Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Despite the absence of god or gods, as well as a lack of concern for Essay

Despite the absence of god or gods, as well as a lack of concern for the afterworld, Theravada Buddhism and Confucianism can be considered religious traditions - Essay Example All these aim to get enlightenment and achieve nirvana, and thus be liberated from all the cycles of births and deaths and related sufferings. There are two main branches of the Buddhist religion. Theravada is the oldest surviving form of Buddhism that is still in practice mainly in Sri Lanka and in some parts of south East Asia. Mahayana form is practiced in the East Asia, while a variant of Mahayana known as the Vajrayana is often referred to as the third branch. Confucianism is a way of thinking that is more philosophical than religious, which originated in China. The founder of this form of ethical way of thinking, was Confucius (551- 478 BC), who lived around the same time as that of Lord Buddha. Confucianism deals with the ethical, moral, social, philosophical and to some extent religious aspects of life and has exerted tremendous influence in the cultural heritage of East Asia. It has become the state religion in some countries of this region. Confucianism lays stress on devel oping the moral ethics of a person so that a state can be governed by moral rules alone, and not by any enforced legal system. This article will explore and examine the various tenets of Theravada Buddhism and Confucianism and discuss whether these two form of practices with their absence of gods or any god like figures, and their utter lack of concern for the afterworld can be referred to as a religious traditions, or best be left to calling, as only philosophical thoughts. Theravada Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism translated literally means ‘teaching of the elderly,’ originated in India and is said to be the oldest form of Buddhism that is still in practice today. It is a conservative form of religious practice, and its sutras are said to be the closest to original doctrines of Lord Buddha. It has been the chief religion of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia and Burma for many centuries, and is also practiced in some parts of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Determination of Glucose Concentration Using Trinder Method

Determination of Glucose Concentration Using Trinder Method The Trinder method is used to determine glucose concentration only, (Lott et al, 1975). This method was first described by Trinder in 1969 thus named after him, (Lott et al, 1975). It uses an enzyme glucose oxidase for the first reaction and peroxidase for the second reaction thus the name of the enzyme Glucose oxidase/peroxidase (GODPOD), (Meiattin, 1973). Enzymes are biological or any chemical catalysts that speed up a reaction without it being used up, (Jan, 2010). It functions to catalyse a reaction by lowering the activation energy of the reaction. Activation energy is the energy needed to initiate the reaction. It is a point of high energy and requires more energy than the substrates. An enzyme also contains an active site for the substrate to catalyse the reaction. Its efficiency depends on the concentration of the substrate and conditions like temperature or pH, (Hames et al, 2005). The Trinder method, is based on two sequential enzymatic reactions, the first one involves the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and H2O2, (Casabnon et al, 2005). This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme Glucose oxidase. Then, the H2O2produced is quantified by a chromogenic reaction with peroxidase (POD), as the enzyme that catalyses the reaction with the reduced dye, (Casabnon et al, 2005). The oxidised dye changes colour to pink or red according to the glucose concentration. The colour formed is stable at room temperature for at least two hours after development, (Anon, 2010). The main advantage of this method is that it is very specific. It doesnt target other sugars except glucose. It is also simple straight forward and easy to manipulate. Its results are very reliable and specific, (Bauninger, 1974). Its final products are stable as they are not reactive at room temperature. Other colorimetric methods to identify glucose include, oxidation of glucose in the presence of Cu+2 to give Cu2O, and different types of Chromatography, (Casabnon et al, 2005). Glucose can be detected with o-toledine or other amines, (Casabnon et al, 2005). The experiment had to check for the specificity of the assay thus other carbohydrates were assayed. These were galactose, fructose, maltose and ribose. Maltose is a disaccharide which is made up of two glucose molecules joined together by a glycosidic bond. Galactose is a major sugar found in milk, (Hames et al, 2005). Its structure consists of six carbons with a glycosidic bond to join the next glucose molecule, (Berg et al, 2007). Fructose is abundant in fruits. It is a monosaccharide with six carbons as its structure. Ribose is a pentose sugar molecule with 5 carbons. It is mostly abundant in the nucleotides. The aim of the experiment was to determine glucose concentration in different concentrated solutions and unknown solutions. The specificity of the assay was to be determined by application of the assay on different sugar molecules. A standard curve was to be drawn from the absorbencies acquired from the spectrophotometer at 515nm Materials 12 Test tubes 2 Long pipette tips 1ml of 0.5mM Fructose 1ml of 0.5mM Maltose 1ml of 0.5mM Galactose 1ml of Unknown Glucose 1ml of 0.5mM Ribose 5ml of 0, 5mM Glucose 5ml of Distilled water 7ml of 0.1% Phenol 20ml of GODPOD Reagent 9 pipette tips 8 Disposable Cuvettes Black Marker Stop watch P100 Pipette Automatic pipette Recoding paper and pen Spectrophotometer at 515nm Water bath at 37oC Test tubes rack Blotting paper Method The test tubes were marked T1 to T6, for those that had to be inoculated with glucose and S1 to S6, for those that had to be inoculated with different types of sugars. They were arranged in order of concentration on the rack. One row was left out for agitating the test tubes. Inoculation commenced by transferring glucose into different test tubes T1being the least concentrated. 0.5mM of Glucose was transferred using a P100 pipette and not changing the tip. 0.2cm3 was inoculated into T2, 0.4 cm3 into T3, 0.6 cm3 into T4, 0.8cm3 into T5 and 1.0 cm3into T6. Distilled water was then inoculated into the test tubes using a different tip to avoid cross contamination. One centimetre cubed was inoculated into T1, 0.8 cm3 into T2, 0.6 cm3 into T3, 0.4 cm3 into T4 and 0.2 cm3 into T5. There was no water inoculated into the last tube T6. Phenol was then inoculated into all the twelve test tubes. It was transferred using a different tip to avoid cross contamination. One centimetre cubed of different sugars were inoculated in specific S tubes. 0.5mM of Galactose was inoculated into S1, 0.5mM of Glucose was inoculated into S2, Glucose unknown was inoculated into S3, 0.5mM of Fructose was inoculated into S4, 0.5mM of Maltose was inoculated into S5 and then 0.5mM of Ribose was inoculated into S6. These transfers were done with different tips for different sugars. One and half millilitres of GODPOD reagent was then inoculated into all the test tubes using an automatic pipette and a long pipette tip. The test tubes were then agitated on the rack and incubated in the water bath for forty minutes. The temperature was constantly checked during incubation. After forty minutes, the solutions changed colour from colourless to light pink according to the concentration. These different solutions were then read on a spectrophotometer in a cuvette. The spectrophotometer was zeroed at first then absorbencies of Glucose and other sugars were read and recorded. A cuvette was wiped on the soft side to minimize absorbencies caused by contamination. These different absorbencies were recorded on a table. Discussion The reactions of glucose with the GODPOD were slow due to the fact that the enzyme was stored in ice thus it took long for the reaction to take place. The enzymes structure was disrupted because it was kept in cold thus it took time to equilibrate with the conditions. The reason why GODPOD was slow to react was because it is sensitive to its environment, (Teal et al, 1985). Enzymes are sensitive to pressure, temperature and pH. This added to the fact that the colour produced was not very dark because the enzyme was adjusting to the conditions. The enzyme also didnt denature because it was kept in ice at 4oC not in the heat above 40oC. On the graph, the points that are not on the line of best fit might have appeared because there might have been a competitive inhibitor thus the reaction didnt go on well owing to reduced absorbance. The inhibitor might have been so because of cross contamination. The same pipette might have been used to transfer the solutions thus cross contamination. The specificity of the enzymes might have caused the other solutions not to produce reliable results. Enzymes are sensitive to pH, (Jan, 2010). The pH of the test tube might have been so low or higher than the required thus some of the points are not in the line of best fit. This might have been avoided by carrying out the experiment repeatedly and then getting average values. When the enzyme was applied to the other sugars, there was no absorbance at all because the enzyme is specific to one substrate thus it didnt catalyse the reaction of other sugars and GODPOD. There might have no absorbance because these sugars might have their own wavelengths they absorb the light. This might have been avoided by scanning the various wavelengths and determine the exact wavelength. The unknown glucoses were determined by the use of the graph. The line of best fit was used to determine the glucose concentration. An equation was used also to determine the concentrations. The other points not on the line of the best fit might be there because the transitional state might have been great, thus when thirty minutes had passed, the enzyme had not gone past the transitional stage. This might have been characteristic of the colours produced according to the concentration of the different solutions. The unknown glucose solutions showed to have the same concentration as the stock solution. It might have the same compounds and properties as the stock solution. The results of the experiment were according to the literature values. This was highlighted by the absorbencies of stock solutions and different sugars. The specificity of the reaction was achieved. In conclusion, the aims of the experiment were achieved by obtain reliable data and results. The standard curve showed the absorbencies of the different solutions and unknowns.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essay --

Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning is the process of gaining knowledge based on an individual’s interest and developing skills throughout the life to improve their life irrespective of traditional educational schooling activities. This long term process influences an individual’s personal development and improves their thinking and thought process thus recreating themselves in a new experience of the positiveness. These learning’s can be of different types ranging from the home education, cultural learning, personal learning, spiritual learning, learning to keep up to date with technologies and local medical sciences education etc. Learning through experiences in life helps an individual to visualize the purpose of life from a new prospective that inspires them to be self-contended. Importance of Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning is important because knowledge is the primary source of value in the world today and ability to expand our mind and thinking out of box is the key to attain success. For example to be successful in your career/field you need to be up-to-date with the information and knowledge available in your field and this needs a lifelong learning. Lifelong learning improves cognitive abilities and positive thinking. For example in India many people give importance to Vedas and Indian literature which also has information on every aspect of life. People learn these through home education, self-interest or in a Vedic school. People who learn Vedas and Indian literature participate in Avadhana (a kind of quiz which tests your cognitive ability). Those who have completed these Avadhana’s successfully are proved to have good cognitive abilities. Indian music and traditional dances (like bharathanatyam, kathak, kuchip... ...also makes me influential. So having a greater knowledge will help me tackle problems and overcome challenges.. This change makes me involve in more other activities and eventually leads me to a successful Engineer. Education brings me a healthy body and mind throughout my life. Finally a career that embraces a program of continuous lifelong learning will ensure that I have a successful career. Because every moment of time, everywhere, under all circumstances something is being added to our previous attainments. My Career will be filled with many proud accomplishments, earning respect from colleagues, friends and a career that is fun and exciting. References: Blog: http://www.questia.com/library/education/higher-and-adult-education/lifelong-learning Paper: http://www.ieeeusa.org/communications/ebooks/files/47skc0ie/Launching-Your-Career-Lifelong-Learning.pdf

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Eugene Onegin Comparison

Eugene Onegin The transformation from a novel in verse to an opera Although written in the early 1800s, Eugene Onegin, a novel in verse written by Alexander Pushkin, is still regarded as one of the most influential and beautifully written pieces of work to this day. As it shifted cultural norms, opened new discussions, gave way to new forms of writing, and introduced novel approaches that envisioned life in a different light, Eugene Onegin was revolutionary.With its central theme revolving around the conflict between dreams and reality, the novel in verse caught the attention of readers all over the world, with over thirteen translations written. As well, other artists have adapted the work and interpreted it through their own art forms, including a ballet by John Cranko in 1965, and the famous opera by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which opened in 1879.Tchaikovsky’s interpretation in particular gathered much success and worldwide recognition, arguably more than that of Pushkinâ⠂¬â„¢s novel. While the characters and the storyline are mainly preserved, Pushkin’s main characters – Lensky, Onegin, and Tatyana – become more multi-dimensional and relatable in Tchaikovsky’s opera. Because he was an artist in the romanticism era, Tchaikovsky adds his own inspiration to the novel when changing it to an opera, creating many noticeable distinctions between the two.Compared to the novel in verse, the operatic version of Eugene Onegin has various deviations due to Tchaikovsky’s romanticism and character bias, which include changes in the duel scene, the increased favouritism of certain characters by Tchaikovsky, and the absence of a narrator. Throughout the course of Pushkin’s novel in verse, there are four main parts of the storyline that grab the attention of the reader and create the plot. One of the four scenes is a duel between Onegin and his best friend Vladimir Lensky, after Lensky caught Onegin flirting shamelessly wit h his fiancee.This scene was considerably altered between both artworks, as there was a very strong difference in the portrayal of Onegin’s guilt in the novel and in the opera. In Pushkin’s novel Onegin is very remorseful and heartbroken after killing his best friend. The narrator notes: Deluged with instant cold, Onegin hastens to the youth, Looks, calls him†¦ vainly: He is no more. The youthful bard Has met with an untimely end! †¦ In the ache of the heart’s remorse, His hand squeezing the pistol, At Lensky Eugene looks. â€Å"well, what – he’s dead,† pronounced the neighbor [Zaretsky] Dead!†¦With this dreadful interjection Smitten, Onegin with a shudder Walks hence and calls his men. In this piece, it is evident that Onegin is deeply conflicted with the crime he had committed. Dealing with the death of his friend, Onegin leaves town to find peace of mind. In the opera, however, Tchaikovsky leaves little time for Onegin†™s mourning. In the novel, Zaretsky, a friend of Lensky who attended the duel, is the first to speak after the fight finishes. Contrary to the novel, instead of Zaretsky being the first to speak of the death, it is Onegin who brusquely asks â€Å"Is he dead? In most stagings of this opera, Onegin simply walks to Lenksy’s body as if to double-check his passing. As scholar Julia Torgovitskaya states, â€Å"Because in an opera it would be difficult to convey a considerable length of time passing [i. e. for Onegin to mourn Lensky’s death], Tchaikovsky allows the scene to end right after Lensky has fallen. † The result of this change of scene from the novel to the opera is highly profound. In Pushkin’s story, readers are able to sympathize with Onegin in understanding his regret.Readers turn to Onegin and Tatyana’s communion as the happy ending they yearn for in the face of Lenksy’s tragic death. In the opera, on the other hand, the audience b egins to demonize Onegin, and there is a negative incline and desire for Onegin and Tatyana to be together. This single scene, being different between the two art forms, changes the entire mood of the story and the attitudes the audience would have towards its characters. The changes of certain scenes also come from Tchaikovsky’s bias towards specific characters, which result in a different presentation of their personalities on stage.Tchaikovsky, being an advocate of romanticism, presents the characters of Tatyana and Lensky in a more compassionate and sensitive manner. The opera differs from the novel as certain characters are viewed in a much stronger light, and their prominence has shifted. For instance, the character of Tatyana, a young, shy but passionate woman, was highly recognized and loved by Tchaikovsky. Due to this, the letter scene, where Tatyana spends an entire night writing and confessing her love for Onegin, was more emphasized and intimate, leaving the audie nce touched by Tatyana’s courageousness.With the addition of music, this scene was the longest and most complex solo section of the opera, further establishing the deep bond Tchaikovsky had for the character of Tatyana. After working on the writing of the letter scene, Tchaikovsky wrote â€Å"Being completely immersed in composition, I so thoroughly identified myself with the image of Tatyana that she became for me like a living person, together with everything that surrounded her. I loved Tatyana, and was furiously indignant with Onegin who seemed to me a cold, heartless fop. † With this magnetism, there was a shift in directive depiction between the main characters.It is important to note that in this opera, much of Pushkin’s text is cut out due to length (for it takes longer to sing a verse than utter written words or phrases), but the scenes with Tatyana and Lensky remained largely unchanged. For example, the night before the duel, Lensky writes to his wife a love letter pouring his heart out, knowing he is to die the next day. In the opera, Tchaikovsky has Lensky sing the contents of this letter in a heartfelt aria. Although it is very moving and beautiful, it is very far from Pushkin’s character of Lensky.In Pushkin’s work, instead of praising Lensky for his poetic nature and optimism, the narrator indicates that his romantic idealism stands as the result of his lack of world experience and naivete: He did his best to hold back the cynical comments that came to his lips, reflecting to himself, ‘It’s stupid for me to spoil his momentary bliss – it’ll vanish soon enough without my help. Meanwhile let him live on the belief that the world’s a perfect place. Youth is a kind of fever, and we must forgive the young their fire and their delirium.Although the narrator in Pushkin’s novel ridiculed this youthful euphoria, Tchaikovsky encourages and emphasizes the tenderness radiating from Lenksy. Thus, there is a considerable amount of romanticism added to both plot and character in Tchaikovsky’s opera in comparison to Pushkin’s novel. Finally, the most controversial deviation of the opera from the novel in verse is the absence of a narrator. This results in a critical difference between the two art forms, as the narrator’s input, digressions and lessons are not present in the opera, thereby changing the story’s defining attributes.In the novel, the narrator serves many roles, one being a voice of sarcasm and ridicule towards the characters, showing them the irony in which they live their lives. When reading the novel, readers were unsure of whether to be sympathetic to some characters, for it was possible that the narrator would interrupt with sarcasm or mockery revealing that the characters were undeserving of compassion. In the opera, the role of the narrator is removed, resulting in a more straightforward version of Pushkin’s ta le, where the characters clearly either deserve sympathy in their troubles or do not.In the novel, there was no need for characters to introduce themselves, due to the presence of a narrator, but in the opera, there are characters that have to introduce themselves to the audience. This happens, for instance, in the dueling scene (scene 5) where Zaretsky introduces himself: I am a pedant where the class duel is concerned, And I am naturally methodical. I do not allow a man to be stretched out Any old way†¦ In this scene, Zaretsky has to speak of himself to Onegin before the duel, explaining who he is and why he is there.This is completely different from the novel, where the narrator explains everything without awkward dialogue: Zaretsky, once a reprobate, Gambler-in-chief, an intimate And sage of inns, a philanderer; Kind and sober, now, instead, Father of many, still unwed†¦ Many scholars, such as Richard Taruskin, argue that in this opera, â€Å"the music, quite simply, is the narrator. From the very first sung notes†¦ the music acts as a very busy and detached mediator of situations and feelings. † This can be seen through the different musical pieces that play for each character, which in turn contribute to the audience’s interpretation of the character.For instance, Tatyana received the most colourful and lyrically driven music, while Onegin sings less memorable lines with simpler orchestral accompaniment. Although, one should note that the musical accompaniment of the characters’ actions are also biased, as the music that plays is the music that reflects how Tchaikovsky views them. Tchaikovsky, in one way, creates a new narrator by deciding how the characters will appeal to the audience, using music as his tool. For example, Tchaikovsky views Onegin as incapable of having genuine feelings, and so the music attributed to him is less inspired than that attributed to Lensky.In addition, the narrator in Pushkin’s nov el constantly interrupts the progression of the novel, which creates a storyline where two things occur simultaneously. In the opera this effect is achieved in a less destructive manner, because as novelists must arrange things in a sequential order, â€Å"musicians can simultaneously present and comment without recourse to digression. † When an event or conversation is happening on its own, it can be accompanied by music that tells a different story; consequently, two conversations can take place at the same time.The music plays, in this way, a role similar to a narrator, as it feeds information to the reader as events unfold, and gives insight on the situations through melodic remedies. Therefore, in the transition from novel in verse to opera, Tchaikovsky dropped the character of the narrator, and used music as a tool of explaining the story. In conclusion, the conversion of Eugene Onegin from a novel in verse to an opera includes many various deviations from the overall p lot and character emphasis in the story. With Tchaikovsky’s affinity and bond with the characters of Tatyana and Lensky, he portrays Onegin as demonic and insignificant.With this affinity, he manipulates the original storyline with romanticism to fool the audience into sympathizing with Tatyana and Lensky, whereas Pushkin’s narrator is notorious for ridiculed them. Furthermore, Tchaikovsky takes advantage of the absence of a narrator, and uses music’s capacity for emotional influence to further implement his bias for Tatyana, Lensky and Onegin. The narrator in Pushkin’s novel serves as a source of information to provide the readers with context concerning the setting, characters and story line where as Tchaikovsky uses character dialogue to provide such information.Overall the changes between Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin and Tchaikovsky’s operatic telling of the story were controversial but allowed for two different expressions of the same story. These deviations can be attributed to Tchaikovsky’s affinity for romanticism and his preference for Tatyanna and Lensky in comparison to his strong dislike for Onegin. Nevertheless, both versions of Eugene Onegin are still regarded as powerful pieces of artwork. Despite their differences, however, both tales leaves their audiences craving for answers to their questions: what happens next? Bibliography Brown, David.Tchaikovsky, The Crisis Years, W. W Norton; New York and London, 1983 Debreczeny, Paul. Social Functions of Literature: Alexander Pushkin and Russian Culture. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1997. Doran, Molly. The Transformation of Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin into Tchaikovsky’s Opera. Bowling Green State University, Ohio. 2012. Eugene Onegin. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. 2013. < http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Eugene_Onegin>. Pushkin, Alexandr. Translated by Vladimir Nabokov. Eugene Onegin. Princeton University Press: Princeton, 1990. Pushkin , Alexandr. Translated by A. S. Kline. Eugene Onegin. 2009.Pushkin, Alexandr. Eugene Onegin & Other Stories, Wordsworth Editions Limited; London, 2005 Taruskin, Richard. Defining Russia Musically. Princeton University Press: Princeton, 1997. Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyitch. Eugene Onegin in full score. Dover Publications, Inc. : New York, 1997. Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyitch. Eugene Onegin. Decca Recording with Royal Opera House; Coven Garen. Torgovitskaya, Julia. Eugene Onegin’s Journey Through Time: An Analysis of the Meanin and Effect of Major Themes in Pushkin’s Novel In Verse, Tchaikovsky’s Opera, and Other Adaptations of the Work and Their Relevance to Today’s World.Tuft’s University. 2009. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Torgovitskaya, Julia. Eugene Onegin’s Journey Through Time; Tufts University, 2009, page 5 [ 2 ]. Pushkin, Alexandr. Eugene Onegin & Other Stories, Wordsworth Editions Limited; London, 2005, page XXXVI [ 3 ]. Torgovitskaya, Julia. Eugene Onegin’s Journey Through Time; Tufts University, 2009, page 5 [ 4 ]. Pushkin, Alexandr. Translated by Vladimir Nabokov. Eugene Onegin, 241, [Chapter 6, Part XXXI]. [ 5 ]. Pushkin, Alexandr. Translated by Vladimir Nabokov. Eugene Onegin. 43. [Chapter 6, Part XXXV]. [ 6 ]. Torgovitskaya, J. Eugene Onegin’s Journey Through Time; Tufts University, 2009, page 27 [ 7 ]. Doran, Molly. The Transformation of Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin into Tchaikovsky’s Opera, Bowling Green State University, Ohio, 2012, page 23 [ 8 ]. Doran, Molly. The Transformation of Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin into Tchaikovsky’s Opera, Bowling Green State University, Ohio, 2012, page 43 [ 9 ]. Quoted in David Brown, Tchaikovsky, The Crisis Years, W. W Norton; New York and London, 1983, 143 [ 10 ]. Torgovitskaya, Julia.Eugene Onegin’s Journey Through Time; Tufts University, 2009, page 24 [ 11 ]. Pushkin, Alexandr. Eugene Onegin & Other Stories, Wordsworth Editions Limited; London, 2005, page 25(10-15) [ 12 ]. Tchaikovsky, P. Decca recording of Eugene Onegin, Royal Opera House, Coven Garden, scene 5 [ 13 ]. Pushkin, Alexandr. Eugene Onegin, translated by A. S. Kline, 2009, 128 [Chapter 6, stanza 4] [ 14 ]. Taruskin, Richard. Defining Russia Musically, Princeton University Press; Princeton, 1997, 53-54 [ 15 ]. Taruskin, Richard. Defining Russia Musically, Princeton University Press; Princeton, 1997, 54

