Book Review: Human Communication as Narration

In perhaps his most important contribution to rhetorical theory and the understanding of human communication, Walter Fisher presents an explanation of his narrative paradigm in Human Communication as Narration: Toward a Philosophy of Reason, Value and Action. This book essentially elaborates on and refines Fisher’s previous articles on the narrative paradigm and aims to present a more complete explanation of the theory’s roots, as well as its main tenets and relevant applications.Human Communication as Narration begins with an exhaustive examination of the history of narratives and logic, which includes his assertion that the logic by which human communication should be assessed return to the roots of the original meaning of logos: â€Å"story, reason, rationale, conception, discourse, thought† (p. 10). He asserts that Plato and Aristotle transformed the word logos into a specific term that applied only to philosophical/technical discourse, which launched a †Å"historical hegemonic struggle† that has lasted for more than 2,000 years (p. 10).Fisher explains that the positivist, â€Å"rational-world paradigm† that emphasized formal logic and reasoning (p. 58) is improved upon with his view of a more post-modern, ontological foundation where meaning is co-created through less formal structures like stories. In resurrecting the original meaning of logos, grounding his theory in ontology, and classifying human beings as â€Å"Homo narrans† (p. xi) , or storytelling animals, Fisher rejects the notion that technical logic is the only path to truth and knowledge, and argues that, as the ancients believed, all human communication is rational and contains truth and knowledge (p. 0). This more inclusive account of human communication together with the view that all human communication needs to be seen as stories sets the foundation for Fishers’ theory of narratives. In presenting the main points of his narrative theory ov er several chapters, Fisher explains that humans experience and understand life as a series of ongoing narratives, and that these stories are symbolic interpretations of â€Å"aspects of the world that [are] historically and culturally grounded and shaped by human personality† (p. 9). Given that stories are more than just a figure of speech and have the power to both inform and influence, Fisher establishes â€Å"narrative rationality† as a universal logic and means for the assessment for stories that is accessible by nature to all human beings (p. 47). This assessment is tested against narrative â€Å"probability (coherence) and fidelity (truthfulness and reliability)† (p. 47) – in other words, humans come to believe in and act on stories in so much as they relate to and identify with them.Going back to his assertion that human communication doesn’t have to exist in perfect structures of rhetorical arguments, he further explains that all humans po ssess the ability to reason and can therefore both communicate and accept truth as â€Å"good reasons† (p. 105). Perhaps an even better, more succinct explanation of this comes earlier in the book where Fisher states that â€Å"the materials of the narrative paradigm are symbols, signs of consubstantiation, and good reasons [are] the communicative expression of social reality† (p. 5). By including both formal logic and a logic of â€Å"good reasons† in the basis for argument, Fisher’s narrative paradigm contributes to rhetorical theory by expanding the meaning of persuasion just as Burke’s theory of identification did. Since the average person isn’t trained in formal logic, Fisher believed that the logic of good reasons (i. e. common sense), sits above all other persuasive means since it is universal and inherent in all human communication.Fisher goes on to assert that narrative rationality should also be â€Å"the foundation on which a com plete theory of rhetoric needs to be built† (p. 194). In this sense, the selection of stories we tell and come to accept is demonstrative of who we are and what we want others to believe about us. In the final section of his book, Fisher applies his narrative rationality in several real-world case studies including the rhetoric of Ronald Reagan, Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby and the philosophical discussion between Socrates and Callicles in Plato’s Gorgias.These examples provide a helpful demonstration of how narrative rationality can be used to assess the coherence, truthfulness and reliability of stories across a wide range of contexts. In conceptualizing and applying narrative rationality, Fisher contributes an important method for the study of narratives in a variety of communication contexts, which is one of the most important contributions he makes to the study of communication. Through Human Communication as Narration, Fisher provided a more accessible, u niversal means for communicating and understanding human truth.Drawing inspiration from the works of Kenneth Burke, Alasdair MacIntyre, Stephen Toulmin and Chaim Perelman, Fisher’s narrative paradigm argues that formal logic and the positivist view are inadequately prepared to account for the motives and values in human communication. He offers a broader explanation that all forms of human communication are driven by and evolve from our inherent need to determine whether an accounting of new knowledge matches up with what we already know.In the 30 years since Human Communication as Narration was first published, scholars and professionals from a wide range of disciplines have applied Fisher’s narrative paradigm in a variety of contexts. Narrative methods for rhetorical analysis and criticism have been used by Barbara Sharf (1990), Hollihan and Riley (1987), and Michael Cornfield (1992), among many others. In 1993, David Mains argued that the time was ripe for a move to ward narrative sociology, which asserted that â€Å"sociology’s phenomena is made up precisely of stories† (p. 2) as well as that sociologists are mainly narrators. The use of narratives as a means for persuasion in advertising and public relations has been widely documented in recent years by Cinzia Bianchi (2011); Barbara Stern, Craig Thompson and Eric Arnould (1998); and Melanie Green (2006). The narrative paradigm has also been deployed in interpersonal communication and organizational communication (Ashcraft & Pacanowsky, 1996). And a large body of research has been dedicated to the study of narratives as a strategy in conflict resolution as well (Gergen & Gergen, 2006; Sandole et al. 2009). These are just a few of the ways in which Fisher’s narrative paradigm still contributes to the understanding of human communication today. But while the narrative paradigm has enjoyed a renaissance of late with new research that refines and extends the theory (Currie, 2 005; Kirkwood, 1992; McClure, 2009; Stroud, 2002), largely due to its growing multi-disciplinary interest as noted above, it has also attracted much criticism. But while these scholars recognized its value, they have also demonstrated that it is not as useful for critical analysis as it aimed to be.Stroud (2002) found issue with the lack of account for contradiction in stories when assessing narrative rationality. Kirkwood (1992) felt that Fisher’s narrative rationality is limiting in that it doesn’t allow for the possibilities of new stories to be accepted and acted upon. He goes on to argue that a â€Å"rhetoric of possibility† presented through narratives can better account for how rhetors challenge people with â€Å"new and unsuspected possibilities of being and action in the world† (Kirkwood, 1992, p. 31).McClure (2009) also specifically argued that the narrative paradigm must also account for the â€Å"inventional possibilities of new narratives, t he rhetorical revision of old narratives, and the appeal and acceptance of improbable narrative accounts† (p. 191). He also asserts that by expanding the role of Burke’s identification, the narrative paradigm can become a more viable theory and method of criticism. While several scholars have both praised and criticized Fisher’s narrative paradigm, the part of his story that related to narrative’s origins, philosophical foundation and relevance to human communication rang true for me.In my study of rhetorical theory I, too, have often felt that the structures of formal argument are too constricting and limiting in their ability to interpret all forms of persuasive communication. When using Fisher’s own narrative rationality to measure the coherence and fidelity of Human Communication as Narration, I find it to be both coherent and true – especially from my viewpoint as a woman living in a post-modern, post-structuralist society who works in t he field of public relations where stories are the very fabric of our communication strategies.And while I recognize the validity of the proposed extensions of his theory by Kirkwood (1992), McClure (2009) and Stroud (2002), I feel they also serve as proof points for the generative power of Fisher’s paradigm in new ways of thinking about stories. References Ashcraft, K. & Pacanowsky, M. (1996). â€Å"A woman’s worst enemy†: Reflections on a narrative of organizational life and female identity. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 24, 217-239. Bianchi, C. (2011). Semiotic approaches to advertising texts and strategies: Narrative, passion, marketing.Semiotica, 183, 243-271. Cornfield, M. (1992). The press and political controversy: The case for narrative analysis. Political Communication, 9, 47-59. Currie, M. (2005). Postmodern narrative theory. New York: St. Martin’s Press. Fisher, W. R. (1987). Human communication as narration: Toward a philosophy o f reason, value and action. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press. Gergen, M. & Gergen, K. (2006). Narratives in action. Narrative Inquiry, 16, 112-121. Green, M. (2006). Narratives and cancer communication. Journal of Communication, 56, 163-183.Hollihan, T. & Riley, P. (1987). The rhetorical power of a compelling story. Communication Quarterly, 35, 13-25. Kirkwood, W. G. (1992). Narrative and the rhetoric of possibility. Communication Monographs, 59, 30-47. Maines, D. (1993). Narrative’s moment and sociology’s phenomena: Toward a narrative sociology. The Sociological Quarterly, 34, 17-38. McClure, K. (2009). Resurrecting the narrative paradigm: Identification and the case of Young Earth Creationism. Rhetoric Society Quarterly, 39, 189-211. Sandole, D. , Byrne, S. , Sandole-Saroste, I. & Senehi, J. Eds. ). (2009). The handbook of conflict analysis and resolution. Routledge: New York. Sharf, B. (1990). Physician-patient communication as interpersonal rhetoric : A narrative approach. Health Communication, 2, 217-231. Stern, B. , Thompson, C. & Arnould, E. (1998). Narrative analysis of a marketing relationship: The consumer's perspective. Psychology & Marketing, 15, 195-214. Stroud, S. (2002). Multivalent narratives: Extending the narrative paradigm with insights from ancient philosophical thought. Western Journal of Communication, 66, 369-393.

