A conflict situation

A conflict situation I had been in was with one of my closet co worker or at least I thought we were close. My co worker and I was always talking behind the store manger back when he wasn’t looking, but then a new assistant manager position came up and my store manger was looking at me to possibly fill the position. My co worker really didn’t like the fact that my store manger was looking at me so my co worker told my manger that I was making fun of him for a long time and he even that cameras to prove it. My manger didn’t give me the position he gave it to my co worker, we didn’t talk to each or not even look at each other for months. That’s what causes a convert conflict. With him and me not talking it made him realize that he was wrong about what he has done about the situation. A few months goes bye and finally my co worker said he was sorry about what he done and the only reason why he did it was because he was about to became a dad with twins babies and he needed the money bad. So at the end I forgive him and I told him that he should have just told me and we would have never gone this long without talking to one another. With the conflict that I had with my co worker I wish I use the five problem-solving stages of conflict resolution, because if I did I really believe my co worker and I would have never gone so long with speaking to one another. I would recommend everyone to use these steps to solve any conflict you might have with another person because you might not get another chance to make things right again. I really think when a person is using use the five problem-solving stages of conflict resolution, there should be nothing but a positive outcome in any situation. I also believe that if it doesn’t want out that you probably really didn’t want to give another chance to solve the conflict. The five problem-solving stages of conflict resolution gives you every chance to make up with that other person even with the last step is to learn and accept the fact that it might not work or you can just start the steps over .

Eliminating Prejudice and Discrimination Inside the Classroom Essay

The rich and colorful diversity of today’s society is very evident to many classrooms in most parts of the world. It is indeed that mere educating of the children is no longer enough nowadays as such the educational setting is even more revolutionized. Since the students of this generation are exemplified with different learning styles and habits, level of intelligence, cultural orientation and socio-economic background, there must be high observance on the implementation of multicultural education in every classroom of the world. The schools and learning environments must work for all the aspects and must consider the diverse cultures of the communities they serve. Nevertheless, the observance of multicultural education to some countries remains a dilemma for many administrators and teachers as well as on the part of the students. The administrators and teachers encounter problems on the integration of the curriculum and other activities in order to suffice the various needs of the different orientation of the students. The students, on the other hand, suffer dilemma on the equal treatment of the teacher and other students in terms of the curriculum and relationship among them which commonly leads to great prejudice and discrimination inside the classroom. One of the great challenges of today’s classroom in terms of this multicultural education approach is the inclusive education for the special students in the community. Many educators find difficulties on the inclusion of the special students together with the normal students since it is presumed that they have a significant difference in terms of learning styles and habits, level of intelligence and skills, and many others. Hence, it is very essential for the different educational institutions to have an in-depth understanding on the importance of multicultural approach in education as well as the inclusive education for the special students. This paper tries to provide a thorough discussion of the paradigm of multicultural education, the inclusive education for special students and the strategies for the administrators and teacher to successfully observe and maintain multicultural education for the special students. Pros and Cons of Multicultural Education Over the past three decades, multicultural education has been recognized as one of the avenues for educational reform (Ramsey, et. al. 2003). Multicultural education is defined as an educational reform movement which incorporates the idea that all students, regardless of gender, social class, and ethnic, racial, or cultural characteristics, should have an equal opportunity to acquire education in school (Banks & Banks 2009). It is through the concept of equal opportunities that learners find social democracy and fairness inside the classroom. Multicultural education is considered to be very advantageous since it provides various opportunities not only for the teachers and administrators but also for the learners (Mitchell & Salsbury 1996). One of the advantages of observing multicultural education in the classroom is the elimination of racism and sexism among the students. Through teaching the culturally different approach, there will be an attempt to raise the academic achievement of the students of color through culturally relevant instruction (Sleeter 1996). It should be noted always that eventhough students have differences, there should be equal opportunities inside the classroom as such education is a right of everyone. The aim of the schools should be to encourage the full development of the students regardless of the diverse racial, ethnic and gender groups of the students (Banks 1997). Educators, hence, must eliminate all structures of education that impede learning of the ethnic minorities and women. There should be equal opportunities between the man and woman or between the rich and poor so that there would be a sense of multi-culturally responsive classroom approach in the schools. This is thus the reason why all countries must observe equal opportunities to all students regardless of gender and cultural orientation. For instance, the students whether boys or girls are given the opportunity to participate in all the activities of the classroom such as recitation, discussion, project making and the like. Multicultural education approach, moreover, promotes the idea of democracy in a pluralistic society. It is through this approach of education, students learn to value cultural knowledge and differences (Sleeter 1996). This is a good value that the students might learn with the multicultural approach. As they understand the diversity of the educational setting, they are implicitly learning also the sense of democracy and fairness within themselves which will be very helpful to the students when they are ready to face the realities of the society. The teacher should encourage multicultural approach in the school since it does not only teach the students to respect each other but it also allows them to have better understanding on the concept of democracy and fairness which are considered to be good virtues. Nevertheless, the practice of multicultural education is not that easy because there are a lot of considerations which need to be taken. In the multicultural classroom, there must be a culturally responsive curriculum to suffice the needs of the different students. The teacher should prepare a lesson which will consider the subject matter as well as the diverse culture of the students. For instance, the teacher may present a view of mathematical thinking that incorporates the ways in which culture and mathematics are related and intertwined (Nielson 1991). In sciences, the study of environments can be done from the perspectives of the diversity of cultural understanding. Eventhough this would mean additional and laborious tasks on the part of the teachers, it is better as compared to mono-cultural approach as such there will be a high manifestation of learning not only in the subject matter but also in the culture of their respective orientations. While the students are learning the subject matter that they need to accomplish, they are likewise acquiring a sense of the understanding the different cultures that the different students posses in their classroom. In this sense, the teacher avoids discrimination with respect to the cultural orientation of the students. In the teaching and learning process of the multicultural approach, likewise, there is a need for various teaching strategies to cater the various learning needs of the different learners inside the classroom. In this case, the teachers must consider that students are confined with the multiple intelligences and each type needs different teaching maxims (Armstrong 2000). When teaching a particular subject, the teacher must not only use devices which are intended for the visual learners but also to the other types of learners such as auditory, tactile, and the like. For instance, the teacher may provide visual aid for the visual learners, recordings and sounds for the auditory and practical application for the tactile type of learners. Through this, there would be less discrimination in the different types of learners. The students find no discrimination as such all of them are being addressed with their different learning needs. Along with the diversity of the curriculum and the teaching strategies to suffice the needs of the diverse culturally responsive learners are the diverse culturally oriented stakeholders of the education. The change in the school setting from mono-cultural to multicultural approach should be a hand in hand effort of all the stakeholders of the education which include, aside from the students, teachers, administrators, parents, community leaders and government. The teachers should be the ones to observe multicultural approach of education inside the school through observance of the anti-discrimination acts not only in the school but as well as in the whole community. However, the teacher cannot alone do all the tasks to maintain fairness and justice inside the school. The other stakeholders of education should also take their parts in maintaining an education with an environment free from prejudice, racism and discrimination. Education of today’s generation should incorporate multitude of voices in multicultural society so that there would be effective observance of multiculturalism (Banks 1997). This means that education should be treated as a thing tantamount to equality and fairness. And the country successfully achieved this goal through the collaborative efforts of the teachers, administrators and the other stakeholders of education in the community. Multicultural education is considered to be very advantageous to the educational system of the country since it provides and promotes an educational reform which is beneficial to every stakeholder of education. But nonetheless, observance to this educational reform is not an easy task. The main problem, perhaps, that a teacher may encounter in observing and maintaining multicultural approach to education is the curriculum as well as the teaching strategies for this kind of classroom set up. To maintain multicultural education requires different curriculum to suffice the needs of both normal and special students. The same holds true with the teaching strategies that will be sued in order to execute the lesson everyday. Careful planning of the teaching methodologies and strategies for each lesson is a prerequisite for the successful observance of multicultural education. Likewise, it is very difficult for the teacher to carry out multicultural education approach inside the classroom especially if the students are unresponsive. In order to successfully incorporate multicultural approach in the classroom, the students should have also participation during the class or session. And also, not only the students but the administrators are also needed to take their part in the reformation of the educational set up. This entails that the success of the multicultural education lies on the collaborative effort of the students, teacher, administrators and the community. However, though it requires too much persistence and hard work not only on the part of the teachers but as well as on the part of the students, administrators, community leaders and government, multicultural education is a great revolution in the country as such it will not only develop and enhance the educational setting itself but it will also enlighten the perception of the world to justice, fairness and equality. The Need for An Inclusive Multicultural Classroom for the Disabled Students Aside from a classroom with diverse gender, socio-economic standing, socio-cultural orientation and religion, multicultural approach in education is very much needed specifically in the classrooms with special and disabled students. It has been found out that special students like the disabled ones find a great dilemma inside a classroom that does not observe multicultural approach over years. The problem is believed to be a result of the lack of equality and fairness among the disabled students. In most universities and colleges, special students find â€Å"academic fatigue† due to their inability to adapt to the academic requirements that the educational institutions are requiring them as well as the pressure that the environment brings them as disabled ones (Barnes 2007). In this case, the disabled students find dilemma in their respective educational institution because they are not given equal opportunities inside the classroom. The teachers and administrators do not consider the various aspects of the students such as their socio-cultural orientations, social classes, levels of cognition, and many others. In order to resolve this problem, there must be a total reformation in every classroom of the country. Teachers and administrators should practice multicultural approach in an inclusive education for the disabled students. Hence, an inclusive education that observes multicultural education must be strictly observed in order to solve the said problem and revolutionize the old concept of education for the betterment of the disabled students. Inclusive education is built on the premise that all students should be valued for their unique abilities and included as essential members of a school community (Causton-Theoharis & Theoharis 2008). Inclusion, in addition, is considered to be an active process which entails an unabashed announcement that leads to a public and political declaration and celebration of difference. Inclusion requires continuous proactive response in order to maintain inclusive educational culture. This educational idea is typically found in multicultural urban schools where cultural and linguistics barriers serves as a daily challenge inside the classroom (Corbett 2001). Through the inclusive education that permits multicultural education for the disabled ones, students will not suffer from the burden of â€Å"academic fatigue† brought about by the negligence to the different and unique abilities of the disabled students compared to the normal students. To be able to successfully carry out inclusive multicultural education inside the classroom, power and voice are particularly important aspects in this educational reformation (Slee 2008). The relationships between the disabled, the typical students and the professionals in the educational institution are considered to be central considerations to the development of multicultural education. There should be a hand on hand cooperation between these elements so that the educational reformation will become smooth-sailing. Hence, it is very difficult to observe and maintain multicultural education approach in the classroom since there are a lot of considerations that need proper and careful attention. Nonetheless, multicultural education would be very beneficial to all stakeholders of education when successfully carried out. Among the advantages that an inclusive multicultural education brings to a classroom is the sense of belongingness of the disabled students which is considered to be a basic need for each person. Disabled children begin with the commonalities they have with the other children and typically show the urge that they can and they want to belong in different ways. One of which is their desire to become part and to belong in the school context. They really want to have the same opportunities and experiences just like the non-disabled peers. In this context, it would very be helpful if the students with disabilities are mingled and mixed with other pupils whom they feel they have more in common since through them they find comfort and belongingness. Through the interaction of the disabled students with the normal ones, they will definitely experience the sense of belongingness and peer support which are very essential for developing social skills and self-esteem. It is indeed beneficial on the part of the students since the sense of belongingness is one of the important aspects under Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Pride, et. al. 2009). If this need is satisfied properly, there would be greater chance for the students to learn and explore more about their talents and skills. Sociological researches and surveys, however, have shown that education nowadays is much more likely to confirm existing inequality and discrimination than to help in eliminating and eradicating them (Larskaia-Smirnova & Loshakova 2004). It is found out that the ability of the handicapped children to obtain a good and quality education is intervened by various structural limitations linked to social inequality. Teachers in most schools pay more attention to the best and most capable students while the handicapped ones are placed on the bottom of the school hierarchy. Disabled students are frequently ignored and the focus of attention is given to the more capable students. This results to unintentional discrimination within the context of the school system. And this practice is indeed very disadvantageous to the part of the disabled students. Limitations of the Multicultural Education for Special Students Some criticized that the success of the multicultural education among the disabled students does not materialize because of the limitations from the teachers. Some teachers do not perceive special education as a means in order to help the students with disabilities. In some cases, the teachers are the ones who serve as the source of prejudice and discrimination inside the classroom. If a teacher, for instance, responds to a disabled student in a manner that the said student will be perceived as different from the typical ones, the other students would also perceive them as different among the others. In this manner, the disabled students are unintentionally discriminated by the teacher and the students inside the classroom. Because of the modeling seen by the students from the teacher, the typical students might used to discriminate the disabled ones and think that the disabled students are really different from them. This would lead the students to the sense of inequality, discrimination and prejudice among themselves. In this case, the teacher serves as a model to the students. The typical students learn their behavior through observation and imitation of peers as well as through reference to authority figures. This is called social referencing theory which suggests that an individual gains information about social setting from a familiar or trusted person (De Schauwer 2009). The teachers, nevertheless, should be the ones to promote equality inside the classroom in order to make multicultural education successful. Since they are the most authoritative figures inside the classroom, the teachers should serve as an example to the students so that the latter will develop sense of equality among themselves. To be able to contribute to the success of the multicultural education, the teacher should have the in-depth understanding of the paradigm of multicultural education. This would eliminate the chance of unintentional discrimination inside the classroom. Studies revealed that teachers with special education coursework and teachers who had received training in special education had more positive attitudes towards inclusive multicultural education as compared to the teachers who lacked in-service training in special education (Drowning, et. al. 2007).

