Radisson

RADISSON BLU LIMFJORD HOTEL AALBORG ? INTRODUCTION ? PORTER'S FIVE FORCES Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg is a luxurious 4-star property conveniently located near the centre of Alborg. Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg is a business-friendly hotel within walking distance of Jomfru Ane Gade, Osteragade, and Gammeltorv. Additional points of interest include Aalborg Congress and Culture Center and Jens Bangs Stenhus. PORTER'S FIVE FORCES Values Values include the things that the firm gives high priority. This can either be the firm’s service, relationship with the environment or the attainment of goals.The company’s values service to clients and relationship with the environment. The company wants to make sure that proper service is given to clients and they maintain a good relationship with the clients. The company is doing well in showing how they value the clients and the environment. Hotel Rooms Hotel customers are offered the following room facilities: fax machi ne, direct-dial phone, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker and climate control. Rooms are equipped with iron/ironing board as well as trouser press. In addition there is minibar in the rooms. Beds: Rooms are also equipped with extra towels/bedding items.Hypoallergenic bedding is also available. Guests of the hotel may request a crib/cot (infant beds). Bathroom amenities include complimentary toiletries and hair dryer. Entertainment: The in-room entertainment facilities at this welcoming hotel include cable television service and pay movies. Internet connection options: Guests are sure to appreciate television Internet access (complimentary) and high-speed Internet access. An additional charge is applied for Internet access. Housekeeping services and complimentary newspapers are also offered. Environmental scanning OpportunitiesAn opportunity for The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg is to find out more ways to give a distinctive look and features to the hotel. By doing this the company will have competitive advantage over other firms. This will help the company have unique identity in its various markets among their competitors. An opportunity for the company is to improve the features of the leisure amenities they currently have. By doing this it can attract more markets and it will help them attract tourists that will come to the country they operate in. Hotel Amenities Food options at Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg include a restaurant.A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Room service is also available. Our hotel provides a 24-hour front desk service. ATM/banking and currency exchange facilities are also offered. Public areas of Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg are air-conditioned. Leisure amenities: Guests can also enjoy the following spa/wellness facilities: sauna. Other available services: tours/ticket assistance, television in lobby, safe-deposit box – front desk, roll-in shower, on-site car rental, laundry facilities, express check-ou t, elevator/lift, dry cleaning/laundry service, concierge desk, complimentary newspapers in lobby.Business & Internet: Guests at Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg can use a well-equipped business centre and meeting room(s). Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg Internet options: wireless access; dial-up access in public areas; high-speed connection in public areas; access in public areas is available for an additional fee. Threats The main threat to the Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel Aalborg is the competitors. The competitors like BEST WESTERN Hotel Scheelsminde and Hotel Hvide Hus try various tactics to make it difficult for Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel to maintain its standing in its various markets.The threat to the company includes the laws in the country they operate in. Another threat to the company is the tariffs and taxes that the company has in its various market, each countries has its own rate of taxes and tariff that creates additional expenses for the company. Lastly a thr eat to the company is the culture of some clients in the market. Resources Resources The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel’s resources come from reliable suppliers and manufacturers. The materials used in the hotel are made of the best kind of raw materials and come from reliable suppliers.Another resource for the company is its personnel that provide the best kind of service to guests and clients. The personnel make sure that clients receive the satisfaction they need. Human In providing excellent service to the clients, a company needs to have a dedicated staff that performs well and knows that the service they give to the client can help The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel have a positive or negative image. The staff of the company is well trained to ensure that the best service can be given to the clients. The company makes sure that it hires promising individuals that can assist in the company’s task of reaching their goals.It makes sure that the personnel have a distinct s kill that matches the company’s goal. Skill The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel’s capabilities include its use of sophisticated technologies to provide the best kind of services. The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel has a set of production regulations that makes sure that every stage in the company’s operations will minimize any waste on time and effort. The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel has made use of advanced technologies to provide services to the personnel and give them complete security. It also makes use of better security systems to rooms, hallways and other vital places.The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel makes sure they are updated to what is happening and they can adjust to these changes. Capabilities The main capabilities of the company are on the well trained personnel. The personnel serves as the arm of the firm and they show how the company meant by total customer satisfaction. The personnel of The Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel are well skilled in assisting the cl ients and giving them excellent service. The company makes sure that they hire individuals who are skilled in management, human relations, fine dining and other qualities that a member of a hotel business needs.Radisson Blu Limfjord Hotel also looks for various activities, seminars, and symposium that will help the personnel improve their skill. Competencies Distinct Competencies The company makes sure that the employees are paid accordingly but the personnel are expected to provide a good kind of service. The company makes sure that clients receive a good service based on the money paid by the clients. The company also makes sure that the personnel are compensated well. The company’s distinct competency is embedded on its efficiency of service. The company also makes sure that the best lodging and assistance will be given to the clients.Developing operation strategy Competitive priorities The priorities for the operation plan are the cost of the strategy, the personnel that will be involved, the time that will be used and the effect of the strategy. The cost of the strategy should not be too high; it should be reasonable enough and should be worth it. The personnel that will be involved should be properly briefed before they take part in the endeavor. The personnel that will be involved should know why they are chosen to take part in the training and what is expected of them.The time that will be used should be limited to days that the personnel are off. It should not hamper the delivery of service. The whole process of training should not exceed one year from the start of the endeavor. The strategy should make sure that it will have imminent effects to the personnel. The result of the strategy should be evident in the way the personnel will serve the clients. Supporting production requirements The structure requirement includes the use of the various facilities where the training process will take place.The various facilities would be the rooms in the hotel that have no immediate schedule and would be available for the firm to conduct trainings and seminars. Another structure requirement would be the different instructors who will facilitate the training/seminar. The instructors would be experienced in their field. The infrastructure requirement includes the quality measures that will focus on making sure that the whole endeavor would result to a positive thing for the company. Process flowchart The first thing that happens is the Hotel receives inquires from the clients.The inquiry can be in the form of personal correspondence, by phone or by email. In this part the client asks for any available room. The company then checks for the availability of a room. If there is no room available, the company informs the client about the situation and ends the transaction. If there is a room available, the company will then inform about the rooms that are available. The company will then ask the client if they would want to rent the avail able room, if they choose not to rent they will be given another room that is available.If the client chooses to stay in the room the hotel will book the client to the available room and provide the service the client needs. REFERENCES: Aharoni, Y. & Nachum, L. Globalization of services: Some implications for theory and practice. London: Eds. ; Routledge, 2000. Brewster, C. , Harris, H. & Sparrow. Human Resource Management . New York, 2004. Burke, R. J. & Cooper, C. L. Reinventing Human Resources Management: Challenges and new directions. New York, 2004. http://radisson-limfjord-alborg. h-rez. com/index. htm? lbl=ggl-en&gclid=COLQ0ci8zLYCFbMQtAod8FUA-Q

A Family Supper

There is certainly a challenging, subliminal meaning to â€Å"A Family Supper† written by Kazuo Ishiguro. The story takes place in Tokyo, Japan, a couple of decades ago, â€Å"nearing the end of a sunny autumn day.† (856) The setting has a great impact on the events that occur throughout the story, heavily relying on Japanese traditions and culture like tea drinking, views of death, and preference of food. The main characters are the son (narrator), his father, and his sister Kikuko. When Kazuo returns from California, his father happens to be the bearer of bad news, informing him of his mother's recent death, as well as the death of his father's firm, and his father's business partner. It's very faint to detect, but these events have altered the father's personality and his perspective on life as well. In the first few paragraphs, the narrator describes the physical appearance of his father as an introduction to him, and the explanation makes him seem like he's going to be dangerous in the story. â€Å"My father was a formidable-looking man with a large stony jaw and furious black eyebrows. I think now in retrospect that he much resembled Chou En-Lai, although he would not have cherished such a comparison, being particularly proud of the pure samurai blood that ran in the family. His general presence was not one which encourage relaxed conversation.† (857) This is odd because you think it serves as a warning, as if before he walks in the door he dreads his father's presence, but his father turns out to be reasonably understandable with everything he says. It indicates that his father had changed due to recent events. When his father's firm had died, he notes that Watanabe, his business partner whom he'd been working for seventeen years, had committed suicide after murdering his family. He states, â€Å"I am-in retirement. I'm too old to involve myself in new ventures now. Business these days has become so different.† (857) I consider that the death of his partner has shaken him up and had forced him to retire, for the fact that working as an individual at his age, would seem difficult, along with the stresses of recent deaths on his shoulder. â€Å"Watanabe was very devoted to his work. The collapse of the firm was a great blow to him. I fear it must have weakened his judgment.† (862) I believe that this quote is true for the father as well, except for the weakening of the judgment fraction, because he does seem to be more kind than descriptions before. An example of his historical unkindness is when the narrator has a flashback of a time that his father had hit him for â€Å"chatt ering like an old woman.† (857) I believe that the sister's perception of the father is that he is still intimidating. This is for the fact that when the father excuses himself, she was more comfortable with speaking. â€Å"My sister relaxed quite visibly once he had left the room.† (858) I believe on the other hand, the narrator is quite comfortable when talking with the father, and they exchanged great, soothing conversations. â€Å"It's my belief that your mother's death was no accident. She had many worries. And some disappointments.† (860) This adds weight to the father's stresses for the truth that his mother's death is purposeful and that she wasn't happy with things going on in her life, and that he is a part of her life, which is depressing in many cases. The narrator leaving for California was part of the reason for this too, and the father knows this, but I guess he has the â€Å"what's done is done† outlook about it. It is relevant that the father has changed drastically due to the events of death, and that he is much more kind than ever before. He seems much more easier to deal with now, than ever before because of the recent disasters.

Managing Diversity in the Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managing Diversity in the Company - Essay Example In exploring the article about managing diversity, I will start by outlining the reasons why I chose this article. The main reason why I chose this article is that it gives a comprehensive discussion of the issue of diversity in organizations. In addition, my choice of the article emanates from the fact that it has discussed current issues affecting diversity by describing diversity in the 21st century. The article is appealing in its discussion and is relevant to management issues and why diversity should be part of any formal organization. Moreover, my choice of the article was determined by the fact that it has outlined various frameworks and approaches, which are essential to valuing and managing diversity. My interest in the article was also driven by the range of topics that are discussed. For example, the article has provided a description of terms such as workforce diversity, cultural diversity, affirmative action, valuing diversity, equal employment opportunities, as well as multiculturalism. All these topics are crucial in enhancing the reader’s understanding of diversity in organizations.I also chose the article because it discusses the importance of diversity in both private and public organizations. Moreover, the article has provided the advantages that accrue when there is diversity in organizations. In the article, the author has discussed the many positive effects of diversity and the benefits that an organization derives from embracing diversity. In addition, the article is relevant to the issue of managing diversity since it has provided the conceptual values, as well as perspectives of diversity from various parts of the world. For example, from the article, one can derive that institutions in the American context are more concerned with the protection of the rights of minority groups. The dominance of the majority towards the minority is seen to hinder diversity in organizations.

