Islam Essay

Field Study Research Karen Edmonds-Leach Professor Jonathan Pedrone REL212: World Religions-Summer September 4, 2011 Islam: Field Study Research After interviewing a member of the Islamic faith, I came to the realization that there are very many misconceptions about the religion of Islam and that these misconceptions are very hurtful, disrespectful, and inhumane. In this paper, I will first discuss several misconceptions that I had about the Islamic faith. I will then analyze how my prior understanding about the religion was altered through interviewing a member of the Islamic faith. Next, I will discuss my beliefs on misconceptions about other people’s religion being common or not. Lastly, I will recommend steps that can be taken to minimize misconceptions people have about religions that are not their own. I had many misconceptions about Islam before speaking with a member of the religion. The first was that Islam oppresses women. When I thought about women in Islam, I thought of the image of a woman wearing a veil, and other heavy, dark clothing, where no skin would be visible, even in the hot summer months. I thought about how women were forced to stay home, and were not allowed to drive vehicles. I also believed that the Muslim’s God, Allah, was not the same as the God in Christianity, and was a false god. I believed that Muslims worshipped Muhammad, and that Muhammad and Allah were the same thing. I did not think that Muslims believed in Jesus Christ. I also thought that Muslim men all married multiple wives. I thought that polygamy was something that was widely practiced in Islam, and was somewhat of a requirement. For those men who married one wife, I believed that they were merely â€Å"Americanized†. Another misconception I had was that all Muslims were Arabs. Not only did I think they were all Arabs, but I thought that being a Muslim and an Arab was the same thing. Lastly, just as the cross is something like a symbol of Christianity, I believed that the crescent and the star was the symbol of Islam. I had all of these misconceptions about Islam, as many other people who practice religions outside of Islam do, but speaking with a Muslim quickly changed my mind about these harsh misconceptions. Each one of my misconceptions about Islam count toward my overall understanding of the religion. My prior understanding was completely altered through my encounter with the Muslim woman I interviewed. I believed it would be a great idea to talk to a woman about how women are suppressed in Islam. I interviewed a friend of mine, named Kiran Masood. She was born and raised in the Islam religion, and continues to practice it today. She informed me that this is not necessarily the case. She stated that some Muslim countries do have laws that oppress women, but this practice does not come from Islam itself. Masood stated, â€Å"countries that have laws against women created these laws themselves. They may say that their basis is from the Qu’ran, but the Qu’ran does not suggest any oppression women† (Masood). Though this is true, there are some social constructions in Islam, where women and men are given different roles and equity. This is something that all religions accept, and is not a surprise to me in Islam. In addition, another common misconception is that a woman can be forced to marry against her will, and this is not the case at all. Masood informed me that â€Å"no one can force a Muslim girl to marry someone she does not want to marry; her parents may suggest she marry a suitable man, but by no means is this girl forced to marry someone that she may not want to marry† (Masood). I was also informed that divorce is not common, and it is used as a last resort. Masood also quickly refuted my second misconception, that Allah is a different God. â€Å"Allah is not a different God; Allah is simply the Arabic word for God† (Masood) which is something that I was not aware of. Allah is the same God worshipped by Muslims, Jews, and Christians. The one difference in Islam and Christianity is that Muslims believe the God is the one and only. The religion does not accept Jesus as God’s son, and believes that He has no human-like attributions. In Christianity, Jesus is accepted as God’s son and was basically God in flesh when He was on earth. Also, Muslims do not worship Muhammad, as I was lead to believe. Muhammad was chosen to deliver messages, but is not the founder of Islam, and Muslims do not worship him, though they do honor him and respect him, as they do Jesus, Moses, Adam, and Noah (the other prophets of the Word). My third misconception, that all Muslim men marry multiple women, also came to be false. Masood informed me that polygamy, marrying multiple spouses, is not encouraged in Islam, and is not mandatory. She stated, â€Å"In the religion of Islam, marrying multiple women is permissible, but is not something that the religion requires† (Masood). If a man decides to marry multiple women, these women cannot be forced into it, meaning if they do not want to marry a man with other wives, then she does not have to. My fourth misconception was that Muslims and Arabs are the same thing. Masood simply told me that the two are different, but I decided to do more research on the subject. There are about 1. 2 billion Muslims in the world. Muslims reside in a variety of places, including Nigeria, the Philippines, and of course, the United States. Muslims also represent many races, cultures, and nationalities. About 18% of Muslims live in the Arab world, primarily in Indonesia (Isseroff). This is far from 100% of Muslims. Lastly, I believed that the crescent and star was the symbol of Islam, which is not the case. In the days of the Prophet Mohammed, Muslims did not have a symbol; instead, they used solid-colored flags. The Turks in fact introduced the crescent as a symbol. It was adopted due to the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople. In turn, all of my beliefs about Islam turned out to be false. In fact, some of them turned out to be the complete opposite. I believe that misconceptions about other people’s religion are extremely common. No matter what religion someone practices, they always have certain beliefs about other people’s religions. This is not to say that people disrespect other people’s religions, but they simply have their own beliefs towards them. Most times, we do not know anything about other people’s religions. We are so set in our own mindset that the religion we practice is the only correct religion; that we fail to learn anything about other religions in the world. Because we lack knowledge of other religions, we use stereotypes and misconceptions to justify why we do not agree with the other religions’ practices. Even those who do not practice any religion, I believe they use stereotypes and misconceptions about all religions, because those people are so fixed in their own belief that no religion is true, and that they all are false. It is important for people of all religions to have an understanding of others’ religions, because sometimes, people have a lot more in common than they think they do. For example, I thought that my own religion, Christianity, was completely different from Islam, but in reality, the two religions share many similarities. I was surprised at the information I learned from Kiran Masood, and it was a shock that Islam has a lot of parallels to Christianity. Every religion has certain misconceptions. In this paper, I analyzed the misconceptions of Islam, but Christianity and other religions have misconceptions as well. We always are so quick to judge others that are different from us, but instead we should be interested in learning new things about other religions. The purpose of this is not to persuade someone to convert to a different religion, but to just be enlightened and educated about the different religions that exist in our society. One step that could be taken to minimize misconceptions people have about religions not their own is for people to let their guards down and to be more accepting to people’s differences. Not everyone will have the same beliefs, but instead of stereotyping and discriminating against other religions, we can learn from each other. Just having knowledge of new things is prideful, and is an asset that we all should have. If we take the time to learn about other people’s beliefs, these misconceptions would not exist. We should educate ourselves, instead of jumping to conclusions. One way I like to think about this is that I do not like when people of different religions criticize and stereotype against my own religion, Christianity. I wish that people would not be so quick to speak negatively about Christianity, because most times, they do not know what they are truly talking about. They jump to conclusions, and did not take the time to learn the truth behind Christianity. Because I have such strong feelings about this, I should in turn not treat other religions this way, since I know how it feels. I should take the time to educate myself about different religions. Though it will not cause me to convert from Christianity, just having basic knowledge about other religions can help me make a better judgment on certain topics. No one can make judgments or participate in a debate if they have not done research on the subject. Interviewing my friend Kiran Masood gave me a lot of enlightenment. I learned so much about the religion of Islam that I did not previously know. Though we have known each other for a while, I never thought to learn more about the religion she practices. I found it to be a rewarding experience, and learning about different religions is something that I will continue to practice. It is important for us to understand that we all have differences, whether it is race, culture, ethnic background, economic status, or religion. Amongst all these differences are many similarities between us. Instead of always focusing on the differences that separate us, we should look at the similarities that bring us together. Our differences make us special, and our similarities give us things in common. Learning about people’s differences is important because it is what makes that person unique. Though we all have a variety of differences, one thing we have in common is we all are human beings with feelings and beliefs. We should all value our beliefs, and be open to learning about others’ beliefs as well. References Isseroff, A. (n. d. ). A Concise History of Islam and the Arabs. Middle East: MidEastWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2011, from http://www. mideastweb. org/islamhistory. htm. Fisher, M. P. , & Adler, J. A. (2011). Living Religions (8th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, N. J. : Pearson Prentice Hall.