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Last community group modifed

A Community Group is a group of people who come together to pursue a common cause or interest for the good of their communityIn Kuwait, a few community groups which were formed in the past were mainly strongly linked to the government and their decisions were influenced by the government’s whims. Among the community groups prominent in Kuwait, was Bait Al-Zakah Al-Kuwaiti, which helped the underprivileged people and economically disadvantaged countries, the Kuwaiti Disable Club established in 1971, and the Environmental Public Authority which was a joint venture by government associations and community groups. These groups were the first agencies in Kuwait that was interested in environmental betterment of the society.In 1992, when there was an oil well fire in Kuwait caused by the Iraqi soldiers, volunteers lent their helping hands to the firemen to stop quell the fire. Soon afterwards, the Volunteers Work Centre (VWC) was established. However due to a number of reasons like family   responsibility, priorities after the war, hot environment, lack of knowledge about the importance of voluntary work, educational backwardness of the masses etc, people didn’t come forward in large numbers to offer voluntary services. This is compounded by the fact that the government offered a high standard of living to the people.In recent times, a number of community groups were formed in Kuwait, which was independent and free of government influence. These groups which played an important role in the social reforms of Kuwait are divided into two sections:Section 1: This group were entitled the Volunteers Work Centre, consisting of   (14 groups), such as The Disable Centre. Each group in this section has their own voluntary program and they interacted with other groups to discuss and update their work strategies. Section 2: This section consists of groups who are working independently of the previous section, such as The Diving Centre.This essay will discuss br iefly the group community development in Kuwait with several success stories.Group Community DevelopmentDue to the timely and successful voluntary services provided by the Volunteer Centre, especially in controlling the burning oil fields and because of the support that they have received from the government, different community groups have been established under aegis of the Volunteer Centre. The Voluntary Centre has acted as a unifying factor in brining different community groups under one umbrella.The community groups together with the Volunteer Centre sensitized the masses about the need of voluntary services, and about their works as well through the help of media. In order to sensitize the masses, they mostly choose specific days in the shopping malls, to do their surveys, to educate the people, and to create awareness about the importance of voluntary services. Shopping malls are chosen for publicity and awareness building purpose because most people frequent such malls. The groups also initiated programs in school and University premises to encourage young people to come forward and join voluntary services, since sensitizing the younger generation was easier than older people. The internet too had become an attractive tool for sensitization of masses and to introduce the community groups to the society.Due to sensitization efforts, volunteers started to enrol directly to specific community groups; however, most of the volunteers went directly to the Volunteer Centre and they were assigned to various community groups according to their area of interests. Some of the volunteers had no specific backgrounds in community service or voluntary work, while others had meagre experience and could not decide where they would fit best. For such groups, the Volunteer Centre had specific programs to train them in specific area and then divide them into groups that fit their interests. Besides this, the Volunteer Centre provides volunteers to specific group community when they request for volunteers, or train new members on request.Sometimes when a group is faced with problems which can not be resolved within the group, it seeks the help from other groups through the Volunteer Centre for specialized intervention. The Volunteer Centre, through networking with different community   groups finds specialist from other groups suitable for resolving the issue. For instance, if the Disabled People Centre, which is one of the Volunteer Centre 14 groups, encountered a problem with their website, they can request the Volunteer Centre to provide them specialised manpower from community group with IT expertise to resolve their crisis.   Another example of significant cooperation between the Volunteer Centre groups can be seen from the fact that the Horses Group, after being requested by the Disabled People Centre, has trained horses especially for the disabled people.One of the successful group community under The Volunteer Centre of section one, is Th e Disabled People Centre. This centre was formed in 1999; The organizational structure of the Centre consists of a manager, assistant manager, secretaries and specialists etc. Voluntary work is carried out in a systematic and formal manner. Any request or help sought from the Centre has to be formally registered, along with a written application, which is either approved or disapproved with the consent of members or secretaries. The centre has dress code for volunteers and uniforms are provided by the centre.The Disabled People Centre is divided into several sub-centres. While one sub-centre directly deals with the patients, another organizes the media campaign and look after publicity affairs. Yet another sub-centre solicits and coordinates donation by seeking financial help either from individual donors or aid agencies or as well as request equipments from prospective donors for the disabled people. One sub-section coordinates with other groups (local or overseas), organize compet itions, ceremonies as well as other public relations campaigns.Another successful independent community group of section 2 is The Kuwait divers’ centre which started with two leaders in 1995. The group taught diving to members of other groups and made them understand the importance of diving for the protection of marine environment. The group organised overseas trips to gain first hand experience, so that they could compare the difference between the marine environments of Kuwait with other places. The group runs as a team which consists of two leaders, their assistants, eight core members and 94 volunteers. It seeks to popularise the diving sport and to conserve the environment, particularly the marine environment. The community group is divided into two parts:The training team teaches interested people how to dive. In the process, they expect some of these people to join their team, thus ensuring a sustainable future for the community group. The environmental conservation t eam, which educates the trainers about the need to save and protect our environment, also publishes and distributes educational brochures, and take resort to   other forms of media channels such as TV and radio to educate the broader community.Both the team coordinate with each other under the direct guidance of group leaders and their assistants. The age and the qualifications of the members play an important role in determining the member’s position in the team’s hierarchy. It is part of the Kuwaiti tradition and culture to respect a person positioned above in the hierarchy.The diver centre has accomplished some great task in the field of marine conservation which earned them more attention and recognition. This has helped in their expansion and growth. Till date, they have trained around 780 trainers, discovered wrecked ships in the Persian Gulf, trained members of the Ministry of Interior, published the â€Å"Kuwait Marine Environment Encyclopaedia†, disco vered and mapped good diving spots in Kuwait, and was the first group train the disabled people   in the Middle East.The cooperation between the Kuwait Disabled People Club (different from Disabled People Centre) and the Divers Group has earned great respect and accolade from the society in general, and other community groups in particular. Since the group has demonstrated success with handicapped people, other groups from overseas have expressed their interest in the Kuwaiti diver group’s diving program for the disabled.The successful endeavour by the voluntary groups of Kuwait has earned them great respect (both locally and internationally) and demand for their services has grown manyfold since their inception. Due to the small size of Kuwait, the group’s activities were widely dispersed. For the successful functioning of the community groups, the cooperation of the society is crucial. Cash or cheque donations as well as donations in terms of goods and services by generous Kuwaiti citizens helped these community groups cope with emergency situations with commendable ease.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Monroe Hospital