MACRO ECONOMIC SECTOR OUTLOOK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MACRO ECONOMIC SECTOR OUTLOOK - Essay Example The services provided by the telecommunication sector has become a necessary service for us for our daily life, and hence it can well be expected that consumers as well as business enterprises will not be able to reduce their spending on this service even in recessions. Thus the investment potential of the telecommunication sector seems to be very bright. To gain more from our investments, we can invest in the telecommunication sector of the highly growing markets of India, China, Turkey, etc., while retaining our exposure to European countries and the USA. FINACIALS: The interest rate sensitivity of the financial sector is very high and this sector shows a tendency of providing great during the period of low interest rates. Since, the level of interest rates in the USA and European nations are now quite low at the phase of economic recovery, the investments in the financial sector of these nations are expected to provide excellent performance. However, presently investments in this sector involve a great amount of risk due to high inflation in Asian countries and Obama’s financial policies relating to trade. Due to this reason, we are underweight in this sector. But this should not be a thing of great anxiety as we still possess sufficient weights for having adequate return on out investments. However, we should be cautious about our investment decision in China due to increase in the rate of interest in this nation. Hence, we should limit out exposure to china and concentrate more on the financial markets of USA and Europe as interest rates can be expected to remain low here. MATERIALS: The materials sector has a tendency to outperform other defensive areas during economic expansions. The materials sector is such a economic field where we can be overweight. Investments in this sector at this time or in near future could be a bit risky as it may loose its growth momentum after the fast growth that it has been experiencing for some time. Moreover, the se ctor is suffering form lower demand from countries like China which is lowering the prices and negatively affecting the overall performance of the sector. However, we are still maintaining our exposure to this hard commodity sector as we expect that even with lower demand this sector will be able to provide better performance compared to other defensive sectors. ENERGY: The energy sector is one of those sectors which are expected to provide lucrative returns. This sector has a quite high dependence on oil prices. Since, oil prices are expected to follow an increasing path in future, the energy sector is expected to outperform other areas. Oil prices are expected to rise for a number of factors including reduction in supply of oil by OPEC, increase in demand for oil with economic recovery in USA, Europe, China, India and other nations, expansion of money supply in the USA that is expected to create inflationary pressure. Thus, it will be a great decision to maintain our exposure in t he energy sector. We can also increase our exposure in this sector. We are also increasingly investing in oil services and exploration as they are now placed on high growth path. CONSUMER STAPLES: Being a defensive sector, the sector of consumer staples is facing lower growth opportunities in this period of economic recovery. Rising prices of foods has produced negative impacts on the

Human Resource Management Case Assignment Essay

Human Resource Management Case Assignment - Essay Example This is based on the fact that the organization is acknowledging their superior contributions or services. The rewards are aimed at motivating them towards sustaining or even improving their superior performances. ii. Employees with average performances get substantially smaller rewards or bonuses. This is aimed at encouraging them to improve their efforts by working harder so as to achieve greater rewards in the succeeding periods. iii. Employees with poor performances do not receive any increase in pay or bonus. This is to indicate that they need to improve their performance or seek alternative positions by leaving the organizations. Pay for performance strategy has been noted as one of the best motivating strategies for organizations that seek to enhance their overall performance. However, experts warn that organizations should support such a strategy using other alternative options because money is not the ultimate motivating factor. For instance, organizations are advised to als o include promotions, improvements in working environments or even involve employees in making decisions in addition to the pay for performance system (Chen & Hsieh, 2006). This will ensure that an organization addresses all the factors that motivate employees. Alternative Payment Approaches to Pay for Performance Lockstep pay The most common payment approach among legal firms is the lockstep pay. The payment approach involves an organization using the length of time on the job when determining the ultimate level of compensation for its employees. As noted earlier on, the payment system is common among law firms where lawyers are paid based on the amount of billable hours spent serving clients. Research studies indicate that lawyers earn their income as if they were independent contractors. What this means is that their level of payment varies depending on the amount of revenue generated from the clients that they have served at person levels. However, the lock step payment system i nvolves attorneys with the same level of seniority receive the same level of income. The level of income is entirely determined by the overall performance of the organization. There are exceptions to the system whereby the organization may make adjustments as an exception rather than a rule. Total Reward Compensation The total rewards system of compensation involves more than just the basic pay and benefits. It involves the entire remuneration system that consists of all the direct and indirect payment packages (Reynolds, 2005). The system incorporates pay with all the necessary factors that motivate and are valued by employees. The system also offers numerous approaches to reward other than pay and benefits. It does not rely on a single method of rewarding employees. The system closely resembles the pay for performance system in the sense that the total reward system is based on the level of competency and performance of staff. Reward is solely based on merit rather than experience or job position (Berger & Berger, 2008). The higher the performance the higher the reward and low performance is highly condemned. However, total reward is different from pay for performance because it incorporates all the elements of employee motivation rather than monetary rewards. In fact, research studies on employee motivation indicate that the system motivates and influences the behavior of workers to a larger extent than the pay for perfo

The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth of less Essay

The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth of less developed countries - Essay Example However, in open economy investment is funded both through household savings and foreign capital flows, incorporating FDI. FDI facilitates investment-receiving (host) nations to attain investment levels ahead of their capability to save (Atique, Ahmad and Azhar, 2004, p. 1). The study aims to discuss about the underlying effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth of the less developed or the developing nations. The study seeks to analyze whether the inflow of foreign direct investment is really leading to economic growth and capital formation within the less developed countries. The topic â€Å"The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth of less developed countries† seems to be interesting and relevant. Through this topic, the study seeks to find whether these inflows of foreign capital can be sustained within the less developed economies. Whether the transnational players in the international economy could contribute to the modernization of the economies of developing countries is also the point of concern in this study. Development Economics is a topic that studies the economics of the developing nations. It has made exceptional use of economic hypothesis, econometric methods, sociology, anthropology, political science, ecology and demography and has mushroomed into one of the liveliest parts of study in all the social sciences. It is reasonable to say that the model of economic growth initiated by Robert Solow in 1956 has had an elementary impact on development economics. An addition to the capital stock will have a larger effect on per-capita income. It implies that by means of controlling parameters (for example, savings rates and population growth rates), poorer nations will tend to develop faster and hence will come up to reach the levels of comfort enjoyed by their affluent counterparts (Ray, 2007, pp.

Microbial stress and food processing Lab Report

Microbial stress and food processing - Lab Report Example 2003). In the due course, these unfavorable conditions as well as the stress might lead to population that includes health, unhealthy and dead cells. In these regard, the experiment aimed at exposing the E-coli strain to different unfavorable conditions that reflect stresses experienced in real food production. Therefore, we wanted to know how these conditions affect the organism. This was established through microbial count with the use of Miles and Misra technique. Also flow cytometry technique was used and has the capacity of measuring the live dead and injured bacterial cells. In the experiment, two techniques were used to determine the effect of these unfavorable conditions that reflect the stresses experienced in the real food production. These techniques include Flow cytometry technique and Miles and Misra technique. For the flow cytometry, its principle of operation is based on the viable cells and dead cells, whereby for the viable cells, the dye has the capacity of penetrating the cell membrane. In case of cell surface proteins, the dye will react with it and dim staining will be observed. For the dead cells, the dye has the capacity to permeate through the destroyed membrane and then stain both the inside and outside (reacts with the amines to form a more intense staining. There is a 50-fold difference in the fluorescence intensity between the dead and live cells. In relation to this, after the exposure of the bacteria to these unfavorable conditions, we were able to determine the dead and the viable bacteria then made a conclusion in regards to th e effect of these conditions (Goodson and Rowbury 1989). The dye used for the flow cytometry was Propidium iodide(PI) and oxonol DiBAC4 (BOX).These two dyes are normally used together whereby they are excited by the same laser but the emission spectra is different ,hence being detected distinctly. PI normally

International, Global, and Domestic Business Coursework

International, Global, and Domestic Business - Coursework Example Likewise, DAE ensures that associated employees and organizations do not gain financial benefit by performing illegal acts and property that is utilized in the process. During one of the cases that were covered by an audit company $420 million cash was recovered from employees and organizations involved in illegal drug activities. DEA is a principal department that is capable of forfeiture of seizing cash during any drug enforcement investigations. However, other local agencies associated with law enforcement can also seize cash during their drug enforcement operations and the money is transferred to a federal agency i.e. DAE. After receiving the seized cash, DAE follows federal forfeiture laws in which, 80% amount of the seized money is utilized for law enforcement purpose, however, there are some cases when the money is utilized by General Revenue Fund. Baselines or minimum-security standards for practitioners are addressed in the Title 21 CFR 1300 that is utilized for evaluating security. However, it is not necessary that they can provide adequate protection by deploying effective controls and procedures for ensuring safety against theft of the controlled substances require a safe place, as per distributor’s requirements. Likewise, the same perspective is applicable to other experts, as all the security controls will be investigated to evaluate the compatibility as per laws and regulations for ensuring theft protection. Moreover, baselines or minimum standards for experts dealing with controlled substances require a safe vault or room made from foolproof security. Likewise, pharmaceuticals provide options for storing controlled substances by encapsulating or hiding them amongst available stock that is categorized as non- controlled substances. However, there are no details provided for construction of a secure vault or location, only the intent of the law is visible i.e. controlled substances must be appropriately protected. Consequently,

The Rights of the Nonhuman World by Mary Anne Warren Assignment

The Rights of the Nonhuman World by Mary Anne Warren - Assignment Example Humans can experience humiliation and etc. in similar circumstances. The same thing is with a moral right on life: animal don’t suffer morally from ruined hopes, or long term plans, while humans do. 3. Firstly, despite being not fully capable of a moral behavior, nonparadigm humans still possess a potential or partial moral autonomy. Thus, humans respect their moral rights in order to keep an existing moral attitude (order) among human beings. Secondly, it’s simply hard to define a degree of a moral autonomy when it’s full, or when it’s partial for nonparadigm humans. 4. Nonsentient natural entities are a great part of natural environment on Earth. They influence life of other entities and thus, trees and mountains etc. have an intrinsic value for other entities. Yet that can’t be discussed in terms of moral rights because nonsentient entities aren’t capable of pain or satisfaction. 5. Both land ethic environmentalists and animal liberationists deny a homocentric view on moral rights. Warren says they complete, because they both are wrong. Land ethical environmentalists neglect a difference of â€Å"logical foundation† when discussing moral rights of nonsentient and sentient natural entities, while animal liberationists don’t see how different is content and strength of human and animals’ moral capacities (Warren

