Religion and Faith as Instrument of Hope Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Religion and Faith as Instrument of Hope - Essay Example I will make your load easier to carry. Come near me and you shall have rest (The Holy Bible, New International Version, p.539). Truly the heavy load gets lighter, out of the blue, a solution to a problem just appears and help from friends keep on coming. But those are possible only when you have faith. Because the solution that came isn’t the one you’re asking. With faith, you’ll realize that there’s One who knows what’s better for you. This happens not more of a Divine cooperation but usually with God’s intervention answering your prayers. But that holds true only when you pray, because prayer indicates the presence of faith. Faith can grow through constant prayers. We must have faith to keeps us strong. Through faith, we can easily understand and hurdle life’s difficulties. When we cannot anymore comprehend what is going on, there should be something aside from the intellect that will explain. And that’s faith. Where reason ends, faith begins. ... Tolerating Grossbart would be a way of going against the principle of being a defender of faith. Even Jesus Christ became furious when he entered the temple and saw the place becoming a venue for businesses. He upturned the tables being used by the moneychangers and the places of dove sellers and He drove the traders. He claimed "The Scripture says that this temple should be used for praying, but you are using it as "place for thieves"(The Holy Bible, New International Version, p.546). A defender of faith naturally possesses a very strong faith that is acquired and develops through years of practicing the religion. Religion doesn't promise an easy life, a bed of roses so to speak. But no matter how difficult life is, a person with real faith will not be overwhelmed by it. He knows the Lord up there helps him carry the load. He is too much aware that God will not give him a problem that is too difficult that he cannot bear. In every problem that God gives, there is always a corresponding solution. Every problem that is solved greatly contributes to the growth of faith. To be a defender of faith, one can learn many lessons from the Bible. Of course, Bible is a Christians' Book of Life. A Model of Christian Charity People in different countries and places have different status in life. There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Some people belong to very influential and well-to-do families while others live an average life and are obedient to the powers that be. What could be the reason for this Perhaps it is God's wisdom that different people live differently. The Model of Christianity has the following reasons: So that beauty can be appreciated more by seeing the opposite and so that man can be grateful to his

Role of Education in Society Essay Example for Free

Role of Education in Society Essay Society has certain requirements which must be met if it’s to survive; hence the role of education in society is examined in terms of how it helps to meet those needs. Firstly, society needs a certain degree of social solidarity or unity. People must feel a sense of belonging to society and a sense of loyalty to the social group. Common norms and values provide this. Secondly, every society requires a system for socializing new members. In an industrial society in which occupational status is largely achieved, young people must learn to value individual achievement. Thirdly, every society requires a system for placing people in roles best suited to their talents and abilities. This is particularly true in industrial society with a specialised division of labour. The right people must be matched with the right jobs. Lastly, for society to operate efficiently and effectively, its members must possess the necessary skills to perform essential tasks. (Harambos et al, 1986) Education attempts to develop the personality of the pupil and prepare him for membership into society. This function corresponds to the double role a person has to play in life, both as an individual and as a member of society. Schools in western societies emphasize individual achievement. The student achieves his/ her status based on their ability, talent, determination and effort. Achievement is measured by the student’s performance in examinations. Education can be seen as a system for sifting, sorting and grading people in terms of their ability. Students leave school having been thoroughly tested. In theory, the most talented will achieve the highest qualifications; the least talented will come away with little or nothing to show for their efforts (Harambos et al, 1986) The vision for the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocation Training and Early Education (MESVTEE) is â€Å"to guide the provision of education for all Zambians so that they are able to pursue knowledge and skills, manifest excellence in performance and moral uprightness, defend democratic ideals and accept and value other persons on the basis of their personal worth and dignity, irrespective of gender, religion, ethnic or any other discriminatory characteristic (Ministry of Education, 2000) The Ministry of Education emphasizes that the child is placed at the center of the entire education process which exists solely for the sake of the learner. It also recognizes that each child is unique. This contributes a rich diversity to the whole education system. The aim of school education is to promote the full and ell rounded development of the physical, intellectual, social, effective, moral and spiritual qualities of all pupils so that each can in turn develop into a complete person, for his/ her personal fulfilment and the good of society (Ministry of Education, 1996) The education system in Zambia is divided into four major parts. These parts include lower and middle basic school; upper basic school; high school; and higher education. The education system for the lower and middle basic levels is concerned with the pupils’ complete needs: those of the body, mind, affective, social; moral and spiritual needs. The system at this stage allows for adaptation of some aspects of the curriculum to match local needs and circumstances. This stage provides pupils with a substantial and recognizable preparation for life. Ministry of Education, 1996) The upper basic system builds on the foundation laid at the lower levels, though the programme of activities is just broadened and balanced to allow for treatment at an in-depth appropriate for the level of education, age and experience of the pupils. Education at this level includes issues like Education for democracy, which allows these young Zambians to acquire an understanding of the values that have shaped society and the practices that have preserved it; literacy and numeracy which allows them to read and write correctly, clearly and confidently in both their Zambian language and in English, and to acquire basic numeracy and problem solving skills for them to function effectively in society; science and technology helps the pupils develop processes of scientific thinking. This ability to think scientifically and understand scientific processes has become a condition for survival in society; practical and technical subjects provide compensation for traditional knowledge and practical skills that students would have acquired if they had not been attending school. They also provide a way of experiencing and dealing with the physical world. (Ministry of Education, 1996) Since upper basic education may be the only formal education the majority of pupils will likely get, the basic education system should adequately prepare the pupils for life after school; hence issues such as health and personal well being, Sexuality and personal relationships are tackled at this level. This is coupled with helping the students to develop socially acceptable habits. In these studies, effort is complemented by the home, community and society at large. This enables the pupils shape for themselves their own personal philosophy of life, by internalizing and adopting their own set of values and attitudes which would direct their own lives. (Ottaway, 1962) Performing and creative arts helps the pupils develop knowledge of and a deeper appreciation for Zambia’s rich cultural heritage and thereby contribute to the preservation and development of this heritage. Co-curricular activities also help pupils develop life skills which equip them with positive social behaviour and coping with negative pressure. High school builds on the foundation laid in upper basic school. High school aims at the integrated and comprehensive development of each pupil’s potential, enabling the pupil adopt adult life and make a useful contribution to society. It also develops the intellectual skills and qualities, foster creativity, imagination resourcefulness and innovativeness and provide occasion for their practical exercise. It also promotes extensive knowledge, exact skills and accurate understanding of areas of study. (Ministry of Education, 1996) When progressing from one level of the education system to the next, evaluation and assessments are conducted. This is in order to determine whether the education system is achieving its objectives, and that it is producing the right caliber of graduates expected by society. Society’s interest is on the public exams that mark the end of one stage of education and serve as a selection instrument for the next stage. (Ministry of Education, 1977) In conclusion, the education system in Zambia is inclined towards the new sociology of education because emphasis is placed on the individual development of the pupil’s potential. Throughout the whole progression from lower basic to high school, focus is placed on the development of the pupil’s skills individually. Pupils therefore develop knowledge of and a deeper appreciation for Zambia’s rich cultural heritage and thereby contribute to the preservation and development of this heritage throughout the whole education system.

Brave new world essay :: essays research papers

New?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World illustrates a colorful, fantastic universe of sex and emotion, programming and fascism that has a powerful draw in a happy handicap. This reality pause button is called â€Å"Soma†. â€Å"Take a holiday from reality whenever you like, and come back without so much as a headache or a mythology.† ( Huxley 54 ).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his universe, Soma is the cure for everything. All problems, be they psychological, physical, or social are totally forgotten, their lurking shadows temporarily banished from sight. What is worrisome about this futuristic fabrication is its ideal reality. People in our current and very non-fictional times are taking steps toward the world of massive Soma use and acceptation. When one stops, and sees the world today, Huxley’s idea of the common drug; cure all, pleasant, and religion-exterminating seems to be a reasonable estimation of our future developments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Drugs are used to escape the real and move into the surreal world of one’s own imaginations, where the pain is gone and one believes one can be happy. People look on their life, their world, their own reality, and feel sickened by the uncaringly blunt vision. Those too weak to stand up to this hard life seek their escape. They believe this escape may be found in chemicals that can alter the mind, placing a delusional peace in the place of their own depression: â€Å"Euphoric, narcotic, pleasantly halucinant,† (52). They do this with alcohol, acid, crack, cocaine, heroine, opium, even marijuana for the commoner economy. These people would rather hide behind the haze than deal with real problems. â€Å"...A gramme is better than a damn.† (55).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This becomes such common practice that many times the addiction is more than physical, but emotional need sets in. Why should one suffer the pain of life when it takes so little to escape them? â€Å"One cubic centimeter cures ten gloomy sentiments,† (54). It is found to be too easy to avoid all of their problems with one little pill, vial, needle, blotter, leaf, or bottle. The drug seems to be the easiest way, the path of least resistance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This practice is widespread; any population the fits today’s guidelines of â€Å"civilization† has some kind of drug that provides the escape route, if not a variety of them. The idea of drug induced escape is so ground in that medical professions give in to it today. Psychiatrists are capable of prescribing drugs that soothe the mind, and ease the pain in the troubled patient.