Monroe Hospital Montgomery Hospital Statement of Major Issues: Management at Montgomery Hospital has recently recognized the need to redesign operations to survive in a rapidly changing health care environment. A critical issue facing Montgomery is its inability to expand existing facilities to meet ambulatory needs. The hospital is also faced with the uncertainties of it?s patient?s health care insurance coverage. A recent study suggested that alternative delivery systems such as HMO and PPO plans could increase to 50% by 1995.To strengthen the Hospital?s strategic position in the region, the new CEO, James Gainer, believes that the Hospital should concentrate on building alliances with physicians, other health care institutions and appropriate institutions outside of the health care industry. Only through partnerships and associations can the hospital control resources that are used to treat patients and achieve it?s new mission to serve the community through decentralized family care centers.To f acilitate the goal of collaborating with external stakeholders, the hospital needs an information processing system that can combine information across functions and institutions.Montgomery, AlabamaData capture includes service usage, satisfaction and demographics. The current system is not capable of these functions nor can it link case mix and patient flow to cost accounting. In fact, useful marketing information such as patient satisfaction and needs is unavailable or is not fully understood.Alliances with other health care entities and shared patient information are key to reshaping Montgomery?s health care delivery system. Given the new direction of the hospital, the major issues of this case are how to manage external alliances and develop an Information System to support strategic goals within the next two years.History/Background of the Organization: Montgomery is a community hospital that provides basic health care services at it?s 488 bed facility. Under the leadership of CEO, Ed Thompson, the hospital experienced...

Monday, October 21, 2019

China Revolution essays

China Revolution essays In the 19th century, China had a lot new treaties and wars breaking out, all throught the 19th century. Some are like the Opium War(s), The Boxer Rebellion, and Sphere of Influence. These things were a big part of Chinas history. The Opium War was two wars fought between Great Britain and China in whom Western powers gained significant commercial privileges and territory. The Opium Wars began when the Chinese government tried to stop the illegal importation of opium by British merchants. The First Opium War started in 1839 when the Chinese government confiscated opium warehouses in Guangzhou (Canton). Britain responded by sending an expedition of warships to the city in February 1840. The British won a quick victory and the conflict was ended by the Treaty of Nanking (Nanjing) on August 29, 1842. By this treaty, and a supplementary one signed on October 8, 1843, China was forced to pay a large indemnity, open five ports to British trade and residence, and cede Hong Kong to Great Britain. The treaty also gave British citizens in China the right to be tried in British courts. Other Western powers demanded, and were granted, similar privileges. In October 1856, Guangzhou police boarded the British ship Arrow and charged its crew with smuggling. Eager to gain more trading rights, the British used the incident to launch another offensive, precipitating the Second Opium War. British forces, aided by the French, won another quick military victory in 1857. When the Chinese government refused to ratify the Treaty of Tianjin, which had been signed in 1858, the hostilities resumed. In 1860, after British and French troops had occupied Beijing and burned the Summer Palace, the Chinese agreed to ratify the treaty. The treaty opened additional trading ports, allowed foreign emissaries to reside in Beijing, admitted Christian missionaries into China, and opened travel to the Chinese interior. Later negotiations legalized the ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

4 Facts About Native American Reservations

4 Facts About Native American Reservations The term Indian reservation refers to the ancestral territory still occupied by a Native American nation. While there are approximately 565 federally recognized tribes in the U.S., there are only about 326 reservations. This means that almost one-third of all currently federally recognized tribes have lost their land bases as a result of colonization. There were well over 1,000 tribes in existence prior to the formation of the U.S., but many faced extinction due to foreign diseases or were simply not politically recognized by the U.S. Initial Formation Contrary to popular opinion, reservations are not lands given to Indians by the United States government. Quite the opposite is true; land was given to the U.S. by the tribes through treaties. What are now reservations is the land retained by the tribes after the treaty-based land cessions (not to mention other mechanisms by which the U.S. seized Indian lands without consent). Indian reservations are created in one of three ways: By treaty, by executive order of the president, or by an act of Congress. Land in Trust Based on federal Indian law, Indian reservations are lands held in trust for tribes by the federal government. This problematically means that the tribes technically do not own title to their own lands, but the trust relationship between tribes and the U.S. dictates that the U.S. has a fiduciary responsibility to administer and manage the lands and resources to the best advantage of the tribes. Historically, the U.S. has failed miserably in its management responsibilities. Federal policies have led to massive land loss and gross negligence in resource extraction on reservation lands. For example, uranium mining in the southwest has led to dramatically increased levels of cancer in the Navajo Nation and other Pueblo tribes. The mismanagement of trust lands has also resulted in the largest class-action lawsuit in U.S. history known as the Cobell case; it was settled after 15 years of litigation by the Obama Administration. Socioeconomic Realities Generations of lawmakers have recognized the failures of federal Indian policy. These policies have consistently resulted in the highest levels of poverty and other negative social indicators compared to all other American populations, including substance abuse, mortality rates, education, and others. Modern policies and laws have sought to promote independence and economic development on the reservations. One such law- the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988- recognizes the rights of Native Americans to operate casinos on their lands. While gaming has produced an overall positive economic effect in Indian country, very few have realized significant wealth as a result of casinos. Cultural Preservation Among the outcomes of disastrous federal policies is the fact that most Native Americans no longer live on reservations. Its true that reservation life is very difficult in some ways, but most Native Americans that can trace their ancestry to a particular reservation tend to think of it as home. Native Americans are place-based people; their cultures are reflective of their relationship to the land and their continuity on it, even when they have endured displacement and relocation. Reservations are centers of cultural preservation and revitalization. Even though the process of colonization has resulted in much loss of culture, much is still retained as Native Americans have adapted to modern life. Reservations are places where traditional languages are still spoken, where traditional arts and crafts are still created, where ancient dances and ceremonies are still performed, and where origin stories are still told. They are in a sense the heart of America-a connection to a time and place that reminds us how young America really is.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

CEO of Continental Airlines - Larry Kellner Research Paper

CEO of Continental Airlines - Larry Kellner - Research Paper Example development with the airline from joining to becoming CEO in December 2004 with particular reference to management style of the US airline, particularly in a tough market. It is submitted at the outset that Kellner’s management style at Continental Airlines highlights the importance of implementing an efficient interrelationship between creativity at business operational level, employee relations and customer relationship management (CRM). Accordingly, in Section 2 I shall firstly present a summary of Kellner’s career charting his graduation from South Carolina University to an exemplary career in private equity. This will be followed by a discussion of his eventual move to Continental Airlines and role in the continued growth of Continental Airlines and air transportation. In Section 3, I shall evaluate Kellner’s role and management philosophy in running Continental Airlines and how this has benefited the company in tough market conditions including increasing competition, personnel management and burgeoning oil prices. Kellner’s career in private equity and as business strategist has been prolific and the Business Week (2009) Executive Profile highlights the Kellner’s achievements as graduate from South Carolina University and recipient of the distinguished alumni award in 1998 (www.investing.businessweek.com). After graduating in a Bachelor of Science and Business administration degree, Kellner worked for and became Executive Vice President and Chief financial Officer of the Koll Company followed by his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief financial officer of American Savings Bank FA from November 1992 to May 1995 (www.investing.businessweek.com). Mr Kellner joined Continental Airlines in 1995 and became director in 2001, going onto replace Gordon Bethune as CEO in December 2004. Kellner recently announced his departure from Continental airlines; however his role at Continental has been heralded as being a prime example of successful