The Influence of International Training on Firefighters' Training Dissertation

The Influence of International Training on Firefighters' Training Performance Outcomes - Dissertation Example As an attempt to decrease the unfavorable outcomes among firefighters, majority of fire departments incorporate these fire training regimens, including physical training programs that will ensure the competence and physical fitness of firefighters when in duty. Firefighters obtain learning through a combination of classroom and practical training that enables these individuals to maintain or further enhance such competences. The importance of providing training and development opportunities for firefighters has been signified by the implementation of policies and considerable amount of resources invested for workers to acquire learning and knowledge. However, it has been asserted by Moats, Chermak, and Dooley (2008) that for training systems to yield positive outcomes, its effectiveness must be assessed as well. Many organisations have been known to lack the resources for providing training that is not measured with regards to its significance in the attainment of organisational goal s. According to Brinkerhoff (2005), training and development of workers must be in adherence to the accomplishment of long-term objectives. Effectiveness is a major aspect of worker training and development for any organisation due to the fact that this enables workers to attain and enhance the necessary skills and knowledge for successfully carrying out their duties. For these organisations to establish and maintain efficient programs, it is highly significant for these training systems to be evaluated to ascertain its consistencies with the overall strategy of the former. Exploring the related procedures and decisions that are carried to ensure training effectiveness is equally important as well (Mitroff, 2005). While organisations who require workers for increased security, including the use of fire departments, have allocated a significant amount of money for developing well-trained and competent workforce members, there remains a need to look into their efficiency in carrying o ut these services. Therefore, this study places an emphasis on the training programs provided to firefighters, particularly in the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco), to evaluate these activities and programs and their outcomes on both the organisation and the firefighter themselves. Saudi Aramco is known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Company that is a state-owned oil company in Saudi Arabia and is expected to be the most valuable company that is privately-owned in the world. Aside from maintaining a large hospital and offer health insurance for workers, Saudi Aramco is also known for having a number of fire stations that provide both residential and industrial services. Its industrial security was established twenty years ago as a means of ensuring the safety of the industrial and residential vicinities within and surrounding the company. However, a major challenge for the company is to provide satisfactory fire protection with which both the hard and soft infrastructure should be emphasized (Shelley and Smith, 2008). While the hard infrastructure is comprised of the facilities, its soft counterpart focuses on the individuals who carry out the work. It has been a concern for the Saudi Aramco to enhance their fire protection services as well as the safety of their own firefighters by

The Unvanquished Essay Example for Free

The Unvanquished Essay Two of the women from this novel deserve utmost respect. Granny and Drusilla took matters into their own hands, and are an inspiration to many women who read this novel. Strong women like them were unusual during this time period. Granny and Drusilla are in no way â€Å"picture-perfect southern belles†, yet they took what they had at the time and the experience that was given to them and represented true southern women. Granny was a strong woman of this period; she understood how things worked, and was smart enough to know how to manipulate things to her advantage. â€Å"’Bayard Sartoris, what did you say’? We killed him Granny! ’ †¦Then she said, ‘Quick! Here! ’†¦ and then Ringo and I were squatted with our knees under our chins, on either side of her against her knees†¦her skirts spread over us like a tent†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢You are mistaken,’ she said, ‘There are no children here. ’†) [Faulkner 30-31] This is a shorten version of the quote. The scenario is when Bayard and Ringo shoot at the Yankee soldier on a horse. They hit the horse instead of the man, though they are unaware of this fact. They run home shrieking at Granny to help them, so she has them hide underneath her skirt. The soldier comes in; then the Colonel comes in. The whole situation puts Granny in a bad position, because she’s a good, southern, God fearing woman, and the only way out of this predicament is to lie to the Yankee Colonel who comes in after Bayard and Ringo. Both Granny and the Colonel know there Bayard and Ringo are, but a gentleman doesn’t ask a lady to get up like that without good cause. Granny knew she could play this to her advantage. Granny sits there completely poker-faced and flat out tells him there are no children. The coronel simply jokes about the children and leaves. This is just one example of how Granny took a problem into her own hands and took care of it, with no man needed. She didn’t know who was going to be coming through those doors, it could have been dangerous; however, she handled the situation with grace and elegance, never skipping a beat. Granny showed great responsibility and courage when she had the idea to use the money and slaves to get mules from the Yankees. She turned the original mix-up into a smuggling business: she showed true genius in a time of real need. â€Å"’Ten chests tied with hemp rope,’†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢a hundred and ten mules’†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Get what we got. Hurry’. He turned to Granny. ‘The general said to give you another hundred with his compliments’† [Faulkner 88-89] Again, another abbreviated lengthy quote. What’s happening here is Granny never got her exact box of silver back, but she was reimbursed for the silver. The Yankee in command gave her a slip with an order for a large amount of mules. When Granny and Ringo go to get them, the soldier they speak to doesn’t understand, and gets the entire transaction mixed up. Granny turned this unexpected occurrence into a blessing and opportunity to turn a profit and give the mules to the townspeople. Most of what originally occurred was a miscommunication; however, Granny and Ringo simultaneously recognized what was happening and took advantage of it. â€Å"The man counted the mules; we didn’t hardly move†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Forty-seven will do,† said Ringo†¦ and then all of a sudden she took her hand away from her chest; it had the paper in it; she held it out to the lieutenant without saying a word. † [Faulkner 91-93] Granny had the courage to risk getting caught, and continued to play the same con numerous times after, forging the note each time. She was a woman; an older woman at that, but she desperately wanted to somehow make a contribution to the war effort and also help out the community as best she could. The war devastated the south, and changed many things. If she could somehow right some of the wrongs that had been done to the people, while at the same time hindering the Yankees, it could be a step toward putting things back the way they were. Because Granny had been around as long as she had, she was a huge believer in tradition. She was stubbornly trying to preserve a community and take care of them, much like a mother takes care of her family. Many people enjoy discussing Drusilla, due to her unusual behavior and intrigue of the character. Drusilla wasn’t the average run-of-the-mill housewife; she had hopes and aspirations; goals and a set agenda. She didn’t wait around for a man to help her; if she wanted something done, she did it herself. â€Å"’This horse? ’ Cousin Denny said. ‘Ain’t no damn Yankee going to fool with Dru’s horse no more. ’ He didn’t holler now, but pretty soon he began again: ‘When they come to burn the house, Dru grabbed the pistol and rum out here-she had on her Sunday dress-and them right behind her. She run in here and she jumped on Bobolink bareback, without even waiting for the bridle, and one of them right there in the doorway hollering, ‘Stop’, and Dru said, ‘get away, or I’ll ride you down too’ †¦and Dru leaned down into Bobolinks ear and said, ‘Kill him, Bob’ [Faulkner 74] Drusilla didn’t stop to think of her own safety, or to wait for a man to step forward and assist; she acted out of courage and loyalty and attacked the men head on, knowing they were men and most likely stronger and better fighters. Drusilla portrays a strong, independent woman, with feministic qualities. Drusilla is a symbol of what is to come; she symbolizes strong women fighting for themselves, equality, and recognition. â€Å"She had on pants like a man† [Faulkner 73] â€Å"Her hair was cut short; it looked like father’s would†¦ She was sunburned and her hands were hard and scratched like a man’s that works would†. [Faulkner 75] It is apparent in other parts of the book that Drusilla didn’t always dress in a masculine fashion; when she was engaged to Gavin Breckbridge, she wore dresses and would have most likely lived out a stereotypical â€Å"southern bell† life, unworthy of remembrance. By this point in the book; however, we find Drusilla to be dressing like a man and attempting to take on more responsibilities and be more useful to the war effort. She commissioned herself to engage in manual labor, causing one sign of being a southern belle (soft smooth hands) to fade. Working hard was also a part of her own unique chivalric code of honor she took on, further distancing herself from her old life. High society women could afford to be shaded from the sun at all times; thus never resulting in sunburn. Poor whites were generally associated with having tan skin, while rich white women had fair porcelain skin-also a showing the segregation between poor people and wealthy people, as well as slaves. In the case of Drusilla being sunburned, it’s another segregating aspect allowing her to create a more equal atmosphere at which to fit into. Her unintentional idea was to appear less feminine; also creating a physical freeness at which she can move around and work more easily. Indirectly she also wanted to draw less attention to herself. She got the opposite effect: her change in appearance caused her to stand out as a new kind of person: a strong woman, purposefully surviving without a man. In this exquisite novel, so many different interpretations can be read from its intricately woven plot. These two women, Granny and Drusilla, went through quite a few trials and tribulations to become the much-respected women they were in the end. (Word count: 1,393)

