Social analysis of urban experience and sustainable tourism Essay

Social analysis of urban experience and sustainable tourism - Essay Example Urbanization in itself is a complex subject and has experienced a lot of social, environmental, commercial and geographical changes in the process of its evolution. Rapidly increasing population and globalised trade policies enforced the states to strengthen their industrial power.Consequently it led to the concentration of country population towards the industrial hubs shaping in big cities with dense population resulting in over exploitation; a major cause, threatening global biodiversity. (Wilcove, Rothstein, Dubow and Losos 1998). The urbanization had often faced anti - urban expressions from contemporary social-theorists. Besides the luxurious life, urbanization erased the originality of the indigenous and traditional system leading to social malfunctioning. It is estimated that a quarter of the endangered vertebrates in the United States of America and half of the endangered mammals is attributed to overexploitation (Primack 2002). 2. Urbanization and Society The process of urb anization deserves credit for its role in initiating Meritocracy ( Kamolnick 2005). Michael Young defined the term as; the rise of the meritocracy favors intelligence, aptitude and merit above all (Young 1958). The increase in the industries, created a large number of job opportunities lowering unemployment. Along with that the concept of capitalism has played a key role in urbanization and development of sophisticated technology in the world. However, these good sides of the urbanization carry equally dangerous ill-effects in the society and environment which is harmful to social system and nature. There is an extreme necessity of the sustainable development, mostly giving emphasis on sustainable tourism. As Pattullo and Orely (2009) asserts, the number of tourist trips in the year 2007 was some 900 million. And by 2020, it is expected to reach 1.6 billion making tourism $8 trillion industry employing 1 of 10 world workers. Simultaneously, such a huge increase in the number of tourists has resulted in some adverse ill-effects in the urban life experience, such as: 1. Cities are filled with mismanaged crowd resulting in over population. 2. Uncontrolled noise and air pollution due to huge nu mber of vehicles in the cities challenging public health in cities. 3. Increase in unmanageable garbage resulting in a dirty city environment. 4. Increase in prostitution and drug dealing, so to fulfill the demand of the tourists. 5. Cultural and ethical values in city life have been endangered due to its frequent exposure to foreign population. 6. Increase in security problems in cites, due to unaccountability of tourists giving easy entry to the terrorists and other criminals. As a result of the above mentioned factors, the urban life has changed into a suffocated one. However, to maintain the economic conditions, people are forced to stay back; otherwise they would have been seeking for peaceful options to live their life. Let us take, India as an example: In 1986, the first known case of HIV was diagnosed. Later that year, sex workers began showing signs of this deadly disease. It is learned that these foreigners were the ones responsible for the first infections (aidsindia 2011 ). At the end of 2009, India had 2.39 million people living with HIV (Times 2010). 3. Urbanization and sustainable development We have already discussed the environmental issues which are serious concern for many countries as urbanization is rooted all over the world. The only need is to construct the urban areas into habitable and sustainable cities. For this, we need to identify the urban problems and its solutions to reform it and also find out the ways to prepare the cities for sustainable tourism. To achieve such aims, there are some key-points to follow: To teach the people about garbage management. To provide more attention to conservation of natural resources. Preferring Eco friendly industries and machines that function without disturbing ecosystem. 4. Role of institutions and

Feminist Criticism of Triffles Essay Example for Free

Feminist Criticism of Triffles Essay The bone of contention for feminist theory is centered at the treatment of women living in a patriarchal society. Feminists raised questions about why women were being forced into a position of subordination and their affairs looked at with marginal importance. Susan Glaspell’s story â€Å"Trifles† depicts the plight of women and their subordination while subversively commenting on the negative effects this had on the female psyche. â€Å"Triflesâ€Å" begins with an investigation into the murder of John Wright, which takes place at his farm house. His wife, Mrs. Wright, is found at the crime scene and put in jail. She asks three of her friends, who are wives of the detectives investigating, to collect her apron and shawl. While the men scamper about trying to solve the crime of who did it, the women rifle through Mrs. Wrights belonging in search of her request. Noticing simple things out of place in the home or the trifles (as the men call it), they inadvertently find clues that reveal Mrs. Wright to be the murderer. It is said, the devils in the details which proves to be accurate in this situation. Glaspell’s story is a commentary on the societal values of women at the time and their roles in the home. By using theorists such as Gilbert and Gubar, Fetterly, and Irigaray, one can see how Glaspell uses a feminist critique to call to question the inequalities of women and highlighting the detriment this subordination has on females. â€Å"Trifles† embodies the problems of alienation women faced in the hands of a patriarchal society. Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan say â€Å"the subject of feminism was women‘s experience under patriarchy, the long tradition of male rule in society which silenced women‘s voices, distorted their lives, and treated their concerns as peripheralâ€Å" (527). We see this in the beginning of â€Å"Trifles†, â€Å"Mrs. Peters: Oh, her fruit; it did freeze. She worried about that when it turned so cold. She said the fire’d go out and her jars would break. Hale: Well, women are used to worrying over trifles† (Glaspell, 1043). The women’s voice is silenced by the man’s failure to recognize her concerns as legitimate. When presented with a concern from a woman, instead of paying attention, the men dismiss the women and their observations and silence them from speaking further. This alienates the women, placing them in a lower status. Of this Luce Irigaray say, â€Å" A direct feminine challenge to this condition means demanding to speak as a (masculine) â€Å"subject†, that is, it means to postulate a relation to the intelligible that would maintain sexual difference† (570). By Glaspell participating in the canon of literature and bringing attention to the female issue of subordination, she is challenging and demanding to speak in â€Å"masculine† terms, as literature was dominated by males. According to Judith Fetterley â€Å" American Literature is male. Our literature neither leaves women alone nor allows them to participate† (561). Glaspell shatters this. She is participating in a genre of art that was viewed as predominantly male. Also, she not only gave her female characters a participatory role, they had the most important role, while the men were secondary and almost needless. Speaking to the â€Å"silencing of voices† Glaspell writes, â€Å"Mrs. Peters: [looking in cupboard] Why, here’s a bird cage. [Holds it up] Did she have a bird, Mrs. Hale? Mrs. Hale: Why I don’t know whether she did or not-I’ve not been here for so long†¦ She used to sing real pretty herself† (1047). It goes on to read about Mr. Wright, â€Å" Mrs. Hale: But he was a hard man, Mrs. Peters. Just to pass the time of day with him-[Shivers. ] Like a raw wind that gets to the bone. [Pauses, her eye falling on the cage. ] I should think she would ‘a wanted a bird. But what do you suppose went with it? † (1048). As Rivkin and Ryan state, as mentioned above, the man silences the woman. Mr. Wright silenced Mrs. Wright, not allowing her to sing, â€Å"distorting† her life. Judith Fetterley believes that there is a certain amount of â€Å"power that marriage puts in the hands of men†(563) and â€Å"ownership of women is invoked as the index of power†(564). Because Mrs. Wright was so changed by her husband, â€Å"Mrs. Hale: She-come to think of it, she was kind of like a bird herself-real sweet and pretty, but kind of timid and-fluttery. How-she-did-change† (1048), she was not only isolated in her home with her husband but her life was de valued, therefore she changed. Mr. Wright wanted her to be silent which is reminiscent of what Gilbert and Gubar say that a woman should be waiting â€Å"silently, without calling attention to her exertions† as it would detract from her focus on others (601). â€Å"Trifles† also reads, â€Å"Mrs. Hale: I might have known she needed help! I know how things can be -for women. I tell you it’s queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together and we live far apart. We all go through the same things-it’s all just a different kind of the same thing. † (Glaspell, 1049). Here Susan Glaspell is pointing out the alienation that is a prevalent feeling amongst women. This feeling is induced by the patriarchal society that does not allow them to have a life of their own. Glaspell’s character Mrs. Wright sacrifices everything because that’s what her husband demanded, which was the status quo. Gilbert and Gubar also state â€Å"For to be selfless is not only to be noble, it is to be dead. A life that has no story†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (602). Mrs. Wright is the embodiment of these ideas. She is isolated, alienated, and quiet; she’s expected to be angel-like. The angel/devil binary is discussed by Gilbert and Gubar. The idea is that women have two sides to them. One side that is silent, submissive, obedient, and the other that is a monster, conniving, and deceitful (605). Though Mrs. Wright could be critically looked at as being a product of this angel/devil binary, more importantly Glaspell is challenging the male’s role in this binary. Essentially she is pointing out that by men placing women in a submissive role they are contributing to this angel/devil behavior they are critical of. The fact that the angel woman manipulates her domestic/mystical sphere in order to ensure the well-being of those entrusted to her care reveals that she can manipulate; she can scheme; she can plot- stories as well as strategies† (602). The woman can do no right. Fetterley points out â€Å"the sacrificial scapegoat is the woman/wife and the cleansed survivor is the husband/male. In such fictions the female reader is co-opted into participation in an experience from which she is explicitly excluded; she is asked to identify with a selfhood that defines itself in opposition to her; she is required to identify against herself† (562). Typically this is true because the male perception of women is that they should be angels, self sacrificing, subordinate but criticize this because they also believe the binary opposition to women is the devil. They are eliminating an identifiable character for the female reader, alienating them. Glaspell however, allows the female reader to identify with her female characters. In â€Å"Trifles† the women are doing â€Å"female things† looking about the kitchen, paying attention to the sewing, noticing the rotten fruit. Essentially everything that has to do with house hold matters. The men are utside looking for clues in the barn, completely unaware or unaltered by the fact that a woman could possibly have committed such an atrocious crime. After all, action is male and silence is female. Gilbert and Gubar quote from Eichner, â€Å"the ideal of significant action is masculine† and â€Å" women are defined as wholly passive, completely void of generative power†(599). Because women are viewed as having no power the men over look the evidence in the house; The house is for the women and their trifles. At the end of â€Å"Trifles† the women find Mrs. Wrights dead bird, with a broken neck. Coincidentally the same way her husband was murdered. The bird is wrapped up in her quilt, when it is found the story reads, â€Å"Mrs. Hale: [Jumping up] But, Mrs. Peters- look at it! It’s [sic] neck! Look at its neck! It’s all-other side to. Mrs. Peters: Somebody-wrung-its-neck† (Glaspell 1048). It is at this moment the women realize that Mrs. Wright has killed her husband. The attorney walks in and says â€Å" [As one turning from serious things to little pleasantries] Well, ladies, have you decided whether she was going to quilt it or knot it† (Glaspell 1048). By asking about quilting or knotting he is referring to the stitching on Mrs. Wrights quilt. The quilt is one of the â€Å"trifles† indicating Mrs. Wright as the murderer. Once again, Glaspell is drilling it into the readers head that the men think women’s concerns are unimportant. As the story goes on, the women allude to the fact that Mr. Wright could have played a hand in the death of the bird Mrs. Wright loved so. Glaspell continuously points out the domination and control of the men (Mr. Wright in this case) and the psychological effects it has on the women. Mrs. Peters: [ In a whisper. ] When I was a girl- my kitten- there was a boy took a hatchet, and before my eyes-and before I could get there-[Covers her face an instant. ] If they hadn’t held me back I would have- hurt him†(Glaspell, 1049). Not only are grown men oppressive of women, it appears that Glaspell is also commenting on the societal values of child rearing, pertaining to sex. The little b oy is allowed to act violently (action is masculine) but the little girl has to be held back, and allow whatever grief she feels to over come her with not outlet. This speaks to Rivkin and Ryan’s idea of a constructionist or essentialist child rearing. In other words, are children taught their roles of femininity and masculinity or are they innate? By the child scenario given in â€Å"Trifles† Glaspell notes that the different genders abide by different ideals. The little boy (fulfilling essentialism) is allowed to be â€Å"active† fulfilling his innate desire to take a hatchet to the cat. The little girl is fulfilling the constructionist role. Her gender is being created when she is being told how to act, being held back and constrained, none of these being her first choice. As children, it would appear, little boys are able to act on their natural desires, while little girls have to grin and bear it. Of these two ideals Gilbert and Gubar say, â€Å"two perspectives began to form, one â€Å"constructionist† or accepting of the idea that gender is made by culture in history, the other â€Å"essentialist,† more inclined to the idea that gender reflects a natural difference between men and women that is as much psychological, even linguistic, as it is biological† (529). These roles the children learn, carry with them into their adult lives where women are oppressed and men are free. This is another example of women being isolated from a young age. The last scene of â€Å"Trifles† is Mrs. Hale putting the dead bird in her pocket, keeping Mrs. Wrights secret. â€Å" County Attorney: No, Peters it’s all perfectly clear except a reason for doing it. But you know juries when it comes to women. If there was some definite thing. Something to show-something to make a story about- a thing that would connect up with this strange way of doing it-† ( Glaspell, 1050). The men in their ignorance don’t see what’s in front of them. The evidence was there, they just let their social conventions detract from the situation at hand. In a way, Glaspell is making the male gender look foolish. By placing the evidence in conspicuous places, their inability to find clues is commenting on the narrow scope of males. â€Å"County Attorney:: Oh, I guess they’re not very dangerous things the ladies have picked out. [Moves a few things about, disturbing the quilt pieces which cover the box. Steps back. ] No, Mrs. Peters doesn’t need supervising. For that matter, a sheriff’s wife is married to the law. † (1050). As everyone leaves the scene they police suggest checking what Mrs. Peters is removing from the house. The attorney is almost amused at what he finds to be trifles that she is collecting ( the apron, shawl, quilt) when she is in fact removing the evidence he was searching for. The women in this story feel bad for Mrs. Wright. They are not â€Å"married to the law† but dedicated to the common bond of the alienated woman. The law that the attorney says Mrs. Peters is married to, is a patriarchal law that oppresses women and makes them subjects of the system. These women’s devotion truly lies with each other and their struggle to survive an oppressive society. If in marriage a woman is isolated and dominated, her only sense of self lies within the common struggle. Because she identifies with the sadness of Mrs. Wright she with holds evidence. Susan Glaspell’s â€Å"Trifles† provides a solution to many of the inherent problems the feminist scholars bring to light. She writes about the alienation of women and how a patriarchal society is silencing. Women’s voices are not heard and when they are, there opinions and concerns are dismissed, regardless of their importance. Glaspell uses the relationship between her male and female characters to exemplify this. Glaspell challenges the notion of the male writers point of view in that she, simply by writing and challenging, is taking on the male characteristic of action as opposed to silence. She also plays with the duality of the notion of woman, angel and devil. She constructs a character that could be seen as the angel/devil, but subversively comments on society pushing the woman into these roles they find so disagreeable. This further leads into the idea of constructionist and essentialist where girls identities are constructed while boys are innate, causing a future of oppressive relationships.