Discretionary Use Of Police Authority

Police officers enjoy the much-envied monopoly of instruments of force. Only a state armed force has recognized legal rights to wage violence against the citizenry and employ all manner of force in the name of maintaining law and order. A look at a number of police actions leaves a doubt whether all might be provided for by the law. The police are permitted to use a certain level of force in enforcing the law and while making arrests and maintaining order.The force used in this case is supposed to be reasonable; this reasonableness is not measurable and is at the discretion of the police or to a large extent to the court of law. In their day to day activities, police follow scripted rules and guidelines, guided by the law and their professional ethics, but rarely is all that they do contained in the written codes. Majority of what they go through depends on their personal intuition and judgment of what is right.They are supposed to make a split judgment on the most appropriate decisi on in a certain situation, whereas such a provision may not be provided in the rules. The legality of such decisions sometimes is in question. It is not possible for the law to contain all the likely scenarios that the police can come across. The unpredictable nature of their work makes it hard to do that and it is only through effective training and a high level of discipline that proper judgment and sound decisions can be made; even in an extremely uncertain environment.This however is an ideal situation and most of the time police officers have been noted to go to the extreme ends and making unreasonable decisions that are inconsistent with the publics’ expectations. In carrying out their duties, the police sometimes seem to be following their own discreet codes, codes that cannot be fathomed by civilians. Their rules are paternalistic in nature and may not be in line with the spirit of democracy. This and more is what this paper hopes to look at. It will scrutinize the po lice use of discretionary authority and note whether sometimes this authority is extremely and unreasonably overstretched.Discretion can simply be referred to as that power or freedom accorded to individuals, or the police for that matter, to make judgment or decisions that they think are appropriate to a certain situation. It is the judgment of police on how to bridge the gap that exists between what the stipulations in the law contain and the challenges on the ground (Seumas M. , et al, 2006). The laws governing the police forces are not specific and should under no certain terms be specific. They leave gaps and spaces that can only be filled through individual intuition.Most of these laws are said to be ambiguous and clearly requiring the reasoning of a well trained police officer to enforce (M. L. Dantzker, 2005. ). While it is prudent to say that almost all state or public departments and agencies use discretionary powers, it is in the policing agencies that they are most often applied and with major consequences. It is the legislature that determines the nature of laws that exist in a certain region, but it is up to the people on the ground, who are the police officers, that determine how those legislations are to be enforced and in what manner.The law sometimes is strict on certain issues but it is up to the law enforcement agents in touch with the public to make it more flexible while at the same time making it less or more punitive depending on the situation. Question stands on whether such discretion cannot be abused. For example whereas the law categorically prohibits the arresting of individual on mere suspicion with no form of evidence, the police in most case will arrest people and claim it is on ‘reasonable grounds of suspicion’. This suspicion is based on subjective judgments of a person’s behavior at the moment.Some officers are trained to believe that if one moves away hastily after seeing the police, he or she is likely t o be guilty of something. This is what some would call ‘behaving in a suspicious manner’. This might not be true as there is no law against hastening ones pace upon coming across the police officers, but the forces discretionary powers allow them to hold such person and search him or her. â€Å"Reasonable suspicion† becomes an ambiguous term that is hard to define or quantify. It is not measurable and at the same time not disputable.Interestingly though, contrary to what one would expect, discretionary powers in the police force decrease as one goes up the ladder while increasing down the cadre and hierarchy. This is because the officers up in hierarchy rarely come face to face with the public. Theirs is mostly limited to the boardroom meetings, strategy laying and maybe dealing with the ever-inquisitive media. This is not to mean that they top chiefs do not possess discretionary powers. On the contrary they do, but it is the lower ranking officers that have more opportunities of exercising this authority due to their daily contacts with the pubic.This discretionary authority turns them into policy makers, only this time it is at the ground or street level. This is because the most important decisions are made at the point of contact or encounter. It is here that the police officers make the most vital decisions regarding the step to take after a wrong has been committed. Depending on the weight of the crime, the officer on the ground will know what action to take. He might decide to warn, book or jail depending on the gravity of the situation. This may not be what the law has provided for.It is these powers to make such discretions that raise tension and discontent from the public, as they lead to discriminate and disproportionate application of laws. The general characteristic of discretionary authority is that in one way or another it has to be applied selectively. The prejudices that are held by the society have also been imported into the police force and must in a way impede upon the judgment of the police officers especially when they are exercising their discretionary authority.To most people in today’s world, where vehicles are prevalently used as the single most preferred means of mobility. Peoples’ contact with the government is through the police. Interactions with the citizenry is most likely to be with the traffic police officers, and it is them that are likely to make decisions based on their own judgments. This most likely emanates from the fact that most of the traffic offenses committed by motorists are but of small consequence, they are minor and one can escape with a verbal warning.The traffic laws prohibit over speeding or any other reckless driving that might be injurious or inconveniencing to other motorists. The patrol officers are always on the look out for such characters and can flag down any motorist they suspect is under the influence of alcohol. Police here use their discret ionary authority in making the kind of decision to be taken upon a motorist who commits such an offense. A traffic offense that is not serious would carry a number of penalties ranging from citing, booking or ticketing in accordance with the dominant traffic policy.Most people would like the law enforcement officers make lenient decisions in regard to such minor offenses and make hard stances on the major crimes such as kidnappings and bank robberies. More police discretionary powers should be extended towards passing lenient judgments on traffic offences rather than creating friction on their relationship with the motorists (Peak, K. J. , 2006). Most police agents have strict laws and policies in relation to traffic rules and tend to have punitive attitudes towards these offenses.Most traffic officers end up citing motorists rather than letting them go off with verbal warnings. This is the ethical and professional dilemma facing most police officers, their discretionary authority n ot withstanding, even where the law is very clear on traffic offenses and the nature of penalties imposed. This how the law is, it is supposed to be comprehensive and touching on almost everything. However, the scarce resources allocated may not cater for this. The meager financial resources cannot facilitate the strict following of the law to the letter.If all the provisions of the law are strictly adhered to, the courts would be clogged with cases and jails would be overcrowded. It is hence important that the police officers use their discretionary powers to sort these people out (Seumas M. , et al, 2006). As mentioned before, due to the subjective nature of the police duties, selective application of discretionary powers is probable and very common. Racial, religious, gender and ethnic profiling becomes real. For the traffic police officers, it is very likely to let of an elderly person off with over speeding than with a teenager or a middle age.This is because it is not common t o see aged people over speeding; the officers will tend to believe that there has to be a reason for such an action. The provisions of the law on over speeding not withstanding, most police officers are bound to make the same decision. A study of police application of discretionary powers also would reveal that it all depends on the behaviors and attitude of the subject under consideration. For those who are very confrontational and rude when addressed by police officers over their mistakes, they might not enjoy any leniency.Those who are orderly and remorseful of their actions are likely to receive a lighter treatment. Police discretionary powers are likely to be applied favorably mostly when the subject displays a sign of respect. These powers may also be extended to the unpopular laws in the society. Police would shun taking action against offenders of some minor offences. This is if there has been a public uproar against such laws. They would not want to be dragged into a row, a nd hence opt to turn a blind away to such offenders.There are exceptions however to this; no matter how unpopular some of these laws might be, discretionary powers might have applied harshly. The issue of police discretionary powers is dogged with controversy. There are those who claim that these powers are okay as they give the police an opportunity to apply their own judgment in meting out justice rather than waiting for the strenuous and elaborate process of the law. It gives the law a human face and gives the police a chance to act with compassion. The police sometimes are faced with situations where if they strictly adhere to the laws, catastrophes might happen.A police arresting a driver for over speeding might result to a implication if for example such a driver was rushing a patient to hospital. It is important that discretionary powers be extended to allow police officers make decisions that are appropriate to a specific situation at hand rather than blanket application of the law just because the stipulations state so. This leniency in the discretionary powers is also a kind of public relations. As afore mentioned, contact of the public and the police in today’s world is mostly limited to the traffic.Most people’s attitudes and perceptions of the police might to a great extent be shaped by this limited interaction. Any harshness towards motorists may be interpreted to mean that the police are all harsh and inconsiderate. The law contains a mesh of provisions that cannot all be applied, as most likely they would turn the citizens into slaves of rules. Discretionary powers are hence important to sort these laws out and enable the police to make the best decisions possible at that instance depending on the prevailing circumstances (John Blackler, Seumas Miller, 2005).However, opposition to discretion emanates to the discriminate application of justice. As said before, it is a highly subjective practice that embodies the incorporation of pe rsonal and emotional values. Issues such as racism, ethnics and other discrimination based on creed, socio-economic statues and gender will come into play. Personal prejudices might have an upper hand when a police officer is making the decision in regard to who will get what punishment, who will get a booking and who is to be released. A motorist may get away with over speeding, or driving under the influence just because he or she looks innocent or is remorseful.Police have been known to apply leniency to people who look remorseful after giving them a stern warning and arresting those that they think are disrespectful and self-righteous. This however should not be a criterion to be used while deciding who is to booked and who is to be let go. The law is clear on this and should be applied non-selectively. Allowing the use of discretionary powers by police officers is jut but breeding ground for corruption and bribery. Police officers are likely to take in bribes from criminals or petty offenders so that they may look the other way and apply discretionary powers.It may also lead to a breeding ground for more hardened offenders. A motorist who has escaped once with an over speeding offense may make it a habit of repeating the same mistake and preying on officer’s leniency. People might not be vigilant enough in regard to the petty offenses because there will be a likelihood of them getting away with such mistakes. A high number of people would be in favor of controlling the use of police discretionary authority, mostly as it is likely to be abused by police officers.This emanates from the image that most people have of the police; an image imparted through their interactions with the police, who most of the time are found to hostile and unreasonable. The police are not trained in psychiatry and should not base an individual’s guilt on ones behavior, remorse or lack of it thereof. It should be left to the court or tribunals to pass a verdict. If t he law states that a certain offense is finable then be it and this fine should be applied across the board and not selectively. The police are governed and bound by the law and all its comprehensive principles.The law is dynamic but it is also very clear on many issues. It is predictable and outcomes in many cases are certain. The same case should apply to the police force; their decisions should be predictable and consistent. The police force is in the executive arm of the government, its function is to implement the laws passed by the legislature, allowing it to make decision regarding the law is superseding the authority and can be a recipe for chaos. Unlimited use of police discretionary powers can to a greater extent be said to be undermining democracy.Laws under the tenets of democracy are a preserve of the legislature which is just but a of group of individuals representing the citizenry, who are democratically elected. The police represent the executive and in most cases wi ll be furthering the sitting government’s interests. They do not consult before passing the extra judicial pronouncements. The public has no room to scrutinize these decisions. Had there been an opportunity to review some of these discretionary powers, the system could work out efficiently (John Kleinig, 1996).However, as much as the public may wish to demonize the use of discretionary authority by the police, they are more than necessary. The law, despite being broad, is not comprehensive; it does not provide solutions to all the possible case scenarios likely to be faced by the police. Discretionary powers by the police come into play to bridge the gap between what the stipulations contain and what the situation on the ground is. The bone of contention is the likelihood of these powers being abused and applied selectively to favor a certain group of individuals over others. There is no provision in the law on how these powers are to be utilized.They are mainly subjective an d depend on a specific officer’s personality and orientation towards many issues in life. It would also depend on the nature of the mood of an officer at the time of the incident. It is unpredictable and lacks in consistency. It is apparent though that these discretionary powers cannot be done away with completely, effort hence should be geared towards curtailing them to a level that is acceptable to the public. Police should be well trained to ensure that their use of discretionary authority does not deviate from the law and is not applied discriminately. References John Kleinig, 1996. The ethics of policing. Cambridge University Press. John Blackler, Seumas Miller, 2005. Ethical issues in policing. Ash gate publishing Ltd. Seumas Miller, John Blackler, Andrew Alexandra, 2006. Police ethics. Waterside Press. Peak, K.J., 2006. Policing America: Methods, Issues, and Challenges. 5th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ. M.L. Dantzker, 2005.Understanding today’s Police. Criminal Justice Press.