Pulmonary Edema Lungs

Pulmonary Edema Lungs Outline of pulmonary edema: Pulmonary edema is the inflammation of the lungs that occurs due to the excessive accumulation of fluids in the lungs (alveoli) which results in poor exchange of gases which can cause dyspnea and finally respiratory and cardiac failure. Symptoms: The common symptoms of pulmonary edema include Dyspnea i.e. difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, noisy and labored respirations rales, blood in cough, restlessness, anxiety, palor (paleness of skin). Diagnosis: It can be diagnosed by physical examination and knowing the patients medical history. By checking the wheezing sounds that are whistling or musical sound that can be heard without a stethoscope and inspiratory crackling sound that can be heard at the end of deep breath with the help of stethoscope and the characteristic third sound of the heart which can be seen in the cases of cardiogenic pulmonary edema patients. Apart from those general blood tests like liver enzymes, electrolytes, complete blood count etc. is done than a final confirmation is made by the X-ray of the lungs. Pulmonary Edema is a disease that affects the heart finally and begins in the lungs. Due to the inadequate pumping of the left ventricle, fluid accumulates in the spaces outside the blood vessels in the tissues of the lungs. It leads to a complication of heart disorders, sometimes acting as the first sign of coronary heart disease, and most commonly associated with congestive heart failure. It can be chronic or develop suddenly and quickly become life threatening. As large amounts of fluid suddenly shift from the pulmonary blood vessels to the lungs then pulmonary edema becomes life-threatening. When the heart begins to fail, the veins going through the lungs build up pressure and in turn the lungs pressure begins to rise which results in the building up of fluid being pushed into the alveoli. This fluid interrupts our normal oxygen flow through the lungs. Results and symptoms of pulmonary edema: Pulmonary edema occurs due to excessive accumulation of fluids and foam into the alveoli of the lungs when the pulmonary blood vessels are engorged. It can often be associated with congestive heart failure. It begins primarily with the building up of fluids in the microscopic alveoli of the lungs causing poor respiratory exchange resulting in Dyspnea with noisy and labored respirations. Rales which are powdery or gravelly sounds can be heard with stethoscope and some patients even cough up blood-tinged sputum. It occurs when the heart becomes damaged or weakened; as a result unable to pump blood to all the parts of the body, typically beginning with the left heart failure as a consequence of the damaged left ventricle which leads to backing up of the blood first in the pulmonary vessels and finally in systemic vessels. As a consequence blood fluids are forced into the body tissues due to increased pressure in the vessels causing a swelling known as edema. If it occurs in the alveoli of the lungs it is termed as pulmonary edema. Finally it can lead to congestive heart failure. Shortness of breath; Difficulty in breathing: Diseases like pulmonary edema leads to shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing which is known as Dyspnea which occurs due to poor respiratory exchange in the lungs. It causes labored and noisy respirations often associated with powdery or gravely sounds known as rales when checked with the stethoscope. Dyspnea is not a primary illness but a condition brought about by a number of medical, traumatic and environmental causes. It can be related to Lung diseases, heart conditions, allergic reactions, CO poisoning, etc. In most cases it occurs when a disease has caused some kind of direct interference with either the flow of air into and out of the lungs or with the exchange of gases within the lungs. In typical dyspnea, as in the case of asthma the problem causing interference originates in the lungs itself. Dyspnea can be classified into acute dyspnea with sudden onset can be caused by anaphylactic shock, cardiac arrhythmias trauma, etc. and chronic dyspnea which can be caused by Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, Neuromuscular disorders, etc. Air hunger or feeling of drowning, Grunting of gurgling sounds with breathing, Wheezing As a sign of congestive heart failure the patient would wish to remain in a seated or semi-reclined position which allows less labored respiration. The patient should be kept calm to conserve body heat. These oxygen hungry patients will accept oxygen therapy without difficulty. In severe lung diseases like an Asthma attack, the small bronchioles becomes narrower due to the contraction of the smooth muscles that make up the airway apart from the overproduction of thick mucus leading to the restriction of airflow. The airflow is restricted in mainly in one direction such as, during inhalation, the expansion of lungs exerts an outward force resulting in the increase in the diameter of the airway, allowing air to flow into the lungs. During exhalation the opposite occurs resulting in the trapping of the stale air into the lungs which requires forceful exhalation of air by the patient, producing the characteristic wheezing sound associated with asthma. Wheezing sounds are whistling or musical sounds that can be heard without a stethoscope. Gurgling is caused often due to a foreign object, or blood and other fluids in the trachea. It is believed that cardiac murmurs are associated with the possibility of heart failure which is not correct as in about 50 % of the heart failure cases there is no murmur observed. Still a cardiologist should take note seriously if any murmur is present in the patient. In the diagnosis of heart failure Gallop rhythm (one can imagine the sounds of hooves of horse smoothly running at full speed) is very typical and significant. SOB with lying down, you may need to sleep with you head propped: The affects of the body position of a person sometimes gives an idea about the underlying disorder causing dyspnea. For example in platypnea, that is dyspnea while sitting gives indications of a liver disease. The worse type of Dyspnea is when the patient is lying down and suffering from shortness of breath, which is associated with heart disease or paralysis of the diaphragm. It is called as orthopnea. Another type of dyspnea is PND (Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea) which occurs during sleep forcing the patient to wake up gasping for breath; usually relieving the patient if he / she sit up or stands. It may indicate the dysfunctioning of the left ventricle of the heart, narrowing of the mitral valve or hypertension. If a patient is suffering from orthopnea he sleeps with the head propped up. Cough: It is an annoying symptom which can occur as a result of many causes such as pulmonary edema, tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Asthma, etc. Anxiety: Factors like excessive worry, nervousness, instability, nausea, etc. are the major symptoms of anxiety. Restlessness: It can be caused by a number of factors such as anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity, etc. Excessive sweating: Sweating is due to the presence of sweat glands under our skin, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system of our body and whenever our body temperature rises sweating is stimulated. Thus, it controls the body temperature. Emotional stress also stimulates sweating. Palor or pale coloration or cyanosis of the parts will also take place during any respiratory or cardiac attack. Sympathetic over stimulation leads to symptoms like palor, sweating, and tachycardia during heart failure. Additional symptoms with progression of the disease: Nasal flaring: It is an indication of breathing difficulty caused by the enlargement of the nostril opening during breathing; as a result the total airway resistance is reduced. Inability to speak: The patient may not be able to speak due to pulmonary obstruction or cardiac failure. Decrease in levels of awareness: the level of awareness or consciousness of the patient will also go down during any respiratory or cardiac attack.