Friday, October 18, 2019

Air Legislation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Air Legislation - Assignment Example This balance is what constitutes lateral balance and longitudinal balance and makes the center of gravity an important aspect in aircraft stability because the weight of the left is equal to the weight constituted on the right which could be upset by unbalanced lateral loading. Lateral unbalance will then result if the fuel load is mismanaged by supplying the engines unequally from tanks situated on one side of the airplane. Eventually, the airplane controls in an out-of-streamline condition, increasing drag and resulting in decreased operating efficiency (Ethirajan, 2013 p.35). the center of gravity position influences both the tip over and tip back susceptibility of the aircraft. The tip back situation is static on the ground during loading or dynamic during take-off acceleration with full thrust setting. The center of gravity’s horizontal position greatly affects the stability of the wing which results in the static stability of the entire aircraft. Suppose the center of gravity is sufficiently forward the aerodynamic center the aircraft becomes statically stable. If the center of the aircraft is moved towards the tail sufficiently, that is the neutral point, where the moment curve becomes horizontal the aircraft becomes neutrally stable. In any case the center of gravity is moved further back, the moment curve has a positive slope making the aircraft longitudinally stable. Similarly, when the center of gravity is forward toward the nose of the plane, the pilot is put at a place in which he does not the capability to generate the force that can he lp in achieving maximum coefficient of lift (Ethirajan , 2013 p.45). Take off is that point at which an aircraft leaves the ground and starts flying. Aircraft that is overloaded may not be able to take off but just in case it does, it could exhibit some airborne characteristics. Incidences of poor loading will always be witnessed during

Pop Art 1960s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pop Art 1960s - Essay Example The first reference to Pop Art was made by a British art critic, Lawrence Alloway in an essay called, ‘The arts and mass media’. He perhaps, was the first one to defend mass culture as an art form. Concerning the origins of Pop Art, Alloway said, â€Å"The term, originated in England by me, as a description of mass communications, especially, but not exclusively, visual ones." The earliest of paintings to be recognised as Pop art was a small 101/4 X 93/4 inches collage titled ‘Just what is it that makes today’s homes s different, so appealing’ by British Artist Richard Hamilton along with John Mc Hale and John Voelcker for an exhibition titled, This is tomorrow, held in 1956 in London. The painting features the interiors of artist Mc Hale’s home, where a body builder holds a big lollypop, on which the word ‘Pop’ is written. At a side on a sofa is a nude posing. The other elements in the collage are a comic book strip, a ham tine, newspaper and a tape recorder, a vacuum cleaner, television set and perhaps an image of the moon. Windows of this room seem to be open, giving a peek of a movie theatre.The modern city life depicts the essence of Pop Art. Images from newspapers, magazines and catalogues form the image of contemporary life. Interpretations of this piece of art are many. However, by and large, the collage seems to represent then new ideas of communication that the artists. The subject has been reworked many a times by Hamilton, including a 1992 version where a female body builder replaces the muscle man. Hamilton has created many remarkable pieces of art, the most famous being replica of Duchamp's, The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors (1965), Hommage a Chrysler corp. (1957), Interior (1964) etc. While Richard Hamilton can be rightly called precursor of Pop Art, American Artist Andy Warhol extended the Pop Art genre giving it new heights, newer dimensions. He experimented with different mediums-painting, sculpture; film, etc., his most famous work being Campbell's Soup Cans. During the 1960s, Warhol laid the foundation of his studio, The Factory in these years he sought not only

Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam Essay

Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam views the Western World - Essay Example Biases and boundaries as well as educational differences create a specific understanding toward how one looks at both of these regions and how each responds to the cultural affiliations that are a part of this. The belief systems of Islam which Western culture is taught is one of the main differences that creates biases of this specific religion and culture. More importantly, the historical changes that have happened in recent years have created a strong association and sense of feelings about those from Islam and individuals that identify with this. Those in the Western world have created several boundaries and stereotypes to those that are Islamic and to those that are from the Eastern world. This is based on the identities and assumptions of those from this area as well as the lack of education and cultural understanding that is a part of this particular culture. One of the aspects that many in the Western world tend to disagree with is the treatment of women. Currently, gender associations in the west are based on independent and equal choices for men and women. However, most in the Western world are also taught that women in Islam are not given the same rights. The association with veils and the obligation for women to be caregivers when belonging to Islam is considered as one that is not equal and which creates inequality. Many parts of the Western culture will also state that this is a violation of human rights because of the way that women are treated. Marriage, divorce and custody laws all are a part of the viewpoint that Westerners have as well as how women are treated in relationships. â€Å"Islamic societies were, if anything, surely rather remarkable for their unequivocal placement of women under the control of men, and their equally explicit licensing of male sexuality and exploitation of women† (Ahmed, 521). While this is one of the main debates within Islam and the viewpoint of the Western

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Is this Ethical Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Is this Ethical - Coursework Example According to the code, employees working in an International Widget must always deliver their services to the benefit of the international widget. It is unacceptable for them to provide services to another company or similar service provider that is competing with the one they are working for. This is exactly what John has done and having read the code before he was employed, he remains answerable to the employer for breaking the terms of employment. On top of this, an employee of an International Widget must not engage into any type of a business pact or relationship that will not benefit the one they are working for. Since the aim of the job and its contractual agreement is based on the satisfaction of the customers who guarantees the job and hence the payment, any act that contravenes that can lead to losing the job or any other penalty that the employer sees best to be applied. Gloria being the director of the enterprise can decide to explore the code of conduct that an employee should show in a job scenario to take legal actions against John. When one becomes the employee of a given firm or company he or she must always show impartiality and integrity while performing his or her duties. Interacting with competitors while still being an employee of the International Widget leads to a legal fold up that can lead to paying of damages for the lost clients and the payment you have been getting while not performing your mandated roles as per the law and your contractual agreement. Any employee must perform his or her roles according or adhering to the set federal or local laws and due to this it is clear that John has broken them (Archibald, 2014). Any employee is allowed to offer or present a letter of resignation whenever he feels that he do not want to continue working at the current job. However, working with competitors while still in the job cannot be

Fraud and Cyber Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fraud and Cyber Terrorism - Research Paper Example When implemented proactively to identify unknown fraud, it depicts laser-like precision that allows for much more efficient investigation. (Sanjay Goel. 2010). Cyber terrorism is the act of illegally accessing computers and information chiefly via the internet to create physical harm or severe disturbance of infrastructure. Cyberterrorism could scholarly be defined as â€Å"The premeditated use of disruptive activities, or the threat thereof, against computers and/or networks, with the intention to cause harm or further social, ideological, religious, political or similar objectives or to intimidate any person in furtherance of such objectives.† Agencies that deal with fraud such as Interpol and the FBI are doing a great job in fighting against cyber terrorism. Interpol on its part is assisting all the member countries and training their personnel to equip themselves with the current trends and forms of fighting cyber terrorism. The Council of Europe Convention on Cyber Crime, which is the first international treaty for fighting against computer crime, is the product of 4 years work by experts from the 45 member and non-member states that include Japan, USA, and Canada. The treaty has already imposed after its endorsement by Lithuania on 21st of March 2004. (Achkoski, J., & Dojchinovski, M. 2011) With the ever-changing trends in the cyber technology sector, there are no foolproof methods to protect a system. To say that you have a completely secure system, then it means that it can never be accessed by anyone. Even in most military set up, top secret information is kept on servers with no outside connection as a form of deterrence of cyber terrorism. Another common way that cyber terrorism can be avoided apart from such isolation is encryption.  

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Is this Ethical Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Is this Ethical - Coursework Example According to the code, employees working in an International Widget must always deliver their services to the benefit of the international widget. It is unacceptable for them to provide services to another company or similar service provider that is competing with the one they are working for. This is exactly what John has done and having read the code before he was employed, he remains answerable to the employer for breaking the terms of employment. On top of this, an employee of an International Widget must not engage into any type of a business pact or relationship that will not benefit the one they are working for. Since the aim of the job and its contractual agreement is based on the satisfaction of the customers who guarantees the job and hence the payment, any act that contravenes that can lead to losing the job or any other penalty that the employer sees best to be applied. Gloria being the director of the enterprise can decide to explore the code of conduct that an employee should show in a job scenario to take legal actions against John. When one becomes the employee of a given firm or company he or she must always show impartiality and integrity while performing his or her duties. Interacting with competitors while still being an employee of the International Widget leads to a legal fold up that can lead to paying of damages for the lost clients and the payment you have been getting while not performing your mandated roles as per the law and your contractual agreement. Any employee must perform his or her roles according or adhering to the set federal or local laws and due to this it is clear that John has broken them (Archibald, 2014). Any employee is allowed to offer or present a letter of resignation whenever he feels that he do not want to continue working at the current job. However, working with competitors while still in the job cannot be

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

I would like to focus on the way behavioral economics effects a Essay

I would like to focus on the way behavioral economics effects a failing market - Essay Example The extent to which different markets are free, as well as the rules defining private property, is a matter of politics and policy (Concised Encycliopedia of Economics, Free Markets). This economic system where government allows a free hand to all the firms and entreprenuers is on the basis of some 'behavioural assumptions'. The two basic assumptions; that all the producers and consumers are rational in their behaviour and that they have complete information, has gone wrong and been violated numerous times! So, one has to be very clear about the reality that when the assumptions or the structure of a building is weak then how can it hold the burden and functioning of the entire economy. Here comes the need for Government Intervention and the system of 'laisaz-faire' is taken over by a 'mixed economy'! Economic role of the Government has four main components: 1. what is to be produced? 2. how is it to be produced? 3. for whom to be produced? 4. how are these decisions made? (Joseph St igletz, 2000). Now, lets see how an incentive structure can influence different markets. Institutional structure shapes the economic framework of a country. They build the basic structure of an economy which influences the level, pattern, and sustainability of growth. As an evidence, same macroeconomic models when applied to different countries produce different outcomes altogether! Institutions are a set of formal rules and informal norms that together with enforcement mechanism structure human interaction. They are to contain both incentives and disincentives which constraint human behaviour. The fundamental determinant of types of organizations emerging in a country is the institutions in place. Organizations are the players of the game and institutional framework are the rules of the game (Douglass. C. North, 1999). Organizations therefore try to play the game within the rules provided by the institutions. Institutions provide incentives for the organizations by reducing uncerta inty and risk .institution help in minimizing the transaction cost and the transformation cost. Countries all over the world are experiencing patterns of growth because of their institutional framework. Inefficient institutions provide high transaction cost and as a result the country struggle to grow. Incentives such as working hard are missing in inefficient institutions. Efficient institutions create an institutional matrix which strives for growth by reducing transaction cost and changing informal constraints through perceptions. Therefore once a country is stuck on a certain path of growth due to its institutions then it is difficult to revert back. The institutions drive organizations into a particular direction depending upon the incentive structure present. Through these incentives and disincentives embodied in rules they induce: efficiency, merit based solutions, hard work, competition and innovation. Hence, productivity increases and so does economic growth. In such an ins titutional framework organizations like 'Microsoft' emerge. Emergence of Microsoft was not a fluke; it was a direct result of institutions shaping the kind of organization. It has the highest sales in the entire World Industry of software. The reason is extensive research and development. It knows that if it's not at the cutting edge then it is going to get driven out of the market and go bankrupt. This will have backward and