Food Safety System

Food Safety Information Freezing and Food Safety oods in the freezer — are they safe? Every year, thousands of callers to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline have questions about the safety of items stored in their home freezers. The confusion seems to be based on the fact that few people understand how freezing protects food. Here is some information on how to freeze food safely and how long to keep it. F What Can You Freeze? You can freeze almost any food. Some exceptions are canned food or eggs in shells. However, once the food (such as a ham) is out of the can, you may freeze it.Being able to freeze food and being pleased with the quality after thawing are two different things. Some foods simply don’t freeze well. Examples are mayonnaise, cream sauce, and lettuce. Raw meat and poultry maintain their quality longer than their cooked counterparts because moisture is lost during cooking. Is Frozen Food Safe? Food stored constantly at 0  °F or below will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage.Freezing preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness. Freezing to 0  °F or below inactivates any microbes — bacteria, yeasts, and molds — present in food. Once thawed, however, these microbes can again become active, multiplying under the right conditions to levels that can lead to foodborne illness. Since they will then grow at about the same rate as microorganisms on fresh food, you must handle thawed items as you would any perishable food. Trichina and other parasites can be destroyed by sub-zero freezing temperatures.However, very strict government-supervised conditions must be met. Home freezing cannot be relied upon to destroy trichina. Thorough cooking, however, will destroy all parasites. Does Freezing Destroy Bacteria and Parasites? Freshness and Quality Freshness and quality at the time of freezing affect the condition of frozen foods. If frozen at peak quality, thawed foods emerge tasting better than foods frozen near the end of their useful life. So freeze items you won’t use quickly sooner rather than later. Store all foods at 0  °F or below to retain vitamin content, color, flavor, and texture.The freezing process itself does not destroy nutrients. In meat and poultry products, there is little change in nutrient value during freezer storage. Nutrient Retention The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health agency in the U. S. Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) USDA Photo PhotoDisc Food Safety Whileand InspectionCamping & Boating Food Safety Hikin g, ServiceUnited States Department of Agriculture Freezing and Food Safety Enzymes Enzyme activity can lead to the deterioration of food quality. Enzymes present in animals, vegetables, and fruit promote chemical reactions before and after harvest, such as ripening. Freezing only slows the enzyme activity that takes place in foods. It does not halt them. Enzyme activity does not harm frozen meats or fish and is neutralized by the acids in frozen fruits. But most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and require brief, partial cooking to prevent deterioration. This is called â€Å"blanching. For successful freezing, blanch or partially cook vegetables in boiling water or in a microwave oven. Then rapidly chill the vegetables prior to freezing and storage. Consult a cookbook for timing. Packaging Proper packaging helps maintain quality and prevent freezer burn. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its original packaging, however this type of wrap is permeable to air an d quality may diminish over time. For prolonged storage, overwrap these packages as you would any food for long-term storage. It is not necessary to rinse meat and poultry.Freeze unopened vacuum packages as is. If you notice that a package has accidentally been torn or has opened while food is in the freezer, the food is still safe to use; merely overwrap or rewrap it. Freezer burn does not make food unsafe; merely dry in spots. It appears as grayish-brown, leathery spots and is caused by air coming in contact with the surface of the food. Cut freezer-burned portions away either before or after cooking the food. Heavily freezer-burned foods may have to be discarded for quality reasons. Color changes can occur in frozen foods.The bright red color of meat as purchased usually turns dark or pale brown depending on its variety. This may be due to lack of oxygen, freezer burn, or abnormally long storage. Freezing doesn’t usually cause color changes in poultry. However, the bones a nd the meat near them can become dark. Bone darkening results when pigment seeps through the porous bones of young poultry into the surrounding tissues when the poultry meat is frozen and thawed. The dulling of color in frozen vegetables and cooked foods is usually the result of excessive drying due to improper packaging or overlengthy storage.Freezer Burn Color Changes Freeze Rapidly Freeze food as fast as possible to maintain its quality. Rapid freezing prevents undesirable large ice crystals from forming throughout the product because the molecules don’t have time to form into the characteristic six-sided snowflake. Slow freezing creates large, disruptive ice crystals. During thawing, they damage the cells and dissolve emulsions. This causes meat to â€Å"drip† and lose juiciness. Emulsions such as mayonnaise or cream will separate and appear curdled. Ideally, a food 2-inches thick should freeze completely in about 2 hours.If your home freezer has a â€Å"quick-fre eze† shelf, use it. Never stack packages to be frozen. Instead, spread them out in one layer on various shelves, stacking them only after frozen solid. Freezer – Refrigerator Temperatures If a refrigerator freezing compartment can’t maintain 0  °F or below or if the door is opened frequently, use it for short-term food storage. Eat those foods as soon as possible for best quality. Use a free-standing freezer set at 0  °F or below for long-term storage of frozen foods. Keep an appliance thermometer in your freezing compartment or freezer to check the temperature.This is important if you experience a power outage or mechanical problems. The temperature in the refrigerator should be set at 40  °F or below. Check the refrigerator temperature with an appliance thermometer. Food Safety Information 2 Freezing and Food Safety Freezer Storage Times Because freezing keeps food safe indefinitely, recommended storage times are for quality only. Refer to the freezer sto rage chart at the end of this document, which lists optimum freezing times for best quality. If a food is not listed on the chart, you may determine its quality after thawing. First check the odor.Some foods will develop a rancid or off odor when frozen too long and should be discarded. Some may not look picture perfect or be of high enough quality to serve alone, but may be edible and can be used to make soups or stews. Safe Thawing Never thaw foods in a garage, basement, car, dishwasher, or plastic garbage bag, out on the kitchen counter, outdoors, or on the porch. These methods can leave your foods unsafe to eat. There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. The last two methods may be the fastest, however, the food must be cooked immediately after thawing. . It’s best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. Small items may defrost overnight; most food requires a day or two to completely defrost. Large it ems like turkeys may take longer, approximately 1 day for each 5 pounds of weight. 2. For faster thawing, place food in a leak proof plastic bag and immerse it in cold water. (If the bag leaks, bacteria from the air or surrounding environment could be introduced into the food. Food may absorb water like a sponge, resulting in a watery product. ) Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately. 3.When microwave-defrosting food, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Refreezing Food thawed in the refrigerator is safe to refreeze without cooking, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. After cooking, foods that were previously frozen are safe to refreeze. If previously cooked foods are thawed in the refrigerator, you may refreeze the unused portion. Freeze leftovers within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze any foods left outside the refrigerator l onger than 2 hours; 1 hour in temperatures above 90  °F.If you purchase previously frozen meat, poultry, or fish at a retail store, you can refreeze if it has been handled safely. Cooking Frozen Foods Raw or cooked meat, poultry, or casseroles can be cooked or reheated from the frozen state. However, it will take approximately one and a half times as long to cook. Remember to discard any wrapping or absorbent paper from meat or poultry. When cooking whole frozen poultry, remove the giblet pack from the cavity as soon as you can loosen it. Cook the giblets separately. Read the label on USDA-inspected frozen meat and poultry products.Some items, such as pre-stuffed whole birds, MUST be cooked from the frozen state to ensure a safely cooked product. LOOK FOR THE USDA OR STATE MARK OF INSPECTION The inspection mark on the packaging tells you the product was prepared in a USDA or State-inspected plant under controlled conditions. Follow the package directions for thawing, reheating, an d storing. Food Safety Information 3 Freezing and Food Safety Power Outage in Freezers If there is a power outage, the freezer fails, or if the freezer door has been left ajar by mistake, the food may still be safe to use if ice crystals remain.If the freezer has failed and a repairman is on the way, or it appears the power will be on soon, don’t open the freezer door. If the freezer door was left ajar and the freezer continued to keep the food cold, the food should stay safe. A freezer full of food will usually keep about 2 days if the door is kept shut; a half-full freezer will last about a day. The freezing compartment in a refrigerator may not keep foods frozen as long. If the freezer is not full, quickly group packages together so they will retain the cold more effectively. Separate meat and poultry items from ther foods so if they begin to thaw, their juices won’t drip onto other foods. When the power is off, you may want to put dry ice, block ice, or bags of ice in the freezer or transfer foods to a friend’s freezer until power is restored. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor the temperature. To determine the safety of foods when the power goes on, check their condition and temperature. If food is partly frozen, still has ice crystals, or is as cold as if it were in a refrigerator (40  °F or below), it is safe to refreeze or use. It’s not necessary to cook raw foods before refreezing.Discard foods that have been warmer than 40  °F for more than 2 hours. Discard any foods that have been contaminated by raw meat juices. Dispose of soft or melted ice cream for quality’s sake. When it is freezing outside and there is snow on the ground, the outdoors seems like a good place to keep food until the power comes on. However, frozen food can thaw if it is exposed to the sun’s rays even when the temperature is very cold. The outside temperature could vary hour by hour and the temperature outside will not protect re frigerated and frozen food. Food may become too warm and foodborne bacteria could grow.Additionally, perishable items could be exposed to unsanitary conditions or to animals. Animals may harbor bacteria or disease; never consume food that has come in contact with an animal. Frozen Cans Cans frozen accidentally, such as those left in a car or basement in subzero temperatures, can present health problems. If the cans are merely swollen — and you are sure the swelling was caused by freezing — the cans may still be usable. Let the can thaw in the refrigerator before opening. If the product doesn’t look and/or smell normal, throw it out. DO NOT TASTE IT!If the seams have rusted or burst, throw the cans out immediately. Wrap the burst can in plastic and dispose of the food where no one, including animals, can get it. Shell eggs should not be frozen. If an egg accidentally freezes and the shell cracked during freezing, discard the egg. Keep any uncracked eggs frozen un til needed; then thaw in the refrigerator. These can be hard cooked successfully, but other uses may be limited. That’s because freezing causes the yolk to become thick and syrupy, so it will not flow like an unfrozen yolk or blend very well with the egg white or other ingredients. Frozen EggsFood Safety Information 4 Freezing and Food Safety FREEZER STORAGE CHART (0  °F or below) Note: Freezer storage times are for quality only. Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely. Item Bacon and Sausage Casseroles Egg whites or egg substitutes Frozen Dinners and Entrees Gravy, meat, or poultry Ham, Hot dogs, and Luncheon Meats Meat, uncooked roasts Meat, uncooked steaks or chops Months 1 to 2 2 to 3 Unopened 12 3 to 4 2 to 3 1 to 2 Item Meat, uncooked ground Meat, cooked Poultry, uncooked whole Poultry, uncooked parts Poultry, uncooked giblets Poultry, cooked Months 3 to 4 2 to 3 12 9 3 to 4 4 2 to 3 to 12 4 to 12 Soups and Stews Wild game, uncooked 8 to 12 Food Safety Questions? Call t he USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline If you have a question about meat, poultry or egg products, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll free at 1-888-MPHotline or 1-888-674-6854, TTY: 1-800-256-7072. The hotline is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. EST (English or Spanish). Listen to timely recorded food safety messages at the same number 24 hours a day. Check out the FSIS Web site at www. sis. usda. gov. Ask Karen! FSIS’ automated response system can provide food safety information 24/7 and a live chat during Hotline hours. Send e-mail questions to MPHotline. [email  protected] gov FSIS encourages the reprint and distribution of this publication for food safety education purposes. However, USDA symbols or logos may not be used separately to imply endorsement of a commercial product or service. AskKaren. gov The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Revised May 2010