Modern Communication Technology And Acculturation Of Children Education Essay

Modern Communication Technology And Acculturation Of Children Education Essay Over the last several years, as new waves of African immigrants and their children have continued to enter the United States, researchers have considered the impact of semiotics of modern communication networks and technologies on acculturation and cultural identity, as well as the effects of immigration on the nations economy and society. However, the way immigrant children adapt to American values by using social networks and technologies has been mostly ignored. McDonnell Hill (2008) explained that children entering the United States today represent a particularly diverse range of cultures, and most importantly, some have had little or no formal education in their native countries. Little is known about how cultural conflicts evolved from the use of these technologies and became integrated into core American values in communications, behavioral skills, attitudes and finally understand the norms of American society and the cultural semiotics that are prevalent. Another overlooked factor is generally the impact the act of using modern communication technology has on the adaptation process and the psychological consequences that emerge as these new young African immigrants learn a new culture, new social norms and values, and most importantly, a new cultural language. Relevance of this research Kristin McCarthy (2010) confirms that immigration and the subsequent acculturation process results in enormous stress for children. McCarthy (2010) clarified how experts agree that being connected and accepted is an important component of adolescent development, and the inability to have this connection and behave as Americans could result in an increased risk of depression, suicide, bullying, alienation, school failures and drop-outs. Failure to connect could also lead to misinterpretation of societal values leading to criminal activities. Most importantly, the language barrier may bring about rejection from the society. Redfield, Linton Herskovits (1936) showed that there is growing attention on the role of acculturation, the complex process of change that individuals experience as a result of continuous contact with another culture in behaviors of immigrants residing in the United States. Evidence is mixed as to whether acculturation using Social networks and modern communication technology helps or harms African immigrants who make America their new home. This study will be the first to evaluate the relationship between acculturation and modern communication technologies amongst African immigrants. This study should provide a foundation for further cross-cultural research on social communication networks, acculturation and the physical and psychological functioning of African American children Significance of the Problem The influx of African immigrants and their children to the United States in the last two decades has been phenomenal. The number of African immigrants to the United States more than quadrupled in the last two decades (Immigration and Naturalization Services, 2009;, Jo, 1999). We are aware of the correlates of social activity behavior of African American children (Chandler et al, 2002), However, little is known about the social activity behaviors and unique personal, social and environmental correlates of social activity in African immigrant children use of social networks and communication technologies in their adjustment to a new society. Thus, it is important to identify the influence of acculturation process using social networks and modern communication technologies, in addition to commonly examined correlates of social activity on African American childrens social activity behavior. Objective of this study The purpose of this study is to examine how the use of Internet social communication networks like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and modern communication technologies like smart-phones instant messages, multimedia (online gaming), blogging and discussion forums called Social Activity, have impacted the acculturation process of young African immigrants(18-25 years) to the nation. The larger goal is to increase understanding of cultural conflicts, semiotics of language differences, and adaptation process in order to promote diversity and enrichment in American society. Research questions The proposed research will answer the following questions What are the social activity behaviors of young African immigrants using social networks or modern communication technologies? What are the metrics of young African immigrants potential strategies to be pursued within their adaptation process correlated with their use of social networks and modern communication technology? Is there a direct effect and/or indirect effect of acculturation on social activity behavior through intrapersonal correlates of social activity using social networks and modern communication technology? What are the relationships between acculturation (multidimensional [young African immigrant and American acculturation] and proxy [language, length of stay in the US, age at immigration]) and other background correlates of social activity (use of social network sites, communication with peers on Internet and communication technologies serving as status symbol), interpersonal correlates of social activity and social activity behaviors of young African immigrants. Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework used to guide this study will be adapted from Anthony Giddens structuration theory of interaction of groups and organizations with information technology called Adaptive Structuration Theory (DeSanctis, G., Poole (1994) modified this model and used it successfully and criticized the technocentric view of technology use and emphasized social aspects. DeSanctis, G., Poole, M. S. (1994) emphasized that groups and organizations using information technology for their work dynamically create perceptions about the role and utility of the technology, and how it can be applied to their activities. These perceptions can vary widely across groups. One major assumption of this model is that the role and utility of technology and how it can be applied influence the way and how technology is used and hence mediate its impact on group outcomes. To understand and give validity to these perceptions by DeSanctis Pooles theory (1994), Gordon (1964) concept of Assimilation in American life will be evaluated to determine changes in behaviors pattern of immigrants based on use of technology. Literature reviews This research will present a comprehensive literature review on acculturation of young African immigrant into americans social-cultural pattern in their use of social technologies. An in-depth look will be provided into the aspects of web-based social technology associated phenomena including languages, interactions, cultural influences and status quo of these technologies as modern wave of new generation acceptance. Amongst specific literatures to be reviewed will be based on the following model lists. Social change and Acculturation Social activity enables psychology of social change and acculturation, which showed that many psychological characterizes become altered as individuals experience changes in their socio-cultural milieus (Berry, J. W., Poortinga, Segall Dasen, 2002). These changes can be as a result of social changes that are taking place from within a society (Georgas, 1993), or may result from contact with other cultures (Feldman et al, 2002). Berry et al (2002) also concluded that these changes have been identified as economic changes that move people away from traditional pursuits and norms towards new forms of employment and empowerment, alteration in social relationships including intergroup and interpersonal relations, and cultural changes that involve the alteration of traditional institutions and the replacement of these with imported ones. Socio-cultural values of technology assimilation by young West African immigrants Information technologies are both a by-product of the socio-cultural environment within which they evolve as well as a substantive and strategic sub-system of that environment (Elmandjra, 2001). McGinn (2006) explained that the significance of understanding a new cultural environment is to accept the invasion of technologies and their products or to opt for an active stand and for the elaboration of strategies and policies to ensure social relevance as well as cultural coherence. Steward (2009) believed that cultures do not change according to some inner logic, but rather in terms of a changing relationship with a changing environment even with technology. Americanism and Social Networks The Internet has fundamentally changed our communication patterns in which peoples interactions are increasingly dependent on electronic communication channels and less confined by territorial gaps. Such change has shrunk the distances between physical location significantly and thus brought about a brand new view of space and time (Miller, 2002; Watson et al., 2002). As the need for adaptation of African immigrant children into American way of life continues, the need for study of the cross-cultural adoption and use of IT has been souring which is evidenced by the surging number of pertinent research papers published and presented. Computer networks have been used to support information and knowledge exchange among geographically dispersed users and distributed social interactions (Ahuja et al., 2003). Social-cultural adaptation of modern communication tools Blau (1964) showed that social exchange theory positing that individuals engage in social interaction because they expect to receive some type of reward whose form does not necessarily confine to monetary value but also emotional values including approval status and respect. Wasko et al. (2005) clarified further that one potential way an individual can benefit from active participation is the perception that participation enhances his or her personal reputation in the society. Therefore, reputation, acceptance and status symbols are assets that young West African immigrant can leverage to achieve and maintain assimilation within a collective environment (Jones et al., 1997). RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research methodology consists of three phases to leverage the strengths of qualitative and quantitative methods. The first phase will review extant research literature related to the influential factor of web-based social networks as a form of communication technology participation. The picture of the semiotics of cultural interaction will be evaluated as an adaptation process of young West African immigrants. The objective of this exercise will be to identify explanatory constructs from academic works across disciplines including social network theory, cultural dimensions, and individual level technology acceptance as evidence amongst selected young West African immigrants to the United States. The second phase will allow researcher to conduct in-depth interviews of young West African immigrants that meet the minimal requirements for web-based social network usage on one hand and other physical communication tools such as cell phones, blogging and multimedia. These interviews will be guided by a qualitative interview instrument, which contains a series of open-ended questions for the interview process. By engaging in the interview will allow the researcher to further elicit driving factors of user adoption of both social networks and the social activity involved in the use of the physical communication tools. The final phase, along with indicators generated in phase one and two will allow researcher to gather data from these interviews to create a 100-page quantitative survey that will be distributed to a random population of young West African immigrant in 25 states in the United States of users of both social networks and communication tools. In this way, empirical evidence can be obtained through analyzing users ratings of indicators that pinpoint the significance of social communication technology to acculturation of young West African American immigrants. The instrument will be subjected to content validity analysis, the sampling frame will be identified to enable the broadest generalization, and the instrument items will be assessed for discriminated validity. Work plan for data collection In order to maintain both social and material properties, it is important to adopt a triangulation concept which could establish legitimate ground to reduce the methodological conflict between qualitative and quantitative research approaches (Orlikowski and Robey 1991; Yin, 1994). McGrath (1982) justified the use of both qualitative and quantitative method in three methodological dimensions namely generalizability, precision and realism. Researcher intends to incorporate the three dimensions in his research work plan for data collection. Sample Frame Researcher intends to select research subjects before the research design can be carried out for data collection. The sample frame for pre-test and large scale survey will be drawn from two distinct areas. The first will be from college students whose ages range between 17 to 24 in United States and new West African immigrants who recently won the DV Visa lottery. In order to justify using this frame, the researcher will revisit the focal issue of this research and explain how it would be difficult to conduct meaningful research without studying young west African immigrants who are both new and young web-based social communication tool users or adopters. Data Collection Since this research will include technology study, survey and controlled experiment are considered widely adopted to establish causal relationships between observed variables. Each of them bears advantages and disadvantages and it is contingent upon various factors to decide which one has better fit with the research context. Lyberg and Kasprizyk (1991) explained that expected quality of collected data, estimated costs, expected level of errors and length of the data collection period are major reasons for controlled experiment. Bailey (2002) agrees that this will explain why lab experiment are not as popularly used in social science as in other disciplines such as natural science. In addition to survey, other content analysis techniques including secondary data sources, archive data exploration, objective measures or tests, and semi-structured interviews are used to compensate for some limitations of quantitative data analysis. Qualitative Data Collection The qualitative data collection to be used will range from interviews, observational techniques such as participant observation and fieldwork, through to archival research. Both primary and secondary sources of data will be used exclusively in this research. Insights into social networks and web-based communication tools will be generated based on a wide range of discovery of industrial reports, newspaper stories, national statistics and descriptive research. The primary sources of data will refer to those data which are unpublished and which the researcher has gathered from the subjects or organization directly. The interview process will involve interviewees from US and from 25 states primarily at selected colleges. Written permission will be obtained with the application for IRB approval from each college. The screening process will consider subjects commonalities and cohesion of traits including culture, education and social communication tool activity in a web-based environment. Guidelines will also be incorporated into the interview design to elicit the subjective, contextual, and spontaneous information concerning web-based socializing activities and consistent use of modern communication tools. Quantitative Data Collection Selltiz et al., (1976) explained that when using the explanatory survey approach that makes logical inferences from non-experimental data, the researcher does not need to manipulate predicting variables or make assignment of groups because the variables are observed in their natural settings. Newsted et al., (1996) further clarified that epistemologically, surveys provide one way of obtaining and validating knowledge and raised the question whether surveys had outlived their usefulness and concluded that surveys are appropriate in certain conditions and less useful in others. Selltiz et al. (1976) argued that an explanatory survey is applicable when studying complicated social phenomena in which causal patterns contain multiple factors and more than one predicting variable is found. Cronbach (1971) explained that the main purpose of conducting the survey is to move from observations to theory validation by using an instrument that captures necessary data in an unbiased manner. It is suggested that by doing this will require a clear understanding of the concepts of constructs and their relationships which are important to make sense of human behavior involving information systems use. Scales Development The researcher will use psychometric response scales, a five point Likert scale will be selected: Strong Disagree/Disagree/Neutral/Agree/Strongly Agree. Researcher chose this type of response scale because of its good balance between parsimonious design and room of response. Researcher did not use the most popular wider range of scale such 7 or 10 because of its ambiguity in transformation data. Dawes (2008) found that data from 5-level, 7-level and 10-level items showed very similar characteristics in terms of mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis after a simple transformation was applied. He further explained the lack of precision regarding the differences between somewhat disagree and somewhat agree. Dawes (2008) further clarified that in order to avoid response bias which poses challenges in collecting effective data that accurately reflect the social facts, it is important to use a scale with balanced keying, such as a five point scale that has an equal number of positive and ne gative statements which can mitigate the problem of acquiescence bias because acquiescence on positively keyed items will balance acquiescence on negatively keyed items (pg. 79). Proposed Instrument Researcher will cover three general areas of structuration theory of interaction of groups and organizations with information technology called Adaptive Structuration Theory and pertinent hypothesis are rooted in research literature of IS and socio-cultural theories that would help to answer the research questions suggested in this research. The areas to be covered will include the use of technology and social communication tools, social behavior motivation to acculturation and cultural conflict influence of the immigrants Pretest Researcher will engage in pretest which refers to a research process/experiment that precedes a full scale study to examine whether operational constructs or variables are appropriate for further analysis. Researcher will use various forms of experiments and aims to replicate the formal experiment but on a smaller scale. Hunt et al., (1982) An important rule of thumb in conducting pretest is to use sampling subjects who have the closest characteristics with those of full scale data collection. For this research, both groups of college students and DV lottery winners in the U.S. will be selected to complete the questionnaire to provide further feedbacks in terms of appropriateness of items, length of time required to finish, and overlooked dimensions. This feedback will be considered in the process of finalizing the instrument that will be distributed to a large scale sample target. The research methodology will also include content validity, measurement equivalence, common methods bias, and non-response bias. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS Researcher will describe data collection procedures and also present data analysis results using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Researcher also plans to use supportive empirical finding which will be explained along with how statistical assumptions are satisfied. These statistical evidences will be used to examine any hypotheses generated from literature study and inferences. Researcher will also provide both descriptive and interpretive data analysis using the structural equation modeling techniques. Researcher will also answer most research questions from a confirmatory perspective, links theoretical assumptions and conclusions and completes the research methodology Qualitative Data Analysis Researcher will use narrative style and open ended interview questions rather than retrieving answers based on fixed options multiple choices. Shim et al., (2002) explained that qualitative data can reveal the realism aspect of investigated subjects. So this section will be used to interpret perceived data obtained from interviewees in a focus group environment Method Description Focus Group Researcher believed that it is important to understand what motivates subjects of this research and the understanding of user behavior in the use of social communication network and tool when they find themselves in a different cultural environment. Researcher will use focus group method by selecting a group of interviewees (in this case, less than 30), which consist of individuals that meet the pre-screening requirements (Morgan 1998). The group will participate in the discussion whose topic is designated by the researcher. As a validated approach in behavioral sciences, focus groups are administered in US. All participants are selected social network and communication tools users including rejecters (used Social network and communication tools and decided to discontinue usage). Researcher intends to have a table list of profile of interviewees in the United States. Quantitative Data Analysis Researcher will analyze perceptional data statistically to discover interesting patterns hidden behind human behaviors. Respondents will be asked to report their true opinions according to a structured survey that contains items generated in literature review and qualitative data analysis. Method Description Large Scale Survey Lee (1999) argued that surveys are particularly useful in determining the actual values and interactions of variables. Researcher will use an approach which would be seen to have the following strengths: compared to interpretive methods, it will be easy to administer; it will determine the values and relations of variables and constructs; generalizability and replicability will also be tested; it will be capable of testing theoretical propositions in an objective fashion. Selltiz et al. (1976) argued that an explanatory survey should be adopted when studying complicated social phenomena in which causal patterns contain multiple factors and more than one predicting variable is found. Cronbach (1971) emphasized that the main purpose of conducting the surveys is to move from observations to theory validation by using an instrument that captures necessary data in an unbiased manner. Researcher will use both paper based and web based survey instrument. The selection of sample subjects will be strictly based on how well the characteristics of the target population can be represented. Data Collection Analysis Researcher will use analysis that would demonstrate respondents social background that is consistent with the research design, namely, young African immigrants with appropriate social network and communication tool use experience. Researcher will also use a pilot study that will examine initial content validity of the collected data. Straub (1989) explained that non-response bias is a major threat to the validity of the survey method. Demographic Statistics Researcher will use a demographic statistics of respondents that are categorized in four dimensions: age, gender, web or Internet experience and modern communication tools. Researcher will use high level of homogeneity of domestic nature within one group young west African immigrants and a high level of heterogeneity across groups Structural Equation Modeling Researcher will use the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) which is a statistical technique widely used in social science research. Byrne (2006) indicated that this consists of two major parts: a measurement model and a structural model. This technique is similar to multiple regressions; however, SEM is a powerful technique in constructing and examining causal relationships using measurement error and model fitness. The justification for using SEM is that it employs a confirmatory rather than exploratory approach to test models. Therefore, it is an ideal selection for theory verification instead of development, even though in reality SEM does carry some exploratory nature. Chin (2008) suggested that SEM enables IT researchers to achieve the goals including: evaluate and control measurement model errors of latent variables, simultaneous analysis of multiple paths relationships, and flexibility of testing theoretical assumptions. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS The core issue of research is to examine how the use of Internet social communication networks like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and modern communication technologies like smart-phones instant messages, multimedia (online gaming), blogging and discussion forums called Social Activity, have impacted the acculturation process of young African immigrants(18-25 years) to the nation. Most of the research questions are expected to be answered in this research and findings discussed to explain different related behaviors in acculturation of young west African immigrants. Using mixed methods of both qualitative and quantitative, the researcher will be able to reveal context-oriented insights that are complement empirical findings which are statistically inferred to large population of samples. With this in mind, researcher will divide the discussion of findings into two aspects of quantitative and qualitative including further justifications of research methodology, the implications of these findings, future research directions and conclusions.