Facebook and Loneliness Essay

With over 955 million active Facebook users worldwide, Facebook has definitely taken over the internet, and many people’s lives. With a simple click of a button many people can communicate with each other in the blink of an eye. Being able to add however many friends one may want, or talk to how ever many people one may want would make someone assume many people are less lonely today than they were 100 years ago. However, that is not the case. In recent years, the number of chronically lonely people worldwide has gone up significantly. Why one may ask? Research has shown a direct connection to loneliness and the frequent use of Facebook. Facebook, like many other social media sites gives individuals a way to communicate with friends, family, and other individuals through the internet. Throughout the years Facebook has become a worldwide phenomenon that people have become quite obsessed with. One would think that since Facebook makes communication quicker, and easier for many people that it would make people less lonely. However, it is doing the opposite. Today, lonely people use Facebook as an outlet to run to while other things in their lives aren’t going as planned. Loneliness lies deep inside someone, and cannot be cured by â€Å"fake† communicating with an individual over Facebook. While individuals flee to Facebook to try to alleviate the pain of being lonely, it only leaves them less happy. The more these people try to be happy, the less happy they will be. It was shown that the more narcissistic one is, the more likely they are to be using Facebook. These types of people have an inflated sense of their own importance of oneself. Facebook is a perfect outlet for them to create this great self-image for oneself, while forgetting about all other aspects of life. Facebook also intrigues lonely people as a way to feel more connected to other individuals, however these other individuals over Facebook are like a dog, or a book, they are not real things to become completely intimate with. This leaves people with a sense of loneliness in the long run. Personally, I was shocked to see the statistics about how Facebook is making individuals lonelier then not. This is because I definitely thought Facebook  was bringing people less loneliness then anything by offering the service to talk to people whenever one desires. However, after reading the article I completely understand how to opposite trend is now taking place. Facebook is a perfect outlet for lonely people to run to, and it does nothing but hurt them. Though it is not Facebook alone that is making people lonely worldwide, Facebook is definitely contributing to the increasing number yearly. Since Facebook started offering one-click communication methods and the ability to talk to anyone, at any time people have become less engaged in real life and more engaged in cyber-life. Individuals struggling with family or other relationships run to their fantasy world on the internet while leaving more important issues behind them for a quick second. In a world with so much technology, and advancements in communication one would think that this would make us less lonely, but we can all see now that this is not the case.

MKTG project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MKTG project - Research Paper Example The business is focused on improving the comfort of air travelers through provision of a variety of comfort products for consumption during travels. The company provides Wi-Fi and other new technologies in-flight apart from the usual foods and cocktails. The availability of Sky Mall catalogue and Wi-Fi access enables engagement of customers and increases sales as a result. The target market of the business is the local air travelers which constitutes about 88% of the market. Their competitive niche of business is vast investment in technology and innovation hence creation of up to date products always. This has built on the strong bonds by customers and loyalty hence a wide base of loyal customers. The main aims is consistent growth in sales and hence profitability and shareholders worth. Management is steered by the president and vice-presidents plus key shareholders thus inclusive and participatory leadership style; leaders should also have enough experience and knowledge (Kerin, Hartley, Rudelius 2009). In addition, effective market research and marketing strategies, efficient media to relay the products through relevant modern media. Creativity and innovation integrated with modern technology an organization like Sky Matt goes to higher heights of achievements. Its target budget is $500,000 with a bulk to be generated internally. The main objective of both market research and strategy Sky Mall incorporation is to find out the views and reaction of its target market and audience and their response to the product. Marketing research is a process which starts by Sky Matt defining its objectives, then setting a plan, implementing the plan and lastly doing a review and reporting to the organization. Any organization needs to conduct research to enable it realize changes in the market place that are likely to negatively or positively impact on its product in the market. Theories, problem solving

LandScape of Kuwait Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

LandScape of Kuwait - Essay Example With these features in mind, it is helpful to consider the various components of the physical and cultural landscape of Kuwait that has made the country into the powerful regional force that it is today. Origin of the Landscape On its surface, Kuwait would appear to possess a landscape with quite a few possibilities. This is far from reality, however, as the small area of land, coupled with its lack of fresh water and inability to grow crops have made it is a harsh environment to thrive under for centuries. While it is in the Arabian Gulf, the climate is extremely dry. The landscape of the region has not developed much at all over the years. It is still the flat and barren desert that it was long ago. In fact, it appears that there are only slight elevations of landscape present throughout the relatively small country. The summer is particularly harsh on the landscape, as temperatures can get above 120 degrees F, or 49 degrees C, with relatively little rain to speak of. In addition, because of the barren desert landscape, there are frequent and severe sandstorms that add to the uniqueness of the country and contribute to the difficulty that the land affords daily Kuwaiti life. Ethnic Makeup of the Kuwaiti People It appears that Kuwait has been settled for several thousand years. The early inhabitants of the region actually traded with other Mesopotamian cities. Today, most of the population surrounds itself around Kuwait City. Nearly all Kuwaiti people are Arabs. There is a unique distinction among ethnic Kuwaiti’s, however, in that they are one of the few countries in the world where there own citizens actually form the minority. Only about 45% of the population today is actually Kuwaiti, with the rest being comprised of expatriate workers from around the globe. This certainly creates a unique cultural landscape. It is also important to note that Kuwait is home to numerous Bedoun and Bedoiun tribes. As opposed to the Bedoiun in other countries, however, even the ethnic tribe in Kuwait tend to live in city centers, while still maintaining there conservative and traditional ways of life (Osborn, 1977). They do tend to live in harmony with the ethnic Kuwaitis, yet they maintain their own way of life and cultural traditions. Role of Religion in Forming the Landscape Like many other countries in the Middle East, religion has played an integral part in the development of Kuwait. More than 85% of the population if Muslim. Of this number, nearly all Kuwaiti’s themselves identify with the Islamic faith. One of the primary tenants of this faith is that it impacts nearly aspect of the development of the country, and Kuwait is certainly no exception. The heritage and traditions of the Kuwaiti people, owed to their Islamic roots, remain relatively in tact today. It is interesting to note that Kuwait does guarantee the freedom of religion to all inhabitants, and this is largely honored without question. Remember, however, that most Kuwai ti’s are Muslim, so it definitely forms the foundation for government and social institutions. While this freedom of religion is guaranteed, the constitution of the country also designates Islam as the official religion of the state, and Islamic does largely form the basis for civil law in existence today. These are traditions that

How Triple Constraint Impacts Projects Term Paper

How Triple Constraint Impacts Projects - Term Paper Example Scope (Quality): refers to the requirements and functionality that are discussed and thus set in the requirements phase with the client. Any changes in the scope in the later stages of the project cause a diverse effect on the project since the resources are assigned as per the needs of the discussed scope of the project. The outcome of the project can be judged by the scope of the project. Cost (resources): The cost of the project is estimated with respect to the man-hours that will be spent on the project, number of resources that will be assigned on it and the cost of the materials that will be used in the project. Time (schedule): The total time period of any project is analyzed in the smallest detail. The components are analyzed with respect to the different tasks that might be needed to complete it and the amount of time that might be needed for those tasks. The accumulation of the duration of the different components tasks amounts to the total time required for project completion. It is the job of the project manager to manage these triple constraints in the project so that the needs of the clients are fulfilled in the most appropriate manner. Some of these constraints might be compromised in order to deliver the other constraint. These are good measures of the success of any project since these three elements are the most vital and quantifiable aspects. These are also good indicators for a successful project because they can fit any project of any kind. Jessica (2008) stated an example regarding the triple constraints; some clients signed a boat contract with a boat manufacturing company. The company takes a year to make the boat but these clients want the boat to be delivered within 9 months with a budget of $100,000. The time (schedule) of the project is fixed since the clients want the boat to be delivered

Comedy Of Errors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Comedy Of Errors - Essay Example The actions were perfectly organized by the set designer Nina Ball. From the first moment of the play, the audience was hypnotized with the songs and cues, approximating the action to the present days. The touching scene was a shipwreck, which separated the family and created the intrigue over the plot. The role of Dromeo twins was perfectly played by Danny Scheie. The main female characters – Adriana (Nemuna Ceesay) and Luciana (Tristan Cunningham) represented the brilliant scene getting the best lines and the total affection of the audience. Costumes designer Beaver Bauer surprised the audience with the simplicity of dresses suitable for the comical style of the play. The main theme of the play is the loss of individuality represented by the characters of twins. The production concept helps to understand the themes and values of the play. Shakespeares works in the forms of drama, comedy or tragedy are unique because they cover the psychological aspect of the personality. All the production elements came together perfectly to form one whole artistic piece. The play contains a deep interest in the person’s nature, his feelings, inspirations and passions, sorrows and numerable mistakes. Shakespeare’s plays are often really metaphorical and his verves might be difficult to understand. The comedy has some contextual meaning devoted to love, though he term â€Å"love† is not really used in the play. All of us realize what love is and have experienced it at least once in a lifetime, but it is often difficult to define the meaning of love and put the perception of this phenomenon into words. It is even understood differently by people. Rationalists and the adherents of science claim it to be just a chemical reaction in the human brain; cynics insist that this feeling is a disease, but the comedy manages to show it as an art, whereas the author