Long distance migrations Essay

During the time period of 1700 to 1900, there were many changes in long distance migration. Near the end of this period the slave trade across the atlantic was outlawed, so indentured servants from east and south asia began migrating to the U.S. There was activity throughout America and Ireland, while some changes in long distance migration from that time period occurred as European, African, and Chinese laborers were sent to the Americas. There was continuity in long distance migrations during this time in that, there remained a steady flow of foreign migrators into the U.S who seek economic gain and religious freedom. There were changes in european and U.S migrations around the world. Before, the irish population remained in Ireland developing culture, but that eventually changed to their migrations to the U.S. This migration was cause by a severe potato famine, seeking a better life with a more constant food supply. Many people migrated to the U.S. Secondly, at first the British had many colonies without many of their own people in them, but that changed to the british sending captives to Australia and New Zealand to begin a penal colony. The irish respond to their famine and poverty by revolutionizing instead of migrating. Unlike the rest of the world, the U.S received many migrators rather than provided many. Firstly, in the beginning of this time period, the U.S accepted many slave migrations to work on the plantations of sugar, cotton, and tobacco, but that changed to the use of indentured servants who came not just from west africa, but from east and south east asia. The outlaw of the slave trade was caused by the british who decided that it should be ended for economic reasons and who spent just as much money as they earned from the profits of the slave trade to stop it in the atlantic ocean. Also in the U.S, at first they accepted and welcomed many foreign migrants, but that changed to not allowing certain people to migrate there by passing acts, such as the Chinese exclusion act. This type of act is similar to how china, in its days of isolation, kept out and restricted any foreign interference and interaction. There were many continuities over this time period in both europe and the U.S. FIrst, the main reason people migrate is for economic reasons and that remained throughout the time period. Even the australian penal colonies had this incentive as Britain did  not want to have to use tax money to hold and secure prisoners. Secondly, the migrants bring culture with them which causes syncretism such as the creation of the vodun religion in african slaves. Thirdly, world migrations in both the U.S and europe at this time caused widespread disease, such as the smallpox epidemic. The Africans especially had to acclimate to a new world in the U.S. Also, the U.S and the europeans had to worry about diseases like HIV and malaria when in africa. Finally, there was and remained throughout the period, a constant flow of migrants into the U.S no matter where they came from in the world. Another continuity is the flow of people from europe to africa. At this time, europe is still heavily imperialistic, especially in africa because it has gone unconquered by a colonial force. European economic interest in african goods caused this continuous through relatively small, migration of europeans to america to govern colonies, connect and sell goods as merchants, and even step up colonies who enjoy extraterritoriality. Colonies such as british, south africa, and france are examples of this. Throughout the time period of the 1700 through 1900, many chang es and continuities occurred. The irish population remained in ireland developing culture, eventually changing to the U.S, Europeans migrating to the americas, and the migration of the slave trade. All migrations contributed both positive and negative factors to what our world is today.

CRITICAL REFLECTIVE EVALUATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CRITICAL REFLECTIVE EVALUATION - Essay Example According to Cowan (1999), he suggests that learners reflect in an educational sense â€Å"when they analyse or evaluate one or more personal experiences, and attempt to generalise from that thinking†. However, as Biggs (1999) points out, â€Å"a reflection in a mirror is an exact replica of what is in front of it. Reflection in professional practice, however, gives back not what it is, but what might be, an improvement on the original†. From the reflective model I had to describe what had happened? In my case I had a task to write a Dissertation. I was required to choose my own title and write 8 000 words. It took me time to find the right topic, and I was in doubt on which should be the best topic to write about. It is however of a great concern for the modern health care services to focus on the informal carers. It is because of this that I landed on my topic that was investigating the social care provisions for the informal carers, its implications to the care givers and receivers. If I was going to achieve this task, I was expected to consult and keep closely to my assistance some specialists with adequate experience. I therefore had a meeting with my supervisor to discuss a way to approach this project and fortunately enough, he was really ready to offer me all the assistance I wanted. After the meeting I had courage to begin my project by drafting a Gant Chart which guided me throughout all the stages of researching and writing my project. I adequately received all sorts of help that I required from my supervisor through every stage of writing this project without the supervisor tiring off. I therefore learnt how important it can be to use the knowledge and assistance of those who have the experience in such related fields. The word dissertation sounded like a very hard task to me at first. When I read the module and saw all I was required to do, I became very worried and anxious thinking of how I was going to do it. I felt like

The Problem of Obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Problem of Obesity - Essay Example Hilde Bruch says that the claim that obesity runs in the family is one that researchers think may a basis in fact. There would be distinct patterns in behavior that would be handed down from generation to generation as family traditions; such as the preparation of food and eating behaviors. In fact, Bruch points out, if a child comes from a family with two obese parents, a seventy percent incidence in obesity is found among the offspring. Indicating that eating behavior is also a family behavior. Although Bruch is quick to point out that â€Å"Such studies are based on the often unreliable statements of patients, and the ability to record the potentially obese and the actually obese phenotypes makes interpretation of their significance even more difficult..† That was in 1973; today we have more extensive research and testing and even genetic tracking information that builds on what Bruch has posited and demonstrate that in some cases – certainly not all – that ob esity is in fact an inherited trait. In 1998, Robert Pool writes, researchers in Europe conducting tests on obesity found that with regard to a certain patients, and study of the family, a DNA mutation existed that prevented the brain from detecting leptin, a condition associated with diabetes, which is a hereditary condition; that sent the message to the patient’s brain that the patient’s body was starving. â€Å"Thus, in both humans and mice the diabetes mutation produces an obesity almost identical to that produced in the obese mutation. However, it has also been determined that each time the aforementioned appears it has been in â€Å"highly inbred families.† The pattern of first cousins intermarrying is a common one in many developing nations.

How does place relate to cultural performance Essay

How does place relate to cultural performance - Essay Example The cultural geography enables the researchers to predict why a specific group of people exhibit a particular behavior. Specific places have specific groups of people who may have similar or different behaviors which are consistent and enduring. Through cultural performance, one is able to appreciate the behavior of a specific group in their everyday life. One pertinent issue before the classification of any behavior is that what is observed has to be consistent over a period of time. This will avoid biasness and subjectivity when reporting about a particular group of people. Having conducted a fieldwork study in a bus, different patterns from the population were established. Majority of the people in the bus were students, who displayed different values, and norms. Individualism, lack of concern for others, and lack of interaction were the main issues that were recorded from the fieldwork study. There was also a discrepancy between the way the older generation and the young behaved. While the older generations seemed to like interacting with others through communication, majority of the young adults in the bus perceived this as interfering with their privacy. With most of them glued to their phones, and listening to music, interpersonal communication was hindered. The following discussion will also focus on the report of the fieldwork conducted on the homeless population in a particular street. Methodology used For the purpose of this fieldwork study, the observation method was used. The behavior observed was recorded in a form. This was done for a number of days in order to ensure consistency in values, beliefs and norms before making a conclusion about the population of study. The place The place for the study was the bus, and also in the street. I choose this place owing to the fact it was more convenient to me since I used this means of transport almost daily. Further, I saw the same people almost every day. For this reason, it was possible to study the co nsistency of the behaviors manifested by the population I was dealing with. The bus was also the best way to have unbiased sample owing to the fact that any person in my neighborhood used this means of transportation. The results would therefore be imperative in making an inference about the rest of the population. At this site, my main subjects of study were passengers, who included the students, drivers, and a few working class individuals. The fieldwork was also conducted in the street where the main focus was the homeless population. In this second setting, there were the old, children and young adults. The performances This refers to the act of studying the behavior of a specific group of people in their day-to-day activities1. The main reason is to establish the values, norms and beliefs of the people from the manifested behavior2. For the purpose of this study, these performances were to be studied from the passengers and the homeless population. As indicated before, the ease of reaching these people almost on the daily basis prompted me to choose them. One of the main aims of the fieldwork is to be able to be able to describe the behavior of the subjects. It is also vital to highlight the reason making a specific group of people behave the way they do. The following discussion seeks to establish the

Nikita Khrushchev & Cuban Missile Crisis Term Paper

Nikita Khrushchev & Cuban Missile Crisis - Term Paper Example Cuban Missile Crisis is an important historical event for its relevance to the cold-war era, as it is believed to be the most intense encounter between the then Superpowers, U.S and USSR. Since both countries had a nuclear capability, a direct encounter meant the most cataclysmic war in the history of global politics. For this reason it is important to draw a cause and effect relationship between variables in this context to analyze the important factors causing this event and the outcomes. Historically, most of the accounts presenting the Cuban Missile Crisis and its resolution rhetorically give due credit to the patient and the wisdom of JFK to have resolved the issue in time and avoid nuclear war. Many factors can be identified, for instance, the placement of U.S missiles in Turkey close to the vicinity of Soviet. Similarly, the Bay of Pigs incident caused a threat perception in the mind of Castro and in order to avoid a future attack, he sought assistance from the Soviets. Also, another reason can be understood in terms of the balance of power and the ambition of the Soviets to represent a superior vision in the world regarding the power and the image of the Soviet. Thus, as a result of these, along with many other factors Soviets placed Middle Range Ballistic Missiles in Cuba which stimulated the threat perception within the minds of the decision makers in the U.S. Consequently, JFK along with his advisors explored all available options to resolve the crisis, and agreed upon the option of the Naval Blockade, which they labeled as â€Å"Quarantine† which continued for 13 days.... Nevertheless, in my view, Khrushchev should equally be appraised, as he also took the matter very seriously and patiently communicated his terms and conditions to JFK. Thus, without appraising Khrushchev, even Castro, for their efforts in this regard the rhetoric remains incomplete. To analyze the event, its historical context needs to be discussed in detail. In this regard, the various long-term as well as short term objectives of the Missile deployment in Cuba by the Soviets can be studied, which will help us analyze the causes behind the event. The historical context of the event can be traced back to the U2 incident which occurred in May 1960, when U.S sent a spy plane into the vicinity of Soviet Union, which was both a breach in the security of the territory of the U.S.S.R, and a cause of building a trust deficit. Even after this event, despite the pressure from the hard liners, Khrushchev managed to stay calm and kept indicating his intentions of maintaining peace between the s uperpowers1. Preceding this dangerous event was the Bay of Pigs accounts which again proved to draw a line between the superpowers. In 1961, U.S made an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro`s government in Cuba which eventually failed. U.S trained and triggered some Cuban rebels to overthrow Fidel in an operation, however the operation immensely failed. This led towards the shattering of the image of the U.S in the world, and it further boosted the confidence of the Soviets which encouraged them to take this step. 2Also, this event was an indication of the interest of U.S in Cuba which indicated that U.S fears that Cuba can later turn out to be problematic for the U.S. Also, U.S later posed various sanctions over Cuba which