Comparing Charlotte Perkins Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper; and Kate Cho

Comparing Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' and Kate Chopin's 'The Story of an Hour' 'The Yellow Wallpaper';, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and 'The Story of an Hour';, by Kate Chopin, are alike in that both of the women in the stories were controlled by their husbands which caused them to feel an intense desire for freedom. Both stories were also written from a feminist point of view. However, the women in the stories had different life changes and different responses to their own freedom as a result of that change. In both stories the women's husbands had direct control over their lives. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper'; the narrator's husband controlled her both mentally and physically. He does not allow her to have any sort of mental or physical stimulation. She is virtually imprisoned in her bedroom, supposedly to allow her to rest and recover her health. She is forbidden to work and not even supposed to write. She does not even have a say in the location or dà ©cor of the room she is forced to spend almost even moment in. Furthermore, visitors are absolutely not allowed. She says, 'It is so discouraging not to have any advice and companionship about my work-but he says he would as soon put fireworks in my pillow-case as to let me have those stimulating people about now';(Gilman 635). Mrs. Mallard in 'The Story of an Hour'; had to deal with the same sort of affliction. Her husband had control over her 'body and soul';. She felt that he lived her life for her and did 'not believe that anyone had th e right to impose a private will on a fellow creature'; (Chopin 13). This control caused both women to long for freedom from their husbands' oppressive behavior. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper'; it seems that the narrator wishes to drive her husband away. She explains, 'John is away all day, and even some nights when his cases are serious. I am glad my case is not serious'; (Gilman 634)! This quote shows that she is glad to see her husband away so that she may be left alone to do as she pleases without interference from her husband. She is frequently rebelling against her husband's orders. She writes in her journal and tries to move her bed when there is no one around to see her. However, she always keeps an eye out for someone coming. The intense desire for freedom is even more obvious in 'The Story of an Hour.'; Mrs. Mallard's craving for freed... ...her husband's death, 'she wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment'; (Chopin 12). But, her grief was short lived. She soon was overcome with the joy that her husband would no longer control her. 'Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of day that would be her own'; (Chopin 13). However, when she realized that her husband was not really dead, she was overcome by grief again. The resulting grief because her husband was not dead was so intense that it killed her. 'The Yellow Wallpaper'; and 'The Story of an Hour'; have many similarities between the two. Both stories had controlling husbands that directly led to the their wives yearning for freedom. The stories were also both written from a feminist point of view. But, the women had different types of life changes and different responses to the change in their life. Works Cited: Choplin, Kate. 'The Story of an Hour.'; Literature for Composition. Ed. Sylvan Barnet et al. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2000, 12-13. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'; Literature for Composition. Ed. Sylvan Barnet et al. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2000, 12-13.

The Film American Beauty Essay -- Movie Films American Beauty Essays

The Film American Beauty   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In life, everyone must make choices. Choices give an individual the freedom to decide the path which they will follow. In the movie American Beauty, each of the characters has a choice he or she needs to make. The main character, Lester Burnham, is faced with many choices that could either lead to his ultimate happiness or draw him further into his despair. Carolyn Burnham, Lester's wife, is faced with a loveless marriage that exists only because she does not possess the willingness to break the cycle. This cycle involves protecting their daughter by staying married. In reality, children of a marriage such as this are often the biggest victims of this sham. Jane Burnham is Lester and Carolyn's daughter. She is caught between the two of them, and her decision is to tune her parents out. Ricky Fitts, the boy next door, makes his choice of knowing when to cooperate with his father. Ricky's dad, Colonel Fitts, makes his choice of finally admitting of his sexual prefer ence. Angela Hayes, Jane's friend, makes her choice of losing her virginity to Lester. Each character has to learn how to deal with his or her own problems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lester Burnham is in a state of despair. Lester's dull and monotonous voice introduces the audience to his daily routine of life. At the age of 42 he has become sympathetic to everything. He realizes that his family life is the "pits" as he becomes aware that both his wife and daughter consider him a gigantic loser. He feels they are right about this. He believes he has lost something and that he did not always feel this sedated. Lester's disheartenment is symbolic in the car scene. Lester sits slouched down in the back seat with a look of emptiness while his daughter sits up front next to his wife, who is driving the car. Carolyn drives the car just as she drives the family, especially, Lester. She has evolved into the decision-maker and leader of the Burnham family. Sitting in the backseat, Lester avoids further conflict with his wife, leading him to become an even unhappier and more desperate person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lester's life at work is no better than his life at home. After fourteen years at a job, that is viewed by Lester as nothing more than being a corporate slave at a media marketing magazine, Lester is asked by an efficiency expert at work to write a memo justifying his position. In Lester's ... ... Health 29 June 2001:11-26. Berardinelli, James. "A Film Review, American Beauty." September 15, 1999. [Online] Available http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/a/american_beauty.html.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "Drug Statistics." October 2000. [Online] Available http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/briefingbook/page15.htm.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ebert, Roger. "Review, American Beauty." September 14, 2001. [Online] Available http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/a/american_beauty.html "Family Violence Statistics." September 18, 2001. [Online] Available   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.soundvision.com/domesticviolence/statistics.shtml.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "How to Survive Infidelity." September 14, 2001. [Online] Available http://www.marriagebuilders.com   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "Marijuana 13551." January 22, 2001. [Online] Available http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/marijuana.html.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "Nationwide Trends 13567." February 15, 2001. [Online] Available http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/nationtrends.html   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Payne, Robert. "Reel Review, American Beauty." September 14, 2001. [Online] Available http://www.reel.com.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know. Publication No. 98-4036. November 1998.