Population Changes and its Effect on Adult Education Research Paper

Population Changes and its Effect on Adult Education - Research Paper Example This specifically has become its advantage in the international trade considering that many multinational companies want to invest in China for profit maximization in particular. However, in some parts of the world, the increase of population has become a considerable problem of the government. In the case of developing countries, many people could not afford to go to school and get their degree due to the incapacity of the government to set enough budgets for free education for all. There are specifically many issues and these include socioeconomic factors that need to be faced. Maintaining a quality life in the case of highly populated nation has become a struggle especially in developing countries (Glewwe & Kremer, 2006). On the contrary, this may not be a great deal of problem in highly developed countries knowing that the government can afford to subsidize public education. However, in the case of highly populated countries, private institutions for education have become the sta ndard for quality education. Thus, these sectors are ensuring that their service is a cut above the other. This is their specific strategic move in order to entice students with their standard quality service in obtaining higher degree especially in adult education. The impact of population change on education Clearly, population change has become a considerable factor on how the system of education has been structured (Blanden & Machin, 2010; Climent, 2008). For instance, in Australia, there is a strong effort to promote standard and quality education amidst the rapidly increasing population. This has become its central focus considering that its economic standing in the world is so far one of the most great in contemporary time. The point of the country is to ensure that adult education has to be of high quality considering that the there is corresponding increase in population. However, in contrast, education in Africa for instance is remarkably poor knowing that there are other important issues that need to be addressed aside from it. There are other social issues that may be tied up to economic considerations. Food in Africa has become far more important than obtaining a degree. In line with this, it is clear enough that the country needs to focus on the problem from the basic point of view which particularly would involve population control. This example may be contrasting, but it is evident that the level of focus given on education can be influenced by population change. In the Philippines for instance, the country is currently debating on reproductive health bill. The current president of the country is very clear about its stand on the major impacts of population increase. This is the reason that he is strong in his stand for reproductive control issues. There is a need to certainly reduce the number of children that a family should have due to current status of the country. In fact, the current situation of the country is a concrete example how educ ation is compromised by high population. The government could not totally support the need of students for higher education due to high budget. The country has to allocate other budget. Thus, there are remarkable budgetary constraints. There are state universities in the country but there is always deficit on budget leading to poor educational

Relation between periodontal disease and diabetics Research Paper

Relation between periodontal disease and diabetics - Research Paper Example The said article being reviewed here sought to find causal relationships between two chronic diseases which are diabetes and the two main periodontal diseases, which are gingivitis and periodontitis. The first pertains to a non-destructive inflammation of the gum tissues and is a very common form of periodontal disease while periodontitis is a severe form of the periodontal disease. Both forms are inflammation types of periodontal disease (itis is a medical suffix which means inflammation). Dr. Mealey had sought to find a link between periodontal diseases and the other very common affliction of most Americans, which is diabetes. Incidentally, diabetes affects approximately twenty million Americans, of whom some 35%-40% are not aware that they have diabetes (these figures translate to about 9% of the total adult American population). The main difficulty encountered in most of the medical research studies on diabetes and periodontal diseases is that the relationship between these two ailments is bi-directional. In other words, one disease affects the other disease in a circular sort of way. In this article, the two periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) were found to have a marked influence on the pathogenesis of diabetes and the numerous complications arising from diabetes. But on the other hand, diabetes was also found to have an impact as risk factor on the two periodontal diseases. Possible Bias – after reviewing this article, one possible bias is the authors emphasis on diabetes as the causative factor in the prevalence, severity and extent for both gingivitis and periodontitis but as the author himself stated in his conclusions, the studies he had reviewed were all merely suggestive of this causal link. Numerous studies failed to conclusively find the direct link between diabetes and the two chronic inflammation periodontal diseases because the studies done previously failed to eliminate certain factors or confounders that

Week three questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week three questions - Assignment Example They advertise their products to gain attention of the people. They display pictures of the individuals, where individuals were fat in one picture and say after two weeks they lost 10- 15 kilograms and became very lean, in the next picture. However, all these claims are unrealistic and do not have any biological significance. 2. Short term results- Fad diets are designed with food items possessing very low carbohydrate content and also have low calories, whereby body loses water and one develops the concept that loss of weight is due to fad diet. Later, as soon as water is consumed, the body gets rehydrated and one is back to the previous stage. In certain cases, eating insufficient or poor carbohydrates generates hypoglycemia (a state or a condition of the body where the blood glucose level falls down) and one feels weak and lethargic. In order to revive or do any work one needs to consume good amount of sugar or sugar products. Here, the diet fails. According to the research study carried out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2007), 8% of the individuals who adopt such measures of consuming fad diet for weight loss persist to lose 5% of their body weight in one year, while 59% are able to maintain body weight within 5%, on the other hand more than 33% of the individuals regain more than 5% of their initial body weight, especially individuals with sedentary life style. 3. Lack of Behavioral Modification Program- In order to lose weight in a sustainable manner it is essential that discipline in life be maintained. Alteration in eating habit may be of help. The diet program of fad diet does not incorporate any lifestyle modification measures, which is the most imperative step in controlling weight. A research study carried out by the scientists at the Pennington biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University (2010) states that gradual weight loss

Describe and discuss a number of major social marketing campaigns of Essay

Describe and discuss a number of major social marketing campaigns of your choice, with special reference to their strengths and weaknesses - Essay Example During 1970s social marketing started as a discipline for the first time. Kotler et al. argued that the similar marketing philosophy that was being used to sell products to customers can be used to "sell" behavioural attitudes and ideas. The dissimilarity is that, in commercial marketing the advantage goes to the marketers only, but in social marketing the entire society at large gets the benefit of behavioural changes. The implementation of marketing strategies in the field of politics is a comparatively new concept, argued, O’Shaughnessy (2002). Most of the political actors are not expert in marketing techniques. That is why the help of professional public realtor or marketers are taken. All the political parties need to get votes from public to win the electoral battle. So, a positive image and a favourable opinion have to be created in the mind of public. As it is also a mass opinion building process, the social marketing principle is used to do political marketing campaigns. Wilson and Gilligan (2005, p.189) state ‘The proliferation of Internet sites, for example, has enabled groups of consumers to publicize instantaneous and often highly critical reviews of new products, services or films that can be far more influential than the formal advertising campaigns. However, from the company’s point of view, improving technology and growing consumer sophistication also enable the m to become smarter. New advertising channels, such as Internet sites, video screens at supermarket checkouts and interactive television all enable suppliers to find more willing buyers. Companies are also becoming better at stimulating a street ‘buzz’ about their products by influencing select opinion formers, rather than by focusing largely upon mass advertising hype. Amongst those to have done this are companies such as Disney, Apple, Virgin, and Starbucks, all of which have caught the Zeitgeist and

Individuality in 20th Century Art Essay Example for Free

Individuality in 20th Century Art Essay 20th Century art has spawned great art forms. Its evident transformation had triggered the question of whether or not the development was caused by the pure genius of the artist or by the preceding art that he was born into. This essay will discuss how the artists of the 20th century have made art almost indefinable (Nicolas Pioch, The 20th century) by looking into the quotes of Immanuel Kant (1790) and Andre Malraux (1953), as well as looking at some actual works before and after 1950 which would illustrate that art has clearly become an expression of an artist’s emotions and thoughts as honed by the past. As individuality steps in, we will closely look at how an individual’s person is actually affected by his experiences and orientation on various aspects of his existence such as how he could have been raised, how he may have been exposed to previous artworks and the like. Immanuel Kant, in his quote from the Critique of Judgment (1790) had clearly defined genius as, â€Å"a talent for producing that for which no definite rule can be given†. I believe that this is like how scientists are referred to as geniuses, they have defied popular beliefs or what had actually become a norm for their time or era. They would produce materials that are not usual for the majority. Similar to this, I believe that such was also the case as he may have found that an artwork, which proved to be unique for its genre, is already a product of a genius. A good example of what was said to be a work of a genius was that of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Donatello’s Crucifix (images shown in the Documentation). These were considered unique and were painted outside the what was considered as standard during their time or era, as these works had clearly defied the usual idea of what our usual picture of the heavens is (Starry Night) as well as the common picture of how Christ was crucified. Texture of these creations also scream of individuality as was the case with Van Gogh’s work. As was said by I. Kant, â€Å"originality must be its primary property† for an art to be considered as the work of a genius. It is clear he meant that it was something that was not usually done but did not deduce it to not being influenced at all by artworks that came before them. Instead the focus was on how they have made their creations different from the others without necessarily straying from the same idea or thought. Like in Van Gogh’s work, there had already been paintings depicting the heavens at night but its form and texture as well as the colors utilized were clearly out of the ordinary and had been very original despite the presence of previous artworks that had been made. On the other hand, Andre Malraux’s, â€Å"The Voices of Silence† (1953) compared artwork to a child that matures. Meaning that art basically evolves. It does not necessarily veer away from its contemporaries but is created from what he may have experienced. Like a child that may have learned to walk more carefully after acquiring a scratch from a fall, an artist was also said to rise from their own conflicts and the achievements of their predecessors. A person that may have lived within a war-torn era may create an artwork that depicts what he had witnessed, at the same time picking out best practices from works that were previously done by others and using them as inspiration to put his experience or what he had witnessed into a work of art. As such, A. Malraux was right about picking them out â€Å"from their struggle with the forms that others have imposed on life†. We note though, that experiences do not necessarily remain within the context of a person’s personal struggles but can derive thoughts from their successes as well or the comfort that they may have had. A classic example is Jose Manuel Merello Arvilla’s â€Å"bodegon electrico†, which depicts Spain’s colorful yet subdued culture evident in the shades and texture utilized. Similar to this is Vijendra Singh Devra’s painting of a three-part series called the Blue Night, where the texture was actually smooth and the contrast was stark that may be an evidence of the painter’s experiences or social status. It may not be easy to defy the norms. An artist is faced with the risk of being singled out either as great or poor. The genre of which the artwork is in defines the product that the artist creates. As mentioned in â€Å"Necrophilic Logics and the revolt of the imagination†, http://www. geocities. com/kk_abacus/carp. html: A split between the rational and irrational is constructed by every rational system; each rationality creates a corresponding irrationality, that which does not fit inside of it. Therefore, each rational system has inherent limits. To break out of a rationality, one must also be capable of conceiving of that which lies beyond the limits of that system. Rational systems can be useful tools but they can also become mental prisons. There is a slim demarcation between the subconscious and the imagination of a person as it says that both are something that goes beyond the inherent limits of man’s rationality. As such, it is clear that an artist’s genius is based on how he creates a unique description of what he has undergone or experienced as well as his absorption of what had been proven effective and successful for other artists as well.