Karl Marxs Estranged Labor Essay example -- essays research papers fc

Karl Marx's Estranged Labor In Karl Marx's early writing on "estranged labor" there is a clear and prevailing focus on the plight of the laborer. Marx's writing on estranged labor is an attempt to draw a stark distinction between property owners and workers. In the writing Marx argues that the worker becomes estranged from his labor because he is not the recipient of the product he creates. As a result labor is objectified, that is labor becomes the object of mans existence. As labor is objectified man becomes disillusioned and enslaved. Marx argues that man becomes to be viewed as a commodity worth only the labor he creates and man is further reduced to a subsisting animal void of any capacity of freedom except the will to labor. For Marx this all leads to the emergence of private property, the enemy of the proletariat. In fact Marx's writing on estranged labor is a repudiation of private property- a warning of how private property enslaves the worker. This writing on estranged labor is an obvious point of basis for Marx's Communist Manifesto. The purpose of this paper is to view Marx's concept of alienation (estranged labor) and how it limits freedom. For Marx man's freedom is relinquished or in fact wrested from his true nature once he becomes a laborer. This process is thoroughly explained throughout Estranged Labor. This study will reveal this process and argue it's validity. Appendant to this study on alienation there will be a micro-study which will attempt to ascertain Marx's view of freedom (i.e. positive or negative). The study on alienation in conjunction with the micro-study on Marx's view of freedom will help not only reveal why Marx feels labor limits mans freedom, but it will also identify exactly what kind of freedom is being limited. Karl Marx identifies estranged labor as labor alien to man. Marx explains the condition of estranged labor as the result of man participating in an institution alien to his nature. It is my interpretation that man is alienated from his labor because he is not the reaper of what he sows. Because he is never the recipient of his efforts the laborer lacks identity with what he creates. For Marx then labor is "alien to the worker...[and]...does not belong to his essential being." Marx identifies two expla... ...gative liberty. He states "...[private] property is...the right to enjoy ones fortune and dispose of it as one will; without regard for other men and independently of society." Private property for Marx is the mechanism by which man can be separate from other men and pursue his (negative) liberty. Marx's writings on estranged labor and in The Communist Manifesto are a clear repudiation of private property. What can be deduced then is that Marx does not favor negative liberties. Negative liberties require private property to exist and private property is for Marx the enslaver of the proletariat. With negative freedom eliminated from the discussion we are left with Positive or prescribed freedoms. Positive freedom, as was identified above, is the freedom to pursue specified options. That is, freedom to do certain things. Man is not necessarily given a choice of what these options are, he is simply free to pursue them whatever they may be. Positive freedoms then are the freedoms Marx likely wishes to uphold by denouncing estranged labor.Bibliography Bibliography 1Marx, Karl, The Early Marx, 2Marx, Karl and Engles, Freidrich, The Communist Manifesto, London, England, 1888

The Fashion Channel HBS Case Notes

Introduction The protagonist of this case is Dana Wheeler who is the senior vice president of marketing for TFH She was looking into preparing a new Segmentation and Positioning Strategy If her boss liked what he heard then they would move forward with a 60 million dollar MIMIC campaign utilizing national advertising, promotion, and public relations.This was an increase of 15 million dollars from last year. Background TFH was a successful cable network that was the only one who broadcasted up-to- date news about fashion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week It was founded in 1996 It has had consistent and constant growth since the beginning, revenue was projected to grow to 310 million dollars in 2006 marking another steady year of growth.The channel was one of the most widely available niche networks reaching 80 million US households (this number represents the number of people who had TFH in their package not those watching it) Women between 34 and 54 years were its most avid viewer accord ing to its annual demographic survey Beyond basic demographics the network had no other information on its viewers Nor did it attempt to market to any viewer segments in particular Early on the network had chosen a something for everyone† type of strategy in its programming and advertising TFH has clearly grown quickly despite it lack of targeted marketing, however at the beginning of 2006 TFH had realized that other networks were taking note of its success Some of its biggest competitors became Lifetime and CNN who had added fashion programming to their lineup This is what prompted Tech's CEO to want to change up TFH marketing and be more strategic with their marketing, this is why they hired Dana who extensive experience with marketing packaged consumer goods as well as broad experience in advertising.Tech's CEO and other executives felt some urge to resist change and didn't want to â€Å"fix what wasn't broken† Wheeler's Plans Frazier (senior up of ad sales) had warn ed that TFH would need to drop the price of a unit of advertising by 10 % if changes weren't made in Tech's performance He mentioned that CNN and Lifetime's fashion shows were achieving notable ratings (EXHIBIT 1) Frazier was a great salesman and was Justifiably worried about sales Wheeler knew that in order to hold or increase the price it would be crucial to attract a critical mass of viewers who were interested in the network's content and were attractive to advertisers The key would be targeting the right viewers and offering advertiser an attractive mix of viewers when compared to their competitors BUT if she changed the network's offering in a way that disappointed too many consumers it could risk losing its distribution support Her plan was to build a strategy for segmentation and use it as a base to employ all marketing tools at her disposal, traditional/internet ads, PR and promotions to reach targeted consumers Everyone felt that advertising was TFH primary growth opportun ity. Tiff's Advertising Revenue Model TFH was on target to generate 230. Million dollars in 2006 from advertising The advertising business model was built on attracting a mix of male and female viewers on a regular basis – think â€Å"something for everyone† strategy Tuft average rating was 1. 0 with 110 million households or 1. 1 million people people watching at any given time.The ad sales team sold access to viewers through 30 to 60 second spots to a variety of advertisers which included automobile manufacturers, clothes companies, and cosmetic companies There were usually 6 minutes of advertising per 30 minutes of programming (20 percent); 24 hours per day; for a total of 2016 minutes per week In 2006 industry data showed that advertisers spent 20 billion dollars on advertising in cable industry, however there were over a hundred networks competing for these dollars which made competition fierce. TFH was the only dedicated fashion network If CNN and Lifetime are su ccessful more channels may copy them creating more competition for TFH The network based ad unit prices on several factors The number of viewers (ratings) The audience characteristics (demographics and lifestyle)Both of the are hurting ad sales and hurting Tech's CPM TFH was facing additional competitive challenges in its attractiveness to cable affiliates. On a scale of 1 to 5 TFH achieved a 3. 8 whereas fashion programming on CNN scored a 4. 3 while Lifetime scored a 4. 5 On awareness TFH scored 4. 1; CNN 4. 6; and Lifetime 4. 5 On perceived value TFH scored 3. 7; CNN 4. 1; and Lifetime 4. Memo's use the aforementioned data to determine Affiliate Fees and which package to offer TFH in. If TFH continues to underperformed it may be offered in less appealing packages making it seen in even fewer households, ruining its prospects of revenue growth or even survival.The Data strongly indicates that change in programming need to happen so that TFH can increase consumer interest, awarenes s, and perceived value This change could result in upsetting some of the existing loyal viewers The Management team had been with TFH for years and experienced large amount of their growth arguing safe marketing strategies where Wheeler is asking them to take a risk. Attitudinal Research Findings The Following Data can be found in Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3 There are four unique groups of viewers Factionists Planners & Shoppers Sustainability Basics While the segments varied in size, Wheeler quickly noticed that the smallest -The Factionists- had a high degree of interest in fashion Most of the male interest occurred in the Basics cluster- the least likely to be engaged with TFH content. Factionists, Planners, and Sustainability all had cluster of women between the ages 18 to 34, the premium demographic.By investing in a major marketing/advertising campaign it would be reasonable to expect that awareness and viewing of the channel would go up This could deliver a ratings boost of 20% a nd would take the rating from 1. 0 to 1. 2 If the current audience mix stayed the same, ad sales were predicting a ten percent drop to $1. 80 Wheelers Preferred Strategy Targeting Factionist's, Shoppers/Planners, and Situational All segments mentioned have clusters of the desired age group but both Planners and Situational are made up of older women their existing audience and they would all be targeted It is likely to assume that ratings would increase from 1. 0 to 1. No clear data is given about CPM No clear data is given about the increase in cost of programming Alternative Strategies Focusing on Factionists This segment was strong in the highly valued 18-34 female demographic It was smaller that other segments representPrimarily targeting Men Pursue a desirable demographic as men of all ages are a premium demographic No data on ratings No data on CPM No data on Programming costs, however it would be likely to assume that costs would pike as all current programming is geared to s lightly older women (their current primary demographic) They would likely and very quickly lose all of their current audience due to shift in programming for a demographic that they are unsure they can even secure. High short-term risk as all current audience will be lost and could result in ratings loss and being taken off the basic cable package Long-term if this strategy is successful, men could be a larger audience than women as more age groups are desired by advertisers. This could result in greater affiliate fees and ad sales.

