by their attack. Though swept by machine guns, and meeting stubborn defence, they carried a stronghold and captured hundreds of prisoners. The full story of the Canadian victory will thrill the great Dominion like a heroic song. They were careless of death, so they might win[8] During the battle of the Somme Canadian soldiers got the glorious reputation of being called storm troopers because of their restlessness on the battlefields. Although they were not victorious in defeating the Germans it showed that Canada had some clever tactic such as over the top, (which was when armed forces climbed over the trenches and advanced over the enemy) to attempt to defeat the Germans. The effort of the Canadian soldiers during the battle of the Somme showed Canadas capabilities and potentials in war which enhanced Canadian pride and devotion. The Most bloodiest battle in which Canadians fought in was the battle of Passchendaele. It was one of the most historical and successful battles of Word War One for Canadians although they were not successful in the battle. General Haig said proudly The Canadian have performed superbly, maintaining their spirit and pursuing their objectives in the face of overwhelming odds. They have defined the Passchendaele mud. [9] As the Passchendaele mud was a hard obstacle, the Canadians refused to back down and with spirit they charged forward concurring their goals as well as facing the great unlikely hood of survival. This showed the Canada had mental stability and no matter what the conditions were on the battlefield, they were always determined to win and this is what lead to Canadian nationalism because Canadians to be part of a country that is known to be great and outstanding fighter. During the First World War both men and women had battled courageously, weather it being on the battlefields or on the home front, thus increased Canadian nationalism. Canadas victory in the battle of Vimy ridge increased the positive views of many Canadians. Canadian regarded the active role of women in a positive manner which reflected the increase of nationalism during World War One. Canadas great accomplishments during the Great World War increased Canadas love and patriotism to its country. World War One, as many other events has made a great impact on the increase of Canadian. Birth of nationalism. CTV new report [Electronic Bulletin board]. April 2007- [cited 11 October 2009]. Available form [emailprotected] http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070402/vimy_90years_070402/ The capture of Vimy Ridge. Veterans Affair Canada [electronic bulletin board]. September 1998- [cited October 1 2009]. Available form [emailprotected] http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=history/firstwar/vimy/vimy5 Vimy Ridge Status in Canadian History Canada.com [electronic bulletin board]. 2001-[cited October 7 2009]. Available form [emailprotected] http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html? id=ccaca4a5-12a7-4b8c-b6a1-9c6469411fd1k=20506 Pat Station, Canadian Women and World War One (Toronto: Green Dragon Press, 2006), 15. Pat Station, Canadian Women and World War One (Toronto: Green Dragon Press, 2006), 31 A.G. Smith and Robert Livesey, Discovering Canada: The Great war(Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry and Whiteside,2006),36 G.W. Larkin and J.P. Matersky, Canada in the Twentieth Century World War 1(Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry Whiteside, 1987),18 G.W. Larkin and J.P. Matersky, Canada in the Twentieth Century World War 1(Markham, Ontario: Fitzhenry Whiteside, 1987),23 Kathryn M. Bindon, More Than Patriotism( Toronto: Thomas Nelson Sons Limited, 1979), 121

Understanding J. Alfred Prufrock and Nick Adams

Understanding J. Alfred Prufrock and Nick Adams Understanding J. Alfred Prufrock and Nick Adams: Emotional Modern Men Comparing and contrasting two persons demand specific criteria whether they exhibit differences or similarities. J. Alfred Prufrock and Nick Adams at such views, for example, hold equal cataclysms. Their everyday lives in which they suffer from their emotional insufficiencies tend to persuade them to overcome their distinctive miseries. Adams who suffers from errors and psychological mayhem, for instance, perceives various unrehearsed things. Like Adams, Prufrock also undergoes shortfalls as a male individual and carries such psychological burden until the end of his life. Both men suffer at their emotional level and acquire some discernible conflicts that display their anxieties. Although both men struggle against their individual problems, they divulge certain circumstances that shape out their unique conflicts otherwise. Based on the chosen readings, Alfred Prufrock does not have an in-depth grasp about his life. His uninteresting and dreary views about life seems dismal that he dwells on miseries at any points of his life. His dull facial expressions and gestures make him appear insipid, unadorned, middle-aged individual. The poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot supports this detail and describes Prufrock himself as struggling who lingers on ways to battle against his lack of confidence. He fears making decisions, which influence him to live in a simple life. In fact, the lines 58 through 61 of the poem illustrate the readers such understanding When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall, then how should I begin, to spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways? And how should I presume? (Lines 58-61). It appears recognizable that from these poetic lines Prufrock lacks of determination and courage to display his real character. Based on the poem, Prufrock feels discontented with hi s looks and he fears to be judged. In effect, he is afraid to socialize and approach women. To understand Nick Adams, readers should tell between Adams character and his stressful past by reading Ernest Hemingways Big Two-Hearted River. His disturbing life at war and at his existing moment haunted him much as he suffered from psychological distress. He sought for certainty, which he grew delighted to see the river because for him the river was certain. He believed that the river was definite because it would always be there (Hemingway,). In other words, readers should comprehend that Adams needed the certainty to live unlike his harrowing situations at war. For Adams, his life at war was uncertain whether or not he could survive; that is, he convinced himself that the river would provide him the assurance to live for many years. Hemingway clearly asserted that Adams still suffered from emotional turmoil and that he saw things that haunted him and his life forever. Indeed, the war altered Adams after he had experienced the horrors of his past. The war made Adams a different person and it transformed him. The lines showed how Adams changed him Now, as he watched the black hopper that was nibbling at the wool of his sock with its four way lip, he realized that they had all turned black from living in the burned-over land. He realized that the fire must have come the year before, but the grasshoppers were all black now. He wondered how long they would stay that way (Hemingway). It held one truth that Adams totally changed himself after the war. In the end, readers could not deny such truth because any person who saw dreadful incidents in the war might acquire psychological strains. Furthermore, Adams and Prufrock faced different encounters and horrors in their lives. They contrarily strived to make their lives as they wished to be; however, they could not deny the fact that they felt pain when they continued battling those sufferings. Both demonstrated different angles of hopelessness in the challenge of their lives and experienced a different solitude at every turn. In other words, both characters differed in some respects. Their roles and situations slightly diverged from each other. In The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Prufrock articulated I have measured out my life with coffee spoons (Eliot, Line 51) and wondered how he would make a substantial metamorphosis in the world of his chosen life like the muttering retreats of restless nights (Eliot 130). Even though Prufrock wishes to espouse, he fails to redirect himself because he does not have love. He wanted to wed because other people expect him, which made him become sequestered and singlehanded. For He mingways Big Two-Hearted River, he presented Adamss ideas that the river is a completely real (Adair 144) and that he depicted another thread of circumstance to seclude himself. On the contrary, Eliot conveyed a message similar to Hemingway that life is harsh as it is. Eliots Prufrock lost his hope to achieve his dreams and insights, and so did Hemingways Adams. However, both represent the modern version men in the Twentieth Century. As Adams displays his modernity through searching answers for his personal issues, Prufrock holds his lack of enthusiasm as a modern man by way of self-indulgence and despair. Although Adams and Prufrock both faced horrors in their lives, their differences could be both valid representations of modem men. In the end, Nick and Prufrock are two persons of similar yet contrastive experiences. They are men who bear the emotional burden in their lives. Their emotional responses are timeless because most men still suffer from the same dilemmas and views. Although Nick and Prufrock are bodily present in the world, they psychologically become detached and void of true their emotions as they lack the love to save them from their individual problems. Works Cited Adair, William. Landscapes of the Mind: Big Two-Hearted River. College Literature 4.2 (1977): 144-151. Eliot, Thomas Stearns. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Poetry Foundation 6.3 (1915): 130-135. Hemingway, Ernest. Big Two-Hearted River. Xroads.Virginia.Edu. 1995. Web. 30 Dec. 2016.