Sg S Pastries And Ice Cream Marketing Essay

Sg S Pastries And Ice Cream Marketing Essay In every business there must be an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur is a person who undertakes the responsibilities of running a successful business and sees to it that a profit is made. Functions of the entrepreneur in this business include: Planning- Developing an overall business plan for the business covering Pastries and Ice-Cream, to be implemented by the production manager. Developing a plan for delivery and marketing of the product. Organizing- Developing routines for food preparation and purchasing of supplies, to be implemented by the production manager. Evaluating performance- Continuously evaluating and monitoring all aspects of the operation, including staff performance, running costs, market response and sales revenue. The entrepreneur identifies issues and problems and takes corrective action where indicated. Use of Technology At SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream, we will use different types of technology. As we all know, technology is important and necessary to all business. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. At SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream, practical and effective use will be made of the following technologies: telephones, computers, cash registers, refrigerators, ovens, management information systems (MIS) and also fax machines. The telephone will be used to call special and original customers and also to do promotions whenever there is a new product in stock. Computers will be used to store important information for the business. However, as dealing with computers, internet will be used to advertise the business. The cash register will be used to cash whatever is ordered by the customers, the deep freeze will be used to preserve the ice-cream and refrigerator to keep the juices and beverages, and also to make the ice-cream. These technologies will enhance the business by providing goods and services to supply the customers and this will result in the business making a profit and the business being successful. Potential for Growth Here at SGs pastries and Ice-Cream, we will seek to expand the business internally and externally. Since growth is important to every business, SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream will seek to expand the business internally by employing more workers which will produce more goods and better services and this will result in increasing profit. Externally means outside and may be referred to the branches of the business. It is the growth of the companied by an increase of land, labour, capitals and enterprise. Externally, SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream will open other branches in other parishes and towns and will also invest in ice-cream trucks to go around and sell ice-cream. Justification of Location SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream will be located on Kings Plaza in the Centre of Negril Town. This town is very popular and well developed. Negril Town is also well populated and because of this the business will be well supported and this will result in the business being prosperous. There will be no problems accessing raw materials because there is a wide range of supermarkets and wholesales to supply the business with raw materials. Transporting the raw material will be easy because taxi and trucks will be ready and waiting to transport the raw materials to the business to be processed. There is also a demand for the products in Negril and opening this business will lead customers and buyers to support the business. There are also several work stations there so when its lunch time, people will just run over to get an ice-cream and a snack. Selection of Appropriate Labour The type of labour that will be used at SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream are the Skilled Labour and Unskilled Labour. These labours are necessary because the workers will need to know how to operate the different machines. These labours were also chosen because they are the most suitable labour and it will enable and enhance prompt and efficient service to satisfy our customers. To carry out the job in the business, there will be two cashiers who will be responsible for cashing what the customer wants to purchase and four chefs who will make the delicious pastries and snacks which will enlighten taste buds. There will be two waitresses to take orders from the customer and sever them what we have to offer in our comfortable, relaxing and entertaining spots in our business and most important there will be a security guard who will protect both the workers and customers from harm and danger. He will do, the best of this ability, to see to it whoever is inside the business is safe. Last but not least there will be a janitor who will be responsible for sanitizing the different parts of the business before, during and after each task. She will see to it that the business will be kept clean at all times which will attract customers and will result in them repeatedly visiting the business to support. The professionals will handle all the finance and the office work and the unskilled workers will take care of the packaging and cleaning while the skilled workers will be operating the machines. This will contribute to the profitability of the business. Source of Fixed and Working Capital Fixed Capital refers the assets of the business. These have a long life and will be used up in the business for the production of goods and for the creation of further wealth. Some of these are: Machines, premises and vehicles. This capital will be financed by a loan from Jamaica National (JN) and it will be paid back by a payment plan which will be paid monthly at a 10% rate. On the other hand, there is working capital, which can be defined as the short term assets which are turned over fairly during the course of the business. They include; cash, stocks and other items required for the day-to-day operation of the business. These may be obtained from the personal saving, the bank, supermarket and wholesale. The working capital is also used for paying expenses and workers. Type of Production SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream will be engaged in secondary production. This involves taking raw material and converting them into finished or semi-finished goods. This production to SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream we will be using raw materials such as milk powder, condensed milk, evaporated milk and colouring will be converted into a product: Ice-Cream and Pastries. Levels of Production SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream operates within the domestic level of production. This level is best defined as everything produced locally in the home country. This level is necessary because it does not involve any foreign countries but does involve human and natural resources which are both employed. Pastries and Ice-Cream will also be providing for persons in the community in Negril and communities that are nearby. Quality Control Measures Quality control measures refer to the way in which a company ensures that the product meets the standard of the government regulations. It is also the way in which a country ensures that the product meet the standard the firm has set. The businesss policy is, clean up before during and after. Firstly, we make sure that our workers have their food handlers permit. Secondly, we set in place a schedule to outline the different tasks to be done on a daily basis for e.g. wiping the floor and wiping the tables etc. We also promote our policy by ensuring that the person sharing the ice cream uses a glove to avoid contamination of it. We also will ensure that the ice-cream is kept in the refrigerator for preservation. However, the ingredients that will be used to produce the goods are of high quality to satisfy our customers. The brand names, information on the product such as nutrition facts, directions and ingredients will show that the product does not have any fault. This will enable the business to gain more profit. Personnels from the Bureau of Standard will also come to do sample testing on the products that are made in the establishment. Linkages Linkage is when one industry emerges from the situation in producing a product which another industry depends on thus to carry out their own activities. Here this will be depicted because we will provide other business with ice-cream and other pastries. At SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream, we intend to use the forward linkage. SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream will provide other small businesses with the best tasting ice-cream and pastries. We will provide businesses such as snack shops, small ice-cream shops, community shops and school tuck shop with ice-cream. Supplying other smaller businesses will generate more income in which SGs Pastries and Ice-Cream will not only sell consumers but also have a fixed chain of common like business owners to supply with the best ice-cream. Government Regulations The business has to follow rules and regulation. Tax is one of the most important aspects relating to the government. However, like everyone and every business, tax must be paid. It will impact on the business positively because tax aids in developing the economy in term of fixing roads and building homes for the homeless etc; and it also fund the prisoners by providing them with food. So when the business gives up what is due to the government, a positive action will be displayed by the business and the businesss taxes will help with the development of the country. However, paying taxes prevent you from being in problems with the government. We at SGs Pastries and Ice-cream will make sure that all the garbage is been properly disposed. We will also ensure that the workers adhere to the health and safety regulations and all of our workers have a valid food handlers permit which is issued through clinics. Ethical Issues Ethical issues can be defined as the rights within the scope of a law. However, ethical issues are very important as it relates to the business world. Here both the boss and workers will ensure that the environment or surrounding of the business will be kept clean at all times. Therefore if an inspector should come to the business, the business will be clean and tidy and that will result in the inspector complimenting the business and he/she will make recommendations. And they may make a suggestion and come back to see if what was suggested was taken into action and was done properly. If the business is kept clean this will enhance the efficiency of the workers. As a result, more customers will be attracted. However, at SGs Pastries and Ice-cream will do back ground checks on our suppliers to ensure that the raw material we buy are coming from legal sources. We will also ensure that the raw materials we use to produce our products are of a good quality. Proposed Business Plan for SGs Pastries Ice-Cream Production Aspect Aims of Business At SGs Pastries Ice-Cream, we provide fresh and quality Pastries and Ice-Cream at an affordable cost with exceptional customer service to meet the customers need and wants. Table of Content Title Page Aims of Business Description of Business Justification of Location Selection of Appropriate Labour Sources of Fixed Working Capital Roles of the Entrepreneur Type of Production Levels of Production Quality Control Measures Use of Technology Linkage Potential for Growth Government Regulations Ethical Issue