Live Theatre Review

The actors and director of The â€Å"Woman In Black† had complete power and control over the audience's reactions and emotions. For our Drama GCSE we went to see â€Å"The Woman in Black†, on Monday 1st December 2003. The play was showing at the Fourtune theatre and was based on a book by Susan Hill; which was adapted by Stephen Mallatratt. The â€Å"Woman In Black† is about a middle aged solicitor called Arthur Kipps, who years earlier had lost an infant son following some eerie incidents in an English town. In hopes of getting rid of his personal demons and ghosts, he approaches a young actor to turn his written account into a theatre piece (re-enactment.) It shows all of the happenings with a recently deceased woman called Alice Drableau and her remote, mysterious house. The play explores the issues of the supernatural and things beyond the human world, such as ghosts and things that are invisible to the human eye; created by mime and the actors and audience's imagination. I think that the play and the actors explored these issues very well, but I am not sure if they were explored in a believable way. I thought that the first half of the play was quite slow, tedious, and we weren't drawn in so there wasn't any control over us whilst watching it. However, when the play reached the second half the pace started to pick up, and tension was created, which drew us in and gave the actors control over our reactions. It was remarkable how far people in the audience were willing to go with their imaginations. They seemed to be really involved with the performance; I think that to a certain extent we all were. The play was structured with flashbacks and crosscutting which gave us a more in depth understanding of what had happened in the past to effect the future. The actors took us on a journey with them in whichever time they were in. We knew what time they were in, as the actors clicked their fingers towards the lighting technician each time. At first it didn't seem to be part of the performance, later on when it occurred again it was clear that this was a repeated action and was necessary to the play. When actually thinking about it they were actors, acting as though they were acting a re-enactment. Quite confusing I thought. The lights changed from being bright when in the present, to being dim; and almost seemed like sepia tones to give that more ancient feel when in the past. I don't think that this was done as well or creative as it could have been. The clicking to me just seemed odd and something that didn't belong in the play, even though I can understand what they were trying to do. The lighting technician brought us back to reality and removed us from the performance; it drew us back out from the tense gripping story. The tension that was built up before these points suddenly dropped and then tension tried to build up again after that point. The actual changes between times eras was very fast, it was almost like there was a sudden change in tempo for that spilt second. The structure of the stage also affected the amount of space used by the characters. In the first half of the play we only saw half of the stage. The basic layout of it was rather boring. There wasn't much space for anything and the layout just wasn't interesting or eye-catching at all. As the play moved into the second half, the other part of the stage was revealed to us. It was an exciting change that spiced things up a bit. They suddenly had so much more space to work with. The â€Å"Woman in Black† has two main characters. Arthur Kipps played by Paul Stewart and the young actor who is actor Matt Holland. There was also the shadowed â€Å"Woman in Black† (Who is Alice Drableau the deceased,) although she didn't have a huge role in the play. The two main actors portrayed many characters, with the usage of costume and their vocal techniques and tones of voices. I thought that they portrayed the different characters quite well but it definitely wasn't believable for me personally. The actors changed costume in front of us (the audience), which once again drew us away from the drama. In my eyes. Once again, I realise that this was part of the piece, and if you think of it as an actual play, it was a great technique to use. I just found it rather off putting when I was actually getting into the drama; I realised that we weren't seeing the story, we were seeing people tell us and re-enact the story. Some of the two men's movements were very interesting and engaged us in the performance. Mr Kipps didn't really use much movement when narrating. On the other hand when he took on the role of other characters and the young actor played a younger version of Mr Kipps, they used movement to the best of their ability. An example would be a simple motion of a horse and cart. The two characters mimed this very well in a believable way, showing how they would be when on a real horse. A great bit of movement that I found really effective, was when they pretended to be on a train. The actors were really aware of the space and objects around them. For example they used 2 briefcases as doors and a couple of chairs as seats, when walking through the imaginary train and we could tell instantly what it was. One of the men walked sideways along to show the compact space on a train, the two men also sat diagonal from each other which gave us the impression that there could have been more people on t he train. The woman in black definitely had the ultimate power over the other characters reactions, and over us. She moved silently in and out drifting along in an almost Godley fashion and She made it look as though the dark stage was her shadowed sky; she was swooping down and scaring the prey. We were the prey, and we were shocked, in fact some people did let their emotions get the better of them. She wore pinnacled headgear, under a black veil. The black costume seemed as though it was to symbolise death and possibly evil. I would say that the actors had partial control over the audience and controlled the tension and atmosphere. The blackouts and lighting also helped create the woman in black's fast movement on the rocking chair; she was furious, focused and very creepy in a psychotic sort of way. This drew us in further. A rocking chair normally moves slowly and contains a nice old person maybe knitting. It came as a huge shock when this happened, because it was such a huge contrast. There were two moments where there was a huge amount of control on the audience. The young actor approached a door this was concealed before and as it is now in light we are intrigued to know what is behind it. There was a lot of tension at this point and the use of pauses made the intense slow hand movements towards the door quite nerve-wracking. It was surprising how much this affected people. A great moment of tension which created a really strong atmosphere was when the young actor who was pretending to be Mr Kipps was sleeping. There was a long empty silence and a complete blackout. This was a moment that was really tense, we the audience were also in a total blackout, so they were putting us in the same situation. We were under control, as we couldn't see anything, so we didn't really know what was going on or what was going to happen. We were really involved. The actor also used a torch in the audience, whilst the whole room was black. The light was shone all around the audience, kind of like a spotlight. This whole moment, reminds me of childhood and being scared of the dark. Set, lighting, props and special effects I feel were all necessary to create a real sense of atmosphere. There were quite a few sound effects, to try and make the play seem as real as possible. Not only that, but some of the sound effects seemed to be symbolic. The sound of crows at the Graveyard, I'm sure this is a bad omen, death and a sign of evil. The sound of a rocking chair, which sounded like a heartbeat racing, to build tension and suspense. A double use. A music box in the Childs room, so innocent, yet the music seemed quite creepy when in the dark. Lots of them seemed to symbolise childhood, the innocence, and good. Because we knew what was going on and it was dark and tense, that goodness seemed almost possessed by evil. I thought that the sets were great and were concealed very well behind the gauze. It helped them to change the environment and setting quite efficiently without us knowing. From a graveyard which was furniture covered in white sheets maybe to symbolise ghosts, or when a person is dead them being covered in a sheet to be concealed. A sense of age and death. We saw the old house, which was covered in sheets again, kind of like an old house that hasn't been lived in for years, derelict. They created long stairs for the characters to run up and down, that for me seemed to create a gradual build to something. There must have been something at the top of the stairs. Also a child's room. A sweet little room, distorted from the innocence of it as soon as the woman in black steps in it. The play ended at a climactic cliff-hanger and it was gradually built up to a high point of tension. I personally didn't find it a fear-provoking piece of drama although I know others did, and I can understand how it happened. People were sucked into the drama and its world and certain things didn't remove them from it. I felt that all of the clicking and the people in the audience screaming just distracted me too much for me to actually enjoy it. I thought that they made a great effort with only two actors, it must have been a lot of hard work, and it used lots of great techniques. They definitely used role play a lot, when becoming different characters and acting out their situations. Marking the moment, using sound and light to emphasis something, such as the immensely tense movement towards the door; will he open it won't he? Clear usage of crosscutting to show us different times they also used different lighting to show this. Narration, this kept informing us of what was going o n, Mr Kipps was telling us the story. I think that the playwright wrote the play to make the audience think about death, how it is a time of isolation. Maybe to make us remember a time when we were scared, something that everyone can relate to. Fear. I think he also wanted to tell a story that would excite people and to bring the typical ghost story to the 2lst century. People enjoy being scared because they get to use their imagination. Most of the play just really reminded me of childhood memories, something that everyone in the audience could relate to. Being scared of the darkness, that children's room with the music coming from a doll, the excitement of discovering something, bag loads of curiocity.This was why we felt so involved, small parts of the play would have related to us as the audience. We all know it is safe environment/ atmosphere, and that the play isn't real life, but there is still that sense of danger. The thrill of not knowing something. The idea that we have all been scared in our lives, something that we can relate to. The thing is that I thought most things were just too predictable. We knew something was going to happen, we could kind of guess what would happen; we just didn't know when it would happen.