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Second Vatican Council Theology Religion Essay

The Second Vatican Council Theology Religion Essay Just a few years (1950s) after upheaval of World War II (1939-1945), The Western world had experienced a stupefying technical, scientific, and economic expansion that had given countless people occasion to put their trust in material goods even while other millions of people lived in devastating poverty and suffering. Militant atheism abounded, and the world was undergoing a grave spiritual crisis. The Churchs response to the crisis of humanity as it manifested itself in the middle of the twentieth century parallels what Johns Gospel says about the John the Baptist: He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. The Second Vatican Council announced by Pope John XXIII on January 25, 1959-1962 became the mechanism of Church renewal, the method by which the Church would increase its participation in the life of Christ and became the symbol of the churchs openness to the modern world. His intention in convoking the Vatican Council was to renew the life of the Church, to reform structures and institutions that needed updating, and to discover ways and means of promoting unity among all Christians, and by directing Christian presence in the world to the works of peace, justice, and well-being. He used the Italian word AGGIORNAMENTO (ppt), its general meaning is to bring up to date, to renew,to revitalize. He called the council the new springtime (ppt) of life in the Church while remaining loyal to the sacred patrimony of truth, as received from the fathers. Vatican II modernized the Catholic Church. Participation of the laity in the liturgy of the Church was made possible, and the reforms of the liturgy brought the Mass and the sacraments closer to the people so that they can participate more intelligently. ( ppt picture of before and after of the old and new liturgy) The results were immediately experienced most dramatically in the transformation of parish worship into the vernacular languages throughout the world. Vatican II opened scripture more fully for the faithful in their participation in the Church year through the liturgy. It encouraged the laity (through councils) to assist their pastors in the work of the Church and priests (through synods or senates) to assist their bishops, without in any way confusing roles or usurping authority. Out of Vatican II came (ppt of the 16 documents highlight Lumen Gentium and Gauduim et spes) . Most notable were the constitution On the Church, in eight chapters (also called Lumen gentium), It introduced the biblical teaching that the church as a whole was the people of God, including both clergy and laity. This reversed centuries of virtually explicit assertion that the clergy alone were the church. Both laity and clergy, the document affirmed, shared in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly functions of Christ. The decree On the Laity and the constitution On the Church in the Modern World (also called Gaudium et spes) charged lay people to undertake their work in the world in all walks of life as Christian vocations, as a lay apostolate which shared directly in the continuation of the work of the apostles of Christ (ppt). This too undid centuries of emphasis on the clergy, monks, and nuns as virtually the sole possessors of Christian calling. Pope Paul VI put it this way: Our intense desire is to see the Church become what Christ intended it to be: one, holy, and entirely dedicated to the pursuit of that perfection to which Christ called it and for which He qualified it (Ecclesiam Suam, 41). Vatican Council II also honored with special love the Blessed Mary, Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In Mary the Church holds up and admires the most excellent fruit of the redemption. In Mary the Church joyfully contemplates, as in a spotless model, that which the Church herself wholly desires and aspires to be. Following Vatican II, On February 2, 1974, Pope Paul VI issued a magnificent apostolic exhortation ppt (Marialis Cultus) for the right ordering and development of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. JP II AND VATICAN II One of the most active Vatican II Council Fathers was a young archbishop from Cracow (Bishop Wojtila). He made a significant contribution to what was to become the Pastoral Constitution of the Council Gaudium et Spes on the Church in the Modern World, and to the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium. All this was to be of use in preparing for his future responsibilities of the Successor of Peter. In describing the main orientation of his pontificate Pope John Paul II declared in Mexico City on May 6, 1990, The Lord and Master of history and of our destinies has wished my pontificate to be that of a pilgrim pope of evangelization walking down the roads of the world bringing to all peoples the message of salvation. (Video of JPII and his visits all over the world) Utube Venerable John Paul II: The record breaking pope (2:31 min) Since the beginning of his pontificate the Pope undertook over eighty missionary trips. He led the people of God into the third millennium with the conviction that the nineties were an extended season of advent leading us to the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation. He believed that the new evangelization is very much tied up with entering a new missionary age, which will become a radiant day bearing an abundant harvest, if all Christians, and missionaries and young Churches in particular, respond with generosity and holiness to the calls and challenges of our time. After the voyage in Poland in 1991, the Pope noticed that, during the Mass in Warsaw, in the farthest parts, the young people came and went away, drank beer or coca-cola, and came back. He was always conscious not only of the VIPs, but the margins and placed importance on what he observed. He started the World Youth Day (ppt of images of the World Youth Day), and the Pope gave his support to various forms of activity of the lay people in the life and mission of the Church. This paved the way to the very meaningful initiatives, some years later, during the pontificate of Benedict XVI such as the holding in September 2010 in Korea, of an important Congress for the lay Catholics of Asia; the meetings of African bishops who are ever more encouraging the lay people to hold positions of responsibility in the sectors of evangelization, social activity and in the Churchs educational sphere; and the significant presence of lay Catholics in the continental Mission of Latin America. The Witness of the Saints (ppt of Saints from various continents canonized during the term of JP II ) Pope John Paul II canonized numerous saints, and beatified blessed. He believed that the Holy Spirit raises up saints who show us precisely what doctrine lived looks like, setting the good of a fully human life before all those who seek precisely such a meaningful existence. The very testimony of their Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit have the power to draw men to belief and to God; for the Lord says, Even so let your light shine before men in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. New Evangelization The expression New Evangelization was popularized in the encylical of Pope Paul VI (ppt) Evangelization in the Modern World (Evangelii Nuntiandi) , as a response to the new challenges-that the contemporary world creates for the mission of the Church. Pope Paul VI in his apostolic exhortation stated, We wish to confirm once more that the task of evangelizing all people constitutes the essential mission of the Church. It is a task and mission which the vast and profound changes of present day society make all the more urgent. (Ppt) Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize. Pope John Paul II saw the need for a great relaunching of evangelization in the present life of the Church in a variety of ways. In (ppt) Mission of The Redeemer (Redemptoris Missio ), the Pope presented a new synthesis of the Churchs teaching about evangelization in modern times. When Pope John Paul II used the term a new evangelization he did not mean a new message. Evangelization cannot be new in its content since its very theme is always the one gospel given in Jesus Christ. He noted that there are a diversity of activities in the Churchs one mission. He stated that evangelization should not be limited to individual unbelievers but also addressed to non-practicing Christians and to entire cultures (those that need re-evangelizing and those who do not yet believe in Christ). When the popes talks about evangelization that is new, it is about (ppt) evangelization with a new ardor, methods and expression. It must be adapted to the people of our day. Pope John Paul II would carry this theme forward by saying that in order for the Church (ppt) to be an evangelizing community she must first be an evangelized community. Before the Church can play a role in leading others to conversion the faithful must be converted. Missionary activity, declares the pope, renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. (ppt) Faith is strengthened when it is given to others! In Redemptoris Missio John Paul II sketches out some of the characteristics of the new evangelization. (ppt with relevant images) New Evangelization is Christocentric- founded on the person of Jesus Christ and His gospel The New Evangelization is the responsibility of the entire People of God. The New Evangelization is not just for the foreign missions both situations needing primary evangelization (ad gentes), and re-evangelization, or pastoral care The New Evangelization is directed to individuals and to whole cultures. The intimate transformation of authentic cultural values through the integration in Christianity and the insertion of Christianity in the various human cultures leading to, a civilization of love. The New Evangelization is not limited to the presentation of the basic Gospel message (kerygma) but is a comprehensive process of Christianization. involves catechetical instruction, moral doctrine and the social teaching of the Church. They are joined to God through the sacraments and the Church community. The New Evangelization calls for a missionary spirituality The fundamental activity of those called to be missionaries is receptivity to God, of complete docility to the Holy Spirit. Receiving is the condition for doing the work of an evangelist. According to JP II, In order to pass on the Gospel to others it must have first permeated our lives. The popes call to a new evangelization is a prophetic and revolutionary calling to the Roman Catholic Church. From the time of JPII to Pope Benedict XVI, the Church continues to re-directed, re-focus its priorities, and commit all of the Churchs energies to a new evangelization and to the mission ad gentes. No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to (ppt) proclaim Christ to all peoples. The Clergy and Laity: Partners in New Evangelization Role of media in evangelization Fr Robert Barron (Catholicism Series) Great adventure Bible series ( ppt pictures or clips) Movies: (clips from The passion Christ, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, Les Miserables and video of Fr Robert Barrons review of Les Miserables) Social Media internet, FB, Twitter, Utube, pod casts, radio, TV (ppt pictures) Theology of the Body Christopher West (clips from the CFC conference) Youth (clips from Fam Min international faces) Missio ad gentes (clips/pictures from foreign mission) Conclusion: Pope Benedict has made Christian joy a central theme of his pontificate and of the Year of Faith in particular. In this he shows the continuity of his pontificate with that of his predecessor, John Paul II, and through him with Paul VI and Vatican II. Joy is the language of human happiness. A fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Gal 5:22), it accompanies the faith that receives the Good News of Gods love fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Most recently (2012), the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization was convened by Pope Benedict. His message to the People of God is to proclaim that the Church continues Christs mission by accompanying mankind in its search for meaning. It draws light from a Gospel passage: Jesus encounter with the Samaritan woman (cf. John 4:5-42). There is no man or woman who, in ones life, would not find oneself like the woman of Samaria beside a well with an empty bucket, with the hope of finding the fulfillment of the hearts most profound desire, that which alone could give full meaning to existence. Today, many wells offer themselves to quench humanitys thirst, but we must discern in order to avoid polluted waters. We must orient the search well, so as not to fall prey to disappointment, which can be disastrous. In the document summarizing the Synod, it says that like Jesus at the well of Sychar, the Church also feels obliged to sit beside todays men and women. She wants to render the Lord present in their lives so that they could encounter him because he alone is the water that gives true and eternal life. Only Jesus can read the depths of our heart and reveal the truth about ourselves: He told me everything I have done, the woman confesses to her fellow citizens. The sinner who was converted becomes a messenger of salvation and leads the whole city to Jesus. The people pass from welcoming her testimony to personally experiencing the encounter: We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world. Pope Benedict XVI makes an appeal that a new generation of Catholics inwardly renewed may rise. ( Creatives: representatives of groups of people coming on stage as a response to the call of the Pope) He called on Catholics to commit themselves in politics without any inferiority complex. He goes on to call for a new generation of good intellectuals and scientists, attentive to the fact that a scientific perspective that ignores the ethical and religious dimension of life becomes dangerously narrow (London, St. Marys College, 17th September 2010); the Pope calls for a new generation of committed Christian laypeople capable of seeking, with competency and moral rigor, solutions of sustainable development (7th September 2008). He called on the Catholic youth to become so strong in the faith not beset by confusion or misunderstandings, but looking beyond the human failings of individual members of the Church and striving for personal perfection in Christ Jesus that the reality and the sanctity of the Church, its true face, will truly be known and loved by all the world. As we look to the future we can know that, as in the past, Satan and the forces of evil will always be there, attempting to destroy the Church The history of the Catholic Church will always be full of pages of great and lesser saints who testify to that mark of the Church we call holiness. The Church of tomorrow will be the same as the Church of yesterday, of the last century, and of the first century. But like a newly conceived human life in its mothers womb, is a continuum, still the same life when it is born as it is one hour, one day, or fifty or eighty years later. So the Catholic Church, Christs Mystical Body of today and the future, will always b the same Church Jesus Christ founded twenty centuries ago. Individual members of the laity, religious, priests, bishops, and our Holy Father the pope change with the passage of years. Still, it is the same Church, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.( ppt) We are a Church Alive, throbbing with vibrant life! It is of Christ, the God-Man himself. It is human, and also divine. With the eyes of faith, each member must see beyond its human quality and witness the inner divine reality which is Christs Mystical Body. It will always retain its oneness, its catholicity (universality), and always remain apostolic; the only Church built upon the apostles and promised that the gates of hell shall never prevail against it. Ending Song ( Jubilee Song) (refer to previous Icon during the Jubilee year and make it a relaunch of new evangelization with new choreography perhaps a new arrangement) review the utube version of Donna Cruz and come up with our own version with relevant new evangelization images. Can we add verses The Jubilee Song lyrics Its a time of joy, a time of peace A time when hearts are then set free A time to heal the wounds of division Its a time of grace, a time of hope A time of sharing the gifts we have A time to build the world that is one Its the time to give thanks to the Father, Son and Spirit And with Mary, our Mother, we sing this song Open your hearts to the Lord and begin to see the mystery That we are all together as one family No more walls, no more chains, no more selfishness and closed doors For we are in the fullness of Gods time Its the time of the Great Jubilee Its a time of prayer, a time of praise A time to lift our hands to God A time to recall all our graces Its a time to touch, time to reach Those hearts that often wonder A time to bring them back to Gods embrace Its the time to give thanks to the Father, Son and Spirit And with Mary, our Mother, we sing this song Open your hearts to the Lord and begin to see the mystery That we are all together as one family No more walls, no more chains, no more selfishness and closed doors For we are in the fullness of Gods time Its the time of the Great Jubilee Open your hearts to the Lord and begin to see the mystery That we are all together as one family No more walls, no more chains, no more selfishness and closed doors For we are in the fullness of Gods time Its the time of the Great Jubilee Its the time of the Great Jubilee

