Japanese Tea Ceremony Essays - Japanese Tea Ceremony, Tea Ceremony

Japanese Tea Ceremony Tea was first introduced to Japan along with Buddhism from China in the 6th century, but the Emperor Shomu introduced tea drinking to the country. During the Heian period (794-1185), tea was made from steamed and dried tea leaves ground into a powder called macha. In the 15th century, Juro Murata introduced many of the concepts of spirituality into tea ceremony, including the special room only used for the chanoyu. Tea ceremonies were required to follow a certain order. Zen Buddhist concepts in the tea ceremony were introduced by Sen no Rikyu, a Japanese tea master. During the second half of the 16th century, Sen no Rikyu created the ceremony that is now practiced and taught in Japan called Chado. He also designed a separate building for the ceremony based on a typical Japanese farmer's hut. He further formalized the tea ceremony's rules and identified the spirit of chanoyu with four basic Buddhist principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. They represent the ideals of the tea ceremony. Sen no Rikyu believed that we could reach tranquillity in the mind after we achieved harmony, respect, and purity. Chado includes almost all aspects of Japanese culture. For example, flower arrangement, ceramic, calligraphy, etc. According to Hisamatsu Shinichi, Chado is an incarnation of Buddhism. That is not entirely true. Not only Buddhism but also others including Taoism and Confucianism have influenced Chado The ceremony takes place in a room designed and designated for tea. It is called the cha*censored*su. Usually this room is inside the tea house, away from the house, in the garden. The guests are brought into the waiting room. Here, the assistant to the host offers them the hot water which will be used to make tea. While here, the guests choose one of their group to act as the main guest. The assistant then leads them to a garden. They then sit on the waiting bench, and wait for the host. The host leads the assistant, the main guest and the others (in that order) through the chumon, which symbolizes door between the coarse physical world and the spiritual world of tea. The guests and assistant purify themselves and enter the teahouse. The sliding door is only three feet high, so everyone must bow their heads and crouch. The last person in closes the door. Hanging in the room is a scroll painting. Each guest admires the scroll, then examines the kettle and hearth. They are seated according to their positions in the ceremony. The host seats himself and greetings are exchanged, first between the host and the main guest, then the host and the other guests. Each guest is given a meal called chakaiseki. The meal has three courses. After the meal, each guest cleans their utensils with soft paper. A sweet is served at the end of the meal. The host then removes the scroll and replaces it with flowers. The room is swept and the utensils are arranged. The host enters with the tea bowl which holds the tea whisk, the tea cloth, and the tea scoop. The host goes to the preparation room and returns with the waste water bowl, the bamboo water ladle, and a green bamboo rest for the kettle lid. Then he closes the door to the preparation room. Using a fine silk cloth the host cleans the tea container and scoop. Hot water is put into the tea bowl, the whisk is rinsed, the tea bowl is emptied and wiped with the cloth. The host places three scoops of tea per guest into the tea bowl. Enough hot water is put into the teabowl to create a thin paste with the whisk. More water is then added. The host passes the tea bowl to the main guest who bows. The bowl is raised and turned to be admired. The guest then drinks some of the tea, wipes the rim of the bowl, and passes the bowl to the next guest who does the same as the main guest. When the guests have all tasted the tea, the bowl is given to the host, who rinses it. The whisk, the tea scoop, and the tea container are cleaned. At the conclusion, the guests express their appreciation for the tea, and leave while the host watches from the door of the teahouse. bibliography http://welcome.to/chanoyu Chanoyu: Copyright 1995-1998 by Ken Kato and Natsuko Kato. http://www.art.unt.edu/ntieva/artcurr/japan Japanese Aesthetics, Wabi Sabi, and the Tea Ceremony: by Nancy Walkup Texas Institute for Educators on the Visual Arts http://www.holymtn.com/tea/Japanesetea.htm The Japanese

What Simple Random Sampling Is and How to Do It

What Simple Random Sampling Is and How to Do It Simple random sampling is the most basic and common type of  sampling method  used in quantitative social science research and in scientific research generally.  The main benefit of the simple random sample is that each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen for the study. This means that it guarantees that the sample chosen is representative of the population and that the sample is selected in an unbiased way. In turn, the statistical conclusions drawn from the analysis of the sample will ​be valid.