The Persian Empire of Ancient Iran

The Persian Empire of Ancient Iran Irans history as a nation of people speaking an Indo-European language did not begin until the middle of the second millennium B.C. Before then, Iran was occupied by peoples with a variety of cultures. There are numerous artifacts attesting to settled agriculture, permanent sun-dried- brick dwellings, and pottery-making from the sixth millennium B.C. The most advanced area technologically was ancient Susiana, present-day Khuzestan Province. By the fourth millennium, the inhabitants of Susiana, the Elamites, were using semipictographic writing, probably learned from the highly advanced civilization of Sumer in Mesopotamia (ancient name for much of the area now known as Iraq), to the west. Sumerian influence in art, literature, and religion also became particularly strong when the Elamites were occupied by, or at least came under the domination of, two Mesopotamian cultures, those of Akkad and Ur, during the middle of the third millennium. By 2000 B.C. the Elamites had become sufficiently unified to destroy the city of Ur. Elamite civilization developed rapidly from that point, and, by the fourteenth century B.C., its art was at its most impressive. Immigration of the Medes and the Persians Small groups of nomadic, horse-riding peoples speaking Indo-European languages began moving into the Iranian cultural area from Central Asia near the end of the second millennium B.C. Population pressures, overgrazing in their home area, and hostile neighbors may have prompted these migrations. Some of the groups settled in eastern Iran, but others, those who were to leave significant historical records, pushed farther west toward the Zagros Mountains. Three major groups are identifiablethe Scythians, the Medes (the Amadai or Mada), and the Persians (also known as the Parsua or Parsa). The Scythians established themselves in the northern Zagros Mountains and clung to a seminomadic existence in which raiding was the chief form of economic enterprise. The Medes settled over a huge area, reaching as far as modern Tabriz in the north and Esfahan in the south. They had their capital at Ecbatana (present-day Hamadan) and annually paid tribute to the Assyrians. The Persians were established in three areas: to the south of Lake Urmia (the tradional name, also cited as Lake Orumiyeh, to which it has reverted after being called Lake Rezaiyeh under the Pahlavis), on the northern border of the kingdom of the Elamites; and in the environs of modern Shiraz, which would be their eventual settling place and to which they would give the name Parsa (what is roughly present-day Fars Province). During the seventh century B.C., the Persians were led by Hakamanish (Achaemenes, in Greek), ancestor of the Achaemenid dynasty. A descendant, Cyrus II (also known as Cyrus the Great or Cyrus the Elder), led the combined forces of the Medes and the Persians to establish the most extensive empire known in the ancient world. By 546 B.C., Cyrus had defeated Croesus*, the Lydian king of fabled wealth, and had secured control of the Aegean coast of Asia Minor, Armenia, and the  Greek colonies  along the Levant. Moving east, he took Parthia (land of the Arsacids, not to be confused with Parsa, which was to the southwest), Chorasmis, and Bactria. He besieged and captured Babylon in 539 and released the Jews who had been held captive there, thus earning his immortalization in the Book of Isaiah. When he died in 529**, Cyruss kingdom extended as far east as the Hindu Kush in present-day Afghanistan. His successors were less successful. Cyruss unstable son, Cambyses II, conquered Egypt but later committed suicide during a revolt led by a priest, Gaumata, who usurped the throne until overthrown in 522 by a member of a lateral branch of the Achaemenid family, Darius I (also known as Darayarahush or Darius the Great). Darius attacked the Greek mainland, which had supported rebellious Greek colonies under his aegis, but as a result of his defeat at the  Battle of Marathon in 490  was forced to retract the limits of the empire to  Asia Minor. The Achaemenids thereafter consolidated areas firmly under their control. It was Cyrus and Darius who, by sound and farsighted administrative planning, brilliant military maneuvering, and a humanistic worldview, established the greatness of the Achaemenids and in less than thirty years raised them from an obscure tribe to a world power. The quality of the Achaemenids as rulers began to disintegrate, however, after the death of Darius in 486. His son and successor, Xerxes, was chiefly occupied with suppressing revolts in Egypt and Babylonia. He also attempted to conquer the Greek Peloponnesus, but encouraged by a victory at Thermopylae, he overextended his forces and suffered overwhelming defeats at Salamis and Plataea. By the time his successor, Artaxerxes I, died in 424, the imperial court was beset by factionalism among the lateral family branches, a condition that persisted until the death in 330 of the last of the Achaemenids, Darius III, at the hands of his own subjects. The Achaemenids were enlightened despots who allowed a certain amount of regional autonomy in the form of the satrapy system. A satrapy was an administrative unit, usually organized on a geographical basis. A satrap (governor) administered the region, a general supervised military recruitment and ensured order, and a state secretary kept official records. The general and the state secretary reported directly to the central government. The twenty satrapies were linked by a 2,500-kilometer highway, the most impressive stretch being the  royal road  from Susa to Sardis, built by command of Darius. Relays of mounted couriers could reach the most remote areas in fifteen days. Despite the relative local independence afforded by the satrapy system, however, royal inspectors, the eyes and ears of the king, toured the empire and reported on local conditions, and the king maintained a personal bodyguard of 10,000 men, called the Immortals. The language in greatest use in the empire was Aramaic. Old Persian was the official language of the empire but was used only for inscriptions and royal proclamations. Darius revolutionized the economy by placing it on a silver and gold coinage system. Trade was extensive, and under the  Achaemenids  there was an efficient infrastructure that facilitated the exchange of commodities among the far reaches of the empire. As a result of this commercial activity, Persian words for typical items of trade became prevalent throughout the  Middle East  and eventually entered the English language; examples are, bazaar, shawl, sash, turquoise, tiara, orange, lemon, melon, peach, spinach, and asparagus. Trade was one of the empires main sources of revenue, along with agriculture and tribute. Other accomplishments of Dariuss reign included codification of the data, a universal legal system upon which much of later Iranian law would be based, and construction of a new capital at Persepolis, where vassal states would offer their yearly tribute at the festival celebrating the spring equinox. In its art and architecture, Persepolis reflected Dariuss percept ion of himself as the leader of conglomerates of people to whom he had given a new and single identity. The Achaemenid art and architecture found there is at once distinctive and also highly eclectic. The Achaemenids took the art forms and the cultural and religious traditions of many of the ancient Middle Eastern peoples and combined them into a single form. This Achaemenid artistic style is evident in the iconography of Persepolis, which celebrates the king and the office of the monarch. Envisioning a new world empire based on a fusion of Greek and Iranian culture and  ideals,  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Alexander the Great  of Macedon accelerated the disintegration of the Achaemenid Empire. He was first accepted as leader by the fractious Greeks in 336 B.C. and by 334 had advanced to Asia Minor, an Iranian satrapy. In quick  succession,  he took Egypt, Babylonia, and then, over the course of two years, the heart of the  Achaemenid EmpireSusa, Ecbatana, and Persepolisthe last of which he burned. Alexander married Roxana (Roshanak), the daughter of the most powerful of the Bactrian chiefs (Oxyartes, who revolted in present-day Tadzhikistan), and in 324 commanded his officers and 10,000 of his soldiers to marry Iranian women. The mass wedding, held at Susa, was a model of Alexanders desire to consummate the union of the Greek and Iranian peoples. These plans ended in 323 B.C., however, when Alexander was struck with fever and died in Babylon, leaving no heir. His empire was d ivided among four of his generals. Seleucus, one of these generals, who became ruler of Babylon in 312, gradually reconquered most of Iran. Under Seleucuss son, Antiochus I, many Greeks entered Iran, and Hellenistic motifs in art, architecture, and urban planning became prevalent. Although the Seleucids faced challenges from the  Ptolemies of Egypt  and from the growing power of Rome, the main threat came from the province of Fars (Partha to the Greeks). Arsaces (of the seminomadic Parni tribe), whose name was used by all subsequent Parthian kings, revolted against the Seleucid governor in 247 B.C. and established a dynasty, the Arsacids, or Parthians. During the second century, the Parthians were able to extend their rule to Bactria, Babylonia, Susiana, and Media, and, under Mithradates II (123-87 B.C.), Parthian conquests stretched from India to Armenia. After the victories of Mithradates II, the Parthians began to claim descent from both the Greeks and the Achaemenids. They spoke a language similar to that of the Achaemenids, used the Pahlavi script, and established an administrative system based on Achaemenid precedents. Meanwhile, Ardeshir, son of the priest Papak, who claimed descent from the legendary hero Sasan, had become the Parthian governor in the Achaemenid home province of Persis (Fars). In A.D. 224 he overthrew the last Parthian king and established the Sassanid dynasty, which was to last 400 years. The Sassanids established an empire roughly within the frontiers achieved by the Achaemenids  [c, 550-330 B.C.;  with the capital at Ctesiphon. The Sassanids consciously sought to resuscitate Iranian traditions and to obliterate Greek cultural influence. Their rule was characterized by considerable centralization, ambitious urban planning, agricultural development, and technological improvements. Sassanid rulers adopted the title of shahanshah (king of kings), as sovereigns over numerous petty rulers, known as  shahrdars. Historians believe that society was divided into four classes: the priests, warriors, secretaries, and commoners. The royal princes, petty rulers, great landlords, and priests together constituted a privileged stratum, and the social system appears to have been fairly rigid. Sassanid rule and the system of social stratification were reinforced by Zoroastrianism, which became the state religion. The Zoroastrian priesthood became immensely powerful. The head of the priestly class, the  mobadan  mobad, along with the military commander, the  eran  spahbod, and the head of the bureaucracy, were among the great men of the state. Rome, with its capital at  Constantinople, had replaced Greece as Irans principal Western enemy, and hostilities between the two empires were frequent. Shahpur I (241-72), son and successor of Ardeshir, waged successful campaigns against the Romans and in 260 even took the emperor Valerian prisoner. Chosroes I (531-79), also known as Anushirvan the Just, is the most celebrated of the Sassanid rulers. He reformed the tax system and reorganized the army and the bureaucracy, tying the army more closely to the central government than to local lords. His reign witnessed the rise of the  dihqans  (literally, village lords), the petty landholding nobility who were the backbone of later Sassanid provincial administration and the tax collection system. Chosroes was a great builder, embellishing his capital, founding new towns, and constructing new buildings. Under his auspices, too, many books were brought from India and translated into Pahlavi. Some of these later found their way into the literature of the Islamic world. The reign of Chosroes II (591-628) was characterized by the wasteful splendor and lavishness of the court. Toward the end of his  reign  Chosroes IIs power declined. In renewed fighting with the Byzantines, he enjoyed initial successes, captured Damascus, and seized the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. But counterattacks by the Byzantine emperor Heraclius brought enemy forces deep into Sassanid territory. Years of warfare exhausted both the Byzantines and the Iranians. The later Sassanids were further weakened by economic decline, heavy taxation, religious unrest, rigid social stratification, the increasing power of the provincial landholders, and a rapid turnover of rulers. These factors facilitated the Arab invasion in the seventh century. Data as of December 1987Source: Library of Congress Country Studies Corrections *Jona Lendering  points out that a 547/546 date for the fall of Croesus is based on the  Nabonidus Chronicle  whose reading is uncertain. Rather than  Croesus  it may have been the ruler of Uratu. Lendering says the fall of Lydia should be listed as the 540s. **He also advises that cuneiform sources start to mention Cambyses as sole ruler in August 530, so the date of his death the following year is wrong.

