Pronature and Pro Nurture

I think the flaw lies behind assuming that any one particular behavior is solely responsible or due to genetics. Genetics do play huge role in affecting one directly such as their responses to an issue or situation that may occur. Aggressiveness, patience, empathy or sympathy. I believe that everyone carries these genes to some degree or another and yes, that many of these behaviors can be genetically responsible. I believe that genetics such as how one's health or wellbeing such as developing breast cancer because it is a hereditary disease that is in your genetic code.As far as behaviors you cannot distinguish In my opinion are you an alcoholic because one of your uncles or relatives were or was t because you like to consume alcohol or because you picked up a bad habit from exposure all your life. I feel that many times when dealing with behaviors of others or even within yourself that they are related to how you were raised. Were you raised with values and morals? Did you live In a household where your parents expressed love, compassion, trust, and respect for others?Or were you exposed to drugs, alcohol, aggressive behaviors, exposure to toxic environments, abuse verbal, mental, physical and or sexual? If the answer Is no that your upbringing was a loving environment then It's possible that the behaviors stem from the exposure of peers. Considering everyone Is raised differently and we all carry separate genes It Is important to separate what may be genetics from what Is learned behaviors.Both genetics and learned behaviors can affect our overall behaviors In which cannot be confirmed one way or the other and cannot be controlled unless It Is taught or learned from experience, circumstances or consequences to one's Individual behaviors and how they felt about them. Either way recognizing the complexity of or-nature and pro-nurture they both are an Important role In human development. Pro-nature and pro-nurture Is what defines our personalities which create the difference within each and every one of us.Premature and Pro Nurture By puppeteers behaviors can be genetically responsible. I believe that genetics such as how one's disease that is in your genetic code. As far as behaviors you cannot distinguish in raised with values and morals? Did you live in a household where your parents mental, physical and or sexual? If the answer is no that your upbringing was a loving environment then it's possible that the behaviors stem from the exposure of peers.Considering everyone is raised differently and we all carry separate genes it is important to separate what may be genetics from what is learned behaviors. Both genetics and learned behaviors can affect our overall behaviors in which cannot be confirmed one way or the other and cannot be controlled unless it is taught or learned from experience, circumstances or consequences to one's individual pro-nature and pro-nurture they both are an important role in human development. Pro-nature and pr o-nurture is what defines our personalities which create the

Dec Of Independence Essay English

However, the document does not just serve as a list of misrepresentations and evils done by the King, but it in fact helps to outline an abstract plan of how the people of the colonies should live after secession from the Crown. Jefferson is able to annunciate, within the document, the utter importance of the basic rights all men should have. The Declaration of Independence also helps guide the people away from governments with unchecked power. Jefferson's overarching theme within the document is self- government and he writes with a huge emphasis on State representation.Basic human rights are some of the most controversial topics that the world has ever seen. The Declaration of Independence is no exception. The principles of the document all deal with basic human rights. Jefferson states the King's inhumane decisions and actions against the rights, we the people, ought to have as human beings. Jefferson states that we all have, â€Å"certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Jefferson has incredibly strong feelings about people who try to take away our natural rights and he wants to deter the States from being tuck under a government that does not respect those very rights. Not only as people do we have the privilege to these rights, but we also have the duty to preserve them at any cost. Jefferson's statements within the document help to show his true agenda; to offer a reason to change their society so that the people can be free without misrepresentation. Thomas Jefferson proves the importance of rebelling against absolute monarchs within his writing of The Declaration of Independence.He writes of how the King used his power for evil instead of good. For instance, Jefferson states, † He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. † The people Of the colonies must stand up to the British Empire at any cost to preserve their liberty and fre edom. He puts everything on the table and provides a direction to a system in which States can govern themselves and depend less on a centralized government. Jefferson demands that the people of the colonies are able to live in peace whilst completely represented in terms of taxation, military endeavors, etc.Although at times Jefferson's words seem to sound like he has a literal plan of how the colonies should be governed, in fact, it is a philosophy that does not have to be limited to just those who live in the colonies, but any person or people that feel they have been unfairly or unrightfully governed. His words offer a powerful message that any oppressor, whether a single person or a unified government, needs to be dealt with and should never be allowed to continue with wrath. The only way to entirely get rid of tyrannical or corrupt leaders, kings, etc. is to give the majority of the power to each individual state to self-govern.Jefferson feels above all else that state rights and representation are the most important ideals and values we, as a people, should have. The Declaration of Independence serves as a highly summarized game plan to create a less intrusive and less intensive government that will not unfairly govern the people. The document Serves as a message that the United Colonies are independent and shall govern themselves whether or not the King of Britain agrees. Jefferson demands that States at least have proper representation within a national government if there is to be one.Though, this document is not merely just a plan for a new government, it also serves as something more: an idea that will fuel freedom and a new beginning for the people. Jefferson uses several different means of getting his point across within The Declaration of Independence. He uses harsh examples of evil actions committed by the tyrannical government of Britain. Another example of Jefferson getting his point across is a brand new future he speaks of as well as hat th e States/Colonies could have if they get rid of the British monarch.

Child Trafficking

We talked a lot about social issues affecting human service professional since class began. We discussed the approaching of child abuse, poverty, drug abuse, school system and education, health; diverse the population and human service professional is facing every day to serve different races and poverty levels. They realized that the people they serve have differed with different values, needs, want and dignity and respect must be given to them, no matter their condition they might in or race. The human service worker must respect everyone culture and try to work with them. The social problem which I'd like to write is child trafficking. Reviewing text of child trafficking or Sex trafficking of minors refer to a number of crimes, as well as recruiting or transporting minors to sexual exploitation, exploiting them through prostitution, or exploiting them through survival sex (exchange sexual acts for something of value, such as shelter or food) is unlawful and the government need to put a stop to that.† (National Academy of Sciences, 2014). To write on child trafficking because I accept the true that many are not aware of, and they really needs to say something if you know something. Sex trafficking of children is a form of child neglect and child abuse. These problems are sensitive because working with children and seeing how affected they can be and that they suffer from being abused and hurt is something that needs to be stopped. It not only affecting them as a child as they grow into adulthood will continue to affect them. Society is also affected when we have children who by now hurt. There is a need to break this cycle in the U.S. and in other countries. The first article I read is about child trafficking in the United State and how its long term effects have on children (National Academy of Sciences, 2014). There are health issues and social problems can arise when these children to so. The article states that child trafficking is not reported or overlooked because it is happening behind closed doors. Child trafficking is impacting the U.S. because it means the children aren't getting the education, food, or nutrients they need; it becomes a recurring cycle of poverty and continuing the cycle as an adult. The article shares how many exploited children may come from a background of abuse, foster homes, homeless and sleeping in the street. Child trafficking impacts the U.S. and the law because lots of states operation is viewed through prostitution law. This impacts our juvenile system, â€Å"minors can be arrested and charged with crimes instead of treating these sexually exploited minors as victims. These children and adolescents may be arrested, adjudication or conviction, and commitment; they may have permanent records as offenders† (National Academy of Sciences, 2014). Child trafficking and abduction cases in Nigeria are now topic globally. The clarity inside the story in Nigeria of trafficking people is not only base on sexual exploitation, but children are forcefully taken from their homes brought into slavery also, forced to unwanted marriages to a man older than them, and illegal adoptions. The article I reviewed shows how child trafficking has been taken place in the country and what is been prepared to assist the children that has affected by it. Child trafficking in Nigeria is so large now that it is actually bringing the country together to ask why. The matter is pretty huge that the people are annoying and want to involve and call on the government for their support on finding these children who are unlawfully kidnapped by these traffickers. The article also states that this is being done as a â€Å"factory† type of business. The country is impacted because of poverty and lack of legal justice. It influences Nigeria by not having trust in the government. It can also influence a person's trust of whom to trust. So the long-term effects that have been accomplished now in the U.S. to evaluate child trafficking is acknowledging the fact that is happening and something need to get done, we need policymakers to call on state, local, tribal, and protective jurisdictions to expand laws and regulation to push through survivors of sexual exploitation under the age of 18 away from the accusers arrest and prosecute them. Toward systems, agencies, and services that are available to them† (National Academy of Sciences, 2014). I think training for those who work with children is needed to realize the harshness of this matter as a result so they can learn how to help these children. In Nigeria there has been out cries to help stop child trafficking and by going a step further asking for help from the outside agencies and other countries because they do not have any trust in their own country to fix the problem. Another way Nigerians are seeking to fix the problem is having private agencies work with specific areas to try to prevent before it happens. One important thing think could also be accomplish thing that could be done is to indict or prosecuting those who pay for these services. Providing the exploited children services that they need to be successful in society such as education, work, and the proper counseling through their recovery. I also believe that more funding should be remarked to the after care of those kids involved in these misdeeds.