​ There are multiple ways of creating a simple random sample. These include the lottery method, using a random number table, using a computer, and sampling with or without replacement. Lottery Method of Sampling The lottery method of creating a simple random sample is exactly what it sounds like. A researcher randomly picks numbers, with each number corresponding to a subject or item, in order to create the sample. To create a sample this way, the researcher must ensure that the numbers are well mixed before selecting the sample population. Using a Random Number Table One of the most convenient ways of creating a simple random sample is to use a random number table. These are commonly found at the back of textbooks on the topics of statistics or research methods. Most random number tables will have as many as 10,000 random numbers. These will be composed of integers between zero and nine and arranged in groups of five. These tables are carefully created to ensure that each number is equally probable, so using it is a way to produce a random sample required for valid research outcomes. To create a simple random sample using a random number table just follow these steps. Number each member of the population 1 to N.Determine the population size and sample size.Select a starting point on the random number table. (The best way to do this is to close your eyes and point randomly onto the page. Whichever number your finger is touching is the number you start with.)Choose a direction in which to read (up to down, left to right, or right to left).Select the first n numbers (however many numbers are in your sample) whose last X digits are between 0 and N. For instance, if N is a 3 digit number, then X would be 3. Put another way, if your population contained 350 people, you would use numbers from the table whose last 3 digits were between 0 and 350. If the number on the table was 23957, you would not use it because the last 3 digits (957) is greater than 350. You would skip this number and move to the next one. If the number is 84301, you would use it and you would select the person in the population who is assigned the number 301.Continue this way through t he table until you have selected your entire sample, whatever your n is. The numbers you selected then correspond to the numbers assigned to the members of your population, and those selected become your sample. Using a Computer In practice, the lottery method of selecting a random sample can be quite burdensome if done by hand. Typically, the population being studied is large and choosing a random sample by hand would be very time-consuming. Instead, there are several computer programs that can assign numbers and select n random numbers quickly and easily. Many can be found online for free. Sampling With Replacement Sampling with replacement is a method of random sampling in which members or items of the population can be chosen more than once for inclusion in the sample. Let’s say we have 100 names each written on a piece of paper. All of those pieces of paper are put into a bowl and mixed up. The researcher picks a name from the bowl, records the information to include that person in the sample, then puts the name back in the bowl, mixes up the names, and selects another piece of paper. The person that was just sampled has the same chance of being selected again. This is known as sampling with replacement. Sampling Without Replacement Sampling without replacement is a method of random sampling in which members or items of the population can only be selected one time for inclusion in the sample. Using the same example above, let’s say we put the 100 pieces of paper in a bowl, mix them up, and randomly select one name to include in the sample. This time, however, we record the information to include that person in the sample and then set that piece of paper aside rather than putting it back into the bowl. Here, each element of the population can only be selected one time.

Postwar Vietnamese Film - CYCLO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Postwar Vietnamese Film - CYCLO - Essay Example Tran Anh Hungs brilliant film exposes to light how poverty and inexorable pressure of robber capitalism in high-crime area make ordinary people face ethical dilemma and experience problem of choice in a vibrant urban environment of modern Vietnam. Tran Anh Hungs Cyclo is a sophisticated poetic tale of Ho Chi Minh City. It opens the door to a gloomy world of turbulent 90s in the Vietnams largest city, where misery runs in the family from generation to generation and hellish toil does not mean decent life. The movie focuses on times of so-called "doi moi" or market liberalization in Vietnam, when the government of the country took measures to make a transition from a command economy to a market-driven economical system of Western type (Narkunas 148), which was a huge challenge for the nation. During these transition times portrayed in the movie the corruption of state apparatus and hyperinflation of national currency were a commonplace, while unemployment and crime rates soared and caused social unrest in big cities. A great number of Ho Chi Minh City inhabitants were foredoomed to be trapped in a vicious circle of hard poverty and moral decadence, incoming crime waves and abrupt eruptions of street violence, gender bias and ho peless lack of opportunities for younger generation. The protagonists of the movie represent the lower class of Vietnamese society that struggles hard to escape from grasp of misery. Each of them makes morally questionable choices all the way down in hope for better life. However, despite the fact all of the protagonists are tangled in a shady business, they are more to be pitied than censured. The story is told in a somewhat dismal strain. Its chronological narration is far from having a linear progression and often intermingles with colorful surrealistic scenes. The film is rich with vivid imagery, when