Slums Within Asia essays

Slums Within Asia essays The definition of a slum varies from one form to another depending on the background or country from which an individual comes from. Someone from a rich country may define slums as old run down buildings, whereas someone from a poor country will define slums as un-serviced haphazard constructions . The universal definition of a slum as found in the dictionary is said to be a heavily populated urban area characterized by substandard housing and filth . Slums are seen as a purely physical phenomenon. Slums are populated by two groups of people, the poor and the strangers . Since in slums there is a lack of cleanliness, serious diseases can spread easily and quickly. Slum inhabitants go through many problems, a few being they lack of public transit, constant migration, lack of water, no sewage or solid waste facilities, pollution, and shelter shortages . They also face poor ventilation, due to a lack of windows and electricity. They also tend to establish homes on unused land that is usually privately owned or government owned land. Therefore a concise definition for a slum would be a crowded urban area, marked by poverty, where living conditions are very bad and in poor condition . There are many reasons for the origination of slums in Indian cities. Slums for one reason may occur because the physical structures are allowed to be created in poor conditions or to deteriorate from past satisfactory structures . Slums have formed as early as the 17th century. In the 17th century, Gerald Aungier, the 2nd governor of Bombay tried to attract traders and artisans to the city, and thus causing a large influx in the population . Wealthy traders built their homes inside the British forts while others were forced to live in crowded areas around the fort resulting in slums . The problem of overcrowding still remained until the 18th century. It wasnt till the 19th century that India saw the growth of slums. Slums in India have forme...

How does Austen use her writin essays

How does Austen use her writin essays How does Austen use her writing style to reflect her views on the society she lives in? Novelist of the Georgian era encouraged moral principals and realism. There was little of great literary value published in the latter half of the eighteenth century, and it was only when Austen and Sir Walter Scott began to work and publish that the novel began to gain prominence. Austen was always a social satirist and realist. Austen has been criticised for the small world it encompasses and vaunted for its accurate depiction of life in Home Counties England. Austens success, however, stems from writing about what she knew. By focusing her writing on her own geographical area and social circle, her attention to detail was absorbed in creating character: living, breathing characters who inhabit the novels with an incomparable depth and individuality. Austen narrates in the third person, predominantly observing the action and enlargement of plot from the viewpoint of the central character and privy to her thoughts and feelings alone. The omniscient narrator is aware of all, but concentrates her attention upon the main character. This style of writing allows an immense deal of observational humour largely through the ironic distance it creates. The narrator infrequently steps away from Emmas point of view which is vital for the ironic humour to be maintained. Occasionally the reporting of Emmas thoughts allows moments of high ironic comedy. Through the development of Emma, Austen is able to effectively criticize the intense snobbery of the upper class that existed in English society during the Georgian era. The first example that illustrates the snobbery of English society is shown through Emma's opinion and treatment of Robert Martin, a lower class farmer. Mr. Martin wishes to marry Harriet Smith, a good friend of Emma, so he sends Harriet a very sincere letter of proposal. Emma, however, urges Harriet to refuse M...

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Summary

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Summary Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Summary NOTE! The following paper is just an example written by one of our staff writers. If you need an original summary of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass feel free to place your order. The following Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Summary analyzes three sections of the book briefly. First Section Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is more of a map that defines the way people can follow when they want to free themselves from slavery. At the beginning, Douglass is a slave as he was born by a slave mother at a plantation known as Colonel Lloyd’s plantation. During his stay at the plantation, Douglass witnesses horrible things such as seeing his own aunt, Hester, being whipped; he does not know his father, he is allowed to be with his own mother for some time and is denied the chance to attend to his mother’s burial (Douglass, 2000). The second phase of the narrative begins as Douglass who is 7 years old at the time is sent to work for new Baltimore masters. In Baltimore, Douglass starts a new life with new experience as the region is like a new world to him. It is in Baltimore when Douglass discovers the benefits, power and significance of education. He is so lucky to receive education under guidance of his master’s wife who volunteers to teach him how to read. Although the master’s wife teaches him how to read, the master is not happy about the incidence and goes ahead to quarrel with his wife. It is at this point that Douglass discovers that slavery exists due to ignorance from fellow slaves. He decides to find ways on how to educate himself to read. As Douglass grows up, he decides to fight for his freedom. It is at this point, that Douglass’s master decides to send him to work for a ruthless master called Convey who is also known as a â€Å"slave breaker† because of his ruthless acts on slaves. At first, Convey manages to destroy Douglass’s spirit to free himself. This continues until his third epiphany where he prefers to die rather than being a slave (Shmoop, 2010). Douglass fights Convey for two hours as he defends himself from being whipped by Convey. Convey decides to leave him alone and never whips Douglass again. The narrative continues as Douglass bounces from one master to another until he manages to make his way to New York as well as Massachusetts. After a while, Douglass achieves his dream of being free and swears to never rest until all forms of slavery are abolished. In his efforts, Douglass manages to write the narrative about his life in order to educate other people on how to find their way out of slavery. Second Section The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass presents very crucial, relevant and even reliable message. The narrative about Douglass’s life proves that slavery actually existed in America. Many people may view the book as anti-slavery propaganda, but in real life, slavery existed as put forth by Douglass. This narrative remains as one of the crucial historical documents, as it unveils how American slaves such as Douglass lived, experienced and even had to go through. The book also talks of how Douglass fights his way to freedom from slavery. Douglass put it forth to all slaves that there is a way out of slavery (Trotman, 2011). Moreover, he enlightens both blacks and whites on the price of ignorance towards education as it makes people slaves to the educated. Additionally, Douglass’s main aim is to enlighten the whites on how easily they can be corrupt through practicing slavery and thus, it is wrong as well as contradictory to Christianity. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass puts it to people that they were created equally and thus, one can decide on how and who he wants to be in future. He moves further to explain that education plays a great role in a person’s transformation and development. Douglass believes that education played a crucial part in his fight for freedom as it enlightened him as well as changed his perspective in life. Ultimately, Douglass unveils how he suffered while under the chains of slavery. On top of that, the book shows that American government at the time of Douglass actually legalized slavery trade. In addition, the American nobles counted a slave as a less valuable item and thus seen as three-fifth of a person. Douglass compares American hero Henry to slaves since both of them are willing and eager to die for their freedom. Third Section Many people admire Douglass’s courage to fight for his freedom. Douglass, being as young as he was at the time, lays his life and strength towards fighting slavery. He moves further to enlighten his fellow slaves on how to free themselves. A lot of people love Douglass’s eagerness and willingness to learn how to read at a very tender age. The Life of Frederick Douglass is an inspirational narrative aimed to change the view of many young people who hate education. The narrative puts it clear that they will ignore education but end up being slaves to others. Many also love the fact that Douglass is willing to put his life at stake in quest to abolish slavery completely. However, many people dislike the fact ancient Americans, especially the whites, mistreat the blacks. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass summary uncovers the fact that even the government has supported slavery for as long as a black man was involved. These actions display racism as well as inhumanity towards the blacks. The whites enslaving the blacks actually display how inferior blacks were viewed during the time. References Douglass, F. (2000). The narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass. S.l.: Quiet Vision. Shmoop. (2010). Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. Sunnyvale, Calif.: Shmoop University. Trotman, C. J. (2011). Frederick Douglass a biography. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Greenwood.

Stereotypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stereotypes - Essay Example The common stereotype for such students is that they are children who are either orphaned, adopted or have no biological parents for some reason, or generally that they come from abusive and broken homes. Family problems are therefore the first stereotype to be formed for such isolated students. Research shows that this type of stereotyping may be actually founded on facts. It shows that more than fifty percent of the students, especially teenagers, who exhibited the aforementioned signs, came from families with a history of abuse and divorce. Majority of these teenagers were comprised of families whose fathers had walked out on them (Dennis and Erdos, 2000). The effect of this therefore is that the student becomes distant, anti-social and depressed. This leads to poor performance in school and anti-social behavioral patterns (Teenage outcasts, 2011). The preceding argument is not entirely true as it is based on existing misconceptions about teenage outcasts. This is because not all teenage students who tend to exhibit behavioral isolation came from problematic families. In fact, in some instances such students came from good and well of families, and the isolation may have been caused by psychological factors such as shyness (Mosser, 2011). All that such students may be in need of is just some company so as to make them feel wanted and as part and parcel of the society. Stereotyping them thus only leads to long term negative impacts that would always place them at a disadvantage, one that they may wholly never recover from (U.S News Science, 2010). The second common stereotype revolves around the gay community. Majority of the people perceive gay people as having a tendency of exhibiting feminine traits. Any person who walks, talks, or engages in activities that are considered a preserve of the female gender are out rightly labeled as gay. It is not uncommon to hear of most people referring male fashion designers, stylists, or male hair dressers as gay. The st ereotype here is that all persons of the male gender who engage in professions that are considered feminine are gay. The stereotype here is even extended to ordinary male persons who exhibit feminine tendencies, or tend to lean more on female behavioral characteristics. This stereotype has been largely perpetuated by the media, which portrays all gay men as being extremely effeminate. So, are these stereotypes about gay men being effeminate true? Research suggests that gay men actually do prefer some professions like interior designing, fashion and hair coloring (Stossel and Binkley, 2006). In fact, professions like dancing and fashion require the creative touches of the gay people, and it is no wonder that such professions are flooded with gay men. Michael Bailey, a psychology professor, argues that these stereotypes of the gay men are actually true. He argues that gay men exhibited feminine tendencies during childhood and had a preference for feminine sex roles (Bailey, 2003). How ever, it is such stereotyping of the gay people that has led to homophobic attacks and discrimination among the gay community. This form of stereotyping has long-term negative impacts on the perception of the gay community in the society (Pre-existing notions, 2011). This form of stereotyping is not entirely true. This is because it is merely a generalization that lacks in elaborate research as to the accuracy of this hypothesis. The members of the gay commun

Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity - Essay Example In their lines of duty, health care providers encounter patients from diverse faiths every day. While faith (religion) is mostly held constant when providing health services, it may act as a barrier to the provision of the same in some instances. As such, it is important that a health care provider in certain demanding or all working settings to have some basic knowledge about some faiths. It is, however impossible to learn something about all the faiths on earth and as such, sometimes the health care provider may seek some help from the patients or other related persons. To elaborate on how faith and health care can relate, the following study text analyzes three faiths; Judaism, Buddhism, and Sikh. The paper will compare the three faiths to Christianity, and in it explain how understanding a patient’s faith can be advantageous in disseminating health care services. Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. They value human life and are against any form of taking it away such as suicide, murder, or euthanasia. Judaism allows for medical intervention when one is sick, and supports that every community should have a physician. Additionally, the Judaists do not allow for surgeries or any treatment during the Sabbath, not unless it is very necessary as in saving a life. The sick are visited by relatives, but again, this should not interfere with the recovery of the patient. The issue of conducting autopsies is controversial in Judaism, and is only allowed under special cases. This is because they value the human body even in death. Abortion is also controversial because it is not allowed not unless it is for strict medical emergencies. Abortion and autopsy may have to be allowed by a teacher or Rabbi before they are conducted. Finally, they circumcise male children, eight days after they are born. It is done by a trained specialist with both me dical and religious backing (Spitzer, 2003). Sikhs usually turn to their God,

Zoo Activity at The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Essay

Zoo Activity at The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens - Essay Example 1. Gorilla - Gorilla gorilla They are regarded as the largest of all living primates. They have been found to confine largely to the forested regions of central Africa. Two varieties: highland and lowland. They show marked SEXUAL DIMORPHISM. Males weigh up to 400 pounds and females at 200 pounds. Weight makes them semi-QUADRUPEDAL knuckle walkers and majorly terrestrial. Family groups comprise of one or more large silverback males, a few females and sub-adult offspring. They are gentle and shy vegetarians. However, when provoked males will attack to defend their group (Groves, Wilson, and Reeder, 123-129). The majority of gorillas in zoos are western gorilla Gorilla gorilla. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens had a gorilla with brownish-gray pelage color with reddish highlights. The male weighed around 140 kilograms while the female weighed around 75 kilograms. Its locomotion was quadrupedally, with a special kind of quadrupedal gait called knuckle-walking (Fleagle, 148). The gorilla has a polygynous mating system and unimale social system. Both the female and male gorillas emigrated from the NATAL GROUPS (Larsen 124). Immature gorillas spent much of their time playing, resting and GROOMING each other showing true ALTRUISM for about 20 minutes, although they tended to groom direct siblings. The silver-back male made roars to show stress or threat making the group to hide.

A Management-Style Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

A Management-Style Report - Essay Example Strategy has been stated to be a guide or idea which provides consistency to the resolutions made collectively by the organisation. Strategic management refers to the process of efficiently and innovatively employing the resources of production such as manpower, machinery and materials in an organisational process. This effective and effectual engagement of resources would enable the organisation to develop effectual strategies which would facilitate the company to earn profits along with competency. Stating precisely, strategies are developed to enable the organisation to survive in the future (Scribner, 2011). From a broad perspective, strategic management is considered to be a process which entails five different aspects. Firstly it involves the need of recognising the requirements of an organisation that is necessary to be achieved. With this purpose, the objectives of the organisation are taken into concern and then the identified requirements are associated with the objectives. Secondly, an analysis is conducted of the internal as well as the external business environment so as to obtain an understanding of the factors which can be either termed as positive or negative. Thirdly, a strategy is being developed based on the evaluation and recognition of the problems. The strategy is designed according to the priority of the issues. Fourthly, the strategy is planned to be put into practice by gathering the needed resources as well as commitments required to proceed with the strategies with the purpose of attaining the desired outcomes. Last but not the least is the stage of screening or monitoring those strategies. Monitoring the strategies also helps in understanding their effectiveness and making any needed alterations (Grant, 2005; Scribner, 2011). The aim of the paper is to assess the present strategic position of Toyota along with ascertaining its resources and capabilities which helps the company to attain competitive advantage over its competitors and ensure its existence in the industry. However, certain strategic issues of the company would also be assessed which could have an adverse affect on the success of Toyota in the long run and certain recommendations would be made in that context. 2.0. Toyota’s Current Strategic Position 2.1. Toyota’s Environment Strategy refers to the process of harmonising an organisation’s competencies and resources with the prospects that are observed to take place in the external surroundings. Toyota is a Japanese car manufacturing company and mainly caters to the market of Japan. However, in the period of 1980 and 1990, Toyota planned to invade the car market of North America. It was successful in capturing the North American market along with entering the Western European market as well which was followed with the intention to be a global leader. Soon Toyota was seen to capture the U.S. market in-spite of the presence of strong players like DaimlerChrysler, General Motors (G M), and Ford. The key to this

Avon Products or GE Money America Case Study Term Paper

Avon Products or GE Money America Case Study - Term Paper Example These issues convince the public and economists that the CEO of Avon Products, Sherilyn McCoy and the rest of the organisation may fail to resuscitate the company's dwindling fortunes, despite McCoy's exemplary leadership record at Johnson & Johnson and other pharmaceuticals (Goldsmith and Carter, 10). At the same time, the company's need for change and restructuring is based on the very company's uncertainty. This is because, despite the qualifications and performance track record that McCoy possesses, yet it is true that Sherilyn McCoy lacks experience which is directly related to sales. In the same wavelength, McCoy's unfamiliarity with the Avon Products' business model means that she will have to face a seriously steep learning curve (Goldsmith and Carter, 16). It is also pointed out that Avon Products lacks adequate and proper resources and manpower to make it in a dynamic market that is graced with seasoned companies such as L'Oreal, for competitors. 2. Identifying the Model fo r Change Theory Typified In the Case Study of Choice The model that can best change theory that is likely to help Avon Products' situation is the planned model. Change theory will also readily necessitate the need to take on the use of decision theory. This is because decision theory suggests that people satisfice during decision making, as collective participation during decision making amplifies room for change. According to Rossotti, this recommendation above involves making plans for changes that need to be developed in order to: define measurable goals; outline the strategic factors that are determinants of success; detail the steps that are to be taken in organisational implementation; and outlining the manner in which commitment is to be realised from chief decision makers (Rossotti, 75). In regard to the proposition above, it will be important that Avon Products refocuses its energies and focus on its client base. This proposition is necessitated by the fact that Avon Produc ts is clearly turning away from focusing on market-centred exploits. It is only by following the change theory strategy that Avon Products will be able to effectively use emerging social media and technologies to make operations more customer-centric. This exploit will help the company identify the most valuable strategies such as direct contacts with potential and prospective client. Discussing Factors That Led To the Identification of the Model Chosen There are several factors that qualify the need to choose the change/ decision theory. The most fundamental of these reasons is the manner in which market trends are becoming too pervasive to be ignored in market competition. Particularly, the online social media has become an indispensible tool in for sales and marketing. The number of consumers who are buying cosmetics and perfumes online continues to increase by the day, and Avon Products must not ignore this phenomenon. Avon Products' arch rivals such as L'Oreal, Sephora, Beauty, Mary Kay and Drugstore have already gone to online marketing as a way of netting in a bigger clients' base. Avon Products' successful initiatives of developing e-catalogues and android and iPhone applications are not enough to net clients in social media, and those on tablets and smart phones. This will call for the application of change theory in Avon Products' chain and systems policy of communication.

A Management-Style Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

A Management-Style Report - Essay Example Strategy has been stated to be a guide or idea which provides consistency to the resolutions made collectively by the organisation. Strategic management refers to the process of efficiently and innovatively employing the resources of production such as manpower, machinery and materials in an organisational process. This effective and effectual engagement of resources would enable the organisation to develop effectual strategies which would facilitate the company to earn profits along with competency. Stating precisely, strategies are developed to enable the organisation to survive in the future (Scribner, 2011). From a broad perspective, strategic management is considered to be a process which entails five different aspects. Firstly it involves the need of recognising the requirements of an organisation that is necessary to be achieved. With this purpose, the objectives of the organisation are taken into concern and then the identified requirements are associated with the objectives. Secondly, an analysis is conducted of the internal as well as the external business environment so as to obtain an understanding of the factors which can be either termed as positive or negative. Thirdly, a strategy is being developed based on the evaluation and recognition of the problems. The strategy is designed according to the priority of the issues. Fourthly, the strategy is planned to be put into practice by gathering the needed resources as well as commitments required to proceed with the strategies with the purpose of attaining the desired outcomes. Last but not the least is the stage of screening or monitoring those strategies. Monitoring the strategies also helps in understanding their effectiveness and making any needed alterations (Grant, 2005; Scribner, 2011). The aim of the paper is to assess the present strategic position of Toyota along with ascertaining its resources and capabilities which helps the company to attain competitive advantage over its competitors and ensure its existence in the industry. However, certain strategic issues of the company would also be assessed which could have an adverse affect on the success of Toyota in the long run and certain recommendations would be made in that context. 2.0. Toyota’s Current Strategic Position 2.1. Toyota’s Environment Strategy refers to the process of harmonising an organisation’s competencies and resources with the prospects that are observed to take place in the external surroundings. Toyota is a Japanese car manufacturing company and mainly caters to the market of Japan. However, in the period of 1980 and 1990, Toyota planned to invade the car market of North America. It was successful in capturing the North American market along with entering the Western European market as well which was followed with the intention to be a global leader. Soon Toyota was seen to capture the U.S. market in-spite of the presence of strong players like DaimlerChrysler, General Motors (G M), and Ford. The key to this