Discussion 13 nur 702 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion 13 nur 702 - Assignment Example Thirdly, a gender dimension to my clinical problem exists and links available evidence with health policy. Burden of hypertension is greater among women than among men. American Heart Association (AHA) helps fight for strong public health policies that help in combating heart disease and can help with the first area. The AHA advances its mission through volunteer funds and research. American Kidney Fund can help in lobbying for health policy that would give patients financial support to help cater for their care and to conduct health education. HealthyWomen can help in foregrounding women issues that accrue from hypertension and heart disease mobilizing for health policy that would help address these issues. To get involved in health policy specific to my clinical problem, I will endeavor to contribute my evidence to the shaping the policy content. Additionally, I will be in the forefront showing the need to have laws that cover the issues that will be found to be pressing regarding the clinical problem. Finally, I will contribute in keeping surveillance ensuring that the policy is implemented and adopted (Brownson, Chriqui & Stamatakis,

I Used to Live Here Once by Jean Rhys Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

I Used to Live Here Once by Jean Rhys - Essay Example The short story â€Å"I Used to Live Here Once" begins with a description of a woman visiting her childhood home; one can deduce this from her description of the environment as it is and comparing it to her retrospective view. She comes across two children in a house in which she resided in the past and when she tries to greet them, they seem to ignore her. Moreover, when she finally gets close and tries to greet them again, they do not see her and one remark on the cold, they enter the house without having seen her, and that is when she realizes they cannot see her since she must have stopped living. The narrator’s displacement and apparent alienation from an environment that must have been retrospectively natural to can be compared to the writers own life of displacement. From a psychoanalytical perspective, it is possible that the writer was expressing and living out her memories in the land that was her home and from whence she was uprooted at a tender age. The fact that the narrator was female helps the reader draw an easier parallel to the writer and feel her disappointment when her attempts at maternal affection are ignored by the children giving the story an emotional edge. This underlying connection implies that since she moved from the Dominicans where she was born at the age of 17, she lost touch with her land of birth and never actually felt at home even in England and hence the general alienation of the writer is expressed in her character’s displacement. The authors past has considerable effects on the bearing of the story since she is able to portray the character’s emotional confusion, and alienation accurately, herself having been quoted in the past expressing ambivalence about her origin and the country to which she belonged. The writer takes the reader back to the narrator’s past through her reminiscing as she nostalgically remembers the place, as she knew it in the past. She remembers the stones and the dexterity needed to get across, her affection for the place is evident in that she walked with joy on the road although she described it as wider but messily expanded with trees not being cleared and trampled on. She remembers the house had screw pine, which was still there although the pine screws were gone as well as the summerhouse. The children’s color is of interest to the writer who describes them as being fair despite being in the tropics, which as a symbol of resilience the whites were forced to adopt in to survive. The idea of reaction and adaption to nature, especially on a racial perspective, can be tied to the writers past since although she was while living in a predominantly black country, she often interacted with black and admired their culture and nature. Most of the things she remembers are symbolic of the narrators past and present feeling and the writer has clearly injected considerable aspects of her life in the same. Take ether fact that she finds the road to be incomplete, this could symbolize the fact that she thought she had unfinished business with the place hence her return, besides, considering the author's history of prostitution and drug abuse.

Managing Workplace Diversity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Managing Workplace Diversity - Assignment Example However, in the course of this unit, I have discovered that every state in the United States have The Second Injury Fund that assumes the responsibility of compensating the disabled in an instance they sustain an injury and become totally disabled. The affirmative actions were created to supplement what law could not do in ensuring equality among people of different cultures, gender and ethnicity. There are policies and laws that are in place to ensure that discrimination is addressed, but their effectiveness remains equivocal. Affirmative actions will remedy these inequalities, but presenting the long-time disadvantaged minority groups with equitable opportunities that ultimately addresses inequalities. Although the affirmative action will present added advantage to the minority groups, I learned in class that they, too, should meet qualifications. Affirmative action does not translate to undue advantage over others. It simply means providing more opportunities to the underserved group of individuals. Another misconception I had is that affirmative action is only concerned with providing people of the color with more opportunities. However, Caucasian women can attest to the more open doors available to them following affirmative actions. It is evident that we mostly practice the religion passed down to us, and with time, we believe that our religion is the right one. This belief may lead to creating an environment that disregards co-workers’ religion. When handling religious diversity, I have learned from the class work that the best way to go about it is to have an open mind. It is impossible to understand all religions and their beliefs and practices, but keeping an open mind will facilitate accommodation of people with religious beliefs that differ from mine. Work diversity is often viewed in terms of cultural diversities among the workers. Often, religious contributions towards the same are neglected.