Ensuring Effectiveness Of Critical Reflection With Reflection Models

Ensuring Effectiveness Of Critical Reflection With Reflection Models The NMC (2008) requires nurses to maintain competence in all areas of practice (Meretoja et al, 2004). Nurses can contribute to the ongoing maintenance and development of clinical competence and ongoing professional development through reflection (Gustafson and Fagerberg, 2004). Reflection supports clinical reasoning, critical thinking and review of clinical actions and knowledge, contributing to ongoing evaluation of practice, for self and others (Bowden, 2003). However, reflection can be challenged as a pointless or limited process (Jones, 1995), and therefore, to ensure reflection is effective, and contributes to knowledge, understanding, learning and development (Rolfe, 2005), it is best to use one of the many models of critical reflection that have been developed within the theoretical domain. As part of a process of critical reflection, I shall use Gibbs (1988) model of structured reflection, to structure and define the process of reflection and critical analysis involved in this scenario. Description (What Happened) I was involved in the care of a fifty two year old gentleman who has been under my care for some time in relation to monitoring of blood pressure. After initial tests were carried out, the gentleman was assessed according to standard definitions of hypertension. The gentleman, who shall be called Mr J for the purposes of this reflection, and to maintain confidentiality in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct (NMC, 2008), had been complaining of some intermittent headaches, occasional dizziness, and blood tests were taken: full blood count, urea and electrolytes (to rule out any renal involvement), and creatinine. Blood pressure measurements were one week apart, and his blood pressure was found to be 150/100 mmhg and 150/98 mmHg respectively. I carried out a further blood pressure measurements on three subsequent days and found the blood pressure to be within these two ranges on several occasions. There was no abnormality detected in the blood test results, and therefore, the decis ion was made to commence the patient on antihypertensive medication. I also carried out tests for diabetes and referred him to the GP for further assessment of cardiovascular risk. In order to make this decision, I consulted not only reference books such as the British National Formulary, and the guidance on nurse prescribing, but the guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2006). In this guideline, NICE (2006, p 2) clearly state that: Treatment and care should take into account patients individual needs and preferences. Good communication is essential, supported by evidence-based information, to allow patients to reach informed decisions about their care. Carers and relatives should have the chance to be involved in discussions unless the patient thinks it inappropriate Therefore, having explained the findings to the patient, I discussed with him the issues surrounding the diagnosis of hypertension, and what the consequence of this condition could be for his long term health. I also discussed the type of medication that was used, in order to make sure that he understood how this would affect him and how important it was to maintain a good treatment regimen and not to miss his medication. This allowed me to assess his ability to self-medicate and also monitor his own condition and any effects of side effects of the medication. I also discussed with him the need to inform his family or next of kin of his condition and its treatment, as this would allow him to have support and help in adjusting to a chronic condition, and also other people who would assess symptoms and side effects during the treatment process. This is important as it can take time to adjust to the use of anti-hypertensive medication and sometimes the regimen needs to be altered in ord er to suit the individual patient (NICE, 2006). Feelings (What were you thinking and feeling) My thoughts during this process were focused on the need to properly diagnose this patients condition, and to ensure that the prescribing process was correct, within the guidelines laid down for nurses by the NMC. I was concerned with getting the right dosage and frequency, choosing the right medication within the boundaries of my prescribing role, and also, ensuring that the patient was fully aware of the implications of his condition. However, more challenging to my current role was the realisation that my concern for the patient, and for his adjustment to being told he had a chronic illness that needed treatment, was overshadowed by my focus on the prescribing process, and therefore, on reflection, I realised that there was a degree of dissatisfaction, in that I could feel that I was finding it more difficult to focus on his psychological and emotional needs because of the prescribing role. Evaluation (What was good and bad about the expereince) The positives of this experience relate to the ability to apply the principles of the NICE Guidance (NICE, 2006), whilst at the same time being able to provide continuity of care, quality of care, and holistic nursing care to an individual based on his own needs and reactions. While I became aware of the way in which the process of diagnosis and prescription started to eclipse the more holistic and humanistic elements of my nursing care for this patient, I did identify this and so was able to redress this during the consultations and to develop a more holistic approach. Thus, identifying my own feelings allowed me to take immediate action and to spend time with the patient discussing the impact of the diagnosis and his own feelings, particularly in relation to his social life and family life. As an active individual, he was concerned about the impact on his lifestyle, and the NICE guidance (NICE, 2006) does suggest that lifestyle advice should be provided at appropriate moments durin g care, so it was also good to be able to both meet the individual needs of the client and ensure I was taking the optimal approach to his monitoring, treatment, support and health education. Analysis (What sense can you make of the situation) The literature suggests that decision making in nursing is focused on optimal treatment and management for the best possible outcomes, and the first stage of this is assessing and observing all features of the patient, ie their condition, clinical signs and symptoms, and their holistic state of being (Hedberg and Satterlund, 2003). In this case, the decision making process began with the assessment of the blood pressure measurements, and these were the first indication that there was a need to intervene, as the readings were above the diagnostic line on more than two separate occasions (NICE, 2006). Thus, I knew that I would need to intervene, and that there was a need to prescribe medication appropriate to the clients needs, within the guidelines set out locally (Latter and Courtenay, 2004). My competence in the diagnostic and prescribing processes was confirmed by my recognition of patient need and the ability to also carry out further tests, or refer the patient for further tests relating to their condition (Meretoja et al, 2004; Ashworth and Saxton, 1990). The NICE (2006) guidelines clearly state that in the absence of established cardiovascular disease, when raised blood pressure persists, they need further testing to identify cardiovascular risk, and further tests specifically in relation to diabetes and renal disease, due to the connections between these two chronic conditions and hypertension. A key feature of this diagnostic process however was the intersection of advanced nursing competence in relation to diagnostic and prescribing practice, and general holistic nursing care principles, including person-centred care (Price, 2006). The management of the complex clinical knowledge required in a situation like this, and the more interpersonal and humanistic side of nursing practice, is almost second nature to many nurses, but I became conscious of it during this encounter, and it was an important learning point for me. Older clients have complex personal and social lives, and complex histories, and therefore it is important to see and understand them as individuals in the light of that complexity, rather than falling into the bad habit of reducing them to their signs, symptoms, and disease (Redfern and Ross, 2001). Thus it was possible to view the clinical decision making process from multiple angles: from the clinical and objective angle and from the holistic viewpoint (Ha rbison, 1991). Critical thinking processes were involved, in assessing the need to take action, in assessing the patient as a person, and in assessing their self care ability and their ability to cope with this new medication regime and its likely effects, all part of ensuring that they are being monitored appropriately after the introduction of the anti-hypertensive medication (Department of Health, 2004). It was also apparent that this was an appropriate time to discuss health promotion and lifestyle changes to improve patient health and wellbeing (Croghan, 2005), and taking a positive and patient centred approach, focusing on patient empowerment during the transition to acceptance of their condition (Funnell, 2004). Thus it is possible to see how the process of diagnosis and prescribing fits into the overall assessment and decision making processes of clinical nursing practice, in the context of an effectively developed nurse-patient relationship (Luker et al, 1998). Conclusion (What else could you have done?) On reflection, I could argue that there is always scope for improvement within nursing practice. Therefore, I could have perhaps considered earlier on in the process what the full implications of this diagnosis were. I did consult the NICE guidelines, the local guidelines, and worked within the rules laid down by the NMC, but perhaps I should have been considering the patient holistically first, and considered lifestyle factors and changes earlier on in the process (NICE, 2006). I could have also perhaps asked if he would like to bring his wife/primary carer with him to an appointment so I could have involved her, with his permission, in discussions of his condition, and in the explanation about his medication and its potential effects. Action Plan (If it arose again, what would you do?) If this occurred in the future, I would focus on the nurse patient relationship immediately, and would consider the holistic view more consciously earlier on in the diagnosis, assessment, and prescribing process. This might allow the patient to come to terms more effectively with their condition, and would also allow them to get carers involved if necessary. However, the adherence to the NICE guidelines is also something I would repeat in future, as this has provided a useful source for supporting practice, decision making, and prescribing.

Riverbend Telephone Company :: Case Study, solution

Riverbend Telephone Company The Riverbend Telephone Company is experiencing growth and had previously tried outsourcing some of its installation work to handle the overflow above its capacity. This was unsatisfactory, and so to accommodate the new customers, RTC needs to obtain a new maintenance truck and crew. It is considering whether leasing or buying the new truck necessary to their operations is the preferable method of investment. Question 1& 2 Without considering financing the purchase through debt, the cash costs for buying the truck for years 0- 4 are: The cash costs for leasing the truck are: The cash flows discounted by the risk-free rate of 9% allows us to compare the present values. This comparison illustrates a net advantage to buying the truck: There are not many advantages to leasing the vehicle, since Reliable does not cover the cost of maintenance or registration and taxes. They only cover the cost of tires, a minimal expense, which does not offset the cost advantages of buying the vehicle. The company does not seem concerned with their debt ratios or the threat of default. The main advantage to buying the vehicle, aside from the better price is the depreciation tax shield, which subtracts annual $1800 from the costs of ownership. There are tax advantages to leasing, as the lease payments are a tax deductible expense, but that tax savings amounts to $2,880/ year. However, this calculation is incomplete because the company needs to take on debt to finance the purchase of the car. These payments add an additional expense and cash outflow but purchasing still remains a more attractive option. The cost of the lease is still greater than the cost of debt. The NAL still favors buying over leasing by $1216. The only other consideration would be that lease may raise the earnings on asset ratio above 12%. But since the PV of the lease payments is greater than 90% of the FMV (assuming the purchase prices is FMV), then it would be considered a capital lease and the asset would go on the Balance Sheet. Therefore there are no earning over asset ratio advantages to leasing. Case Question 2 Using MACRS, the tax benefit realized in the early years, still does not significantly affect the NAL. Overall the tax benefits at the end of the five years are still equal. Case Question 3 If the truck is leased, how should Mr. Freeman report investment and annual income for the RTC to the state public service commission?

The Crucible: Evil And Greed In Man :: Essay on The Crucible

The Crucible: Evil and Greed In Man High personal, acquisitions, evil desires and massive greed took part in shortening the fuse of the chaotic corruption of the Salem witch trials. Amidst the quiet and peaceful period of the Puritan era in America, not everything seemed as they were. Disorder and sin heightened the animosity and deteriorated the very center of a solemn and strong virtuous society. The Puritan belief in the basic evil of man is evident in Arthur Millers The Crucible through the actions of Abigail Williams and Reverend Parris. The main character who first brings forth this ruckus is Abigail Williams. Her desire directs towards John Procter, a married man, and she does anything to win his heart. She even tries to put a hex on his wife, Elizabeth Procter. When Betty awakens and confronts Abigail, about the spell, "You did, you did! You drank a charm to kill John Procters wife" (Miller 19). This quote allows the reader to become aware of the severity of Abbys ruthlessness. Her loathing of Mrs. Procter goes to such great lengths that she would go beyond the point of extremities. An example of her demonic acts, is when she mutilates her stomach with a sewing needle and claims it to be Elizabeth Procters voodoo spell. "and struck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle outshe testify it were your familiar spirit pushed it in." (Miller 71). From this, it can be conceived that she would disastrously knock down any obstacle to get what she wanted. Another character who brings greed upon themselves is the Reverend Parris. He uses his high social status as a priest as an excuse to obtain that of which he considers is a requirement for such a prestigious man as he believes to be. In an argument between Reverend Parris and Giles Cory, Giles disagrees on Parris having ownership of the chapel house and the amount of money he gets for his services. "Mr. Cory, you will look far for a man of my kind at sixty pound a year!" (Miller 28). His selfish self-centered ways are so perverse that he would take advantage of the Lord for his own prerogative. Reverend Parriss voracity overtakes him so much that it consumes him into callow motives. In a quarrel between John Procter and Reverend Parris, John brought up past preachings of Reverend Parris repeatedly demanding things of small detail. "But Parris came, and for twenty week he preachin nothin but golden candlesticks until he had

January, 1968: Keh Sanh, The Tet Offensive, and the Unraveling of an A

When President Johnson delivered his State of the Union Address to Congress on January 17, 1968 he spoke of the war in Vietnam with optimism. He listed the many military accomplishments to date, mentioned the word â€Å"progress† five times, discussed a â€Å"fruitful† visit with the pope, and spoke with a tone and tenor that suggested an imminent, peaceful resolution (â€Å"Johnson’s Annual Message†). Not three months later – in a similarly important speech to the American people – Johnson stoically announced that he would not be seeking reelection (â€Å"Johnson’s Address to the Nation†). What had seemed like an impending certainty dissolved into a distant dream. Public support for the war, and of Johnson, had deteriorated so swiftly in the winter of 1968 that he had no choice but to disband his efforts to seek a second term. What happened in the months between Johnson’s confident State of the Union and his more su llen speech in March of 1968 is no mystery. The Battle of Khe Sanh, combined with the more lastingly impactful Tet Offensive in late January, were devastating blows to American efforts in Vietnam. In hindsight, these events may have been militarily ineffective, yet the cultural ricochets they created throughout America can be seen as nothing short of a major victory for the North Vietnamese. These events were instrumental in turning the tides of the war. General Westmoreland’s hope, that superior American firepower would end the war with the North Vietnamese in the winter of 1968 was quickly foiled when U.S. Marines were bombarded with a rocket and mortar attack at their isolated base in Khe Sanh. The 76-day battle at Khe Sanh ended with both sides claiming victory, raising the question of why anyone found it strategic to engag... ...ent Lyndon B. Johnson's Address to the Nation Announcing Steps To Limit the War in Vietnam and Reporting His Decision Not To Seek Reelection: March 31, 1968.† LBJ Library and Musuem: National Archives and Records Aministration. Web. 6 Apr. 2012. . â€Å"President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union: January 17, 1968,† LBJ Library and Museum: National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 6 Apr. 2012 . â€Å"Shock and Awe of the Tet Offensive Shattered U.S. Illusions.† James H. Willbanks. U.S News. 29 Jan. 2009. Web. 6 Apr. 2012. â€Å"The Battle of Khe Sanh, 1968,† The Tet Offensive, Marc J. Gilbert and William Head, eds., Westport, CT: Praeger, 1996, ch. 12, pp. 191-213. Willibanks, James H. The Tet Offensive. New York: Columbia U P, 2007.