Free Essays on I See Things

I See Things Most people would probably be terrified of the things I’ve seen. In fact, if anyone were scared after watching The Six Sense they would not want to be in my shoes seven years ago. Although my experience wasn’t as illustrated as the movie, it came close. I was about ten years old when scary dreams started to occur. In these dreams were devil-like images that would do negative things to my family and I. I would constantly tell my parents about the dreams, but the dreams would always come back. It came to the point that I couldn’t sleep because I was afraid of what I might dream. As the years past I began to realize that for some strange reason the devil was trying to keep me afraid. Over coming bad dreams was nothing compared to what I would encounter at the age of twelve. I started to see images while I was awoke. All the fears that I just got over were starting to resurface. I remember when my family had come to visit from out of town. Everyone was having a good time playing cards on the dinning room table. I sat down in a fold down chair about eight feet away from the table just watching. While sitting there I looked up at the chandelier above the table and started to see streaks that came in the formation of a hall. For a brief moment every thing around me disappeared except the streaks. There were two hands coming slowly towards me like they were welcoming my presents. Then as quickly as they appeared they vanished. I thought it nothing but my imagination so I just forgot about it. Things like â€Å"the hands incident† kept reappearing in a consistent pattern for about three years. Until after the day I saw the last and most disturbing image of them all. The sun was getting ready to set and end a very beautiful day. I was standing outside with my father and his fellow pastor. As I watched the sunset, an image started to appear very clear. It looked like a man walking on the street about t... Free Essays on I See Things Free Essays on I See Things I See Things Most people would probably be terrified of the things I’ve seen. In fact, if anyone were scared after watching The Six Sense they would not want to be in my shoes seven years ago. Although my experience wasn’t as illustrated as the movie, it came close. I was about ten years old when scary dreams started to occur. In these dreams were devil-like images that would do negative things to my family and I. I would constantly tell my parents about the dreams, but the dreams would always come back. It came to the point that I couldn’t sleep because I was afraid of what I might dream. As the years past I began to realize that for some strange reason the devil was trying to keep me afraid. Over coming bad dreams was nothing compared to what I would encounter at the age of twelve. I started to see images while I was awoke. All the fears that I just got over were starting to resurface. I remember when my family had come to visit from out of town. Everyone was having a good time playing cards on the dinning room table. I sat down in a fold down chair about eight feet away from the table just watching. While sitting there I looked up at the chandelier above the table and started to see streaks that came in the formation of a hall. For a brief moment every thing around me disappeared except the streaks. There were two hands coming slowly towards me like they were welcoming my presents. Then as quickly as they appeared they vanished. I thought it nothing but my imagination so I just forgot about it. Things like â€Å"the hands incident† kept reappearing in a consistent pattern for about three years. Until after the day I saw the last and most disturbing image of them all. The sun was getting ready to set and end a very beautiful day. I was standing outside with my father and his fellow pastor. As I watched the sunset, an image started to appear very clear. It looked like a man walking on the street about t...

How to Use the Spanish Word Como

How to Use the Spanish Word Como Como is a common and useful word in Spanish that is frequently used to compare two things, persons, or actions that are similar. Como Often Equivalent to Like or As Como is frequently used as a preposition or conjunction that means like or as. Regardless of which of the two parts of speech it is used as, it is generally understood much the same way by English speakers, so this introductory lesson will look at examples of its usage as both parts of speech together. (Note: English translations used in this lesson reflect English as it is frequently spoken rather than distinguishing among proper uses of like and as.) Como nearly always means something similar to in the manner of and/or is used to make actual or implied comparisons: Piense como un millonario. (Think like a millionaire.)Dice que usa las redes sociales como un presidente moderno. (He says he uses social networks like a modern president.)Si se parece a un pato, anda como un pato y grazna como un pato, entonces es un pato. (If it seems like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then its a duck.)Te quiero, pero como amigo. (I love you, but as a friend.)No hay nadie como Francisco. (There is nobody like Francisco.) ¡No me trates como un perro! (Dont treat me like a dog!)Como tu profesor, quiero ayudarte y ser tu amiga. (As your teacher, I want to help you and be your friend.)No duermo como antes. (I dont sleep like I did before.)He decidido vestirme como quiero. (I have decided to dress myself the way I want.)Te odio como jams he odiado a nadie. (I hate you like Ive never hated anyone before.)Como era de esperar, la pelà ­cula ha batido todos los rà ©cords. (As expected, the film has broken all records.)Mà ­rame como si fuera la prim era vez. (Look at me as if it were the first time.) Salieron como si nada hubiera pasado. (They left as if nothing had happened.)El cine se lo conoce como el sà ©ptimo arte. (Cinema is known as the seventh art.)Quiero la piel como estaba antes. (I want my skin to like it was before.) Como the conjunction/preposition should not be confused with the homonym como, the first-person singular indicative form of comer that means I eat. Como in Approximations Colloquially, como is sometimes used for approximations. Typical translations include about and approximately. Tengo un primo que pesa como 200 kilogramos. (I have a cousin who weighs approximately 200 kilograms.)Maneje como dos millas pasando la gasolinera Texaco. (Drive about two miles, passing the Texaco gas station.)Al final me costà ³ como mil dà ³lares tomar el examen. (In the end, it cost me something like $1,000 to take the text.)Llevo como dos semanas intentando comprar los boletos en là ­nea para el concierto. (I spent about two weeks trying to buy the tickets online for the concert.) Using Como for How With an orthographic accent, cà ³mo becomes an adverb and is often translated as how. This occurs most often in questions and indirect questions:  ¿Cà ³mo ests? (How are you?) ¿Cà ³mo puedo adquirir un pasaporte? (How can I get a passport?) ¿Cà ³mo puede algo tan pequeà ±o hacerte sentir tan grande? (How can something so small make you feel so great?)No sà © cà ³mo bajar los fotos del servidor. (I dont know how to download the photos from the server. Note: This is an example of cà ³mo being used in an indirect question.)No me importa cà ³mo lo haces. (It doesnt matter to me how you do it.)

Second paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Second paper - Essay Example Baker succinctly elucidates on the favorable commitment that should be used by a family to ensure their family member is of sound health (Baker and Buchanan-Barker, 2005). Therefore, the paper will give the initial commitments that are involved during family integration, in accordance to the Baker theory (Baker and Buchanan-Barker, 2005). This means that there are various steps that are used by a family in ensuring their close family member is responding positively to treatment. In the end, the family will appreciate positive results as the affected person will have a positive reaction to treatment. Though the affected person may not be fully reverted to normal health, he or she will be in a positive mode when there is increased positive reaction from the family members. This reflects on the positivity of using family integration in treatment of mentally retarded people in the family. Belief and Metaparadigms In Baker’s perspective, there is a belief that nursing is a professi on that denotes people with a caring notion and have responsibility of the patients in their midst. Baker states that, nursing ensures that there is an amicable solution to the illness or disease, reflecting a healing to the affected person. ... There is no need to pay the family for the services that are offered. In addition to this, this theory refers to the positivity of the inception of the practice. The negative side is not considered as it may affect the use of the process. Since time immemorial, the tidal theory has been used and records plausible results, hence the reliance on the theory. Personal philosophy Baker states that development in the current world strongly depends on evidence-based treatment. The mental health is a considerable focal point that should be treated with evidence based treatment (Baker and Buchanan-Barker, 2005). Continuous reflection on the mental health of a person is therefore a guarantee to sound health. According to Baker, the family is the basic group in a community that has close relationship to each other. The family is the basic interaction that involves people with a connection, as either in blood or adoption. Therefore, they are in the best point of having a close connection to each other. This is partially due to the blood and other connection. However, the family becomes a basic interaction as the people are in a daily basis of connecting to each other (Rose-Ackerman, 1982). In essence, the family spends most of their time bonding with each other. This involves sharing meals, playing together and teaching each other mannerisms. This philosophy makes each of the families connected in most of their activities. This calls for a caring and responsible family unit that will give the best treatment to all the family members, though there could be absence of any disease. In recent times, philosophy dictates that families are a growing unit, as the

American Airlines Bankruptcy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Airlines Bankruptcy - Essay Example The airline company which was known to be the worlds largest carrier five years ago was forced into bankruptcy on account of various reasons including mergers and acquisitions which significantly affected its business in terms of reduction in number of customers. The company’s position declined steadily from number one to number 3, over the years behind United Continental and Delta Airlines. Source: CBS News (2011a) Furthermore the profits of the company were steadily declining since a long time now. It reported profits in only one quarter during the entire year in 2007 and recorded losses amounting to approximately $4.8 billion over a period of 3-3.5 years. Various airline analysts and experts estimated these losses to either shoot up or continue throughout 2012 (CNN Money, 2011). The American Airlines have filed for Chapter 11 Reorganization for Industry Competitiveness, bankruptcy protection. This type of bankruptcy is usually used by companies which are struggling financially and have large public debts, in order to reorganize their business. Unlike the other types of bankruptcies the Chapter 11 Reorganization bankruptcy allows the company to seek help in reorganizing its business, by restructuring its debts; prevents the creditors from suing or selling off the debtors assets to pay off the debts; and have the opportunity to resume business and emerge from bankruptcy. (Elias, 2011). The board of Directors at AMR decided to file for bankruptcy under this category considering the best interests of its stakeholders and at the same time gain time to restructure its debts, costs and obligations (American Airlines, 2011). The American Airlines will continue to operate according to its normal flight schedules and no changes will be made in the customer reservations. The operations will resume as usual. The company is likely to honor tickets and

What are some of the psychoeducational interventions used in managing Assignment

What are some of the psychoeducational interventions used in managing bipolar personalities - Assignment Example Its symptoms are often misdiagnosed because it is not easy to arrive at a definitive conclusion; it is a life-long chronic ailment but can be managed properly to enable having a normal life just like anybody else. There are some interventions in this regard which can be quite helpful. Despite individuals or patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder having different types of personalities, character and temperament (Goodwin & Jamison, 2007, p. 324), it is still possible to develop beneficial interventions to mitigate the ill effects of this mental ailment. One of those commonly tried are the psycho-educational interventions suitably developed for each person and these include seminars and workshops for both parent and the afflicted teen or adolescent to educate them and disabuse their minds of wrong notions and false or dysfunctional beliefs about depression (Geller & Delbello, 2008, p. 188). The purpose of this is to recognize the symptoms early and to seek immediate treatment before the episode becomes a full-blown crisis (NIMH, 2012, p. 1) and another very helpful intervention is self-help, derived from increased knowledge, which essentially involves avoiding episode triggers or crisis situations that cause the depression. Psycho-educational interventions are me re adjuncts to normal treatment that involves the use of both medication and psychotherapy (or talk therapy that preferably involves family members). It is the right combination of these treatment factors that can avoid a relapse of bipolar

