Benefits of Medical Marijuana Essay

Marijuana is perhaps one of the most controversial herbs rendered illegal by United States laws. Several sectors in the society advocate for the legalization of marijuana. These arguments usually point out to the medical benefits that marijuana contains. The supposed medical benefits of marijuana have been scrutinized by several scientific researchers and some of these claims have been supported by studies. By looking objectively at these medical claims can help people be more aware of the facts and the actual benefits that marijuana offers if there are any. Medical Benefits of Marijuana Medical marijuana, according to some studies can help relieve pain, nausea and muscle spasms. Although these illnesses may be simple symptoms of more serious diseases, they are being experienced by a number of patients that are suffering from hepatitis and cancer among others. In this regard, medical marijuana can be a cheaper alternative for the treatment of these medical conditions (Legal Reefer, 2004). Another medical condition that marijuana can help treat is glaucoma, which impairs the vision because of intra-ocular pressure damage. The reason behind this is that marijuana helps relieve the pressure felt in the eyes, thereby preventing glaucoma from worsening and leading to eventual blindness. Glaucoma, interestingly, is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. With the use of marijuana, therefore, this cause of blindness can be mitigated and more people can cherish their sight for a longer time in their lives. Glaucoma and the pain associated with it can be relieved with marijuana (Legal Reefer, 2004). Other illnesses that marijuana helps treat includes tremors, unsteady gait, muscle pain, multiple sclerosis and spasms. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating neurological illnesses that afflict young adults in the US. With the help of marijuana, those who are suffering from epileptic seizures also find help. Arthritis, dysmenorrheal, depression and migraines also benefit from treatment with marijuana. The Legal Reefer (2004) reports that some courts and agencies of the US government have verified these findings. Two compounds, Cannabidiol and Caryophyllene, are present in medical marijuana. These two compounds are responsible for the medical effects of marijuana. Cannabidiol helps relieve inflammation, nausea, inflammation and convulsion (Grlie, 1976). In addition, it also helps inhibit the growth of cancer. Caryophyllene, on the other hand, is responsible for reducing tissue inflammation. It usually comes in the form of oil and applied on the inflamed body part (Grlie, 1976). Even if the issue of legalizing marijuana is contentious in the United States, medical practitioners are coming to a consensus that medical marijuana is needed helpful in relieving up to 250 medical conditions. This number is too huge to be ignored by the greater majority in the society. Legalizing Marijuana The literature in support of medical marijuana is robust and continues to grow. Medical marijuana has been shown to aid in the treatment of symptoms for AIDS and cancer. It can also serve as an immuno-modulator and analsgesic. Furthermore, it can help treat asthma and other emotional and bipolar disorders (Lucido, 2008). The American College of Physicians (2008) have also come up with a position paper in support of research concerning medical marijuana and the exemption of medical marijuana from the prosecution of the law. In their paper, the organization cited the health benefits of marijuana in stimulating appetite, in treating glaucoma, neurological and movement disorders and its use as an analgesic. The position of the ACP gives credence to the claims that marijuana can really function as a good medicine. The ACP, however, noted that there are adverse effects associated in marijuana. If smoked, marijuana can increase the heart rate of the user and help decrease the blood pressure. In addition to this, there are other psychoactive effects that are of a more serious nature. These may be manifested in short-term memory impairment, reduction of motor skills, attention and reaction times. There may also be some difficulties in organizing and processing information given to the one who used marijuana. These effects are more severe for those who orally take medical marijuana. So this is certainly an adverse effect that should be carefully taken into account in the case that marijuana is approved as a medicine (Joy, Watson & Benson, 1999). Smoked marijuana also has important adverse effects similar to tobacco. If marijuana is smoked on a regular basis, it can help induce cancer, lung problems, pregnancy problems and even bacterial pneumonia. When taken orally, medical marijuana has less lethal toxicity than other psychoactive drugs being used in the world today. Since medical marijuana will not be prescribed for smoking, then the dangers posed by the adverse effects will be mitigated and will be contained. In fact, these adverse effects are also within the acceptable range of effects present in other forms of medication. Marijuana: To Legalize or to Remain Illegal? With the support of the ACP for the continuation of research for the medical implications of marijuana. With such support, the impetus for legalization will be picked up by those who are advocating for the legalization of marijuana. Another reason why people are pushing for the legalization of marijuana is the perceived economic benefits that it will bring to the government. Marijuana has often been compared with alcohol, which also have harmful contents but is being allowed to be marketed all over the country. If the government could legalize it, then it can derive huge revenues from the taxes and sales derived from marijuana. As it stands now, it is illegal. So the ones who benefit from the marijuana trade are the black market and organized criminals (Gerber & Sperling, 2004). Marijuana is similar to alcohol and tobacco. The major difference is that marijuana offers therapeutic and medicinal effects while tobacco does not and alcohol only helps enhance health minimally. According to Herer and Cabarga (1998), those who are getting rich through the black market want it to remain illegal because if it becomes legal, the money will then have to be transferred to the hands of the government. Conclusion What is needed now is to strike the right balance between maximizing the medicinal effects while mitigating the negative effects of marijuana. The answer to the question of legalization would be a controlled legalization. Marijuana could be used for medicinal purposes and alternative treatment. This means that it would have to be recommended by licensed physicians and that there should be a regulation in using it in the same way that certain narcotic pain killers are regulated in the market. Marijuana should not be offered as an over-the-counter medicine or offered like tobacco or alcohol as this would only make the negative effects of marijuana more prevalent in the society. With government legislation and strict implementation of the law, the medicinal values of marijuana would be used by society while its negative effects would be avoided. Reference American College of Physicians (2008). Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians. Retrieved 25 September 2008 from http://www. acponline. org/advocacy/where_we_stand/other_issues/medmarijuana. pdf. Grlie, L (1976). â€Å"A comparative study on some chemical and biological characteristics of various samples of cannabis resin†. Bulletin on Narcotics 14: 37–46. Herer, J. & Cabarga, L. (1998). The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy. New Jersey: Ah Ha Publishing. Joy, J. E. Watson SJ, Benson JA. (1999). Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine. Washington, DC. Legal Reefer. (2004). Marijuana Offers Medicinal Benefits. Retrieved 17 June 2008 from http://www. legalreefer. com/article4. shtml Lucido, F. (2008). Therapeutic Effects. Retrieved 25 September 2008 from http://www. medboardwatch. com/wb/pages/therapeutic-effects. php

Critical sommentary on London and Jerusalem by William Blake Essay

The poetry of William Blake is well known for its metaphysical language and profound symbolism. In his two poems, entitled â€Å"London† and â€Å"Jerusalem† his use of these techniques, alongside many others, is crucial in his portrayal of the corruptive tendencies of man and his perspective on religion and England during the Industrial Revolution. Throughout these poems Blake reveals his strong dislike for the Industrial Revolution and its effect on London, expressed particularly in his poem â€Å"London†. His poem â€Å"Jerusalem† focuses very much so on the natural beauty of England and religion in England. Blake, much like many Romantic poets, bases his writings on emotion rather than intellect. This is evident throughout these poems as Blake appeals to the senses and stirs readers to question their resolve with regards to England and its natural beauty. The poem â€Å"London† by William Blake begins with a cynical portrayal of the authority figures during the Romantic era, these being the church and the King. This is evident in Blake’s use of the word â€Å"chart’d† which implies that the â€Å"streets† and â€Å"Thames† are owned by the state, exposing the oppressive nature of capitalism in England during this era, this also proposes that nature is controlled by the wealthy. A Marxist reading of this shows the relationship between the Church or King and the land over which they rule, portraying the capital power as the bourgeoisie and their land and people on it as the proletariat. Blake continues to communicate to the reader the effect of this oppression in the line, â€Å"Marks of weakness, marks of woe. † This depicts the sadness and helplessness of the people of London. The poem is dark and gothic which is evident in Blake’s use of the words, â€Å"manacles†, â€Å"blights† and â€Å"plagues†. The use of this language aids in his depiction of a corrupt society. The beat of the poem is repetitive; this also emphasizes the constant pressures placed upon society. Throughout the next two stanzas there is a strong sense of discontent and subjugation shown in the line, â€Å"The mind-forg’d manacles I hear. † This accentuates the churches and or the king’s control over the minds of man, once again exploiting the corruptive nature that is brought about by authority and power. The values of the Christian church are challenged as Blake exposes the many flaws of the church and its corruptive tendencies. As a contemporary reader it is evident still to this day that England, the mother country, is still ever-changing and very much so industrialized, as in Blake’s era. The church is a symbol for salvation, hope and refuge though Blake presents the church as corrupt, oppressive and controlling; this challenges the values of many contemporary readers and those of Blake’s era. Evident in the line, â€Å"Every black’ning Church appalls;†. This line also portrays the church as not completely corrupt, rather, slowly â€Å"black’ning† or becoming corrupt. In the last stanza Blake proposes that marriage is an end to freedom as shown in, â€Å"And the blights with plagues the Marriage hearse†. Marriage, commonly takes place in a church, again this is associated with the controlling and oppressive nature of the church during the Romantic period. The use of archaic language in this poem adds to its gothic nature and aids in creating a short and sharp beat throughout the poem, the use of the â€Å"ABCB† rhyming pattern is simplistic and repetitive creating an atmosphere of continuity. In Blake’s poem entitled â€Å"Jerusalem† the persona questions the theory that Jesus was once in England as a child this is supported by the first stanza, â€Å"And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England’s mountains green? And was the holy Lamb Of God On England’s pleasant pastures seen? † Blake utilizes a somber tone throughout the poem as he is discussing his own country in a seemingly patriotic manner. The poem is full of metaphor which aids in Blake’s representation of the church as an ever changing authority. In the line, â€Å"Among these dark satanic mills† Blake could be referring to the Industrial revolution or the universities and churches during the Romantic period which would repress the minds of society and corrupt. Throughout the poem Blake makes constant reference to England’s beauty, this contrasts to the â€Å"dark satanic mills†, the â€Å"bow of burning gold† and the â€Å"chariot of fire† which is all manmade, Blake is juxtaposing the natural beauty of England with its industrial capabilities. In the third and fourth stanza Blake uses numerous metaphors to emphasize his fight against the clergy this is evident in the lines, â€Å"Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! † and â€Å"I shall not cease in mental fight, Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land. † The persona plans to kill or rebel, in the name of God in order to build his Jerusalem in England. This is much like Blake’s â€Å"London† as both poems exploit the church and authority as corrupt, though in the poem â€Å"Jerusalem† Blake discusses his struggle to fight against this conformity and oppression. London and Jerusalem both describe Blake’s home, England. In London, situated not too far from Blake’s home, a place of corruption, death and depression is exposed whilst in Jerusalem Blake portrays England as a beautiful country, one which however lacks guidance and through Christ, Blake seeks this guidance and will not rest until Jerusalem has been built â€Å"In England’s green and pleasant land. Throughout both poems Blake shows his strong dislike of the Industrial revolution and its effect on England, focusing on London. Blake akin to change throughout his life, portrays, through his two poems the changes occurring in his life and that of many other people and how these changes affect the inhabitants of the world and the world its self.