Various Methods of Electricity Production Term Paper

Various Methods of Electricity Production - Term Paper Example The pattern of production remains the same for almost all the forms of electricity production. One of the major sources of electricity production which is not environmentally friendly is through coal power plants. (1) Solar and Wind power have low environmental impact, low cost involved and this can be a viable option in rural areas. Solar, hydro and nuclear power are the best options for industrial and rural areas. The start up costs is marginally higher than the traditional methods but the long term benefits are better. (2) The Earth’s resources are not depleted if electricity is produced from the sunlight as solar energy is a renewable source of energy. There are 2 ways of producing solar energy from the sun: photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. (3) 30% of the photon energy that comes in contact with the AE resource is being converted into energy in a photovoltaic cell. Silicon will be formed with the help of poly crystalline and the photovoltaic cells. Chemical reactions release electrons when they get in contact with PV cell is in contact with the sunlight. The current produced by these cells are placed in a module which helps in producing huge quantity of power for residential houses and industries. This source of electricity production has higher manufacturing costs in producing solar energy but in the recent times, the construction of photovoltaic has been made cheaper. (3) Another traditional way of producing electricity is to use reflectors and concentrate the sunlight to heat gaseous hydrogen, helium, oil to produce pressurized steam which helps in rotating the turbine and producing electricity. Many residential houses have these central receiver systems with mirrors that reflect sunlight on a large place filled with the fluid which helps in producing energy. (3) Nelson (2001) emphasises that the organic compounds used in the solar cells can be made out of inorganic compounds which will

Essay about the play Our town Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

About the play Our town - Essay Example The play delivers useful life lessons relevant to any generation. simple life of the people in the town with the milkman and the newspaper boy delivering milk packets and paper. The town people spend their time eating their meals, working in town, doing household chores, gardening, gossiping, going to school, attending choir practice and gazing at the moon light. The play also introduces another character called Simon Stimson, a church organist who is mostly drunk and looks troubled. Others could only feel sorry for the man but couldn’t help him out of his situation. The first part of the play gets over with Rebecca chatting with her brother George. The second act begins with the marriage proposal between George and Emily. The Stage manager explains how their romance bloomed 3 years before when George was the captain of base ball and Emily was elected student body treasurer and secretary and how both would meet after school at the soda shop and how one day they revealed their love for each other. The Final act happens in a cemetery 9 years after Emily and George’s marriage where a dozen people sit on the chairs arranged in rows. They are all dead people of the town. Among the dead are civil war veterans who fought to keep the United States united. Also among the dead are Mrs. Gibbs who died while visiting her daughter, Wally Webb who died of appendix while being young, and Simon Stimson who hanged himself because of worldly troubles. The act then displays a funeral procession of Emily Webb who died while giving birth to her second child. The spirit of Emily walks away from the living and joins the dead and sits next to Mrs. Gibbs. They talk about how people live their lives grieving about their troubles. The dead are no longer emotionally connected to their feelings of love or hatred, joy or sorrow. They seem to be looking into the future waiting for the

Bill of Rights Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bill of Rights - Term Paper Example 2. Briefly show the difference between specific right and general rights 3. Have your rights ever been violated? Respondent 2 (Gregory): It is obvious that citizens are certainly aware of their rights. Individual rights are rights which the government cannot interfere. Citizens should know both their specific and general rights since they must be entitled to them. Take for instance the belief in a specific right which initiated a convicted felon, Clarence Gideon, to contest his conviction. The United States Supreme court utilized this appeal as a means in determining an indigent defendant’s right to an attorney at trials related to felony (Dayes, 1999). Moreover, a general right can have applications far over the case in which it was first determined. The right to privacy, for instance, has played a part in numerous cases relating with police procedures for carrying out seizures or what can be termed as searches. Another general right is the right to be treated justly. Needles s to say, citizens of America are extremely aware of their due process rights because so many rights can be linked to the legalities by which the government can take away life, property, and liberty. 4. ... Amendment 3 (quartering soldiers) The government cannot make people allow soldiers stay in their homes. Amendment 4 (security from unreasonable searches and seizures) It states that the police cannot search a person without a good reason to believe the person has done something wrong. They cannot search a person’s house without a good reason to believe the person has done something wrong, or arrest a person without a good reason to believe the person has done something wrong. Moreover, they cannot take a person’s things without a good reason to believe the person has done something wrong. It states that the police must have a search warrant that specifies the names of the area to be investigated, the person to be arrested, and the items to be confiscated. Amendment 5 (rights to due process of law) The federal government cannot try a person more than once for the same heinous crime, make a person testify against himself or herself, take away a person’s life, freed om, or possessions without valid reasons and fair procedures, or take away a person’s property unless the person can be fairly paid for his or her property. Amendment 6 (right to a free trial) People charged with a crime have the right to a hurried and free trial, a jury trial in a criminal case, be told what he or she can be accused, appear before the people who say he or she did wrong, call witnesses to testify on their behalf, have an attorney. Amendment 7 (trial by jury) People have the right to a jury trial in civil matters, in the case of disagreements between individuals. Amendment 8 (fair bail and punishments) A person charged with a crime has a right to a fair fine; there cannot be any cruel and unusual

Hazardous material managment and HAZMAT teams Case Study

Hazardous material managment and HAZMAT teams - Case Study Example Proper management of hazardous materials entails minimization of the risks associated with such materials to the entire society while at the same time avoiding shifting of the risks to other sectors. This paper explores the issues of hazardous management and the Hazmat team. Hazardous materials encompass all materials classified as having the potential to cause harm or affect the wellbeing of people, the environment as well as property (Raven, Hassenzahi & Berge, 2011). Such materials fall into different categories including radiological and nuclear particles, biological and chemical materials. Threats of bioterrorism have seen classification of various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsial agents among other toxins as potential hazardous biological materials (Public Safety Canada, 2011). Classification of these microbes as hazardous materials lies in their ability to be dispersed in aerosols and the health risks they pose on the people and the environment. Health complications associated with these biological agents pose lethal and disabling threats to humankind. Radiological and nuclear materials on the other hand pose great health risks on exposure to people, animals and other components of the ecosystem due to their ability to react and damage living cells as well as induction of changes in the genome. Chemical substances with the potential to influence the normal functioning of the human body and the ecosystem also fall under the category of hazardous chemicals or materials. Hazardous material incidences refer emergencies or incidents that pose great risks of infections, contamination and potentials long-term effects on the wellbeing of people and the environment (Raven, Hassenzahi & Berge, 2011). The scope of hazardous materials incidents entails fires, explosions, chemical leakages and spills, and hazardous material transportation accidents among other incidences such as bioterrorism attacks.

Hemingways Writing Style Essay Example for Free

Hemingways Writing Style Essay From almost the beginning of his writing career, Hemingways distinctive style occasioned a great deal of comment and controversy. Basically, his style is simple, direct, and unadorned, probably as a result of his early newspaper training. He avoids the adjective whenever possible, but because he is a master at transmitting emotion without the flowery prose of his Victorian novelist predecessors, the effect is far more telling. In Observations on the Style of Ernest Hemingway, from Contexts of Criticism by Harry Levin (Harvard University Press, 1957), the critic says: Hemingway puts his emphasis on nouns because, among other parts of speech, they come closest to things. Stringing them along by means of conjunctions, he approximates the actual flow of experience. Hemingway has often been described as a master of dialog, and most readers agree, upon being first introduced to his writing, that this is the way these characters would really talk. It is interesting to note, however, that Hemingways one attempt at playwriting was a failure. Actually, a close examination of his dialog will reveal that this is rarely the way people really speak. The effect is accomplished, rather, by the calculated emphasis and repetition which makes us remember what has been said. Since the critics cannot entirely agree on Hemingways style, perhaps the best way is to put it into the authors own words. Shortly before his tragic death, Hemingway gave to the Wisdom Foundation in California a collection of his observations on life and art, love and death. They were published in the January 1963, issue of Playboy magazine, and in them Hemingway said of his writing: I do most of my work in my head. I never begin to write until my ideas are in order. Frequently I recite passages of dialogue as it is being written; the ear is a good censor. I never set down a sentence on paper until I have it so expressed that it will be clear to anyone. Yet, I sometimes think that my style is suggestive rather than direct. The reader must often use his imagination or lose the most subtle part of my thoughts. I take great pains with my work, pruning and revising with a tireless hand. I have the welfare of my creations very much at heart. I cut them with infinite care, and burnish them until they become brilliants. What many another writer would be content to leave in massive proportions, I polish into a tiny gem. Hemingway goes on at some length, but the essence of what he says may be in this paragraph: A writers style should be direct and personal, his imagery rich and earthy, and his words simple and vigorous. The greatest writers have the gift of brilliant brevity, are hard workers, diligent scholars and competent stylists. To explain Hemingways style adequately in a few paragraphs is impossible. Scores of articles, and even some books, have been written on the subject, and it is to these that the serious student should go for additional, more detailed information.