Point-Of-Purchase Advertising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Point-Of-Purchase Advertising - Essay Example Every time I pay for something at a convenience store or shopping mall, my eyes always stray to the magazine rack. The colorful front covers never fail to catch my attention. What is featured on those covers is also eye-catching. While I wait for my turn with the cashier, I find myself reading the tidbits about celebrities or appreciating the blurbs on interior decorating. On some days I would find myself getting a copy of one or two magazines from the display to add them to my purchases. The same thing happens to me when it comes to food. Whenever I go grocery shopping, I always come home with something I did not plan on buying. There was one time I only wanted to buy toiletries but arrived home with three cans of Campbell’s Mushroom Soup because the store was having a Buy One, Take One promo on the product. On other days, I would get a spaghetti pack since the store would have noodles and canned tomato sauce packaged as one item. The last product would be cosmetics. As a fem ale, I would always be on the lookout for bargains and sales. Although I am not the type to go to the mall specifically to buy any kind of make-up, when I see a basket with lip colors for a discounted price a piece, I normally grab some, thinking I could send them out later as gifts. This happens most often during the Christmas season when a number of cosmetic items are on sale. Another reason I tend to buy an eye-shadow kit, for example, is when the sales person offers to try the colors on me and I end up looking really nice. For food, cosmetics and magazine, I often find myself buying the products because of several reasons. For the magazines, I patronize because I find certain stories on the cover interesting. I am also a big fan of some celebrities so when they are featured by a magazine and I like the story about them, I buy the literature. I find the point-of-purchase marketing for this product helpful. If the magazines were not displayed near the checkout counter, I would not have seen the magazines. If so, I would not have gotten the information I was interested in. For the food products, I think their POP marketing was also effective but not as effective as that for the magazines. I did not find these annoying. However, I think that some of these did not even reach their target markets on some days. For example, as I was heading towards the dairy section one time, I happened to notice some promotional products on the display in another section. Since I did not need anything in that section, I did not stop to check out the items being advertised. In this sense, I think the POP was wasted. I have the same sentiments for the POP marketing used in cosmetics. I think these products are more of a luxury for most consumers than a necessity. On the other hand, customers will be still be encouraged to buy lipstick or compact powder after POP marketing like trial make-up, discounts and freebies because it is a chance to have a very expensive product to beautify themselves with. As a marketing executive for any of the three products, I would continue to spend some of my advertising budget on point-of-purchase advertising. These kinds of promotions â€Å"have been found to have a significant influence on consumer shopping behavior†¦ Point-Of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) reports that as much [as] 75 percent of buying decisions are made in-store.† (Nicolas, 2007) I would probably change some aspects of the POP based on the location of the product in a grocery store, for example. Not all products can enjoy the spot near the cashier where people spend time in line and can still make an impulse decision on the items in their line of vision. Some products are even in an aisle that may only see

Superbowl ad strategy placement for Coke Zero Assignment

Superbowl ad strategy placement for Coke Zero - Assignment Example Coca Cola could connect themselves with one of the teams playing, and have some of its fans wearing jerseys with sponsorship that does not refer directly to the event (Scaria 23). Coke Zero will take advantage of the fact that most Americans do not show up to their workplaces the day after the Super Bowl, while some arrive late. Thus, Coke Zero should launch a campaign on twitter called #Zero Monday, which would be emblazoned on the fans’ jerseys. The viewers would then be directed to the Coke Zero website on searching the term. Coke Zero should launch a campaign to get the day after Super Bowl declared a Federal holiday using fans of a specific team. Some fans could be placed in the crowd with placards inviting citizens to give ideas through twitter on how to turn #Zero Monday into reality using this hash tag. Coke Zero will then seek to tie the campaign to an effort aimed at giving fans of the chosen team a day off, in which they will either mourn, or celebrate the defeat or success of their team. Low Nielsen ratings are bad news for any TV station that makes money out of advertising (Sissors 56). Therefore, for the Tulsa NBS affiliate with low ratings, it is crucial to spike their ratings in order for them to get ad placements from the Ford automobile dealership. One such way is to run special promotions and contests during the week in which Nielsen is due to conduct its sweeps. This will be aimed at spiking the ratings, which will convince the ford dealer that there are just as many people watching the station as other competitors. For example, the TV station can urge its viewers to note the programs being watched in their households, which will encourage households that have Nielsen diaries to watch shows on their channel. The station could also mark the four months during which ratings are held on their

INTERMEDIATE MACROECONOMICS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

INTERMEDIATE MACROECONOMICS - Essay Example The ASF line was a vertical line with interest rates measured along the y axis. Thus, the ASF line was unresponsive to changing interest rates at a given level of output (GDP). Both Money and Supply are unresponsive to interest rate changes as well. It is assumed that the GDP is at a profit-maximizing level. Hence, any change in the level of APE will not be complemented by a similar rise in ASF. This is because when APE increases, and the buyers hunt for cash through funding, the ASF remains the same as money supply and the velocity of money are taken to be unresponsive to any changes in interest rates. In order to cope with this excess demand, the banks will offer higher interest rates, and keep going higher till it overshadows the excess demand. Even though demand was high, there was no real increase in expenditure because APE was unresponsive, and thus businesses never had any incentive to raise prices or output; hence, GDP remained the same too. The APE curve will shift back to i ts position eventually owing to increased interest rates which curb demand. Same is the case when APE falls; price and output are unaffected. It is only when the ASF, being a vertical line still in classical macroeconomic theory, shifts to the right or left is the price and output of product (GDP) affected. When funding (ASF) increases, interest rates fall which in turn raises APE. The economy will find a new equilibrium ahead of the current GDP, giving an incentive to producers to increase prices (producers in this version of the macroeconomic theory are taken to be satisfied at current level of output). Once prices are increased, it curbs funding (ASF), which in turn increases interest rates. When rates are increased, the APE falls until all three, interest, ASF, and APE are back at the initial equilibrium. Hence, it could be concluded that a rise in ASF would only cause inflation without any chance in output or employment. As such, a fall in ASF would result in a loss of APE, cau sing loss of demand and higher interest rates. Businesses will counter with lower prices, causing ASF to rise again and APE to go back to its original level, without any change in output or employment. This was the same case with any fall in GDP, so that if output fell, and prices rose, resulting in less ASF, all businesses had to do was readjust their costs and consequently prices of goods in order to increase expenditure (APE) back up again and with the help of lower interest rates, ASF to rise up back to its original level. Output would remain unaffected. According to classical macroeconomic coordination, all these changes were to take place over a period of time. However, the Great Depression of 1929 saw unparalleled levels of unemployment and loss of GDP which brought a change in theories since. The first change was on the control of expenditure. It was seen that when APE rose, the corresponding change in interest rates would not be able to fully engulf the new rise in demand. Some demand would be funded affecting the conditions of the market, causing temporary rise in output and inflation. On the contrary, if APE fell, interest rates would also remain unchanged until manufacturers responded by cutting costs and prices. However, the macroeconomic coordination’s tendency to find the equilibrium by altering the prices to reach GDP at full-employment is faced with two problems. Firstly, APE can fall to such

Market-Based Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market-Based Management - Case Study Example Boeing can seek to eliminate waste by streamlining processes while at the same time improving quality, empowering employees, responding fast to customer demand, and increasing profits. Boeing can thus embrace lean, which is an idea that advocates, designing, manufacturing, delivering and supporting products more effectively and at costs that are lower-while methodically identifying as well as eliminating waste-throughout the life cycle of the product. Lean utilizes the just-in-time system which provides external and internal customers with what they need, when they need it, and at the best possible low price. MBM will thus equip Boeing with an overall framework (paradigm) for understanding the firm’s problems. It will also assist Boeing in examining and evaluating the tools of total quality management, just-in-time inventory as well as other concepts for improving its performance. For Boeing to remain relevant and carry on as an aerospace pacesetter, win new businesses in addi tion to creating and maintaining jobs, it continuously must look for ways to make its planes cost-competitive. Boeing can integrate MBM with Value Driven Management (VDM) so as to arrive at better decision making in the company at all levels.VDM, for instance, acknowledges that top-down command in addition to control structures may not function properly, particularly in the big multibusiness corporation such as Boeing. VDM, therefore, calls upon managers to utilise value-based performance metrics so as to make better decisions.

Industry Report OR Design of a Performance Essay - 1

Industry Report OR Design of a Performance - Essay Example The improvement is not restricted to any individual employee; a performance management process locates the performance of whole team and ensures versatile improvement. Performance management can reveal the current position and skills of employees and areas where employees need to be developed. The research paper will describe and analyze the performance management system and good business practices of one healthcare organization in UAE, named RAK Hospital. In hospital industry the performance of employees are vital for company’s success. It can ensure good customer satisfaction and create a good image of company. This paper will describe the good business practices of RAK Hospital which is one the reasons for its success. Further, it will recommend the possible solutions which can improve the performance management system in RAK Hospital. ... Office of Personnel Management, n.d.) Performance management is defined as a continuing procedure of communication that is commenced by an employee and his immediate boss. Through performance management an employee can recognize the essential task that the company expects from him and how the task of the employee can contribute to the mission and objectives of the company. Performance management can ensure to improve the performance of employees in case any employee is performing below the desired level of efficiency or replicating similar mistakes (Bacal, 1999). To mange the performance efficiently it requires an understanding of the framework in which the performance management procedure occurs. The performance management procedure must be initiated along with keeping in mind the strategic goals and core values of the company. It is important for any company to select the right employee into the system (Cardy & Et. Al., 2011). The performance management process includes planning, m onitoring, developing, rating and rewarding. Source: (U.S. Office of Personnel Management, n.d.). These five components can make a successful performance management. RAK Hospital RAK is one of the superior hospitals of the Middle East nation UAE. The hospital was established by the joint venture between government of ‘Ras Al Khaimah’ and ‘ETA Star Healthcare’ in Dubai city. ETA Star Healthcare has a medical library in Dubai city and it is active in the business of medicinal, diagnostic and imaging tools. The RAK hospital is sponsored by Arabian Healthcare. The design of the hospital is developed by Eller Becket which is one of the top engineering, interior design and manufacture companies of the US. This hospital provides variety of premium rooms with a capacity of 65 beds,