The Great Gatsby - Eden Imagery :: essays research papers

In the Great Gatsby, each character is longing for one particular paradise. Only one character actually reaches utopia, and the arrival is a mixed blessing at best. The concept of paradise in The Great Gatsby is a shifting, fleeting illusion of happiness, joy, love, and perfection, a mirage that leads each character to reach deeper, look harder, strive farther. There is Myrtle Wilson’s gaudy, flashy hotel paradise in which she can pretend that she is glamorous, elite, wanted and loved. She clings fiercely enough to this ragged dream to brave the righteous anger of Tom Buchanan by voicing her jealous terror that he will return to his wife. There is a desperation to her full, spirited style of living, she wants so much to escape the grey, dead land of the Valley of Ashes that she colours her life with any brightness she can find, be it broken glass or diamonds. Nick describes land she finds herself in as a wasteland, a desert, saying "this is the Valley of Ashes -- a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air" (page 29). It is from this that Myrtle is trying to escape, this life-in-death valley that characterises the underbelly of New York's glitter and lights and finery, and this that she is dragged back to by the dawning jealous rage of a normally unassuming husband. To run away from the grey and the death, the colourful, brimming woman runs out, arms outstretched, to the car she thinks belongs to the man who promised to take her away from the Valley. But -- she began in shadows and in shadows she dies, "her life violently extinguished, knelt in the road and mingled her thick, dark blood with the dust" (page 144). There is an "ashes to ashes dust to dust" element to every action in the novel, and Myrtle is no exception. We as readers focus more on Daisy and Tom, Gatsby and Nick; Myrtle’s fall is telling the same story as Gatsby’s, as Daisy’s. In the end, her life is worth no more and no less than the great millionaire in his mansion on West Egg. Daisy and Tom are bereft of these dreams.

Isolation And The Individual I :: essays research papers fc

Nothing is more apparent in the genre of satire than the ridicule of the vices and immoralities of society. This focussing on the defects of society as a whole doubles as a function of this genre of literature and a framework within the plot or theme of the novel or story. The satirist emphasizes the ugly ramifications of society, but to do so the satirist needs a vehicle for the observation of society’s actions and effects as a whole. This society is often represented as a microcosm or series of microcosms along a journey and the vehicle for the observation of the presented society is an individual located on the outside. To ensure that the individual is fully isolated from society and thus capable of objectively observing the follies of the world, the individual is given characteristics of a distinctive identity. The concept of an individual may be summarized in a statement made by Rick Hoyle: â€Å"The human self is a self-organizing, interactive system of thoughts, feelin gs, and motives that characterizes an individual. The self is reflexive and dynamic in nature: responsive yet stable† (Hoyle 2). Therefore, the outsider must be an individual, fully capable of organizing his or her thoughts and emotions and the consequences of each upon the self and the world. Logically proceeding the definition of the individual outside of society is the definition of society; a term that â€Å"can be used to designate the specifically relational system of interaction among individuals and collectivities† (Sanford 219). By positioning the polarities of individual and society in a conflict of values the satirist has created an effective method for criticizing society. The major trends the satirist may attribute to the individuals separated from society are the inability to integrate themselves into society, a certain degree of naivetà ©, and have definite flaws. These trends are apparent in the protagonists of the satiric novels: Mark Twain’s Hu ckleberry Finn Joseph Heller’s Catch 22 and Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mark Twain’s satirical novel Huckleberry Finn has a main protagonist that is a precocious boy named Huckleberry Finn. Huck Finn’s initiation into society and society’s values is at Miss Watson and the widow’s home after his father’s death presents the civilized part of the society that Huck has not been exposed to before. It aggregates Huck’s education both as an individual and as a part of society up to the time when he sets out on a raft to Jackson’s Island; and his acceptance of Jim begins his exclusion from society.

Apache Indians :: essays research papers

Anthropology Paper  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Apache Indians   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this paper you will read about the many ways that the Apache Indians used different ways of technology to survive in there environment. They used many different farming tools in which helped them to grow crops and gather berries. As the years went on the Apache hunters hunted with bows and arrows and as the years went on and how they trade with other tribes and people they had adopted guns. So in this reading you will be reading about different types of tools that the Apache Indians used.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Apache Indians used many tools throughout the years as they got more involved with technology. When they wanted to plant or to crush the seeds that they have gathered they used a seed beater that was made of twined openwork baketry (Taylor 56). To store or to place any berries that they have gathered they had this coiled basket that they made in order to cook in or to store food. Since some Apache tribes lived in the forests and well-watered valleys the mainly depended on berries and hunting deer and antelope they had many ways that they could kill and gather the foods. To cut the berries from the branches the Apacheans used a knife the is in the center of a wooden stick which they would sharpen in with a smoothed groove stone. With the adoption of horses was a great discovery because it made hunting and carrying the goods much easier (Taylor 55).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Also the Apache Indians had many tools that the used when they were on the hunt for food. They had a war club with also was made for war and hunting was made out of a stone head which was wrapped in buckskin on a wooden handle. They also used the common bow and arrow to hunt with as well. To cook the food that they had gathered the made the rope twister which was made out of small pieces of wood that had small rope attached to them, and to start the fire they moved the rope back and forth so that the wood would get hot and start to burn. (Taylor 56). To separate the meat form the skin of the animal they had this small tool called the hide scraper which had a steel tip on the top of it and had a wooden handle.