Implementation Issues of Red Sky and VW

Implementation Issues of Red Sky and VW Q1. What Implementation issues do the Red Sky face? In the Red Sky face case study, theyve failed addressing security threats and vulnerabilities regarding their server security. The main goals of security in a computerised network is to protect the physical/data assets of a network to prevent security breaches. Lack of access to the work resources outside the workplace. For a modern-day business to not have remote access capabilities for work staff to do work at home can hinder the overall productivity of a company. Staff complaints about cable wiring. The failure in OHS practices pose great dangers when trying to implement new systems as the cabling across the premise cause great danger when new IT equipment need to be transported around the premise. The use of Microsoft XP. Microsoft Corporation have stopped supporting Microsoft XP which means that Microsoft have stopped issuing security patches for the OS. It is a real issue because this means hackers can break into the system with relative issue gaining access to Red Skys computer network. Data Migration. Red Sky must determine a plan whether to run systems in pararel which costs a lot a money or to perform a big bang data migration which can results in data loss. Lack of IT Staff Members No consideration of ergonomics Q2. What could be done to improve dealing with these implementation issues? In regards to cabling Red Sky can implement wireless connectivity around the premise to prevent the potential injuries too staff members. Also with wireless connectivity Red Sky can make the workplace look more presentable. Red Sky NEED to invest in a new Windows OS that is supported Microsoft to deploy across the network, to harden their computer network from unwarranted hack or viruses. Red Sky management need to map how their business processes into visual map to see how their business matches up their ICT systems. Network security is imperative as encrypting data helps ensure that confidentiality of Company data is kept safe and secure. Implementing file permissions helps who can access what resources. Upgrading to proven industry firewall and intrusion detection system. Q3 Describe three contextual factors for the Red Sky case study. Q4. Outline an implementation plan e.g. business process redesign, change management, benefits management, testing, installation, data migration, training, OHS and support. In Regards to Cabling regularly inspecting and test cables leads and keep records that are easily accessible to management. Installing wireless connectivity to eliminating employing qualified electricians to install new cabling. Business process redesign will need to determine around the software that the business chooses to deploy across the company. Red Sky will need to establish a test zone within their company to test new OS/software Q1.   According to the article, VW installed software to cheat US emissions and this has led to a 20-billion-dollar settlement with US car owners. What are the ethical issues raised by VWs conduct over the past decade? Corruption culture that has been running rife from the top to the bottom for the last 10 years is a major issue ethical issue that damages their image as a globally trustworthy organisation who pride themselves on producing cars that dont exceed emissions in the united states. VW perceived there corporate social responsibly in the American market as a brand that balances the environment of the world with their ecofriendly cars, which turn out to be a deceiving image as they were willing for 10 years to deploy software that tricked EPA regulators, so they to push their brand into America to make money at any cost that despite their cars exceeding limits of environmental benchmarks. Q2. How have the sic society values been transgressed by the VW employees? The Primacy of the public interest have been placed at the bottom as this should be the sole being on what VW should be trying to address. By VW installing software that cheats emissions have clearly stated that their agenda is to fill up their pockets with money regardless of public backlash. The enhancement of quality of life is nill as American car dealerships and customer already in possession of the effected VW models must send back their cars to get them fixed resulting in loss of sales in VW car dealerships and less productive customers who need use their VW vehicles as means of transportation to get back and forth to work. Honesty was none existence as they tried deceiving EPA and public about emission levels. VW did fulfil stakeholders goals in terms of sales and profits but they went about that in the wrong way be deploying software which alters results. Professional development for their employees who wanted to whistle blow was potentially meant with strong threats on their work future and lively hoods. Professionalism was thrown out the windows as top management within VW knew of the software but their professional curtsey to pump more funds into research to correct their problem wasnt the route they taken to achieve the upmost professionalism. Q3. What could be done in the future to Prevent VW and other companies committing these frauds? Governing bodies who run tests on carbon dioxide emission should independently test each car model a car manufacture was to sell. Increase funds to astronomical levels that car manufacturing organisation will not want to cheat the regulations again. VW can put expiration dates on board member time been on the board. Random auditing (EPA increase intrusion detection software to detect programs) Working intensive workshop on work culture Better laws in place for whistle-blowers.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea :: essays research papers

20000 Leagues Under The Sea The year 1866 is an important time in nautical history. It is the year that the world was first terrified by an amazing ocean going monster, the Nautilus. During that year several ships had met with this "thing," a long slender object much bigger in size than any creature known to man. After tons of sightings and the pass of many months the "monster" began attacking any vessel that drew near. This alarmed all the world's nations and the United States decided that they would send out the Abraham Lincoln to defeat the "monster," and once again bring peace to all the seas. For the expedition the best ocean educated men were invited to join the crew for the the journey. Included in this group was Monsieur Aronnax of the Paris museum and Ned Land, a world known harpooner. Monsieur Aronnax had written a two-volume work called Mysteries of the Ocean Depths. His work was especially well received by scientists, making him a specialist in that field. With him he brought his trusted servant of ten years, Conseil. Besides being Monsieurs loyal servant Conseil was an extremely bright classifier. He took great joy in this and was sometimes a big help to his master when identifying different creatures. Ned had an excellent shot with his harpoon, one so good that fisherman around the world knew his name. The rough travels from one ocean to the next for months without a sign of the wretched creature. Then on the night of November 5 the Ned spotted a bright glow approaching from just below the waters surface. Reports stated that at times the monster tended to glow, so they took pursuit. For a day and two nights the Abraham Lincoln chased the monster through the waters of the Northern Pacific. As the creature let them draw near, the Abraham Lincoln began firing its cannons at the monster but the cannon fire would just bounce off what seemed to be a thick layer of armor. At last the monster began circling the frigate and suddenly began a rush at the side of the boat. The crash tossed some men to the decks and threw overboard Monsieur Aronnax and Ned Land. At the sight of his master plunging into the dark sea Conseil dove into the water to save the professor. The three men tread water for many hours until at last Ned came upon a large, hard object floating in the water.

Madness and Insanity in Shakespeares Hamlet - The Cause of Ophelias Insanity :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Hamlet: The Cause of Ophelia's Insanity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare, through his intricate uses of symbolism and dramatic irony, arranges a brilliantly detailed account of how Hamlet's mental upheaval served as the driving force of Ophelia's   swelling insanity   and imminent suicide.   He floods the early acts with an impending sense of confusion within Ophelia, for her feelings toward hamlet greatly contrast those of her brother and father.   Ophelia begins to willingly take heed of her family's advice as the prince finds himself removed from a lucid pattern of thought. However, because her feelings for him are genuine, this serves only to exalt her mental strain.   In the height of Hamlet's incoherent rage, he provides Ophelia with the ultimate medium for her ensuing madness.   The murder of Polonius is the greatest among many factors that were contributed by Hamlet to the somber fate of Ophelia.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A prelude, composed of warnings from Polonius and Laertes, is tactfully set up by Shakespeare during Ophelia's initial appearances in the play, aiding in the preparation for her subsequent mental deterioration.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pol.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What is between you?   Give me up the truth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oph.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He hath, ny lord, of late made many tenders   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Of his affection to me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pol.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Affection, puh!   You speak like a green girl   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Unsifted in such perilous circumstance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Do you believe his "tenders" as you call them?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oph.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I do not know, my lord, what I should think.   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‚   (I, iii, ln.107-113)    Ophelia openly professes her confusion.   Polonius' response is presented in a manner which is clearly intended to sincerely disdain Hamlet before his daughter, making obvious his opinion of their involvement.   His intent for her actions, however, will merely magnify her confusion.   Ophelia concedes that she is not aware of a solution with which to halt or even improve this situation.   For this reason, no preventive measures are taken, only allowing the situation to worsen.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hamlets mind grows more and more clouded as his goal becomes clear, and in the midst of his pervading preoccupation, he pushes Ophelia to the point of mental breakdown.   This notion appears in the second act, after Ophelia first sees a deranged Hamlet.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oph.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lord Hamlet†¦   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   †¦with a look so piteous in purport   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As if he had been loosed out of hell   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To speak of   horrors -he comes before me   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pol.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mad for thy love?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oph.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My lord I do not know   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But I truly do fear it.   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‚   (II, I, ln. 87-97)    Her confusion has evolved into a state of dread, and this dread will begin to penetrate her consciousness as it grows more and more intense.