Multimedia Creative Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Multimedia Creative Project - Assignment Example According to Richard Louv’s ‘The Nature Principle’ he tells of how the  entire  family and whole societies can get happier, smarter and healthier through more encounters with the natural world (Louv 10). In this project, one out of his ten reasons why children and adults need vitamin-N is analyzed. The reason I chose is ‘Nature can reduce depression and improve psychological well-being (5).’ Scientists in Sweden have discovered that joggers who practice in natural green environments feel more reinstated and less angry, anxious, or depressed than individuals who burn the similar amount of calories exercising in a constructed urban setting (Louv 10). The reason I pick this reason is that in my video I experienced what the Louv’s discusses. When I was along the road in between the vegetations I felt restored and breathe fresh air that made cycling very enjoyable. The environment was green and lovely thus a place to reduce depression and improv es psychological health. However, a long the town center it was dull, congested and no fresh air (Louv 10). This is an indication that doing exercise within the town is less enjoyable, cannot reduce depression or improve psychological well-being. Researchers have developed models that can be used to associate human and nature. One of those models is HANDY (Human And Nature DYnamics) (Haila 100). This was originally constructed on the basis of predator-prey framework or model. Here the human population is taken as the predator, while nature, the natural possessions of the adjacent environment, can be seen as the prey, exhausted by humans. In animal frameworks, carrying capability is an upper limit on long-term population. The moment the population exceeds the carrying capacity, phenomenon such as migration or starvation bring the population back off (Haila 100). . However, in the circumstance of human communities, the inhabitants does not

Reform Model for Prisoners Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reform Model for Prisoners - Essay Example The judgment of effecting punishment as an alternative approach to reform prison inmates does not entirely help them become non-violent members of the society. Gilligan emphasizes on an overwhelming weight of empirical evidence that punishment in prison is the most potent stimulus or cause of violence contrary to the widespread belief to its adherence. With the current condition of our state prisons where inmates are crammed into tiny prison cells and brutal solitary confinements allows more room for violence in order to protect oneself from the onslaught of further invasion of privacy. Typical hatred of inmates is shown on our retributive type of justice when Bedau cited that "it is applied randomly at best and discriminatorily at worst upon those whose offenders who are people of color, poor and uneducated". Brutal punishments and solitary confinements imparts to the inmates that human life does not deserve an iota of respect thus punishment is legitimate. He further added "that threat of severe punishment cannot deter criminals especially ones who are in the drug trade". Gilligan for his part promotes "the successful re-entry of prisoner into society as productive people as a positive tool for their transformation". Support coming from the community itself by shunning the social stigma and stereotype attached to former prisoners erases the chance of evoking anger and trauma. Education according to him is the key to prevent or at least reduce the incidence of crimes by providing tools needed to acquire knowledge and skills, self-esteem and respect for others. Almaraz supports the reform model as an effective implementation tool that is best supported by the government and communities. He believes in a reform model which consists of programs such as college degree courses, therapy and job training opportunities for inmates while in jail. Although such pro-life activities require a costly maintenance the possibility of learning through one's own mistakes may create a morally subservient person. We cannot dismiss the fact that violence is perpetrated by violators and violators begets violence; hatred begets hate and thus allowing hatred while in the process of reform mentally implies that the negative attitude is a form of life. Mexico, heavily relies on the reform model and promotes the efficient scientific principle of the "positive" school by expanding treatment to low risk offenders and attempts at separating the violent prisoners form the non-violent ones. Viable education and behavioral modification and treatment programs are made available to prisoners who are willing to commit to reform. Drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation serves to lessen the chances for recidivism. Summary and Conclusion In support of the reform model of effecting a desirable change for the inmates especially among first time offenders, the Jacksonian theory of absolute and brutal distinction should be discarded. Prisoners have not repudiated their membership in the community thus temporary exclusion does not require branding with harsh treatment to accomplish moral and political correctness. The prosecution and persecution of

Compounding Pharmacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Compounding Pharmacy - Essay Example In order to answer this question, it is important first do define compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacy, as defined by the NABP, is actually â€Å"†¦the preparation, mixing, assembling, packaging, or Labeling of a Drug or Device (i) as the result of a Practitioner’s Prescription Drug Order or initiative based on the Practitioner/patient/Pharmacist relationship in the course of professional practice, or (ii) for the purpose of, or as an incident to, research, teaching, or chemical analysis and not for sale or Dispensing.† (Walkup n. p.) In this case, it is important to note that in compounding pharmacy, ensuring quality must always be top priority (Walkup n. p.). Ensuring quality, which includes obtaining Certificates of Good Manufacturing Practices and Certificate of Analysis (in which a third party testing is used to extend BUD beyond USP standards) will ensure that one can do almost anything, even tailor-made for the patient, ensuring trust with consumers an d profitability. Works Cited Walkup, Kenny. An Introduction to Independent Community Pharmacy Ownership. Specialty Medicine Compounding Pharmacy, n. d. PowerPoint file.

The Influence and Artistic Intent of Caravaggio Essay Example for Free

The Influence and Artistic Intent of Caravaggio Essay Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, an Italian painter, known to be one of the most influential painters of the Baroque period. Known for his realistic portrayal of the human state, along with the use of dramatic lighting and intense use of tenebrism. While Caravaggio’s dramatic lighting is very iconic, he was most notorious for his naturalistic and raw approach to portraying his subjects. With Caravaggio’s homicidal tendencies aside, this raw and uncensored approach that he took led him to become an infamous painter of 89 pieces during his lifetime. Evidence can be seen from future painters and even in photography, that Caravaggio is one of, if not the most influential painter to have come out of the Baroque period. Caravaggio did not acquire this status easily and, as a matter of fact, lived a rather tempestuous life. Born in Milan to Fermo Merisi and Lucia Aratori, Caravaggio lived an unfortunate life early on. He was orphaned at a young age, and as a result, ended up as an apprentice to Simone Peterzano, to happened to have been a former apprentice of Titian. This eventually led him to become an assistant to various artists in Rome, before setting out on his own. Caravaggio’s first main commission was a series of three monumental canvases devoted to St. Matthew that he painted for the Contarelli Chapel in San Luigi dei Francesi. The most notable piece of art in this series is The Calling of St. Matthew. Caravaggio’s naturalistic style really came into its own in this piece. Caravaggio painted the world how he knew it, and his pieces reflected that. The subjects in his art were not idealized, such as the figures in High Renaissance art. Neither were they distorted, elongated, or overtly elegant like the figures commonly seen in Mannerism art. This naturalistic depiction of people was shocking and seen as radical. Specifically, in The Calling of St. Matthew, Caravaggio took a religious scene and turned it into a piece depicting common looking people. Up until this point, people had never seen a sacred subject depicted in the context of contemporary low-life. This piece had elements of genre scenes in it, meaning it looked like a scene from everyday life. However, what is special about this work of art is that it does not easily become mistaken as secular or a simple genre scene. Cleverly, this is because of the gesture that Jesus is giving to Matthew. The relaxed hand is reminiscent of God’s hand in Michelangelo’s piece The Creation of Adam. Every aspect of this piece is done in such a beautiful manner that it bridges the gap between the highly idealized and religious artwork of the High Renaissance and the common lowlifes of the contemporary period. This execution makes this work of art accessible and appreciated by the common man. Not only was Caravaggio’s naturalistic style becoming apparent in this work, but also so was his dramatic and tenebristic style. Caravaggio establishes a certain amount of intensity and drama as a result of his dark and high-contrast style. Not only does he establish a certain atmosphere, but this style also includes within it. Through his Caravaggio’s use of tenebrism, Christ’s face becomes illuminates in the dark scene to allow the viewer to see the moment that He calls Matthew. If Caravaggio did not include this dramatic use of lighting, it would lose its sense of divineness. His goal was to make the Christian mysteries accessible to every person. While Caravaggio’s unorthodox approach to sacred stories was generally well received, not all works of his were appreciated during his time. A notable work of art that was not appreciated by many during his time was â€Å"The Death of the Virgin†. Laerzio Alberti commissioned Caravaggio to paint this piece for his family chapel in Sta. Maria della Scale, the newly constructed church of the Discalced Carmelites. He was given a year to finish it, but in the end, it was rejected. Modern scholars as to why the picture was rejected. One reason was that the Virgin was improper. Her legs were exposed, her ankles and belly were swollen, and also, she was studied from the bloated corpse of a prostitute whom Caravaggio had relations with. This painfully naturalistic approach caused him trouble with ecclesiastical authorities. Other forms of speculation explain that, notably, the Virgin was shown as dead instead of dying, with not transition of going to heaven. This went against Caravaggio’s contract, which required that he include the conventional rendition of Mary’s passage from her death to her Assumption. Various hypotheses are given as an explanation as to why Caravaggio took the approach that he did, but all are merely speculation and nothing has been confirmed. The general assumption an be made that Caravaggio took this approach because it is merely the manner in which he approached all of his pieces. He did not desire to idealize anyone or anything and chose to present all scenes in such a naturalistic manner that it was approachable from all levels of society. Caravaggio’s naturalistic and dramatic style inspired many, and his influence can easily be seen in many future artists’ wor ks. After Caravaggio’s untimely death, many artists came to be considered his â€Å"followers† even though they never met or worked alongside the artist. While some artists imitated Caravaggio for a brief time, others remained committed to Caravaggio’s style for the duration of their lives. These painters, labeled as the Caravaggisti, emulated aspects of Caravaggio’s style and technique. These followers were intrigued by Caravaggio’s gritty realism and intense use of lighting. A notable Caravaggisti would be Artemisia Gentileschi. Gentileschi personally knew Caravaggio, and evidence can be seen in her work that he influenced her to a certain degree. One of her more famous pieces, Judith and Her Maidservant With the Head of Holofernes, has influences of Caravaggio’s style in it. Most notably is the strong use of tenebrism to create a very dramatic atmosphere to the piece. Moreover, the figures are not idealized and the subjects appear as common lowlifes. Gentileschi was not the only artist to show influences of Caravaggio. Artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt can also see slight influences of Caravaggio’s style in their work. It can be seen that Rubens adopted the religious themes and physicality of figures in his work. Along with that, it can be seen that Rubens also adopted Caravaggio’s tenebristic style to a certain degree. This can most notably be seen in his piece, The Descent from the Cross. Rubens uses dramatic lighting to focus on Christ to create a striking focal point. Rembrandt uses this technique in a similar manner as well. A notable piece in which influences of Caravaggio can be seen in Rembrandt’s work is in the piece, The Blinding of Samson and The Nightwatch. Both pieces can be seen utilizing forms of tenebrism to create dramatic atmospheres. Not only are these atmospheres dramatic, but Rembrandt also uses the light in a manner in which he creates a strong focal point, similarly to Rubens. Caravaggio did not only influence the painters that came after him, but also in photography of future centuries. Despite playing a key role in defining the 17th century, Caravaggio was largely forgotten until interest in him renewed in the 20th century when emerging artists were adopting techniques and imitating his style. The greatest reason for this was the popular emergence of the camera. Because of the spontaneity and directness of photographs, people began to realize the greatest of Caravaggio’s art again. Also, Caravaggio had such a naturalistic approach to his paintings that the realism as a result appealed to many photographers. Along with this, art critic Roberto Longhi brought Caravaggio’s name to the foreground, praising him and saying, â€Å"With the exception of Michelangelo, no other Italian painter exercised so great an influence. † These two factors revived Caravaggio’s name in the early 1900’s and made people realize his greatness. Also, there has been much speculation with historians that Caravaggio even incorporated early photographic techniques into his paintings. They say that he illuminated models through a hole in the ceiling and the image was projected on a canvas using a lens and a mirror; an early form of camera obscura. Along with that, Caravaggio supposedly â€Å"fixed† the image, using light-sensitive substances for around half an hour, during which he used white lead mixed with chemicals and minerals that were visible in the dark, which he used to paint the images. Also, one of the elements that were used in these mixtures was mercury, which prolonged exposure to it can affect the central nervous system, which can potentially cause irritability. Historians trace this back to potentially factoring into Caravaggio’s temper. While this is highly improbable to be the cause of Caravaggio’s temper, it can be argued that it could very well have been a direct factor. Regardless, these innovations of Caravaggio show the obvious talent that he had and why he had so much influence of future artists. From what was explained, conclusions can be drawn that Caravaggio was one of the, if not the most influential artist of the Baroque period. With Caravaggio’s potent combination of naturalism and intense tenebrism, he created a style of gritty realism that appeal to many people and inspired the work of future artists. While Caravaggio’s unorthodox approach to his work was rather shocking, it also inspired just as many. Evidence can be drawn from future painters that Caravaggio’s style inspired many works of art. Even in today’s art, we can see hints of how Caravaggio’s raw and dramatic art has rippled forward through time and continues to influence art today.