Spanish Romantic Drama Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Spanish Romantic Drama - Essay Example Certainly, in comparison with the British, the German and even the French romantics, the Spanish appear rather theatrical and melodramatic. That does not mean, however, as some have suggested, that Spain never really experienced a European Romantic phase. Instead, the implication is that nineteenth century Spanish romanticism was distinguished from that common to Europe because it expressed the very nature of Spain itself; the land, the people, the national temperament, its myths and history. Spanish romanticism was, needless to say, incontrovertibly theatrical and highly melodramatic but only because it was expressive of the Spanish spirit itself. Indeed, Spanish romanticism was a creation of the Spanish spirit and, as such, was highly individualistic although rarely subjective; extrovert, rather than introvert; epic and dramatic, as compared to lyrical; satirical and comical, even as it expresses the tragedy of life; the anti-thesis of classicism even though it never rebels against it; and, rather than signal a rupture with earlier literary trends, acknowledged them. Spanish romanticism was, in other words, unique to the country itself. The highly emotive and theatrical nature of Spanish romanticism has been attested to be numerous critics, many of whom sought its defence by asserting it to be a politico-cultural genre of Romanticism which should not be evaluated against the criteria established by European Romanticism. Plaja, one of the first to offer a theoretical defence of Spanish romanticism against the accusation that it perverted classical Romantic renditions, claimed that it was a romantic reformulation of the Baroque tradition. 3 Peers, only partially agreeing with the aforementioned through a concession to the discrete threats of Baroque-ism which ran through the Spanish romantic literary tradition, defined it as a revival of Span's inherently romantic national culture and a rejection of both Europe and Europe's rejection of Spain.4 Eschewing both interpretations, Castro maintained that Spanish Romanticism was neither a transhistorical indigenous literary movement nor a revival of Baroque forms but an exploration and recreation of the self in response to metaphysical questionings and crises.5 While largely conceding to the uniqueness of Spanish romanticism, there is a persistent lack of consensus within literary circles regarding the theoretical framework and definitional parameters of Spanish romanticism. Accordingly, questions pertaining to the characteristics, peculiarities, definitional elements and sources of Spanish romanticism were central to a number of highly influential writings on the topic. These works which include King's "What is Spanish Romanticism"6 Shaw's "Towards the Understanding of Spanish Romanticism,"7 and Vincent Llorens' Liberales y romnticos, proceed from the premise that Spanish romanticism was not a literary phenomenon as much as it was a declaration of a shift in worldview. The political turmoil and conflict which Spain experienced at the onset of the nineteenth century and which forced many of its intellectuals, writers and statesmen, among them Duque de Rivas and Francisco Martinez de la Rosa, popularly regarded as the founders of Spanish rom anticism, into exile, ultimately lent to the articulation and adoption of a liberal worldview. Within literary circles, that liberal worldview translated into a romanticism which quintessentially Spanish and nostalgically nationalistic. It was, in other words, a "national-romantisme"8 and, as such, highly sentimental, lending to extremely theatrical dramatic productions. The sheer theatricality, however, of plays such as "Don lvaro o la fuerza del sino" and "La conjuracin de Venecia" should not, if understood from within

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Human Resource Management - Essay Example This model considers the external environment and the stakeholders as important determinants of the human resource policies in organisations. The policies would result in effective human resource outcomes pertaining to commitment, cost effectiveness and competence (D’Annunzio & Duncan, 2009, p.26). This approach is seen to bear relevance in the case of Cafe Co. with regard to its policies and criteria while recruiting of candidates. Candidates were selected according to merits befitting the organisation. The soft HRM policies also get reflected through the company’s attempt to enhance values of openness, recognition, trust, people development, teamwork, enthusiasm, fairness, courtesy and communication. Also the HR practices introduced were primarily meant to attain employee loyalty as there was a very high staff turnover. The soft human resource practices which treats employees as competitive assets of the company is demonstrated by Cafe Co’s considering the low minimum wages as one of the prime factors behind high employee turnovers. Hard human resource management seeks to achieve organisational goals. Just like another resource, they also need to be managed. It requires aligning the human resource strategies with the organisational strategies. The hard management argues that HR strategies must be developed to achieve organisational goals through managerial control and maintaining of performance. The new approach developed by Cafe Co. Aimed to achieve such organisational goals by the adoption of best practices. The hard HR practices also get reflected through the fact that Cafe Co. introduced methods of associating performance with organisation goals. The organisational structures were also well defined. The practices of communication, empowerment, training and involvement were meant to improve the bottom line performance and demonstrate the company’s emphasis on hard HR strategies. The primary aim of implementing the best practices strategy was to ensure that the human resources practice con tribute towards taking the business forward. Moreover, the development of performance management system demonstrates the company’s attempt towards development of scientific practices for measuring the employee’s performance. Through this system, the combined objectives of colleagues and their development needs were addressed. This was done in terms of increasing their technical skills and knowledge and also their behavioural skills. The system was implemented considering the firms’ objectives and constantly reviewing the performance for ensuring that they met those objectives. Regular feedback was delivered to the employees on the basis of which training and development programs were developed. Answer to Question no: 2 Line managers play the critical role of the delivery of HR practices and policies. They are primarily concerned with the issues relating to resourcing, preparation, performance manageme nt and international development (Dickmann, 2008, p.15). They are responsible for interpreting and implementing HR practices which have direct influence over people’s discretionary behaviours and motivation levels, which consequently affects the business performance. The importance of using human resource activities by line managers is that they remain in direct

Healthy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Healthy - Essay Example In this regard, it is very essential to include fresh farm fruits and vegetables in the diet that is much better from packaged chemical juices. In addition, fast food is a huge factor that causes weight gain and that one of the reasons of huge criticism by dietitians about the fast food, as too much fat can clog arteries and increase weight subsequently (Crocker, pp.7-8). The word health implies fitness, soundness of the human body or mind and freedom from abnormality. Being healthy is far better choice for any one; however, it is essential for one to have sound information about nutritional choices. Nowadays, the fascinating advertisements offer foods with less nutritional values and loaded fats that are not good for health. It is a fact that daily routine depends largely on the food one takes, because humans need energy to work. In particular, fast foods are high in sugar, sodium, and fat. Each of these substances can cause health problems. In the result, one should always go for home cooked food that contains balanced nutritional values, and everyone should have daily walk routine before commencing the day. In conclusion, healthy food can be the best decision to acquire a healthy life style (Turck,

Economic analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Economic analysis - Essay Example Most of the economists believe that, this relationship between inflation and unemployment is in the short run, which leads to a trade off between the two undesirables. The trade off, which has been summarised in to the Phillip’s curve shows that since the invention of economics, there has been an inverse relationship between unemployment and inflation where, when inflation is low, the rate of unemployment is high and when the rate of inflation is high, the levels of unemployment are low. Government policies that are designed to lower the levels of unemployment, for instance, during recession will usually lead to increased rates of inflation in the short run while policies that are designed to lower the rates of inflation, especially during the boom cycle will most likely increase the levels of unemployment in the short run. When discussing inflation and the effects that it has in markets, another concept that cannot be ignored is the interest rates, this is because inflation l evels in a country are directly determined by the interest rates prevailing in that country. When interest rates in a country are lowered, it encourages businesses to get loans for expansion or to hire more employees; this increases money supply in the economy forcing prices to go up due to the increased demand for products and services hence inflation; however on the positive side is that more people will be employed in the economy. On the other side, if the government increases interest rates, businesses are likely to shy away from getting loans for expansion or to cover other expenses, this has the effect of reducing money supply in the market hence low demand, which in turn leads to low inflation rate. The negative side of this is that the less the amount of money that is available in the market, the higher the levels of unemployment since businesses do not have the money to hire new employees. Phillips curve The above Phillip’s curve shows the inverse relationship betwee n unemployment and inflation. Some economists have argued that this relationship is only applicable in the short run since the in the long run, influence of some other macroeconomic factors may cause inflation and unemployment to move in the same direction or fail to show any influence on each other. Keynes, one of greatest economist of the 20th century have argued that the most important term in economics is the short term since in the long run, we will all be dead. The idea of Phillip’s curve has been criticized especially in relation to the trade off between inflation and unemployment because as data from 1970 in most of the developed countries show, these two economic parameters moved in the same direction, a situation called stagflation. This phenomenon was experienced when in 1970; shocks resulting from fluctuating in oil prices ensure that there were high levels of inflation and at the same time high rates of unemployment. This deviation from the Phillip’s curve is as a result of the fact that workers and employers are likely to take into account the effects of inflation when signing new employment contracts, which would mean employees being paid at rates near the inflation. This would cause the levels of unemployment to rise at the same time meaning that in the long run, there is not trade off between unemploym