Self Reliance – a Key to Success

When you don’t have to rely on someone else, you are the master of your own destiny. That’s really the secret to everything in life. If you’re OK with yourself and you don’t need others approval for your happiness, then you are happy. Self reliance comes with self confidence. Self reliance helps a person to prepare for life challenges. Rest your mind and imagine a situation where you are confident and successful. Go over the details thoroughly in your mind. What did you do? What did you say? You can also try to remember a time in the past when you acted with a lack of confidence. Go over the situation in your mind, changing whatever details you would need to alter the outcome to a desired one. Visualize yourself strengthening your self-confidence and acting the way you wish you would have acted. Don't judge yourself – simply re-create the situation and envision yourself with strong self-confidence, and having the outcome be better. To build on self improvement one needs to love him/herself. Leaning to love yourself is fundamental in self improvement and building good self esteem. You need to improve yourself by first understanding yourself and accepting the way you are. Self improvement brings happiness and satisfaction to one’s life. Though the road to self improvement is not easy, it is compulsory for one to experience happiness in life. When you stop and deal with your issues and insecurities, you are on the road to a more well and vibrant you and hence achieving success will be easy. â€Å"Nothing at last is sacred but the integrity of your own mind. † – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Reign of Terror: Was it Justified

In 1792, French adversaries were pushing in on all borders and spies were rampant on the streets. To defend from internal enemies, prominent French leader Robespierre enacted the Reign of Terror. Anyone suspected of aiding the enemy was swiftly put on trial and executed. (doc. G) The Reign of Terror was not Justified because the threats to France externally and internally did not warrant the methods used. Those suspected of being spies or opposers of war during the French revolution were quickly tried and unjustly executed. Steven Otflnoski remarks in Triumph and Terror:The French Revolution â€Å"A careless word of criticism spoken against the government could put one in prison or worse. â€Å"(Doc E). Such executions were both morally unjust and a waste of human manpower during a time of war. Instead of causing people to follow the law, the reign of terror instigated several rebellions in France. (doc A). A letter from the National Convention in France remarks â€Å"We had reaso n to hope that these gatherings would cease as soon as the public troops arrived. Our hopes were misguided and this causes us the greatest of worries. † (doc. D).Had authorities established a sense of nationalist pride in French citizens, war would have been fought vigorously, there would be fewer rebellions, and thus, less loss of human life. In order to defeat two military powers on the front, France enacted a draft and started two wars which fueled more rebellion as people felt they were fghting for a country they didn't love. Document A details revolutions occurred after mandatory military drafts were instated. The French people had overthrown their king and gone to war for freedom, not to be ruled by a monarchy once more.Document B, a map of the war during 1972 shows France lost several decisive victories and lost cities and lives. The two wars coupled with the military draft caused citizens and soldiers alike to dislike the new republic as their comrades died to the guns and guillotines around them. The sharp blade of the guillotine was applied liberally to the necks of anyone suspected of working against France's interest. Document F shows the decapitation of Louis the XVI after extremely inconclusive evidence and faux claims painted him as an enemy spy and counter-revolutionary.Unfortunately, with the invention of the guillotine, Louis was Just one of tens of thousands killed in such a manner. Many such public execution were merely to invoke fear in the people's hearts. (doc D). Steven Otfinoski wrote in Triumph and Terror â€Å"The revolutionary Tribunal was established to try all crimes against the state. Tribunal members would not be elected by the people but rather by the national convention. † (Doc E). Not only trials brief and often merely formality, the small group of government leaders could convict anyone opposing them.Killing for power and fear didn't place pride in the oppressed French peoples' hearts a country on its knees. t o nly placed panic and despair, two detrimental qualities ot Although the reign of terror achieved the ends desired, it was not morally Justified due to the great losses of human life, the oppression of the French people, and the pointless violence that blossomed across europe as a result. It took three failed republics before France finally achieved a sustainable and loved government. In this case, Machiavelli would the ends Justify the means in the most inefficient manner.

Junior College English Class Essay Essay

Poetry is basically the absolving of narrative from a subjective stance. The essence of good and meaningful poetry lies not just in the perfection of form, but also in the manner by which the theme is expressed at large. T. S. Eliot rejects the ambivalence commonly associated with poetry and speaks of it as being a transparent and meaningful medium of the poet’s subjectivity (Raine 122). But not all poems carry a strictly subjective expression in that numerous factors often belie the poet’s spontaneity and freedom of expression. The term ‘hegemony’ typically involves the phenomenon of getting institutionalized. In other words, it is the cultural hegemony of beliefs and conventionality that sometimes influences the society in a restricted way, causing it to pronounce misplaced ideologies the society thrusts upon its dwellers. This paper is going to focus on two modern poems for identifying the hegemonic elements in them. To analyze the rules of hegemony in works of literature, we have taken Dancing in Odessa by Ilya Kaminsky and A Song on the End of the World by Czeslaw Milosz. It is imperative that a certain amount of background researching is made into the aforementioned poems to swiftly bring out the hegemonic components in them, if any. Written by a Soviet emigrant to the United States of America, Dancing in Odessa tells a story of forlornness and despair. The poet Ilya Kaminsky looks back at the memories of a tormented childhood from the recesses of his powerful imagination, and documents them meticulously in the book. However, the poet’s authority or lack of it, over a foreign language like English does not take away the passionate rendering we enjoy in Dancing in Odessa. The creative force is articulated by repeating images and phrases – a poetic trend more common to the Victorian times. Such a method also highlights the ingenuity of art in terms of its realistic expressions and sometimes, tragic visions. The frequent imagery which haunts the poet is that of his previous dwelling place which he had to forsake in the beginning of the 1990s. Frequent references to the Russian city of Odessa in this lyrical masterpiece resonate with dark and somber moods typical of postmodern anguish. The narration is literally disrobed of excesses, thus allowing the readers to attain a position of first person viewers. The use of metaphors is sporadic and therefore, has an impressionistic sense of coherence. Now in relation to the thesis question, Dancing in Odessa can be interpreted as being a product of the cultural dominance of a changed society having a significant amount of hegemonic impact on the intellectual expressions of its time. Kaminsky family’s migration to the United States of America as political refugees left in the poet’s mind a profound sense of yearning for the city of Odessa and its myriad memories. The change of guards in terms of the social, political, administrative, religious and cultural controls had a radically shifting influence for the newly migrated segments in the US society. Almost a collage of imageries merges into each other in the poem to form a continuous loop of expressions suited to bring out the occasional allegories. It is apparent after reading the poem that the poet’s vision is shaped by the erstwhile social superstructure in Russia: â€Å"The German tanks on tractors,†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Kaminsky 12). Just as Kaminsky creates a crossbreed of forms and patterns in Dancing in Odessa, Czeslaw Milosz in A Song on the End of the World draws on from his personal experiences and pantheistic beliefs to paint a picture of universality. All the imageries used in this narrative provide a familiar yet ethereal representation of nature and its relationship with mankind. In this sense, this poem almost antecedes many of the earlier works of art, especially that of William Wordsworth. The richly meditative mood of the poem is captured perfectly by repeated lines that almost sound like a sacred hymn. As far as intellectual hegemony is concerned, it is the Christian convictions of the poet that urge him to muse over the outputs of life within a continuous cosmic framework. The fact that the constancy of nature is complemented by the routine course of our everyday lives goes to show how transcendence creates a sense of dilution. A strict adherence to the established rules of the society which we live in is unlikely to let us contemplate on an existence which is essentially evil and diabolic. So the poet advertently dismisses the evil influences working behind the impending end of the world by voicing his poignant Christian beliefs: â€Å"As long as the sun and the moon are above, As long as the bumblebee visits a rose As long as rosy infants are born No one believes it is happening now. † (Peakdesign, 2009) One of the striking aspects about Milosz’s craft is his ability to look beyond the petty problems of the temporal existence. This is evident in A Song on the End of the World which converges beyond the borderline of transient existence of being. The omnipotent Creator and His creations become unified as and when the end nears. This theological argument perfectly justifies the dichotomy between the songs of experience and that of innocence (Nathan and Quinn 22). Since both these two texts belong to contemporary times marked by lack of faith and tolerance in general and realism, it is quite obvious that they ought to accrue to certain social and intellectual rationales. So the thesis argument is met with in terms of finding plausible hegemonic correlatives in the works of Ilya Kaminsky and Czeslaw Milosz. What still remains to be seen, however, is the ensuing literature that is undoubtedly capable of producing more such heartrending documentations of life.