Contemporary Management issue (waleed) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contemporary Management issue (waleed) - Essay Example The Traditional theories of ethics look into the aspects in terms of an absolutist view. Under this regime, the theories are either claimed to be right or wrong. On the other hand, the Contemporary theories that are framed on ethics concentrates on the relativist positional views. The correctness of a given situation is determined by the Normative ethical theories (Warren, 2011). According to the views of Richard D. George, on the basis of Pluralism, the ethical theories can be conveyed in terms of two opposing patterns, Ethical Absolutism and Ethical Relativism. There are also other types of theories related to ethics, they are: Theory of Egoism Theory of Utilitarianism Theory of Egalitarianism (on basis of rights and justice) Theory of Non-Egalitarianism On the basis of the contemporary view, the ethical theories can be on: Virtue Ethics Feminist Ethics Discourse Ethics Post Modern Ethics The theories of morality and ethics are somewhat similar to each other. Some of the morality t heories are: Moral Subjectivism Cultural Relativism Ethical Egoism Devine Command Theory Kantian Theory Contractarianism The case deals with the consciousness of the U.S. government over the health hazards caused due to cigarette smoking. It claims that the Gladys Kessler (U.S. District Judge) would claim a penalty of $280 billion from the famous tobacco companies such as, Philip Morris, Liggett and Reynolds. These companies would be penalized if they are found to knowingly deceive the public regarding the addictive nature and risks associated with smoking. It was noted that about 400000 Americans die yearly due to the health issues caused from cigarettes manufactured by these companies. This paper would concentrate on an aspect that deals with the duties that the modern organizations cater to their customers. In the later stage, the essay would focus on the different theories of business ethics and morality. The theories in the course of the discussion would be related to the case study of the paper. The Duties to Customers from Companies In the contemporary world, the organizations are supposed to suffice three primary business goals. When describing about the duties of a company it is essential to shed light on the theories of business ethics. In simple terms, business ethics is often dubbed as the form of professional ethics or applied ethics which examines the ethical principles within a business environment. Moreover, it also appeals to every business aspect and is highly pertinent to the organization as well as the individuals. Business ethics encompasses both descriptive and normative dimensions. Hence, business ethics plays a crucial role in shaping the duties and activities of the consumers towards the company. Similarly, the theory of stakeholder holds high relevance in the field of business ethics. It states that a company has equal real responsibilities towards its stakeholders, but the activities differ from one group to the other. (Source: Elkin gton, 1999) As stated in the above diagram, the organizations must try to improve the state of environment, economy and society. This is as per the theory of Triple Bottom Line stated by John Elkington in 1999. This theory also states that the organization, by uplifting the societies, must try to bridge the gap between the poor and rich customers (Wright, 1995). However, catering to the social justice is the most essential factor that must be addressed by the

Geographic development of New England Colonies and affects of Research Paper

Geographic development of New England Colonies and affects of Mayflower Compact - Research Paper Example The New England Colonies was a result of the lack of religious freedom in England. When the Puritans immigrated to America, they started colonies where there leaders emphasized Christianity. This group of people were referred to as Puritans since they sought to purify the churches in the New England (Pastoor 388). The authorities banned those who did not agree with them from the colonies to go and initiate their own colonies. Rapid growth of New England colonies was a result of rebels who built colonies of their own. Currently, the New England states are Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire as well as Rhode Island (Bremer55). The geographical location of the Puritans was defined as the part of America that in breath was from 40 to 48 degrees of the north latitude (Bremer 550). The location in length was across the mainland from sea to sea. Agriculture practices of the Puritans went hand in hand with the nature of the environment they lived in. The Puritans cultivated most of their food. They also began fishing and lumbering also took charge. The soil was however thin and rocky hence they could not cultivate cash crops. Because of the nature of the soil, they believed it was a sign from God that encouraged them to work harder in their farms (Pastoor 388). They also kept dairy cattle and the geographical layout supported this economic activity. The Connecticut River valley provided water as well as pasture for the cattle (Bremer 55). The native species of grasses in the bottom and upper locations of the river grew in red sandstone soil, which was the best of soils (Bremer 55). While religion and politics w as the centre of attraction, the Puritans sough to concentrate on the higher pastures, the good soil and practical agricultural use of the same soil. The Puritans were industrious and built a strong economic base. They participated in slave trade; they made and sold iron, pots, kettles and a variety of tools in other

The Power of Debates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Power of Debates - Essay Example By the shorthand writing newly invented, reporters would give the country "full phonographic verbatim reports," newspapers told their readers," ("The Great Debates" p.1). Providing background information on both candidates, "Douglas, a Democrat, was the incumbent Senator, having been elected in 1847. He had chaired the Senate Committee on Territories. He helped enact the Compromise of 1850. Douglas then was a proponent of Popular Sovereignty, and was responsible for the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. The legislation led to the violence in Kansas, hence the name 'Bleeding Kansas'," Adding that, "Lincoln was a relative unknown at the beginning of the debates. In contrast to Douglas' Popular Sovereignty stance, Lincoln stated that the US could not survive as half-slave and half-free states. The Lincoln-Douglas debates drew the attention of the entire nation," ("Lincoln-Douglas" p.1). Historians have regarded Lincoln for years as being a strong politician. As any politician knows, debates can either make, or break their chances of political success. Of the debates, "The main theme of the debates was slavery, especially the issue of slavery expansion into the territories. It was Douglas' Kansas-Nebraska Act that repealed the Missouri Compromise ban on slavery in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, and replaced it with the doctrine of popular sovereignty, which meant that the people of a territory could decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. Lincoln said that popular sovereignty would nationalize and perpetuate slavery.[6][7] Douglas argued that both Whigs and Democrats believed in popular sovereignty, and that the Compromise of 1850 was an example of this. Lincoln said that the national policy was to limit the spread of slavery starting with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which banned slavery from a large part of the modern-day Midwest. Lincoln poin ted out that the Compromise of 1850 was just that, a compromise. It allowed the territories of Utah and New Mexico to decide for or against slavery, but it also allowed the admission of California as a free state, reduced the size of the slave state of Texas by adjusting the boundary, and ended the slave trade (but not slavery itself) in the District of Columbia. In return, the South got a stronger fugitive slave law than the version mentioned in the Constitution. Whereas Douglas said that the Compromise of 1850 replaced the Missouri Compromise ban on slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territory north and west of the state of Missouri, Lincoln said that this was not true, and that the compromises that allowed the territories of Utah and New Mexico to decide on slavery applied only to the specific issues decided as part of the Compromise of 1850," (Wikipedia p.1). Ultimately, the debates were primarily composed of layered speech, but the candidates were said to have taken an approach to their speeches that would continue their earlier thoughts with very little if any variation in thought. "Though the speeches on both sides were long and elaborate, they were largely taken up with repetition, or with half serious, half playful banter. While Lincoln dwelt at length on the moral wrong of slavery, his constructive proposals can be briefly summarized. Advocating no Federal interference with the institution in the states, he insisted that it be excluded from the territories (this being his most important proposal); in a qualified manner he favored