Clinical log Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Clinical log - Essay Example Easily perishable stuff such as milk is refrigerated. Every foodstuff is stored in its category for ease of distribution. The shelves in the facility are chronologically arranged with food types stacked in their respective categories.AFAC serves over 1600 families per week categorized as 3500 adults and 1500 children. Food donated is stored here and later redistributed to the intended recipients. AFAC target vulnerable society members like elderly people that live alone and cannot afford food. Jobless people, college students from poor backgrounds, sick people with no working family members also form part of those who benefit from it. The AFAC Young professional is a group of young people between the ages of 21-40 years who raise awareness and food drives to in aid of the facility. AFAC has a management team and a small full time staff. They heavily rely on members of the community who sign up as volunteers. The whole community with schools, firms and churches pitching in to lend their help supports the project. What doing my clinical analysis I interacted with most members of these interested groups, who, form part of the larger community. The management team is drawn from members of these interest groups with gender been a factor. Foodstuff is mostly donated in bulk mostly in big, heavy packaging’s to be redistributed in smaller portions. These bulky packages are moved around the warehouse by the small team of staff aided volunteers. Lack of proper lifting machinery and technology forces the staff and volunteers to manually do this work. This is a constant health risk to the staff and volunteers with potential injuries always lurking. Muscular aches and back pains are the most common complaints from staff and volunteers. Malnutrition especially amongst children is also a potential program since some vital foods are not on provided on regular basis especially fruits and vegetables, which have important

How do we get out of this mess Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How do we get out of this mess - Term Paper Example Tom Keene and title â€Å"How to Fix the Economy: An Expert Panel.† The relatively short discussion for the loaded topic covered areas that are to be a benchmark on what should be done to put an end to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Bill Gross probably starts it best by saying that we have first got to ask how we got into this mess (2010). The discussion covered areas that are most pressing in the current climate. The group tackled problems regarding housing, leadership, jobs and education. It is palpable that these areas of concern are in very much interconnected with each other. Majority of the group hold pessimistic views on the future of the economy as it is a long-term problem that may not see its end in years or even decades to come. The housing problem sets to be a quicksand which was a determinative factor in the state the economy is in right now. The importance of being homeowners among many Americans signifies the value and worth that he has on the society and even to himself. It is a representation and the tangible demonstration of one’s wealth. This is currently affected by unemployment which prevents homeowners to pay off their mortgage, acquire a home or may lead them to give up their home to make ends meet. This has created what Robert Shiller referred to as a bubble-and-burst cycle which is lead ing to continued lack of confidence (2010). The program of the government to provide for Home Buyer Tax Credit to stimulate the market into buying real property seems to alleviate this problem. Specifically, new homeowners with comparatively lower incomes may be able to avail of tax credits for their purchase. There is the palpable opposing argument on the need to restart private mortgage as aversion toward businesses such as Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FRE) is still fresh in the memory of people. But it is also important to re-analyze the housing sector and to implement innovations to d away with the effects of the

EPILEPSY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

EPILEPSY - Essay Example The epilepsy happens when the electrical impulses bursting in brain escapes their normal limits. The electricity impulses can be transferred muscles resulting in convulsions and twitches. However the cause of epilepsy in many people is unknown. There are many types of seizures like idiopathic, generalized and partial epilepsy. As per, Better Health ( 2013) â€Å"Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures, also known as â€Å"fits†. Epilepsy is a common occurrence in UK and children with this disease encounter learning problems usually with writing, reading and comprehension. They may also need extra help with everyday skill. Many children and adults do not achieve much with epilepsy and the life is difficult when it comes to studies or work. This assignment looks at the role of adult, mental and child nursing in supporting the epilepsy patient and the cultural and psychological effect of the disease on the individual and family. This topic was chosen because epilepsy has an adverse effect on the patient and family members. There is lot of stigma around this disease and also patients experience disability. The seizures give rise to neurological disturbance and burden on family members. They also face problem in life as unemployment, educational disability and poor health. In UK, epilepsy is a common condition among children and adult. In a year, more than thousands of people die because of epilepsy. As per, Epilepsy Action ( 2012) â€Å"In 2009, 1,150 people died in the UK because of epilepsy, and most of these deaths were associated with seizures. The principal cause of seizure-related death is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, accounting for an estimated 500 deaths each year†. The epilepsy has different effect on people and culture has certain significance to the disease onset. In UK, people lead a stressful life and it can contribute to the onset of disease. Also certain people are highly influenced to drugs and

Hisory of Mexican Art Essay Example for Free

Hisory of Mexican Art Essay Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from the indigenous and Spanish crafts. The archeological setting in Teotihuacan is the largest in America and corresponds to a civilization that florished in the Valley of Mexico between the 200 B. C. and 250 A. D. The ruins show the remainders of a city built along the Alley of the Dead. Among its main buildings, the 5 levels 65 meters high Sun Pyramid and the smaller Moon Pyramid, with 4 levels. Ancient Aztec art was primarily a form of religious expression and a means for paying tribute to their gods. In addition, various forms of Aztec art were used to assist in communication. Pottery of all shapes and sizes depicted a variety of designs that were meaningful to the Aztec culture and religion. They typically were meant to depict or pay reverence to specific Aztec gods or to represent an Aztec tribe. In addition to the pottery made of clay, the Aztecs showed their deep religion through a variety of sculptures carved out of stone. In the 16th century, two cultures mixed: the native Mesoamerican cultures and the Spanish. This phenomenon lasted from the fall of the Aztec empire, in 1521, to the end of the Spanish domination, in 1821. Colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs are seen everywhere. Between the Spanish conquest and the early Twentieth Century, Mexican fine arts were largely in imitation of European traditions. After the Mexican Revolution, a new generation of Mexican artists led a vibrant national movement that incorporated political, historic, and folk themes in their work. The painters Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros became world famous for their grand scale murals, often displaying clear social messages. Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo produced more personal works with abstract elements. The literature of Mexico originated from the concepts of the American and Spanish settlements of Mesoamerica. Outstanding colonial writers and poets include Juan Ruiz de Alarcon and Juana Ines de la Cruz. Folk dances are regarded to be one of the most important features of Mexican culture.