The Electoral College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Electoral College - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of the Electoral College as a system of indirect voting applied for the presidential elections in the USA. The Electoral College concept can be interpreted as an opposite voting mechanism to the majority system which counts directly the citizens’ votes and whoever candidate gets the majority of votes becomes president of the state. If the majority system had been applied to the Presidential elections in 2000, for instance, Al Gore would have been the winner since he received the majority of popular votes. When the Electoral College cast their votes the winner in that elections turned out to be his opponent: G.W. Bush. I will refer to the case as one of the four exceptions of the general rule according to which if a candidate wins the public vote he presumably wins the Electoral college vote too. During the times of the state legislation formation a group of framers, The Founding Fathers, known as the   "Committee of Eleven" in the Constitutional Convention, proposed an indirect election of president through a College of Electors: The function of the College of Electors in choosing the president can be likened to that in the Roman Catholic Church of the College of Cardinals selecting the Pope. The structure of the Electoral College can be traced to the Centurial Assembly system of the Roman Republic. Under that system, the adult male citizens of Rome were divided, according to their wealth, into groups of 100 (called Centuries).... citizens go to local voting booths to elect the next president and vice president of the country. Their votes are recorded and counted, then winners are declared. But the results of the popular vote are not guaranteed to stand because the Electoral College has not cast its vote. The size of the Electoral college has been set at 538 since the election of 1964. Each state is allocated as many electors as it has Representatives and Senators in the United States Congress. The number of electors is equal to the total membership of both houses of Congress (100 Senators and 435 Representatives) plus the 3 electors allocated to the District of Columbia, totalling 538 electors. How different is the process in different states - For 48 states it's known as the "winner-take-all system." The "district system," is observed in both Maine and Nebraska. In these states, two electors' votes are made based on the candidate who received the most votes statewide. The remaining electoral votes go by congressional districts, awarding the vote to the candidate who received the most votes in each district. How the electors are chosen in each state - All depends on the state legislature. According to Howstuffworks web site there are two common ways of selection: The elector is nominated by his or her state party committee (perhaps to reward many years of service to the party). The elector "campaigns" for a spot and the decision is made during a vote held at the state's party convention. (Howstuffworks) According to the Constitution there are no real educational or racial restrictions in order to classify for elector. In fact, electors are usually people devoted to politics, active political party members or political

Performance Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Performance Management - Essay Example Therefore, apart from overcoming the barriers such as language, cultural differences and influence of the trade unions, the management needs to concentrate on the matters relating to recruitment of staff, training to the employees, system for appraisal of performance, compensation to employees and maintaining cordial relationship with the employees, because these are the areas where the scope of the management significantly differs with the domestic HRM based on the corporate policies of the company. The paper seeks to study and analyse the international operations and expansion strategies of Mega Widgets, with the ambition of planning to list its company in Australian Stock Exchange in 2014 or 2015, for suggesting improvements in performance management. Organisation Structure The corporate culture at Mega-Widgets has been influenced by the founding family members. The structure of the organization plays an important role in the implementation of its strategies and controls. The deci sion making process is influenced by the structure of the organization which remains very centralized presently. All expatriate assignments have been individually negotiated by the Newcastle Plant Manager. The company has manufacturing plants and sales offices in Indonesia and India with senior management positions filled by Australian expatriates. The structure of the organization hampers decision making process and affects performance. The function of integration of the whole organization spread all over the world on day to day basis saps the energy of the management team located at the head office. Under such circumstances, the coordination of the corporate activities becomes very difficult. McGuire (2011) states â€Å"To treat organizations as singular entities devoid of diversity is to ignore the richness of employee backgrounds and experience. If organizations are to prioritise creativity and innovation, then it is imperative that unique perspectives are valued and appreciate d.† (p. 179). There have been changes introduced in the organization in the wake of expansions proposed in China and US. The company has created a new post Executive Director Human Resources. This appointment combined with the efforts of the Project Control Groups established by him will enable the Board to consider proposals for international resource management programs. These programs are expected to facilitate current operational requirements and impact the future strategic direction of Mega-Widgets by improving its performance in the long run. Management Policy The management follows progressive policies for its growth strategies and is highly professional in its attitude. This reflects in the management policy: The family relatives are not guaranteed of a job – they must prove themselves like everyone else.   The Executive Director Human Resources, with the full support of the Board, has established international human resources management project control groups to lend support to the expansion strategies of the company for effectively implementing the expansion strategies. Garavan & Garbery (2012) state, â€Å"Strategic HRD (SHRD) is premised on the view that HRD practitioners possess the competence to assume the role of strategic partners, strategic players and players in the business rather than simply

Management Strategies in Healthcare