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Miltons Satan in Paradise Lost Essay -- John Milton Satan Paradise Lo

Milton's Satan in Paradise Lost After researching Satan and his kingdom, Hell, through the Bible and Paradise Lost to compare and contrast the two characterizations, I realized that Milton must have been a true Bible scholar. Milton’s Satan is described so closely to the Biblical view of Satan that it is often times hard to distinguish the two. Milton changed and elaborated on a few characteristics of his Satan and his Hell in order to create Paradise Lost, but based his characterization and his descriptions on his interpretation of the Bible, using his imagination to form a more vivid picture of how horrible Satan and Hell are in reality. The action of Book One in Paradise Lost begins immediately after God has thrown Satan and his other fallen angels down to Hell from Heaven. The reader then comes to know that Satan was cast into Hell because he became too proud and believed that his power was equal to God’s own power. He wanted to set himself up on a pedestal in Heaven. Milton writes, â€Å"What time his pride had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host of rebel angels, by whose aid aspiring to set himself in glory above his peers, he trusted to have equaled the Most High† (Norton 1819). In the book of Isaiah, the story is relayed very similarly to Milton’s version of how and why Satan fought against God and that he was thrown down into Hell. Milton speaks of Satan as â€Å"O how fallen!† (Isaiah 14:12-15). This phrase comes directly from Isaiah 14:12. Isaiah wrote, â€Å"How you are fallen fro m Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!† (Isaiah 14:12). Isaiah continues in the same fashion as Milton in verse... .... Abrams, M.H. (editor). The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 7th Edition. Volume 1. New York City, NY: W.W. Norton and Co., 2000. pp. 1815-1825. 2. Abrams, M.H. (editor). The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Volume 2. New York City, NY: W.W. Norton and Co., 1968. pp. 704-707. 3. Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. The Statesman’s Manual; or the Bible the best Guide To Political Skill and Foresight: A Lay Sermon, Addressed to the Higher Classes of Society. London: Gale & Fenner, J. M. Richardson, and J. Hatchard, 1816. 4. Extreme Teen Bible: New King James Version. Ed. Bruce Barton, Christopher Hudson, and David Veerman: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999 5. Shelley, Percy Bysshe. A Defense of Poetry. Indianapolis: The Bobbs-Merrill Co., 1904 6. The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version. Ed. Earl Radmacher,Th.D., Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Abraham Lincoln And Slavery Essay -- Slavery Essays

Abraham Lincoln and Slavery What did Abraham Lincoln do and think regarding slavery during the Civil War? In Abraham's First Inaugural Address he states "I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."" (Pg 53-54) Lincoln did not want the South to be afraid of his Republican Presidency either. That was why he made these statements at his Inauguration about slavery. Lincoln also talks about leaving the returning of fugitive slave clause alone, and keeping it in the Constitution. He feels he should still abide by the clause because to Lincoln the intention of the lawgiver was the law. This clause was debated whether it was to be enforced by either national or state authority. " If the slave is to be surrendered, it can be of but little consequence to him, or to others, by which a uthority is done." (Pg 55) Lincoln during his inauguration also talks of how Congress may prohibit slavery in the territories, and must Congress protect slavery in the territories? Lincoln says the Constitution does not say therefore it will not happen. Lincoln was a follower of the Constitution and did not plan on changing clauses. He abided by the fugitive slave clause and the suppression of the foreign s...