The Role of the Catholic Church In The New World Essay -- American Ame

The Role of the Catholic Church In The New World The Catholic Church during the Middle Ages played an all encompassing role over the lives of the people and the government. As the Dark Ages came to a close the ideas of the Renaissance started to take hold, and the church's power gradually began to wain. The monarchies of Europe also began to grow, replacing the church's power. Monarchies, at the close of the Middle Ages and the dawn of the Renaissance, did not so much seek the guidance of the church as much as it sought their approval. However, the Church during the Age of Discovery was still a major influence. The discovery of the New World and its previously unknown inhabitants presented new problems in the Catholic Church in the late 14th and early 15th century. When Spain's rulers and emissaries decided to physically conquer and populate the New World, and not just trade with it, the transplantation of Christian institutions followed. The church established contact with the New World, and made it a goal to establish the Catholic doctrines among the native population there. The Catholic Church and the Spanish monarch, however, looked upon the native population in the New World as souls to be saved. They did not consider or treat the Indians as equals. The implanting of Christianity in the New World, and the treatment of the native population by the missionaries and christian conquerors was detrimental to New World. Through men such as Cortez and Las Casas accounts of the conversions have been recorded. One of the reasons for this was the alliance of the Catholic Church with the Spanish monarchy. The status of the Indians was disregarded as the Christian conquers and missionaries who wanted to convert them subjected the... ...d to work toward goals that they did not fully understand. Through the writings of Las Casas, it is seen how the Indians were slaughtered needlessly, and how they were baptised without regard to their feelings. Cortez paved the way for missions to be founded in the New World supposedly for the good of the Indian population. This, however, also turned against them. The Catholic Church role in the lives of the native population was a negative one due to its alliance with the Spanish monarchy and its forced conversion of the Indians. Works Cited: Terrar, Toby. "Catholic Mission History and the 500th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus's Arrival," Giles, Thomas S. "How Did Native Americans Respond to Christianity?" Christian Histoy Issue 35 Vol. XI, No. 3. Ricard, Robert. The Spiritual Conquest of Mexico Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1966.

Essay --

Introduction A ward handover is a continuous and effective process to circulating essential information about a patient which is necessary to ensure the promotion of safe patient care. Ward handovers require effective communication to ensure correct clinical care delivery to all patients. This takes the form of both verbal and non-verbal communication and requires valuable leadership skills. Following a specific communication model or framework can result in a successful handover and therefore, continuity of care for each individual patient, overall ensuring high quality patient care. Ward handovers are essentially used to improve communication through the sharing of patient information between professionals, improve patient safety by certifying reliable care and improving quality and productivity, this will help reduce inaccuracies in information sharing and the quality of patient care. There is also a growing recognition within ward handovers that enhanced training to ensure effective handover s are crucial in maintaining high standards of clinical care. To ensure that an effective handover takes place all healthcare areas must have a handover policy and compliance to this policy must be ensured. Rfjhskdgnd () said a ward handover†¦ MORE ON WARD HANDOVER SBAR SBAR (Leonard, et al., 2006) is a communication framework which can structure conversations within healthcare settings, particularly those which require immediate action and which may require another member from the multidisciplinary team. (Bomba and Prakash, 2005) revealed that 95% believed that there were no set procedures to assist a ward handover, this is where a communication framework such as SBAR should be brought in to ensure that handovers are produced in... ...e process, using SBAR to prepare the ward handover could help noticeably as it can ensure that the team have based and formatted the handover information correctly. However, information which could be considered relevant should also be used, although this should not overwrite the most essential material which needs to be communicated. Implications for communication in a team Within a team communication can be hindered, this means that within a ward handover communication can be really affected. During a ward handover there is very little time to communicate what information needs to be delivered to each team member, therefore, an understanding and a consensus of this is needed. Conclusion Communication within a ward handover is imperative as this is a designated time to communicate information about patients which could be vital for nurses on the upcoming shift.

The Scarlet Letter and Hawthorn’s Theory of Romance :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Scarlet Letter and Hawthorn’s Theory of Romance Nathaniel Hawthorn started writing The Scarlet Letter in 1847 and it was published in 1850. The Scarlet Letter is recognize by many "critics as being one of the greatest of American novels."1 Hawthorn created his own individual style of "romance," a style of writing. His own individual style of writing is now called "Hawthorn's Theory of Romance". His "theory of Romance" is emphasized in The Scarlet Letter in many different ways. The techniques Hawthorn used in The Scarlet Letter are basically from his "theory of Romance." Hawthorn uses his "theory of Romance" in many different ways in The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorn being a Romantic writer incorporates many characteristics of Romanticism and also includes his "theory of Romance" in the novel. Some romanticism ideas he incorporates are those of heroic characters which would include Hester Prynne "It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself."2 A heroic character is "bigger than those found in ordinary life" and also is strong, brave, noble, risky and powerful. Another characteristic he includes is the writing of mysterious events such as the adultery of Hester, the birth of Pearl and the return of her husband Roger Chllingworth. The uses of the "theory of Romance" by Hawthorn follows an order. The order is initiated by Hawthorn looking for to write on a serious topic. The topic is the adultery of Hester, Pearls birth, the revenge by Chillingworth and the hypocrisy of Dimmesdale. Then he chooses the setting of his characters "On the outskirst of town, within the verge of the peninsula, but not in close vicinity to any other habitation, there was a small thatched cottage."3 The small cottage is Hester's home which is isolated from society. This is a characteristic of a heroic character which is Hester. His next step is to choose characters who have lived in real life and to associate them with fictitious characters. The fictitious characters being Hester Prynne, Roger Chllingworth, Reverend Dimmesdale and Pearl. The real life character being Governor Bellingham. "Here, to witness the scene which we are describing, sat Governor Bellingham himself, with

Lifestyles Theory Essay

The â€Å"lifestyle/exposure theory† was developed by Hindelang, Gottfredson, and Garofalo (1978:243; e.g., see Goldstein, 1994; Maxfield, 1987:275; Miethe, Stafford, and Long, 1987:184). This model of criminal events links victimization risks to the daily activities of specific individuals (Goldstein, 1994:54; Kennedy and Forde, 1990:208).Lifestyles are patterned, regular, recurrent, prevalent, or â€Å"routine activities† (Robinson, 1997b; also see Cohen and Felson, 1979; Felson, 1994; Hindelang, Gottfredson, and Garofalo, 1978:241; Garofalo, 1987:24, 39). Lifestyles consist of the activities that people engage in on a daily basis, including both obligatory and discretionary activities. LeBeau and Coulson (1996:3; also see LeBeau and Corcoran, 1990) assert that:The former are activities that must be undertaken while the latter because they are pursued by choice are called discretionary. ‘An activity is discretionary if there is a greater chance of choice than constraint, and obligatory if there is a greater degree of constraint than choice† (Chapin, 1974:38). Both activities have a duration, position in time, a place in a sequence of events, and a fixed location or path in space (Chapin, 1974:37).Kennedy and Forde (1990:208) summarized the lifestyle/exposure model as â€Å"lifestyle, encompassing differences in age, sex, marital status, family income, and race, influences daily routines and vulnerability to criminal victimization, resulting in the fact that â€Å"Victimization is not evenly distributed randomly across space and time — there are high-risk locations and high-risk time periods† (Garofalo, 1987:26). â€Å"Lifestyle patterns influence (a) the amount of exposure to places and times with varying risks of victimization, and (b) the prevalence of associations with others who are more or less likely to commit crimes.† A similar theoretical model developed by Kennedy and Forde (1990: 209, 211) suggested that background characteristics and daily activities affect time spent in risky lifestyles which lead to dangerous results (i.e., criminal victimization). In their words, â€Å"demographic and lifestyle variables . . . can be interpreted as contributing to more or less ‘time spent in risky activities’ and indirectly contributing to ‘dangerous results'† (Kennedy and Forde, 1990:209).Numerous studies have shown relationships between daily activities of individuals and their likelihood of criminal victimization (Riley, 1987:340). In other words, what people do and how they behave places them at either more or less risk of criminal victimization (Maxfield, 1987; Miethe, Stafford, and Long, 1987; Sampson and Wooldredge, 1987).According to Sampson and Wooldredge (1987:372): â€Å"An active lifestyle . . . appears to influence victimization risk by increasing exposure of persons and homes to potential offenders while guardianship is low.† Yet, an active lifestyle may not necessarily increase one’s risk of criminal victimization. For example, if there is a great deal of activity by residents, neighbors, or passers by around a residence, then this activity may serve to decrease the likelihood that a property offender will victimize a residence. In fact, many property offenders are non-confrontational and want to avoid being seen by residents, neighbors, or passers by (Cromwell, Olson, and Avary, 1991; Tunnell, 1994; Wright and Decker, 1994). Whether an active lifestyle leads to higher or lower risks for criminal victimization may depend on several factors. It might depend on the nature of one’s activities — i.e., whether they are patterned and predictable to offenders, or sporadic and less predictable. This issue has not been settled by academic research, although the majority of lifestyle research suggests that active lifestyles increase risks for criminal victimization (Robinson, 1997b). Part of why there is some uncertainty about this issue is because when relationships between lifestyles and crime are studied, dependent variables typically consist of some composite measure of crime (see Robinson, 1997b; Thompson and Fisher, 1996). Whether active lifestyles lead to higher or lower risks for crime might depend on the specific type of crime that is being studied. Since composite measures of crime have been utilized by researchers rather than distinct measures of individual crime types (Bennett, 1991; Maxfield, 1987; Thompson and Fisher, 1996), it is nearly impossible to differentiate the effects of peoples’ lifestyles on different types of criminal victimization. This is problematic, because lifestyle/exposure theory is â€Å"crime specific† (Bennett, 1991:158; Thompson and Fisher, 1996). For example, crimes such as burglary and theft may create different opportunities for offenders: For a burglary to occur, an offender has to break and enter a home to get the desired goods. An offender who commits a larceny, on the other hand, may ride off with a bicycle left out on the lawn or steal something from the porch of a home. These examples demonstrate that the opportunity structure for burglary and larceny are different and therefore the two crimes must be examined separately in research (Thompson and Fisher, 1996:52; also see Gottfredson, 1984; Maxfield, 1987; Sampson and Wooldredge, 1987).Research examining the relationship between lifestyles and crime should avoid pooling or aggregating crime types, because examining the effects of lifestyles on composite measures of crime leads to inconsistent findings (Thompson and Fisher, 1996:53).