Management Strategies in Healthcare 1.1 List factors under the control of healthcare managers that contribute to the decrease in the number of people applying to health professions schools. Describe the steps that healthcare organizations can take to improve this situation. The factors that contribute to the decrease in the number of people applying to health professions schools can be identified through making use of an environmental assessment. Environmental assessment is a vital element of strategic human resources management. Factors affecting the healthcare environment are as follows: increasing workforce diversity, aging workforce, shortages, different changes in terms of the values and attitudes of the workers, and advancement of technology (Fried Fottler, 2011). Managers are expected to have the knowledge both on the present and future operating environments. He or she must assess the internal strengths and weaknesses for him or her to formulate plans based from the results of the assessment. They responded to these factors through the different internal structural change, which includes the following: development of network structure, collaborating with healthcare systems, participating in mergers and acquisition, developing work teams, developing quality improvement, making use of telecommunication, leasing the employees, outsourcing work, making use of additional temporary or contingent workers, and forming medical tourism (Fried Fottler, 2011). The strategic approach to human resource management that can be used to improve this situation are as follows: assessment on both the organization’s environment and mission, formulating a business strategy, identifying the different HR requirements needed to implement business strategy, comparing the current HR inventory to future strategic requirements in terms of numbers and required skills, developing HR strategy to close the gap on both the current inventory and future requirements, and implementing appropriate HR practices to strengthen the business strategy (Fried Fottler, 2011). The seven HR managements can also be used to intervene the given situation. These includes the following: providing employment security, using different criteria during the selection of personnel, making use of self-managed teams and taking decentralization to be the basic elements of organizational design, offering a high compensation, training extensively, reducing status distinction and barriers, and sharing performance and financial information (Fried Fottler, 2011). References Fried, B., Fottler, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Health Administration Press, Chicago, IL. AUPHA Press, Washington D.C. 1.2 What are the organizational advantages of integrating strategic management and human resources management? What are the steps involved in such an integration? The advantages of integrating strategic management and human recourse management are as follows (Fried Fottler, 2011): Proactive behavior is encouraged rather than reactive behavior. Company goals are communicated explicitly. Gaps between the current situation and a vision of the future are focused on. Line managers are involved in the human resource planning process. Human resource opportunities and constraints are identified in implementing strategic plans. In addition to that, it also improves clinical outcomes, enhances service quality, increases market share, and improve financial returns (Fried Fottler, 2011). The strategic approach to human resource management steps are as follows: assessment on both the organization’s environment and mission, formulating a business strategy, identifying the different HR requirements needed to implement business strategy, comparing the current HR inventory to future strategic requirements in terms of numbers and required skills, developing HR strategy to close the gap on both the current inventory and future requirements, and implementing appropriate HR practices to strengthen the business strategy (Fried Fottler, 2011). References Fried, B., Fottler, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Health Administration Press, Chicago, IL. AUPHA Press, Washington D.C. 2.1 Describe the process of professionalization. What is the difference between a profession and an occupation? Use what you do as an example. Professionalization is considered as a social process by which there is a transformation of any trade or occupation into a real profession. The process includes developing acceptable qualifications, a professional body, or even an association that will oversee the conduct of members of the profession. This process tends to develop the group norms of conduct and insists that the members of the profession must follow with the developed procedures and of any agreed code of conduct (Crossman, 2014). The difference between these two terms is important because healthcare continues to evolve. The terms occupation and profession are usually used interchangeably; however, these terms can be differentiated. Occupation is one’s principal activity and means of support. High skilled specialization is not required. It is usually supervised, follows to a defined work schedule, and earns an hourly wage. A person in an occupation is usually trained for a particular job or function, and because of this, they are less able to transfer from one organization to another (Fried Fottler, 2011). In profession, knowledge and training are required. They have more authority and responsibility compared with non-professionals. They follow a code of ethics. In addition to that, they have more autonomy in determining the content of service he or she provides as well as in monitoring his or her workload. Furthermore, a professional earns a salary, obtains a higher education, and works in independence and mobility compared with a nonprofessionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). In my own personal experience, I am a professional nurse. I was able to finish 4years