History of Buddhism

Dr. Klein describes the history of Buddhism, important figures in the movement and stories of the beginning of Buddhism. She discusses the nature of death in Buddhism, in several contexts. Death is an incentive because once one realizes one's human life will inevitably end, life becomes even more important. Motivation to make good use of one’s life exists because even though rebirth is guaranteed, the quality of that rebirth is not.The Buddhist focus on spiritual develpment will help one recognize the inevitability of death as well as face it without fear. The goal of a Buddhist to escape cyclic existence(enter heaven and avoid hell), is the first of element of religious practice in Indo-Tibetan tradition. The idea of rebirth leads to the next element which is compassion. With the idea of rebirth, comes a concern for others. The third essential religious practice is wisdom.In Buddhism, the process of dying consists of eight distinct visions that correspond with the consciousne ss leaving the specific parts of the body. Klein notes that a skilled mediator can simulate this experience at will giving them in control of the experience. This article is well organized and is based on a variety of different sources. It is very detailed and covers a wide scope of material related to Buddhism. Klein seems very informed on the topic but does not offer opinions or personal input.Buddhism fosters a view of personal responsibility instead of fatalism. This is a responsible concept for human beings to live by. Contemplating death to eliminate the fear is a concrete and real way to handle death. Also, not being overly dramatic when consoling the dying (as though not to cause feelings of regret) is a great idea. I think that is an interesting concept that can help the dying and the people consoling them deal with the experience in a more rational way.

Integrative Problems and Virtual Organization Strategy Paper Research

Integrative Problems and Virtual Organization Strategy - Research Paper Example IPO. An initial public offering provides an opportunity for organizations to raise more capital which can be used to accomplish a myriad of business related activities such as doing market research and development, acquisitions, expansions, marketing or use it as working capital. In addition, organizations are able to gain access to a larger pool of customers and market. As a result, the public trading of the organizational shares automatically sets the value for the company’s share through the stock market (Bragg, 2009). This is advantageous to organizations as they can easily form mergers and acquisitions than when they are privately owned. Through an IPO organizations are able to attract talented, competent and dedicated employees by offering them stock incentive packages. Conversely, the IPO enables organizations to gunner investors’ confidence thereby their shares can readily trade in the stock market (Bragg, 2009). Therefore, a private company will manage to incre ase its wealth, scope of customers and investors by going public through an IPO. However, the process of offering an IPO is time consuming and quite expensive.

Monopolistic competition in fastfood business Essay

Monopolistic competition in fastfood business - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the competition in the fast food industry fits the description of "monopolistic competition "as well evaluate how major fast food chains compete in the industry and what challenges they currently face. It is clear that fast food industry is one of the most competitive industries in the USA. Most of the fast food chains provide their customers with almost identical menus (especially two largest rival companies - Burger King and McDonalds), it is relatively easy for the company to enter the market of the fast food; in spite of the fact that domestic market is saturated fast food industry is still regarded as one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In the USA, consumers spent more than 100 billion dollars on the fast food in the year 2000, and according to the information provided by National Restaurant Association, the sales in 2006 might reach the new record level of 142 billion dollars (though this is less that the level exhibited by full service restaurants- 173 billion dollars). According to many observers fast food restaurants have been recently under competitive pressure from fast casual restaurants that provide their customers with food of higher quality at the reasonable price. 3 There are many fast food chains in the USA, and most of them prov... taurants have been recently under competitive pressure from fast casual restaurants that provide their customers with food of higher quality at the reasonable price. 3 Product differentiation in the fast food industry. There are many fast food chains in the USA, and most of them provide the customers with almost identical products. There is a slight difference in cooking process between Big Mac provided by Mc Donald's and King Supreme, relatively new product of Burger King. Neither the menu of Wendy International (with standard set of hamburgers and chicken salads) differs in any significant aspect from the menu provided by two largest national fast food chains-McDonalds and Burger King. In order to succeed in the market the companies have to promote and advertise their products as successful advertisement campaign might create some "virtual "differences among the products; they also should stay abreast of the latest changes in the market. These differences are usually created through advertisement and are very important in the industry of "monopolistic competition". With the increased health consciousness among the consumers of the fast food chains, new advertisements campaigns conducted by the chains are aimed to convince the consumers that the food is healthier. This is usually done by including more salads in the menus of the chains. For instance John Schuessler, a chairman of Wendy's chain claimed that it poorly performance in 2004, might have been caused by the steps taken by competitors that included salads to their menus.4 Other commentators however claimed that poor advertisement campaign and inability of the chain to adapt to the new challenges were the main reasons of the poor results that the company showed. Apart from adding salads other chains