Organizational Role Description Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational Role Description Paper - Essay Example The director also has a role of maintaining creativity in developing new performance programs. In collaboration with the nurses’ executives and managers, the director ensures establishment of nursing care standards and evaluation of staff compliance. Another role is to ensure protocols of research affecting the population of patients and ensuring that the nursing staff is informed about them. Another role is ensuring accountability in provision of support services for the benefit of patient care. The director also ensures that there is a caring and safe environment maintained for the benefit of patients and ensures that the programs that are implemented within the service line are in support of cultural diversity. The director also develops service objectives and goals that are in support of values and goals of the institution. In addition, the director has a role of analyzing findings from satisfaction survey conducted by patients to ensure that agendas that are customer based are developed with input of staff and nursing management. The director also ensures that there is an effective plan for the delivery of nursing care and that these are developed and implemented within the service plan of nursing. The director also conducts an analysis from the satisfaction survey of staff to ensure that recruitment and retention of employees is service based and ensure that unit b ased agendas are developed with inputs from nursing management and the staff. The director also conducts meetings with the management of nursing to address any issue related to equipments and any other concern held by the staff. The director in collaboration with the human resource manager ensures that recruitments are made in the right way and ensures that counseling, disciplining and termination of staff is carried out when need arise. The director also has a role of making recommendations and providing growth opportunities,

Education vs Economic Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 11750 words

Education vs Economic Crisis - Essay Example The research utilizes resources readily available as it seeks to shed light on the gap between the economic crisis and the education. The economic crisis pushes schools to adopt the best marketing and educational exercises that minimize expenditure to create profits for the business. The research attempts to provide information necessary for the management of Eurognosi to adopt optimal operations to acquire profits. Given the nature of the education system, the research utilized the availability of parents during the school’s enrollment day. Parents and guardians alike gathered at the institution to bring their children as they commenced the first day of the academic year. The research involved supplying questionnaires and administering interviews to all the stakeholders present at the school. The results acquired were gathered, tabulated, evaluated, and analyzed to extract the best practice techniques to ensure the survival of the institution in the near future. The research provides the linking information between the economic recession characteristic of the last decade and its effect on the standards of education delivered to students. The purpose of the project is to find and deeply analyze the main needs of today’s users as it comes to education in private institutes. To achieve such an analysis, a new market research will be implemented. For the purpose of this project, the institute to be used would be â€Å"Eurognosi† and more specifically the branch in Aglantzia. A SWOT analysis will be implemented to develop critical thinking to improve strategic plans and objectives of the branch. The main advantage of the project lies in its uniqueness and is the forebear of more studies to come.

Organizational Role Description Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational Role Description Paper - Essay Example The director also has a role of maintaining creativity in developing new performance programs. In collaboration with the nurses’ executives and managers, the director ensures establishment of nursing care standards and evaluation of staff compliance. Another role is to ensure protocols of research affecting the population of patients and ensuring that the nursing staff is informed about them. Another role is ensuring accountability in provision of support services for the benefit of patient care. The director also ensures that there is a caring and safe environment maintained for the benefit of patients and ensures that the programs that are implemented within the service line are in support of cultural diversity. The director also develops service objectives and goals that are in support of values and goals of the institution. In addition, the director has a role of analyzing findings from satisfaction survey conducted by patients to ensure that agendas that are customer based are developed with input of staff and nursing management. The director also ensures that there is an effective plan for the delivery of nursing care and that these are developed and implemented within the service plan of nursing. The director also conducts an analysis from the satisfaction survey of staff to ensure that recruitment and retention of employees is service based and ensure that unit b ased agendas are developed with inputs from nursing management and the staff. The director also conducts meetings with the management of nursing to address any issue related to equipments and any other concern held by the staff. The director in collaboration with the human resource manager ensures that recruitments are made in the right way and ensures that counseling, disciplining and termination of staff is carried out when need arise. The director also has a role of making recommendations and providing growth opportunities,

Intro to Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Intro to Film - Essay Example The story is written and directed by Joss Whedon who brought the movie into reality with the assistance of the production designer James Chinlund and the art directors like Benjamin Edelberg, Jann K. Engel, Gregory Hooper, Billy Hunter, Richard Johnson and Randy Moore. The trailers of the movie (movieclip.com) show the main characters of the story in action, depicting their attributes. For instance, the Ironman describes himself as playboy, billionaire and genius. One could see how confident he is about himself with the way he talks and walks so that viewers cold almost dislike his character. He also says he is not a team-player, unable to work with others, when he and the other members of the team were called for their mission. However, as any other hero, the Ironman has a soft spot and that is, having the heart to do whatever it takes for him to be a part in saving the world. In addition, his claim to being a billionaire is not just a matter of talking but the truth of it is shown through his lifestyle and the gadgets used for his armor. Viewers cannot help but be amazed at how Ironman’s suit is undressed and kept by machines as he walks in his home. His residence is full of highly advanced technology like touch-screen, thin, transparent and sleek computers. His cell phone is one that is not yet seen in the market today. This makes the film quite futuristic because it demonstrates gadgets that may be produced in the future. In contrast to the character of Ironman, Captain America is the humble and quiet type of guy. His costume makes viewers easily detect him because of the star and colors of the American flag used in his attire. Thor portrays a warrior. His clothing shows he is not of this world but from somewhere where they are not as modern as the humans on earth. Hawkeye is the mortal hero with an exceptional skill in archery. His simplicity makes every viewer easily connect to him. The only female member of the team, the Black Widow, is a beautifu l young Russian spy who is skilled and witty. She bears the soft side of any woman and portrays it well in her character as the one sent to convince the Incredible Hulk to join the team in retrieving the powerful tesseract from the antagonist, Loki. When the scientist asked her what she would do if he said no to her, the woman answered that she will persuade him. Unlike the other heroes, she does not have superpowers but she is endowed with exceptional skills that make her essential in the team. She is a warrior, a symbol of courage who will not say no to any war. Her physical built is not only aesthetically useful in her role but it also shows how appropriate her role is. Lighting effects are largely used in the movie especially that it is an action-science fiction that portrays highly advanced technologies. For instance, the suit of Ironman makes him able to fly and appear in a flash. This necessitates the use of lights from the suit to show how fast he travels. Without the light, he would not be recognized from afar not until he gets near the camera for a clear view. However, with a spark of light that becomes larger as it gets nearer, the Ironman is presented in a more realistic manner that makes viewers awed. Another role of lighting seen in the movie is; it attracts the viewer’

Explore Anita Desais intensely evocative, descriptive style in Studies in the Park Essay Example for Free

Explore Anita Desais intensely evocative, descriptive style in Studies in the Park Essay Anita Desai is a world renowned, Indian novelist and short-story writer. Studies in the Park is merely one of her vast collection of short-stories, however, it is one of the most expressive stories, and it also conveys Anita Desais immensely communicative style of writing. Studies in the Park is set in the late 1970s, in contemporary India. It talks about a young boy, Suno, who is determined to do well in his exams that are a few months away. He is frequently pressurised by his parents, to study hard, and do well. However he is constantly disturbed by the repeated noise, and cannot study. He decides to go to a nearby park, which turns out to be an ideal location for him to study. The pressure that is mounted on him slowly starts to rise as the exams approach, this in turn, results in him becoming a workaholic: eventually his whole life revolves around his studies. He then sees a life changing vision that completely transforms his perspective of life. Studies in the Park contains various descriptions, and images that enables the true message of the story to be brought out. The story begins with the line -Turn it off, turn it offWhat next, my god this line evidently depicts the irritability that Suno is experiencing. This example is a perfect case in which Desai uses a very evocative stream of consciousness to illustrate emotion. This story is written in first person, and because of this Anita Desai is able to express true emotion and sentiment, as shown in the example above. In the line So I raced out of my room, Anita Desai indicates that Suno, the protagonist, is annoyed and cannot bear his surroundings anymore. This example is a typical instance where Anita Desai utilises first person, to portray an emotion. Diction is an essential component of Anita Desais style of writing, she uses a diverse collection of words to indicate the precise feeling that the protagonist is experiencing. For example, in the line rest of them standing and peering in the word peering is accurate as it portrays the curiosity and the nosiness of the brothers and sisters. Another example is in the line snarled at him The word snarled, in this context, implies that Suno is very irritable and ill-tempered at this moment. The word is precise, and specific, and thus, it makes the line more communicative and expressive. Anita Desai uses imagery as well, at many occasions, in an attempt to invoke vividness and clarity in the story. For example, in the line Bag-like women in grey and fawn saris with their sackcloth backs to the rails This description of the park is very clear and vivid, it is a description of one instant in the park: it talks about the children falling, the women screaming and the madmen prancing. The description allows the reader to infer many details about the park such as: it is very active, there many people present there, etc. These sorts of descriptions are present all over the story, hence it makes the story more understandable and suggestive. Desai also uses imagery to elaborate on one point, for example, the description The afternoons would be quietbazaars and slums This paragraph talks about the serenity and tranquillity present in the park in the afternoons, and early evenings. Anita Desai stresses on this point with help of various images. The use of imagery and diction has been used extensively in the story. However it is most effective, when the protagonist experiences the vision, in which he realises the importance of the aspects of life. The line Just then she lifted her veilDivine, I felt, or insane indicates a new revelation that takes place in Sunos mind, and with the use of imagery Anita Desai is able to depict this more vividly. During this phase, Desai uses many similes to describe the lady in the epiphany, and hence depict the new revelation. For example, in the line her borkha, like a flower This line compares the ladys face to a wax-white, lifeless flower that shows importance of health in life. Studies in the Park is very communicative and expressive; there are various descriptions and accurate diction that are essential components in the story. These have made the story more understandable and comprehensible, thus the central theme and message of the story has been portrayed competently. Anita Desais descriptive writing style is extremely graphic and illustrative: it focuses mainly on descriptions, images and precise diction to portray a particular point. Thus she has been able to depict the importance of everything in life: health, religion, family and love.