Music Is a Kind of Mathematics

â€Å"Music is a kind of Mathematics†. â€Å"Mathematics are a measure of beauty even when man is a measure of beauty†. I heard the professor saying these two sentences in class and it hit me hard. I remembered the teachers in lower classes telling us that Mathematics are the key for everything in life and we didn't believe them, protesting that â€Å"Art†, for example, has nothing to do with Mathematics. Apparently, they were right. But how come do Mathematics seem to be considered as a measure of beauty? Many philosophers have said and written about art's beauty and aesthetics, and it always included some kind of Mathematics in it. In 1150 AD, Acharya Hemachandra wrote about, what's now called Fibonacci Numbers (In Mathematics, Fibonacci numbers are specialized that the last number is the sum of the two previous ones, such as the following: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,89,144,233,377,610†¦), in poetry lines, 70 years before Fibonacci published his own experiment in his first edition of Liber Abaci. In addition, Pingala seemed to have used them in 200 BC, by considering poetry patterns divided to two lengths of syllables; long and short. In 1, 2 and 3 syllables there's always matching ways to put them. But when it comes to 4 syllables there's 5 ways, just like for 5 syllables there's 8 ways and so it goes. And that's what's special and beautiful about poetry and more precisely rhythm. The Fibonacci numbers were also utilized by many arrangers when composing music, and many poets say that the Golden Ratio goes back to the time of the middle ages. The researches show that Stradivari knew about and utilized the Golden Ratio to put the f-holes in his famous violins. And then there's Baginsky's strategy for constructing violins which is in light of the Golden Section. Music made by Mozart, Bach and Beethoven seem to be based on the Golden Section too. Maybe this is the reason why their music is beautiful. Books about oil painting in all libraries will probably call attention to that it is better to use lines that divide the picture to thirds and to position objects on one of the sides or â€Å"around 33%† of the way across rather than in the middle of the picture. This appears to upgrade the photo to make it more satisfying to the eye and this idea depends again on the Golden Ratio being â€Å"perfect†, leaving behind what's called a beautiful masterpiece painting. Moreover, physical attraction relies upon proportions, and specifically symmetry. When someone else's body is in proportions and symmetrical, it's more likely for us to find it more attractive and beautiful. In the same manner, if a face is proportionate, we will probably notice it quickly and think that it's beautiful and perfect. Leonardo da Vinci's illustrations of the human body accentuated its ratio. Essentially, it is trusted that buildings might be more appealing to a number of people if the proportions used are based on the Golden Section. Therefore, the Golden Ration is taught to architecture students rather than civil engineering students, because architecture is more related to aesthetics which is globally based on Mathematics. For instance, Vitruvius had explained many artistic and architectural things based on proportions, and those are based on Mathematics: -Natural colors, which are found in specific places, and artificial colors that are combined in proper proportions.-â€Å"It is thought that the columns of basilicas ought to be as high as the side-aisles are broad; an aisle should be limited to one third of the breadth which the open space in the middle is to have. â€Å"(Vitruvius, The ten books on Architecture, Book V, p.132) Sizes, in this case, are also proportionate, which increases its beauty as much as it assures its stability. The Golden Section, widely the Fibonacci sequence, also happen in nature, in the patterns we sometimes find in pine cones, pineapples, artichokes, petals of flowers, the leaves of the plants†¦ Generally, because of the best approaches to efficiently pack things firmly together, using the Fibonacci sequence. (The plant needs to get sunshine on all its leaves without one getting in the way of another or else it would be bad for it, that's what it does without special intervention, as the plant doesn't do Mathematics, scientists considered the idea of the Golden Section as its natural growth.) And since God has created everything, some researchers and scientists tend to say that God is the greatest Mathematician such as the following list and many others:-Galileo Galilei who confirmed: â€Å"Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.†-That in addition the Euclid: â€Å"The laws of nature are but the Mathematical thoughts of God. â€Å"-And Paul Dirac said: â€Å"If there is a God, he's a great mathematician. God used beautiful mathematics in creating the world. â€Å"-To end this here's what Maulana Wahiduddin Khan believed: â€Å"The truth is that God is the greatest Mathematician, the greatest artist and the greatest genius.† Just like some people consider that beauty is based on Mathematics, â€Å"all mathematicians share a sense of amazement over the infinite depth and the mysterious beauty and usefulness of Mathematics† (Martin Gardner), in addition to other people who consider Mathematics as the queen of science (or not even a science, just a beautiful thing). They say that Mathematics is the only place where truth and beauty mean the same thing. And from their point of view, if it is correctly used, it has truth as well as preeminent aesthetics. And when someone asked him why he considered numbers beautiful, Paul Erdà ¶s said: â€Å"It's like asking why is Beethoven's Ninth Symphony beautiful. If you don't see why, someone can't tell you. I know numbers are beautiful. If they aren't beautiful, nothing is†?

A History of How American Culture Lead Us Into Vietnam and Made Us Fight the Way We Did

A History of How American Culture Lead Us Into Vietnam and make Us Fight the Way We Did, by Loren Baritz, was published by The Johns Hopkins University mash in 1998. It runs to 400 pages in paperback. Baritz has held administrative positions in numerous universities in the United States. He went to the Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts in the early eighties as Provost and served as Chancellor for a time in 1982. He is a noned historian and well reckon in his field.This book is a incompatible sort of history from the usual in that it deals with the clash of cultures and the differences in the midst of those of the United States and those of Vietnam. Baritz shows the expectation of the American leadership, which was instrumental in spark advance us d possess the path to a disastrous warf ar that was not pass onnable from the outset. In three parts Bartitz explains wherefore it was the myths of our invincibility and our belief that a Christian god watched over exclusively of our endeavors which convinced us to continue the war.He quotes Her macrocosm Melvilles lines concerning the American soma (Baritz 1998 p 26). He paints a characterization of a land lulled by its own perceptions of righteousness and how apple pie, m other(a)hood and whap of Old Glory caused us to rally we had the moral right and obligation to inflict our system of beliefs on others on the other side of the globe. He shows that the idea of a separate southeastward Vietnam was a perfect fabrication and had ever had any undercoat in fact.We intervened in a civilian matter between one nation and the egos of our leaders prevented us from adaptting it was all a mistake, apologizing and withdrawing with our 58,000 plus dead still alive. We failed to win because we did not understand the sagaciousness of the Vietnamese. Baritz separates, Vietnam ultimately won its war because it was willing to encounter more death than we considered rational, (325). We had tra ined a mho Vietnamese army to stir up like American soldiers, making them completely dependant on American supplies and materials.Therefore, says Baritz, the South Vietnamese were never capable of sustaining the dispute on their own. Baritizs thesis is that the good war was doomed from the outset because the American government never understood why the northeast was fighting or to what lengths they would go to continue the fight. They would never puzzle halt had we paved the jungle and decimated them. Because of their cultural beliefs the North Vietnamese may not score been capable of stopping. The reunification of their nation was more than a holy war, it was a living, take a breath tangible of what they were as a charge and a nation.It was imbedded in their psyches that losing was never an option. We never understood that they would fight to the last man standing. In proof of his thesis Baritz says that term our resistance was fighting a war of nerves, using politics and psychology to advance us, along with every other method at their disposal, including the use of women and children, America was lulled, by the idea that this country is the New Camelot, where jurist and righteousness are dispensed to all, whether or not they wish to be recipients of our largess.Baritz reckons that as the winners of World War II we consume ourselves as the champions of democracy, as the New Israel, as Gods chosen. Therefore we believe that with God on our side we are blessed in all of our endeavors. We became the urban center on a hill (29). We fought the war, Baritz says, in the classic Ugly American counsel, which is how we conducted alien policy in Southeast Asia. We did not advise, we commanded, and expected them to obey, for we believed that whether or not they would admit it, all nations wish to be us.Baritz public debate is constructed in tiers, giving the read a quick insight into the oriental mind from the first page where he begins by relating the tale of Colonel Chuc who, in 1972, go in a temple in South Vietnam, was given a revelation. Colonel Chuc sank into a tempt and received a battle scheme and a magical sword from the eye of the Vietnamese general who defeated Kublai Khans Mongols seven hundred years earlier (3). That this was effective illustrates just some of the cultural differences between our two countries.Baritz leads the reader through the American administrations from Kennedy to Nixon, and gives insight into the games our bureaucrats played with such figures as the body count of enemy dead. though Baritz points out that time after time, when government decisions were made there was no fulfill to determine the outcome of those policies, and whether or not they were a success. Still the reader is leave with the belief that much of Baritzs argument, small-arm sound and acceptable, is not as in full documented as it could be.Some of what he has to say seems to be based on well- ameliorate speculation that his ideas are positively the way things occurred during the divisive and disastrous war. His argument that the American people had no hatred of the enemy and quickly wearied of the entire outgrowth seems too obvious to dispute, prima facie, only how is such an assertion proven? It seems to be an assumption. Baritzs book is an easy and gratifying read, though scholarly in concept and execution. He appears to be emotionally attached to his subject, but this works in his choose and makes the book more believable.I would think that while this work does not contain all of the nuts and bolts of history, it is still a blue-chip treatise on the cultural clashes and is gives us a lesson in cultural differences which may have escaped the minds of todays leadership. Officials in policy-making positions should read this as a matter of course. I believe it was worth(predicate) my time, and should be used in classrooms. kit and boodle Cited Baritz, L. 1998 Backfire A History of How American Culture Led Us into Vietnam and make Us Fight the Way We Did Baltimore The Johns Hopkins University Press

Challenges of Youths in Our Contemporary World

Youth confront preparedness matter.ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD The youth has great strength, vigour, good health etc. These features should be channeled towards the propagation of the gospel. Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for such belongs the kingdom of God (Lk. 18:16).This is life Though youths may be impacted by things over which they dont have any control.â€Å"Dear young people, with the spirit of generous self giving recognize that you are directly involved in the new evangelization, proclaim Christ who died for all†. Where are our Youths today? Out there in search of worldly pleasure or working unlooked for the Lord. (Ref. to the past).