Food Day Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Food Day - Essay Example This was an effect or evidence that I was actively listening. During the preparation and at the event, we worked in a team. For example, our team composed Libby, Katie and I. Libby led the team most time and working together, we followed, monitored the progress, and met deadlines throughout the pre and post event activities. The events of the Food Day enlightened me on my profession. From the event, I have understood many facts and perspectives regarding human nutrition. It was very exciting when people inquired about economical and be environment friendly. Additionally, I realized that people are ever interested to learn things regarding living healthy and economically sound or viable. It was my first time address a public gathering. However, at the beginning, it seemed difficult, but after a while I got used to it and I loved this experience. At the end, I was very happy with confident and composure I learnt from this experience. Yes, my efforts made a different both to the occasion and my life experience. For example, most of the attendances were interested in our teams and inquired more about our stuff and how they can obtain it. In addition, I felt most of them were very interested on our displays and they wanted us to information more on how they can save more. I liked the samples we displayed on our information table because it helped us to provide accurate information. Furthermore, I liked our handout because it had simple and easy information. Lastly, I liked how we organized our table; we divided it in two sides. On one side, we placed the green sample and the other side there was the bottle water, Ziploc bag, coffee cup, and plastic bag. I would add more examples of green samples and have a calculator to let them calculate the difference prices of the green samples and the other stuff. The calculation would have help them know how and how much to save. All

On Berkeley’s Concept of God and Heinous Sins Essay Example for Free

On Berkeley’s Concept of God and Heinous Sins Essay It is a misconstrual in positing that George Berkeley’s axiom that God being the author of ideas is responsible for all heinous crimes. And worst, claiming that such postulate of Berkeley is the loophole in his argument and philosophical treatise is reading his philosophic stance superficially. Relying on a version of the argument from design, Berkeley concluded that our ‘ideas’ are produced in our minds by the will of God acting directly. So God, whom we may safely assume to act (in Berkeleys estimation) in full knowledge of what he is doing, must himself have all the ideas which he generates in human minds, as well as those which he would generate, if the right human acts of will occurred to make them appropriate. And for Berkeley, this would amount to saying that God perceives the whole of physical reality, since physical reality simply is a certain infinitely complex constellation of ideas, and having them before ones consciousness is perceiving it. That would be, in itself, a welcome conclusion, when we perceive the physical world, what we do is just the same as what God does when he perceives it; all that happens in either case is that a mind has certain perceptions, nothing more, and so the human mind can be just as sure of what it perceives as is the divine mind of what it perceives. But it does not necessarily follow that he is the author of evil because as Berkeley defined sin, it is the manifestation of the spirit’s will, meaning it is not something that is innate to the motion of its body or God’s design (Berkeley 1988). Thus when ethical issues or moral conflict arises, it is not necessary to blame for the transpiration of events. For example, the espousal of capital punishment is not authored by God, but it was the product of human will and faculty. The problem is, when humanity cannot explain things, they tend to account it to God. Unfortunately, they forget that there is no necessary connection between cause and effect, and they failed to realize that heinous sins such as adultery, murder and sacrilege are not will of God but of ours.