Ecology Lab Essay Example for Free

Ecology Lab Essay The ecosystem is composed of the producers, consumers, decomposers and the nonliving or abiotic components (Ecology, 1997). The producers are the plants that produce food through photosynthesis. The consumers have two types: herbivores or primary consumers and carnivores or secondary consumers. The herbivores are the animals that only eat plants while the carnivores are the animals that only eat meat. The animals that eat mixtures of plants and meat are called omnivores. Human beings are considered as omnivores. Fungi and bacteria are some of the decomposers in the ecosystem. The nonliving or abiotic components of the ecosystem are consisting of the dead organic matter and nutrients found in soil and water. What if all humans became vegetarians? Would it be beneficial to the earth or ecosystem? First of all, let me discuss the principle behind the food chain, food web and energy flow. â€Å"In a food chain, the sun’s energy is used by plants to make food. The plants are eaten by herbivores, which, in turn, are eaten by carnivores. Both plant and animal substances decompose when they die and return mineral substances to the soil where bacteria use them to provide carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide and the sun’s energy then enter the chain again. † (Food Chains, 1992) But the situation in the ecosystem is not as simple as stated in the food chain so it is more advantageous to use the principle of food web. For example, a rat ate a grain from a plant, and then the rat was eaten by a snake. But the snake was also eaten by a honey bunger. The honey bunger serves as an intermediate link which is a higher level of predator than the snake. This makes food web more complicated. Also, energy is transferred in a food web. This transfer of energy in a food web is called energy flow (Energy Flow, 2008). Energy flow involves several trophic or feeding levels. When energy is passed on from one trophic level to another trophic, about 90% of the energy is lost due to respiration and some are being lost as heat in the environment. The top consumer of the food chain is the one who receives the less amount of energy. Energy in the food web is measured in terms of heat. The law of thermodynamics is also used to measure the energy lost and gain by the trophic levels. Another concept that can be useful in answering the question is the ecological pyramid. â€Å"An Ecological Pyramid (or trophic pyramid) is a graphical representation designed to show the biomass or productivity at each trophic level in a given ecosystem. Biomass pyramids show the abundance or biomass of organisms at each trophic level, while productivity pyramids show the production or turn-over in biomass. Ecological Pyramids begin with producers on the bottom and proceed through the various trophic levels, the highest of which is on top. † (Ecological pyramid, 2008) The trophic level with the highest number of population is the producer while the top most trophic level has the lowest number of population. Would it be beneficial if all humans became vegetarians? The above principles and information can be used to answer this question. It would not be beneficial if all humans will be vegetarians since this act might cause imbalances in the food web and in the ecosystem. Humans also contribute in the maintenance of the numbers of species in a given ecosystem. If humans will only eat plants, the population of the animals we are eating like cows, pigs and chickens will grow. Since these animals are herbivores or primary consumers, this will result to greater competition for foods derived from plants. The population of secondary consumers will be outnumbered by the primary consumers. This will in turn cause another growth in the population of primary consumers since the number of secondary consumers will not be enough to feed on the primary consumers. Again, this will cause disruption of the ecological pyramid. In terms of energy flow and thermodynamics, it is still not beneficial if all human beings will be vegetarians. Given with two scenarios: (a) humans feed directly on plants and (b) humans feed on animals like cows or chickens that also feed on food from plant sources, in what scenario can humans receive greater amount of energy? In the first scenario, humans are included in the trophic level next to producers which are the primary consumers while in the second scenario, humans are considered as secondary consumers. Also in the first scenario, the humans’ only source of energy is the producer which is the food from plant while in the second scenario; the humans’ sources of energy are the animals and the plants that were eaten by those animals. Even though 90% of the energy acquired by the animals that feed on plants is lost due to respiration, there is still a remainder of 10% that the human can receive when he/she will feed on those animals. Summing up and comparing all the energies received by humans in each scenario then we can say that humans can get a 10% higher amount of energy in the second scenario than in the first scenario. Like what was stated prior to this paragraph, the top most consumer of the food web who feed on plants will receive the least amount of energy. Also in the first scenario where humans feed directly on plant foods, lesser amounts of heat and carbon dioxide are released in the environment. In terms of ecosystem productivity, the humans can get higher net productivity when they act as secondary consumers than when they act as primary consumers. What is net productivity? â€Å"Net productivity is the amount of energy trapped in organic matter during a specified interval at a given trophic level less that lost by the respiration of the organisms at that level. † (Ecosystem productivity, 2004) Humans can indirectly acquire higher net productivity when they eat animals that feed on plant materials. Using all the arguments mentioned, one can conclude that it is not beneficial, for both humans and ecosystem, if all humans will be vegetarians. We must always bear in mind that all things in excess will not be advantageous or beneficial. References â€Å"Ecological pyramid†. 2008. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Ecological_pyramid â€Å"Ecology†. 1997. Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia Vol. 9. 12 â€Å"Ecosystem productivity†. 2004. http://users. rcn. com/jkimball. ma. ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NetProductivity. html â€Å"Energy Flow†. 2008. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Energy_flow â€Å"Food chains†. 1992. The World of Animals. Australia: Regency Publishing Group. 9

Association football and soccer Essay Example for Free

Association football and soccer Essay In this soccer essay we will discuss soccer. Soccer (also called football) is the most popular kind of sports in the world. It is more than 2000 years old. Other sources say it is more than 3000 years old. The earliest forms of soccer existed in 1004 B.C. in Japan and in 50 B.C.in China. Japanese kicked a small round ball. Chinese filled heir leather ball with hair. It is known that Romans played a game that was similar to soccer. However, English Kings and Queens did not favor the game. In the UK, it was forbidden for many centuries until the beginning of the 19th century. Soccer essayIn such articles as this one, you must offer all basic information about the subject, explain the rules if it is a game and look back into history of the subject. However, it is not enough to write a good paper. You need to know the rules of writing such papers. Our online service can help you with your writing and provide you with essays of the highest quality. Like every game, soccer has rules. Now, in the soccer essay, we will discuss the rules. The game is played by two teams in a big field covered with grass. Each team consists of eleven players. Their object is to score the ball into the opponent’s goal. The rules are not difficult. The main rule states that it is forbidden to touch the ball with hands or arms (only the goalie can do it, he defends the goal). Also, players of different teams must not push or hit each other. The game is judged by the referee. There are goals at the opposite ends of the soccer field. The field has a goal box and a penalty box. Soccer players’ uniform consists of team jersey, shorts, socks, cleats, and shin guards. Every team has uniforms of different colors. Usually, the colors represent the country they play for. The World Cup is the most famous soccer championship. It is held every four years. Teams from many countries of the world compete with each other, and millions of people around the world watch the game on television at that time. It is a very competitive kind of sports that is why it is interesting to watch it. Soccer is popular with children as well. Boys around the world play soccer at  their free time. This game is healthy because it involves much running. Nonetheless, it causes traumas sometimes. Soccer has simple rules; however, it is a difficult game. It is a highly strategic game that requires logical thinking, quick reaction and endurance as it is necessary to run without a rest for a long time. Players have different roles in the team. There are forwards who attack and score goals. There are defenders who help to defend the goal. The goalkeeper can touch the ball inside the goalie’s box. In this soccer essay, we discussed the game of soccer, presented basic information about it and explained its rules. Also, we considered the history of this most popular game in the world.

Features of best practice models of HRM

Features of best practice models of HRM The term human resource management (HRM) has a wide definition and there is still no universal agreement on it. (Beardwell and Claydon, 2007) As the advent of the new economy, HRM had a deeper and wider development in order to support the businesses operates in a more complex environment. It is concluded in both theory and practice that employees matter and that HRM is a potential source for achieving organizational goals. (Boselie, 2010, P2) Kellogg (2010) argues that employees are more than a resource. For most contemporary organizations, organizational changes have become a common practice. Strategic human resource management (SHRM) focuses on issues of linking HRM to the business strategy to gain and sustain competitive advantage. Fit is likely the most important word in SHRM. There is a debate linked to the issue of fit between two competitive schools: the best-practice school and the best-fit school. The best-practice school advocates a universalistic perspective all firms will see performance improvement if they adopt it. (Boselie, 2010) There are three main gist of best-practice theories should be mentioned. First of all, the models enhance employee ability and knowledge through good recruitment and training. The second one is motivating desired behaviour through strong incentives. The last one is encouraging ideas and contribution from motivated and better trained workers. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003) Pfeffer (1998) claims seven HRM practices that all firms could success if they apply these seven. The first one is selective recruitment and selection. The selective is a central part of it and a sophisticated way to recruit and select the talents. The second one is extensive training-employees get development through training programmes. The third one is performance-related pay (PRP). PRP related to personal and team performance and the best-performance employees in a department will get yearly bonuses. The forth one is teamwork. Employees take responsibility to work design and planning for a group of employees. It is an effective way to break through the hierarchical model and decentralize responsibility. The fifth one is information sharing and communication through the Internet, newspaper, face-to-face talks and, last but not least, top management presentations. The sixth one is reduction of status differences, avoiding status symbols, such as special parking spaces for high mana gement. The last one is employment security. Pfeffer (1994) also lists 16 practices for competitive advantage through people. The advantages of the best-practice models can be defined as, firstly, much agreement on basic best practice. The second one is the recognition of bad practice. The third one is establishing rules of thumb for selection; training; appraisal methods. The last one is that no need to re-invest. Some evidences in reality can prove that there is a positive relationship between the best-practice and organizational performance. Richardson and Thompson reported that: there are 30 empirical studies that have sought to address the relationship between HR practices and business performanceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The published research generally reports positive statistical relationships between the greater adoption of HR practices and business performance. (Richardson and Thompson, 1999) According to another paper reported by West, Patterson, Lawthom, and Nickell (1997) firms could gain a substantial and measurable improvement to organizational performance if they invest in developing and maintaining effective HRM policy and practice. Some criticisms also should be mentioned. The first criticism of best-practice models is diversity of best-practice. Lists of desirable practices vary significantly. (Becker and Gerhart 1996, Dyer and Reeves 1995, Youndt et al. 1996) Secondly, the collective issues of work organization and employee voice may be lost. (Marchington and Grugulis, 2000) Thirdly, Legge (1978) argues that supporters of best-practice try to fabricate the question of interests and goals. There are some other criticisms that should be considered. One is that it might be difficult when we go beyond these practices. Another one is that these models may not be suitable for every situations or sections of same business. The Best-fit school argues that HRM is more effective when it is aligned with its internal and external context. (Boselie, 2010, P21) The notion of a linkage between business strategy and performance of every employee in the organization is central to fit. (Beardwell and Claydon, 2007) There are two most common fit in HRM- external and internal. External fit refers to that HR practices should fit the organizations strategy, development, and goals. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003) Golden and Ramanujam (1985) present a model to distinct four linkages: administrative linkage, one-way linkage, two way linkage, and integrative linkage. The internal context represents the organizations history, culture, and the administrative heritage. Porter (1985) presents a typology of competitive strategies, advising firms to specialize carefully in competitive strategies. Schuler Jackson (1987) developed a linkage between competitive advantage, employee behaviours and HR practices. (Boselie, 2010) There are some criticisms that should be mentioned. The first one is that they can overlook employee interests. In other words the need to align employee interests with the firm is generally failed to recognize. The second criticism is that some firms are good at everything so HR practices likely to be based on more than one strategies. There is evidence that the most resilient firms in some sectors are good at everything: they are superb all rounders, not just good at differentiation or cost leadership. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003, P55) However, the criticism dose not invalidates the idea of a fit between HR strategies and competitive strategies. Boxall and Purcell argue that: there are some supports for the argument that firms try to relate a variety of HR practices to their competitive strategy. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003 P57) The last, but not the least, one is the leak of attention of dynamics. A useful model for practice if one in which fit with existing competitive strategy is developed simultaneously with flexibility in the range of skills and behaviours that may be needed to cope with different competitive scenarios in the future. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003, P56) Internal fit refers to the linkage between individual HR policies, and is thought to be a crucial part to gain success. Internal fit emphasize that HR policies must be aligned with HR practices. Policies which work in opposite directions should be avoided. There is an example, encourage teamwork then rewarding individual performance. Eaton (2000) examined issues of HRM and organizational performance in 20 nursing homes in the USA. In her report she argues that a new set of practices, including cross-training and job enlargement results a better performance in some homes. Rondeau and Wagner examined the impact of HRM practices and the best-fit models on 283 Canadian nursing homesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦They reported that the best-performing homes were found to be more likely to have implemented high performance HRM practices and to have a workplace climate that strongly values employee participation. (Buchan, 2004, 2:6) Baron and Kreps (1999) define 3 types of desirable fit. The first one is s ingle employee consistency which emphasizes that make sure selection approaches aligning with the investment in training and promotion policies. The second one is the fit across employees doing the same kind of work. The last one is temporal consistency which is consistency of employee treatment across a reasonable period of time. There are some criticisms should be considered. Firstly, HR managers should avoid policies which against the directions. For example, a firm emphasizes teamwork but operates a reward system which focuses on individual performance. Secondly, firms should avoid duplication of practices. Boselie (2010) argues that there are two important mechanisms that determine the external context faced by the organization: market mechanisms and institutional mechanisms. The HR strategy scan model, developed by Boselie, contains six components: the external general market context, the external population market context, the external general institutional context, the external population institutional context, the internal organizational context, and HR strategy. (Boselie, 2010, P30-36) External context is a crucial part in most contemporary organizations. It has a significant impact on HRM activities. The unique culture and history in different countries always require different HRM policies and practices. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003) It is impossible to isolate HR policies from the context whatever internal and external. However, it is also sensible to take best practice models because of the existing of generic processes, such as recruitment and appraisal. HRM in production industries are of more concern to financial sector or the high tech industries. An analytical distinction between the surface level of HR policy and practice in a firm and an underpinning level of processes and principles could be made for this debate. The surface layer refers to those HR policies and practices that are driven by context. The underpinning layer refers to those HR policies and practices that are generic processes and principles with essential applicability. (Boxall and Purcell, 2003, P69)