Personal Previous Job Reflection Social Work Essay

Personal Previous Job Reflection Social Work Essay DISCUSSION: This question reveals a lot about you. You want to indicate that what you liked best about your last job are things that will appeal to the Hiring Manager. Show that your last job allowed you to demonstrate many of the desirable Behavioral Competencies that are discussed at the beginning of this Guide. Give specific examples of how your last job allowed you to flex your skills and show your maturity. Never make statements like I like that my last company gave me a lot of vacation days, or something similar. When answering about what you liked least, keep it short, do not be negative, and relate your answer to how your last job limited you in your ability to exhibit positive Behavioral Competencies. What I liked about my last job was the fact that there was good on the job training. I was able to really develop my X skills, which I know will help me succeed here if I am fortunate enough to be able to join your team. What are the qualities and skills of the people who have been most successful at this company? One thing I liked about my last job was that it allowed me to develop my leadership skills. FOR EXAMPLE, I was put in charge of a project where I had to earn the buy-in of people from multiple different departments including Marketing, IT, Product Development, and even HR. I held all the responsibility for getting this project completed on time, even though I had no real authority over my teammates since they did not report to me. I was able to create a project vision that the team agreed on, and then day-to-day I made sure that each team member completed their work on time. I did this in most cases by appealing to my teammates own self-interests. FOR EXAMPLE What I liked least about my last job was that the management style was pretty hands off, and this was fine for me because I am self-motivated and work hard to achieve. But the lack of structure sometimes allowed some of my teammates to slack off from time to time and I often ended up having to pick up the extra work. I would not mind that SOMETIMES, but it got old after a while. I had to constructively approach my manager and let her know what was going on WITHOUT creating any friction between me and the slacker teammates, who I actually liked as people. In the end, it worked out well, because I was pro-active. Have you ever run into that type of situation as a manager? What have you learned from your mistakes? DISCUSSION: Show that you are able to learn from your mistakes, but dont offer up any negative examples concerning your past performance. Show that you have been successful, but that you have the maturity it takes to examine your own behavior so that you can learn and grow and be a better employee. Be brief. Good question. Well, I have been successful at every job I have had, but I have had the normal ups and downs. Id say that I do actively try to monitor my work habits and the quality of my work so that I can constantly be improving myself. FOR EXAMPLE, I have had one or two hiccups with customers where their satisfaction was not where I thought it was. I learned that I have to really monitor certain difficult customers closely and take their temperature so I can keep their satisfaction level as high as possible. Have you had any customers like that here? Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it. DISCUSSION: This is a problem solving question that tests your critical thinking skills. This is a great question for showing that you are a creative and capable problem solver. The problem you select to use as an example should be as similar as possible to a problem that you are likely to face at the job you are interviewing for. I try to take a systematic approach to problem solving where I take the time to gather the relevant data, clearly define the problem or goal, then come up with possible solutions. I think it is important to get the information and clarify the problem first before you start coming up with possible solutions, or wasting other peoples time. FOR INSTANCE, when I was at Job X What kinds of challenges are you currently facing in your department? How tough a position does this put you in? What could the ideal candidate do to help solve this problem in his or her first three months on the job? Describe a situation when working with a team produced more successful results than if you had completed the project on your own. DISCUSSION: This is a behavioral interviewing style of question. The Hiring Manager wants to learn more about your thought process, and how well you can form examples to answer this teamwork related question. You will want to show your ability to solicit ideas from others, listen carefully, and persuade people to your point of view. Well, I have worked both independently and as a member of team, throughout my career. I enjoy both, and can do both equally well. I will have to say, though, that working with others has often yielded great results for projects I have worked on specifically when it comes to brainstorming. I try to get everyone involved in coming up with new solutions by making time for sessions where there are no wrong ideas or answers. The creativity of a group of people is always going to be greater than that of one person, and thus the results will be more successful. I did that a lot a Job Y. FOR EXAMPLE Working with others allows you data-mine other peoples skills and experiences, get perspectives and ideas that you would not have on your own, and check the quality of your own work before it goes out the door. FOR EXAMPLE, at Job X I worked with many great people. I was able to pick their brains so to speak about the effectiveness of various techniques, estimates on how long it would take to get various things done, etc. I would not have been able to do my job as effectively with out them. Will there be the opportunity to work in team situations at this job? Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping skills. What did you do? DISCUSSION: Workplace stress is an issue for everyone. Dont pretend that you never get stressed out. You want to show that you can deal with stress and cope with difficult situations. Show that you are calm under pressure, and know how to avoid stress in the first place through planning and time management. Well I think it is important to remember that stress effects everyone, and it is inevitable that sometimes people are going to have bad days. That is why I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when they seem to have a short fuse. What I do personally is try to control my response to a situation. You cant necessarily control what happens to you, but you can control your response. What I try to do is lengthen the time between the stressful situation and my response so that I can identify the cause of the stress and decide what I can do about it. FOR EXAMPLE, on several occasions I have had to deal with very irate customers who actually yelled at me. What I did was stay calm and not let them get under my skin. I really tried to listen and decide exactly what it was that was at the root of their problem. Then I provided solutions that could be completed within a specific time-frame. I always find that it is best to face those types of situations head-on and be objective about the m. I do my best to be professional and not get my emotions involved. Also, I try to avoid stress in the first place by tackling difficult tasks or conversations sooner rather than later. Does that make sense? What was your role in your departments most recent success? DISCUSSION: Youll want to be very specific here, and frame your answer in terms of how you saved time and money. The Hiring Manager is looking for a pattern of success, and you need to describe recent successes in detail. Use the S.T.A.R. Statement formula for your examples. Be prepared with at least three examples concerning your recent successes, and make sure at least one of them relates to teamwork and something you accomplished as part of a group. Make sure you address how your work made other people FEEL, as well as the time you saved and the revenue or cost-savings you generated. I guess that would be a recent project for client X. I handled all of the communication with the client for our last project. It was a three month long project where my team had to build a custom package based on the needs of client. I was instrumental in translating the clients business needs into detailed product features. I had to make sure that my team understood what the client wanted, and then check the quality to make sure that we were delivering a quality product with the features that the client was expecting. Well, it was an ongoing process that required a lot of communication and teamwork with my team as well as the client. I think my role really was to clarify the scope of the project, and then manage the clients expectations. We were able to deliver on time, and the client was thrilled! I was able to make sure no time was wasted on adding unnecessary features, and since we were working on a fixed bid price, we saved my company time and money. My manager and everybody on my team felt great because the project went so smoothly. Is that the kind of experience that would help me be successful here?

Classical COnditioning Essay -- essays research papers fc

Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning 1904 Nobel Prize Winner, Ivan Pavlov was born in Ryazan, Russia on September 14, 1849. Pavlov is best known for his intricate workings with the drooling dog experiment that lead to his further research in conditioning. This experiment, which began in 1889, had an influence on the development of physiologically oriented behaviorist theories of psychology in the early years of the nineteenth century. His work on the physiology of the digestive glands won him the 1904 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. CONTRIBUTIONS Pavlov's first independent work focused on the physiology of the circulation of the blood (Girogian, 1974). He studied the influence of variations in blood volume on blood pressure. He also investigated the nervous control of the heart, and argued that four types of nerves control rhythm and strength of cardiac contractions. It was during this first independent study that Pavlov used unanesthetized, neurologically intact dogs (Girogian, 1974). This method became the mainstay of Pavlov’s methodology. Pavlov’s second independent work centered primarily around digestion. He started studying digestion as early as 1879, and it was his major focus from 1890 to 1897 (Girogian, 1974). His work was an accumulation of observations on the nervous control of one organ system through the method of chronic experiment (Girogian, 1974). The study of digestion involved developing "fistulas" through which secretions from salivary glands, stomach, the pancreas, and small intestine could be collected (Girogian, 1974). His technique was truly unique in that he did not cut the nerve supply nor contaminate the secretions with food. The most famous and well-known experiment of Pavlov is that he 'conditioned' dogs to start a salivary response to the sound of a bell. He began by measuring the amount of salivation in response to only food. As the experiments continued, he rang a bell as he presented the food (Girogian, 1974). Again, he noted a salivary response. Finally, by only ringing the bell, Pavlov observed the same response as having presented food to the dogs . . . salivation (Girogian, 1974). These experiments defined what has been a "conditioned response". CLASSICAL CONDITIONING Classical Conditioning is the type of learning made famous by Pavlov's experiments ... ... a Nobel Laureate for his research in a different field (Fredholm, 1999). In 1904, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering studies of how the digestive system works. Until Pavlov started to scrutinize this field, our knowledge of how food was digested in the stomach, and what mechanisms were responsible for regulating this, were quite foggy. In order to understand the process, Pavlov developed a new way of monitoring what was happening. He surgically made fistulas in animals' stomachs, which enabled him to study the organs and take samples of body fluids from them while they continued to function normally (Fredholm, 1999). WORKS CITED "Pavlov, Ivan Petrovich," Microsoft ® Encarta ® Online Encyclopedia 2001 http://encarta.msn.com  © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. Mischel W. (1993). Behavioral conceptions. In W. Mischel, Introduction to Personality, 295-316. New York: Harcourt Brace. Girogian, NA: Pavlov, Ivan Petrovich. In The Dictionary of Scientific Biography. Charles Schribner’s Sons, New York, Vol 10, pp. 431-6, 1974. Fredholm, Lotta. Ivan Pavlov. Science Journal. May 15, 1999.