Strategic Management of Tesco: PESTLE and SWOT Analysis

Strategic Management of Tesco: PESTLE and SWOT Analysis Tesco plc is a leading global grocery with its headquarters in Cheshunt in the United Kingdom where it is ranked second in this country in terms of revenues and third in terms of profits. This company has stores in more than 14 countries in the world and has employed more than 326000 employees globally. In the United Kingdom, the food and drink retail sector represents the largest industry offering large employment opportunities to people of the United Kingdom and the whole world in general. In the global competition and companies pictures, it is of great importance for a company to come up with a strategy that will evaluate its competitive advantage. In this case, PESTEL analysis is used by the Tesco plc. This analysis indicates that, Tesco plc has to monitor and respond to uncontrollable forces that are posed by six factors. These factors include; political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal. In this essence, these forces influence the macro environm ent of the Tesco plc. The other aspect which is of great significance to consider when evaluating the competitive advantage of this company is the SWOT analysis. In this respect, the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of this company are analyzed. From the analysis it can be learned that the companys strengths and opportunities neutralize the weaknesses and threats. It can be learned from the analysis that this company has been able to operate a number of stores in the whole world with the major ones being in the United Kingdom. The increased advancement of technology acts as a potential basis for the company to operate online and offer its customers with products from different parts of the world. Introduction Tesco Plc. is one of the largest global groceries headquartered in Cheshunt in the United Kingdom. It is the second largest retailer in the whole world when measured in terms of profits and third largest when measured in terms of revenues. In the United Kingdom, Tesco has a market share of 30% hence becoming the market leader in this country. This company has more than 2318 stores in 14 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Tesco plc was founded in the year 1919 by Jack Cohen and the first store was opened in the year 1929 in Burnt Oak. Tesco plc has a flat hierarchical structure where each and every intended action has to pass through the management. There are six levels which are between checkout staff and chief executive. This company has employed more than 326000 employees across the globe where 237000 of them are in Europe where it has its largest private employer. This company has 83 Tesco stores and 447 superstores in the United Kingdom. Tesco plc has been using th e strategy of pile em high, sell em cheap as a way of minimizing production costs. The mission and vision of this company are to offer superior and technical representation and add value to its products and customers by providing highly innovative solutions to their customers design, manufacturing requirements, and procurement. This is usually done by improving the quality, productivity, and services to a competitive edge. The grocery sector where foods and drinks are sold represents the largest industry in the United Kingdom. This sector offers employment opportunities to more than three million people in different levels such as primary production, manufacturing, and retailing. In the year 2003, the food and drink retail sector accounted for about 9% of the countrys gross domestic product. In order to increase its competitive advantage, Tesco plc has diversified its production where it supplies clothing and other non food lines. Its own label products are in three levels which include, value, normal, and finest. In addition to convenience produce, most of the companys stores have gas suppliers hence becoming one of the largest United Kingdom autonomous petrol retailers (Porter 1980: 27). Strategy growth company PESTEL analysis In the process of evaluating the competitive advantage of this company, there are six forces that Tesco has to respond to and which influence its macro environment. These forces include; political, economical, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors. In the process of shaping the marketing strategies for the Tesco plc, these macro-environmental factors have been evaluated in both global and domestic markets to successfully penetrate the markets and possess a higher niche in competition (Pearce Robinson 2003: 237). Table 1: PESTEL analysis of Tesco plc Political factors As it operates in a globalized environment with stores across the globe, Tescos performance is greatly influenced by the political conditions of the countries where it has its stores. This is because each and every country has its own political standing which may be different from United Kingdom. Among the important factors that act as productive grounds for this company is the fact that United Kingdom is politically stable and free from corruption. Additionally, most of the countries where it has its stores like; Japan, Turkey, Hungary, Ireland, and Poland among others are politically stable providing good environment for business (Patterson 2002: 251). The United Kingdom government encourages businesses and retailers to offer a mix of job opportunities from centrally located, highly paid, lowly paid, locally based jobs, and flexible jobs. The political factors prevailing not only in Britain but also in the whole world influence Tesco to employ all kinds of people as a way of provid ing employment opportunities to citizens. The aspect of political stability has increased the companys profits as taxation policies in Britain encourage operations of business sector. Economic factors Economic factors as they influence demands, costs, and prices of the products offered are of great concern to this company. The whole globe has experienced economic decline and hence the aspect of purchasing products has been greatly affected in all companies without the exception of Tesco plc. In this respect, the inflation rate of the United Kingdom has dropped from 3.6% in the year 2009 to 2.2% in the year 2010. This indicates that there is an increased value of money hence decreasing the costs of living and the purchasing power increases in return. Since Tesco plc has a number of stores not only in UK but also in the whole world, its business cycles are not heavily affected since there are sales throughout the year. The current economic growth has affected the purchasing power of buyers hence reducing the number of sales made by this company. Additionally, the level of income in the United Kingdom is relatively unequal hence making some people fail to afford the products offered by this company (McLoughlin Aaker 2010: 211). Socio-cultural factors It should be noted that people make up markets in the world and hence there is a strong demographic force in global and local markets. Population growth is one of the interests of marketers especially in cities, urban areas, and towns but this does not necessarily mean that the increased population forms potential markets for the produced goods. This is because one may have a lot of people to feed hence failing to purchase the products offered by Tesco plc. The fact that many people have gone to school has increased customer awareness of their rights and hence they are only buying products that are of high quality (Mazzucato 2002: 58). The concept of ethnicity implies that the United Kingdom is an amalgam of races where different races have different tastes and cultures. In this country more than 90% of the total population are the Whites hence marketers are mostly targeting them. Location is another factor that is usually considered by marketers as most of the potential buyers are f ound in urban areas as compared to rural areas. Tesco plc is strategically located in a place where potential buyers are heavily targeted. Environmental factors Globally, there have been increased campaigns on environmental preservation and many companies are supposed to preserve the environment. This is because most of the pollutions that are done to the environment are caused by industries. As a way of maintaining and preserving environment, Tesco plc usually uses licensed waste disposal services. There are legal requirements that force companies in the United Kingdom to support the aspect of sustainable development and this cannot be done without professional ways of disposing wastes (Lake Powell 1999: 63). Additionally, water that is used in this company is usually recycled in so that it can be reused as a way of preserving the most important resources in the United Kingdom. Globally, consumers are aware of the impacts of environmental pollution and hence are increasingly buying products that have been produced through environmentally friendly means. Legal In the United Kingdom there is competition law that is established under the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002. This usually affects the behaviours of businesses in this country as there is a manner in which they are supposed to compete. It is a requirement for all businesses in this country to abide with these laws and Tesco plc is not excluded (Kotler et al 2005: 54). Tesco plc is mostly involved in selling foods and drinks and hence has to abide with the Health and Safety Laws in this country. These laws are provided under the Health and Safety Act 1974. Technological factors In the global competition, quality of products or services is highly appreciated by customers and any company that produces high quality products wins most customers. In this case, quality is usually guaranteed by technological advancement and hence Tesco plc has improved its technological innovations. The speed of technology transfer in this company is very fast as employees are learning technological aspects in order to improve their performance within the company. Innovation is highly encouraged in this company and this has helped the company in improving its competitive advantage in the whole world (Jeffs 2008: 68). SWOT analysis of Tesco plc The concept of SWOT analysis usually indicates the competitive advantage of a company by looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths Tesco plc has been able to operate a number of stores in the whole world with the major ones being in the United Kingdom. This has helped it to enter into the global market hence reaching a wide number of customers. Additionally, this company has recently engaged in advertising its products online where customers are in a position to learn and order products online (Rumelt 1991: 172). Through the stores that are located in more than 14 countries globally, customers are able to get their ordered products in time. The products that are produced by this company are usually of high value and quality hence attracting large numbers of customers. By operating in urban areas, Tesco plc has been able to capture most people as these are the highly populated areas globally. This company has been able to compete stiffly with its competitors like Sainsbury, Marks Spencer, and ASDA hence improving its financial strengths. There has been diversification where Tesco plc also supplies clothing and o ther products away from food and drink line. This has helped this company is competing with its competitors (Ireland et al 2007: 37). Weaknesses Tesco plc is using a lot of fossil fuel in its distribution of products especially in transport network. This is because it is not wholly established to have stores in almost all countries of the world. Additionally, this company has only targeted the developed world leaving out the developing and under developed nations which may produce potential customers for their products. The aspect of using internet in advertising its products has been covering only a certain group of people as mostly the youths are the ones who make use of internet. This indicates that those people who do not use internet frequently will not be in a position to know about its products (Human Resource Management 2010). Threats There is a very stiff competition that is posed by Tesco competitors like Sainsbury, Marks Spencer, and ASDA. Most companies worry about taxes in any country and Tesco being no exception worries about taxes in the United Kingdom and the other countries where it has stores. The innovation by other companies is another threat of this company as any increase in innovation will result to a very stiff competition towards this company (Grant 2009: 26). Opportunities The recent advancement in technology offers Tesco plc a great opportunity of using internet in selling its products. In this aspect, internet is the most used technology that is able to reach a wide number of customers even in areas where there are no stores. Additionally, there is an opportunity of forming alliance competitors or suppliers in order to reduce production and distribution costs. Collaborations are very necessary in that companies share resources and hence they do not fear taking risks in any pursuit of development (Coulter 2009: 56). Recommendations In order for the Tesco plc to achieve a higher ground in competition than its rivals it has to do the following; Improve the management in order to make sure that all stores are well managed so that quality services may be offered to customers. The company should encourage employees innovations in order to compete with other companies. The company should increase its target population by opening new stores in other countries in order to target large numbers of customers Conclusion In winding up, competitive advantage of a company can be evaluated using different strategies that are very essential in a company. In this case, the PESTEL analysis of the Tesco plc indicates that this company has to monitor and respond to the six forces that influence its macro environment. These forces include; political, economic, technological, soci0-cultural, environmental, and legal. From the SWOT analysis of the Tesco plc, this company has a number of strengths and opportunities that are able to neutralize weaknesses and threat. Africa: Beyond The Stereotypes Africa: Beyond The Stereotypes In a single day 95 photographers document a wildly diverse continent bursting with energy and promise. Send 95 photojournalists around the African continent on the same day, and what do you get? Pictures and columns that belie the clichà ©d expectations, a prosperous South African family enjoys breakfast in a sparkling kitchen near Johannesburg, denim-clad girls giggle as they walk to class in Cape Verde. Africa, which is bigger than the United States, China, Argentina, Europe, India combined; contains 53 nations, 720 million people and more than 800 ethnic groups who speak more than a 1,000 languages. The 250 photos from each photographer barely even scratch the surface of the continents diversity. (magazine, 2002) Studying Africa If educators had the time to survey their students before engaging students in the study of the continent, they would undoubtedly be shocked by (i) the lack of knowledge about Africa, which is the second largest continent in terms of both land area and population, and (ii) by the images of Africa held by the majority of their students. Africa is probably the least known and the most misrepresented of the continents. This is due to the simplistic explanatory constructs through which the media, government, and educational texts have brought understanding to events (social, economic, political) and practices (social, cultural, religious) in Africa. (Exploring Africa)http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/arbitraryuser.png Common stereotypes  · Africa is the Dark Continent  · Africa is culturally monolithic  · Africa without history  · Africa is pagan  · Africa is uncivilized  · Endemic violence  · Endemic hunger/starvation Behavioral Characteristics- African behavior is determined by primordial drives, Savagery, Tribal loyalty, Superstition determines attitudes and behavior, Weird cultural practices. Many popular images of Africa are based on stereotypes that present fragmented, inaccurate, and at times fallacious, images or representations of Africa. These images and misrepresentations become the basis of knowledge. Given the lack of in-depth knowledge of Africa and the prevalence of generalized stereotypes to interpret Africa, Americans tend to use explanatory constructs to bring meaning and understanding to images and news from Africa. Common examples include the following:  · Tribalism- seemingly endemic conflicts in Africa are explained by primordial tribal impulses.  · Patrimonial structures and practices-African patrimonial structures encourage nepotism, corruption, and economic and political inefficiency. Therefore, they preclude democracy.  · Communitarian orientation- Anti-individualism precludes personal initiative, development, and modernity. (Exploring Africa) Sources of Stereotypes Historical European explorers, colonial officials, and missionaries created representations of Africa and Africans through narratives that were consonant with their beliefs and supportive of their agenda (e.g. Africans as uncivilized incapable of governing themselves). Contemporary News Media cover Africa superficially (crisis driven coverage). Reporters often have no background in Africa. Liberal use of inadequate explanatory constructs. Entertainment Media perpetuates negative images of helpless primitives and evil pagans. The media glorify colonialism and European intervention. Currently, Africa is represented as a place of endemic violence and brutal but ignorant dictators. Animalization of Africa through the many of nature shows on Africa that presents Africa as being devoid of humans. Safari Industry promotes an orientation to animals and exploitation of non-representative African cultures (e.g. Maasai, Pekot, San, etc.). Theme parks in united states that feature African themes. Advertising-industry has built and exploited (and thereby perpetuated) simplistic stereotypes of Africa. U.S Textbooks covering Africa often provide inadequate coverage, and use popular explanatory constructs. Feature pictorial images (predominance of animals and exotica).Highlight social and cultural representations of non-representative groups such as the Maasai and San. (Exploring Africa) African stereotypes- A Reaction from the Public After generally refraining from criticizing media coverage of African news, it has becoming increasingly hard for some people to resist commentary. I suppose one can only read and watch so many stereotyped and misinformed news stories before it becomes too much to bear. Texas in Africa (an African blog spot), the ladies at Wronging Rights, among others have always been quick to stress the problem with bad reporting. For example: A story written by Jeffrey Gettleman on the drought currently plaguing Kenya. Gettleman writes: A devastating drought is sweeping across Kenya, killing livestock, crops and children. It is stirring up tensions in the ramshackle slums where the water taps have run dry, and spawning ethnic conflict in the hinterland as pastoralist communities fight over the last remaining pieces of fertile grazing land. The twin hearts of Kenyas economy, agriculture and tourism, are especially imperiled. The fabled game animals that safari-goers fly thousands of miles to see ar e keeling over from hunger and the picturesque savannah is now littered with an unusually large number of sun-bleached bones. (Gettleman, 2009) There is definitely a severe drought in Kenya and it is indubitably a cause of great concern for Kenyans dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. As Gettleman notes, the drought is also increasing conflict in some parts of the country, with farmers struggling for access to arable land. Such conflict, however, is not ethnic, but rather an instance of basic survival. Aside from this point, what I find most troublesome about Gettlemans piece is his suggestion that the Kenyan economy will somehow crumble as a consequence of the drought. The unknowing reader comes away from Gettlemans piece with an image of a completely impoverished, desert-like country on the brink of disaster a stereotype of a typical African country. While Kenya surely does have its problems Gettlemans imagery is highly misguiding. Technology in Kenya is expanding at a rapid pace, heralding much opportunity for development. Emphasis is also being placed on the countrys private sector as an engine for growth, as well as small-scale manufacturing. One doesnt get any of this from Gettlemans piece. African stereotypes and Social Psychology Research by social psychologists strongly indicates that we as individuals find it difficult to hold conflicting or contradictory beliefs/understandings. Social psychologists call this aversion cognitive dissonance, the discomfort in holding contradictory beliefs or representations. Yet when we are exposed to evidence that contradicts an accepted image, we may not recognize or be bothered by the contradiction (e.g. Africans are primitive but not be flustered when introduced to Africans who are clearly very modern), unless prior representation is challenged. To give a simple example, many Americans believe that Africa is comprised of jungle, sparsely populated savannah, or desert. When shown pictures of modern African cities, individuals may accept that the cities are in Africa; however, if the dominant representation is not directly challenged in attempt to maintain cognitive consonance, students will maintain their prior perception. So in spite of pictorial evidence, many people wil l revert to their prior knowledge and understanding of Africa. Debunking African stereotypes It is important that educators advocate a feeling of understanding and appreciating other cultures and societies. So many people tend to judge other peoples actions and ways of life by their own cultural values. Educators need to steer away from this ethnocentric view. In teaching about Africa, stereotypes and biases naturally creep in. educators should be on guard to not perpetuate the beliefs that seem to come to mind. Words in describing Africa can be altered for example consider the table below. Stop word Substitute word Jungle rainforest Tribe Ethnic group/ people Backward/primitive/savage/native traditional Bush savannah Witch doctor herbalist Costume National attire Juju/superstition faith Also educators should examine materials before hand for stereotypes and biases. Dont show a collection of pictures that only show Africans dressed in little clothing or wearing masks. Urban and rural areas should be represented too. Educator should talk about the people and not just the jungle and its inhabitants. Often, seemingly subtle opinions and failure to represent the real Africa can do harm to the students who look to educators as authorities on something they will probably never personally experience. (Turner, 1995) Works Cited (n.d.). Retrieved 3 23, 2010, from Exploring Africa: http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu Gadzala, a. (2009). China In Africa. Trafficking in African Stereotypes . Gettleman, J. (2009, 9 8). Africa. Lush Land Dries up, Withering Kenyas hopes , p. A1. magazine, s. (2002, 12). Africa. Retrieved 3 2010, from http://www.smithsonianmag.coms/africa.html Merryfield, M. M. (1995). . Turner, D. (1995). teaching about africa. Utah: early elemetary.

The Health Benefits of Vegetarianism Essay -- Health Nutrition Diet Ex

The Health Benefits of Vegetarianism Maintaining a well-balanced vegetarian diet is healthy and can be beneficial by reducing the risk of health diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Vegetarians are individuals who choose to abstain from eating foods derived from animals, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. This type of a diet is practiced for a variety of reasons, whether out of respect for animals and the environment, for the potentially healthier lifestyle, or simply out of distaste for or allergy to meat products. Practicing vegetarianism is no more difficult or complicated than following a regular meat-inclusive diet; eating a variety of soy, nut, or wheat based products can substitute for certain meat dishes and dairy products and provide the needed nutrients that those normally provides. Vegetarianism is a healthy choice; following a meat-restricting diet can lower cholesterol and fat intake, thus reducing the chances of developing heart diseases and obesity. Despite several misconceptions that claim vegetarianism is unbalanced and thus unhealthy, a vegetarian diet can still meet daily calorie and other nutrient requirements without including meat and dairy products. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, to maintain a healthy lifestyle a person should consume a balanced amount of fruits & vegetables, grains, meat, dairy products, and fats in accordance with the "Food Pyramid." The human body requires a minimum amount of various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to perform properly and carry out bodily functions. Though removing beef, pork, poultry, and other animal-derived foods can leave a diet lacking in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins... ...hy choice; there are numerous potential benefits that come with following a diet that abstains from meat and dairy products. Though following a vegetarian lifestyle with an unbalanced diet can be just as health hazardous as a meat-inclusive unbalanced diet, a vegetarian regime that maintains the recommended daily nutrients can be healthy and beneficial. A well-balanced vegetarian meal plan can help reduce the risks of heart diseases and obesity. Sources used http://dictionary.reference.com/ http://www.eatright.org/Public/NutritionInformation/92_11722.cfm http://www.epic-oxford.org/ http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/food-pyramid/main.htm http://www.vegetarian-diet.info/vegetarian-health-heart-disease.htm http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/trends.php http://www.vegsoc.org/health/ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/nutshell.htm

Search for Meaning in Shakespeares Hamlet :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Search for Meaning in Shakespeare's Hamlet But I will delve one yard below their mines And blow them at the moon (3.4.208-10) What is real? This question, begged by humanity from day one, seems to grow in importance and urgency as the twenty-first century looms on the road ahead. When religion, culture, family, and meaning are all forced to play second fiddle to the almighty dollar, where do we turn for understanding? I think the answer is that we turn inward. After all, there must be something within the human animal to suggest a moral, or a message, or at least an explanation. Hamlet deals specifically with this introspection, this search for meaning. Prince Hamlet's world has come apart at the seams and he is desperately groping for some sort of guidance. He needs a foundation, a primary principle, an answer of even the smallest kind with which to build a coherent worldview. Unfortunately, Hamlet's philosophical free-fall may be a result of his own inability to connect to a world outside of his own grief and confusion. He is adept and resourceful in the world of ideas, but flat-footed and indeci sive in the world of actions. Whereas Shakespearean characters such as Hotspur and Coriolanus suffer from shortsightedness and rash judgements, Hamlet suffers broad abstract thoughts and paralyzing ambivalence. This may be why the play has been able to so stalwartly defend its V.I.P status in the Western cultural conscious. Any thinking modern citizen knows what it means to fit round ideals into square realities. Therefore, it makes sense for Hamlet, one of our foremost fictional figures, to have trouble matching his internal ideals to the external world. In his introduction to the Norton edition of the play, Stephen Greenblatt points out that Hamlet, "seems to mark an epochal shift not only in Shakespeare's career but in Western drama." Greenblatt is referring to the dominance of Prince Hamlet's psyche over all aspects of the play's perspective and mood. Hamlet transports its audience into the Prince's mind and forces them to look at the world from the inside out. The view is startling. It is the source of the play's unanswered questions and thought provoking ambiguities. Shakespeare lets us see the world through the eyes of a man struggling to decide whether any of it even matters.

Admission Essay to CRNA program Essay

My desire to pursue a career in health care is greatly influenced by its unlimited opportunities for career development and the desire to impact another person’s life positively. As a kid, I always had a burning desire to become a nurse or a medical doctor but my parents’ influence and their perception of the engineering profession while in Nigeria lured me away. I trained and practiced as a Materials Engineer back in Nigeria, where I worked as a research and development officer for five years. However, coming to the United States created the turning point in my life. I searched for engineering jobs unsuccessfully for many months, and none was forthcoming despite availability of many job openings in nursing and healthcare related fields. In order to confirm my readiness to pursue nursing as a career, I entered a Practical Nursing program at the Wilbur Wright College in Chicago. At this time, I was still driving cab to support myself, while I dropped it completely upon graduation and passing LPN board examination. A couple of years after becoming a LPN, I applied to DePaul University’s Master entry program to further my education, and thereby became a full-fledged RN. My dogged persistence paid off. In one way it deterred me from getting stuck to cab driving, despite a very good tax free – income. On the other, it allows me to envision my future as a great nurse. My insatiable appetite for knowledge coupled with compassion and commitment to nursing shape my desire to pursue a DNP in nurse anesthesia. Clinical rotations in OR as a close observer during an open Heart Surgery at the IMMC, while a student at the DePaul University also afforded me opportunity to see administration anesthetic drugs by a CRNA. In concretizing my interest to purse a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, nothing can be more absolute than witnessing the births of our three children and the joy that they have brought in to my life. I saw firsthand as the nurse anesthetist administered the epidural anesthesia to assuage my wife’s labor pains. I am interested in becoming a nurse anesthetist because of the fervor that I have for it as a profession, the potential that I posses and the life experiences that have made me the person that I am today. These experiences have strengthened my resolve not only to do the utmost that I can by practicing the profession of nursing but also to help in improving the delivery of quality nursing care and overall image of nursing in general. The values and goals presented in the School Mission are a perfect fit for my ultimate career goals. The entirety of my life has been a challenge and the fact that I am applying to a great school such as the NorthShore School of Nurse Anesthesia is a further proof beyond doubt that coming from the humble roots that I was born in to, I can only be on the path to great success at this juncture. I have been engaged in nursing care of critically ill patients for 7years and I have consistently received outstanding evaluations these past years. With strong backgrounds in sciences, mathematics, computers coupled with good communication and interpersonal skills gained from work experience and college involvement, I believe I have all it takes to be successful in this profession. I have also learnt that patience, perceptiveness, honesty, trustworthiness and ability to work as a team member are essential in fostering effective working relationship. I work well as a team-member as well as independently on my own initiatives, using good judgment and overlook personal preferences where the good of all is concerned. At the present time, I am a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and I also participate in various continue education activities that seek to increase my knowledge and overall clinical skills. My short-term professional goals include passing successfully certification examination for Adult Critical care, also known as the CCRN certification by October this year. I hope to set enough fund aside to augment my tuition for the School of Nurse Anesthesia. I also plan to attend a Medical Spanish class, in order to hone my Spanish language proficiency. It is also in my plan to work part time upon the start of the program in order to keep my clinical skills up-to-date. My long term goal is to successfully graduate from the NorthShore School of Nurse Anesthesia and pass the Nurse Anesthesia Board Examination. After passing the exam, I hope to join the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and other relevant professional associations for networking opportunities, mentoring and support systems. All the goals enumerated above are designed to help crystallize my future plans. I intend to be a successful nurse anesthetist and a well rounded professional. There is too much at stake to fail and to whom much is given, much is expected. I intend to be a shining example to my children and to my community. My DNP project would focus on the effect of anesthetic agents on the intra-operative respiratory Care of obese and COPD patients. Besides finding this profession endlessly interesting and rewarding, I cherish the opportunity to make a positive difference in my  patients’ day-to-day lives. My experience has a nurse has taught me that helping someone attain their utmost in good health transcends the patients’ ethnic background or what social class they belong to. It is amazing how irrelevant the sex or race of an individual is when they come in to the emergency room with a broken arm or had been in a vehicle accident. I am thrilled at the possibilities of learning and practicing that lay ahead of me as a professional in one of the greatest and most noble profession known to man. I intend to take up the challenge and use my expertise to help as many people as possible irrespective of their age, class, race or religious belief. I look forward to the opportunity to start t he Nurse Anesthetist’s program at the NorthShore School of Nurse Anesthesia, and I accept the challenge, knowing fully well that it is a nail that would help in holding my future together.