Essay --

CONTACT INFORMATION BIJAN ZARDBANI Address: 19 WOODHOUSE ROAD, DONCASTER EAST, VIC 3109 Email: BIJAN.ZARDBANI@GMAIL.COM Mobile: 0423812231 PERSONAL INFORMATION D.O.B: 20/10/1967 PLACE OF BIRTH: TEHRAN ( IRAN) CITIZENSHIP: IRAN VISA STATUS: BUSINESS SUBCLASS 163, VALID UNTIL FEB/2018 GENDER: MALE OVER VIEW Results-Oriented Mechanical Engineer With A Hands-On Approach To Tackling Projects And Accomplishing Goals. Project Manager With18 Years of Experience. Areas Of Expertise Include Piping (Steam Pipe And Steam Traps Included), Ducts, Heating, Heatexchangers, Air Conditioning, Supports (Guide), All Equipment And Machinery In Mechanical Room, Hot Water Boiler, Steam Boiler, Dearaitors, Air Washers, Cooling Towers, Air Handling Units And ... Experience In Electricity, Such As Cabling, Panels, Wiring, High Voltage Cabling And Junctions, High Voltage Panels, Lightning, Cable Trays, EarthingAnd All Electrical And Mechanical That Necessary In Commercial And Industrial Construction. Skills Complex problem solving Team leadership Technical problem-solving Works well in diverse ...

Sleeping and Dreaming Essay -- Biology, Brain

Each night without fail our eyes grow heavy and our minds tired, and dreaming we drag ourselves to bed and normally fall asleep quickly and peacefully off to dream land we go. Why is this though? Why do we sleep every night? Why do we awake with dream fresh in our heads? How important is this most basic human routine to our survival? What happens when it is disturbed? Sleeping is extremely important for all mammals, but humans especially. Without sleep we are unable to function properly and at our fullest abilities. When we sleep we grow, and it is an opportunity for us to dream which has many benefits. Sleep is also a way for us to relieve ourselves of stress. Sleeping is a very unique process, performed only by creature with brains that have evolved considerably. Sleeping is a process of the brain performed by the brain for the brain (1). Which basically means that everything that happens during sleep is a result of the brain, and the reason it happens is because the brain needs it to. Sleep is so unique that it is impossible to mentally feign sleep (1). Even though we look as though we have entirely shut down when we sleep, we have not. The human brain is extremely active during all stages of sleep. This has been demonstrated countless times by monitoring the electrical activity of a sleeping person. Little was known about sleep until the nineteenth century, although many great scholars and philosophers from various countries had wondered about sleep and even tried to study sleep throughout the ages, they were unsuccessful because they simply lacked the proper technology to understand the major role that the brain plays in sleep. Some had even speculated that the brain was a part of sleep but they just had no way to res... ...unt of time that we spend in REM sleep, and NREM will increase after physical exertion (2). REM sleep it is extremely important because it is during REM sleep that most dreams occur and it is also when the dreams are more vivid compared to the few dreams that occur in NREM sleep (2). During REM sleep the brain is so active that it looks as though a person is awake, especially the area that correspond to imagery and emotion. During REM the body becomes very still, this is referred to as REM-sleep paralysis and is most like to prevent us from physically acting out our dreams, a potentially dangerous activity. When this fails to happen people become violent and thrash around or jump out of bed, and can attack people they are sleeping with, this is a condition called REM behavior disorder. On the opposite end of REM behavior disorder is an equally scary experience.

The Roman Empire :: essays research papers

The Roman Empire When the ancient Greeks were reaching the height of their glory, the power of Rome, to the west, was slowly rising. The Romans were best in warfare, engineering, and government. Rome rose to power gradually, with no set plan for world conquest. The Romans fought many wars and enslaved many people. By the time of Augustus, shortly before Christ, most of the known world was unified and at peace under Roman rule. The Kings of Early Rome The early Romans didn’t keep any written records. There are only two existing documents, which give the continuous early history of Rome. The old legends say that Romulus founded the city in 753 BC when the settlements on the seven hills were united. Under his heir, the Romans conquered Alba Longa, the religious center of the Latin civilizations. During the rule of Ancus Martius, a number of annoying Latin cities were conquered, and their people were brought to Rome. The Etruscan Conquest Shortly before 600 BC, Rome was conquered by several Etruscan princes from across the Tiber River. Tarquinius Priscus drained the city's marshes. The last of the kings of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, was a dictator who opposed the people. Under the rule of the Etruscans Rome grew in importance and power. Great temples and impressive public works were built. Rome had become the largest and richest city in Italy. Period of Conquest It was only a tiny city-state, much like the city-states that were growing at the same time in Greece. The common citizens were called the plebs or plebeians. They marched out of Rome in a body and threatened to make a new city in 494 BC. In 350 BC the plebeians were admitted to the dictatorship. The Roman Senate has been called the "most distinguished and important political body, which has ever existed in the world." Political Struggle The struggle for political power was the economic struggle between rich and poor. Gradually, reforms were forced through. Compelled at first to fight for its very existence against powerful neighbors, Rome gradually fought its way to the leadership of the Italian civilizations. Success of Rome Slowed Down By Gauls The successful progress of Rome received a temporary difficulty in 390 BC when wandering Gauls advanced through the center of Etruria. In another century Rome conquered their whole territory. Only southern Italy remained independent. Fearful at the spread of Roman power, the Greek cities appealed to Pyrrhus.