Friday, October 11, 2019

All About Personal and Professional Health Care Essay

Health care communication is an important practice in the treatment of a patient. Ensuring effective communication can help the patient understand their state of health. The Meaning and Nature of Healthcare Communication Healthcare communication involves an efficient line of communication between medical professionals, clients, and patient. A vital component of healthcare communication is the ability to share information that can enhance a patient’s knowledge. This is important in assuring quality healthcare (Williams, 2007). Personal healthcare communication is vital in promoting a physician’s understanding through discussion and support groups. Healthcare communication considers factors such as the attitude of the patient, their behavior and belief which could have an impact on how the physician can improve the quality of health care (Williams, 2007). In addition, it requires empathy and understanding from the physician when communicating with their patients. An effective way of achieving effective communication is to get feedbacks from the person getting the information. The healthcare practitioner should carefully evaluate if the client can understand the message being relayed (Williams, 2007). One of the most effective ways of achieving an effective healthcare communication is by conducting a personal interview. This method will help determining the accuracy of information regarding their condition. The psychosocial aspects of the patient’s conditions can be considered when conducting the interview (Williams, 2007). The Relevance of Healthcare Communication An effective professional health care communication can improve the health outcome of a patient. The health care professional can utilize various guidelines to achieve effective healthcare communication. It can help the healthcare practitioner to establish a better understanding of the condition and history of their patients (Williams, 2007). In addition, effective healthcare communication can increase the patient’s satisfaction and knowledge of treatment and its possible outcomes. Without effective healthcare communication, the patient will not have a clear understanding of the state of their health. As a result, they are more likely to spend more on healthcare, take the wrong medication, and become depressed (Williams, 2007). The Principles of Therapeutic Communication The Talking Cure In the early history of health care, therapists or in this case health care professionals rarely say a word. Usually, the best way they understand the condition of their patient is through listening but they never communicate. However, it is likely to practice a non-threatening way of communicating with patients and will not hurt their self-esteem (Wachtel, 2008). In this process, the healthcare professional conceals their real message in a meta-message, which can both be demonstrated in a manner that would make it likely to address the conflicting issue which the patient has avoided (Wachtel, 2008). The manner of delivery by the therapist can have a huge effect on the patient compared to the real message. Most of the time, what the therapist says lowers the self-esteem or confidence of the patient (Wachtel, 2008). In this practice, the therapist must be consistent in monitoring their part in the therapeutic session (Wachtel, 2008). Cyclical Psychodynamics The theory of cyclical psychodynamics utilizes a series of repetitive cycles of communication between people. It combines views from interpersonal dynamics and behavioral and family systems (Wachtel, 2008). The cyclical psychodynamics theory states that people live in a contextual life and their behavior is always related to an individual or object. In therapeutic communication, it is important for the health care professional to understand the roots of the patient’s difficulties (Wachtel, 2008). Cyclical psychodynamics focuses on understanding the cause of the patient’s anxiety. The difficulty of a patient can be rooted from their early knowledge of being afraid of their feelings, thoughts, and inclinations. The aim of therapy in this sense is to help the patient refocus these feelings and integrate them into a complete life (Wachtel, 2008). One aim of therapeutic communication is to direct the patient to a variation of the truth that would help them see new possibilities in their life and to modify life patterns that have been responsible for their difficulties. By using meta-messages, the therapist will help the patient affirm, acknowledge, and understand their feelings (Wachtel, 2008). Other therapeutic techniques provide a different climate, focusing on inhibition, silence and non-engagement from the therapist. With cyclical psychodynamics, however, the health care professional is more involved in the therapeutic process (Wachtel, 2008). Conclusion Healthcare communication involves an efficient line of communication between medical professionals, clients, and patient. A vital component of healthcare communication is the ability to share information that can enhance a patient’s knowledge. This is important in assuring quality healthcare. An effective professional health care communication can improve the health outcome of a patient. The health care professional can utilize various guidelines to achieve effective healthcare communication. It can help the healthcare practitioner to establish a better understanding of the condition and history of their patients. Effective healthcare communication can increase the patient’s satisfaction and knowledge of treatment and its possible outcomes. Without effective healthcare communication, the patient will not have a clear understanding of the state of their health. As a result, they are more likely to spend more on healthcare, take the wrong medication, and become depressed. In the early history of health care, therapists or in this case health care professionals rarely say a word. Usually, the best way they understand the condition of their patient is through listening but they never communicate. However, it is likely to practice a non-threatening way of communicating with patients and will not hurt their self-esteem. In this process, the healthcare professional conceals their real message in a meta-message, which can both be demonstrated in a manner that would make it likely to address the conflicting issue which the patient has avoided Cyclical psychodynamics focuses on understanding the cause of the patient’s anxiety. The difficulty of a patient can be rooted from their early knowledge of being afraid of their feelings, thoughts, and inclinations. The aim of therapy in this sense is to help the patient refocus these feelings and integrate them into a complete life. With cyclical psychodynamics, the patient is directed to a variation of the truth that would help them see new possibilities in their life and to modify life patterns that have been responsible for their difficulties. By using meta-messages, the therapist will help the patient affirm, acknowledge, and understand their feelings. Compared with other therapeutic techniques, which focuses on inhibition, silence and non-engagement from the therapist, cyclical psychodynamics involves more involvement and participation by the health care professional in the therapeutic process

Thursday, October 10, 2019

You Too Can Have a Healthy Skeletal System

You too can have a healthy skeletal system, even in old age Announcer: I Just came from the doctor and I am definitely going to start hiking once a week, and am going to bump up my exercise routine to three times a week. I also need to get to the grocery store to buy some calcium-rich foods. Radio Personality: You know, I am so sick of my doctor telling me what to eat and when to exercise. I am naturally in good shape and can eat whatever I want and still have a great physique.Announcer: We both are getting up there in age, and I hope you realize that It Is not serially what is on the outside, but what is happening on the inside that matters when it comes to arthritis, osteoporosis, and injuries from falls. Yes, the fact that you are able to keep a good weight Is a starting point, but I am sure that you have many other risk factors for all of these problems. Radio Personality: What other risk factors could I possibly have? Announcer: Well for starters your smoking Is a risk factor fo r osteoporosis and I am sure that it does not help your overall health In general.Both of our ages will always e a risk factor, and also your fast-food diet and alcohol consumption Is a risk factor for arthritis, osteoporosis, and Injuries from falls. Radio Personality: What can I do? I think the damage may already have been done. Announcer: You can begin by stopping the smoking and drinking alcohol on only special occasions. Exercise regularly, especially bone and muscle strengthening exercises, and eat a healthy diet that Is rich In calcium and Valetta D. Have regular eye check-ups and carefully look at the side-effects of any medications you may be taking.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Background of Daoism and Confucianism in China and its Influences

Confucianism has been very essential in the preservation of the Chinese civilization. It is embodied by the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, supported by the followers until the modern ages. The Neo-Confucianists of the Sung and the Ming periods instilled some teachings of Daoism’s naturalism (Wen-shun, p. 123) Confucianism shaped the national character of what we know as the China of today. It has also permeated the aspect of the society which involves family, arts and literature, and all the virtues of human relationship.All that embraces the Confucian teachings worked in two ways. It affected the ideologies and way of thinking of the writers who still follow the tradition, and even those who are not into it. Daoism took over the disordered state of the country, where there is man’s disappointments in his personal life, which can be associated to worldliness. On the other hand, Confucianism came victorious in times of tranquility and success (Wu-Chi, 1990, p. 4) Th e western beliefs contribute to the deviation of the anti-Confucian literary artists who influence a lot the people of China.Even the normal people of the modern times instill to them the reasons of not inclining themselves anymore on the Confucian dogma. Because of these western influences, the influence exerted by Confucianism in modern China has gone lower dramatically. The promotion of science in modernization, together with the growth of democratic thoughts made Confucianism unsuitable to modern China (Wen-Shun, 1992, p. 200). Still, many political thinkers agree, like for example, Ch’en, that dealing with modernization does not require involvement of the western or any foreign ideas.China’s modern world has increasing debates whether the influence of Confucianism has a negative impact on the country’s economic development. Confucianism teaches that the profit orientation of a government or a society negates virtue, which is emphasized by capitalism. Confuc ius continues in his articulation against the capitalistic China that he would not engage himself on such wrongdoings even if it is for the betterment of the society (Killion, 2006, p. 32). Daoism thrives on achievement of perfection against the politics of imperial administration (Woodhead, 2001, p.93).Perfection is equated to immortality; the ‘dao’ or ‘The Way’ being the force of the universe where people are inclined to be one to it. Dao is a metaphysical, at the same time, philosophical conception, which is synonymous to the ‘nature’ being used by the Greeks. The meaning creates thinking about generation and regeneration which controls the existence of things in the moral influence. In Confucianism, the principle of the ‘heavenly order’ is emphasized, while in Daoism, it is only ‘The Way’ itself.Daoism created a number of hermetic traditions. In addition to it, the traditions of the lay liturgy have also been influ enced. The highlight of their teachings is on the exorcism and healing. Under the emperors, these teachings were approved, and have turned from a heart of texts to a canon law. The presence of Daoism in the China today does not articulate optimistic speculation that the age-old Daoism has come back in the modern China. They have no doubt that it is still the Daoism in the past that revolves around China in the modern times.There is a struggle against the anti-religious policies and government officials who create misinterpretations of the Daoism dogma. The Chinese local culture has been influenced by Daoism, that it lives in every home. The negative aspect is that the local policies and the openness of controlling these local policies control the balance regarding the religion’s existence. Even so, Daoism influence the school systems and the medical systems in China that leads them to the road of modernization (Pui-tak, 2006, p. 47). It still lives in the rural areas of China , although many Daoists are being oppressed by the government.

Benefits of Environmental Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Benefits of Environmental Management - Essay Example Successful environmental management will evaluate all opportunities for cost savings, the most common benefits derive from a review of resource/ energy utilization and its efficiency, forcing full consideration of alternative energy sources and their cost-effectiveness. The other primary element will be the minimization of waste and result and cost of disposal. Many companies have addressed the management system for customer requirements related to quality and ISO9000. The range and diversity of customer needs and expectations are constantly growing with many customers increasing preference for use of suppliers and sub-contractors who can demonstrate that they are good environmental citizens. No customer would want to risk a tarnished reputation (or non-compliance to legislation) from the poor environmental performance of their suppliers and sub-contractors. The safest option for the customer is to use suppliers and sub-contractors who can demonstrate their positive environmental performance. The scope and severity of environmental legislation are ever increasing. A management system that ensures recognition of the requirements and compliance with them will ensure that fines are avoided and the staff is not imprisoned in addition to avoidance of the publicity that inevitably follows an environmental prosecution. The investors are increasingly moving to green portfolio's, and it is interesting that the financial performance of these portfolios has been good in comparison to more traditional investment. In seeking additional investment for the organization it is sensible to ensure the widest scope and this is only aided by a demonstrably sound environmental performance. Insurance companies are fully aware of the risk to their policies from the poor environmental performance of the insured. Companies with a sound and effective environmental management system are able to demonstrate that they pose less risk to the insurance company and create a negotiating tool for lower premiums. Some insurance companies now require an environmental audit of the company prior to agreeing on the cover.  Ã‚