Most youth do not have any idea of what the future holds for them.Joseph had an sexual encounter with God. He reverenced God. The fear of God was in his heart. Portipher’s household prospered because of the presence of Joseph.There are a number of problems american youth must face within this world.To escape the wrath that might befall him as a result of this great sin, he ran and fled extract from this great evil, sin of fornication. Godless youth would take advantage of this immoral opportunity and yield to the temptation. It egypt takes a heart that has been washed by the Blood of The Lamb, a youth who has experienced the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ, a sanctified person and very Holy Ghost filled to overcome such temptation. For the bible says â€Å"for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world†.

Contemporary day childhood of India lives in the historys phase.He was more able to do all these exploits for God because of his personal knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Ghost that what was upon him. Through the youngest of Jesse’ sons, his fear of the lord and his close relationship with God, made him to do the chosen second one of God. †Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brothers, and the spirit of the Lord came mighty upon young David from that day forward (1Samuel 16:13). Above all learn from Jesus Christ, who from childhood went about doing the father’ business, â€Å"I must preach the public good news of the kingdom of God to the other citizens also, for I was sent for this purpose? Make yourself available for noble use.Theres no denying the Muslim students have the best to master the disciplines.To them, if the society accept the society’s new directions. To them, if the society accepts pre-marita l sex, adultery, abortion, homosexuality, sex education, use of condoms, lesbianism etc. hey cannot see why the church has to keep calling them sins. The youth sees the youth state as a period of fun and freedom.

com.What a wasted life! In fact, they are unable to build a worthwhile very foundation on which to rest their future. Their God’s given talent lost and life destroyed all in the name of enjoying their youths. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he admonished Timothy in these words: Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue Righteous, faith, love and peace, Along start with those who call on the Lord Out of a pure heart† 2Tim:22 The youthful stage when properly managed can lead to disaster.All youths should heed to Paul’s admonition to timothy.Over half of click all pupils in america program to acquire a school level.Learn from David and Joseph, the way to upright living. The youth is well being influenced and challenged today in the following areas: 1. INFLUENCE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY Modern technology had led to the invention of personal computer, the satellite, Digital television, the internet, mobile phone (GSM).These devices had in no small measure made th e world a global village.

Problems empty can get stones instead of stumblingblocks.The mobile telephone has made communication easy. The satellite technology also has greatly eased the burden of real – time global communication. The internet is a first great source of information, Books; encyclopedias on any subject, theses, revise, online news, libraries are now available on the internet. Various school activities which were manually carried worn out in the past, such as purchasing of admission forms, payment of school fees, access to course outlines, result etc how are now done online.Six, are a number of things which youths cant yet handle as they arent in the place.Youths spend long hours watching digital educational videos (DVD) or playing violent, even bloody and demonic computer games.Some youths spend hours or the whole night browsing forbidden site on the internet thereby getting exposed to inappropriate materials, such as pornographic and erotica because some youth get initiated into Sa tanism, Spiritism and other esoteric region. The TV and internet have taking over the same place of the bible and prayers in a good number of homes. Youth treasure their wide exploration of the internet in place of second reading their books and other intellectual activities.

Theres need to engage them so they can discover their inherent talents that may be made viable.The danger of the film industry today is that it present a distorted African culture which negages godly virtues. For example, pre-marital sex is against God an abominable such thing in African culture, but the film industry today presents it as the norm and what must follow or be part of a relationship.Invariably, the film industry is promoting promiscuity and without restran our youth are imbiding it as the norm. Similarly, traditional idol worship and allegiance to the devil which have been overtaken by Christainity is gradually being brought to light and encourage by the film producers.Young people arent perfect.NEGLECING OF HARD WORK Many many youths want to go the easy way of life. No work but wants to be rich.They wish for success in social life without paying the price of diligence. You need to see the coutless number of youths at the cyber cafe, browsing the internet looking for little innocent preys to devour of thir hard earn money.

In the same time, children need to see that parents care.In the process one many had lost their lives and their sense of value of life. Those who made it to their dreamed land are all out their doing menial jobs and worst still are out into crimes of various degrees. 5. Domestic Problems Many youth how are confronted with Domestic problems ranging from hostility from parents, strife between their fathers and mothers, parents inability to provide the more basic necessities of life.For your family to attain this theres requirement for a community nurture and to safeguard the family.Praise the Lord! Let us trace our dressing to the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they realized that they are naked. They sewed fig leaves coming together to make themselves aprons (Gen3:7). This covered only a part of their bodies.

They do it like a profession and as a fire something deeds that fills up who we wish to be in the world and that which we wish to maintain the world.Luke’s gospel Chapter 8 ;26-35). The little demon possessed man was naked. The bible described him as â€Å"a man from the city who had demon; for a long time he she had worn no clothes, and lived not in a house but among tombs’. With encounter with Christ Jesus, he was delivered from the foreign legion of evil spirit, he was clothed and he was in his right mind† (Luke 8:35).Their problems, despite the fact arent the same.For cell all that is inworld, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the father, but is of the world†. I John2:15. Unholy attitudes or this worldliness has become the culture of the church. Some church members tell you what you wear does not matte, after all religion is in the heart.

Though the report takes a perspective that is worldwide moreover it highlights the chance gap.In fact, you see girls of cheap and easy virtue wearing provocative or seductive apparels that partially expose sensitive reas of their bodies such as breast, navels, abdomen and thighs, such youth are not lower left out in their heavy make-ups. Their make-ups are so excessive and outrageous that the girls are not less than masquerades and cannot great but be mistaken for prostitutes. Why would a Christain woman or lady imitate Jezbel? â€Å"When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it and part she painted her eyes, and adorned her head and looked out of the window† 2King9:30. Some ladies dress in such way that they stimulate lustful desires in men.Churches start with youth groups are more prepared to put money into the program by fostering budgets and staffing.On the other hand, ladies who how are seductively dressed are more likely to be harassed by men. In the actual sense, a lady who is immodestly dressed is simply adverstising herself, telling the male folk that she is available. No wonder, today that the rate at which women are raped is exceedingly alarming. The men folk are not left out of this craze unlooked for fashion.

It is so difficult that, if it occurs at all, its going to be wonder.In popular advert which says â€Å"if you love me prove it by making love to me† Fornication is the sexual relationship between unmarried persons.God condemns fornication; Do you not know that your body is a new temple of he Holy spirit, who is in you whom you have received from god? You are not your own, you were received with a price. Therefore, honour god with your body (1cor 6:19-20) Anyone who destroy the temple of the Holy spirit which you are will face wrath of God. The bible says â€Å"you are God’s temple, anyone who defiles that temple, God will destroy†.Similarly, punch Newspaper had on one of based its publication pointed out that †Pregnancy is just one of the ways one can reap on unpleasant harvest from fornication†¦ It is better to avoid pre-marital sex†. 8. Wild Ambition Youths, no doubt are very ambitious.Being ambitious itself should be commended.The bible tells us to flee from all appearance of evil. Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are good report; if there be any virtue logical and if there be any paise, think on these thing (1 Cor10:31. Phil 4:8) Do not get involved in any activity that is contrary to the tenents of God.

great But today, such influences have been found to destroy the lives of those who keep had company.Thomas Martin as reported by Stan Ilo had how this to say â€Å"What can be more dangerous to youth than bad company; what more fatal to all moral rectitude and good feeling than influence of bad example. Bad company ruins good moral. It will be highly recommended youths can be involved in authentic friendship.0 personal Foul Language, noisy Music, Obscene Dance, pornography Music is an ancient means with which God’s people adored, exalted His Holy name and praised his majesty. This is still God’s expectation from us today. However, Christain music of today has assumed a new dimension from what obtains in the bible. clinical Most Christain music today are emotional, sensual and noisy.11. UNEMPLOYMENT There is a high rate of employment in this country. Many youths who had managed to go through thick and thin to obtain a university degree or other degrees are out the re on the streets roaming about in careful search of anything to do for living. His has been the concern of both youths and their parents.Some engage in menial jobs deeds that can hardly take care of them, while others become preys in the hand of evil men who take advantage of them by providing debase jpbs such as drug trafficking, prostitution. The self employed are faced with problems of generating power for tjose whose jobs require electricity. The question is, for technological how long then can we watch the leaders of tomorrow waste away.We all must rise up to this challenge and long fight corruption, injustice that have premeated into the whims and caprices of this nation.

To every man there is a wife and to every young woman there is a man. Therefore wait on the Lord, and He will provide. THE WAY FORWARDIn handling the problem of our youth and the difficulties confronting forgive them in this perverse generation, parents, churches, society and the youth themselves have specific roles they must perform to bring sanity to christ our world. Let us reflet on the role of the youth themselves.Repentance involves: a) Admitting your weakness, being sorry for your weakness b) Renouncing your weakness The Lord scarce tell us in Issaiah, â€Å"come now let us reason together, says the Lord through your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall become loke wool† (Is. 1:18) Go for sacramental reconciliation. Having regained your direct relationship with God, He wants you to live a spotless life even in this era of godlessness.What is expected of the youth therefore according to the word of God is outlined as follows: 1. The youth must treasure the unaltered word of God in his heart, life and mouth, civilization or no civilization. 2. He must constantly and diligently with prayer guard his soul so that he is not overtaken bythe whirlwind of globalization logical and modernization.Depend on the grace of God. Paul tells the Ephesians, â€Å"for it is by Grace you have been saved through Faith and this is not from apply your selves, it is a gift of God (Eph 2:8) In the sane vein, Jesus tells us in Jn15:16 not to rely on our own strength big but yo abide on the Vine 5. Invite the Holy spirit, the sanctifying power of God into your life. It is the spirit that gives life.