The Lively Earth: Important Features Make the Earth Unique

EASC 2112 Earth System The lively Earth: important features make the Earth unique Name: Leung Ho Nam, Banson UID: 2011712579 Introduction: The Earth is one of the eight planets in the solar system. The planet Earth is emphasized as â€Å"the rare Earth† in numerous literatures because of its unique physical conditions and the complicated interactions among all biotic and abiotic systems. Isotope dating indicates the earth was formed approximately from 4. 53 to 4. 568 Ga, according to isotope used (Allegre et. al. , 1995).Despite the precise formation time of the Earth, there is no exact planet formation model that is generally accepted except the minimum mass solar nebula model, MMSN (Canup, 2008). The MMSN model suggested the planetary accretion of the Earth and other terrestrial planets begins with a disc of hydrogen abundant gas and dust, circulating around the sun. Following by a series of collision, small particles combine and collapse repeatedly. The runaway growth slows down until reaching a certain mass (Canup, 2008). The formation process is crucial to the evolution of the Earth because it determines the source of materials which the Earth contains.The formation of the Earth, indeed, is not specific enough to comprise â€Å"the rare Earth† because all solar planets were grown within a circumsolar disc of gas and dust suggested by Canuo (2008). When we look at the solar system from the outer space, the Earth is probably the only shiny blue planet because of water surface reflection. 70 percent of the Earth surface is covered by the ocean. There is approximately 1. 4 billion km2 of liquid water by mass on Earth (Oak & Kanae, 2006). The existence of permanent liquid water responsible to create a mild temperature and a stable environment.Liquid water is an important element implicates the emergence and evolution of life on Earth after a few million years from the latest collision (Baross & Hoffman, 1985). The distinct blue colour of t he ocean and the green colour of the terrestrial land is obvious on the Earth surface. Nevertheless, it is hardly to observe the entire view of the surface because of the scattering effect (Adams, 1934) and screening effect of the cohesive cloud in the atmosphere. Differences between the earth’s atmosphere and other planetary atmosphere including the presence of oxygen and relatively low carbon dioxide concentration.The atmosphere is extremely important to the biosphere. Without atmosphere, organisms nowadays would probably remain in the simple form or single celled. Furthermore, the ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs and reflects part of the solar radiation incoming from the sun. This reduction of solar radiation lowers down the atmospheric temperature dramatically which allows organisms to survive. The Earth would not be so unique among the solar system when missing either one of the systems. The Gaia hypothesis links this concept and indicates the Earth is a giant self- regulating system.The interactions of the organisms with their abiotic environments modified the condition of the Earth such as oxygen content and atmospheric temperature, making the Earth more habitable terrestrial planet (Lovelock, 1973). Evolution of the Earth: Allegre and the research team (1995) suggested that the Earth was formed 4. 53 to about 4. 7 Ga. The age range of the earth was estimated by means of a series of isotope dating so the results are relatively valid. The Earth queues the third planet from the sun and its average radius is 6371 km (Lide, 2000).Because of specific distance from the sun and the size, the Earth prevents some of the very light elements, such as hydrogen, from escaping, by gravitational force (Adams, 1934). Moreover, the Earth has a gravitational force of 10 g (Yoder, 1995). Gravitational force is an inconspicuous pull generated from the Earth core. The Earth self-spins once it is formed. The rotation period of the earth is 23 hours and 56 minutes (Gold, 1967). This spinning effect creates centrifugal force which differentiate substances by mass. Heavy metal tends to migrate toward the Earth core and leaving the light materials outside.When time passes, the surface of the earth cools and the first land formed. Although land also appears in other planets such as Mars, the crust of the Earth is different. Interestingly, unlike Mars, the Earth surface is not covered by a concrete sphere but a few tectonic plates. Since the Mars is much smaller than the Earth so the cooling effect of Mars is much faster than the Earth. By now, the crust of the Mars has not been renewed for a certain long period. The plate tectonic moves with three strategies, convergency, divergency and transformation. The movement of the plates driven by the underneath semisolid magma (Courteny, 2008).Surface morphology is determined by the way which the tectonic plates move and density of the plates. Tectonic activities, earthquake, mountain-building, volcanic eruption and subduction zone, are restricted along plate boundaries (Courtery, 2008). Volcanic activities and oceanic subduction are extremely important processes to deliver materials from the inner core and renew surface materials respectively. These recycling processes keep providing accessible resources for the living organisms. Atmosphere and ocean formation was also suggested to be related to volcanic activities (Morbidelli, 2000).Aforementioned that self-spinning of the Earth differentiate substances on Earth. Iron, as a metal that can be magnetized, and with accordingly high atomic mass, moves inward and forms the core. After 60 million years after the late Heavy Bombardment, the magnetic field was established (Staff, 2010). Studies from Karato (1993) implies the magnetic field may relate to the magnetizing properties of iron. No matter how the Earth’s magnetic field was formed, it â€Å"prevents the atmosphere being stripped away by the solar wind† (Staff, 2010 ). Atmosphere: The atmosphere is the outermost, thin layer enclosing the Earth.The composition of the atmosphere for example, oxygen, is imperative to the evolution of the Earth. The atmosphere of the Earth is comparable to the nearby terrestrial planet such as Mars and Venus. Given that the average distance and the size of Venus from the sun is 3/4 and 4/5 of the Earth, Venus has an atmosphere (Adams, 1934). Spectroscopic studies indicate that the atmosphere of Venus does not show any markings representing the presence of oxygen and water vapour, even if these elements, once, had been appearing on Venus, they were consumed by the crust.Another result in the same spectroscopic concluded that the Venus atmosphere contains a high concentration of carbon dioxide, triggering a sever greenhouse effect (Adams, 1934). In addition to Venus, the Mars with only one tenth by the mass of the Earth also has an atmosphere. Spectrograms studies raised significant markings on ? 8300 and ? 8700 reco gnizes the appearance of water and carbon dioxide respectively on the Mars atmosphere(Kaplan et. al. , 1964). The presence of water on Mars is obvious with the ice cap present in the polar region of Mars (Adams, 1934).Not surprisingly, oxygen absents in Mars atmosphere and was proofed by the light frequency relative to carbon dioxide was not absorbed by the Mars atmosphere (Kaplan et. al.. 1964). From the example of Venus and Mars, it clearly shows that containing such a high concentration of oxygen, 21%, with extraordinary low carbon dioxide concentration, 0. 03%, as the Earth’s atmosphere is uncommon in the solar system. The composition of the Earth atmosphere provides with evidences that it has been modified by some other factors. This modification, as we know, was conducted by plants.Plants inhale carbon dioxide and exhale free oxygen as a by-product through the process of photosynthesis, inorganic substances were also converted into organic substances during the process (Berkner & Marshall, 1965). Free oxygen facilitates the evolution of organisms because high oxygen concentration triggers aerobic respiration, without oxygen, organisms nowadays would probably remain simple (Fenchel & Finlay, 1994). Differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration not only limit on the requirement of oxygen, the oxidizing power and good electron accepting properties of oxygen boosts energy metabolism (Babcock, 1999).Babcock (1999) also stated that aerobic respiration releases much more ATPs than anaerobic respiration, ATP can be treated as the energy storage unit in organisms. In other words, organisms undergo aerobic respiration can perform more vigorous activities or prolong the duration of the activities. Furthermore, the ozone layer derived from the excess free oxygen incubated a habitable environment for living organisms. The ozone layer with related to energy budget and the effect on human was well examined in Norway (Adams, 1934; Henriksen, 1990) .The ozone layer prevents living organisms burnt to death by screening out part of the UV-radiation reaching to the Earth surface. Hydrosphere: By the time when Earth was just formed, water from asteroids,  proto-planets, and  comets was locked in the core. Volcanic extrusion and outgassing brings magma along with dissolved gas and water vapour to the surface respectively. Extruded gas and water vapour suspended in the atmosphere therefore atmospheric pressure continuously increases. Water condenses when the atmospheric vapour pressure is saturated.Water droplets fall onto the ground and ocean formed (Morbidelli, 2000). Liquid water is an advance heat reservior because of having an extremely high specific heat capacity, 4200J/kg/?. This significantly high specific heat capacity, in other words, a large sum of energy can only result in a small extent of changes in temperature of water. The high energy absorption ability combined with the ocean current makes the ocean a good vecto r for transporting absorbed solar energy and regulating global climate (Michon, 2006). Apart from an excellent thermal reservoir, liquid water is also a good solvent.Gases in the atmosphere and minerals from the hydorthermal vents can easily dissolve into the water. Dissolved gas and minerals has planted a seed to the extensive evolution of life throughout the geological time (Morris, 2007). Biosphere: As we discussed the geosphere, atmosphere and the hydrosphere above, these systems have one thing in common. All the systems are linked with the biosphere. Although other planets in the solar system exhibit either physical feature, mostly not more than two, with Earth. The true uniqueness of the Earth raised from the presents of life which cannot be found on other planets recently.The origin of life is still a hot arguing topic among groups of scientists. However, the hydothermal vent is the most commonly and recently acceptable concepts of the origin of life (Baross & Hoffman, 19 85). The origin of life via submarine hydrothermal vent hypothesis has not been disproved yet since it was published because there are no other environment on Earth can provide a thermo-stable habitat with abundant minerals supply, for example, nitrogen and sulphur, for life establishment (Baross & Hoffman, 1985). Photosynthesis is considered as a key issue of the origin of life (Hartman, 1996).Bacteria record found in western Australia, dated as 3. 5 billion years ago, stated that cyanobacteria may be the first autotrophic organism and responsible for the later atmospheric modification (Awranik, 1992). This key process opens the window of free oxygen, hence considerably boosted the evolution of organisms. The GAIA Hypothesis: Every system discussed above has its own features and contributions within the system boundaries. There is no doubt that every literatures when emphasizing the planet Earth, it can hardly find any paper just put the focus on a single system.The same situat ion can also be observed in this article. For example, in the discussion part of the origin and development of the atmosphere, the tectonic activities and outgassing processes were mentioned. Moreover, a similar case was obtained when investigating biosphere. Although the whole part is bias towards living organisms, the effect of atmosphere to the biosphere can hardly be eliminated. The above situation is not due to the habit of the authors or the regulations of the publishers but it is the real case of the Earth.All systems on the Earth, including geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere or even self-defined systems, are interdependent. These systems interact with each other to create a more habitable planey. This complex interaction has long been observed by James Lovelock (1973) and explained in the GAIA Hypothesis. GAIA hypothesis suggested early life form achieve some sort of ability to control the global climate and the effect is still active. Lovelock (1972) stated that once the life exist on Earth, the physical environment and the chemical states had resulted a dramatic change.For example, the solar radiation level had increased dramatically since life exists. The Earth surface temperature, nevertheless, has only changed for a few degrees, throughout billion of years, compared to the current temperature. More interestingly, the rate and the extent of temperature change during the past billion years is so slow and mild respectively that the environment always permit the persistence of living organisms or provide long enough time for organisms to adapt. Without life, the atmosphere of the Earth will be similar to that of Mars and Venus.The above example, therefore, proved that the atmosphere we are now breathing is â€Å"biological contrivance† (Lovelock, 1972). The terms â€Å"Spaceship Earth† (Lovelock, 1972) was used to represent the planet where we are living. When astronauts were sent into the space, all the requirements for survi val can only obtain from the storage in the spaceship. If either system in the spaceship fails, astronauts will probably die. Conclusion: Doubtlessly, the Earth has many physical environments that absent in other planets. For example, liquid water and living organisms.However, what really makes the Earth rare is the interaction between different functional systems with unknown complexity. These interactions connected to the terminology of the â€Å"Spaceship Earth† meaning the Earth has the ability to self-regulate to adjust its own environmental condition that result in a harmonious giant system. Reference: Awramik, S. M. (1992). The oldest records of photosynthesis. PhotosynthesisResearch 33 (2): 75-89 Claude J. Allegre,  Gerard Manhes,  Christa Gopel, (1995). The age of the Earth. David R. Lide. (2000). Various. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics  . 1 Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 59 (8):1445–1456 Gerald T Babcock. (1999). How oxygen is activated and reduced in respiration. PNAS. 96(23):12971-12973 Henriksen, Thormod, Dahlback, Arne, Larsen, Soren H. H. Moan, Johan. (1990). ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION and SKIN CANCER. EFFECT OF AN OZONE LAYERDEPLETION. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 51 (5):579-582 Hyman Hartman. (1996). Photosynthesis and the origin of life. Origins of life andevolution of the biosphere. 28:515-521 James E. Lovelock, (1972). Chapter 25: GAIA as seen through the atmosphere.Atmospheric environment. 6 (8):579-580 James E. Lovelock, (1973). Atmospheric homeostasis by and for the biosphere: thegaia hypothesis. Tellus. 26 (1-2):2-10 John A. Baross & Sarah E. Hoffman. (1985). Submarine hydrothermal vents andassociated gradient environments as sites for the origin and evolution of life. Origin of life and evolution of the biosphere. 15 (4):327-345 L. V. Berkner & L. C. Marshall. (1965). On the origin and rise of oxygen concentrationin the earth’s atmosphere. Journal of the atmospheric science. 22(3):225-261 Lewis D. Kaplan, Guido Munch, Hyron Spinrad (1964). An analysis of the spectrum ofMars. The astrophysical journal. 139 (1): 1-15 Morbidelli, A. et al. (2000). Source regions and time scales for the delivery of waterto Earth. Meteoritics & Planetary Science  35  (6): 1309–1320 Morris, Ron M. (2007). Oceanic Processes. NASA Astrobiology Magazine. P. D. Moore. (1983). Plants and the palaeoatmosphere. Journal of the GeologicalSociety of London, 140(1):13-25 Robin M. Canup, (2008). Accretion of the Earth. Philosophical Transactions:Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. 66:4061-4075 Scott, Michon (2007). Earth's Big heat Bucket. NASA Earth Observatory Seligman, Courtney (2008). The Structure of the Terrestrial Planets. OnlineAstronomy eText Table of Contents. URL: cseligman. com. Accessed: 6thNovermber,2012 Shun-ichiro Karato. (1993). Inner Core Anisotropy Due to the MagneticField—induced Preferred Orientation of Iron. Science,  262 (5140):1708-1711. Staff. (2010 ). Oldest measurement of Earth's magnetic field reveals battle betweenSun and Earth for our atmosphere. Physorgnt. news. T. Gold. (1967).Radio Method for the Precise Measurement of the Rotation Period ofthe Earth. Science. 21 (3786):302-304 Taikan Oki & Shinjiro Kanae, (2006). Global Hydrological Cycles and World WaterResources. Science 313 (1068. ) Tom Fenchel & Bland J. Finlay. (1994). The evolution of life without oxygen. Americanscientist. 82 (1):22-29 Walter S. Adams, (1934). The Planets and Their Atmospheres. The Scientific Monthly. 39 (1):5-19 Yoder, Charles F. (1995). Global Earth Physic. A Handbook of Physical Constants. Washington: American Geophysical Union. p. 12