A Rare Case of Ehler-Danlos Syndrome

A Rare Case of Ehler-Danlos Syndrome A RARE CASE OF EHLER-DANLOS SYNDROME WITH LITERATURE REVIEW ABSTRACT The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome comprises of a group of generalized connective tissue disorders which is characterized by fragile skin, skin hyperextensibility, and joint hypermobility. More than 10 types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have been identified based on genetic and biochemical studies1. In the majority of patients with molecularly characterized as classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (type I and type II), the disease is caused by a mutation leading to a non-functional COL5A1 allele and resulting in haplo-insufficiency of type V collagen2. Most mutations identified so far result in a reduced amount of the type V collagen in the connective tissues available for collagen fibrillogenesis. Inter and intra-familial phenotypic variability is observed, but no specific genotype-phenotype correlations have been observed. No specific treatment protocol for the underlying defect is presently available for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. However there are a series of preventive guidelines applicable2. Period ontal disorders, increased bleeding tendency, delayed eruption of teeth and joint subluxation are few concerns during dental management of such patients. This case report discussess the features of classic ehler danlos syndrome presented in a 7 year old female patient and reviews the recent literature. Key words: Ehler-Danlose Syndrome, Classic Type. EHLER-DANLOS SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT INTRODUCTION The Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by skin hyperextensibility, fragile and soft skin, delayed wound healing with formation of atrophic scars, easy bruising, and generalized hypermobility of joint. It comprises Ehlers- Danlos syndrome type I and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II, but it is now apparent that these form a continuum of similar clinical findings and differ only in phenotypic severity2. Presented here is a rare case of a 7 year old girl with features of Classical Ehler Danlos Syndrome. CASE REPORT A 7 year old female patient reported with her parents to the department of oral medicine radiology concerned about a decayed tooth in the lower right back jaw region. A thorough review of the family history indicated that she was the first and the only child of her parents who had married consanguineously. On further investigation the parents reported that child had an unremarkable prenatal course of development and birth. She had no significant illnesses or hospitalizations as reported . She had normal course of development . Her medical history did reveal prolonged epistaxis occasionally . Opthalmic assessment was done at the age of 2 years and she was diagnosed with astigmatism for both the eyes. On a re-evaluation a week ago she was also diagnosed with hypermetropia. The patients dental history was, according to her parents, uneventful, although she had never had routine professional care. Tooth eruption and exfoliation had occurred without difficulty. She reported brushing her teeth twice daily. Physical examination revealed a thin white female kid with translucent skin with blue sclera and dark circles around her eyes. There was hyperextensibility of her fingers in both hands and legs, elbows and knees with bilateral shoulder subluxation. Her height was 125 cm and weighed 19.20 kgs., afibrile at the time of presentation. Laboratory examination for the patient revealed normal CBC, platelets, PT, and PTT; however, her bleeding time was found to be greater than 16 mm. Oral examination revealed early mixed dentition with a Class I relationship of her first permanent molars and primary canines. Severe crowding of incisors and she had a posterior crossbite on her right side was present. Dentinal caries was present with respect to lower right deciduous molar. There was generalized gingivitis with fair oral hygiene. A provisional diagnosis of Ehler Danlos syndrome was made based on the clinical finding and the patient was sent to the genetic center at the Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health. Upon genetic analysis it was found that she had pathogenic variant of COL51A gene. On basis of the genetic analysis and clinical features a confirmed diagnosis of Ehler Danlos Syndrome was made. The parents were referred to a genetic counselor to explain regarding the condition and the possibility of the condition repeating in the next offspring. The patients’ dental treatment was performed at the pediatric department which was uneventful. The patient is placed under regular recall at the dental hospital and was referred to the clinical pediatrician for subsequent care and review. DISCUSSION The Classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder which is characterized mainly by hyperextensibility of skin , abnormal wound healing, and joint hypermobility. After the description of typical hyperelastic skin by Van Meekeren and hypermobility of joints , in addition, by Knoop , Ehler first noticed easy bruisability of the skin. Danlos drew attention to peculiar cigarette paper scar multiple pseudotumor formation of the skin3. Prevalence : EDS truely is a rare disease, affecting just one in a million people worldwide. There are many subtle forms of the condition, leading to missed diagnosis or misclassification. Therefore, the incidence rates stated are skewed. The statistics for ED syndrome in India per se has hardly been noted, most of the authors referencing to world wide statistics. Pathophysiology : There are three different mechanisms by which the EDS traits are produced6. The first of these features is a deficiency of the collagen-producing enzymes, such as lysyl-hydroxylase and pro-collagen peptidase. The second is the dominant-negative effect of the mutant collagen ÃŽ ±-chains6. The third is haplo-insufficiency of COL5A1 gene that encodes the proalpha1(V) chain of the type V collagen. The term haplo-insuffiency refers to the presence of a single functional copy of any particular gene within diploid organisms, with the other homologous allele (which is supposed to be a functioning duplicate gene) inactivated12. The diagnosis of EDS, classic type is generally established by clinical examination and family history. The diagnostic criteria were developed by a medical advisory group in a conference held at Ville franche in 19972. The combination of three major diagnostic criteria is highly specific for the presence of the condition2: Skin hyperextensibility: Skin hyperextensibility should be tested at a neutral site (the one not subjected to mechanical forces or scarring), such as volar surface of the forearm. It is measured by pulling up the skin until any resistance is felt. In young children, hyperextensibility of skin is difficult to assess because of abundant subcutaneous fat. Widened atrophic scar formation ( manifestation of tissue fragility). Joint hypermobility: Joint hypermobility depends upon age, gender, family and ethnic backgrounds. Joint hypermobility in classic EDS is generalized, affecting both the large and the small joints and can range in severity from mild to severe2. It is usually noted when a child starts walking6. A positive family history2. The Minor diagnostic criteria were also established, and the presence of one or more of these minor criteria contributes to the diagnosis of classic EDS, though not sufficient to establish the diagnosis2: Smoothness of skin, velvety texture. Molluscoid pseudotumors (fleshy, heaped-up lesions associated with scars formation over pressure points such as the elbows and knees). Subcutaneous spheroids (small, hard cyst-like nodules, freely moveable in the sub-cutis over the bony prominences of the legs and arms, which have an outer calcified layer with a translucent core on the radiograph). Complications of hypermobility of joint(e.g.: sprains, dislocations or subluxations, and pes- planus). Muscle hypotonia with delayed gross motor development. Easy bruisability. Manifestations of tissue hyperextensibility and fragility (e.g.: hiatal hernia, anal prolapse in childhood, and cervical insufficiency). Surgical complications including postoperative hernias2. Differential diagnosis of the other EDS-subtypes: 1. EDS hyper-mobility type (EDS type III) 2. Familial joint hyper-mobility syndrome 3. EDS vascular type (EDS type IV) Differential diagnosis including other heritable connective tissue disorders2 : Marfan- Syndrome Cutis- Laxa Syndromes Loeys-Dietz Syndrome The discussed case presented with smooth velvety skin, skin hyper-extensibility , joint hyper-mobility, with history of easy bruising and epistaxis, muscle hypotonia , features suggestive of a clinical diagnosis of the classical ehler danlos syndrome. Clinical Management: There are not many treatment options available, yet the optimal management of EDS patients through a series of lifestyle modifications is recommended, such as by minimizing skin trauma brought about during trauma or excessive exposure to the sun, as well as a regular exercise regimen in order to strengthen muscles tone , which in turn decreases the risk of joint injury (such as the previously discussed spontaneous dislocation). Patients with the vascular and the ocular forms of EDS should avoid dangerous contact sports, such as martial arts and football etc. There is even anecdotal mention that increase in the intracranial pressure resulting from Valsalva effect can be problematic, especially with the vascular and the ocular forms; patients may be advised to refrain from such activities as playing musical instruments (trumpet, trombone) as well as activities that require constant squatting or bearing down. The limited treatment choices available for EDS patients’ are unsatisfactory, with most care being supportive in nature. Patients requiring surgical interventions should be treated with the utmost of caution due to enhanced problems of bleeding from spontaneous vascular rupture, scar formation, and potential compromises in airway maintenance. Surgical re-excision of the scars and keloids might provide for some cosmetic benefit, although this plastic surgery can also lead to problems as previously noted. CONCLUSION EDS, the classic type is inherited disorder of autosomal-dominant type . It is estimated that approximately 50% of the affected individuals have inherited mutant gene from an affected parent, and about 50% of the affected individuals may have a de novo disease-causing mutation. Although about 50% of the individuals diagnosed with classic EDS have an affected parent, the family history may seem to be negative because of failure to recognize the disorder in family members. Requests for prenatal testing for conditions such as classic EDS that do not affect intellect of the individual or life span are not common. Differences in perspective may exist among various medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing2. From an oral physicians perspective its important to be aware of the risks of bruising, bleeding and joint hyper extensibility during various dental procedures being carried out in the patient. Also it is important to make the patient and related aware of the importance of need for optimum maintenance of oral hygiene to avoid the oral disorders patient is more susceptible to.

An Analysis of John Updikes A&P Essay -- A&P Essays JOhn Updike Paper

An Analysis of John Updike's A&P In his short story "A & P" John Updike utilizes a 19-year-old adolescent to show us how a boy gets one step closer to adulthood. Sammy, an A & P checkout clerk, talks to the reader with blunt first person observations setting the tone of the story from the outset. The setting of the story shows us Sammy's position in life and where he really wants to be. Through the characterization of Sammy, Updike employs a simple heroic gesture to teach us that actions have consequences and we are responsible for our own actions. Sammy is a 19-year-old boy conveying a cocky but cute male attitude. He describes three girls entering the A & P, setting the tone of the story. "In walk these three girls in nothing but bathing suits. There was this chunky one, with the two piece-it was bright green and the seams on the bra were still sharp and her belly was still pretty pale...there was this one, with one of those chubby berry-faces, the lips all bunched together under her nose, this one, and a tall one, with black hair that hadn't quite frizzed righ...

The Distinguishing between Hester and Dimmesdale in Nathaniel :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both Hester and Dimmesdale, are characters in the Scarlet Letter. They suffer with the guilt of the sin of adultery that they committed. At the time, the Puritans looked down on this type of sin. Hester and Dimmesdale can be compared and contrast in the way they handled their scarlet letter, their cowardliness, and their belief of what the afterlife is. Hester and Dimmesdale both bear a scarlet letter but the way they handle it is different. Hester’s scarlet letter is a piece of clothing, the â€Å"SCARLET LETTER, so fantastically embroidered and illuminated upon her bosom† (Hawthorn 51). Dimmesdale on the other hand, has a scarlet letter carved in his chest. This is revealed when Dimmesdale was giving his revelation, in which â€Å"he tore away the ministerial band from before his breast. It was revealed!† (Hawthorn 232). Since the Scarlet Letter on Hester is visible to the public, she was criticized and looked down on. â€Å"This women has brought same upon us all, and ought to die† (Hawthorn 49) is said by a female in the market place talking about Hester. She becomes a stronger person through living this hard life. Dimmesdale instead has to live â€Å"a life of cowardly and selfish meanness, that added tenfold disgrace and ignominy to his original crime† (Loring 185). He becomes weaker and weak er by time, â€Å"neither growing wiser nor stronger, but, day after day, paler and paler, more and more abject† (Loring 186). Their courage is also weak.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The courage that those two share is quite similar, in that they have none. They both are afraid of the public and what the public would think of them. Hester refuses to tell anyone about her real husband, Chillingworth, who is still alive, or about her lover, Dimmesdale. Hester and Dimmesdale also try to take the cowardly way out when she has a chance to go to leave Boston and go to Europe, â€Å"Her advising them to flee Boston was irresponsible† (Granger 7). Hester after talking about leaving, and while in the forest with Dimmesdale and Pearl, takes the scarlet letter off. She was planning to never wear the scarlet letter again, especially after saying, â€Å"The mid-ocean shall take it from my hand, and swallow it up forever!† (Hawthorne 193). This shows that she did not have enough courage to bear the scarlet letter in Europe. Pearl still makes her bear the letter by saying, â€Å"Come thou and take it up!† (Hawthorne 193).