Nike of Samothrace

| Jani Smith| Ancient Cultures 212| | March 18, 2013| | Winged Victory Contents Introduction2 Discovering2 Hellenistic architecture and style2 Composition and atmosphere2 Genres and audience3 Conclusion4 Introduction One of the best known works of Hellenistic sculpture is Nike of Samothrace, now located in the Louvre museum in Paris. It is a demonstrative, and powerful sculpture which encapsulates everything great about Ancient Greece. The sculpture is made of Rhodian marble, stands 2. 45 meters tall and 2. 35 meters wide including its wings (Burn, 2004, p. 9). Nike’s sculptor is not well known, however it is presumed to have been constructed by the sculptor Pythokritos (Pollitt, 1986, p. 114) during the early second century BC. Discovering Nike was discovered in 1863 by the French consul and amateur archaeologist Charles Champoiseau, in the sanctuary of the Great Gods at Samothrace where it was originally set up. Nike is traditionally associated with the victories that was ob tained by the Rhodian fleet over the Antiochos III off Side and Myonnesos in 190/89 BCE (Ridgway, 2000, p. 50).The base of the statue is in the form of a ship’s prow (Pollitt, 1986:113), and the goddess is represented as if she has just alighted on the ship, with her wings still beating and her drapery fluttering in the wind. Hellenistic architecture and style This breath taking sculpture was created in the period when baroque style developed. The characteristic features include acanthus column bases, modillion cornices, Corinthian capitals with S-shaped spirals, segmental pediments, half–pediments and curved entablatures (Bugh, 2006:171).Baroque sculptures are well known for their powerful and immense size, the twist and turn of their body theatrically in space, frequently clad in drapery that is in motion or semi-transparent (Pollitt, 1986:114) Composition and atmosphere A sense of drama is created through the sculptor’s combination of skill at naturalism and his ability to manipulate the elements of the work. The goddess’s wings are widely spread behind her, she leans forward with her right leg and her torso tilted for balance (Burn, 2004: 90).Her wings, legs and torso create a sequence of boldly opposing diagonals that enrich the idea or impression she gives of being in motion. She becomes a dramatic study of conflicting forces and counter-forces, as she leans forward against the wind (Ridgway, 2000:155). Her breasts, abdomen, right leg, and left thigh is revealed almost as if they were nude by the drapery that is clinging with thin, long, and uneven ripples. Not only heavy but also dynamically irregular shapes and bunches are formed by excess fabric.Between her legs is a long, uneven arc of cloth that accentuates its motion and implies the counter-force of the wind against her beautiful curved body (Burn, 2004:90). The sculpture draws attention to this downward arc with a swath of drapery that hovers frontward from the goddessà ¢â‚¬â„¢s left hip. The drapery then collides in a V-shape with a longer swath at her pelvis. The fabric at the back soars out behind her in rigid crests. This gives an uneven effect of the drapery, the wind whipping the cloth, similar to the sea below her, into irregular peaks and troughs (Ridgway, 2000;155). The goddess’s wings are very naturalistic.It contributes to the chaotic, uneven and energetically active tone of the statue. The goddess pushes her wings back as far as possible, and extends them to their full length (Ridgway, 2000:155). It seems as if she is mimicking the behaviour of a bird that is about to land. If one observe her wings closely, from where their crests bent to where they joint half-way, then to their outspread and the textured feathers, it looks like an enlarge copy of Zeus’s eagle’s wings (Pollitt, 1986:116). However there is a difference, which is the lacking of the regular, fan-like arrangement in a bird’s wings.The Nikeâ€℠¢s wings are put mysteriously arranged at odd and overlapping angles to one another, very similar to the folds of the drapery (Ridgway, 2000:155). Though it appears naturalistic, the wings deceive the sculptor’s awareness in the creation of irregular patterns to propose straining and immediate action. The wings thrown out against the real wind creates an effect of imminent landing. This naturalism and exaggerated irregularity develops a sense of actuality and urgency. With her fine detailed wings and corporeal body, this unearthly being is one of the most astonishing Hellenistic art works to be seen (Ridgway, 2000:150).Genres and audience Hellenistic art is a marked by craft, technical virtuosity. Certain theatrical sense was one of the fundamental characteristics of this time. There was a fondness for dramatical settings, surprizing, and mysterious inner space (Pollitt, 1986:7). Hellenistic baroque sculptures of the third century wanted to immortalize the heroes’s vic tories. These art pieces encaptured the fortune and trails of heroes in moments of crises, designed to dazzle its audiencethrrough their sheer technical virtuosity (Pollitt, 1986:7).The sculptures were created with a specific viewpoint in mind, most importantly to â€Å"sway the soul† (psychagogia) (Bugh, 2006:172). There is a transitory story in each sculpture and each sculpture emphasizes a specific moment. The dramatic contrasts, exaggerated and distorted forms, the heightened expressions of emotion ads on to the message conveyed by the sculptor (Fowler, 1989:32). To understand them, the viewer must recapture the primeval fascination that the artist drew on in order to endow each of his creations with their own strength and impact.Conclusion Due to the lack of references in extant texts, the Nike of Samothrace’s political and historical background remains obscure. Looking at this master piece of art work, it almost seems as if the strong wind and waves from below ar e threatening to overwhelm her (the state). Nike of Samothrace’s primary purpose might have been metaphorical, acting as a â€Å"Ship of State,† guiding the state through dangerous waters (Ridgway, 2000: 153). Whatever the purpose of the sculpture was originally meant to be, it will continue to be a mysterious piece of art work.Works Cited Bugh, G. R. 2006. The Cambridge Companion To THE HELLENISTIC WORLD. New-York, USA: Cambridge University Press. Burn, L. 2004. Hellenistic Art FROM ALEXANDER THE GREAT TO AUGUSTUS. Los Angeles, USA: The British Museum Company. Fowler, B. H. 1989. THE HELLENISTIC AESTHETIC. Wisconsin, USA: The University of Wisconsin Press. Pollitt, J. (1986). Art in the Hellenistic Age. New-York, USA: Cambridge University Press. Ridgway, B. S. 2000. Hellenistic Sculpture II, The styles of ca. 200-100B. C. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Exploring the 1960’s

As an archeologist I have seen many things while traveling the world. But I recently came across an interesting time capsule in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I would have never thought the 60’s were an eventful decade, since it was way before my time, but boy was I amazed at what I found. The invention and distribution of birth control pills gave a new freedom to women and their sexuality. The assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a young president that had a promising future, along with many other high profile men who had a large support following.Woodstock in upstate New York 1969 was a huge event that spawned many other festivals featuring several day events and equally rowdy crowds throughout the U. S. And my all-time favorite movie, debuted in 1968, George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. In centuries past there have been many forms of birth control. In Egypt 1550 B. C, women would mix berries, herbs and honey as a vaginal suppository to kill sperm during intercourse.1 700’s Giovanni Casanova, and Italian adventurer and author, attempted a form of female condom with sheep intestine and lemon juice. In 1839, Charles Goodyear who vulcanized rubber, created the first true condom, douche syringes, and a womb veil or a form of a diaphragm, which was later officially called a diaphragm in 1880. But, it was not until 1960 that the first birth control pill, Envid was created, and almost half a million women were taking it for actual medical purposes other than a form of not getting pregnant.The creation of the birth control pill allowed a new freedom for women to explore their sexuality and not get pregnant, but it did not and still does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, born on May 29, 1917, was not a very healthy child. Suffering from typically ailments such as whooping cough, chicken pox, and measles, almost did not make it after a battle with scarlet fever before the age of 3. He grew up as an Irish Catholic in Massachusetts. Though a sickly and slightly clumsy kid, being one of nine kids, he had a very dominant personality.In 1936 he entered Harvard University playing football alongside his older brother Joe; however he was not as good of a player as his brother and suffered a back injury that would never fully heal. His brother Joe was the one with the aspirations to become the first Irish President. His senior year at Harvard, he wrote his thesis based on why Great Britain was not ready to take on Germany. It was later published, called Why England Slept. Joining the Navy after graduating, he served as Captain on a PT-109 to keep the Japanese from delivering supplies to their soldiers.He was awarded the Medal of Honor from both the Navy and Marine Corps for his courage and bravery after a Japanese destroyer rammed the ship he was on, splitting it in 2, killing two of the twelve crew members. JFK rescued one of his shipmates who was severely burned, as well as the rest of the crew when he wrote a note on a coconut shell that was found by natives days later. In 1946, after his service time, he ran for congress in Massachusetts and won a seat. He went on to serve 3 terms and was then elected to the Senate.He wrote a book in 1957 regarding U. S. Senators who fought for what they believed in called Profiles of Courage, which won him a Pulitzer Prize. On July 13, 1960 he was nominated by the Democratic Party to run for President of the United States, making him the youngest President (43), and was elected the 35th President on January 20, 1961. On November 22, 1963 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, also known as Jack, was riding in a motorcade on his way to a luncheon when he was hit in the head and neck passing by the Texas School Depository in Dallas, Texas.Also hit was the Governor, who later recovered from his serious chest wound. John F. Kennedy was an advocate for fighting poverty, racial discrimination, disease, war and wanted to be the first country to put a man on the moon. His assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, who also killed a police officer the same day, was himself assassinated by Jack Ruby, silencing the only man who could answer questions as to why Kennedy was killed. The assassination of JFK has been a controversial topic for many years and  until any documents and or photos come to light on who or what was behind his assassination we may never know.Kennedy was a big pusher for space exploration, and though he was not present to see his dream come true, on July 16, 1969, a team of three men were catapulted into space to be the first men on the moon. There have been many speculations as to whether this event even happened, even though there is video footage of the event, many question if it was actually just filmed on a Hollywood back lot.Since that first landing there has not been another U. S. man or woman on the moon, but there have been many who have entered space for further exploration, and it is expected that there will once again be a man/woman on the moon in the future, but for a longer period of time. Music makes the world go round. No matter what race, religion, gender or age, music can make us smile, laugh, love, cry, or calm us down. So what could bring the world together to send a message of peace, cultural expression, and openness?In 1969, more than half a million people travelled to Bethel, NY for a music festival that made sure many generations would be heard. In August 1969, over a 4 day period of time, 32 acts performed on a 600 acre dairy farm to bring awareness regarding the environment, universal human rights, free trade, and creative expression among other things. Performances by the great artists like Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Creedance Clearwater Revival and Crosby, Stiles and Nash. Many other music festivals have been established over the years but none have rivaled the original.The Woodstock Festival has been repeated two more times over the years, once in 1994 featuring bands such as repeat perfo rmer Joe Cocker, new bands of the time like Blues Travelers, as well as established bands like Metallica, Aerosmith, and also a repeat performance by Crosby, Stiles and Nash. Again, five years later, featuring Punk bands such as George Clinton and the P. Funk Band, The Offspring, and many others. Still maintaining the education of the importance of keeping our earth clean, trade among countries, and the importance of creative expression. Another form of expression is filmography.Over the years there have been a variety of movies created for our entertainment from comedy, drama, science fiction, documentaries, action and my favorite, horror. In my opinion, one of the best horror movies created was in 1968. George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead was awesome. Writer and Director George Romero went on to write many other horror movies after Night of the Living Dead, such as The Crazies (1973), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), the screen play for Stephen Kings Mo nkey Shines (1988), and two remakes of Dawn of the Dead (2004) and The Crazies (2010).The original Night of the Living Dead, did not have a well- known cast, and they did not go on to have a lucrative movie careers. The storyline is of siblings Barbara and Johnny traveling to Pennsylvania to visit the gravesite of their father. Attacked on their trip by a strange individual, Johnny is killed and Barbara runs to a nearby abandoned farmhouse or so she believes. Inside, she meets Ben, who is also trying to escape the unusual creatures that are attempting to attack them. Survival becoming key, they search the house for items they can use to keep themselves safe.Upon their search, they find a radio, and able find a working radio station they find out that radiation from a satellite that returned to Earth from Venus, is affecting the dead, and reanimating them, however it causes them to attack the living. Over the decades since the original screenplay, it has been reworked by many, but no thing Romero’s by far is my favorite. Our future is ever changing and if we have learned anything since the beginning of time is progress is important for an ever evolving world. Upon discovering the time capsule from the 1960’s, I am getting a better realization on how important change is to our future.The evolution of birth control, from Egyptians using an all-natural vaginal suppository to the creation of the pill to give women a freedom to have more sexual experiences without the consequences of pregnancy. The progress John F Kennedy tried to push, space exploration, a peaceful cohabitation between cultures and races within the United States and trying to make a difference in the poverty stricken areas in the U. S. Being the first country to put men on the moon and constantly exploring the universe, perhaps we are not the only ones here. And exploring the infinite creativeness of music and film, the possibilities are endless. Exploring the 1960’s As an archeologist I have seen many things while traveling the world. But I recently came across an interesting time capsule in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I would have never thought the 60’s were an eventful decade, since it was way before my time, but boy was I amazed at what I found. The invention and distribution of birth control pills gave a new freedom to women and their sexuality. The assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a young president that had a promising future, along with many other high profile men who had a large support following.Woodstock in upstate New York 1969 was a huge event that spawned many other festivals featuring several day events and equally rowdy crowds throughout the U. S. And my all-time favorite movie, debuted in 1968, George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. In centuries past there have been many forms of birth control. In Egypt 1550 B. C, women would mix berries, herbs and honey as a vaginal suppository to kill sperm during intercourse.1 700’s Giovanni Casanova, and Italian adventurer and author, attempted a form of female condom with sheep intestine and lemon juice. In 1839, Charles Goodyear who vulcanized rubber, created the first true condom, douche syringes, and a womb veil or a form of a diaphragm, which was later officially called a diaphragm in 1880. But, it was not until 1960 that the first birth control pill, Envid was created, and almost half a million women were taking it for actual medical purposes other than a form of not getting pregnant.The creation of the birth control pill allowed a new freedom for women to explore their sexuality and not get pregnant, but it did not and still does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, born on May 29, 1917, was not a very healthy child. Suffering from typically ailments such as whooping cough, chicken pox, and measles, almost did not make it after a battle with scarlet fever before the age of 3. He grew up as an Irish Catholic in Massachusetts. Though a sickly and slightly clumsy kid, being one of nine kids, he had a very dominant personality.In 1936 he entered Harvard University playing football alongside his older brother Joe; however he was not as good of a player as his brother and suffered a back injury that would never fully heal. His brother Joe was the one with the aspirations to become the first Irish President. His senior year at Harvard, he wrote his thesis based on why Great Britain was not ready to take on Germany. It was later published, called Why England Slept. Joining the Navy after graduating, he served as Captain on a PT-109 to keep the Japanese from delivering supplies to their soldiers.He was awarded the Medal of Honor from both the Navy and Marine Corps for his courage and bravery after a Japanese destroyer rammed the ship he was on, splitting it in 2, killing two of the twelve crew members. JFK rescued one of his shipmates who was severely burned, as well as the rest of the crew when he wrote a note on a coconut shell that was found by natives days later. In 1946, after his service time, he ran for congress in Massachusetts and won a seat. He went on to serve 3 terms and was then elected to the Senate.He wrote a book in 1957 regarding U. S. Senators who fought for what they believed in called Profiles of Courage, which won him a Pulitzer Prize. On July 13, 1960 he was nominated by the Democratic Party to run for President of the United States, making him the youngest President (43), and was elected the 35th President on January 20, 1961. On November 22, 1963 John Fitzgerald Kennedy, also known as Jack, was riding in a motorcade on his way to a luncheon when he was hit in the head and neck passing by the Texas School Depository in Dallas, Texas.Also hit was the Governor, who later recovered from his serious chest wound. John F. Kennedy was an advocate for fighting poverty, racial discrimination, disease, war and wanted to be the first country to put a man on the moon. His assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, who also killed a police officer the same day, was himself assassinated by Jack Ruby, silencing the only man who could answer questions as to why Kennedy was killed. The assassination of JFK has been a controversial topic for many years anduntil any documents and or photos come to light on who or what was behind his assassination we may never know. Kennedy was a big pusher for space exploration, and though he was not present to see his dream come true, on July 16, 1969, a team of three men were catapulted into space to be the first men on the moon. There have been many speculations as to whether this event even happened, even though there is video footage of the event, many question if it was actually just filmed on a Hollywood back lot.Since that first landing there has not been another U. S. man or woman on the moon, but there have been many who have entered space for further exploration, and it is expected that there will once again be a man /woman on the moon in the future, but for a longer period of time. Music makes the world go round. No matter what race, religion, gender or age, music can make us smile, laugh, love, cry, or calm us down. So what could bring the world together to send a message of peace, cultural expression, and openness?In 1969, more than half a million people travelled to Bethel, NY for a music festival that made sure many generations would be heard. In August 1969, over a 4 day period of time, 32 acts performed on a 600 acre dairy farm to bring awareness regarding the environment, universal human rights, free trade, and creative expression among other things. Performances by the great artists like Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Creedance Clearwater Revival and Crosby, Stiles and Nash. Many other music festivals have been established over the years but none have rivaled the original.The Woodstock Festival has been repeated two more times over the years, once in 1994 featuring bands such as repeat performe r Joe Cocker, new bands of the time like Blues Travelers, as well as established bands like Metallica, Aerosmith, and also a repeat performance by Crosby, Stiles and Nash. Again, five years later, featuring Punk bands such as George Clinton and the P. Funk Band, The Offspring, and many others. Still maintaining the education of the importance of keeping our earth clean, trade among countries, and the importance of creative expression. Another form of expression is filmography.Over the years there have been a variety of movies created for our entertainment from comedy, drama, science fiction, documentaries, action and my favorite, horror. In my opinion, one of the best horror movies created was in 1968. George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead was awesome. Writer and Director George Romero went on to write many other horror movies after Night of the Living Dead, such as The Crazies (1973), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), the screen play for Stephen Kings Monke y Shines (1988), and two remakes of Dawn of the Dead (2004) and The Crazies (2010).The original Night of the Living Dead, did not have a well- known cast, and they did not go on to have a lucrative movie careers. The storyline is of siblings Barbara and Johnny traveling to Pennsylvania to visit the gravesite of their father. Attacked on their trip by a strange individual, Johnny is killed and Barbara runs to a nearby abandoned farmhouse or so she believes. Inside, she meets Ben, who is also trying to escape the unusual creatures that are attempting to attack them. Survival becoming key, they search the house for items they can use to keep themselves safe.Upon their search, they find a radio, and able find a working radio station they find out that radiation from a satellite that returned to Earth from Venus, is affecting the dead, and reanimating them, however it causes them to attack the living. Over the decades since the original screenplay, it has been reworked by many, but nothi ng Romero’s by far is my favorite. Our future is ever changing and if we have learned anything since the beginning of time is progress is important for an ever evolving world. Upon discovering the time capsule from the 1960’s, I am getting a better realization on how important change is to our future.The evolution of birth control, from Egyptians using an all-natural vaginal suppository to the creation of the pill to give women a freedom to have more sexual experiences without the consequences of pregnancy. The progress John F Kennedy tried to push, space exploration, a peaceful cohabitation between cultures and races within the United States and trying to make a difference in the poverty stricken areas in the U. S. Being the first country to put men on the moon and constantly exploring the universe, perhaps we are not the only ones here. And exploring the infinite creativeness of music and film, the possibilities are endless.