Emergency Service Managment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Emergency Service Managment - Research Paper Example The term ‘incident’ denotes certain occurrences such as chemical leakage or fire outbreak which require immediate reaction. The incidents can be dealt with by using limited resources or with the assistance of emergency services. However, when those incidents become serious, it necessitates management direction in order to address the broader effect. This, in turn, creates an emergency situation which typically includes interference with emergency services. Effective emergency management is highly reliant on good emergency readiness. It requires guidelines and planning for every common reasonable event. The guidelines can result in secure practices in the organizations which can ensure health, fitness, and wellness of fire-fighters. In the fire department, there are four principles for managing the emergency. The ‘National Fire Protection Association’ (NFPA) standard had recognized numerous issues with respect to maintaining health, fitness, and wellness of f ire-fighters. One of the most significant issues of health and safety is an infection. The fire-fighters are vulnerable to several kinds of infections due to hazardous materials and body fluids. The NFPA 1582 standard requires fire-fighters to reduce the probability of disease and injury from infections. The standard operating guideline of fire department recommends active attempts for restricting the spread of infection and transmissible diseases by making available different immunizations, vaccinations and other treatments.... The following diagram will depict the four principles that are followed in emergency service management: Source: (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, â€Å"DEECD Emergency Management Guidelines†) Issues in Emergency Service Management of Fire Department The ‘National Fire Protection Association’ (NFPA) standard had recognized numerous issues with respect to maintaining health, fitness and wellness of fire-fighters. One of the most significant issues of health and safety is infection. The fire-fighters are vulnerable to several kinds of infections due to hazardous materials and body fluids. The NFPA 1582 standard requires fire-fighters to reduce the probability of disease and injury from infections. The standard operating guideline of fire department recommends active attempts for restricting the spread of infection and transmissible diseases by making available different immunizations, vaccinations and other treatments (United States Fire Admi nistration, â€Å"Guide To Managing An Emergency Service Infection Control Program†). The other issue for health, fitness and wellness of fire-fighters is record keeping. It is essential for fire department to maintain a record for all employees regarding health so that appropriate measures can be taken in order to ensure fitness. The NFPA 1581 standard requires fire department to drive infection control events and to maintain private health records regarding all work-related injuries, sicknesses and exposures of fire-fighters along with toxic materials and spreadable illnesses (United States Fire Administration, â€Å"Guide To Managing An Emergency Service Infection Control Program†). Every fire-fighter should study how to protect from probable infections and prevent fleeting

Answer History question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Answer History question - Essay Example alled Indian Empire and was under the direct governance of United Kingdom and the princely states were ruled by individual rulers under the direct dictatorship of the British crown. It is from these princely states, the imperial England tried and received greatest support and reliability. But ultimately the consequent and considerable resistance and uprising from the natives compelled British imperialism, a setback. Myriad reasons are responsible for the complete agitation or deviation of the native support from the British rule. A thorough survey of many socio-economic factors will consequently open the avenues of hidden queries. The first great uprising or the first step of the Indians for the nationalistic movement was the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ in the year of 1857. It was literally the first resistance which British Raj in India received. The Sepoy Mutiny can be considered as â€Å"the last upsurge of Indian Feudalism†. There are various causes which led to the detachment of native Indians from the British persons. The British rulers made many strategical mistakes. To establish a quick and powerful imperial aggression they interfered in many cultural and social domains of the natives, which largely hurt their sentiments and they slowly deviated from their foreign rulers. In fact, a sense of alienation acted as a catalyst for the relentless fights and set backs. The fatal decision and implementation of the â€Å"Doctrine of Lapse† by the British greatly contributed for the uprising of the mutiny of 1857. Though this uprising was crushed by the British but it didn’t stop the native Indians to leave their quest for the independence. The fight for the freedom is a long history and the term ‘Indian Independence Movement’ is a wide- umbrella term that encompasses a huge spectrum. It involves myriad political agitation and organization, philosophies and campaigns, both violent as well as non-violent. But all these efforts found their end into one common aim which

How one of the exhibit of California Academy of science relates to Essay

How one of the exhibit of California Academy of science relates to anthropology - Essay Example s very crowded as this is the place, which provides great entertainment to the whole family, as well as, great source of information regarding different things. The subjects of the exhibits range from nature to science. As there are many interesting exhibits, I visited the academy’s most popular past Earthquake exhibit, which was an amazing and immersive experience. It will not be incorrect to state that the exhibit was greatly related to anthropology (Jurmain, Kilgore and Trevathan). There were a number of art pieces that allowed the visitors to understand the anthropology of the region. In addition, some of the pieces included the walking earth, which reflected upon the message of human’s treatment of planet earth, and the reaction that the earth undertakes, as a result, such as earthquake. The most interesting dimension of the exhibit was the window view of Victorian era, which shows the visitors about impact that the earthquake had on the environment. There was a list of precautions that was provided in the ancient times in order to survive the earthquake. Thus, in such a way, the visitors can actually become aware of feelings and experiences of ancient era dividing time duration between the two earthquakes (calacademy.org). The Earthquake exhibit let me experience the continuous tremor of the city’s two major earthquakes by traveling back in the time when earthquakes hit the San Francisco and Loma Prieta. In 1906 great earthquake, which was noted 7.9-magnitude on the rector scale, wrecked San Francisco and the many aftershocks also struck the city after that earthquake. This Earthquake was the worst natural disaster of that century in the California’s history. Similarly, the Loma Prieta earthquake, which is normally known as Quake of ‘89 struck the San Francisco Bay Area, was also a big disaster for the city. The 6.9 magnitude on the rector scale earthquake was noted in the Loma Prietsa (Prentice). It should be noted that the major aim of the

The Replacement Movie Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Replacement Movie - Assignment Example It clearly shows his ability to analyze different situations in the game and to know when it is appropriate for him to make a move with the ball towards his opponents. Secondly, just before the game starts we see that how calculative he is concerning the goals. He believes that certain actions like coming to the match or game late have the potency of providing negative results during the game and he is also not welcoming on taking excuses from his fellow teammates regarding the game. This we see in his conversation with Keanu on why he reported late to the game. Brooke as a character in the movie also shows leadership in how she interacts with Keanu regarding him going to the game. Brooke shows social responsibility which amounts in civic responsibility as she is sure that Keanu’s car will not allow him to be in time for his game. She volunteers to drive Keanu in her car. In addition, she displays integrity because when she asked Keanu to join her in her car, she was genuine a nd willing to drive Keanu to the game (The Replacements). John Madden and Pat Summerall also show leadership based on social responsibility. They have taken the role as the play by play announcers to ongoing match that is being played by the two teams. We see their ability to communicate effectively and clearly during the game. In most cases, people are always anxious when placed in fronts of cameras, but in the movie, they show the ability to stand before large crowds of people in front of cameras and deliver.