Arguments Against Nuclear Weapons

Arguments Against Nuclear Weapons Nuclear weapons. Without a doubt, the deadliest form of weapon man has ever invented, capable of killing millions of people and annihilating entire cities. They are inhumane weapons that carry catastrophic effects when used which are present for many years after the explosion. Despite this, there are thousands of nuclear weapons in possession of several nations around the world. Even if these weapons of mass destruction were never actually used for the purpose of causing harm, their very existence still carries significant consequences. I firmly believe that the only way to bring an end to the needlessly harmful effects that such weapons carry is a ban on both their use and possession or at least a reduction in countries nuclear arsenal and in this essay I will be explaining why. Obviously, one of the main arguments against the possession and use of nuclear weapons is their devastating effect on both the people and the environment. So far, the only use of nuclear weapons for the purpose of warfare was the USAs use of atomic bombs in Japan during the events of World War 2. These bombs were relatively small compared to the weapons possessed by some nations today, but their use still had catastrophic effects. After the bomb ironically named Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima, 5 square miles of the city was destroyed, 70,000 80,000 people were immediately and mercilessly killed by the blast. Others died either from the collapsing buildings or from the intense radiation exposure. The suffering did not end there, the increased radiation levels in the area caused a massive increase in the cancer occurrences in people and birth deformities. The environment was also inevitably affected; the radioactive fallout caused plants and wildlife to be affected. While this ma y seem bad, the technological advances in society today has spawned even more destructive and dangerous nuclear weapons that, if used would have effects far worse than what was seen during World War 2. In addition, some scientists hypothesise that a small scale nuclear war between India and Pakistan would result in megatons of black carbon being released into the atmosphere, causing what scientists call a Nuclear Winter. This would lead to global temperatures falling and we would receive 9% less rain every year. This would ultimately cause crop failure worldwide and an estimated 2 billion people would starve. Chemical reactions would also occur in the atmosphere which would thin the Earths ozone layer, which protects us from the suns ultraviolet rays. In a couple of years after the nuclear exchange, the ozone layer would be approximately 20 to 25 percent thinner. The decreased protection from UV radiation from the sun would lead to an increased occurrence of skin cancer in people and a further amount of crop failure. Furthermore, possessing and maintaining nuclear weapons is also very costly, the scientists have high salaries and the materials are expensive. The weapons need to be continuously maintained and money also needs to be spent on waste management. The UK spends an enormous  £2 billion each year on running and maintaining Trident (the UKs nuclear weapon arsenal). That is around the amount spent on the NHS each week. There are also discussions on whether the Trident submarines should be replaced. This would cost around  £100 billion. That is a massive amount of money which could be much better spent on essential services such as healthcare and education. This is especially important considering the financial crisis that the NHS is in which may force them to abandon free healthcare for the public unless they get more funding. Needless to say, this would have a very undesirable effect on the public. One of the most popular arguments for the possession of nuclear weapons is that they are very useful as deterrents and help to maintain peace between nations. In order for the idea of nuclear deterrence to be effective, we must assume that all nation leaders think the best interest of the people of their country. However, it is well known that some nations do not play by this very delicate ruleset. These include terrorist organisations. This is a gamble on millions of human lives that is not worth taking. Because most nuclear threats come from dictatorships and terrorist organisations instead of genuine governments, it would be morally wrong to cold-bloodedly kill tens of thousands of civilians because of the actions of a select few. There is also the risk of accidental firings because of mistakes, errors in calculations or moments of panic. The fact that just one single mistake or irrational decision can take the lives of millions of people is yet another reason why it is wrong for anyone to possess such weaponry. The possession of nuclear weapons also brings about the risk of loss or theft. With the growing nuclear arsenal of nations such as Russia, other nations may find it necessary to upgrade their nuclear arsenal to counteract the possible threat. An increased number of nuclear weapons means a greater risk of them being stolen, lost or even worse, detonated. This issue is becoming increasingly more important with the new president of the United States Donald Trump wanting his countrys nuclear arsenal to be above all else. This nuclear superiority the US desires will surely increase the tension between nations and amplify the risk of a nuclear attack or accident. In conclusion, the possession of nuclear weapons will continue to bring its vast array of disadvantages, whether that be the catastrophic effects that a nuclear weapon explosion could bring. Using valuable money that could be much better spent elsewhere such as in healthcare or education. Or by being the cause of many conflicts and suffering across the world. As long as nations possess nuclear weaponry, they will most likely be used again, either on purpose or by accident. The only way to prevent this would be for nuclear weapons to follow the same fate as chemical and biological weapons and receive a worldwide ban on both their possession and use.

Creativity in the Urban Environment

Creativity in the Urban Environment Creative and cultural spaces Jana Sorel Introductie The creative industries determine the future of our region by ensuring a flourishing creative and cultural climate. – Flanders Creative Industries Platform (2011) Today, the knowledge and experience economy has expanded towards an economy which recognizes the importance of cultural and now also creative industries (Evans G., 2009). Creative industries are something of the 21th century, but creativity itself has been used since the 70’s to improve the development of a city. During that period, cities were empty because the process of suburbanization was going on. Then there was the awareness in the heads of policymakers that this process leads to a drain of the city centres and they tried to attract people to the city centre again by creating a space filled with artists (and other creative people) who used educational background to produce small, high-tech businesses or start-ups. It was picked up by policymakers as the way to turn the process into growth and prosperity of the cities again (Vanneste D., 2015). Bottom-up regeneration of those abandoned areas was stimulated by the creative class (Florida, 2002). Creativity took an importan t role in the cities but they didn’t talk about creative cities/hubs yet. Now, since the late 90’s creativity becomes linked with creative industries in which they focus on production and consumption of so-called creative products. Creativity is now linked with innovation and economic growth but what is a creative city exactly? According to the paper of Evans G. (2009), creative industries are now seen to comprise â€Å"those industries that have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have the potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property† (DCMS, 1998/2001, p. 5). Different researchers state that there’s a growing evidence that cultural and creative industries are good sources of growth and jobs, benefiting local communities, regions and states (EY, 2014). The aim of this paper is to identify the influence of creativity clusters (â€Å"creative hubs†) on the urban e nvironment, both urban neighbourhoods and communities. Influence of creativity on the urban environment Scientific research states that the cultural and creative industries play a crucial role in the development of the regional economy. Figures illustrate the growing employment and the share of these sectors in the Gross National Product (GNP) (Evans G., 2009 ; Martens B. et al., 2014). The creative industries determine a region’s future by ensuring a flourishing creative and cultural climate (Flanders Creative Industries Platform,2011) and a focus on the creative economy therefore represents the latest wave of interest in culture as a post-industrial urban revitalization strategy. However, some places are more successful than others. The importance of creativity in a place is namely not only about production but also about consumption. It’s the government that invests money in places where a lot of people and as a consequence a lot of voters live, so cities are privileged, but why†¦? Creative hubs maintain collective order through social and cultural capital in combination with distinctive institutional infrastructure. Educational institutions, trade unions and a lot of other institutions (such as museums, galleries,†¦) are present in those hubs (IPoP, 2011). Creative hubs are not only places of cultural production, but also act as places where creative know-how and competences are being preserved, interchanged and combined. In this way, fresh affluxes of new talented individuals can be assured (IPoP, 2011) and creativity and culture are now seen as knowledge-based innovation strategies. Since creative hubs go for high educated and skilled activities, research often poses that the economic factor is the most important aspect for the creation and development of creative industries. Artists’ centres make important contributions to regional economies, but also to the social, cultural and commercial lives of their neighbours. First of all, cultural and creative industries are among the EU’s biggest employers and have experienced sustained growth even through recession. Today, around 3.3 percent of the active population in Europe is (in)directly employed in creative industries (figure 1). Job creation in cultural and creative industries is still growing at a rate of 0.7% (between 2008 and 2012), even as the number of jobs in the rest of the economy fell 0.7% (EY, 2014). In most cases they are thus relatively small, but when you look at specific sectors not directly associated with cultural or creative industry sectors in ‘creative occupations’ (such as car design) numbers will be much higher, for example in the Netherlands this counts for 47% of the employment (Evans G., 2009). Figure 1: employment distribution between the different sectors in thousands 2012 (source: EY, 2014). Secondly, income can be generated for housing and local shopping, sometimes amplified by drawing tourists and visitors from surrounding areas. Money is spent in the stores and restaurants (Markusen A. Johnson A., 2006). In association with the occupation and beautification of vacant buildings, rent rises and property regenerates (Evans G.,2009). Next, according to da Cunha I.V. and Selada C., the environment of a so-called creative hub tends to be diverse, multicultural and vibrant, with the presence of foreign talents too. People are attracted to places which combine different functions such as residential, working, learning, shopping and entertainment functions. Such places foster the emergence of a good place to live, work, learn and play. In addition, â€Å"informal arts† play a critical role in building social networks and connections across communities. Studies show that for example Mexican immigrants in Chicago â€Å"use artistic and cultural practices to break down social isolation, create new social networking relationships, strengthen bonds among group members, and create local and transnational ties with [outside] institutions† (Stern M.J. Seifert S.C., 2008). Creative hubs build a bridge between different social classes, ethnicities,†¦ . Mutual exchange within these creative hubs improves bot h innovation and competitiveness, but reduces social inequalities as well. Creating a common space is probably the most challenging collaboration. In the same article, it’s argued that the engagement in cultural activities increases life quality of the inhabitants of a community because of the reinforcing social diversity. Creative activities construct and reinforce shared cultural identities among different groups of people such as immigrants, refugees, and people of colour (Grams D. Warr M., 2003). Likewise, diverse neighbourhoods house more cultural programs, cultural participants and artists because of the â€Å"open door mentality†. According to Markusen A. and Johnson A. (2006) â€Å"anyone who expresses an interest may become a member, have access to events and services at an affordable price, and apply for merit-based mentorships, funding, and exhibitions†. Nevertheless, competition and tensions can tax the energy of people inside the creative hub (Mark usen A. Johnson A., 2006). The creation/development of cultural and creative hubs is sometimes seen a possibility to draw tourists too. Researchers found a direct connection between culture and revitalization of a community (Stern M.J. Seifert S.C., 2008). Creative hubs are located in places where economic and social as well as cultural assets are available. Creative activity complements and stimulates the creation of other artistic, commercial, and community venues. As mentioned by Jacobs (1961) â€Å"mosaic of unique cultural destinations that encourage city residents to cross porous borders to visit distinctive neighbourhoods†. However, this is criticized by Evans G. (2009): â€Å"it is clear that these are judged and celebrated by their proponents in cultural, heritage and local ‘endogenous’ terms such as property and local trade (Jayne and Bell, 2004), rather than in macroeconomic market terms†. Externalities Although the development of creative hubs is stimulated and one of the main focuses is of policy makers, gentrification and the possible expansion of inequality remain the most common fears. Of particular relevance to the creative hubs is the emergence of â€Å"winner-take-all† labour markets (Stern M.J. Seifert S.C., 2008). The increased inequality can be explained by the requirements of jobs within these industries. The creative industries are namely dominated by jobs with high educational requirements (Stern M.J. Seifert S.C., 2008). This increases the opportunities for high skilled workers, but for people with less educational qualifications, the opportunity to find a job will decrease. Conclusion In this paper, different aspects are listed of how a creative hub can influence the urban environment. In many cases creativity is used as a synonym of culture, but culture doesn’t cover everything. We have to understand that culture also includes non-profit, public, and commercial organizations as well as independent artists. In addition, we have learned to recognize the importance of strong leadership, which is a key element for the success of a region. The artists’ centre must present a face to the neighbourhood and larger community, invite entry, and maintain its attractiveness. The presence of creative hubs is programming are especially important for a community’s cultural vitality. But, can a creative economy ameliorate urban poverty in the world or is the creative hub- development more a winner-takes-it-all-scenario? Sources Flanders Creative Industries Platform (2011). Creative industries in Flanders. Position paper. Florida, R., (2002). The Rise of the Creative Class: And How Its Transforming Work, Leisure and Everyday Life. New York: BasicBooks. Evans G. (2009). Creative cities, creative spaces and urban policy, Urban Studies 46(56): 1003-1040. Vanneste D. (2015). Lecture Economic and financial geography: Creative industries. Martens, B., Dobbels, J., Amez, L., Ysebaert, W. (2014). Cultuur en creativiteit in beeld: opzet van een meetinstrument voor metropool Brussel. EY (2014). Creating growth. Measuring cultural and creative markets in the EU Stern M.J. Seifert S.C. (2008). From Creative Economy to Creative Society. A neighborhood-based strategy to increase urban vitality and promote social inclusion. GIA Reader, Vol 19, No 3. Grams, D., Warr, M. (2003). Leveraging assets: How small budget arts activities benefit neighborhoods. Chicago: Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Da Cunha, I. V., Selada, C. (2009). Creative urban regeneration: the case of innovation hubs.International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development,1(4), 371-386. IPoP Institute for spatial policies (2011). Potentials of creative urban regeneration. Spatial distribution of creative industries in Ljubljana Urban Region. DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) (1998) Creative industries mapping document. DCMS, London. DCMS (2001) Mapping creative industries technical document. DCMS, London. Markusen, A., Johnson, A. (2006). Artists’ centers: Evolution and impact on careers, neighborhoods and economies. 1

Staging in Six Characters in Search of an Author :: essays papers

Staging in "Six Characters in Search of an Author" Pirandello's masterpiece, "Six Characters in Search of an Author" is well known for its innovative techniques of characterization, especially in the fullness of character as exhibited by the Stepdaughter and the Father, but it is especially renowned, and rightfully so, for the brilliant staging techniques employed by its author. Pirandello uses his innovative staging techniques specifically to symbolize, within the confines of the theater, the blending of the theater and real life. Chief among these, of course, is the way in which the author involves the audience in his production, to the point which, like a medieval audience, they become part of the action, and indeed, a character in its own right. The use of lines provided in the playbill was the first of its kind; never before had an author dared to ask the members of the audience to perform, even though unpaid, and indeed, paying for the experience themselves. But without those lines, how much less impressive would that moment be when the Director, understandably at the end of his rope with the greedy characters (who have been from the start trying to coerce him into writing a script for non-union wages), shouts "Reality! Fantasy! Who needs this! What does this mean?" and the audience, in unison, shouts back, "It's us! We're here!" The moment immediately after that, when the whole cast laughs directly at the audience, pointing at them in glee, is nearly unbearable for an audience, as shown b! y the riot after the first performance, when the audience not only ripped the seats out of the theater, but stole the popcorn. Pirandello also used a technique he inherited from the "Cirque de Soleil," involving a trapeze hung from the catwalk. But though the trapeze was not in itself his own invention, its use during the intermission as a means to annoy the audience was absolutely innovative. He had gotten the idea from watching the inhabitants at the mental institution in Switzerland where his wife was recuperating from a Venetian holiday. The Swiss hospital, renowned for its experimentation, had started a program of gymnastics, meant to boost the patients' self-esteem. The Stepdaughter's foray above the audience's heads, during the "intermission," is a direct reflection of that Swiss technique; no one before Pirandello had dared to use it in the theater before, but it not only symbolized neatly the problems with defining reality inherent in the text, but kept the audience from actually getting a rest during the intermission, since

Nanotechnology :: Science Scientific Nanotechnology Papers

Nanotechnology Before I can really address this topic properly I have to answer â€Å"What is Nanotechnology and why the hype?† Currently the term nano has been thrown around a lot in recent years. Mostly this is the desire of researchers to grab the research money that is out there and using buzz words do help turn heads. Nanotechnology is a grab bag of different fields of science. It takes from condensed-matter physics, engineering, molecular biology and large swaths of chemistry. Even the government was convinced by the hype to create The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a multi-agency program intended to provide a big funding boost to nanoscience and engineering. But what constitutes nanotechnology research? Even scientists have a hard time with that question. "It depends on whom you ask," Stanford biophysicist Steven M. Block told at a symposium on nanotechnology. "Some folks apparently reserve the word to mean whatever it is they do as opposed to whatever it is anyone else does." But what most scientists seem to agree on is what is considered Nanotechnology. Which is the future manufacture of molecular size materials, devices and possible machines. On the other hand many leading scientist that are pushing for the development of nanotechnology see it as molecular manufacturing or, more simply, building things one atom or molecule at a time with programmed nanoscopic robotarms. The reason we have this great interest in using nanostructures stems comes from the idea that superior electrical, chemical, mechanical or optical properties may be achieved at these smaller scales. Also biological and medicine research in the nanotechnology area is on its way. One company, Quantum Dot Corporation, has already has been doing research in semiconductor quantum dots as labels in biological experiments, drug-discovery research, and diagnostic tests, among other applications. Nano is receiving enthusiastic scrutiny from some big companies in the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index. Led by IBM, Lucent Technologies, and Hewlett-Packard, along with Samsung and Siemens , big industrial companies are pumping significant sums into nanotech research, as are governments around the world. Buckyballs--those soccer-ball-shaped carbon molecules discovered in 1985 by a team led by Rice University's Richard E. Smalley--are roughly 1 nm in diameter. Carbon nanotubes are about 1.4 nm thick. The latest entrants: slightly fatter nanotube-like wires made from silicon, gallium nitride, and other semiconducting materials. These nanotubes are showing some of the most potential for use in both research and applications ranging from computers to ultra high strength cables.

Leadership purpose reflective essay Essay

?After watching this interview, I feel that a well defined leadership purpose statement is the distinction between a good leader and a great leader. Carolyn McKnight’s interview on leadership purpose statements really opened my eyes to the power of these statements, and the time and energy one needs to put into creating a leadership purpose statement. At first it seemed that completing a statement this powerful would be a very daunting task. After watching Mrs. McKnight’s interview, I am confident in my ability to come up with a statement, and that I will have the courage to follow through with it. The most significant thing in a true leadership purpose statement is authenticity according to Mrs. McKnight. Webster’s defines authenticity as† real or genuine†. Taking this and Mrs. McKnight’s statements into account I took a minute to think about how authentic I am. I realized that I know myself well enough to know where my strengths and weaknesses lie. Another aspect of my life that makes me believe in my authenticity is that many people have told me they value my opinions. This is because I always tell them exactly how it is even when I know it is not what they want to hear. With this knowledge I am able to establish creditability and responsiveness with other people. The question was asked â€Å"How do you begin to determine leadership purpose? † Mrs. McKnight gave several examples of what one can do to find this. â€Å"What is the root of my life? † was one question she brought up that can help you find a purpose. I immediately identified the roots of my life as hard work, determination, and dedication. I attribute all my success in my life to these three principles. I started to think about failures that I have had in my life. It made me wonder if I would be able to find a place where I got off course and did not apply one of these principles. Another statement that stood out to me under this question was â€Å"Find what gives you meaning. † My achievements are what give me meaning. I learned more about why I feel this way after I took the Strenghts Finder assessment. It pointed out that I was an â€Å"Achiever† and could not be satisfied at the end of the day without feeling that I had achieved something. Every goal that I accomplish makes me feel more confident and more ambitious about what else I can achieve. Out of the examples she gave these are the two I think that will help me determine my leadership purpose statement. The part of the interview that discussed people struggling with conflict, with their leadership purpose was something that I really focused on. Early on in the interview an example was given that an â€Å"acorn will become an oak†. When the subject of struggle comes up Mrs. McKnight ensures us of this fact and mentions to not fight it. She goes on to talk about all the people pleasing we do throughout our lives. This was a huge eye opener to me because I notice my need to please people, like my family. This causes conflict with the telling it straight attitude that I try to maintain with the people in my life. When I find myself trying too hard to please people, I lose some authenticity and it weakens my purpose. She stated that we really need to find what we want and not what other people want for us. I can see myself struggling with this as I develop my leadership purpose statement. I liked that she mentioned having the courage to follow what you deeply want. To me, people who can follow a path to what they want while sticking to it through the good times and the bad are really courageous. Emotional intelligence was another key area brought up in the interview. The three areas that were brought up under this topic are self awareness, social awareness and self regulation. Our text book offers another interesting point that supports Mrs. McKnight’s insights. The text book says that mental intelligence will get you into a management position but it stops being helpful after entry into that position. A leader needs to have good emotional intelligence to continue to lead. Self awareness has to do with my purpose and I am working towards finding that in this class. I know that I worry about how other people perceive me but I do not think that is the same thing as recognizing it, which is social awareness. I think that I will have to spend some time mastering the first two elements of emotional intelligence before I can work on self regulation. I do not know how I can stick to a path and make corrections to get back to it, until I have established a clear path. There were some interesting comments made about behaviors that help us get closer to our purpose. A reflective practice of checking in twice a day was brought up. I thought about how I might do this and I know that I would struggle with this significantly. I worry about how honest I would be with myself, so I would have to check in with my wife or a close friend that will keep honest with my feelings. I would have never thought that some kind of physical activity would help me get closer to my purpose. After hearing Mrs. McKnight talk about these practices I can see how it would help. A great example of a physical activity that can help you is the one Mrs. Enders gave on how posture and stance help the way people perceive you as a leader. I hunch over, it is mainly because I am tall and do not like being overly imposing to others. It is something that I can work on physically that might help me with my purpose. The examples of purpose statements that were given were amazing. I think that the statement â€Å"I am a drop of water, flowing peacefully, showing love carving deep canyons out of granite† was an insightful statement. I think this will stay with me for a long time not because of how insightful I found it but because of the story that went with it. The fact that the CEO was able to recognize that he was not following his statement and quit his job in order to find a path back to it, was very inspirational. I want to have that kind of courage and belief in my purpose statement and I will think of this story heavily, while I am creating it. After watching this interview a few times in preparation for this paper, it really helped me get a grasp on the concept of a leadership purpose statement. This interview has given me a good set of tools for not only creating a good purpose statement, but knowing how to stay true to it, and knowing how to deal with obstacles I will face while trying to live by it. By taking the time to reflect on this interview I started to learn more about a subject I have not spent much time on; Myself.

Death on the Prairies: The Murderous Blizzard of 1888 Essay

On January 12, 1888, the weather in the west was mild, compared to previous weeks. Little did the people know that a massive cold front was in route and would be catastrophic to the people, their livestock, and the economy in the dekota and nebraska praries. The cold front would cause one of the worst blizzards for the region, killing close to 500 people. The factors that made the death toll so high involve the mild weather before the storm, the lack of technology for warning systems, and bad timing. On the day of January 12, farmers and children from all over the nebraska territory believed that that day was going to be warm and enjoyable compared to the previous days. From the early morning, farmers were up carrying out chores and duties that were post poned due to the weather. They were all very confident that the day would be a glorious day, wearing nothing but mere under clothing. Children rushed to schools that were miles away without jackets, gloves, or scarves. As famers were working miles away at distant farms and praries watering crops or tending to livestock, they would have little to no warning for what was to come that afternoon. Around mid day, the mild sky would so suddenly turn into.a nightmare, cathing all in the vast area extremely off guard. with the wicked winds and ice crystals rolling in, victoms had no time to react. If only those individuals had been fore warned, the death toll would be at a guarenteed low. During this time, technology was on a ris; however, it was very limited in certain areas. Meterology was one of the fields that due to technology and common interest, was not a major concern. The only method of long distance communication was via telegraph machines. They traveled through wires that ran along side railroag tracks. Most of the people that were affected from this storm were those living there to farm crops and raise livestock. They were usually located quite a far distance from towns that contained buildings receiving these transmissions. I believe that the lack of technology and concern for warning the people of the nebraska and dekota  territory is a major contributor the the high death toll that resulted from the school childrens storm. The biggest factor in the high death toll of the blizzard of 1888 has to be the horrible timing at which it occured. The time was mid afternoon, just when farmers are working the hardest, when school children are trickling out of their classrooms, far distances from their homes. It couldnt have been a worse time, especially for the children. Being sent home by their teachers, school children began walking the routes that they would walk everyday. That day the cold front was rushing through bringing ice and snow along with it. The children, wearing nothing but mere under clothing, had no way to keep warm from the ferocious cold. restricted from sight, they were quickly disoriented from their path to home or shelter. After noticing that they had been walking in circles or in opposiyte directions of their destinations, they began to seek out any for of stability, clinging to barbed wire fences, hay barrels, and anything else that provided some sense of security. However, the snow would only come faster and stronger, burrying alive most of the children. The farmer that were in the middle of their duties had been traveling for years. They too would experiece the same fate as their children on the way home from school. Caught in the middle of the blizzard with no jackets or gloves, eventually burried alive from snow and ice. The timing couldnt have been any worse for those caught in the blizzard in the vast dekota praries. The unfortunate disaster that struck those particular areas of the west will forever be remembered. Because of situations like the blizzard of 1888, peoples interests in meterology and concern for what is around the corner were suddenlt on the rise. Thanks to advancments in technology, we now have a better understanding of moter nature and can now know in advance the possibility of these disasters. The death toll on the day of January 12 was much greater than it shoouldve been; however, lack of warning and simply bad tining would contribute to one of the worst natural disasters of that time.