Book Review Wild Swans Essay

1. Main Thesis In Wild Swans, Jung Chang describes the life of three generations of woman in her family. Beginning in the year 1909 and ending in present time, it gives an insight into almost eighty years of the cultural history of China. Jung Chang has said in a interview that her intention in writing Wild Swans was to show how the Chinese people, and in particular the women in her family, â€Å"fought tenaciously and courageously against impossible odds.† The book is a testimony to the strength and determination of her grandmother, her mother, and herself and their resourcefulness in recreating themselves during suffering, humiliation and disillusionment. She interweaves personal and historical stories fluently and the stories of these women and their families act as a lens through which you gain insight into the turbulent history of twentieth century China. The most important themes in this book are: love of family, loyalty and self-sacrifice 2. Chapter Summaries The book starts by relating the biography of Chang’s grandmother, Yu-fang. After the birth of Chang’s mother, De-hong, the book moves to her story. After the birth of the Jung Chang, the focus of the book now shifts again to cover Jung’s own autobiography. Chapter 1: The father of Yu-fang, was Yang Ru-shan, born in 1894 as the only son. It was his duty to produce heirs to continue the family name. One a year after he married he got a daughter, Yu-fang. Political unrest caused problems for many in China over the next years. He arranges that a powerful warlord general, Xue Zhi-heng takes Yu-Fang as his concubine at age fifteen. The general stays only a few days after the traditional marriage and then leaves, not returning for six years. During his next brief visit, Yu-Fang becomes pregnant. The general’s household is run by his legal wife and the head concubines. The wife immediately lays claim to Yu-Fang’s daughter, who the general named Bao Qin. Yu-Fang kidnaps her daughter and escapes from the household. She lies, saying that the child died during their trip. When the general dies, Yu-Fang discovers that one of his final actions was to release her from her duties as his concubine. Chapter 2: Soon after, Dr. Xia, a matured doctor of Manchurian ancestry, falls in love with Jung’s grandmother and the feelings could be felt the same from Jung Chang’s grandmother as well. The doctor proposes and grandmother says yes. Although not thrilled with the marriage, Jung Chang’s grandmother’s father agrees to the marriage and sends her daughter off with a traditional wedding. When Dr. Xia’s three sons, their wives, and grandchildren hear about the marriage, they’re extremely angry. The grandmother receives quite a bit of harassment from the family and the eldest son even commits suicide, nevertheless the wedding still continues. He accepts Yu-Fang’s daughter, who he renames â€Å"De-hong†, meaning â€Å"virtue† and â€Å"wild swan†. Chapter 3: China is living under Japanese rule. After moving to a new province of Manchuria, Jung Chang’s grandmother, now living with Dr. Xia, begins to realize how terrible life is under the Japanese. The Japanese rulers are very cruel. The people are only allowed to eat acorn meal and sorghum, as the Second World War drags on, fewer rations and supplies are given to the people in Manchuria as Japan is losing the war. Finally, an American B-52 bomber flies overhead and she realizes that Japan had indeed lost the war. As Japan’s last officers commit suicide or run away, the town is in chaos just like the rest of Manchuria. Chapter 4: The Japanese are replaced by Soviets who were almost as bad. They pillaged and raped, taking what they wanted and dismantling entire factories. However, they soon leave and the Kuomintang arrives in shining uniforms and rifles. The Kuomintang turns out to be oppressive and ineffective at keeping justice and peace. The remaining Japanese are systematically murdered by the Russians and the Kuomintang. After a while the country is in a civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communists. De-hong sees communism becoming increasingly important to many people but has yet to make up her own mind about the situation. She continues to watch those in power, including those over the teaching school where she now resides. When she learns that a favorite teacher and then her best friend, Cousin Hu, had been Communists and had been either chased from the city or executed for their political beliefs, she makes up her mind that she, too, will become a Communist. Chapter 5: De-hong asks to be a part of the communist movement but she’s found too young. A short time later, she begins distributing Communist literature. The economic situation is so bad that the family has no savings and Dr. Xia, now nearly eighty, is worried about what will happen when he dies. Extortion is rampant, food is scarce, and the money that does exist has almost no value. De-hong becomes friendly with a Kuomintang general. Using his military freedom, they travel outside the walled city occasionally and De-hong leaves messages for her Communist counterparts.. The Communists then start regular bombardment of the city, including one dud shell that crashes into the home of De-hong’s family. Chapter 6: De-Hong helps clean up the carnage cause by all the civil war. When the communists take over the town, they do not pillage, rape, or extort as all the other groups of people had done before them. Many are courteous and kind and seem to be the fit kind of soldiers who destroyed the Kuomintang. When De-Hong reports to receive her first assignment for the communists, she instantly falls in love with a dreamy man, named Wang Yu, who was a high ranking communist official. He had been on many dangerous missions with the communists and rose through the ranks by being extremely loyal to the party and its ideals of sever equality. The two and several other teachers and students travel by train to another communist held town for fear that the town may be retaken by the Kuomintang and there, the two fall in love. Wang Yu eventually submits a request to â€Å"talk about marriage† to the party leaders and the two are engaged and finally married. Chapter 7: Chang’s parents join a group of people traveling south. The trip is dangerous as civil war is still raging. The walk is long and hard, walking forty days to reach their destination, Nanjing. Her mother is forced to walk but her father is allowed to ride in a jeep, a privilege he accepts. De-hong is soon pregnant though she doesn’t realize it until she’s in the process of miscarrying because of the ordeal. She’s very heartbroken and angry at her husband. After the miscarriage, her parents are separated because of his transfer to Yibin. It takes her four months to recover and then make the trip to him. During that time, her anger has cooled and they are happy to see each other. Chapter 8: When Chang’s parents arrive in Yibin, her father is appointed leader and returns to a form of his former name, Chang Shou-yu. He and her mother live together in a mansion confiscated by the Communists. Chang’s grandmother, Fang-Yu, despite her bound feet and difficulty walking, makes the long trek from Jinzhou to Yibin to see De-hong. De-hong gives birth to her first daughter, Xiao-hong. Chapter 9: This chapter tells of her mom’s life as being in the Public Affairs Department in Yibin. She tells of living with a denouncing of her grandmother, the birth of herself and the strictness of her father. Being part of the Communist was hard and had many of its hardships. Having a husband was harder for her mother than anything else. Chapter 10: Chang’s mother goes under suspicion during the course of this chapter. Being that she had some relations with Kuomintang participants she went under suspicion. But, after all that she had to go through, she was able to be free of any charges. Chapter 11: During this chapter, Mao decides to purge the Communist party again. This time devises that most people are â€Å"rightists† and need to leave the party, which ruin their lives forever. However, he got help this time and made all of his officials get rid of 5 % of their total participants. In the end, Chang’s mother was able to get to this quota after many different approaches of convicting people of being a â€Å"rightist.† Chapter 12: A famine strikes the land of China during this chapter. Many people die and starve from this famine all because Mao decides to make this situation look like their wasn’t a famine at all. Mao wanted to produce steel which led to a drop in production of food which leads to the famine. But, the famine gets cleared after Mao lets others to take charge of the situation. Chapter 13: Chang describes life in a compound during this chapter. Moving into a compound was for Chang and her siblings to go to a very nice and prestigious school. Living in a compound was very contained with its many entertainment locations. There was no need to go outside the compound for any reason. She also tells of how nice her life was as a child, living in a home where she was a good kid and her family noticed that. Chapter 14: This chapter describes the event that occurred with the cult of Mao. Many youths were forced into living like Lei Fang, a man who had a huge fondness for â€Å"Chairman Mao† and living his entire life revolving around him. Education included studying the words of Lei Fang and viewing the beatings of â€Å"class-enemies.† Chapter 15: After hearing about the collapse of Stalin’s Russia, Mao realized that he represented a Stalin figure waiting to be overthrown by his own people. In order to stop this from happening, Mao endorse’s books called â€Å"The Quotations of Chairman Mao†. This book contained his quotes and would be used to strengthen his popularity with the Chinese. In short, Mao’s control over China tightened throughout this chapter. Chapter 16: Not until, chapter 16 did Mao’s rule become apparent. Mao issued the use of Red Guard’s who he said protected and fought for Mao (in other words his own police force). Most of these Red Guards came from the families of high officials and came as teenagers. These Red Guards reinforced Mao’s word and rule and when someone was â€Å"betraying† Mao, he or she would be beaten, raided, tortured, or executed. Chapter 17: Jung Chang’s father starts to question Mao’s actions and asks whether if the actions of the Chinese are justified. Eventually Jung Chang’s father writes a letter to Mao explaining the wrongs of Mao’s actions (which in the words of Mao, was considered â€Å"against Mao† and could face charges such as death). He soon serves time in detention. Also he starts to oppose Mao’s thoughts and expresses them out loud which can lead to very harsh outcomes. Chapter 18: To summarize this chapter, Jung Chang and her friends make a pilgrimage to Peking. The goal of this pilgrimage: to see the Great Chairman Mao. Chapter 19: The control of Mao switches into high gear. Because her parent’s become branded as â€Å"capitalist-roaders† they suffer from many brutal denunciation meetings, beatings, harassment, and embarrassment. They are hurt for their crime of being â€Å"capitalist roaders† and bitterness starts to arise because they were only ever loyal to Mao. Chapter 20: Jung Chang’s father soon serves time in detention (due to sending another letter to Mao) and his wife makes a trip to Peking in order to speak to Premier Zhou Enlai, who she believes could help in their situation. On her way to Peking she meets two lovers Yan and Yong who join her. Finally with the help of Premier Zhou Enlai, Jung Chang’s father no longer served in detention. However, this does not end well. While in detention the guard watching over Jung Chan’s father plays mind games with him and convinces him that his wife created a conspiracy against him. Things got out of hand causing them to sleep in seperate areas and forces Jung Chang’s father’s mental and physical health to deteriorate (which later, his health imporved). Next more denunciation meetings hold misery for the parents. Chapter 21: Chapter 21 discusses some of the events that occured within her family. (her siblings) For example, Xiao-hei’s becomes a member of a gang and Jin-ming’s â€Å"black market† book experience. Along with these events being told, she tells of people drawing lines between their enemies and friends, sometimes causing friends to betray each other. Luckily her friends did not tell on Jung Chang which relates back to the title of the chapter, â€Å"Giving Charcoal in the Snow†, that refers to helping out others when needed. Also in this chapter, Jung Chang experiences her first time in a university. Chapter 22: Within this chapter, Mao institutes the idea of â€Å"thought reform through labor†. The intentions of this quote made Communists all around China to go to the countryside and work alongside the peasants (Jung Chang was sent to Ningnan). Mao said that it would make the Communists closer to China. Sadly, at the end of the chapter, the friend’s of Jung Chang pronounced her grandmother dead. Chapter 23: To summarize this chapter, Jung Chang pursues her career as a â€Å"barefoot doctor†. Mao defined barefoot doctor’s as doctors that could be turned out en masse. However, before she became a barefoot doctor she was relocated to another peasant village, Deyang, where she learns of what happened to China before the Cultural Revolution. Chapter 24: With her entire family on the mission of completing â€Å"thought reform through labor†, Jung Chang decides to visit her parents who can be found in separate locations. Her mother in Buffalo Boy Flatland and her father in a labor camp. While visiting her father, she tries to cheer him up by keeping him company. Eventually other family members come visit which allowed her father to not suffer from suicidal thoughts and whatnot. In the end, Jung Chang’s father apologizes to Jin-ming, her brother, about their current situation and past events. Chapter 25: In this chapter, Jung Chang takes her career in being an electrician. In her factory, she meets Day and eventually they both fall in love. However, it becomes shortlived because of their different social status’. In the end, Jung Chang’s father dies and she enrolls into an english university. Chapter 26: Education in China becomes less stressed, however those who had connections with officials became legible to enter universities, through the process which later became known as using the †back door†. Teachings elements became based on Mao as well as military tactics and defending the country. Chapter 27: This chapter gives rise to the death of Jung Chang’s father. Her father died due to a heart attack which a doctor refused to see immediately. In his honor, an elaborate funeral was held for Jung Chang’s father. After the funeral, Jung Chang’s school decides to go on a field trip to the Chinese port, Zhanjiang, where the students could practice their English with the incoming and outgoing sailors. At the end of the chapter, Jung Chang’s Party secretary announces the death of Chairman Mao. Chapter 28: After the death of Mao, the Chinese become a bit confused on what they should do. The idea of studying in the West became very prominent, as the government handed out scholarships for those wanting to go to the West. The story ends as Jung Chang traveled to the West in search of broadening her horizons and experiencing more freedom.