Business Trip to Ukraine

Welcome everyone to today's presentation on the Ukraine. Now I know some of you have already been there and may feel that this presentation Is a waste of your time but let me assure you that it is always good to refresh the memory. For those of you who have not made the long distance travel to the Ukraine I say get ready to learn and take notes on the most important five minutes of the day. Today you will be briefed on some of the most important areas of your trip such as, what to pack for a successful trip, the Ukrainian family unit and their roles, and of course how to survive ark In a foreign country.Before we begin, allow me to tell you a little bit about the strange place Into which you will be traveling. For those of you who have not looked at a map recently here it is. In the Ukraine Russian was their main language but after WI it was replaced with Ukrainian. In 2010 Youngling-Coleman from Countrywoman. Com stated that there are five languages you should be aware of: â€Å"Uk rainian, Russian, Romania, Polish, and Hungarian†. In the West, Ukrainian Is the everyday language, but In the east Russian Is still spoken.There are three major ethnic groups Ukrainian, Russian, ND Jewish. Obviously there are also different religions, most are Christians but there are a few who are Jewish. Please be respectful of your surroundings. Now we have covered our basics let us talk about what to pack for the trip. As an American you should know that you will most likely be targeted for robbery, but please do not let this discourage you from going to the Ukraine, like in the States not all Ukrainians are thieves. Your money should be In small bills no bigger than ass.You will spend about an average of $200 a week not Including hotel rooms. As an American Ukrainians will expect a lot from you and the way one dresses himself says a lot of the person. While in the hotel room casual clothing is appropriate but if you get invited to go to the town you better dress up, beca use that is what Ukrainians do. Men will be expected to wear ties and women to wear dresses. Depending on how long you are staying pack at least one suit and plenty of blouses or dress shirts for men and something dressier for the evenings.According to Hodges In her 1996 book titled Heliotrope Language and Travel Gulled to Ukraine, she states, â€Å"Plan†¦ To mix and attach. Don't include any article of clothing that can't be worn with at least two other pieces. † (pig 25). This is a great piece of advice when considering what to pack for your trip. Other clothing items you may want to include would be raincoat, umbrella, and shoes you would not mind getting wet. Women consider taking low heels for walking In gravel and for comfort and of course feminine products.Men something else to consider taking would be some knit shirts and casual slacks also for comfort. Take everything you will need because buying small bottles of soap, shampoo, and intentioned may not be as easy as it is in the States. Remember you are being sent to the Ukraine in the fall which is great considering that spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons. Make sure to plan ahead; do not wait till the last minute to pack, pack all the Items you will need and remember to represent the company well.Now let us talk about the Ukrainian family. A Ukrainian family Is a traditional close together on a regular basis Just because they enjoy each other's company. The immediate family usually consists of less than two children but there is not a limit. Ukrainians have a saying about the way that they regard children, â€Å"Seen but not heard†. Unlike American children, Ukrainian children are not spoiled, they are expected to blend or disappear into the background when there is an adult present in order for the adults to socialize.Ukrainian children know at a very young age the meaning of responsibility and they are expected to help out as much as possible. They are taught to share e verything which will eventually be beneficial to the older generations of the child. In their adulthood they may live at home with three or four elder generations; which allows for someone to be at home to watch the kids and grandparents. Men and women may take turns doing the shopping but they too are expected to carry out their role in the family unit.Like most cultures women care for the children, the house, and the cooking while the men do the heavier and maintenance Jobs. However with the younger generation rising and providing for their families the divide between gender roles is somewhat lost. Women are more independent and educated, and they do not see themselves as secondary citizens but rather demand equality. Though it has taken some time to get men to see women s equals, women tend to stay at home and allow the men to do the work but they are more independent now than ever before.Many Ukrainians may Joke about working but keep in mind that they are known for being  "among the most industrious and diligent people of Europe† states Hodges in her 1996 book Hippodrome Language and Travel Guide to Ukraine (pig. 125). Remember that capitalism is new to the people of Ukraine and they are used to their government being at the center of everything. Correspondence states in her 2008 Newsletter The Business Environment in Ukraine: Before and After 2008 that â€Å"In edition to Ukrainian long-standing problems†¦ Many companies faced a fairly unusual problem†¦ Shortage of labor. † Due to this problem companies are being forced to hire people that do not have the education and skills necessary for the Job. Also do not to take the attitude of Ukrainian business men personal. They are fearful that you, as a foreigner, will try to take advantage of their labor and resources. Be mindful of their history and be prepared to risk capital and to have a long-term relationship with the Ukrainians. Be careful who you do business with; don't get involved with political bureaucrats for they Just want part of the profit.Our insiders are familiar with the bureaucracy maze, and they will help you accomplish your goal. Do not underestimate a Ukrainian business man. They can sense an opportunity and are excellent traders. While establishing a business deal with a Ukrainian be prepared to toast a lot to a successful partnership, and as a reminder at this time you should be in your appropriate evening attire. Now that you know what to pack, how the Ukrainian family functions and how to survive work in a faraway land you may travel with piece of mind.

Human Computer Interface Essay

According to Nicky Danino(2001), Human Computer Interaction(HCI) is defined as ‘the study, planning, and design of what happens when a person and a computer work together’. HCI consist of three parts that is the user, the computer and the interaction involved between the user and the computer. Therefore I am going to evaluate the company based on several criteria. From what have been observed in the Kannal Solutions , the work area was found to be comfortable for the employees to work. The chairs provide sufficient cushioning. This enables the employees to work for long hours without feeling cramps or pains on their bottoms. Besides that, it is observed that the chair has adjustable heights. This enables the employees to adjust the height of the chair according to their comfort. The back rest of the chair also provides adequate support for the back bone. This feature of chair avoids the employees suffering from back aches or other lower back injuries. On the other hand, much attention was also given to the monitors. The monitors that are used in this company is positioned in such a way that the observer views the screen perpendicularly. When viewing the monitor at this angle, the observer will be able to reduce the stress applied on the neck muscles. Furthermore, only liquid crystal display (LCD) screens are used as a monitor. This monitor is flicker free because LCD does not depend on scanning electron beam to perform. Flickering of the screen can easily cause headaches to the employees which can severely reduce the productivity of the company. Moreover , the LCD screen is built such that it would not reflect light out, thus producing a less glare effect. These characteristics delays the eyes from getting tired. Apart from that, LCD has also been proven to produce lesser radiation. Thus, choosing LCD screen as a monitor was a good step taken by this company to keep their working environment more comfortable. The difference found from what is observed is this company does not provide the employees with ergonomic keyboards or mouse. This causes discomfort for the staffs working here especially for long hours working. Prolonged usage of non ergonomic keyboard can be as bad as the worker gets muscle strain or as worse as the employee suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or tendonitis. CTS is the inflammation of the nerve that connects the forearm to the wrist whereas tendonitis is the inflammation due to repetitive motion on the tendon. The IT and telecommunication industry spends and invest a lot of money to operate. Therefore like many other companies , Kannal Solutions try to minimize wastage to reduce cost. Other than to minimize wastage, this company also gives a lot attention to save the environment. Therefore, green computing, which is as defined by Sarah Gingichashvili is ‘ the study and practice of efficient and eco-friendly computing resources’. In this company, printers and computers used contains Energy Star symbol. Electrical appliances and product that has Energy Star symbol consumes much lesser energy compared to those that does not have it. This symbol ensures that the computers automatically switches to the ‘sleep’ mode whenever it is idle. Switching to this mode reduces the energy consumption of the computer. Besides that, the employees also switches off their computers whenever it is not in use. If in case they need to use it at intervals, they would at least turn off the monitor so that electricity can be saved. Another reason why LCD screen is used in this company is also because of the fact that LCD screen consumes lesser energy than the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor. Due to this reason the CRT monitor waste a lot of energy mostly due to the large emission of heat energy. In Kannal Solutions , most of the computers uses Intel E2140 Dual Core with a processor speed of 1. 6Ghz. These computers gives a good performance which is needed during the collection of information from customers. The best part about this machine is that its power consumption is really low and efficient. It only consumes 69 watts. Therefore, in long run Kannal Solutions can save great deal of electricity while making sure that their performance is not affected. Although this company pays a great role in keeping the employees safe and comfortable, it is found through observation that the keyboards and mouse used is not ergonomic. In longer run the staffs can face nerve complications. So, it is recommended that the company take an immediate action to convert all the mouse and keyboards to an ergonomic one so that the workers here will not face any kind of problem which can cause to reduction of productivity to the company. Apart from that, although the chair has ergonomic feature such as adjustable height and proper back rest, it does not have a hand rest. So , whenever the staff feels tired they have to rest it on the table. It would be safer and much comfortable as the hand rest ensures that the worker’s hand would be parallel to the floor and the elbow would be perpendicular to the arm. So, it is recommended that the chairs here should be equipped with a hand rest. Thus, it is very clear that this company takes HCI seriously. Although there are some drawbacks, it can be overcame by taking proper steps such as suggested in order to keep the employees contributing to the development of this company.

Woody Allen’s Sleeper Woody Allen’s Sleeper

â€Å"Sleeper† is a film, which at first glance, appears to be about nothing but making people laugh, but when examined more closely might appear to be a commentary on politics, consumerism and even love. This film is supposed to be Woody Allen’s take on a modern silent film, and there are definitely similarities to the silent film classics of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, most notably the physical humor that defined the slapstick sub-genre of comedy.Scenes like those with the giant produce or the awakening of Woody Allen’s character, Miles Monroe are absolute gems and caused me to laugh hysterically the first time I saw them. They also appear to only exist for the sole purpose of making the viewer laugh. If the main character in a film only believes in â€Å"sex and death† does that imply that the main point of the film is also sex and death? At first glance, the slapstick nature of the film appears to support part of this claim as the futuristic soc iety in which Miles has woken up appears to be obsessed with ways of increasing pleasure- both emotionally and sexually.We see a glimpse of this culture during the dinner party hosted by Luna in which the Orgasmatron and the Orb are introduced for the first time. The scene in which Miles is acting like a robot and trying to pass around the orb, but only drugging himself is hilarious and the introduction of the Orgasmatron is absolutely ridiculous since Luna says, â€Å"I think we should have had sex, but there weren’t enough people. † Suddenly, sex is something that appears overly complicated and has been replaced by machines.One of the two things that Miles believes in has been replaced by machines and technology. In fact, I argue that the other thing he believes in – death- has also been replaced by machines and technology. Miles has been cryogenically frozen for 200 years- obviously he should have been dead by now. Instead, technology has taken away the other thing he believes in. So what then, does Miles and consequently the film believe in? Obviously the future, in which Miles has found himself in, is run by a Totalitarian government led by a dictator whom he spends a large majority of he film trying to overthrow. Is the film a political commentary then? Certainly, Woody Allen spends a lot of time highlighting the police force and the rebel faction which has formed against the government. He even manages to throw in a few quips regarding the politics of 1973 America. We see the absolute uselessness of said police force and we hear Miles comment on how the rebels will simply replace the existing government in a cyclic fashion. But there still isn’t enough. Even the romance between Miles and Luna seems to be empty and almost like an afterthought.I just don’t think that there is enough substance to qualify this as a political film, a commentary on consumerism or even a romance story. In the end, I argue that maybe this movi e isn’t really about anything at all. Maybe it is simply a funny film that highlights screwball comedy and has some of the elements of a science fiction movie. Whether or not it is a movie with a deeper message, â€Å"Sleeper† is still a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed and a great introduction to Woody Allen.