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been Versus Smooth Talk

The saying goes the only difference between a tragedy and a comedy is the ending. Meaning no matter how tragic or comedic a story begins, the ending is what determines what type of story was told (thus what genre it falls in). This concept of endings is greatly exemplified through the comparison of the short story Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates and the film the story was based on called Smooth Talk. Both works contain an abundance of similarities but, due to slight yet critical changes made, the two stories become very different in their underlying themes/genre.The two stories differ in aspects such as (obviously) the title, character traits (i. e. June), certain plot details and most importantly the endings. They differ completely. The difference in endings change a horror story inspired by a real serial killer to a coming of age film for the American teenage girl. The short story Where Are You Going Where Have You Been like all short stories is short The short story is a total of twelve pages long and begins with roughly a two page description on Connie and her family.The short yet informational background helps the reader realize Connie is the typical fifteen year old girl whose main priorities are the same as most fifteen year old girls: need for attention, boys, and looks.. One day she doesn’t listen to her family and decides to stay home instead of bonding with her family at a relative’s barbeque.Connie’s fate begins its dark and bleak road when, like most horror stories, is home alone and a stranger comes to the house. The strangers name is Arnold Friend and his intentions though unclear at first, become more and more evident as the conversation between him and Connie unravels.Arnold talks in a tone that is both alluring and vicious, he tells Connie information about herself that just seems impossible for him to know giving him the characteristic of a hellish creature that sees all ( like the devil). Ar nold appears to have put Connie in a Dracula like dazed charm which makes her eventually get in his car where the story comes to an abrupt end. Though the ending is ambiguous, Connie is raped and killed by the monster Arnold Friend, or an old fiend (if one removes all the letter r’s in his name).Though the ending is vague, it is still haunting and horrific in the way that an evil creature posing as a teenager targets/abducts a young girl, violates her then kills her. This story is every parent’s nightmare and the scariest part about it is how achievable a heinous act like this is. The definition of horror is an overwhelming and painful feeling caused by something frightfully shocking, terrifying, or revolting; the ending of Oates’ short story does just that. The ending is gloomy, sad, and horrific which makes this story a horror story.Like most horror stories a lesson is taught, if one lies to their parents and act naughty, they’ll will eventually meet th e devil. The Film Smooth Talk starring Laura Dern, revolves around the same characters from the story Joyce Carol Oates wrote about, but takes a different approach. Smooth Talk is a ninety minute film based on a twelve page short story so it’s a no brainer that scenes were prolonged and added. The scenes that were prolonged/added do not focus on Oates’ Arnold Friend, but rather takes a more in-depth look at Connie’s family life.In the short story we are told certain characteristics of Connie’s family but, nothing more than that; nothing to make the mother, father or her sister June significant characters in the story. The story by Oates breifly touches on the subject of Connie and her mother not getting along, while the film constantly revolves around this mother-daughter conflict. Smooth Talk chooses to focus and explore more on the dysfunction between Connie and her family (especially the one with her mother) rather than for example finding out more abo ut the character Arnold Friend.After about an hour and ten minutes watching Connie’s naive adolescent persona constantly creating turmoil in her house, are we then introduced to the film’s antagonist, Arnold Friend. The confrontation between Arnold and Connie go exactly as they do in the short story, with one big exception, the story doesn’t end once Connie gets in the car. In Smooth talk, much like the short story, Arnold does indeed rape Connie, however, afterwards he returns her home alive. Once returned home, Connie’s naà ¯ve self centered take on life seems to have been left in the field Arnold molested her at.Connie walks toward the house where she is lovingly greeted by her remorseful mother apologizing for slapping her in an earlier scene. She has experienced the horrors of the outside world and realizes the good life and safety her family provides for her. The last scene in Smooth talk ends with Connie sitting in her room, not looking outside bu t, looking in. Then her sister June walks in, and instead of the two butting heads like they did throughout the entire film, Connie embraces her and they start dancing.What this nding shows is that the Connie from Smooth Talk, is no longer wishing to ‘be old enough to drive so she can leave her home’. She experienced the ‘harsh cruel world’ that Eddie from the earlier diner scene was talking about.Most importantly is this ending is not sad or monotonic, it is happy and hopeful, the complete opposite of the story it is based on What Smooth talk ends up being isn’t a horror story like Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been but, a story of a typical all knowing teenager who learns the hard way just how important family after she gets in a situation she can’t smooth talk her way out of.Although Smooth Talk is based on Oates’ short story, by the end of each story and because of the end, what one has is two completely different stories. One story is for a parent to scare their daughter straight, the other is to remind them that in life no matter what, one will always have family.