Vans Shoes History

Vans Off the Wall Vans Inc. is a prosperous company, which manufactures shoes and apparel. The company was formerly known as Van Doren Rubber Company, Inc. and changed its name to Vans, Inc. in 1991. Since the beginning, Vans Inc. has strived for popularity in snowboarding shoes and skateboarding sneakers to try to keep up with the fast growing and extreme sport cultures. Paul Van Doren started the company in the United States in March 1966. The company began to manufacture shoes in the first Vans retail store located in Anaheim, CA.With such a prosperous beginning in history, the shoes that continue to be manufactured could be defined as one of the leading shoes for the skateboarding industries. The reputation of the shoe itself has lead the skating industry in a revolutionary and unexpected way since 1966 up until this year with much future to come. The shoes have its unique style with its signature waffle sole that has made an impact with the youth. Differently from its current co mpetitors in the skating industry, vans shoes have a unique sense of style by using canvas material, making the shoes more durable than the competition.Along with the use of canvas material, comes the options of variable designs and colors to fulfill the need of the young customers. The shoes come in a variable combination of color hues and stitching designs. For more than 46 years Vans footwear has been at the heart of skateboarding from the classic Vans canvas shoes to their technical skate shoes. Vans define individual style that is an excellent match for skateboarders around the world who practice the sport. Being a productive business, Vans Inc. has a broad market around all the states in the U. S and more around 50 countries around the world.The Business Week website briefly describes the company's target market by stating, â€Å"Vans, Inc. operates as a branded lifestyle company for the youth market. It reaches its 10 to 24 year-old target consumers through the sponsorship o f core sports, such as skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding, as well as through major entertainment events and venues, such as the VANS Triple Crown Series, VANS Warped Tour, VANS World Amateur Skateboarding Championships, and VANS High Cascade Snowboard Camp, located on Mt. Hood. † BusinessWeek describes how the company uses different types of edia to reach the youth community. The company has gained a lot of popularity with their shoes and gaining it not only among skaters, but also among all the teenagers. Many of their customers are appealed by the shoes because of the designs rather than its use. Vans Inc. , according to Hoovers. com who have researched the company, say the biggest competitors are Nike, Converse and Adidas. Vans Inc sponsors well known events that involve extreme sports such as competitions, skateboard parks, and music events to invite them to push the brand’s â€Å" Vans Off The Wall† slogan. Following the look that Vans I nc. s trying to achieve, many consumers would believe that the business would only be focused towards men. Contrary to this idea, the Funding Universe website talks about the focus Vans Inc. has now placed on female products. Funding universe reports that the company also responded by introducing a complete line of women's outdoor shoes. Making these types of changes made the company also gain popularity and increased the target market. With such changes, young mothers with their kids would purchase their shoes at the same time as they would purchase the shoes of their kids.With the extend of the market now including men, women, boys and girls, the company has a step ahead of the competition by allowing to have a more extended selection for all the family. Works Cited Burritt, Chrus, and Lauren Coleman. â€Å"VF’s Vans Unit to Add Athletic Shoes to Challenge Nike. † Bloomberg Businessweek. N. p. , 14 June 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . â€Å"Vans, Inc. Competition. † Vans, Inc. Names of Competitors. Hoovers, 02 May 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . â€Å"VANS INC (VANS) SPO. † NASDAQ. com. NasDaq, 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 09 Nov. 2012. .

Christianity vs. Pagan Beliefs in Beowulf Essay

Although there are many examples of Pagan beliefs in the poem Beowulf, the poem points more toward a Christian influence and meaning. Beowulf is seen as a God to the Geat people, and they turn to the Almighty to save them from evil. Grendel is portrayed as a â€Å"monster of Cain† and lives underground. He represents the darkness of the Pagan beliefs, as well as Hell. The battle between good and evil – between Christianity and Pagan beliefs – is continued throughout the poem. Hrothgar and the Danes seem to be protected by the Almighty. Grendel would not go near Hrothgar’s throne because it was protected by God. When Hrothgar is talking to Beowulf before Beowulf goes to fight Grendel, he says, â€Å"Surely the Lord Almighty could stop his madness, smother his lust!† Beowulf also says that God will decide who dies. They believe in God and his power to control the outcome. Grendel was created after the Lord Almighty drove out all of the demons and the demons split into forms of evil, forever opposing the Lord’s Will. This would explain why Grendel was powered by the hatred of God. Whenever he terrorized Herot, some people turned to the Devil for help. They were heathens, and prayed to the old stone gods. Up until his battle with Beowulf, Grendel could kill his victims easily. However, Beowulf had the Lord on his side and was more powerful, easily killing Grendel. This proves that Christianity was more powerful than the Pagan beliefs. Grendel and his mother represent Pagan beliefs in the poem Beowulf. The main example is that they live underground, and the lake above their home was described as a â€Å"fiery flame†. This is just like Hell. Grendel is referred to as a â€Å"shepherd of evil, guardian of crime† in the poem. For twelve years Herot stands deserted because of the fear Grendel put in people. He represents all things evil and malicious. Towards the end of the battle between Beowulf and Grendel, the poem stated that you could hear shrieks of the Almighty’s enemy in the darkness. Grendel is also referred to as â€Å"hell’s captive† before he dies. This makes it seem like Grendel did not choose to be evil, evil chose him. All of the kennings refer to Grendel and are a part of Pagan beliefs. Grendel’s mother was the same way. Whenever she battled Beowulf, she could not be injured in her home. Her evil character was her shield. Then, the Holy God sent him victory and gave judgement for truth and right. When Grendel’s mother was also slain, there was a light as bright as Heaven’s own candle. Once again, Christianity overcomes Pagan beliefs. Beowulf often refers to fame and says that is all he wants. This is a Pagan belief. Wryd is also a Pagan belief and is talked about in the poem as well. Wryd means fate, and Beowulf believes that fate will determine who wins the battle. Although he believes in God and has confidence in His existence, he also has a few Pagan characteristics. One of these is greed. To Christians, greed is punishable by sin. Beowulf is extremely greedy for fame and fortune. He genuinely does want to save his people, but he wants them to remember his name more than that. Grendel and his mother often refer to revenge and the drinking of blood, which is also a Pagan belief. There has been much debate over whether the author of Beowulf meant for the poem to be a Christian poem, or was originally a Paganistic poem that has turned into a Christian story. There are many influences of both Pagan views and Christian views in the character of Beowulf. He is seen as a Paganistic superhero, but also as a god to the Geat people. Grendel and his mother are seen as monsters, but with human qualities, which is a Pagan view. However, the poem claims that God decided their fate and that is why they were slain. Therefore, the conflict between Pagan and Christianity beliefs is not really ever solved in the poem itself.

Women and Gender Studies: the Yellow Wallpaper

The stories of The Yellow Wallpaper written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and A Room of One’s Own by Virgina Woolf are important to view in their historical contexts. Both novels demonstrate that there are limits placed on women that prevent them from living complete lives. This demeans women and does not give them the same rights and privileges as men. The Yellow Wallpaper demonstrates the attitudes during the nineteenth century that concern female mental and psychical health.Whereas A Room of One’s Own explores whether women are capable of writing great literature and the obstacles that they are faced. Each story demonstrates an common idea that women are viewed as unequal to men and that they must work a lot harder to achieve the respect they wish to gain. Within each of these two novels the authors place the settings with great relevance to the stories morals. Within The Yellow Wallpaper, the narrator uses the wallpaper to symbolize an interpretation of something that affects her directly.As the story goes on, the wallpaper gains more and more significance. In the beginning it seems unpleasant, as it is ripped and is an â€Å"unclean yellow† (pg. 2). The pattern of the wallpaper fascinates the narrator due to its formless pattern, which the narrator tries to figure out how it is organized. She does so for hours and hours until she sees a ghostly pattern which one can only see in certain light. Once this pattern comes into focus she sees a desperate women who is looking for an escape from behind the main pattern, this resembles the bars of a cage.The narrator sees many women behind these bars trying to escape. This wallpaper represents the structure of women lives, their families and tradition. Gilman uses the wallpaper to show the domestic lives of many women who are trapped in their roles. Like wise to A Room of One’s Own, Woolf describes throughout her narrative that every women needs a room of their own, something that women are able to enjoy without any question by men. This room provides a woman with time and space to write and do things they are passionate about.During Woolf’s time, women very rarely enjoyed these types of luxuries. Women’s art was unable to be shown because women did not have a safe space to express themselves. She used the room as a symbol for much larger issues such as a women’s privacy, independence and the inequalities between men and women. As Woolf says within the story, until these inequalities are gone, women will remain as second-class and all of their literary achievements will go unnoticed. There are many gender inequalities presented within society even today.Within these two stories the inequalities between men and women are significant in the authors writing. Throughout The Yellow Wallpaper Gilman allows her readers to view the position of women within marriage and their economic dependence on men. when this story was officially published, people took it as a tale about women not a true reality of what women faced. With the domestic functions of a female and active work of males, women are remained as second-class citizens. This story reveals that gender division keeps women from achieving their full potential.John’s assumption that he is superior leads him in the misjudgement of his wife as he tries to â€Å"help† her. The narrator has no input into her own life and the only place she can control anything is within her mind. Inequality is also found throughout A Room of One’s Own, women are treated unequal within the narrators society as they have produced less literature then men. The narrator creates a women named Judith Shakespeare, who is the twin sister of William Shakespeare. She does so to show how society discriminates against women.Judith is seen to be equally as talented as her brother William but because of her gender she is not encouraged by their family and society. As Judith writes she is secr etive and feels very ashamed for writing. Men have dominance over women as shown throughout both stories, when Judith asks her father to not be married; her father beats her until she eventually commits suicide. Due to women being treated so differently, Woolf shows that even though Judith is just as talented as William she will never be as successful because she is a woman.The Yellow Wallpaper is a type of story where the narrator writes to herself. Her descent into madness is both seen subjectively and objectively as the narrator portrays. If Gilman had told her story in a traditions first-person narration the events that are from inside the narrators head would not be able to be told and the reader would not know what she is thinking, and the women inside the wallpaper might seem to actually exist. If told in third-person narrative then the political symbolism would not be seen.Gilman also uses a journal to give the story intimacy and allow the narrator to put down thoughts and f eelings. Whereas in A Room of One’s Own, the author gives the narrator a place where she can write what she thinks without any input or bother from society. A place for women to put down their thoughts and express themselves. The Yellow Wallpaper demonstrates the nineteenth century attitudes concerning female physical and mental health. The narrator is confined to a room where she was driven mad. With the use of symbolism, Gilman allows the reader to see how women were treated and how unequal society may be.A Room of One’s Own explores whether women were capable f writing great literature and demonstrated obstacles that a female writer is faced with. Woolf confronts many aspects of being female ans the idea of madness. According to Woolf, a woman needs a room of her own in order to express herself through literature. Both novels demonstrate that there are limits placed on women that prevent them from living complete lives. This demeans women and does not give them the same rights and privileges as men.

Values and Ethics in a Global Setting in IT Essay

Values and Ethics in a Global Setting in IT - Essay Example Every individual has a set of beliefs and philosophies in mind that carry meaning and significance. Whether he or she consciously believes in those beliefs and philosophies or not, is not important. They can be in the subconscious mind, and the person does not have to think hard before reflecting them in his actions. These values are known as personal values and can include principles of punctuality, hard work, trust, and harmony. Steve Job’s belief of â€Å"Think different† has reflected in Apple’s success of coming up with innovative and creative technology that has earned them their brand recognition (Labrosse, 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Personal values are relatively easier to tailor to a global setting. Most of the personal values, such as justice, trust and love, are prevalent in most of the communities around the world. What individuals need to do is find a point of intersection between the personal values and global values and build upon that. One can observe the online social communities, such as facebook and orkut, to see how they reflect personal values in a global arrangement. Individuals from all over the world use these mediums to interact with each other and socialize using harmony and trust with each other and are seen to give respect to others throughout the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are, however, differences found in personal values also.

Cultural Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cultural Studies - Essay Example 84). The preceding quote very explicitly identifies several forms of essentialism, those being biological, social and cognitive essentialism, and holds as universal to all women. In other words, gender is not just an inherently biological characteristic but it is equally so a matter of cognitive perception and social attribute. Grosz’s definition or understanding of feminism emerges from within her understanding of essentialism and its correlation to gender. Equality feminism is somewhat at odds with the essentialist representations of the female gender. As Genovese (1996) explains, this feminist ideology highlights the similarities between men and women, irrespective of biological differences, and argues gender equality on the basis of the similarities. This stance may be interpreted as a negation of essentialism, insofar as it only concedes to biological differences but does not acknowledge the inherent importance of social and cognitive essentialism. In direct comparison to equality feminism, feminism of difference emphasizes the differences between the genders. As Ebert (1993) explains, difference feminism argues that the sexes are fundamentally different but that differences, whether cognitive or social, do not negate the equality of the sexes, or make one more equal than the other. This feminist ideology is reflective of essentialism. In the final analysis, and speaking from a subjective viewpoint, essentialism is an inescapable reality. The sexes are not just different because of biology but because of cognitive and societal perceptions. Equality feminism, insofar as it fails to acknowledge the aforementioned, is weak. Its weakness is rooted in its assumption that equality is only applicable to those, or that, which are alike. Difference feminism, on the other hand, draws its strength from its recognition of essentialism and its understanding of the fact that equality does not have

Research Methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Research Methods - Assignment Example The research is divided into various topics that clearly explain each theme that the research is based on. Firstly, it focuses on various causes of absenteeism in schools. In this the roles of parents, teachers and the community at large of ensuring that students are always in schools are analyzed. Secondly, the article gives a connection between the absenteeism and exam failure. In this case, the essay explains in depth how school work accumulated up to a level that the student can no longer catch up with other students. Lastly, the study highlights the kind of life that the student lives once they clear school. In this case, the essay demonstrates how the student fails to fit well into the community. According to the research, the student will end being not very useful to the society should measures to restore them are not considered. The intention of this study was to probe the effect of constant communication on the general performance of online modules. The article makes an argument around the worth of effective communication in online units and the rationale of the achievement a scholar experiences when they succeed in an online course. The purpose the research is to find justification, to some aforementioned interests. Accordingly, the researcher was conducted in eight week through the analysis of students of an online module. This investigation incorporated the following strategy to observe classroom activity and online communication amongst student’s geographical location, maturity and cultural diversity are the most imperative fundamental dynamics. Additionally, the considerable statistics gathered by Mouffe, (2013) in their study describe the prospective consequences of failures and success was predictable. The research paper is divided into two parts; the first part investigates extent of the relationship between tutors and online students. In this the paper finds out various channels and

Introduction to Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Introduction to Business - Essay Example Firstly it is the case that there is a strong public debt burden in the United States which can be attributed to the inability of the government to reign in its spending. Building on this point it is the case that according to the U.S. Treasury department approximately 23% and 21% of U.S. treasury securities are held by the central banks of China and Japan respectively. The solution to this problem would be for American voters to press their politicians to practice fiscal discipline. A second major problem facing the American economy which has negatively affects the economy recently is the American trade deficit which according to the CIA World Factbook (2010) reached a record $840 billion in 2008, in simple terms more is coming in than is going out. While many people would take a mercantilist viewpoint and argue that people should â€Å"Buy American† a simple solution would be for American manufacturers to simply look at what foreign products are filling this consumer gap domestically and look to find new ways to better serve their domestic customers. As a last major problem affecting the Ameican economy would be the sub prime mortgage market and credit default swaps that have helped fuel the economic downturn from 2007-2010. In terms of how credit default swaps work, they act as a type of insurance policy that backs investments and the way that they have arguable exacerbated the financial crisis is that the instruments help encourage investment in riskier investments. As far as sub prime mortgages are concerned it is the case that house prices growing every year it made sense for lenders to support buyers whose credit history was questionable (Owing to the fact that the buyers would see favorable returns in their housing prices). However when the bubble burst and the lenders sought their compensation from buyers it was the case that many people defaulted. The obvious solution for this circumstance would be for stricter regulation on

Discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 17

Discussion - Assignment Example sional element of healthcare consider healthcare as equal as other professions and, therefore healthcare workers have the right to enjoy privileges found in other professions. In future, the organization needs to separate its teaching responsibility from its healthcare responsibilities. Creating a boundary between healthcare training and services will enable the hospital serve its students and patients effectively. In addition, the devolution will minimize conflicts between professional and moral ethics among trainee doctors and fulltime workers. Leadership or change of policies in an organization requires the input of junior staff. According to the case study, CEO Eugene changed the hospitals routine without having adequate consultations with the nurses. To contain the issue, the CEO needs to call an urgent meeting involving the nurses and the hospital’s management. Contentious issues relating to the current schedule should be addressed. In addition, the CEO should request the nurses to outline their preferred work schedule and allocation of

Intangible Heritage. Why is the idea of 'intangible heritage' so Essay

Intangible Heritage. Why is the idea of 'intangible heritage' so important - Essay Example Initially, cultural heritage only comprised materialistic artefacts, tangible heritage sites and relic objects that hold religious or cultural significance for certain localities. However, subsequently the definition broadened to include intangible events, rituals and practices that reflected ancient traditions and revived the spirits of sacred beliefs.1 This can include anthems, heroic stories, oral arts, rituals, celebrations and skillful tactics that all relate back to historical traditions inherited from ancestral generations. Various authors have conducted comprehensive studies about national heritage practices and historical artefacts. Most of them have varying opinions regarding the preservation of ancient rituals and some claim that it requires significant level of professionalism and expertise to safeguard or revive the fading cultural heritage as any alteration to originality and spirit of it might enrage societies that pay high regard to such customs.2 Intangible heritage plays a significant part in preserving cultural fortitude in today’s modern world of technology. This phenomenon assists the newer generations to develop an understanding of intercultural differences, familial histories and need for paying homage to all types of ethnicities. Such heritage is also valuable as it enables a society to roll over acquired technical expertise and learnt knowledge to upcoming generations.3 Thus, it is evident that each cultural heritage event has its own significance and needs to be preserved for subsequent generations. This paper focuses on following intangible heritage objects and discusses their respective cultural significance. Music / Performing Arts a) The arts of the Meddah, public storytellers, Turkey This ritual originated from Turkish theatrical event namely Meddahlik, called after meddah who was the storyteller performing this act. It was initially conducted in Turkish language and later was supported in many other languages as it gained popularity in other regions of Asia, including the Middle East and Caucasus. The theme and content of this act was wholly arranged by the meddah who handpicked various legendary songs and historical fables, varying according to the nature and size of audience and context of the event. He would carry out various short entertaining acts, funny parodies and satirical comedy stunts, all influenced by recent political events and tailored according to interests of spectators. This heritage was highly educational and provided a platform for different performers to demonstrate their talents. Turkish people always held high regards for this artistic masterpiece of work as they find it very amusing and creative. The event itself was one of the most anticipated events by the Turkish ancestors as there was no other form of entertainment back then. It was a significant event as it enabled people to meet and socialize with other citizens in nearby localities. Moreover, the rhetorical comedy relat ed to latest series of events happening around the nation was helpful in developing a sense of skepticism towards credibility of political leaders and national government bodies. Overall, the event was a true source of education, entertainment and face-to-face social networking for thousands of people under a single roof. However, in recent years, the pure form of meddah storyteller ritual has faded away and been replaced largely by mass media including television broadcasting, standup comedy shows and movie cinemas. b) The polyphonic singing of the Aka Pygmies, Central Africa The