Stevie Smith

Marissa Puzino ENGL 011: 33 Dr. Kayorie April 3, 12 The Journey of Death, War and Neglect â€Å"All poetry has to do is make a strong communication† (Stevie Smith) Florence Margaret Smith also known as Stevie Smith was a famous English poet and novelist that lived form 1902 to her tragic death in 1971. Throughout her life Smith went through a lot of heartache with her family and especially within herself. When Stevie Smith became acquainted with the face of death, she was fascinated by the melancholy emotions of depression she began to feel.As a result, Smith utilized her emotions relating to neglect, death, and war in much of her writing. Stevie Smith was best known for her poem â€Å"Not Waving But Drowning,† which is about neglect. In this poem she portrays the speaker as saying â€Å"goodbye† to his so called friends, and welcoming death. She praises grief and sorrow in her poem â€Å"Happiness. † Here she states that all happiness has been inexistent in her life. War was another prominent theme in her writing. Much of her writing was drawn from her own life experiences but various work of literature was influenced by war, the middle class British life, and religion.Her poem, â€Å"I Remember,† was a war themed poem about an elderly man having flashbacks on the Second World War on his bridal night. Stevie Smith eloquently channeled her emotions from her troubling life experiences of death, neglect, and war, into moving works of literature. Florence Margaret â€Å"Stevie† Smith was born in 1902 in Hull, England (Biography of Stevie Smith, Poem Hunter). At the age of three, after her father left the family to join the North Sea Patrol, she moved to Palmers Green with her Mother and her sister Molly (Spalding 3).During her teenage years her mother passed away, leaving her and her sister to live with their Aunt also referred to as â€Å"The Lion† (Stevie Smith, The Academy of American Poets). After attending high school she went to North London Collegiate School for Girls where she began as a secretary with the magazine publisher George Newnes. She continued to become the private secretary to Sir Nevill Pearson and Sir Frank Newnes. Her first book, Novel On Yellow Paper, was published in 1936, which was about the uneasy feelings of World War I. Stevie Smith passed away in 1971, resulting from a brain tumor.Stevie Smith’s life was filled with death and grief beginning at age five and lasting until her death in 1971. At the age of five Stevie Smith was diagnosed with Tuberculous peritonitis (Barbara, and Mcbrien 23). After developing this disease she was sent to a sanatorium near Broadstairs. Smith had a very close relationship with her mother. Being away from home and her mother for such a long period of time caused her to experience much stress and anxiety. Smith’s mother died of heart disease when she was sixteen years old, which was a very traumatic experience for Stevie Smi th.Even fifty years later during an interview Smith burst into tears when asked a question about her mothers passing (Huk 39). Unfortunately, she became preoccupied with the idea of death. Smith thought that if she forced death upon herself, her misery would end. Realizing that she hadn’t died and life would continue another day only sustained her thoughts of death, eventually leading her into depression (Barbara, and Mcbrien 25). Being compelled by thoughts of death and grief, Smith frequently incorporated those themes in her poems.In one of Stevie Smith’s interviews she states, â€Å"They are written from the experiences, of my own life, its pressures and fancies, and they are written to give ease and relief to me† (Spalding 197). Smith implies that she writes her poems not only for the enjoyment of her readers, but as a way of coping with her own emotions and feelings. Writing about her sorrows gave her inspiration to continue on and face her troubles. She wr ites more often about her struggles than her happiness, which is shown in her poem â€Å"Happiness. In the poem â€Å"Happiness,† Stevie Smith describes happiness as quiet and nonexistent when she writes, â€Å"Happiness is silent, or speaks equivocally for friends† (ln 1). All of Smith’s life was filled with misery. This poem is about how she never knew the feeling of happiness. She was unaware of how to find happiness because of all the negative experiences in her life that led to such despairing thoughts and emotions. â€Å"Grief is explicit and her song never ends† (ln 3). Smith indicates that she has known this feeling since she was a young girl, which, continued throughout her life.Undergoing these difficult times throughout her life led Stevie Smith to develop a negative view of the world, which she exemplified in her poetry. Stevie Smith’s father owned his own business as a shipping agent. When she was three years old his business, as well as her parents’ marriage, was unsuccessful (Huk 23). As a result, Smith’s father left home and ran away to sea becoming a ship’s purser. She rarely saw her father and when he visited she would often ignore him. She resented the fact that he left and deserted their family.Stevie Smith and her sister never forgave him and even refused to attend his funeral in 1949. Additionally, Smith’s Aunt directed negativity in her life. After Smith’s mother passed away, Smith and her sister lived with their Aunt. When Stevie Smith started to write her Aunt dismissed her works, calling them as unnecessary. Stevie portrays her feelings of neglect in her famous poem, â€Å"Not Waving But Drowning. † This poem is about a man who is stranded out at sea. As he is thrashing in the seas, he is distressed trying to get the attention from the bystanders on shore.They think he is waving â€Å"Hello†, when he is actually attempting to get their attention. â₠¬Å"Nobody heard him, the dead man† (ln 1). The people on shore can be seen as Smith’s Father and Aunt, while Stevie Smith is the man stranded at sea. They both neglected and ignored Stevie, either by abandoning her family or insulting her work. â€Å"Oh, no no no, it was too cold always† (ln 9). This line indicates the loneliness of Smith’s life due to the constant feeling of rejection, from the fleeing of her father and her Aunt doubting her writing capabilities. Stevie Smith grew up during both World War I and World War II (Severin 49).After World War II Smith believed that women suffered in traditional marriages because they often experienced loss of their independence and energy. In her poem â€Å"I Remember† the speaker is an elderly man. He is with his bride on their wedding night while having flashbacks of the World War II. â€Å"Harry, do they ever collide? I do not think it has ever happened† (ln 7 and 8). Smith is pointing out the d isappointment of women returning to their traditional gender roles during the post war periods. When the woman asks about the planes colliding, Stevie Smith is referring to the gender roles of men and woman.She is asking if the roles of women and men overlap? She also indicates that these women will inevitably return to their pre-war traditional role as a submissive woman and essentially return to being unhappy. Stevie Smith has faced various negative experiences and emotions from a very early age. Stevie Smith often wrote about death, neglect and war as shown in three of her poems, â€Å"Happiness,† â€Å"Not Waving But Drowning,† and â€Å"I Remember. † Being presented with a chronic disease, abandonment, death, and feelings of neglect, contributed to Stevie Smith’s negative view of the world.However, Smith found hope and relief from her depressive mind through the means of writing poetry. Smith wrote not only for the enjoyment of her readers, but more importantly to cope with her adverse life experiences. She used writing as a way to ease of the pain of these events. Stevie Smith blended real life experiences with events that happened around the world to create her moving works of literature. Works Cited Barbera, Jack, and William McBrien. Stevie: A Biography of Stevie Smith. London: Heinemann, 1985. Print. â€Å"Biography of Stevie Smith. † Poem Hunter. Web. 8 Apr. 2012. lt;http://www. poemhunter. com/stevie-smith/biography/>. â€Å"Happiness. † Best Poems. Web. 05 Apr. 2012. . This poem by Stevie Smith compares happiness and grief. This is a short poem, completed in one stanza. Smith expresses happiness as a quiet, illusionary emotion instead of loud and exciting. She explains that happiness is silent, misleading and deceptive. She describes grief as precise, straightforward and unlike happiness, swift without delay. â€Å"I Remember. † Best Poems. Web. 05 Apr. 2012. . This poem written by the famous Englis h poet and novelist, Stevie Smith is about a war veteran who is having flashbacks of World War ll. An elderly man is the speaker talking about his experiences in the war on the night of his wedding. His bride was a young woman who had tuberculosis and was asking him questions about the war. It seemed that she was asking the questions because she was slipping away and will soon pass. Abcarian, Richard, Marvin Klotz, and Samuel Cohen, eds. Literature: The Human Experience. 10th ed.New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. Print. The poem â€Å"Not Waving But Drowning† by Stevie Smith told in the third person. It is about a man who is distressed and neglected by his friends. He is trying to gain their attention by waving his hands but the people at shore think he is just waving hello. This poem can be interpreted both metaphorically and literally. In the literal sense he was waving his hands trying to get attention and form the people on shore it looks like he’s saying hi. In the metaphorical sense, the man suffered from being ignored and neglected by his friends.Huk, Romana. Stevie Smith: Between the Lines. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005. Print. In this book Romana Huk expresses the different contributions that Stevie Smith has made to feminist literary modernism. Huk describes how Smith encouraged women’s studies by examining the past and rewriting them in modern times. This book offers a new approach to go about analyzing Smith’s works by analyzing certain poems and novels that were either forgotten about or written long ago. Severin, Laura. Stevie Smith's Resistant Antics.Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin, 1997. Print. This book analyzes the relationship between Stevie Smith’s writing and illustrations and twentieth century historical events. She uses all the works of Stevie Smith to join the idea of femininity and the conservative period f World War ll. Severin gives reasons for cultural historians and feminists to appreciate the works of Smith in a sense where all of her poems, novels and illustrations are taken from events that happened around the world. Spalding, Frances. Stevie Smith A Biography. New York: W. W. Norton ;, 1989. Print.This book examines the relationship between Steve Smith’s life and her writing, including both her novels and poems. Frances Spalding focuses on Smith’s narrative and distinct style. She looks at the connections between Smith’s devastating life and her works. Spalding adds new and original interpretations based on new information. â€Å"Stevie Smith. † Poetry Archive. Penguin. Web. ;http://www. poetryarchive. org/poetryarchive/singlePoet. do? poetId=7088. â€Å"Stevie Smith. † The Academy of American Poets. The Academy of American Poets. Web. ;http://www. poets. org/poet. php/prmPID/283;.