Apple Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Apple - Essay Example Apple leverages on its strong leadership and ability to beat stiff competition, in order to remain significant and overcome challenges such as the death of its co-founder Steve Jobs (Fowler & Vascellaro 1) and major ethical and managerial challenges. This analysis focuses on Apple’s unique culture and work environment, how the leadership style and organizational structure contribute to its growth, ethical challenges and how the company manages its internal and external conflicts. The paper asserts that Apple’s success is attributed to strong and efficient management of organization behavior and positive response to environmental challenges that offset the balance in organizational behavior. Apple has a unique culture driven by passion for new products with no end to challenges and opportunities. Apple is the pioneer of ‘work hard play hard’ ethic that advocates for maintenance of strong work ethics. However, although Apple’s work environment is often casual and relaxed, there is strong commitment to meeting deadlines. Thus, the work culture is fun yet demanding. Apple’s workers have great autonomy and independence of work as they work in a challenging and creative work environment. The company adopted a style that is neither too formal nor hierarchical and result-driven approach to work. The culture at Apple encourages creativity within the formal structure of product development and launches ((Fowler & Vascellaro 1). Apple is ‘an army’ everyone has a role in the product development cycle and is responsible for results in that role. The culture emphasizes on work ethics, workers’ autonomy and independence in their work. Th e culture also idolizes product development and a sense of continuous improvement. Apple has a unique work environment that focuses on organizational behavior. Human behavior at Apple is characterized by opportunities that give workers

ASB 2104 Principles of Organisation and Management Essay

ASB 2104 Principles of Organisation and Management - Essay Example The discussion explains some prominent management theories, their similarities and dissimilarities and their present day relevance. The classical theory of management is the oldest and the most widely accepted school of management. The classical theory was propounded and practiced extensively between 1885 and 1940. The genesis of the theory can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution that necessitated the need for systematic and logical methods to manage organizations. Many factories were set up during the Industrial Revolution because of which the need for proficient planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of workers arose. The classical theory of management evolved with a view to enhance the worker-level productivity and that of the entire organization. The classical theory of management consists of two major schools: There were many contributors to the theory of scientific management. However, the most prominent work in this sphere was that of Frederick W. Taylor who is regarded as the father of scientific management. Taylor, who worked at the Midvale Steel Company, felt a pressing need to cut costs, analyze work methods and develop labor and management co-operation. On the basis of his time studies, Taylor recommended a differential piecework plan wherein workers were paid higher wage rates for above standard performance and low wage rates for below standard performance. The concept of minimum basic wage rates can also be attributed to Taylor’s works, for till that point of time, there was no guarantee of minimum wages to workers. The contribution of Henri Fayol forms the backbone of the theory of general administration. Fayol termed planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating and controlling as the basic functions of management. According to the author, all activities in industrial projects could be classified into six broad categories: technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting and managerial. Additionally, Henri

Investigate the following hypothesises Essay Example for Free

Investigate the following hypothesises Essay Drop (d) in cm Frequency Cumulative Frequency 5 will now put the results from the cumulative frequency table into a cumulative frequency curve for males and females. From both cumulative frequency curves I can take an approximate median and inter-quartile range for both females and males. It tells me that the females have a smaller and lower inter-quartile range, of 4 (16 12=4) than the males whom have a wider and higher one of 7 (19 12= 7). This suggests that the male results in general were more varied than those of the females. It also suggests that the approximate median average for females was 14. Whereas the approximate median for males is 15. 5, which implies that the females have a lower reaction time on median average than males. However, there is only a slight difference. To show the inter-quartile ranges and the median more clearly I have put the information from the cumulative frequency graph into a box plot for each of males and females. These box plots define the varied results of the males and the closeness between the females results. I will now use histograms to show the continuous grouped data. . Drop (d) in cm Frequency width Frequency Frequency Density 5The standard deviation measures the spread of the data about the mean value. It can allow me to compare males and females, which may have the same mean but a different range. Gender Mean average Step 1From the results of the standard deviation I can distinguish that the distribution round the mean average of the female and male frequency was very low. The standard deviation suggests that the females results are generally more spread out round the mean rather than the males whom are not so spread out. This means that males generally have similar reaction times rather than females whom the results imply to have more varied results. Conclusion: From the data I collected I have found that males appear to have better reaction times than females, which seems to be linked closely to them having lower pulse rates. This suggests both my hypotheses to be correct and closely linked to one another. Although, on median average females have been implied to have a lower reaction time. However, the male and female median average are extremely similar so due to the males having a increasingly better mean average seem to generally have better pulse rates and reaction times. This proves that everyone has different reaction times, which can be altered by many different variables such as that as pulse rate. Evaluation: I could have tested reaction times in a many more ways and did not have to use just light as a stimuli for the reaction time. I could have used sound like the reaction time for someone to hear the sound of a gun at a beginning of a race and to react to that and start running. Also the subjects results could have been affected by anything from light and sound distractions to whether they had consumed a substance containing caffeine before they had taken part in the activity set for them. Some of these will not have been able to improve on but others such as where and when I had collected my data may have made possible for bias results to come up in my investigation. Whether the subjects were tired, focussed, motivated will have made a difference to their performance as well so external influences can play a big part in the alteration of results. Also if the participant had carried out this particular type of investigation before or if they trained specially to improve a reaction like those whom train for sprinting would have had a clear advantage than those whom had not carried out the experiment before. In my experiment I also found that an exact recording of how far the ruler actually dropped before it was caught hard and can be seen to have been rounded to the nearest centimetre, which will not have not given me very accurate results. Kirstie Anne Jackson Mathematics 2 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Patterns of Behaviour section.

Ranking of Learning Benefit of Each CEO Essay Example for Free

Ranking of Learning Benefit of Each CEO Essay For those who have not read any great leaders biographies and theirs accomplishments, the book provide good introduction of all the seven exceptional corporate leaders and their signature strategies. The books should be able to stir reader interest for more serious reading and learning on other more in-depth leadership books. 2. Strengths Kramess rigorous analysis of each of the CEO and their strategies, provide reader an understanding of what are their strategies and how the strategies implemented and why they were implemented. The book not only discusses the framework of each of their strategies but also entails some of the example of the leaders relevant experience. Through these leaders, the book portrays proven business insights, ideas and innovations of practiced by these world-class organizations. The inclusion of thoughts provoking case studies and self-test Assessing Your CEO Quotient at each of the chapters provide interactive learning experience. 3. Weaknesses The book could have provided experience from wider spectrum of leaders from other non-profit organization, corporate leaders from emerging economies and corporate leaders from Asia. The definition of successful leaders in this book is narrow is the sense its only from the perspective of immediate financial wealth creation. 4. General Learning Benefit The author, being a novice in the area of strategic leadership studies found that the book provide a very good introduction to strategic leadership and corporate strategy. The books open the author mind on the dynamism of strategic and critical thinking of addressing corporate problems. The author found that the More Lesson From CEO sections at the end of each chapter were practical and applicable to the author current profession. Ranking of Learning Benefit of Each CEO Out of all the CEOs the author has learned the most is from Andy Grove. Turning from negative situation to positive though it took resourcefulness to achieved, without real strong courage and determination, many leaders would not succeed. These strong qualities possessed by Grove no doubts would have developed through his early days hardship and this had earned Grove the respect of being a leader. Through his ability see the condition Intel from the perspective of an outsider enable him to prepare Intel for drastic change and turn into a multi-billion dollars business. The author admired Grove leadership style based on truth telling. Ranking second after Grove is Herb Kelleher. The author learned the important of building performance-based culture in business. Kellehers down-to-earth leadership style, by putting customer and employee, putting aside title and protocol caught the attention of the author especially when it came from the leader from big organization like Southwest. Kelleher lean management structure that made him accessible by his front lines supervisor plus his flamboyant and people treatment breed loyalty and commitment from his staff. Ranking third is Sam Walton. Walton continuous endeavor to be better by learning from his competitors, and remain faithful to his vision to provide lowest cost impressed the author. Normally when organization became big, they will not adopt lowest cost strategy. Lesson that the author draws from Walton leadership style was to lead by example in the aspect of learning from others. Ranking fourth is Bill Gates. Bill Gates leadership approach to knowledge management was definitely a lesson that that the author have learned. Gates ability to see the future label him as visionary leader. Ranking fifth is Jack Welch. Jack Welch was good corporate strategies. Though through learning organization make GE a great company, his number one or number two strategy was mean and neglected the human aspect which the author believe negate the overall leadership pursuit. This strategy though might work with big corporation like GE, might not work on the smaller organization. People commitment to their job could be due to job security. Ranking sixth is Lou Gerstner. Gerstner approach to put IBM under the scrutiny of its customer and use the market feedback to transform IBM would be expected of him. His previous experience in Nabisco naturally would give IBM a fresh perspective of how to business would be directed. No doubt his leadership abilities would have contributed to his success transforming IBM. Ranking seventh is Michael Dell. Dell approach to build DELL business model surround the customer and his strategy of mass customization would be the natural things to do for highly competitive industry like computers. Whereas other failed, Dell succeeded to harness the power of Information Technology to build DELL supply chain. Probably other computer makers would have recognized the important of bringing the business closer to the customer but they fail to know how. 6. Other Prominent Leader. Another leader that the author regards to be prominent is Fujio Cho, the president of the Toyota Motor Corporation. Fortune reported that Toyotas worldwide sales leapt 10%, to 7. 5 million vehicles, posting strong growth in all regions. Toyotas profits for fiscal year 2003 exceeded those of GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen combined. (Annex A) Cho portray his leadership style particularly dedicates his time through interaction with the working group on the production floor, congratulating them of their best achievement. Cho leading by example has earned him admiration and respect from his employees. (Annex B) Cho none compromising stand on environmental issue evident went he lambasted his own company saying The sense of crisis we feel, despite increasing sales and profits, stems from our fear that we have no kept up. Particularly fears that we have not kept up with environmental issues (Annex C) To be globally competitive today, according to Cho, a company must be agile, able to make rapid decisions and respond quickly to changing business environments (Annex D) and this factor has brought Toyota to the current level. Cho leadership exemplifies the quest for organization for continuous improvement. Lesson that can be drawn by the author from his leadership and strategy are, his treatment for his employee, passion for quality and meeting customer expectation and respect for the environment. Conclusion The reading of the book provides the author a good introduction of the practice and the dynamics of strategic leadership. Based on experiences of these CEOs, the author realized that the application strategic leadership varies depending on the personality of the leadership and the circumstances and type of the organization they are in. Source:Â  http://www.fortune.com

Disease Process Of Herpes Zoster Health And Social Care Essay

Disease Process Of Herpes Zoster Health And Social Care Essay This paper will describe the disease process of Herpes Zoster. Herpes Zoster more commonly referred to as Shingles is an acute, unilateral, and segmental inflammation of sensory nerve roots. Herpes Zoster will be referred to as Shingles hereafter in this paper. The first section of this paper will explain the epidemiology of Shingles. This will include prevalence, mortality, and morbidity using the latest statistics available. The second section will list the predisposing factors of Shingles. Rationales for all risk factors explaining why each one predisposes the individual for that particular disease will be covered. In the third section the pathophysiology will explained. A brief description of the normal anatomy and physiological mechanism will precede the actual pathophysiology. In the fourth section all clinical manifestations will be listed. Including complaints from patients, and abnormalities found in physical exams. In the fifth section an explanation of all tests used to di agnose the disease and a description of these tests. The subsequent section will list the management of this disease from a medical stand point. This will include a description and rationale for all types of interventions such as invasive, non-invasive procedures, and pharmacological measures used to treat this disease. In the seventh section, nursing management of this condition will be explained. This will include nursing diagnoses, nursing goals, interventions (pharmacological, dietary, and patient education). The eighth and final section will describe research trends for this disorder. Including any new treatments, pharmacological, immunizations, invasive/non-invasive therapies, and, diagnostic testing, that are currently under investigation. Epidemiology Shingles is the resurgence of latent Varicella Zoster Virus (Chickenpox), so statistics from this disorder will be included. Humans are the only known reservoir for Chickenpox. Chickenpox has an attack rate of 90% in susceptible individuals. The virus is endemic in the population but becomes epidemic among susceptible individuals during late winter and early spring. Children between the ages of 5-9 are most commonly affected and account for 50% of all cases. Most other cases involve children 1-4 and 10-14. Roughly 10% of the population in the United States over age 15 is susceptible to the virus. The incubation period of chickenpox is 10 to 21 days however is more likely 14 to 17 days. Patients are contagious 48 hours prior to the formation of vesicular rash and until all vesicles have crusted. Attack rates in susceptible siblings in the same household are 70-90%. About 1 million cases of shingles occur in the United States every year. More than half of the people who develop shingle s are over 60, and nearly 50% of complications from shingles are in older adults. Shingles occurs at all ages but is more likely to affect those in the sixth decade of life. Except for immunocompromised, and AIDS patients recurrent attacks are rare. The total duration of the disease is usually 7-10 days however it may be as long as 2-4 weeks until the skin is back to normal. Predisposing Risk Factors Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles, including children. It is not clear what reactivates the virus. Anyone who has had chickenpox has a 10-30% lifetime risk of developing shingles. At 85 years of age, this risk increases to 50%. This increased risk may be linked to a weakening of the immune system. As people get older, their bodies become more vulnerable to many diseases. Having certain diseases such as cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and, HIV/AIDS, can severely compromise the immune system. Also, treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy; and other drugs such as steroids, and, medication taken to prevent rejection after an organ transplant can reduce immune function. In summary, having had chickenpox is the number one risk factor for contracting shingles. Among those that have had chickenpox advancing age is the number one risk factor. With immunosuppression being the only other risk factor for shingles. Pathophysiology Shingles is a viral disease. The initial infection with Varicella Zoster Virus causes the acute illness chickenpox, which usually occurs in young people and children. Once chickenpox has resolved, the body does not eliminate the virus. The virus lies dormant until the immune system is compromised. At which time it can cause shingles, an illness with different signs and symptoms, often years after the initial infection. The symptoms of shingles follow a series of three stages, prodromal or onset, active or erruptive, and chronic. However it is common for people not to experience all three stages. The onset phase is the most commonly experienced. During this phase, continuous or intermittent burning, tingling, itching, or various types of pain frequently precede rash by a few hours or days. While the onset phase and the presence of cutaneous nerve fibrils indicate that shingles infection is present in the sensory ganglia, a loss of sensation can also occur. The acute phase is considere d the active phase and follows the onset phase, which involves the development of the distinguishing skin lesions. Development of a rash in elderly patients may be accompanied by malaise, headache, low-grade fever, and nausea. Encephalopathy and severe pain may also go along with these symptoms. The active phase is initially characterized by erythematous papules and edema. Papules progress to vesicles in 12 to 24 hours and to pustules within one to seven days. The pustules eventually dry and fall off within 14-21 days, leaving behind erythematous lesions. The chronic phase is unlike any of the other phases and occurs mostly in the elderly. Many patients develop PHN, which is most likely to result during the chronic stage. PHN is Postherpetic Neuralgia is a chronic pain that persist after the shingles have resolved. Clinical manifestations The most common symptom of shingles is pain that can be severe and unrelenting. In the prodromal stage, which is usually 48-72 hours prior to the presence of a rash, symptoms will include: Numbness Tingling Burning Shooting pain Itching Fever Headache Chills Nausea Shingles usually begins with parasthesias, which are itching, burning, or tingling of skin on one side of the body. Patient may develop a fever, a feeling of being sick, or a headache. Within 1-2 days a rash appears on either side of the body in a band like pattern. The chest or back is typically affected by the shingles rash. The rash may also occur on the face, if it appears near the eye it can permanently affect vision .The pain of shingles can be mild to severe, and generally has a sharp, stabbing, or burning quality. Usually the pain is localized to the skin affected by the rash. It can be severe enough to affect ADLà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. Older adults compared to younger people generally experience more pain. Within three to four days, shingles blisters can become open sores. These sores may become infected with bacteria. If the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s immune system is not compromised the sores crust over by day 7-10. The rash generally goes away within three to four weeks. Sca rring and skin color changes may be permanent. Most people recover from shingles without any lasting problems. Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles. PHN is a condition in which damage to sensory nerves, causes severe neuropathic pain. This pain can be continuous or intermittent. The pain can occur without external stimuli. However it may also be caused by external stimuli, light touch, the brush of clothing, and even wind can cause extreme pain. The amount of pain from PHN greatly increases with age. PHN is defined as pain that last at least 3 months after all shingles lesions have went away.PHN is treated with: Analgesics Antidepressants Anticonvulsants Corticosteroids These medications may all be used concurrently. However they should be added to the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s regimen one at a time in case there is any adverse reaction, so that the med that caused the reaction can be promptly stopped. Diagnosis Shingles can be diagnosed in the prodromal stage, before lesions appear but this is difficult as the symptoms in this stage can mimic many other illnesses. Virology of skin scrapings once the lesions have appeared is usually the only way to achieve a proper diagnosis. This is done by isolating the Varicella Zoster Virus (Chickenpox) in tissue culture cell lines. The two tests used most are the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test (FAMA), immune adherence hemagglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These two tests are also the most sensitive. Also contact dermatitis is pruritic and shingles is painful. If lesions of herpes simplex are not differentiated from shingles, doses of antibiotics appropriate for shingles should be used. However herpes simplex and shingles are differentiated by the staining of antibodies from vesicular fluid and identified under fluorescent light. Usually the lesions of these two disorders occur in different places. If the CNS is i nvolved, LP results show increased pressure, and protein levels. Medical Management Shingles is usually treated with prescription oral antiviral drugs to significantly reduce the healing time of the infection. Anti inflammatory drugs are used to reduce inflammation, these may be prescription or OTC. Analgesic medication is also used to lower pain level; these may also be prescription or OTC. Antivirals used to treat shingles are: Acyclovir- is administered at a dose of 800mg five times a day for 7-10 days. Famciclovir- is administered at a dose of 500mg three times a day for seven days. Valacyclovir- is administered at a dose of 1g three times a day for 5-7 days. Immunocompromised patients should be treated with IV Acyclovir at a dose of 10-12.5mg/kg q8hrs for seven days. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone administered at a dose of 60mg/d for the first 7 days, 30mg/d for day 8-14 and, 15mg/d for days 15-21. Glucocorticoid treatment should not be used unless there is concomitant antiviral therapy. Analgesics usually used for shingles include: gabapentin, amitriptyline hydrochloride, lidocane patches, codeine, aspirin, acetaminophen, and, fluphenazine hydrochloride. Topical antipruritics such as calamine lotion can be used to reduce pruritis. Nursing Management Nursing diagnoses for shingles include: Acute Pain Disturbed body image Impaired skin integrity Impaired social interaction Risk for infection Outcomes for patients with shingles include: Patient will verbalize that an acceptable level has been achieved. Patient will acknowledge a change in body image. Patient will exhibit healed lesions. Patient will demonstrate effective social interaction skills. Patient will have no further signs of infection. The following nursing interventions should be applied to patients with shingles. Apply calamine lotion as liberally as directed by physician. Apply silver sulfadiazine to soften and debride lesions that are infected. Administer pain medication as prescribed. Patients with severe pain should be referred to a pain specialist. Maintain hygiene to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. If the patient has open lesions follow contact isolation to avoid spreading the infection to immunocompromised patients. Patient should be reassured that the pain will eventually subside. Also cool wet compresses can be applied to the lesions for 20 minutes several times a day. Domeboro and Betadine soaks may be utilized to reduce crusting. The patient should be encouraged to wear loose fitting clothing to reduce irritation caused from clothing rubbing the lesions. Research Trends New research regarding shingles has been in the area of prevention. Researchers have developed a preventive vaccine, Zostavax, marketed by Merck. Zostavax is a stronger version of the vaccine given to children to prevent chickenpox. The vaccine is 50% effective and is recommended for individuals over the age of 60. Even though an individual may still get shingles after vaccination, the vaccination reduces the risk of complications of shingles. The vaccine has not been utilized by many people because shingles is not a life threatening disease and there have not been many new vaccines for adults, so many people are not aware of this vaccination. Also the vaccine is not covered by insurance so many older adults that are on fixed incomes cannot afford it. Public education about shingles and the extremely painful complications associated with it are presumed to increase the use of this groundbreaking new vaccine. In conclusion shingles is a disease that can affect people that have had chickenpox at any age. However it affects mainly the elderly population. Shingles usually presents with pain, numbness, tingling, burning, shooting pain, itching, fever, headache, chills, and, nausea. Shingles is treated with antivirals, analgesics, and antiinflammatories. Usually a person can only have shingles but there have been rare occasions of people having it more than once. From a nursing stand point relieving pain and starting antiviral therapy are the highest priority interventions. Lastly with patient education about vaccines now available to prevent shingles. The incidence of people getting shingles, or having painful complications if they do get shingles is greatly reduced.