Relationships Essay -- essays research papers

Whether it occurs in the home, at work, or many other places, human beings maintain relationships everywhere they go. People have different types of relationships. A person keeps a relationship with their mother, pastor, friend, and boss, but those relationships are all different. There are many different elements to analyze when discussing a relationship. Many factors are involved, such as amount of time spent, amount of intimacy, types of activities participated in, and dependability of the relationship.The first type of relationship a person typically has, are ones that are formed within a religious setting, such as a church, temple, or synagogue. The amount of time spent within this relationship varies depending on how much type an individual devotes to his or her religion. However, the amount of intimacy is usually very high, as one divulges most, if not all, of their personal problems and issues. The relationships formed within the religious setting is usually dependable in that one can rely of the people within the religious circle for advice and counsel, through the bond of a common faith. One participates in limited activities within this relationship, ones that are exclusive to activities that are in the religious setting, such as church bake sales and Sunday mass.Secondly, another type of a common relationship are formed within a club setting such as athletics and parties. The people one encounters in these types of settings may be very close to them, but only within the boundaries of a club. For example, two people on a football team may shed blood, sweat, and tears for each other, but not necessarily be the best of friends after the season. In sports, the time spent with each other is usually a lot, a couple of hours every day at the very least. The amount of intimacy shared within athletics is not always abundant. The information shared between usually shared between teammates stays within the boundaries of the particular sport in which they are participating. Likewise, dependability is not required for purposes other than those related to athletics. For example, a football player can depend on his teammates to block for him in the game, but not to pay off his mortgage. Activities shared with teammates are most often limited to athletic practices, games, and gatherings related to the particular sport.In comparison to athletics, party fri... ...huge factor. Nobody knows and cares for a person better than their family. Likewise, when someone is trouble or needs some advice, the family is usually the most dependable people to go to. One's family will help them get through mostly everything. From monetary problems to marital problems, one's family will always be there for a shoulder to lean on. Activities shared within a family are just about anything that is family-related, like a nightly dinner or family reunions.Throughout one's life, many types of relationships are developed, each with their own guidelines and elements. It is impossible for a person to go through life withouthaving at least one type of relationship. Even hermits like the Unabomber had relationships here and there. He had teachers, family, friends, and co-workers, just like the rest of the population. Whether it occurs at someone's workplace, church, school, or in their home, people maintain relationships wherever they go. Just as there are many factors involved, such as amount of time spent, intimacy, types of activities, and dependability of the relationship, all different types of relationships are a necessity for one to live a normal, healthy life.

Representation of Women in Horror Essay

Since the inventions of television and film, media influences have become extremely important in modern society with people constantly being inundated by images and messages that come from film, television, magazines, internet and advertising. Researchers and theorists such as Carol J. Clover and Jean Kilborne believe that the fact that people are going to be affected by the media is absolutely unavoidable. Films can act as guides to how people, particularly women, should act and look. Women in horror are typically shown as the ‘damsel in distress’ and are usually attacked by the killer after committing a sinful act like having sex or misusing drugs or alcohol. The females are usually very attractive, slim and quite often blonde. These characteristics are usually reinforced by seductive body language, heavy make-up and vulnerability giving the message that women are unable to take care of themselves and have to look a certain way to fit into society. Many directors have tried to change the messages in horror films my introducing the ‘Final Girl’ where it is a female who is a virgin and does not do drugs or consume alcohol that fights back and becomes the ‘hero’ rather than a male, giving the unrealistic message that if people don’t do wrong, nothing bad will ever happen to them but horror films are notorious for presenting women in a particular way, often making them victims of sexualisation. The representation of women not only influences the way that females think they have to be or the way males think that women should be but they also have a great impact on the values in society. Sexualisation in the representation of women is predominantly obvious in horror films, specifically Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rosemary’s Baby, directed by Roman Polanski and Scream, directed by Wes Craven. All three movies display sexualisation using gender stereotyping, victimisation and the male gaze. Scream is known to be extremely unrealistic, being on a more imaginary level rather than a realistic one and is full of violence and sexuality while reinforcing the cultural and social values at the time of its release in 1996. It focuses on the issues of power, danger, sex and anger in females of the 1990s. It is important for adults to understand these issues in teenage girl’s lives although the ways they are presented in Scream make them seem far more disturbing than they actually are. Just like popular culture, Scream has used ideas influenced by other films but in attempt to capture and address different audiences, the messages are presented in different ways. The plot of the original Scream movie is similar to many modern day teenage films, set in American suburbia with white, affluent homes and a quiet community, which is ‘preyed on’ by a masked serial killer. The film begins with the stalking a brutal killing of a blonde teenage girl who is home alone and, ironically, about to watch a horror movie. After her murder, the focus moves to Sidney, who becomes the next target. A year prior, Sidney’s mother was found raped and murdered and on this particular weekend Sidney is home alone, as her father has gone away on business. As a result of her grief for her mother’s death, she constantly resists the recurring pressure for sex from her boyfriend who she has been dating for two years. In the meantime, news reporter Gale Weathers obsesses over the story of the recent murders. The subsequent events lead to a party during which Sidney decides to have sex with her boyfriend, Billy as the murderer gets most of the boys out of the house by calling to say that their principal has been killed and is hanging from a goal post at the school. Following the gruesome battle, an injured and bloody Sidney realises that Billy and his friend Stu have been working hand-in-hand as the killer, ‘Ghost Face†. Billy claims that his motive for killing her mother was that her mother was sleeping with his father and consequently, his mother left them. With assistance from Gale and Randy, Sydney kills Billy. Scream’s most dominant issues that are raised are common issues in the lives of teenage girls; sexuality and virginity, femininity and its connection to power and identity as it is shaped and influenced by the media, experiences and relationships, particularly a girl’s relationship with her mother and in this case, the death of her mother. Director Wes Craven confronts all of these issues and solves them in powerful ways which encourage girls to defend themselves by being assertive and finding their identity in their own  way and in their own time. Scream’s main focuses are sexuality and virginity and how they have an impact on anxiety in young women and have an effect on the reputation on the girl –â€Å"your mother was a slut bag,† Sidney is told.

As I Lay Dying Analysis Essay

February 18, 2013 Duty is a Four Letter Word with a Three Character Meaning In William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, the Bundrens sacrifice a great deal to lay Addie in her final resting place at Jefferson. They obediently follow her burial orders despite the hardships along the way because of the moral obligation they have to their mother and wife. These ignorant people may not have had the task of taking their father’s place in the Chinese army and fending off the Huns to defend the emperor, they just had to get to one place with a coffin. However, the size of the sacrifice does not matter because duty is duty.Helen Keller once said, â€Å"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. † This quote emphasizes the theme of duty in As I Lay Dying because even though the endeavor of taking their deceased family member to her home town was not an enormous achievement for the sake of manki nd, it still significantly mattered to the Bundrens. Duty is considerably expressed by the characters Dewey Dell, Darl and Jewel. Dewey Dell makes a striking introduction into the minds of the reader when questions arise like â€Å"Why does she keep talking about cakes? to â€Å"Is this character a woman? † Faulkner first epitomizes Dewey Dell as the annoying girl who sat fanning her mother for days, not letting Addie get a break or the others a proper chance to say goodbye to their mother or wife. She slowly transforms into a more mature and astute character when Addie dies and she is forced right away to perform her duties as the woman of the house. Faulkner writes, â€Å"Pa looks down at the face, at the black sprawl of Dewey Dell’s hair, the out-flung arms, the clutched fan now motionless on the fading quilt. â€Å"I reckon you better get supper on,† he says. Dewey Dell does not move. † But she does move.She gets up and makes supper and the audience also sees a motherly role thrust upon Dewey Dell in two ways. One of which is through her unexpected pregnancy and the other is in how she has to take care of young Vardaman from then on. Cash, Anse or Jewel would not care about the wellbeing of Vardaman and so Dewey Dell has to watch the â€Å"baby† of the family. She also exemplifies duty in her pregnancy by how alone she has to face the consequences. With a small bit of money from Lafe, she must go to drugstore after drugstore, quietly begging the pharmacist to get her the poson she is desperate for with the quiet of her eyes.Faulkner seems to think that it is not a 50/50 split in responsibility between Lafe and Dewey Dell as he imposes duty on her so much as to even fall into the hands of such scum as MacGowan. Another character Faulkner instills duty on is Darl. Darl feels like it is his responsibility to keep track of every one. Unlike Dewey Dell or Jewel, he is incapable of interacting and participating in the family t he way they do, but he contributes to duty in other means. He stayed on the farm and helped out his mother and father until the years grew by and he turned thirty.He fulfilled his duty by helping out his parents for longer than should have been allowed, even prompting Cora Tull to say, â€Å"Maybe Cash and Darl can get married now. † His mother had taken over his life but his spite towards her and her fiendish ways could not distract Darl from doing his duty and helping get Addie to Jefferson. The final Faulkner bombards with duty is Jewel. As one of the youngest siblings yet so close to manhood, Jewel was stuck in a transaction of being his mother’s favorite to proving to his brothers he was a tough and serious person.For some reason, it always seemed to be Jewel’s duty to rescue his coffin-confined mother. When Addie lets loose in the water, Jewel has to be the one to save her because Cash could not swim, Vardaman was too small, Anse was a careless brute and s he slipped right out of Darl’s reach. Then again, when the Gillespie barn begins to flare bright with flames, Jewel is the one to throw himself into the barn to ger her out. He even does more than that, helping the men find the cow and get it to come outside.In saving Addie, he sacrifices much more than exhaustion this time, suffering as described by this passage, â€Å"His back was red. Dewey Dell put the medicine on it. The medicine was made out of butter and soot, to draw out the fire. Then his back was black. † Jewel’s purpose in As I lay Dying is to salvage his mother time and time again even though he does not want to. He never returned his mother’s affections and barely acknowledged her yet in her death he developed a sense of duty to his mother because he knew subconsciously that he was probably the only stable ‘Bundren’ left.William Faulkner’s As I lay Dying portrays the theme of duty in a very distinct and barely comprehendib le way. His stream-of-consciousness narrations from the characters of Dewey Dell, Darl and Jewel plainly bring out the underlying forms of duty these siblings elicit. Even though some duties are larger than others as noticed by the quote, â€Å"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble,† by Helen Keller, other tasks have to be achieved not for the sake of size but for the sake of duty to others.