of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a professional nurse, I underwent trainings, follow a code of ethics, and passed a state licensure examination to practice my profession. References Crossman, A. (2014). Professionalization. Retrieved from http://sociology.about.com/od/P_Index/g/Professionalization.htm Fried, B., Fottler, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Health Administration Press, Chicago, IL. AUPHA Press, Washington D.C. 2.2 Describe the major types of healthcare professionals (excluding physicians and dentists) and their roles, training, licensure requirements, and practice settings. The industry of healthcare is considered as the largest and most powerful industry in the United States. Healthcare professionals include the following: Nurses The focus of nurses is not only on a specific health problem but also on the totality of a patient and his response to treatment. The roles and function of a nurse are as follows: caregiver, communicator, teacher, client advocate, counselor, leader, manager, and so on. The nursing field comprises many specialties and subspecialties such as critical care, infection control, emergency nursing, surgical nursing, and obstetric nursing; certification in these areas require specialty education, practical experience, and successful completion of a national examination nonprofessionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). Registered nurses must complete an associate degree in nursing, a diploma program, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing to qualify for the licensure examination. The Associate Degree in Nursing Program takes 2years to complete and is offered usually by community and junior colleges. The Hospital Diploma Program can be completed approximately 3years. The bachelor’s degree can be completed in 4years and is usually offered by colleges and universities. Licensed practical nurses are state-licensed caregivers who have been trained to care for the sick. They must complete a state-approved program in the practical nursing and must achieve a passing score on the national examination. Advanced practice nurses have education and experience beyond the basic training and licensing required of all RNs. This includes nurse practitioners and the following: Clinical nurse specialists have training in a field such as cardiac, psychiatric, or community health. Certified nurse midwives have training in womens healthcare needs, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and care of a woman who has given birth. Certified registered nurse anesthetists have training in the field of anesthesia (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2014). Pharmacists Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may provide advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, and oversee the medications given to patients. To have the eligibility for licensure, they must graduate from an accredited bachelor’s degree program in pharmacy, successfully complete a state board examination, and obtain a practical experience or complete a supervised internship. The trend of pharmacy has broadened education to include the terminal degree doctor of pharmacy. Many pharmacy schools offer this program to those who have the interest in teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities and to those willing to be part of the patient care team This educational preparation also requires one to have a successful completion of the state board of examination and even other practical experience as needed by state laws nonprofess ionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). Allied Health Professionals The allied health professions are a huge group that consists of therapists, medical and radiologic technologists, social workers, health educators, and other ancillary personnel. These professionals may work in the areas such as disease prevention, dietary and nutrition services, rehabilitation, or therapy. Educational and training programs for the allied health profession are sponsored by a variety of organizations in different academic and clinical settings. Their practice settings include hospitals, clinics, community health, homecare, and so on. The National Commission on Allied Health divides allied health professionals into two categories: therapists/technologists and technicians/assistants. The former represents those with higher-level professional training and who are responsible for supervising those in the technician/assistant category nonprofessionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). Healthcare Administrators Health administrators are leaders. They are usually assigned in the hospitals, physician group practices, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They direct the operation of hospitals, health systems, and other types of organizations. Healthcare administrators also take responsibility for facilities, services, programs, staff, budgets, relations with other organizations, and other management functions, depending on the type and size of the organization. They also have an opportunity to work in the public sector and private sectors. They do not deal directly with patients on a day-to-day basis. Rather, they help to shape policy, make needed changes, and lead our nations health-related organizations in a way that serves individual patients by helping to improve the healthcare system. To be eligible, many higher-level healthcare administration executives have a masters degree in a field such as public health or business, hospital, or nursing administration. A bachelors degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions or for employment with smaller facilities when coupled with relevant healthcare experience. Certification and Licensing: Healthcare administrators who work as nursing home administrators must also pass the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards Exam and obtain state licensure. