Unforeseen Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs in the UAE Research Paper

Unforeseen Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs in the UAE - Research Paper Example Suggestively, this particular mechanism can be regarded as effective in dealing with this unforeseen challenge (Hoque, 2013). Additionally, taking examples of entrepreneurship strategies applied by successful entrepreneurs in UAE may also contribute to the forecasting ability of these professionals, which can only be possible through practical experiences in the field (Drucker, 2012). Raising capital for the setup When focusing on the Emirati entrepreneurship trends, it can be observed that in comparison to male entrepreneurs, female entrepreneurs have to face significant challenges in terms of capital generation, where their association with smaller business ideas and limited demand for products, increases their obstacles considerably (Kargwell & Inguva, 2012). The only key to solve this problem, entrepreneurs must be adequately aware of the government funding sources made available in support for small entrepreneurs in the UAE. ... Cultural divergences and the currently observed alterations in the Emirati society can be signified as a major constituent in causing this particular challenge for the entrepreneurs (Malit Jr & Oliver, 2013). Contextually, understanding the cultural dimensions, various societal forces affecting the labor market and employees’ motivational needs must be considered as essential for skilled entrepreneurs in UAE to contribute to the efficiency of entrepreneurs in managing the team more efficiently (Drucker, 2012). Finding the right business location In UAE, national entrepreneurs are recently facing this challenge owing to a substantial rise in the competition level from the global plethora, as a consequence of the sudden increase in the penetration of international entrepreneurs (Malit Jr & Oliver, 2013). In this regard, the government should ensure that the skilled small Emirati entrepreneurs are able to obtain adequate support in developing their physical infrastructure and als o take due measures to imbibe technological advancements, which will offer them competitive advantages over the international players. In addition, entrepreneurs from the medium and large-sized business sectors in the UAE should also be encouraged to come forward and support small entrepreneurs so that the location barriers are mitigated substantially. Finding the right employees As employees are the key strengths and pillars of any business, it is very difficult and meticulous work to find right and trustworthy employees who can understand and deliver their committed services to establish a new set up (Cappelli, 2013).  Ã‚  

Cultural Considerations for Optimization of Innovation Essay Example for Free

Cultural Considerations for Optimization of Innovation Essay Innovations that drive organizations are influenced by cultural elements. Change is a constant in the business world today and those company’s that are able to manage the cultural considerations that are needed for the optimization of innovation will have a better chance at success. Innovation is driven by the need to keep pace with change. The culture that an organization sets forth will help drive the type of innovations that develop within the company. Innovation can be used for two purposes in business: 1. â€Å". . . some organizations recognize they are not growing fast enough and look to innovation to revive growth. . . (Collins 2007)† and 2. â€Å". . . other organizations want innovation to bring them valuable market differentiation (Collins 2007). † A company culture that encourages innovation maintains optimization of innovation. Thomas Gutteridge, Dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Toledo, posits that â€Å". . all parties must understand and accept each others’ unique culture and develop a mutual set of expectations (Gutteridge 2007). † Those organizations that make innovation a strategic priority foster a culture of acceptance of new ideas and change. Companies, such as 3M, that are successes at optimizing innovation consider four keys for effective innovation (Leavy 2005): 1. placing people and ideas at the heart of management philosophy, 2. iving people room to grow and learn from mistakes, 3. build a strong sense of openness and trust across organization, 4. facilitating the internal mobility of talent. Effective innovation requires a balance between play and discipline; practice and process; and creativity and efficiency (Leavy 2005). In all, company culture must be accepting of new ideas and provide platforms for employees to feel comfortable bringing new ideas to help the organization keep up with change.

The state of human nature

The state of human nature Assignment The State of Human Nature The conflict on the ideas between Thomas Hobbes and Rousseau in terms of the definition of human nature is seen like a state without social structure. In his book â€Å"The Leviathan†, Hobbes wrote that all condition of the people is one in misery wherein we are compelled to act violently and compete with each others to be able to attain their desired goals in life (Green 1993). As such, men are naturally violent and greedy wherein if they want something, they will do their best to obtain such thing. Thus, the result is that men becomes more inclined towards giving importance to themselves rather than to the general good which they sometimes try to portray. Moreover, as for Jean Jacques Rousseau, men are naturally peaceful and only wishes to live like that as this is what is important in his life. The claim of this paper is that men are naturally violent and we tend to be defensive on things that usually affect our interest. The human nature presented in The Leviathan is based on a society where there is no government to administer the people. As such, people tend to become more aggressive protecting their interest and will not be in accord to anybody that will intend to destroy such interest. The paper presents two types of government which are democratic and authoritarian rule. The way human nature will be influenced will be discussed on each regime to show that we humans cannot live peacefully without the intervention of the government. The Human Nature Philosophy As Human nature ideas grew, philosophers would try to integrate Human nature teaching with government and society. The result threatened the very core of different ideas. Today, we see increased pressure to water down orthodoxy and integrate it with current philosophy and teaching (Schopoenhauer 2012). Much of what passes for teachings today is nothing but different diverse perspectives that states we possess the divine and all we must do is realize that secret. But human nature is not about humans becoming something which they originally are not. Two types of government will be presented which somehow affects human nature. Democratic government in affecting human nature A large number of nations have already adopted a democratic government. A democratic government aims to improve the freedom of the people. The structures of the government and the frameworks serve as guide to the acts of the people. The government, the constitution and the system are the composition for executing the principle within a country. The government as the structure, the constitution as the framework and the system as the means if implementation. The government has proven itself on serving its people at its best. The roles are fulfilled well and it has developed further to the changing times (Dickson 2014). However, the criticism on its process as not following the majority rule questions the democratic principle that the majority should be followed. Due to the idea that the people are influenced by the society, the idea of majority rule is associated with basic principles that could touch human rights to also protect the minority. With this belief, the diversity of the peo ple, which follows pluralism, is observed. The constitution that serves as the fundamental law of the land was amended in accordance of the developing times. Basically, the constitution is the declaration of rights of the individuals and the principles of the state. Rooted from the ideas of English Magna Carta and the principle of the balance of power, the constitution continues to be the guidelines for the state to assure that human rights are being considered. The democratic notion is seen on how it gives freedom to the people. For instance, the press shows how freedom is given importance in a nation. To determine the different rights of the people the government usually use the media. As an effective medium, television, newspaper, radio and the internet are the popular ways to express public opinion. It is use to educate as it gives information to the people. It gives the people a sense of political involvement and socialization which is good because it shows that the people participate in political issues. It serves as the watchdog on government activities ensuring that the rights are observed. However, as the basic principle on freedom of expression is applied, certain laws are imposed to observe responsible use of media. It is also important that human rights violations are being watched so that proper authorities will know it. Schmitter (2010) states that the consequences of democracy brings about significant changes in power relation s, properly rights and social status within a society. Human nature can be influenced by what the people hear and do within the society. Moreover, despite of the success of this type of government, some criticizes it. Most experts on divided societies and constitutional engineering broadly agree that deep societal divisions pose a grave problem for democracy, and that it is therefore generally more difficult to establish and maintain democratic government (Lijphart 2004). Different factions in the government results to different views within the society. The separation in the nation somehow shows the divisiveness in the system that can affect the decisions made by the country, but somehow it is useful for an atmosphere of competition and improvement between the parties. Democracy is a richly textured and complicated concept and scholars have often argued the manner of its measurement. There are only a few sets of information on political regimes that can be deployed as the foundation for the exploration of issues on democratization. Most significant are the data on civil liberties and political rights developed by Freedom House, a US nongovernmental organization covering the period of 1972 to 2011 and the project known as Polity IV which presents data on political regime transitions and characteristics, with information on every country that can be trace way back in 1946. Both sources of data have numerical scores that specify where a country belongs either in a dictatorship or in a liberal democracy. Authoritarian Rule influence on Human Nature This government is one that imposes authoritarian rules are seen on countries in the Arab nation. Hybrid regimes in the Arab world are considered to be electoral authoritarian, competitive authoritarian and partly-free authoritarian. Iraq, Kuwait and Lebanon are often considered as regimes that are democratizing with their hybrid nature going on the side of complete democracy. However, several obstacles will be faced by these countries for them to evolve into stable and full-fledged democratic systems. For instance, Lebanon was a democracy with free elections from 1972 to 1975. Despite of the presence of democratic institutions within Lebanon, the possibility of significant change is inhibited because these institutions have a framework of sharing their powers. Another typical example of a hybrid regime is Kuwait that applied political liberalization in the year 1992 and was praised as a classic instance of the manner states can remain democratize and be stable gradually (Vannelli 20 01). However as of today, the authorities that were elected by the people had too little authority for the political system to be considered as a democracy. Specifically, there are still institutions in Kuwait that do not respect popular rule and hinders the cause of political liberalization. The family of al-Sabah holds the authority to rule while the Congress plays the role of a watchdog and with the limited authority to restrain the cabinet. What makes such authoritarian countries become firm and resolute is because this type of regime goes with the culture of the country. The people within the said country are disciplined and properly follow the law. These kinds of people are usually found within pure authoritarian countries in the Arab world include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Qatar, Oman and Jordan. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE are considered by experts to be â€Å"dynastic monarchies† which means that the rules of the family govern instead of a sole individual and power is distributed among the members of the family. Succession to the throne is normally decided by the members of the family and a ruler can be removed from the position if he or she loses the allegiance or faith of the family. In Arab monarchies that are nondynastic like Morocco, Oman and Jordanthe monarch can select his successor and has absolute power over the government. In these countries, the members of the royal family could rule at the pleasure of the reigning monarch. Different theorists states that due to the strict policies implemented within the country, the people does not resort to violence and they only do this in a collective manner. The major explanations can be grouped into four aspects: those related to the cultural requirements of a democracy, those that pinpoint the location of the Arab world, those that involve foreign policy and those that highlight the significance of government agency. Scholars referring to the lack of cultural requirements to achieve democracy in the Arab world can be traced to the Arab or Muslim cultures that run contrary to the values associated with democracy. In particular, individual rights and participatory government are unknown to the political tradition of the Muslim world because the Islam religion considers God as the sole authority and that society must be guided by the laws of God. As a consequence, there is no legal basis for a representative government, civil codes or the mere sovereignty of a man. Meanwhile, the prevalence of oil in the Arab world significantly pushes authoritarianism since oil revenues goes directly to the government that allows it to distribute sizeable patronage to the population without the need for taxation. This rentier effect allows the public to enjoy quality public services and goods without the need for taxation that hinders their demands for reform within the government. Conclusion: In terms of the way people respond to their environment, it is but necessary to note that the government where one lives in usually affects the nature of the people. This is because the rules force people to become disciplined or to become free and do whatever they want. The philosophy had given much to the shaping of human history, and one important part of it is the contribution of well known Human nature thinkers. The main ideas were focused on men and spirit, wherein it is based from different aspects of society such as the ethical norms of humanity (Rogoff 2003). The flourishment of these teachings had an influence to the warring nations on that time, the thinking of the people and the decisions of leaders from different nations. These schools of thoughts contributed to the development of each of them, making each of the schools competent sources of philosophies and teachings.

Delusions of American Society Exposed in Mind the Gap Essay -- Mind th

Delusions of American Society Exposed in Mind the Gap by Meredith Oakes Mind the Gap, by Meredith Oakes is an ironic play that reflects many of the more undesirable traits of human nature. The play is set in the London Underground, a more or less universal setting. The two main characters are Ginny, the mother, and Lawrence, her son. The tone of the play is set within the first page and the characters are established quickly as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Mind the Gap, Ginny and Larence are riding on a train to get to the psychiatrist's office. He is rebellious and does not want to go or at least, if they have to go, he laments and whines for a car. ("I told you to take the car.") He is being taken to the psychiatrist because in Ginny's eyes, he dresses like a slob, slouches, and sits around. The mother considers appearances to be very important and she is concerned that the son does not live up to her expectations. As they head towards Brixton, arguments ensue and human instinct takes over. The three main points in this play are hypocrisy, irony, and society's emphasis of materialism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oakes establishes the tone of this play in the first page, when she differentiates between the two different voice volumes of Ginny. This is symbolic in that Ginny is also somewhat two-faced (hypocritical) about her son's behavior. As she switches between the two voice ranges, Emma (a minor character) comments and asks why they are going to Brixton. When Ginny masks the real cause of them going to Brixton, it mirrors how people in life want to feel accepted by society. They feel that they must conform to the social standards set in precedence. Anything different and people become afraid of what they do not know. Now at days, people are... ...olumbine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The nature of this poem is almost satirical in its mocking truth of the lacking side of human nature. In doing so, Mind the Gap can be compared to the absurd play, The Sand Box and the biting one-act of Baby With the Bathwater. The ironies of this story point out the delusional flaws of American society. People are usually in denial of criticisms concerning themselves. Other people's faults are often times so clear to others but their own faults are masked or nonexistent in their eyes. Human nature is a combination of both good and bad. Oakes does a superb job of emphasizing the "bad" side of humanity. Humans are flawed and sometimes, a hero does not exist. In this play, there were no heroes either. However, Oakes is able to transcend that fact and concentrate on the main point of the play: the hypocritical, self-conscious nature of mankind.

Importance of Understanding Cultural, Ethnic, and Gender Differences Essay

The United States is and will continue to be a very diverse place. More than 8 million legal immigrants came to the U. S. between 1981 and 1990, and an undetermined number of undocumented immigrants enter the United States each year. In addition, the United States includes people of many religions, languages, economic groups, and other cultural groups. In order to be a successful manager in today’s very diverse society a manager needs to be open and understanding of cultural differences, different ethnicities, and gender differences among employees. Diversity is the presence of people from a wide range of backgrounds all possessing different traits. Some possible contributors to diversity include but are not limited to differences in age, race, ethnic origin, culture, physical abilities, religion and sexual orientation. As the text book states, ‘bringing diverse workers into an organization is seldom a seamless transition. ’ People tend to prejudge and place stereotypes or generalized beliefs that all members of a group possess the same characteristics from different cultures, race, or sex; this must be overcome. To be effective, managers and employees need to recognize, respect, and capitalize on each other’s differences. By being diverse in its employees, a business has a better opportunity for new ideas and growth potential. As discussed this week in class, when the department head turned down the Jamaican friend for the position, even though he seemed better qualified, it showed stereotyping and prejudices can have a negative effect in the workplace. The situation made for an uncomfortable, even negative environment in the workplace. By the department head’s negative behavior it caused a barrier for productivity and potentially harmed working relationships. It is essential in today’s business world for managers and professionals to understand the importance of cultural, ethnical and gender differences to make a positive work environment possible. While performing the ball and sock experiment, I was put outside of my comfort zone and was forced to see what it was like in someone else’s shoes. I found the lefty experiment to be awkward and difficult. I started in the early morning as I was getting ready for work. The seemingly thoughtless tasks that I completed every morning such as showering, brushing my teeth and hair, and eating breakfast now became hard and tedious. I continued the experiment when I returned home from work. Preparing dinner as a lefty was virtually impossible and almost dangerous. Most tasks as a lefty were manageable after some time and practice, but operating a knife was not. I am sure that with a little time and patience these tasks could have become easier to me. I can see how it could be frustrating living as a lefty in a right handed world. This is the same concept as being from a different culture, ethnicity, and gender then those in your workplace. Although the transition into a new company can be difficult, with time and some adjustment it is possible. I can relate the ball in the sock experiment to the importance of understanding cultural, ethnic, and gender differences in the work place because adjusting to something that we are not accustomed to can be challenging. It is important to understand that people we come into contact with everyday come from a background that we may not know much about. It can be difficult to adjust when meeting new people or entering a new work environment. I believe an organizations success can be attributed to its ability to embrace diversity and appreciate the benefits. A workplace who supports diversity can supply an assortment of solutions to problems. A diverse workplace can facilitate a broader service range. It can allow a company to provide their service to those all around the world. I think the most significant benefit to supporting diversity in the workplace is the inspiration it gives to all of its employees to perform to their greatest capacity. Diversity allows employees to come together to accomplish a common goal as a team. Employees will feel comfortable to share their viewpoints and ideas to execute a goal or solve a problem. I believe diversity opens the door for workplaces to achieve higher productivity, result in higher profits, and benefit the community. Diversity may not be something that people are familiar with and may even have a difficult time adjusting to, which is similar to trying to using your opposite hand in daily tasks. I believe understanding diversity will show employees the importance of it in the workplace and how it can enhance the quality of work.

The Battle of the Java Sea in World War II

The Battle of the Java Sea in World War II The Battle of the Java Sea occurred on February 27, 1942, and was an early naval engagement of World War II (1939-1945) in the Pacific. With the beginning of fighting in the Dutch East Indies, Allied forces attempted to unite to slow the Japanese advance south towards Australia. This saw a combined American, British, Dutch, and Australian fleet formed to protect Java. In late February, this fleets Eastern Strike Force, led by Rear Admiral Karel Doorman, engaged the approaching Japanese in the Java Sea. In the resulting engagement, Doorman doggedly attacked the Japanese but proved unable to halt their advance. The battle concluded with the loss of the light cruisers HNLMS De Ruyter and Java as well as Doormans death. In the wake of the fighting, the remaining Allied ships fled though most were destroyed in separate actions a short time later. Background In early 1942, with the Japanese rapidly advancing south through the Dutch East Indies, the Allies attempted to mount a defense of Java in an effort to hold the Malay Barrier. Concentrating under the unified command known as American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Command, Allied naval units were divided between bases at Tandjong Priok (Batavia) in the west and Surabaya in the east. Overseen by Dutch Vice Admiral Conrad Helfrich, ABDA forces were badly outnumbered and in poor condition for the approaching fight. To take the island, the Japanese formed two major invasion fleets. Japanese Attacks Along the Malay Barrier. US Army Center for Military History Japanese Sighted Sailing from Jolo in the Philippines, the Japanese Eastern Invasion Fleet was spotted by ABDA aircraft on February 25. This led Helfrich to reinforce Rear Admiral Karel Doormans Eastern Strike Force at Surabaya the next day with several ships from the Royal Navy. Upon their arrival, Doorman held a meeting with his captains to discuss the upcoming campaign. Departing that evening, Doormans force consisted of two heavy cruisers (USS Houston HMS Exeter), three light cruisers (HNLMS De Ruyter, HNLMS Java, HMAS Perth), as well as three British, two Dutch, and four American (Destroyer Division 58) destroyers. Sweeping the north coast of Java and Madura, Doormans ships failed to locate the Japanese and turned for Surabaya. A short distance to the north, the Japanese invasion force, protected by two heavy cruisers (Nachi Haguro), two light cruisers (Naka Jintsu), and fourteen destroyers, under Rear Admiral Takeo Takagi, slowly moved towards Surabaya. At 1:57 PM on February 27, a Dutch scout plane located the Japanese approximately 50 miles north of the port. Receiving this report, the Dutch admiral, whose ships were beginning to enter the harbor, reversed course to seek battle. ABDA Commander Rear Admiral Karel Doorman2 heavy cruisers, 3 light cruisers, nine destroyers Japanese Commanders Rear Admiral  Takeo TakagiRear Admiral Shoji Nishimura2 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, fourteen destroyers The Battle Begins Sailing north, Doormans exhausted crews prepared to meet the Japanese. Flying his flag from De Ruyter, Doorman deployed his ships in three columns with his destroyers flanking the cruisers. At 3:30 PM, a Japanese air raid forced the ABDA fleet to disperse. Around 4:00 PM, Jintsu spotted the re-formed ABDA ships to the south. Turning with four destroyers to engage, Jintsus column opened the battle at 4:16 PM as the Japanese heavy cruisers and additional destroyers came up in support. As both sides exchanged fire, Rear Admiral Shoji Nishimuras Destroyer Division 4 closed and launched a torpedo attack. Exeter Disabled Around 5:00 PM, Allied aircraft struck the Japanese transports but scored no hits. At the same time, Takagi, feeling the battle was drifting too close to the transports, ordered his ships to close with the enemy. Doorman issued a similar order and the range between the fleets narrowed. As the fighting intensified, Nachi struck Exeter with an 8 shell that disabled most of the ships boilers and created confusion in the ABDA line. Badly damaged, Doorman ordered Exeter to return to Surabaya with the destroyer HNLMS Witte de With as an escort. The Sides Close Shortly thereafter, the destroyer HNLMS Kortenaer was sunk by a Japanese Type 93 Long Lance torpedo. His fleet in disarray, Doorman broke off the battle to reorganize. Takagi, believing the battle was won, ordered his transports to turn south towards Surabaya. Around 5:45 PM, the action was renewed as Doormans fleet turned back towards the Japanese. Finding that Takagi was crossing his T, Doorman ordered his destroyers forward to attack the approaching Japanese light cruisers and destroyers. In the resulting action, the destroyer Asagumo was crippled and HMS Electra sunk. Repeated Attacks At 5:50, Doorman swung his column around to a southeast heading and ordered the American destroyers to cover his withdrawal. In response to this attack and concerns about mines, Takagi turned his force north shortly before sunset. Unwilling to give in, Doorman steamed away into the darkness before planning another strike on the Japanese. Turning northeast then northwest, Doorman hoped to swing around Takagis ships to reach the transports. Anticipating this, and confirmed by sightings from spotter planes, the Japanese were in position to meet the ABDA ships when they reappeared at 7:20 PM. After a brief exchange of fire and torpedoes, the two fleets separated again, with Doorman taking his ships inshore along the Java coast in another attempt to circle around the Japanese. At approximately 9:00 PM, the four American destroyers, out of torpedoes and low on fuel, detached and returned to Surabaya. Over the next hour, Doorman lost his last two destroyers when HMS Jupiter was sunk by a Dutch mine and HMS Encounter was detached to pick up survivors from Kortenaer. A Final Clash Sailing on with his four remaining cruisers, Doorman moved north and was spotted by lookouts aboard Nachi at 11:02 PM. As the ships began to exchange fire, Nachi and Haguro fired spreads of torpedoes. One from Haguro fatally struck De Ruyter at 11:32 PM exploding one of its magazines and killing Doorman. Java was hit by one of Nachis torpedoes two minutes later and sank. Obeying Doormans final orders, Houston and Perth fled the scene without stopping to pick up survivors. Aftermath The Battle of the Java Sea was a resounding victory for the Japanese and effectively ended meaningful naval resistance by ABDA forces. On February 28, Takagis invasion force began landing troops forty miles to the west of Surabaya at Kragan. In the fighting, Doorman lost two light cruisers and three destroyers, as well as one heavy cruiser badly damaged and around 2,300 killed. Japanese losses numbered one destroyer badly damaged and another with moderate damage. HMS Exeter sinks during the Second Battle of the Java Sea, March 1, 1942. US Naval History Heritage Command Though soundly defeated, that the Battle of the Java Sea lasted seven hours is a testament to Doormans determination to defend the island at all costs. Many of the remaining units of his fleet were subsequently destroyed at the Battle of the Sunda Strait (February 28/March 1) and the Second Battle of the Java Sea (March 1). Many of the wrecks of those ships lost at the Battle of the Java Sea and the subsequent actions have been destroyed by illegal salvage operations.

Healthy Lifestyle Essay Essays

Healthy Lifestyle Essay Essays Healthy Lifestyle Essay Essay Healthy Lifestyle Essay Essay Living a healthy lifestyle is certainly not easy. A healthy lifestyle is defined by three different categories: physical, mental/emotional and spiritual. In order to live a truly healthy lifestyle, you must balance all three categories and they must all function together simultaneously. In order to live a physically healthy lifestyle, you must learn how to balance your every day life. Doing a minimum of thirty minutes of cardiovascular activity for just three days a week, can do a myriad number of positive things for your body. Not only can physical activity extend your years of life, but it can also reduce the likelihood of getting many health related problems. Exercising is not the only important feature of being physically healthy, though. A healthy diet is key. The food pyramid is there for a reason! Statistically, America has a very high mortality rate due to obesity. Portioning your food correctly can do wonders! Along with exercise and a healthy diet, sleep is also very important! A healthy range of hours of sleep is between 7-9 hours. Once you’ve reached a state of balance, you will already feel that much better physically, and even mentally. Having significant others and people that care about you is needed to have a healthy lifestyle. Whether you have a best friend, spouse, significant other or children, having people you can share your life with will always assist you on the road to a healthy lifestyle. A functional relationship with at least one other human being will get you through confusing, problematic situations and hard times. At the same time, having that man or woman by your side during the fun, fantastic and great events will be nothing but spectacular. You need and want a relationship with a person you can call your spouse, family member or friend. Your religion, relationships and morals all have an effect on your spiritual healthy lifestyle. What you practice for religion has an effect on how you live. A relationship with someone or something could have an effect on how you deal with living a healthy lifestyle. Your morals and how you were raised also have an effect on the healthy lifestyle you live. All these aspects of a spiritual lifestyle help you live a balanced life. A successful healthy lifestyle can be achieved through a balance within your physical, mental/emotional and spiritual aspects. Physical exercise keeps you in shape. Your emotions can help you keep yourself motivated to be healthy. Spirituality will help show you the right way to live a healthy lifestyle. When using these three tools, you can live the healthy lifestyle you want.

Pakistan History, Culture, Geography and Climate

Pakistan History, Culture, Geography and Climate The nation of Pakistan is still young, but human history in the area reaches back for tens of thousands of years. In recent history, Pakistan has been inextricably linked in the worlds view with the extremist movement of al Qaeda and with the Taliban, based in neighboring Afghanistan. The Pakistani government is in a delicate position, caught between various factions within the country, as well as policy pressures from without. Capital and Major Cities Capital: Islamabad, population 1,889,249 (2012 estimate) Major Cities: Karachi, population 24,205,339Lahore, population 10,052,000Faisalabad, population 4,052,871Rawalpindi, population 3,205,414Hyderabad, population 3,478,357All figures based on 2012 estimates. Pakistani Government Pakistan has a (somewhat fragile) parliamentary democracy. The President is the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government. Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif  and President Mamnoon Hussain were elected in 2013. Elections are held every five years and incumbents are eligible for reelection. Pakistans two-house Parliament (Majlis-e-Shura) is made up of a 100-member Senate and a 342-member National Assembly. The judicial system is a mix of secular and Islamic courts, including a Supreme Court, provincial courts, and Federal Sharia courts that administer Islamic law. Pakistans secular laws are based on British common law. All citizens over 18 years of age have the vote. Population of Pakistan Pakistans population estimate as of 2015 was 199,085,847, making it the sixth most populous nation on Earth. The largest ethnic group is the Punjabi, with 45 percent of the total population. Other groups include the Pashtun (or Pathan), 15.4 percent; Sindhi, 14.1 percent; Sariaki, 8.4 percent; Urdu, 7.6 percent; Balochi, 3.6 percent; and smaller groups making up the remaining 4.7 percent. The birth rate in Pakistan is relatively high, at 2.7 live births per woman, so the population is expanding rapidly. The literacy rate for adult women is only 46 percent, compared with 70 percent for men. Languages of Pakistan The official language of Pakistan is English, but the national language is Urdu (which is closely related to Hindi). Interestingly, Urdu is not spoken as a native language by any of Pakistans main ethnic groups and was chosen as a neutral option for communication among the various peoples of Pakistan. Punjabi is the native tongue of 48 percent of Pakistanis, with Sindhi at 12 percent, Siraiki at 10 percent, Pashtu at 8 percent, Balochi at 3 percent, and a handful of smaller language groups. Most Pakistan languages belong to the Indo-Aryan language family  and are written in a Perso-Arabic script. Religion in Pakistan An estimated 95-97 percent of Pakistanis are Muslim, with the remaining few percentage points made up of small groups of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsi (Zoroastrians), Buddhists and followers of other faiths. About 85-90 percent of the Muslim population are Sunni Muslims, while 10-15 percent are Shia. Most Pakistani Sunnis belong to the Hanafi branch, or to the Ahle Hadith. Shia sects represented include the Ithna Asharia, the Bohra, and the Ismailis. Geography of Pakistan Pakistan lies at the collision point between the Indian and Asian tectonic plates. As a result, much of the country consists of rugged mountains. The area of Pakistan is 880,940 square km (340,133 square miles). The country shares borders with Afghanistan to the northwest, China to the north, India to the south and east, and Iran to the west. The border with India is subject to dispute, with both nations claiming the mountain regions of Kashmir and Jammu. Pakistans lowest point is its Indian Ocean coast, at sea level. The highest point is K2, the worlds second-tallest mountain, at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). Climate of Pakistan With the exception of the temperate coastal region, most of Pakistan suffers from seasonal extremes of temperature. From June to September, Pakistan has its monsoon season, with warm weather and heavy rain in some areas. The temperatures drop significantly in December through February, while spring tends to be very warm and dry.   Of course, the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges are snowbound for much of the year, due to their high altitudes. Temperatures even at lower elevations may drop below freezing during the winter, while summer highs of 40 °C (104 °F) are not uncommon. The record high is 55 °C (131 °F). Pakistani Economy Pakistan has great economic potential, but it has been hampered by internal political unrest, a lack of foreign investment, and its chronic state of conflict with India. As a result, the per capita GDP is only $5000, and 22 percent of Pakistanis live under the poverty line (2015 estimates). While GDP was growing at 6-8 percent between 2004 and 2007, that slowed to 3.5 percent from 2008 to 2013. Unemployment stands at just 6.5 percent, although that does not necessarily reflect the state of employment as many are underemployed. Pakistan exports labor, textiles, rice, and carpets. It imports oil, petroleum products, machinery, and steel. The Pakistani rupee trades at 101 rupees / $1 US (2015). History of Pakistan The nation of Pakistan is a modern creation, but people have been building great cities in the area for some 5,000 years. Five millennia ago, the Indus Valley Civilization created great urban centers at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, both of which are now in Pakistan. The Indus Valley people mixed with Aryans moving in from the north during the second millennium B.C. Combined, these peoples are called the Vedic Culture; they created the epic stories upon which Hinduism is founded. The lowlands of Pakistan were conquered by Darius the Great around 500 B.C. His Achaemenid Empire ruled the area for nearly 200 years. Alexander the Great destroyed the Achaemenids in 334 B.C., establishing Greek rule as far as the Punjab. After Alexanders death 12 years later, the empire was thrown into confusion as his generals divided up the satrapies; a local leader, Chandragupta Maurya, seized the opportunity to return the Punjab to local rule. Nonetheless, Greek and Persian culture continued to exert a strong influence on what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Mauryan Empire later conquered most of South Asia; Chandraguptas grandson, Ashoka the Great, converted to Buddhism in the third century B.C. Another important religious development occurred in the 8th century A.D. when Muslim traders brought their new religion to the Sindh region. Islam became the state religion under the Ghaznavid Dynasty (997-1187 A.D.). A succession of Turkic/Afghan dynasties ruled the region through 1526 when the area was conquered by Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. Babur was a descendant of Timur (Tamerlane), and his dynasty ruled most of South Asia until 1857 ​when the British took control. After the so-called Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was exiled to Burma by the British. Great Britain had been asserting ever-increasing control through the British East India Company since at least 1757. The British Raj, the time when South Asia fell under direct control by the UK government, lasted until 1947. Muslims in the north of British India, represented by the Muslim League and its leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, objected to joining the independent nation of India after World War II. As a result, the parties agreed to a Partition of India. Hindus and Sikhs would live in India proper, while Muslims got the new nation of Pakistan. Jinnah became the first leader of independent Pakistan. Originally, Pakistan consisted of two separate pieces; the eastern section later became the nation of Bangladesh. Pakistan developed nuclear weapons in the 1980s, confirmed by nuclear tests in 1998. Pakistan has been an ally of the United States in the war on terror. They opposed the Soviets during the Soviet-Afghan war but relations have improved.

Why more and more college students are taking online classes Essay

Why more and more college students are taking online classes - Essay Example Most of the students use to take online classes when they faced difficulty in scheduling the needed classes due to their busy routines of being full time workers, older, married or having responsibilities of children and other family members (Pearson Foundation, 2010). Students sometimes also failed to get enrolled due to overbooked or closed session and then take online classes. It is due to wide array of benefits associated with online courses that the college students are widely turning towards online classes. Online classes offer high level of flexibility and it became easily possible for the students to schedule their classes from their homes or any other place when they get time to spend on the studies. Like real colleges, they don’t have to take time for going colleges neither they have to think about travelling towards college to avoid missing the class at specific time (Schworm, 2008). The college students are also widely taking online classes due to the availability of wide array of options regarding the selection of courses, subjects, diplomas and degree programs. They have many choices in front of them and can choose any one of their interest regardless of physical presence of the college near their place. The online classes often offer lower tuition rates as compared with the fee of many traditional colleges. The students don’t have to spend on buying text books because most of the online classes do not require students to buy books but they provide material through EBooks or other online resources like downloadable lectures, notes, assignments and reading material etc. In the way the overall expenses of the studies became lower and it became easy for the students to manage their studies with even lower budgets (Schworm, 2008). Online classes allow choosing the study timing according to the convenience. The college students can easily plan

Consumer Problems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Consumer Problems - Essay Example It is identified that carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and extreme heat produced during the disaster amplify the dreadfulness of mattress fires. This paper will explore the lethal effects of mattress fires and will also recommend solutions to the issue. Potential issues of mattress fires As per the report released by CPSC representatives, mattress fire causes 700-1000 deaths annually (Mattress and bedding fires). This huge mattress fires related death rates point out the severity of the issue. According to Mullan (2004), national fire loss estimates assert that mattresses and bedding were the major cause to ignite in 19, 400 residential fire cases attended by fire service during 1995-1999. Although many regulations have been initiated to address the issue, none of them could effectively avoid the mattress fires. The regulations could persuade industries to manufacture fire resistant mattresses. However, even the restructured mattresses are not capable of preventing the spread of fire . The issue has turned to be one of the major social concerns in the United States as technology did not develop an effective method to eliminate this problem. Although cigarette smoking in bed is the main cause of mattress fires, type of suits the individuals wearing, the furniture used, and the room setting also add to the rapid spread of the mattress fires. It is important to note that mattress fires spread very quickly in an uncontrollable manner and hence it increases the chances of fatalities and huge economic loss. According to United States Deputy Fire Administrator Chief Charlie Dickinson (as cited in Morales, 2004), mattress fire doubles itself every minute. From the reported mattress fire cases, it is observed that users of mattresses, their family members, and neighbors in nearby apartment units are at risk of mattress fire. It is assumable that the mattress fire victims would probably be asleep and it adds to the severity of the issue. Similarly, kids and aged persons a re easily affected by mattress fires since they lack sufficient physical fitness to leave the disaster spot instantly. Carbon monoxide is the deadly gas released during mattress fire disasters and it would kill individuals before the flames do. Many consumers are of the belief that previous government regulations have completely eliminated mattress fires; however, these regulations could only reduce the risks associated with mattress disasters. Solutions Obviously, it is difficult to stop the mattress fires completely; therefore, it would be better to explore some remedies that would mitigate the dreadfulness of this issue. Firstly, people must get aware of the dreadfulness of mattress fire and the available disaster response techniques. The adult persons must be careful about removing their children and aged parents from bed at the time of disaster. In addition, one must close the doors to stop fire and call the fire service department. It is advisable for the fire service departme nt to provide awareness programs to the public. Likewise, it is not practical to inhibit people from smoking in bed; hence, it is better to place a protective material layer in between sheets and mattress. In the opinion of Hammack (as cited in Sumi and Williams-Leir, 1969), woolen blankets, cotton cloth treated with a commercial launderable fire retardant, and certain types of plastic sheeting are the effective defensive measures to prevent

The Influence of Technology on Contemporary Photographic Media Essay

The Influence of Technology on Contemporary Photographic Media Practice - Essay Example The emergence of such technologies as laptops, cell phones and digital cameras transforms the nature of media practices and opens new possibilities for 'citizen journalism' (Gillmor 2006). An average citizen receives a chance to publish unique videos and photographs on line neglecting strict censorship rules and privacy concerns. The problem is that "the production values of the image are hardly professional. What does matter is the utter authenticity of the image, made so by the fact that the man was there at the right time with the right media-creation gear" (Gillmor 2006). Following Bowman and Willis, people are not passive consumers at the mercy of technological instruments but active users of different technologies and mediums. Just because the average television is switched on for several hours a day does not mean it is being avidly watched (Peterson 87). Gillmor (2006) and Bowman and Willis (2003) call this process 'we media' underlining an increasing role of citizens in news creations. "Everything from eyewitness accounts and photo galleries to commentary and personal storytelling emerged to help people collectively grasp the confusion, anger and loss felt in the wake of the tragedy" (Bowman and Willis 7-8). Individual sites and blogs tend to focus on what a person wants to tell the visitor rather than responding to the visitor's requirements. Typical of this category is a focus on the way in which the blog is structured, photographic facilities and details. Audience-centric sites reflect the fact that many types of visitor will use the site and that their needs may be very different. A brief visit to a site of this type will give a clear picture of why it was constructed and which audiences are being targeted. Rosenblum (1997) underlines that new technologies allow an average citizen to manipulation public opinion and produce fals e images of news and public figures. This can lead to negative perception of journalism and photography in general (Peterson 87). Technology such as the video machine can also allow audiences to take more control over their viewing practices and shared video-watching can be used as a social event in itself. It can also be a way of gaining access to cultural resources unavailable on mainstream programming (or only shown unsociably late at night). Following Bowman and Willis (2003) "From a participatory journalism perspective, P2P [person-to-person] has enormous potential to distribute the content created by digital amateurs. One example is the recent emergence of P2P photo-sharing software programs" (31). Thus, interest in the use of media technologies and the process of consumption also opens up new questions about power, not the power of the media per se, but the social power structures within which consumption is embedded (Rosenblum 569). Web blogs and web sites are designed to gain a tangible advantage. While the nature of the WWW site gives an insight into the way the audience intends to use the Internet i t is only a snapshot of how far the strategy has evolved. The visual attractiveness of the site will still be important but the main concentration is on the quality of the content and facilities it provides (Peterson 87). The other problem is many amateurs do not want to be paid sharing unique images and photos for

Case study Netflix Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Netflix - Case Study Example So the buyers force is rather neutral for Netflix. As Netflix provides home entertainment solution, the number of substitutes available to the customers is very large, starting from alternative sources of movie rentals and ending reading books or playing games instead. So the substitutes force is rather negative for Netflix. The threat of new entrants is quite strong since, with the development of new technologies, more and more companies are moving online. In addition, the Netlix’ industry is not too expensive to enter. Furthermore, the competition is already rather strong. So, in general the five-forces analysis leads to the conclusion that the competiti8ve forces confronting Netflix in the DVD rental marketplace are, in most cases, strong. 2. How is the online movie rental business changing? What are the underlying forces that are driving industry change and are their impacts favorable or unfavorable in term of their impact on competitive intensity and future industry profi tability? The online movie rental business changing due to the appearance of new technologies that allow for different ways of movie distribution. Technological advancements, therefore, are the underlying forces that are driving industry change – more and more people have access to the Internet, and more companies use new technologies to distribute their goods or services.

Economics, Quality and Organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Economics, Quality and Organisation - Essay Example A further stream of concepts such as total quality management (TQM), statistical process control, quality control, quality assurance, quality system and quality management will form the basis upon which manufacturing organization quality will be discussed to link firm’s success and achievement to attainment of an organization’s quality. Cost minimizing an output maximum remains the objectives of profit-oriented firms and this can only be achieved based on a good manufacturing organization. It is upon these bases that the paper lays its framework upon which a modern firm draws its competitive advantage by being efficiently organized. Consumer perception is a key in sales of any particular commodity, firm that are efficient in their organization will ensure a customer’s is nagged into buying through satisfaction of his perception of a commodity. A consumer post purchase evaluation determines his loyalty to the purchased brand and this will help a firm’s bran d sell since a satisfied customer will promote the firm’s product to his colleagues and relative at no pay. This was conducted by New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership based on the analysis and review of the production process and the layout of the company’s production area. The researchers applied the Value Mapping Process and realized that ACs was able to rid out excess movement, materials and tooling which resulted to establishment of a greater streamlined commodity flow. The reported indicated a reduction in the company costs by 65% with its production being raised to 45 units from the initial 20 units per shift. Another remarkable benefit was a reduction in production facility size by 73% as well as scrap rates declined to 18% from the original figure of 24%. A research conducted by NC State University Industrial assessment Center and the NC state industrial Extension Service’s

(OutLine) Biography Animal Rights ( Michael Dwayne Vic) Essay

(OutLine) Biography Animal Rights ( Michael Dwayne Vic) - Essay Example He ended up serving 21 months in prison and 2 months in house arrest. d.) After his release, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and basically his life returned to normal, although there are those who do not feel he has learned his lesson and dislike him for his actions. B. It illustrates that there is still a lot more to be done for animal rights since Vick was involved with the torture, abuse, and death of many dogs and was given less time in prison then some people involved with drugs receive. Plus, it shows that Vick was able to get his life back for the most part without too much difficulty. C. Discuss how animals are not really being protected by these laws as they are more about ensuring that humans behave in a certain civilized way. There needs to be more focus on the animals well being than the humans. A. Cases such as Michael Vick’s are important in that it shows how frequent abuse occurs and how widespread it is. It shows that animal abuse is not always perpetrated by the scuzzy lowlife with the beer belly who lives in poverty, but also by an affluent celebrity. B. Animals are beloved in America, but we still do not have enough legislation to protect these animals who many consider to be as important as a family member. If they are so important, why aren’t they receiving the rights and protection that they

Case study Netflix Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Netflix - Case Study Example So the buyers force is rather neutral for Netflix. As Netflix provides home entertainment solution, the number of substitutes available to the customers is very large, starting from alternative sources of movie rentals and ending reading books or playing games instead. So the substitutes force is rather negative for Netflix. The threat of new entrants is quite strong since, with the development of new technologies, more and more companies are moving online. In addition, the Netlix’ industry is not too expensive to enter. Furthermore, the competition is already rather strong. So, in general the five-forces analysis leads to the conclusion that the competiti8ve forces confronting Netflix in the DVD rental marketplace are, in most cases, strong. 2. How is the online movie rental business changing? What are the underlying forces that are driving industry change and are their impacts favorable or unfavorable in term of their impact on competitive intensity and future industry profi tability? The online movie rental business changing due to the appearance of new technologies that allow for different ways of movie distribution. Technological advancements, therefore, are the underlying forces that are driving industry change – more and more people have access to the Internet, and more companies use new technologies to distribute their goods or services.

(OutLine) Biography Animal Rights ( Michael Dwayne Vic) Essay

(OutLine) Biography Animal Rights ( Michael Dwayne Vic) - Essay Example He ended up serving 21 months in prison and 2 months in house arrest. d.) After his release, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and basically his life returned to normal, although there are those who do not feel he has learned his lesson and dislike him for his actions. B. It illustrates that there is still a lot more to be done for animal rights since Vick was involved with the torture, abuse, and death of many dogs and was given less time in prison then some people involved with drugs receive. Plus, it shows that Vick was able to get his life back for the most part without too much difficulty. C. Discuss how animals are not really being protected by these laws as they are more about ensuring that humans behave in a certain civilized way. There needs to be more focus on the animals well being than the humans. A. Cases such as Michael Vick’s are important in that it shows how frequent abuse occurs and how widespread it is. It shows that animal abuse is not always perpetrated by the scuzzy lowlife with the beer belly who lives in poverty, but also by an affluent celebrity. B. Animals are beloved in America, but we still do not have enough legislation to protect these animals who many consider to be as important as a family member. If they are so important, why aren’t they receiving the rights and protection that they

The Tibetan Book of the Dead Essay Example for Free

The Tibetan Book of the Dead Essay Introduction All the teaching of Buddha, known all over the world as Buddhism, is based on the ideas of karma and reincarnation. Buddhists believe that after death the person is reborn and gets another incarnations in order to pay his karmic debts and get a chance to become enlightened of liberated. That is the reason they regard death as nothing but a pass to another physical incarnation and try to use this chance to get better conditions of life. The Bardo Thodol, also known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead belongs to the secrete texts of Buddhism and describes the experience of the death and gives guidelines how to pass from one incarnation to another. The name Bardo means the period between the death and next birth. The Tibetan Book of the Dead contains practical guidelines on the way to the next incarnation. In addition to ancient rituals and rites, it also contains main philosophical doctrines of Buddhism. The study of this book can give a better understanding of fundamental ideas of Buddhism and key concepts of this religion. General features of Tibetan Buddhism Buddhism is one of three major world religions. It was founded about 2.500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Its main idea is a salvation from the world sufferings with the help of meditation. There are more than 350 million of followers of Buddhism in the modern world. Most followers of Buddhism live in India, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. Buddhism came to Tibet and 12 centuries later it appeared in India. It became widespread in Tibet beginning from the 7th century. It came in conflict with local religion called Bon, despite their main concepts agreed on many points. Tibetian Buddism assimilated a lot from Bon and The Tibetan book of The Dead is a perfect example of synthesis of these two religions. Buddhist term for awakening is nirvana. Nirvana means liberation from samsara – cycle of rebirth and entering another mode of existence. Buddhism states that all human beings are born in life full of sufferings and pain. Desires make people unhappy, as our mind can’t be satisfied with anything it gets and always asks for more. Making true one wish people start longing for something else and this vicious circle never ends. Existence full of sufferings and pain doesn’t stop after death as Buddhists believe in rebirth – the repeated process of life and death conditioned by the karma law. The only way out of this misery and pain is nirvana, which can be achieved through meditation and following the principles of Buddhism and to achieve the enlightenment or awakening of selfhood. Reaching enlightenment means reunion with one’s true Self. The state of nirvana is hard to define, as it lies beyond words and notions, but the most appropriate categories used to define it are emptiness, space and openness. In other words, reaching the state of nirvana means realization the emptiness of the true Self. Buddha is a Sanskrit term that means â€Å"awakened one† and it describes Buddha’s nature. Buddha was the first person who achieved liberation or awakening and could pass his experience to other people. He teaches people that all of them have the potential to become Buddha, reaching the state of nirvana. Tibetan Perspectives on Death and Dying The concept of death accepted in Buddhism is fundamentally different from the one, which exists on the West. Eastern people believe in reincarnation and that is why the death for them is not an end of existence but just an interesting journey and great opportunity. Buddhist teaching pays special attention to the death experience as a transitional state from one incarnation to another. Death rituals, described in the Book of the Dead derive from Bonism, traditional Tibetan religions, which preceded Buddhism. Ideas from Bonism naturally supplement new Buddhism concepts and together they combine an organic combination of religion, philosophy and practical rituals. The concept of death in Buddhism has two meanings and The Book of the Death speaks about two of them. In the first interpretation the death is regarded as a physical death, the cease of earthy existence. The first part of the Book of the Dead, The First Bardo deals with this death. Another meaning of death is a death of ego. It’s an esoteric meaning of death and it stands for inner transformation. This inner transformation is the ultimate goal of Buddhism and The Book of Dead deals with this kind of death too. As Tibetan Lama Govinda states in his introduction to this book, It is a book for the living as well as for the dying. (The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdups English Rendering) The book contains a lot of layers of meaning and can have several levels of interpretation. For centuries this book was kept in secret and only separate religious authorities could access it. Bardo Thodol – the Guidance for the Death and Life The Bardo Thodol was used by lamas. Literary translation of the name of the book means â€Å"liberation while hearing being in the intermediate state†. Lamas use this intermediate state as a mean to appeal to the true self of the person, when his physical body is passing away and thus give him an opportunity to stop the endless chain of births and deaths and get final liberation, or nirvana. There are three intermediate states described in the Book of the Dead. They are: the chikhai bardo, or bardo of the moment of death; the Chonyid bardo, or bardo of experiencing of reality; and the sidpa bardo, or bardo of rebirth. (The Book of the Dead) The Chikhai bardo makes the person ready to meet the very moment of the death. This moment is very important because the moment when vital force leaves the body and last directions if heard in time can help the person to pass the intermediate state correctly. As the Book of the Dead states, â€Å"When the expiration hath ceased, the vital-force will have sunk into the nerve-center of Wisdom and the Knower will be experiencing the Clear Light of the natural condition . Then the vital force, being thrown backwards and flying downwards through the right and left nerves the Intermediate State (Bardo) momentarily dawns.â€Å" (The Book of The Dead) In his commentaries, to The Tibetan Book of the Dead Evans-Wentz explains that â€Å"never centers† mentioned in the book mean psychic centers or cakras and the Center of Wisdom mentioned in the book is located in anahata cakra in the center of the chest. (Evans-Wentz) The Knower mentioned in the same passage stands for the mind in the state of impartial observer. The Chikhai bardo explains the changes in the energetic structure of the body with the coming of death. It doesn’t only describe physical changes, which occur in the body and the way energy leaves the body, but also stresses on the necessity to remain in the state of observer, in order to get the liberation. As Detlef Ingo Lauf states in his commentaries to the Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Book of Dead â€Å"This is the very content and substance of the state of liberation, if only the soul can recognize it and act in a way to remain in that state.† (Lauf, 254) Special words, repeated several times, must help the dying person to fulfil the main purpose of his pass and help him find the right way in Bardo, where â€Å"wherein all things are like the void and cloudless sky, and the naked, spotless intellect is like unto a transparent vacuum without circumference or centre.† (The Book of the Dead) During the reading lama must change the body position of the dying person in order to create the right flow of energy in the body. The main purpose of all rites and ceremonies, described in The Book of the Dead, is to make the person stay conscious during the very moment of the death. This will enable him to remain conscious in the Bardo, and this way â€Å"From the union of the two states of mind, or consciousness, is born the state of Perfect Enlightenment, Buddhahood. The Dharma-Kaya (Body of Truth) symbolizes the purest and the highest state of being, a state of supramundane consciousness (The Book of the Dead). The person should overcome fear and his own egoistic desires and meet the moment of death pure and full of compassion to all living beings. The Book of Dead states that most of the people fail to remain consciousness at the very moment of the death. This can be explained by the weight of their past karma, fear and selfishness. â€Å"According to the wisdom of Buddha, we can actually use our lives to prepare for death† and that is why this moment is so important ( Ringpoche, 45) In this case they fail to see â€Å"Clear Light of Ultimate Reality† and should pass to the next stage. The Bardo Thodol gradually describes next steps of the process of passing away and stresses on the different opportunities to get liberation on the different stages. Conclusion The main message of The Bardo Thodol is to be conscious at the moment of death. The book describes different techniques used by lama in order to â€Å"awake† the person at the very moment of death or afterwards. At the same time, if we think about our life carefully, we will understand that we approach death with every second of our life; and being conscious in everyday life can be also the way to get liberation. As Sogyal Rinpoche states in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: â€Å"In the Buddhist approach, life and death are seen as one whole, where death is the beginning of another chapter of life. Death is a mirror in which the entire meaning of life is reflected.† (Rinpoche, 45) This holistic approach peculiar to Orinatal religions and philosophical systems illustrates their attitude to the death as a natural continuation of life and vice versa. Sources Rinpoche, Sogyal. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1992. Sogyal Rinpoche is a Tibetan Teacher. He did a perfect job adapting ancient texts, which compose â€Å"The Book of the Dead† for the modern reader. Original book even with commentaries and comments was very hard to comprehend for the unprepared reader. Sogyal Rinpoche made this text easy to read. At the same time he managed to write his book in such a way that the text did not lose its original meaning and those, who are interested in studying sacred Buddhist text, can read â€Å"The Book of the Dead†, which is one of central texts of Tibetan Buddhism in easy and comprehensive interpretation. The book investigates the topics of death and dying, which are central notions of Buddhism. The author introduces Buddhist concepts of karma, mediation, reincarnation and bardo in interesting and understandable manner. The book also contains practical guideline of dealing with the death. Reading this book transforms one’s attitude to the question of death and to life. Overcoming the fear of death can become that turning point, which changes the whole life, and Rinpoche’s book helps to deal with this fear. The author gives practical advice, which can help both – experienced seekers and people, who only start their acquaintance with Buddhism. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdups English Rendering. Ed. W. Y. Evans-Wentz, Oxford University Press, 1949 This book gives Buddhist vision of the process of death and dying. This book teaches not only the process of dying, it also centers on the process of living and uncovers new levels of meaning of our earthy existence. The text produced in this addition is Lama Kazi Dawa Sammdup’s interpretation of the Bardo Thodol edited by the famous specialist in this field and first translator of this book to English Evans-Wentz. Their creative tandem gave birth to new interpretation of classical text. Commentaries of C.G. Jung, the representative of the New School† psychology helps Western people to get prepared for dealing with such complicated issues as death and dying, which is a very difficult topic for Westerners. Introduction written by Lama Anagarika Govinda, a modern religious authority, helps to understand the ancient texts. All those, who contributed to this book, made a great job by making an ancient Orintal wisdom understandable for western audience. General information about Buddhism, which makes the third part, can be useful for those, who want to penetrate deeper into this religious teaching. Comments and commentaries presented in the book make it not only ancient classics, but also a comprehensive book about self-improvement and coming in terms with your life. Detlef Ingo Lauf. Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead. (Trans. by Graham Parkes) Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1989. Detlef Lauf is a famous German religious scholar and Tibetologist. In his â€Å"Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead† he provides his own commentaries about the famous text. He introduces different variants of The Book of the Dead and uncovers their deep symbolism. Religious concepts are supplemented by historical information, which makes their comprehension easier. The book written by Detlef Ingo Lauf is a necessary addition to the information, presented in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The book is a deep survey of Buddhist and pre-Buddhist relations’ teachings, which attributed to the Buddhist concepts of death and dying. The author makes a research of the different deities, Buddhist doctrines and principles created a necessary basis for the right understanding of the classical texts of the Bardo Thodol or the Book of the Dead. The author goes even further and compares the concepts of death discovered in the Book of the Dead with views on death applied in different religious doctrines of Rome, Greece, Eqypt, India and Persia. Information about the death and dying received by modern Western scholars help to understand the basic ideas of the book. References 1. Evans-Wentz, W.Y. (ed.) The Tibetan Book of the Dead. London/Oxford/New York; Oxford University 1960. (Trans. by Graham Parkes) Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1989. 2. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: or, The After-Death Experiences on the Bardo Plane, according to Lama Kazi Dawa-Samdups English Rendering. Ed. W. Y. Evans-Wentz, Oxford University Press, 1949 3. Rinpoche, Sogyal. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1992. 4. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation Through Hearing in the Bardo. By Guru Rinpoche according to Karma-Lingpa. (Translated Francesca Fremantle, Chogyam Trungpa). Boston and London: Shambhala Pocket Classics, 1992. 4. Detlef Ingo Lauf. Secret Doctrines of the Tibetan Books of the Dead.

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud | Analysis

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud | Analysis Romantic poetry was strongly fascinated by feelings and the power of imagination. This inclination was mainly initiated by William Wordsworth who sought to change the face of poetry and the way his neoclassic predecessors perceived poetry. Wordsworth famously asserted his revolutionary views in the Preface to the second edition of the poetry collection called the Lyrical Ballads which was published in 1802. His ideas and aims mainly concerned the realms of language and subject within poetry. He rejected the neoclassical theory of poetry for its use of both upper-class subjects and unnatural poetic diction (Abrams 213). Although romantic poetry opposed the idea of rationalizing nature or approaching it in a scientific way, Wordsworth very much respected the law of nature and he did not seek to falsify it in his poems (Durrant 5). Nevertheless, he regarded the human mind as a tool, capable of achieving independence within the natural law; however not to refute it, but certainly able to transform it. William Wordsworth thoroughly asserted his ideas on subject and language of romantic poetry in his critical essay the Preface to the Lyrical Ballads. Thus subjects and principles proclaimed in the Preface to the Lyrical Ballads were henceforth reoccurring and omnipresent in Wordsworths work. This essay aims to illustrate that his poem I Wandered lonely as a Cloud embodies the revolutionary theory of poetry asserted in the Preface to the Lyrical Ballads. Moreover, it aims to show the intertextuality between the two compositions regarding highly romantic themes like nature, the simplification of language and the function of feelings. The first thing that strikes the reader, while reading the poem I Wandered lonely as a Cloud, is the choice of nature as a dominant subject and its exact description. The fact that William Wordsworth, like so many other romantic poets, utilized nature in his poems is likely to be originated in the contempt of the use of both elevated subjects and language. He thoroughly condemns the fact that the language of popular poetry during his time was full of gaudiness [6] and exaggerated, inane [6] diction. In the 1802 Preface to the Lyrical Ballads, he therefore argues that poetry should deal with materials from common life [7] in a [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] language really used by men [7]. Wordsworths revolutionary ideas stood in direct contrast to the predominant neoclassic notion that serious language should only be applied while dealing with noble or aristocratic subjects (Abrams 213). Subsequently, Wordsworth strongly espoused the notion of purifying language [8] in order to bring the joy of p oetry to people who lead a more rural life [8] and do not understand the sublime terms used in neoclassic poetry. In light of this concept, it becomes more obvious why Wordsworth used nature as a main subject in his work, as he did in I Wandered lonely as a Cloud. The main reason is likely to be that people who lead a rural life tend to be closer to nature than the aristocratic part of the society who lives in the city. The detailed, yet simple description of the daffodils and the landscape surrounding them, in other words the immediate and direct feelings transmitted through nature, are probably better conceivable to rural people who are very much in touch with nature. It becomes therefore apparent that I Wandered lonely as a Cloud is not solely a nature poem or a mere depiction of landscape, but that nature functions as some sort of stimulus for a poet (Abrams 214) in order to think and experience an influx [11] of feelings. William Wordsworths idea of the spontaneous nature of feelings and the calm recollection of such is distinctly visible throughout the poem I Wandered lonely as a Cloud. In order to comprehend and grasp Wordsworths complex perceptions of how feelings are to be experienced and processed, it is inevitable to first look at some excerpts from the Preface of 1802, in which William Wordsworth asserts his view on the subject of feelings, tranquility and indeed imagination: I have said that Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility: the emotion is contemplated till by a species of reaction the tranquility gradually disappears, and an emotion, kindred to that which was before the subject of contemplation, is gradually produced, and does itself actually exist in the mind. In this mood successful composition generally begins, and in a mood similar to this it is carried out. (1) Although Wordsworth describes a real poets feelings as spontaneous and powerful, he makes it very clear that a calm recollection of the original impressions or emotions is desirable. The feelings which enter a poets work are thus kindred to the immediate and original version of the feelings and cannot be regarded as uncontrolled or raw emotions (Sucksmith 150) anymore. Furthermore, Wordsworth describes a poet as someone who adapts an excessive habit of meditation [10] and is therefore capable both of mastering the overflow of feelings and later connecting feelings with thoughts. In a further chapter of his 1802 Preface, Wordsworth praises the state of enjoyment [50] a poet can reach by experiencing poetry in this way. The theory of poetic creation described above becomes very overt by dividing Wordsworths poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud into two parts. Lines 1 to 17 clearly depict the spontaneous overflow which the speaker, a poet himself, experiences while wandering along the lakeside in state of loneliness and passivity (Durrant 20). However, lines 17 and 18 of the poem signal a change in the poets perception of his experience. While I gazed and gazed (line 17) describes the initial and unreflective perception (Sucksmith 151) of the daffodils, it is the remaining part of line 17 and its succeeding stanza which indicate the meditative reflection on that perception (Sucksmith 151) by saying but little thought / What wealth the show to me had brought (lines 17-18). This last stanza thus illustrates both the calm recollection of the initial experience and the poets joy while contemplating and remembering these images and feelings in tranquility. This process of calm recollection can be seen in li nes 19 to 21: For oft, when on my couch I lie / In vacant or in pensive mood, / they flash upon that inward eye. The powerful state of enjoyment [50] caused by poetry and triggered by the initial and raw experience, as well as its later contemplation is, as described above, strongly accentuated in Wordsworths Preface to the Lyrical Ballads. It is also a reoccurring theme especially in the third stanza of the poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. The speakers elevated emotional state becomes apparent in lines 14 to 16: Out did the sparkling waves in glee: / A poet could not be but gay, / In such a jocund company. In the last stanza, therefore in the period of recollection, the speaker still feels this joy, although it is a different kind of joy. It can be described as a more grounded, reflected and certainly less exuberant form of joy. The last three lines of the poem, lines 22 to 24, illustrate this different form of delight: Which is the bliss of solitude; / And then my heart with pleasure fills, / And dances with the daffodils. As has been illustrated by the comparison of excerpts of the 1802 Pr eface to the Lyrical Ballads concerning the processing of feelings and emotions and the respective passages of the poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, William Wordsworths notion of poetic composition (Sucksmith 152) is highly visible and palpable in the aforementioned poem. In conclusion, I would like to stress how William Wordsworths 1807 poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud beautifully incorporates the many subtleties and visions concerning poetry that were asserted in the Preface to the Lyrical Ballads. In order to fully understand I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, it is thus of great importance to know how Wordsworth sought poets to perceive and process feelings or which language is best to use in poetry. By interpreting the poem in light of Wordsworths, at that time, revolutionary views, the strong dependence and connection of I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud to the Preface becomes evident. [1401]

Shakespeare’s Language Essay -- Essays Papers

Shakespeare’s Language The impeccable style and craft of Shakespeare’s writing has always been looked upon with great respect, and it continues to serve as an inspiration to writers and thinkers today even as it did when it was being first performed in London. Shakespeare’s modern audience, however, is far less diverse than the one for which he originally wrote. Due to the antiquity of his language, Shakespeare’s modern readership consists mostly of students and intellectuals, whereas in Shakespeare’s own time, his plays were performed in playhouses packed with everyone from royalty to peasants. Because of this, Shakespeare was forced to write on many different levels, the most sophisticated of which appealed to his more elite audience members, while the more straightforward and often more crude of which appealed to his less educated viewers, and the most universal of which still appeals to us. In act 3, scene 4 of King Lear, Shakespeare demonstrates the multi-layered quality of his writing in the conversations that takes place between King Lear, The Fool, Edgar and Kent. Shakespeare uses the language of Edgar, which is witty, crude, and a little bit shocking, in order to appeal to his lower class audience. However, at the same time, Shakespeare uses the entire scene to draw an extended metaphor between the inner turmoil of King Lear’s life, and the outer turmoil of the storm, a more subtle literary element that would have appealed to a person with a better education. In line 69-74, Shakespeare seamlessly integrates the two levels of entertainment: â€Å"Edgar: Pillicock sat on Pillicock hill. Halloo, halloo, loo, loo! Fool: This night will turn us all to fools and madmen. Edgar: Take heed o’ the foul fiend; obey thy p... ...ct between Regan and Goneril on the one side and Cordelia on the other is a situation of trust and betrayal that appeals to the most basic of human feelings. These portrayals of fundamental human conflicts; trust and betrayal, good and evil, logical and insane, as they are shown in King Lear appeal as much to human minds of all levels of education today as the did in Elizabethan England. Shakespeare’s original audiences appreciated his work on all of its different levels, something that is almost impossible today for all but the most dedicated Shakespearean scholars. However, there is something that resonates equally with today’s audiences as with the audiences of Elizabethan times, and that is the effortlessly accurate portrayal of humanity that Shakespeare achieves through some of the most beautifully crafted literature in the history of the English language.

Paintball Essay -- essays research papers

Paintball is a fast and furious sport. It is played on both a social and serious level by over 16 million people around the world (Cooke,11). It is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. Paintball's history, games, guns, and safety are all part of the fun. In 1970, James Hale, an engineer, invented and patented the first commercially successful paintball gun. Paintball guns were first used by the National Forest Association to mark trees that would be cut down. Then, it was used to mark cattle by cowboys. One night while sitting around a campfire, one cowboy shot another and that is how the game of paintball got started. This "splotchmaker" can rightfully claim to be the grandfather of modern paintball guns (Peters, 73). Over the next two decades, Daisy Manufacturing Co. Inc. of Airgun Frames manufactured these guns under contract for the Nelson Paint Co. During this twenty year span, paintball evolved from a "survivalist" game into the wholesome, exciting, family game it is today. In paintball, there are two teams equipped with paintball markers. These are basically low-powered airguns that fire small capsules of paint. It is not a dangerous sport. The only real danger is getting hit in the eye with a paintball. Wearing specific goggles made for paintball easily stops this danger. This rule is strictly enforced at all reputable playing fields worldwide. Obviously if a player is out of sight of the referee and takes off his mask, then he is looking for trouble. American Insurance statistics show that it is safer to play paintball than to play golf or go fishing (Pierce, 17). Getting hit by a paintball generally does not hurt. You may get an occasional bruise, but on the whole the game is not painful. The excitement certainly outweighs any momentary discomfort a player may feel. To lesson the chance of being bruised, long sleeved shirts and pants are highly recommended. To be on the safe side, more than one layer should be worn. Bright colors should be avoided, purely because the more visible you are, the more likely you are to be shot. Most people like to wear camouflage clothing. This helps them to blend into the environment and not be easily shot. Also, good quality hiking or trail boots with ankle support is a good idea to protect both feet and ankles. There are many different leagues and tournaments you can participate ... ...If the surrounding team captures the item and returns it to their station, they win. Also, surrounding players alive at the end of the game can be assigned a point value to make their rescue even more important. The last game is a continuous play game. The only extra items you need are a paper punch and a player card. This is a great game to play when you have a continuous stream of experienced players arriving on the field at different times. Each player is given a card to keep track of how many times he or she is eliminated. When eliminated, the player comes off the field, punches the card and returns to the game. The team loses points every time a team member is eliminated. The team gains points every time they bring back the opposing side’s flag. Paintball is a fun and serious game. It does not glorify war. It is an old paintball adage that the sport actually proves how easy it is to be shot. The supporters of paintball like to prefer the sport as a tactical game of skill. (Cooke, 93) You need to wear protection and play fair so everyone stays safe. Also, you can play the regular, basic games or make up your own. The most important thing is to have fun and play responsibly.

Physics in Sports Essay

Everything from kicking a ball into a goal to running from one side to the other side of the field is based on physics. Physics plays a key role in sports; it can impact on a player either positively or even negatively. Gravity, friction, motion and projectile affects sport in every aspect. How physics affects Sports No matter how hard or high you kick a ball as a result of gravity it will be pulled back down to earth. Although the rate at which it descends may vary on its mass and surface area, it will still have to come down. If thrown at any other angle than 90iit will have a parabolic path (trajectory). Also air resistance and friction will reduce the rate at which the ball moves. The law of conservation of energy also plays a major role in sports. In football if you kick a ball you are transferring kinetic energy from your foot to the ball. From the pendulum balls by the side you can see how energy transfer works. If you lift the ball at left then energy will be passed on to the neighbouring ball and as a result the ball at the end will move the same distance from which it was released on the other side. Similarly in this diagram the character kicks the ball transferring kinetic energy from his foot to the ball. The ball moves and rises and therefore the kinetic energy will be converted into gravitational potential energy. Speed is another factor that is based on physics. In any sports using the force applied, time and the mass you can work out the final/initial velocity assuming that initial/final velocity is zero. Alternatively you can work out speed if you are given the time taken and distance it travels. How technological development has made the data collected more valid and reliable than with traditional methods of studying mechanics. Technology has developed at a staggering rate over the recent years. This allowed us to measure data much more accurately, as humans can make errors in timing due to reaction time both at start and end. Also the development of light gates allowed us to measure speed, time and acceleration. This can then be plotted on a graph and the graph can drawn/ edited in real time (as the measurements are taken the graph can be plotted and the line of best fit can be changed). Experiment for measuring Speed You can measure speed using a simple tennis ball. Set a straight horizontal track and makes sure it is straight. Measure the length of the track. You will need a timer to time the experiment. Roll the tennis ball through the measured distance and time it. Then use V=S/T (Velocity=Displacement/Time) to find out Speed at which it was travelling. Alternatively the velocity can be measure by setting a light gate near the end of the track and connecting it to a Data logger, and this will display the data on the screen, so that it is easier for you to read. You have to set up the data logger so that it measures speed also you have to choose the diameter of the ball which will pass through the light gate. Sources: Edexcel AS Physics – Ann Fullick, Patrick Fullick, Miles Hudson, Sue Howarth – Pearson (2008) page 46 & 47 http://www. soccerballworld. com/Physics. htm – Physics World magazine, June 1998 pg 25-27. http://physics-of-sport. net/basketball. html http://www. serioussoccer. net/Documents/PhysicsofSoccer. pdf.

Development Communication

I. Introduction Development communication is the use of communication to promote social development. It involves a planned transformation of an average community into a dynamic one. As such, a community plan is made to help people shape their cities, towns or villages. A community plan is essential because it encourages people to take a full and active role in advocating and implementing economic and social reform. In line with this, the author of this paper conducted a community research at Barangay 694, Malate, Manila City.Within the research is substantial information about the said community – such as ecological factors, historical development, life activities, complex of values, social groups, impact of the world outside, and local life. A proposal for a project plan was also made in order to help build a collective vision for the residents of Barangay 694 – specifically, a summer reading program. The summer reading program will benefit the less developed children of Barangay 693. In addition, it will also develop children’s potentials to be educated and literate adults. II. Community Identification Barangay 694 is located at Malate, Manila City.A part of District 6, it lies along Leon Guinto Street and is near places such as Taft Avenue, The Philippine Women’s University, Philippine Christian University, and the Pedro Gil and Quirino LRT stations. The aforementioned places also serve as primary landmarks of Barangay 694. Because of its strategic location near Taft Avenue, Barangay 694 can be aptly described as a middle-class area with several houses and apartment units for students enrolled at nearby universities. In addition, it is easily accessible by Roxas Boulevard, Quirino Avenue, and Taft Avenue. III. Ecological Frame 1. Geographical factorsBarangay 694 is located at latitude 14. 573330 and longitude120. 990860. Its coordinates are 14 °34’24† North and 120 °59’26† East. It has a total land ar ea of To its south is Pasay City; to its west, Manila Bay; to its north, Ermita; to its east, Paco and San Andres. 2. Climate and soil As part of Manila City, Barangay 694 features a tropical savanna climate that borders on tropical monsoon climate. Along with the rest of the Philippines, Barangay 694 lies within the tropics. The temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 20 °C (100 °F) and going higher than 38 ° (100 °F).Humidity levels are usually very high which makes the place feel much warmer. It has a distinct dry season from late December to April and a relatively wet season that covers the remaining period. Typhoons can occur from June to September and can cause flooding in the area. 3. Service institutions Barangay 694 has several service institutions that responds to the residents’ needs. Its strategic location offers its residents convenience as they need no look further than the immediate vicinity to have access to hospitals, educational inst itutions, books, recreational areas, and government offices.Listed below are several establishments near Barangay 693: * HEALTH INSTITUTIONS * Ospital ng Maynila * RTM Satellite Clinic * Ruben C. Bartolome, M. D. Clinic * GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS * Department of Finance * Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas * RECREATIONAL AREAS * Rizal Memorial Sports Complex * Manila Zoological and Biological Gardens * Manila Baywalk Area 5. Government The current mayor for the 2010 – 2013 term is Alfredo Lim. Meanwhile, Isko Moreno is the city’s incumbent vice-mayor. Two more members of the Manila City Council are the Association of Barangay Captains and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).Barangay 694’s elected barangay officials have the responsibility of carrying out the following tasks: (1) formulating measures to eliminate the use of illegal drugs; (2) maintaining the cleanliness and beautification of the area; (3) promoting peace and order; (4) promoting the well-being of women in the community; (5) promoting youth rights; and (6) maintaining barangay-owned properties and infrastructures. Listed below are the currently elected Barangay 694 officials and brief descriptions of each office position: 1. PUNONG BARANGAY or BARANGAY CHAIRMAN Name: Is the executive head of Barangay 693 * Is in charge of development planning, basic services and facilities, compliance to directives, barangay legislation, and fiscal administration 2. BARANGAY SECRETARY Name: * Is liable for all of Barangay 694’s paper works * Takes down notes during all of the discussions and plans made in meetings * Reads and re-reads the reports he/she has made 3. BARANGAY TREASURER Name: * Is responsible for the funds of Barangay 694 – from properties budget, projects budgets, and salaries 4. SEVEN BARANGAY COUNCILORS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. All have specific tasks assigned to them by the Barangay Chairman – Must be in the barangay hall once a week to accommodate people coming to thei r office every now and then SK CHAIRMAN: IV. Historical Development 1. Origin During the Spanish colonial period, Malate was an open area with a small fishing village. When the Americans came to the country after a 333-year Spanish reign, American urban planners envisioned the development of Malate as the most sophisticated area for American families. Despite extensive damage after World War II, many homes and buildings survived the onslaught of the battle fought in the area.Wealthy families who evacuated their homes during the war returned. Along with their return, they re-built their properties and kept the areas around it exclusively residential. Among these residential areas was Barangay 694. A local resident living in the area for almost fifty years related that Barangay 694 has been a residential area since the post-Japanese period. In fact, even before Japanese colonization, several of her forebears have lived there. This is proof that Barangay 694 has been around for many ye ars. 2. First InhabitantsDuring interviews, local residents were asked to name some of the first inhabitants of Barangay 694. The general response was a â€Å"no†. This answer is easily justifiable since the barangay has had such a long history and no one could really be certain of the first people who first inhabited the area. However, several residents know of families who had been living in the barangay for a long time. These families are almost considered as pioneers. As such, they are held in high regard. Among the well-known families in the area are the families of Magalon, San Pedro, Sevilla, Martinez, Andres, and Reyna.Most members of the said families hold positions in local offices – specifically, the Barangay Committee. This is a testament to the high social status they have established along the years. 3. Development The once-exclusive residential areas on the Western portion of Malate began to transform into a commercial area in the 1970s. Real estate boom ed with large houses and apartments being built. Businesses also flourished as small hotels, restaurants, and cafes were established. During the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, visual and performing artists found a haven in Malate in the 1980s and it became a bohemian enclave. . Progress at present Barangay 694, along with the rest of Malate, is continuously transforming itself as the center of recreation and entertainment in Manila with more restaurants, boutiques, bars, discos, and novelty stores opening for business. V. Life Activities 1. Social Structure: Social status of the residents Barangay 694 is a quiet middle-class area with several houses and apartments for students enrolled at nearby universities. Consequentially, the area is fairly tight-knit. At several community visits, the local residents displayed evident familiarity with those who live among them.In fact, it can be said that everyone knows everyone at Barangay 694. 2. Favorite pastime and recreation Because of wel l-maintained social ties, local residents enjoy doing recreational activities with their families, friends or neighbors. When asked what special activities they did during their pastime, respondents from the area said that they liked going to parks, playing bingo, organizing outings, visiting nearby malls, and perhaps, going out of town. Moreover, a typical Saturday and Sunday night for residents of Barangay 694 would consist of going to the church and, afterwards, watching late-night TV shows.Younger residents, meanwhile, said that they’d rather surf the Web, open their Facebook or Twitter accounts or play video games. 3. Groups and organizations The community has only one major organization, which is the local barangay council. Barangay 694’s elected barangay officials have the responsibility of carrying out the following tasks: (1) formulating measures to eliminate the use of illegal drugs; (2) maintaining the cleanliness and beautification of the area; (3) promotin g peace and order; (4) promoting the well-being of omen in the community; (5) promoting youth rights; and (6) maintaining barangay-owned properties and infrastructures. VI. Complex of Values 1. Core values of the community, that is, those that are generally accepted in society Barangay 694, being a tight-knit community, generally accepts these four core values: honesty, cooperation, a sense of responsibility, and righteousness. These values are considered to be the key to creating harmonious relationships. Honesty came in first in the list as most local residents consider it to be the most valuable trait one can possess. A dishonest man will know and bring nothing but trouble,† says Ronaldo Dela Cruz, 56, a lifelong Barangay 694 resident. Meanwhile, cooperation is also a cherished value in the community. Because of its small population, Barangay 694 expects its residents to participate in community development projects such as street cleaning, tree planting, etc. The spirit of bayanihan ensures that ties among residents are rekindled and reinforced. Accompanying cooperation is a sense of responsibility. Community members should be self-aware. They must be able to look after themselves and perform their obligations as citizens of the Republic.Last but not the least is righteousness. As observed, Barangay 694 holds quite high moral standards. A local resident must be morally upright. He or she must be able to hold and maintain a good reputation. Otherwise, he or she would not be warmly welcomed into the community. 2. Aim values of the community, that is, those options that society allows its members Barangay 694 gives its residents the full freedom to make decisions they thing will best suit their wants and needs – so long as these decisions will not harm or offend other people.While many local residents are still quite conservative in that distinct Filipino way, they are quite open to progressive ideas like the implementation of the RH Law, K-12 ed ucation (while prevalent in other countries, K-12 education is still quite new to Filipinos), and the passing of Freedom of Information Bill. 3. Attitudes and sense of values Overall, Barangay 694 residents are upbeat, friendly, and warm people. They are generally well-mannered and will go out of their way to help others. They uphold traditional Filipino values and strive to uphold them in their daily lives.All of which makes Barangay 694 a very nice place to live in. VII. Impact of the world outside 1. Inflow of ideas, goods, special forms, moral codes, new modus vivendi et operandi from the outside world to the community Barangay 694 keeps abreast of the current happenings through various mediums. Among these mediums are newspapers, television, radio, and the Internet (particularly, social media). Local residents are well-informed and are keen to follow both national and international events. They are also aware of recent popular culture trends. Development Communication I. Introduction Development communication is the use of communication to promote social development. It involves a planned transformation of an average community into a dynamic one. As such, a community plan is made to help people shape their cities, towns or villages. A community plan is essential because it encourages people to take a full and active role in advocating and implementing economic and social reform. In line with this, the author of this paper conducted a community research at Barangay 694, Malate, Manila City.Within the research is substantial information about the said community – such as ecological factors, historical development, life activities, complex of values, social groups, impact of the world outside, and local life. A proposal for a project plan was also made in order to help build a collective vision for the residents of Barangay 694 – specifically, a summer reading program. The summer reading program will benefit the less developed children of Barangay 693. In addition, it will also develop children’s potentials to be educated and literate adults. II. Community Identification Barangay 694 is located at Malate, Manila City.A part of District 6, it lies along Leon Guinto Street and is near places such as Taft Avenue, The Philippine Women’s University, Philippine Christian University, and the Pedro Gil and Quirino LRT stations. The aforementioned places also serve as primary landmarks of Barangay 694. Because of its strategic location near Taft Avenue, Barangay 694 can be aptly described as a middle-class area with several houses and apartment units for students enrolled at nearby universities. In addition, it is easily accessible by Roxas Boulevard, Quirino Avenue, and Taft Avenue. III. Ecological Frame 1. Geographical factorsBarangay 694 is located at latitude 14. 573330 and longitude120. 990860. Its coordinates are 14 °34’24† North and 120 °59’26† East. It has a total land ar ea of To its south is Pasay City; to its west, Manila Bay; to its north, Ermita; to its east, Paco and San Andres. 2. Climate and soil As part of Manila City, Barangay 694 features a tropical savanna climate that borders on tropical monsoon climate. Along with the rest of the Philippines, Barangay 694 lies within the tropics. The temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 20 °C (100 °F) and going higher than 38 ° (100 °F).Humidity levels are usually very high which makes the place feel much warmer. It has a distinct dry season from late December to April and a relatively wet season that covers the remaining period. Typhoons can occur from June to September and can cause flooding in the area. 3. Service institutions Barangay 694 has several service institutions that responds to the residents’ needs. Its strategic location offers its residents convenience as they need no look further than the immediate vicinity to have access to hospitals, educational inst itutions, books, recreational areas, and government offices.Listed below are several establishments near Barangay 693: * HEALTH INSTITUTIONS * Ospital ng Maynila * RTM Satellite Clinic * Ruben C. Bartolome, M. D. Clinic * GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS * Department of Finance * Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas * RECREATIONAL AREAS * Rizal Memorial Sports Complex * Manila Zoological and Biological Gardens * Manila Baywalk Area 5. Government The current mayor for the 2010 – 2013 term is Alfredo Lim. Meanwhile, Isko Moreno is the city’s incumbent vice-mayor. Two more members of the Manila City Council are the Association of Barangay Captains and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).Barangay 694’s elected barangay officials have the responsibility of carrying out the following tasks: (1) formulating measures to eliminate the use of illegal drugs; (2) maintaining the cleanliness and beautification of the area; (3) promoting peace and order; (4) promoting the well-being of women in the community; (5) promoting youth rights; and (6) maintaining barangay-owned properties and infrastructures. Listed below are the currently elected Barangay 694 officials and brief descriptions of each office position: 1. PUNONG BARANGAY or BARANGAY CHAIRMAN Name: Is the executive head of Barangay 693 * Is in charge of development planning, basic services and facilities, compliance to directives, barangay legislation, and fiscal administration 2. BARANGAY SECRETARY Name: * Is liable for all of Barangay 694’s paper works * Takes down notes during all of the discussions and plans made in meetings * Reads and re-reads the reports he/she has made 3. BARANGAY TREASURER Name: * Is responsible for the funds of Barangay 694 – from properties budget, projects budgets, and salaries 4. SEVEN BARANGAY COUNCILORS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. All have specific tasks assigned to them by the Barangay Chairman – Must be in the barangay hall once a week to accommodate people coming to thei r office every now and then SK CHAIRMAN: IV. Historical Development 1. Origin During the Spanish colonial period, Malate was an open area with a small fishing village. When the Americans came to the country after a 333-year Spanish reign, American urban planners envisioned the development of Malate as the most sophisticated area for American families. Despite extensive damage after World War II, many homes and buildings survived the onslaught of the battle fought in the area.Wealthy families who evacuated their homes during the war returned. Along with their return, they re-built their properties and kept the areas around it exclusively residential. Among these residential areas was Barangay 694. A local resident living in the area for almost fifty years related that Barangay 694 has been a residential area since the post-Japanese period. In fact, even before Japanese colonization, several of her forebears have lived there. This is proof that Barangay 694 has been around for many ye ars. 2. First InhabitantsDuring interviews, local residents were asked to name some of the first inhabitants of Barangay 694. The general response was a â€Å"no†. This answer is easily justifiable since the barangay has had such a long history and no one could really be certain of the first people who first inhabited the area. However, several residents know of families who had been living in the barangay for a long time. These families are almost considered as pioneers. As such, they are held in high regard. Among the well-known families in the area are the families of Magalon, San Pedro, Sevilla, Martinez, Andres, and Reyna.Most members of the said families hold positions in local offices – specifically, the Barangay Committee. This is a testament to the high social status they have established along the years. 3. Development The once-exclusive residential areas on the Western portion of Malate began to transform into a commercial area in the 1970s. Real estate boom ed with large houses and apartments being built. Businesses also flourished as small hotels, restaurants, and cafes were established. During the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, visual and performing artists found a haven in Malate in the 1980s and it became a bohemian enclave. . Progress at present Barangay 694, along with the rest of Malate, is continuously transforming itself as the center of recreation and entertainment in Manila with more restaurants, boutiques, bars, discos, and novelty stores opening for business. V. Life Activities 1. Social Structure: Social status of the residents Barangay 694 is a quiet middle-class area with several houses and apartments for students enrolled at nearby universities. Consequentially, the area is fairly tight-knit. At several community visits, the local residents displayed evident familiarity with those who live among them.In fact, it can be said that everyone knows everyone at Barangay 694. 2. Favorite pastime and recreation Because of wel l-maintained social ties, local residents enjoy doing recreational activities with their families, friends or neighbors. When asked what special activities they did during their pastime, respondents from the area said that they liked going to parks, playing bingo, organizing outings, visiting nearby malls, and perhaps, going out of town. Moreover, a typical Saturday and Sunday night for residents of Barangay 694 would consist of going to the church and, afterwards, watching late-night TV shows.Younger residents, meanwhile, said that they’d rather surf the Web, open their Facebook or Twitter accounts or play video games. 3. Groups and organizations The community has only one major organization, which is the local barangay council. Barangay 694’s elected barangay officials have the responsibility of carrying out the following tasks: (1) formulating measures to eliminate the use of illegal drugs; (2) maintaining the cleanliness and beautification of the area; (3) promotin g peace and order; (4) promoting the well-being of omen in the community; (5) promoting youth rights; and (6) maintaining barangay-owned properties and infrastructures. VI. Complex of Values 1. Core values of the community, that is, those that are generally accepted in society Barangay 694, being a tight-knit community, generally accepts these four core values: honesty, cooperation, a sense of responsibility, and righteousness. These values are considered to be the key to creating harmonious relationships. Honesty came in first in the list as most local residents consider it to be the most valuable trait one can possess. A dishonest man will know and bring nothing but trouble,† says Ronaldo Dela Cruz, 56, a lifelong Barangay 694 resident. Meanwhile, cooperation is also a cherished value in the community. Because of its small population, Barangay 694 expects its residents to participate in community development projects such as street cleaning, tree planting, etc. The spirit of bayanihan ensures that ties among residents are rekindled and reinforced. Accompanying cooperation is a sense of responsibility. Community members should be self-aware. They must be able to look after themselves and perform their obligations as citizens of the Republic.Last but not the least is righteousness. As observed, Barangay 694 holds quite high moral standards. A local resident must be morally upright. He or she must be able to hold and maintain a good reputation. Otherwise, he or she would not be warmly welcomed into the community. 2. Aim values of the community, that is, those options that society allows its members Barangay 694 gives its residents the full freedom to make decisions they thing will best suit their wants and needs – so long as these decisions will not harm or offend other people.While many local residents are still quite conservative in that distinct Filipino way, they are quite open to progressive ideas like the implementation of the RH Law, K-12 ed ucation (while prevalent in other countries, K-12 education is still quite new to Filipinos), and the passing of Freedom of Information Bill. 3. Attitudes and sense of values Overall, Barangay 694 residents are upbeat, friendly, and warm people. They are generally well-mannered and will go out of their way to help others. They uphold traditional Filipino values and strive to uphold them in their daily lives.All of which makes Barangay 694 a very nice place to live in. VII. Impact of the world outside 1. Inflow of ideas, goods, special forms, moral codes, new modus vivendi et operandi from the outside world to the community Barangay 694 keeps abreast of the current happenings through various mediums. Among these mediums are newspapers, television, radio, and the Internet (particularly, social media). Local residents are well-informed and are keen to follow both national and international events. They are also aware of recent popular culture trends.