The old man and the sea by Earnest Hemmingway, alternate ending

He took all his pain and what was left of his strength and his long gone pride and he put it against the fishes agony and the fish came over to his side and swam gently on his side, his bill almost touching the planking of the skiff, and started to pass the boat, long, deep, wide, silver and barred with purple and interminable in the water. The old man dropped the line and put his foot on it and lifted he harpoon high and drove it down with all his remaining strength. He watched as it passed straight through the side of the great fish, staining the deep blue waters red, leaving swirls of maroon in its wake, little ghost fish sent to mock me he thought. The great fish swam away with the little rope going straight through the flesh near the base of its tail. ‘I feel your pain' the old man spoke out loud to the fish. The harpoon must be jammed against his side and unable to come back through, he thought. Oh great fish, fine friend, what an ignoble end this will give, why this is worse than bone spurs, it must be. The pressure against his shoulders had lessened, the acute pain from the line cutting his right hand eased. ‘So, I have no strength left you, have beaten me worthy adversary, but to do so you will die a long drawn out slow death, like a criminal chained to another' The words hurt his dry lips increasing the depth of the furrows in the flesh. ‘I will not bring you in like this' he spoke again to the marlin, not after all that we have been through, he thought, no I will not shame either of us like this. If the fish managed to free itself before he could untie the rope from the bitt the resulting hole left behind would equivalent to a feast for two families. His head was getting fuzzy again, but the thought to free the fish remained strong. ‘I will cut you loose' he said ‘yes I have my knife, I will make both my hands work for this'. He took his knife and sawed at the rope, back and forth, back and forth cutting it with the rhythm of the waves. He used his left hand to press down on top of the other as much as it would allow him to. After what felt like an age he broke right through the rope, as the last few strands were severed, his left hand cramped again causing him to drop his knife into the vast waters. But the rope was cleaved in two, he had freed his adversary. He rested then, dipping his hands one at a time in the healing cleansing salty sea. Taking time to recover from his efforts, the pressure of the line a constant ache across his shoulders, he pondered the repercussions of sailing the skiff so far out. I shouldn't have gone out so far fish, he thought, aloud he said ‘I'm sorry'. As he continued to ponder the wiseness of the distance his head started to clear. The loss of his knife playing on his mind. ‘Oh why am I so stupid?' he whispered in a harsh tone. Of course he thought to himself, ESTUPIDO! He silently cursed his foolishness. It was my head, it was unclear, the flying fish I ate was long ago. Why didn't I just untie the rope from the bitt? Why did I cut it? How much energy did I waste sawing? My knife, my knife, it would be here if I had not been so stupid, the thoughts wound around and around his head. ‘Oh great fish I bet you'd of never committed such a stupid act' He said to the moving fin of the fish. The great fish carried on swimming, slowly but steadily, the phosphorescent trails of its blood faint now, almost gone. The marlin had slowed, the old man noticed, he thought the lack of food must be taking its toll on him as well by now. He must get some rest, even the great DiMaggio must rest sometimes, even before the bone spurs he must have worn himself out, he must have tired and wanted, no, longed for rest. Longed for rest, just like he did. I bet the wonderful DiMaggio's' father the great fisherman would understand, he said to himself, he must of fought some great battles on the sea, to be able to pass on the great wisdom help Joe to be so great. Just a few minutes rest, even a few minutes would be good he didn't want to get confused again. Yes he would rest, and then try to catch a fish, a flying fish that would be good; they taste nice even without salt or lime. But first he would rest. He was disturbed about 15 minutes later. By a tugging on his right hand, an increased pressure cutting into his shoulder blades. The fish was turning! He had started circling; he was on the path to the fisherman's hands now. He adjusted the line drawing it in slowly, he didn't want to break it. ‘I must be gentle, I must be smooth,' he thought, ‘I can be tricky, I can be clever, I won't let the line snag.' He knew that any sudden tugging on the line could tear the hook from its slender hold in the marlins mouth. The fish had circled nearly 360à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ it had taken what seemed like a lifetime to the old man. All the while slowly and carefully drawing the thick line through his useless almost lifeless left hand, across his martyred back and then through his right hand, his strong hand. ‘Gentle, I can be gentle, I can be crafty, wily, I am a great fisherman, like father DiMaggio, come to me, my friend, my equal, come to me I am experienced, it will be sure and swift.' He chanted to the fish. The fish carried on its slow turn all the while, in perfect ignorance of what the old man was telling it. It continued its circle until it had turned another half, and straightened out all the time swimming steadily. ‘You tease me' he said to the marlin ‘you do not think of me as worthy, I can best you I am not dead yet.' He settled into the salty planks of the skiff, resting his back but careful of the line running across it. I will rest for a while he thought to himself, then I will try to get a fish. After taking a few sips from his water bottle he felt for the excess coil securing it on his toe, and closed his eyes. The world started spinning, he opened his eyes a feeling of nausea rising in this throat. I am so tired he thought to him self, so tired and weak he closed his eyes again swallowing down the bile that was threatening to come out. Trembling he tried to rest, many minutes passed before the compulsive swallowing stopped and his breathing steadied. He dreamt of the lions on the beach again, but it was different this time. The lions came not to gamble and play, but sat quietly and still on the sand, almost as though they were waiting for something. It was dark again when he awoke, the tendrils of fog dancing and swaying in the moon beams. It took him a few moments to adjust to being awake. He thought for a while that he was in his shack, lying comfy and cosy on his bed of newspapers. Then the pressure of the line filtered through his hazy thoughts. I am in my boat, I am fishing, then the realisation of his fight to snare the marlin rushed towards the surface. ‘the fish!' he croaked jumped up, his head spinning around to locate the fish, when he saw it swimming along unconcerned at the private battle aboard the skiff, the relief that washed over him was like a healing balm, a balm that melted away as he fumbled for the line realising that it had slipped from his shoulders. His cold and sleepy hands nearly dropped the line, but he managed to flounder around until his right hand grappled and gripped at the line, then his slower left hand finally found purchase and finished the job of adjusting the line so it was snug against his shoulder blades. He gazed around at the stars realising that he was heading in the direction of home. Well my fine friend, we best end this soon or the waters will get too shallow, and you will scrape your fine scales, he chuckled silently casting his gaze around searching for his fish. He had surfaced again in the night; it must be getting close to an ending the old man thought. It'll soon be time for the home run, where's that water; he reached over feeling for his bottle. Sipping slowly Santiago glimpsed a shape moving around the skiff. ‘What's that?' he started, more quietly now he said, ‘that's a snub nose, no, no there are two' he said as he spotted a second fin gliding towards the boat. The circled the boat coming at it from different directions, then one changed course heading towards the fish. He must be leaving blood trails calling out to the shark, diner time come and get me, thought the old man. As the snub nose headed towards the fish the old man started beating the surface of the water with an oar. He screamed at them in a cracked and wasted voice ‘here you bastardos, here, leave him alone, you are nothing but unworthy scavengers, brainless useless scum' he continued to beat the ocean erratically , splashing and churning up the expanse of blue, making it turn to darker and lighter blues, vermilions and a lilac that was reminiscent of the marlins stripes. ‘He's mine' he screamed at the sharks. One of the came close to the boat, he could see it cold, pitiless eyes. Gathering what little strength he had he lifted the oar above his head, cursing his decrepit left hand, as he brought the oar down in a solid blow between its eyes. The shark twitched violently lunging at the oar, snapping the blade with his fearsome teeth. Santiago twisted the shards round and managed to pierce an eye. He watched the shark back off. You are no match for me, he thought, even the boy, as green as he still is could beat you. He continued to beat the water but in a gesture of triumph now, ‘get lost, get lost you scum' he shouted as he thrashed his hands around in the water. ‘You won't have my fish, it's not for you!' Suddenly he felt a searing, burning pain, then a wave of blackness threatened to overcome him, but some basic animal instinct took over and he shook his head clearing it. The pain took over again then. What is this, what is happening? He thought to himself, feeling strangely detached from the excruciating pain. I have been bitten, ‘I have been bitten!' he shouted in shock, ‘the shark has bitten me' he said in a quieter weaker voice, as he saw the partner to the shark he had hit gliding away. He must have sneaked in behind me, he thought getting groggy by now, they were jealous of my fish, my fish that fly's, my fantastic friend. He was swaying but not in time with the ocean now. The old man crumbled gently to the deck of the skiff. Flee, fly my friend, he mumbled as the dark fog enclosed him. The fish carried on smoothly through the water, appearing impervious to the wound it had sustained. Manolin was on the beach early, as he had been every day since the old man had been gone. When his father had mentioned it to him, whilst complaining that he boy was half asleep when fishing, Manolin had replied I will look for him, I will wait for him, I will not abandon him for I believe in him. As the boy gazes out to see he spots a deeper shadow in the sea, what is that? He thinks squinting his eyes, trying to see clearer. It is to far to be sure but he knows that it is Santiago, returning home. ‘Pedrico! Pedrico, it is Santiago, he is returning home, his luck has turned!' he shouted down the beach, thinking to himself, I hope his luck has returned, I so want him to be coming back with a good catch. It is not right that he should have such bad luck; he will not be able to take much more. Meanwhile Pedrico had gathered more of the locals, they were making their way to the edge of the sand. Chattering and gossiping amongst themselves. The boat was close enough now to be sure that it was a skiff, but what was that in front of it? ‘My god it's a fish', ‘no, it's a shark', ‘it's not real, it's a demon' ‘a fish?', ‘it's unnatural' were some of the mutterings that could be heard from the crowd. The boy just stood with his mouth slightly open and a waxen hue to his face. It was closer now they could see without a shadow of a doubt, that it was a huge fish in front of the skiff pulling it along, in fact even those that were slow to believe were starting to realise it was a marlin. The boy started shaking and crying as it got closer and closer, he could hear the intakes of breaths and gasps from the crowd next to him fade into to silence as they all realised that the fish was not going to stop. Manolin wasn't sure what or even how he was feeling, he had never encountered a situation like this, and it was way beyond anything his emotions had ever strived to cope with before, let alone made sense of. The whole beach waited agog as the fish reached the edge of the sand still towing the skiff behind. It seemed to him the only two sounds in the world were the beating of his heart hammering in his ears and the unusually grating sound of the waves breaking on the shore. He tensed as the fish drove himself on to the unnatural environment of the sandy shore; pushing and pushing its ravaged body until it was well and truly grounded. Before the crowd had recovered enough from the shocking spectacle unfolding in front of them to move, the boy had waded out to the small boat, a true fisherman now perhaps, as even under the strain of what had transpired, a part of his mind noticed and admired the sheer size of the marlin. The crowd had just began to recover from their collective stupor enough to move when a howling keening sound arose from the boys mouth, ‘NOoooooooooooooo. He can't die, not now look at his catch, SANTIAGO†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Santiago' The boy trailed off into a soft whimper, shrugging off the hands that appeared to try and pat him with gestures of comfort. Then he jumped up suddenly shouting ‘get off, GET OFF! GET OFF!' as he started to dash towards the fish he pushed the onlookers out of the way, and rounding on a pair of fishermen that had been about to club the fish and screeched ‘ NO!' He drew a ragged breath before he carried on, ‘don't you see Santiago has brought his catch home?' the men nodded shocked. ‘Well don't you think that is a special fish, leading him home? If fact grounding itself in the process' before they could reply he continued ‘well, don't you think that they must of shared spirits, two so brave and clever, despite bad luck?' with that he turned to the most superstitious member of the village and said ‘that is right isn't, it that's what the old stories tell us?' The old man stared at the boy for a second then said ‘yes they will have shared courage therefore their spirits would have mingled' in a slow and halting voice, then stronger ‘yes he is right! This great marlin, noble marlin is as Santiago' The boy turned back towards the fish, ‘then we have to save this fish, we should revere such a miracle not haste its passing. Would you club Santiago's body if it were that in front of you? The crowd denied this as a group; hurt a member of their community? Never. Right said the boy in a more confident tone ‘lets get him to the water, come on, I cant move him on my own' the others started to help, all the while encouraged by the boy who was not a boy anymore ‘gently, careful now' ‘look at that wound, it is very bad, but one as strong as this will heal' silently to himself, he prayed that it would heal. They got the fish to the water before they noticed the hole in its lip where the hook had finally ripped away. The boy checked the unnaturally still fish over for ropes, lines and hooks then trying to get a quick look to assess the condition of the fish. All the while the fish stayed still. The boy whispered ‘goodbye, and thank you, Joe DiMaggio rules' The fish turned its kingly head towards the boy, and with the flick of a tale was gone, going beneath the surface as soon as it could. The crowd thinned until it was just the boy watching, alone, his eyes all bleary from unshed tears; just as he turned he thought he saw the glistening body of the majestic fish leaping through the air. But when he turned back to see clearer, there was nothing there.