Gandhi And Nehru

‘Papua' and ‘Coach': Builders of Modern India During the last two thousand five hundred years and more of Indian's history, two individual combinations made tremendous impact both on Indian's civilization and polity. The first duo was that of Cattily and his trusted disciple Contractual Marry who together laid the foundation of the first great historical empire of ancient India. The other duo was that of Mahatma Gandhi and Charlatan Nehru who were instrumental in laying the base of a modern Indian state and giving shape to ideas in the realm of education, culture and democracy. Gandhi founded the Straight Ashram after turning from South Africa and successfully employed the principles of Straight in uniting the peasants of Qaeda and Champaign against the government. After this victory Gandhi was bestowed the title of Papua and Mahatma and his fame spread far and wide. Charlatan Nehru was not only the first Prime Minister of India, but in that opacity, was also a major worl d figure during the mid-twentieth century.Like many national leaders who first lead, or play a major role in leading, their nation to independence, Nehru was widely loved and respected and ended up not only serving as the nation's deader for many years but also shaped much of the nation's political life. Practically every official act of such a leader is a first and often becomes a precedent that his successors follow. 2 His great love for roses as well as children is a well-known fact. In fact he often compared the two, saying that children were like the buds in a garden.They should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they were the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow. He felt that children are the real strength of a country and the very foundation of society. Most importantly he did not discriminate between he sexes and believed in giving equal opportunities to girls and boys. Quite naturally, he was the ‘beloved' of all the children who gave him the endearin g name of ‘Coach Nehru'. Mahatma Gandhi and Charlatan Nehru are internationally well-known personalities, who had been venerated and respected by the intelligentsia. 10th of them were born in the nineteenth century and passed away in the twentieth century. The Mahatma was the leader and Nehru was the most devoted disciple of the Mahatma. Both of them were giants in their respective fields of the work. The Mahatma was assassinated and Nehru died. Both of them lived the biblical figure, three score and ten. The Mahatma was the father of the nation. Nehru was the builder of the nation. 3 Nehru first time met Mahatma Gandhi in 1916 and admired his role in South Africa.When Gandhi started Straight in 1 919 against Reluctant, Nehru for the first time came into contact with the peasants (kinas) and this contact with the peasants influenced his later thought. He wrote, â€Å"Looking at them (kinas) and their misery and overflowing gratitude, was filled with shame and sorrow-shame at my own easy-going and comfortable life and our pretty politics of the city which moored this vast multitude of semi-naked sons and daughters of India. A new picture of India seemed to rise before me, naked, starving, crushed and utterly miserable. This experience with peasants indicated to Nehru the degree to which the nationalist movement coincided with Sandhog's rise to prominence in the congress and this strengthened Nehru consciousness of peasant India. Nehru played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1 921 , under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. A basic question could be put here: what was the influence of Gandhi upon Nehru during this period? Sandhog's stress on the religious and spiritual side of his movement was somewhat incomprehensible to Nehru.Nehru with his modern, scientific and rational approach to life simply did not speak the same language as Gandhi (1921). Nehru wrote: â€Å"but we felt that we knew him quite well enough to realize that he was a great and unique man and a glorious leader, and having put our faith in him, we gave him an almost blank cheese, for the time being at least. † For Nehru, the moral and ethical side of Sandhog's Straight had greater appeal. Nehru did not accept non-violence as an absolute creed but he became convinced that against the background of Indian's traditions, it was the right policy to follow.Sandhog's continuous insistence on the necessity of worthy means being used to attain worthy ends deeply influenced Nehru. Sandhog's abhorrence of machinery and modern civilization had no effect on Nehru, except to convince him and others that such ideas would have to be firmly dealt with when independence was attained. 4 Gandhi and Nehru were completely different people as regards their social status, age, way of thinking and individuality. There were always deep ideological differences between them. In their attitude on life, Nehru and Gandhi differed from each other.Nehru was absolu tely secular and scientific whereas Gandhi was out and out a man of religion. For Gandhi, religion and morality constituted the whole of life. They are inseparable. He laid great stress on truth and nonviolence and expected the Congress to be instrumental for the moral regeneration of the country. Nehru attached much importance to moral values but not so much to religion. For Nehru, religion was a woman's affair. He wanted the Congress to play role effectively in the political and economic sphere. Gandhi formulated the principle of trusteeship for the rich and the propertied class.He was of the opinion that as the rich did not require all their wealth for the satisfaction of their personal needs, they should utilize the surplus wealth for the benefit of the society at large. Nehru, though allows important place to private sector, he consider the Seminary system as a semifinal system which was out of date and a great hindrance to production and general progress. Gandhi described self -reliance as one of the essential ingredients of the individual's character. Charlatan Nehru made self-reliance the pivot around which the entire program of community development revolved. Both Gandhi and Nehru were cosmopolitans.They stood for internationalism. Gandhi did not want India to remain isolated from the rest of the world. Charlatan rejoiced on the freedom struggle of the subject countries. Both Gandhi and Nehru were humanists. Both of them gave greater importance to human qualities than to political expediency. The guru as well as his sashay stood for the toiling humanity. Their hearts bled for the poor and down trodden. There are many reasons as to why Nehru was drawn towards Gandhi. Nehru recognized the heroism and spirit of defiance of Gandhi. He also found that Sandhog's unique adhering and political action brought important results to the country.

American Exceptionalism

The term American Exceptionalism has many definitions to many different people. In general it refers to the idea that the United States of America holds the special title of worldwide peace keeper and bringer of justice and democracy as they are the land of the free. American Conservatives; such as the Tea Party, also pair the phrase up with the idea of superiority; whereas liberals would much more prefer Americans to see their country as ‘ordinary’ and so dislike the term. To them ordinary means things like American does not always assume its place as the world’s super power but simple acts as an international negotiator in times of need. The terminology was coined in 1831 by Alexis de Tocqueville as to explain a positive outward effect of America’s democracy. In 1929 the phrase was used adversely by the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, when opposing the idea of the growth of capitalism in the states. In theory, American Exceptionalism works because of four key principles: divine right, resources, just beliefs and diversity. Many believe that the United States was chosen by God to lead the world and so they have the divine power to act in such a way over other countries. Although, others feel that the sheer wealth and resources the country has- such as the most powerful armed forces in the world gives them this power. Some consider the strong ideas and principles that the country was founded on as to the reason they have a greater say; whereas others argue that it is the mix of heritage and cultures, which makes America a kind of highbred of the best of the world, allowing for it to have this exceptional place in the world today. An odd and contradicting feature of the concept is that as an America knows best; they may over power their own legal system, other countries and conduct various types of secret activities if to protect the democratic system and state interests. America knows best: we must invade Iraq to free the people there from the dictatorship they live in, and then as a secondary thought because, they may have weapons of mass destruction (and oil that could be a lot of use to us). The idea that hacking people’s internet history and phone calls is just and fine, because the government can act beyond its means, as in the end they are protecting people from themselves- since they know best! The idea of Exceptionalism has allowed America to involve itself in many conflicts since the Mexican- American War of1846; where the Americans refused to accept that Mexico did not want to be a part of the United States and felt it was their mission to spread ‘freedom’ to the people of Mexico, right through to the Iraq war. During the Cold War the power of American Exceptionalism was used to display the American way of life as the right way and to try and crush the rising power of Communism. Ronald Reagan famously said that America had a duty to be â€Å"shining city on the hill† that the rest of the world would look up to. There are many positives and yet, many negatives of American Exceptionalism, and it is the principles of the term itself have brought about its demise. The waters have been muddied and so there are now many variations of the meaning of the words, which depend on the people using them. There is a spectrum of opinion: to some America is the almighty bringer of justice, and may do this by any means as long as they reach their end target of a freer and fair world. By contrast, others feel that Exceptionalism is simply used as a cover for the falling giant to do whatever it wants; from the invasions of lesser off countries, to spying on the day to day lives of millions of Americans. The use of Exceptionalism in foreign policy is often questioned; is it just a front the country can hide behind when actually working for personal gains rather than the good of the people? The expression is often used today in questioning America’s place as a super power. At a press conference in 2009 Obama was asked about his belief in American Exceptionalism he said: â€Å"I believe in American Exceptionalism, just as I suspect the Brits believe in British Exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek Exceptionalism†. In 2013 Mitt Romney used this comment to attack Obama, stating that he did not believe in the power of the United States as a power, yet them comment had little power as the term has been lost somewhat. The majority of the countries have democracy, or have made a greater step towards it over the last century, leaving America with a much lesser role as the bringer of social equality. American Exceptionalism has shaped the world we live today, without it both America and Britain would not be looked to as a role model of strong democratic systems and equality. The idea has brought the same concepts to many other countries and helped to advance areas such as industry and the role of women. However, in recent years the power of American Exceptionalism has faded and the flaws have become more visible. The positive effects of American Exceptionalism are now much gentler, and the goal is more to help countries create justice, rather than impose America’s view. American Exceptionalism The term American Exceptionalism has many definitions to many different people. In general it refers to the idea that the United States of America holds the special title of worldwide peace keeper and bringer of justice and democracy as they are the land of the free. American Conservatives; such as the Tea Party, also pair the phrase up with the idea of superiority; whereas liberals would much more prefer Americans to see their country as ‘ordinary’ and so dislike the term. To them ordinary means things like American does not always assume its place as the world’s super power but simple acts as an international negotiator in times of need. The terminology was coined in 1831 by Alexis de Tocqueville as to explain a positive outward effect of America’s democracy. In 1929 the phrase was used adversely by the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, when opposing the idea of the growth of capitalism in the states. In theory, American Exceptionalism works because of four key principles: divine right, resources, just beliefs and diversity. Many believe that the United States was chosen by God to lead the world and so they have the divine power to act in such a way over other countries. Although, others feel that the sheer wealth and resources the country has- such as the most powerful armed forces in the world gives them this power. Some consider the strong ideas and principles that the country was founded on as to the reason they have a greater say; whereas others argue that it is the mix of heritage and cultures, which makes America a kind of highbred of the best of the world, allowing for it to have this exceptional place in the world today. An odd and contradicting feature of the concept is that as an America knows best; they may over power their own legal system, other countries and conduct various types of secret activities if to protect the democratic system and state interests. America knows best: we must invade Iraq to free the people there from the dictatorship they live in, and then as a secondary thought because, they may have weapons of mass destruction (and oil that could be a lot of use to us). The idea that hacking people’s internet history and phone calls is just and fine, because the government can act beyond its means, as in the end they are protecting people from themselves- since they know best! The idea of Exceptionalism has allowed America to involve itself in many conflicts since the Mexican- American War of1846; where the Americans refused to accept that Mexico did not want to be a part of the United States and felt it was their mission to spread ‘freedom’ to the people of Mexico, right through to the Iraq war. During the Cold War the power of American Exceptionalism was used to display the American way of life as the right way and to try and crush the rising power of Communism. Ronald Reagan famously said that America had a duty to be â€Å"shining city on the hill† that the rest of the world would look up to. There are many positives and yet, many negatives of American Exceptionalism, and it is the principles of the term itself have brought about its demise. The waters have been muddied and so there are now many variations of the meaning of the words, which depend on the people using them. There is a spectrum of opinion: to some America is the almighty bringer of justice, and may do this by any means as long as they reach their end target of a freer and fair world. By contrast, others feel that Exceptionalism is simply used as a cover for the falling giant to do whatever it wants; from the invasions of lesser off countries, to spying on the day to day lives of millions of Americans. The use of Exceptionalism in foreign policy is often questioned; is it just a front the country can hide behind when actually working for personal gains rather than the good of the people? The expression is often used today in questioning America’s place as a super power. At a press conference in 2009 Obama was asked about his belief in American Exceptionalism he said: â€Å"I believe in American Exceptionalism, just as I suspect the Brits believe in British Exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek Exceptionalism†. In 2013 Mitt Romney used this comment to attack Obama, stating that he did not believe in the power of the United States as a power, yet them comment had little power as the term has been lost somewhat. The majority of the countries have democracy, or have made a greater step towards it over the last century, leaving America with a much lesser role as the bringer of social equality. American Exceptionalism has shaped the world we live today, without it both America and Britain would not be looked to as a role model of strong democratic systems and equality. The idea has brought the same concepts to many other countries and helped to advance areas such as industry and the role of women. However, in recent years the power of American Exceptionalism has faded and the flaws have become more visible. The positive effects of American Exceptionalism are now much gentler, and the goal is more to help countries create justice, rather than impose America’s view.

Why I should go to the promotion board

Here are a couple of reasons why I believe I should be go to the promotion board. First, I'm ready to further my career as a Non Commissioned Officer. Being the best I can be is all I've ever wanted and I'm ready to take the next step in the Army with being promoted to Staff Sergeant. Secondly, I'm ready to take on more responsibility as that shows that I'm becoming a better leader because with more rank comes more responsibility.I feel that I am more than qualified to attend the promotion board. I have more than enough experience as an NCO that this would be a prominent move In the right direction. In these current times I feel that by going to the promotion board upon passing It I will be able to Impose my will as a Staff Sergeant and lead more soldiers to becoming great leaders themselves. I am deserving of this opportunity and have been waiting my chance for a great while now.This is the time and this is the season or a break through. In closing, I'm not asking for too much but t o be afforded the opportunity to at least have a chance to attend the promotion board. I will be well prepared and motivated to do my best at the board. This will be a great step towards my career progression. My family would be proud of me, and this would be one of my most recent accomplishments, among many. I want to do so much more for the Army, but I feel limited at the level I am at this moment.I would greatly appreciate this opportunity ND once I've gone to the board, you will understand why I feel the way I feel about why I should go to the board. Thank you. Why I should go to the promotion board By AP_daddy SST Phillips, Antennae. Can be is all Vive ever wanted and I'm ready to take the next step in the Army with than enough experience as an NCO that this would be a prominent move in the right passing it I will be able to impose my will as a Staff Sergeant and lead more soldiers and once Vive gone to the board, you will understand why I feel the way I feel about.

Case Study L’Oreal

Marketing Plan and Control Case study analysis- L’Oreal Nederland B. V. Group Names: Summary General L’Oreal is the largest cosmetic manufacturer in the world since 1992 and contributes sales to more than 100 countries. L’Oreal invested heavily in research and development with the faith: innovation was the critical success factor. L’Oreal was at a stage of making critical decision to introduce Synergie skin care line and Belle Couleur permanent hair colorants which were successfully marketed in France, to Nederland market. These two products were under the family brand name, Laboratories Garnie, the largest provision of L’Oreal. Their introductions to the market were under pressure as Garnie was not very well known in Nederland. The failure of market these products will cause potential problems for future Garnie product introductions. To be market successfully in Nederland, the products have to offer unique, desire, and identifiable differential advantages to Dutch consumers. Dutch Market Dutch is a small but very potential market. With 15 millions of small population, there were significant increases of women working outside the home, delaying of childbirth and rising of income. As a result, women in Nederland had more disposable income and more of them using it to buy cosmetic for use on a daily basis. In European Union, the Nederland ranked fourth in per capita income, however, only 6th in per capita was spent on cosmetics and toiletries. The main customers were those under 25 years old. However, the fastest-growing population segments were the 25 or older groups. Synergie Synergie product line is a facial skin care’s products made with natural ingredients. Synergie product positioned as reliably providing natural colors with the advertising line â€Å"Natural Colours, covers all gray†. L’Oreal goal for developing new products was to introduce only product that had differential advantage with evidence of consumer acceptance. It did not want to gain distribution with excessive reliance on trade deals or high than normal retail gross margins. L’Oreal was perceived as offering high-quality, innovative products, supportive with good in-store merchandising. Bella Couleur Bella Couleur is a line of permanent hair colouring products. The three quarters of Dutch Woman coloured their hair by using permanent colorant. For Dutch women, colouring has become more a fashion statement then just to cover gray. As there were more and more women working outside home, home colouring would increase since it is more convenient. Problems of entering Nederland Market: 1. Competition of medium price products: Dutch woman shopped for values of products. Synergie products are expensive and they only being sold through personal service perfumeries (custom sale). 2. Competitor The main competitors, Guhl’s and Anderson increase market share in1986-1989. In late 1980’s Guhl changed its distribution strategy and started selling the brand on drug chains. As a result, Guhl become aggressive in its marketing through large independents. 3. Customers’ buying behavior: †¢ Dutch women tend to be loyal to their current brands to avoid problems might cause by new product. As a result of consumers’ loyalty, it increases the resistance of switching to new product. Dutch woman typically purchase a facial cream only once or twice a year and have an increasing interests in products with â€Å"natural† ingredients. †¢ Dutch woman are not as familiar with technical product description like the French. They perceived as a technical product and believed its use was very risky. Considering the new brands, first and current customers carefully read package information and ask personal advice. 4. Advertisement The higher spending of advertisement was necessary to develop brand awareness, ideally brand preference. Analysis of problems: – L’Oreal was a leading seller for current market entry, but the share mark et was declining. According to the sample test, the buying intentions increased once the market price had revealed. But it decreased after the actual uses. The actual participants, who would probably not buy the product after using it, increased from 13%-32%. Some negative evaluation of Belle Corleur was due to the fact that Dutch woman tended towards naturally lighter hair colour, and the French towards darker shades. France Belle Couleur was formulated to give a classical conservative dark blond colour with extra reflections or lightening effects. However, the products had not been modified for the Dutch test. The brands needed to be presold since, unlike independent drugstores, there was no sale assistance. However, none of the hair colouring products had a clear advertising positioning statement describing customer benefits. The percentage of woman was not known, nor was the trends in the usage of this method known. Dutch consumers might see the major suppliers of cosmetics and toiletries. But the worries that lied have is that the selling efforts, which is needed in selling the L’Oreal brands in Dutch market. Also at the same time introduce not just one, but two brand name product lines. Generation of alternative solutions Products As per feedback on price, products with wider price range can target on mass market/medium price product market. All the products need to break down to easy term which is easy to understand by simple wording. Market and advertising Expand the market by making it into an open market, which means all the products are available to all different markets. This can be enhanced by advertising with clear statement; and prove to the customers the specifics benefits that they could get by purchasing the products. Advertising Advertise the products through woman magazines; attractive ads that can catch the consumers’ attention and also make them interest towards the products. Advertisement on media such as Tv to show the products concepts and the result of the products after the actual use and customers’ benefit. Market monitoring Monitor the trends to see the changes in the market. From then all the market researches could be done to find the best solution to solve the problem. Personal advertise for better customer service To have personal presold at places for product selling in drug stores, supermarkets, etc. Customers need information whenever they purchase the new products. They all want to know what contains inside the products and the benefits that they could get after purchasing the products. So it is important that customers receive a proper guide through the product line, in order to achieve the customers’ interests towards the products. Promote the products at professional clinics like skincare clinics, or hair salon. After the customers get their facial done, they might decide to purchase the facial products, after they have been advised and advertised by the clinic advisor. Convince customers to switch their brands into something else is hard. In this case, advertisement and unique about the products are the main keys to attract the consumers’ attention and interests. Synergie For the Synergie line, they done the concept tests, but when they reveal the price out to the market, many people have been declined the products. It could due to the fact that the price is too high for the consumers to purchase the products. By lower the price, it could give the company the advantages of getting the interests towards the products. Consumers tend to purchase the products if the product price is at the low price. Belle Couleur When consumers purchase products, they want their product is worth the cost that they paid for. Products need to be totally valued with the quality of its products; and also all the statements about the products need to be a right fact and provide exactly what the qualities placed on the statements/outcomes. There were some negative evaluations on Belle Couleur products line; due to the facts that the products provided fault information, which lead to mistaken by the consumers about the products’ qualities. I. e. different target market has different reaction towards the product line. They don’t have the same or even the similar reaction towards the same products. For example, those Dutch customers tended to like lighter hair colour, when the French customers prefer the darker shades. Due to the market researches of the two product lines, they all get recommended to promote two lines at once. Instead of promote two lines at once, L’Oreal Netherlands can promote one by one; which means that they can promote each one to see how the consumers react to the products. From then, they can decide whether the second product line is necessary needed to be promote out to the market. It can save them the costs in promoting, and also their budget won’t be at waste in advertisement and promotion. It could count as monitoring the current market to see the changes under different circumstances. The product range can be sold at the different locations, such as drugs store and supermarket. Therefore, the advertisements and promotions in these places are necessary in order to catch the consumers’ attentions and interests. Customer service There are numbers of consumers that afraid of purchasing new products, due to the fact that they have bad previous experiences with different products. It is important that marketers can come up with the product’s concepts that provide the trustworthy information to the customers; also it is more important that those provided information can lure away the fear that consumers have, when they purchase for new products. Towards competitions In the global markets, it is impossible for other competitors not copy other products. Stopping it is totally outrages. But every company always have their key ingredients for their products. They always have a backup plan for what they are going to do in the future, if something bad happens. Marketing plan designed Effective monitoring and control system created

The Buddhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Buddhism - Essay Example It is true that Buddhists seek enlightenment, but the immediate philosophical and spiritual concerns are short-term rather than long term. In order to better understand the unique place held by Buddhism in the spiritual world, this essay will examine how the Buddha characterized the meaning of life, how his characterization was practiced at the individual level, and how Buddha's characterization of life has been misinterpreted by others. As an initial matter, the Buddha was not particularly impressed with the physical world in which he existed. Although he has been reported to have lived a privileged life he was also keenly aware of the suffering of the less fortunate. As noted by Karen Armstrong, a leading religious scholar, "When he looked at human life, Gotama could see only the grim cycle of suffering, which began with the trauma of birth and proceeded inexorably to aging, illness, death, sorrow and corruption only to start again with the next life cycle" (2006: 274). His broad characterization of the meaning of life, therefore, was constructed of three main theoretical assumptions. The first assumption was that birth was a traumatic event, that these traumas persisted throughout life, and that the ultimate trauma was death. Life, as characterized in this manner, was an unhappy affair. The second assumption was that suffering was a varied and nuanced concept; more particularly, the Buddha saw suffering as a prod uct of basic needs (such as food and shelter) as well as the product of human desires for such non-necessary things as excessive food, fame, and excessive wealth. Suffering, in this way, was defined differently by the Buddha than the concept is commonly understood in Western societies. This is because the Buddha linked notions of pain and longings or desires intimately and considered both to be types of suffering. The final assumption was that this life cycle was repetitive. The aforementioned suffering throughout a life was bound to be repeated over and over again unless someone found a way out. This was the Buddha's quest, to find a way for the individual to transcend the suffering, and it consumed the majority of his adult life. The Buddha attempted to transcend the suffering by positing that "these painful states must have their counterparts" (qtd. in Armstrong: 2006: 274) and elaborating by suggesting that "supposeI start looking for the unborn, unaging, deathless, sorrowless, incorrupt, and supreme freedom from all this bondage" (qtd. in Armstrong: 2006: 274). What began as a series of observations, about suffering and the human life cycle, developed into a full-blown thesis ripe for experimentation. The Buddha's thesis was that suffering could not exist in isolation, that it must result from some other underlying cause or causes, and that the counterpoints to pain and suffering must exist. A main theoretical obstacle was how to discover these counterparts; the Buddha solved this theoretical obstacle by relying of what to him was known as Nibbana or Nirvana. Translated literally, Nirvana means a "blowing out." For the Buddha, this meant the "blowing out" of the passions and the desires that led to suffer ing. This belief by the Buddha, that passions and desires caused suffering, was the next step in his characterization of life. It can thus be argued that the Buddha was most