Communication Satellite Corporation Essay

The following judgment on the appropriate economic regulations of the Communications Satellite Corporation (Comsat) has been arrived at after considering the due deliberations presented before the Commissioners by the two parties; namely Comsat and FCC. Central to this judgment is the premise that â€Å"the return to the equity owner should be commensurate with returns on investments in other enterprises having corresponding risks.† Also, the fair rate of return should be actually that required (or expected) by a firm’s investors. The Commissioners are also of the view that the interests of the ratepayers should be safeguarded. The ratepayers should not be penalized for any change in circumstances (e.g. excess liquid cash due to change of technological needs) resulting in inefficiency at Comsat. Such risk should be borne by the Shareholders alone. The judgment covers the fair rate of return awarded to Comsat (commensurate to its risks), the rate base and the price structure to be followed by Comsat. At the onset, we concur with Comsat’s argument that their risk profile cannot be compared to that of AT&T due to the following: 1. Even though AT&T is in the same business of providing communication channels, yet the equipment used is vastly different i.e. satellites versus data cables. 2. AT&T is a well-established utility while Comsat is a new venture. Their risk profiles are not similar. 3. Considering the testimony of Dr. Myers, the beta found for AT&T and Comsat are different thus implying that the investors view the inherent risk of the companies differently. Next, we look into the various risk factors discussed before us in order to reasonably estimate the risk inherent in Comsat. Operating Risks 1. Technological Risk: The trial staff established low technological risk by considering in hindsight the fact that Comsat’s evolution was relatively trouble-free. In our opinion, this is unjustifiable as when the company was started there was no way of knowing this and the technological risks were immense. 2. Business Risk: There was no government guarantee for Comsat. Also, considering the fact that disclosing information in a prospectus in no way changes the risk associated with the business. 3. Demand Risk: The arguments put forward by the trial staff in this case are sound but do not present a case for comparison with AT&T. 4. Competitive Risk: We think that competitive risk is medium, thus deviating from both the trial staff and Comsat’s stand. This is because although high risk was created due to Comsat’s competitors being its customers, it was also mitigated to some extent by FCC’s support. 5. Regulatory Uncertainty: Again this uncertainty of prospective regulation is reduced by expected support from FCC. 6. Political/International Risk: We agree here with the trial staff’s response. The risk faced by Comsat is probably just a little greater than that faced by other international organizations operating in those countries during that time. From the above discussion, we conclude that the company faces more operational risk than that touted by the trial staff albeit it is not as high as Comsat claims. Financial Risk The trial staff wants to impute the implications of a 45% debt structure to calculate the cost of capital. This is incorrect since firstly, there were no assets that could be used as security till 1972 and secondly, this is a hypothetical situation of which there can be many. However, we are of the opinion that the debt should be imputed at a rate of 45% post-1972 as a miscalculation on part of the management should not result in unjustified price structure for the ratepayers. Rate Base The appropriate rate base should now be calculated based on the above decision to impute debt post-1972. Pre-1972, the rate base will be the entire capital of the company. Evaluation of Cost of Capital We disagree with the first two witnesses, namely Dr Brigham and Dr Carleton and their estimation of Comsat’s cost of capital. Dr Brigham’s method takes into account 602 industrial firms and 56 utilities. These two categories of companies are not comparable for the purposes of this analysis. Also, the Andersen study using four utilities and its results is not worth considering since these utilities had a different capital structure and consequently, a completely different risk profile from that of Comsat. Dr Carleton has arrived at a risk premium of 2-4% but has provided no reasonable justification or methodology followed for calculating this. Also, we have no indication whatsoever about the nature of this premium, whether it is the risk premium for Comsat or the utilities sector or the market or the country as a whole. We concur with Dr Myers’ methodology of using the CAPM for calculating the risk premium. This study further simplifies matters as the cost of equity and the cost of capital is the same for this firm pre-1972 and incorporate the cost of debt post-1972. Also that the beta in this case would be calculated on the basis of market data. Assuming the markets to be efficient  implies that the appropriate risks have been implicitly factored into the prices and the beta. Based upon these estimates we will state the cost of capital to be 14%, which is the mid point found for the various risk estimates over time, taking into account a beta range from 1.4 – 1.7 as recommended by Dr. Myers. Pricing Structure The commissioners are of the view that Comsat was injudicious in charging the maximum rates the markets could bear. Instead, Comsat should have charged rate of return that is sufficient for it to maintain: a) to cover cost of capital already committed to the enterprise over and above the operating expenses incurred; and b) to attract additional capital as needed in competitive money markets at reasonable costs. We instruct FCC and Comsat to calculate the appropriate revenues for Comsat in line with the preceding judgment. Comsat should be penalized 50% of the excess revenue, if any, and FCC should use this money to further infrastructure development in Communication systems.

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 19

Globalization - Essay Example It  Furthered stated that the environmental challenges such as  climate change, cross-boundary  water  and  air pollution, and  over-fishing  of the ocean are linked with globalization.  Globalizing processes is affect by the business  and  work  organization,  economics,  socio-cultural  resources, and the  natural environment.  When you are referring to trade and transactions, globalization has led countries to increase their shares in the world trade resulting greater variation among major regions. For instance, the  newly industrialized economies  (NIEs) of Asia prospered due to globalization while African countries as a whole performed poorly. The countrys exports are an important indicator of success. Manufactured goods are exports soared dominated by developed countries and newly industrialized economies (NIEs). Commodity exported such as food and raw materials were often produced by developing countries while commodities share of total expo rts has declined over periods. The interactions amongst states which was on a global scale confined to Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and certain parts of Europe marked their success in the world of trade.  In the early globalization, it was difficult for states to interact with others who were not within close proximity. The advance technology has allowed states to learn from others who existence in trade markets. The third has to do with  interdependency, stability and regularity. When a state is not depending on other states then there is no way they can mutually affected by another. This is the driving force behind global connections and trade. With globalization states can be able to get what they are not able to produce from other state and supply what they produce to other state. Due to globalization approach and its modern forms have resulted to the  industrial revolution. This is though industrialization standard  production

Impact of WorkLife Balance on Employee Performance Essay

Impact of WorkLife Balance on Employee Performance - Essay Example In this paper, the main discussion will be centered on reviewing the relevant literature about the measures that can be implemented by the organization in order to create a fine balance between the needs of the employees and the company so as to enhance positive outcomes for both parties. According to Beauregard and Henry, â€Å"Competing demands between work and home have assumed increased relevance for employees in recent years, due in large part to demographic and workplace changes such as rising numbers of women in the labour force, an ageing population, longer working hours, and more sophisticated communications technology enabling near constant contact with the workplace†. In as far as work balance is concerned, the employees should also be in a position to cater to their own family needs and interests. There are likely to be positive outcomes for both the employees and the employers. Research has shown that employees who are not given the opportunity to pursue their own goals are less satisfied in their work compared to those who are given the autonomy to make decisions that can impact on their goals and the needs of the organization. Jackson and Schuler argue that employees are not only motivated by financial gains but the autonomy to make decisions as well as to pursue their personal goals. This helps to create quality relationships between the employees and the organizations where mutual understanding can be enhanced. Against the rising demand of the need to create good industrial relations where dialogue between the employees and the employers can be supported to work together for the betterment of the company as a whole, the UK government has established The Partnership at Work Fund and it was launched under the Government grant scheme through the Department of Trade and Industry in 1999.

Western Cultural Influence on Japanese Artistry Essay

Western Cultural Influence on Japanese Artistry - Essay Example Between the Meiji Restoration in the latter half of the 19th century and the Taisho Era prior to the First World War, Japanese culture was significantly changed due to Western influence and the styles of traditional Japanese art were changed or largely abandoned for Western artistic techniques. During the period of Japanese isolation, artists were inspired to draw from their own cultural history and to create artwork based on the development of traditional techniques. Their work was heavily influenced by religious beliefs such as Buddhism and the Yoga lifestyle; after Western cultures were introduced to the nation, artists would study abroad and bring home classic European techniques such as impressionism, post-impressionism and eclecticism that would both stand alone and change the traditional Japanese techniques into new styles. During the early years of Western perception of Japanese art, many traditional styles were viewed as identical, due simply to the fact that European and North American audiences were not accustomed to them (Tipton, pp.53-55). While post-war Japan would be indisputably influenced by international cultures, it was the years of the Meiji Restoration and the Taisho era that started the artistic shift from traditional Japanese to modern Western styles. ... Aside from sculpting Buddhas and the development of early ceramic techniques that would become invaluable throughout the world, Japanese artists took quite easily to painting as a major form of art. The fact that calligraphy was in itself an art form, rendered not only for function but for beauty, had a direct hand in the large-scale development of Japanese painting because both involved the use of a brush. Brush skills were such a rudimentary part of Japanese life that it was second nature for artists to pick up a paintbrush and work on complete pictures instead of just characters. Because of this initial correlation between calligraphy and painting, one can easily see how the latter developed from the former. Japanese painting has traditionally utilized the same brush techniques as were necessary for the formation of calligraphy characters; these were further developed however the origins of such painting techniques can easily be discerned. Where traditional European painting was characterized by the use of the paintbrush to show objects in realistic form by making use of light and shading, Japanese painting formed as an offshoot of calligraphy and therefore objects were portrayed in a basic style that used individual lines in a form of impressionism. Artwork in the Edo Period, immediately prior to the Meija era, encompassed not only painting and ceramics, but architecture and woodblock prints. Stunning architectural styles were not only beautiful when standing alone, but they were created in conjunction with various gardens that were designed to showcase the buildings in the best light. Traditional Japanese architecture is internationally famed alongside the country's ceramics, silk weaving and other art forms, but perhaps most unique

Tourism Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Tourism Planning - Essay Example The role of governments in the planning phase of tourism both regionally and nationally is significant since it fosters growth at all levels and increases the chances of economic prosperity and wellness for the related stakeholders. (Gunn, 2003) I disagree with the premise that tourism planning is just about what will be built and where – rather it is a complete mindset which needs to be understood within the thick of things. The tourism sector must make sure that the role of government is encouraging at consistent levels and there are no hiccups in the wake of the provision of funds for the growth regimes of the tourism industry. Tourism would be conducted best if it is left to the locals as it is a thriving industry. However, the role of government is of the essence as it works as a helping agent in the whole scheme of things. In its own right, tourism planning is an art. This is because it is difficult living up to the expectations of the varied tourists hailing from different regions of the world. The local tourism measures seem more pertinent for the region under consideration since this lays the foundation stone for the upheaval of the tourism industry in a localized zone. These measures boost the economic and societal aspects which are rampant within the region and thus facilitate the common man with the provision of job opportunities, skilled labor and so on and so forth. Nationally, the economy gets a facelift and there are changes in the lines of commerce and industry since the country realizes its true potential elsewhere. (Kirk, 1997) Consequently, people come to terms with the advancements and technological changes that start to happen within such lands and thus hail the efforts undertaken by the related ministries.  Ã‚  

Reflective journal on management skills Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Reflective journal on management skills - Article Example fortunately the lead counselor personally requested that I hand the report directly to her instead of to the office manager and she was very disappointed when she read it. She conducted her own investigations and discovered that the entire report was my own work alone and that I had not involved the other staff in the creation of it. I felt so ashamed of my work that I avoided her for the next week. I was the topic of discussion in the office with all the other staff members talking about me and the report. The lead counselor forced me to repeat the entire project and report to her each day. I was also to bring her the recommendations of every person I interviewed and she would go and confirm these recommendations personally. I learnt a lesson that next time I would be given an opportunity like that, I would do my best. I will adhere strictly to what I need to do and make sure that I follow the instructions precisely. I am sure that if I follow the instructions to the letter, I will perform better. This is because whatever result I will produce will be compliant with the instructions and I will avoid a situation where I bring reports that are from my imagination. I ought to cultivate a sense of responsibility, which will help me respect my work. I have to respect my work and see it as an important responsibility that I must complete well. This will help me be an organized and responsible individual and will transform me into an asset for whatever organization I work with. This lesson ought to help me adapt and become a proper professional for my own good and the good of my professional

Mother Teresa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Mother Teresa - Essay Example This paper stresses that Mother Teresa was always passionate about missionary life and was able to locate any missionary on the map and tell their service given at each place. This probably led later to becoming a missionary herself. Let us take two different theories of Personality – Entity theory and Incremental theory and try to apply it to Mother Teresa’s life. Entity theory states that personal qualities, which are inherited or learnt from the parents or at home, are stable over the time. Incremental theory stresses that personal traits are changeable and can be developed over the time. This report makes a conclusion that she was much influenced by her mother for caring, loving and helping young and old, rich and poor all alike and to believe in God and to pray. Her mother Drana made sure that her children never wasted their time and had a helping mentality towards the poor and needy. This was deep rooted in Mother Teresa’s mind from her childhood and stayed till her death. This supports the entity theory. It just kept improving and she made her area of service broader by treating the sick and the dying. Loving and caring for children and poor was innate in her. Treating the sick was an acquired skill though the urge to do so came from within. Mother Teresa believed that God asked her to take care of the less privileged and thereafter she put her entire life into fulfilling God’s demand. So the aspect of treating the sick and dying can be attributed to the incremental theory.

Strategic Management and Leadership of General Motors Case Study

Strategic Management and Leadership of General Motors - Case Study Example GM, along with strategic partners manufactures automobiles and trucks in thirty-four nations, and trade and service these vehicles through its numerous brands.   Its biggest national market in the United States. China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, and Germany are the other nations which follow America in this context.   GM’s OnStar ancillary is one of the leading industries in vehicle safety, security and information facilities. On 10th July 2009,  General Motors Company obtained functions from General Motors Corporation. The General Motor Corporation established its place in the automobile manufacturing industry with the manufacturing of luxurious cars, which are classy at the same time superior from the other rival manufacturers of automobiles. Due to their high brand name and reputation in the market, the cost prices of cars from General Motors are generally very high and sometimes unreachable for general customers. (Global Operations, n.d.; General Mot ors, n.d) The General Motors Corporation held the first place as an automobile manufacturing company with respect to its sales for around 77 years until; Toyota took its place in the year 2008. The downfall of the company from the number one position is due to its negligence in terms of designing new innovative cars. There was a lack of creative innovations in terms of designs as they only have done some slight or minor changes in the designs to satisfy the customers. Some are of the view that the downfall is due to the poor strategic management of the company. The company faced difficulties in coming up with the internal and external pressures, like the accessibility of loans for the customers, the pressure from the Government and Labor Unions, crisis of oil, other competitive technologies such as electric cars, etc. (Global Operations, n.d.; General Motors, n.d) These difficulties clearly suggested that the company needs to re-strategize its  operations.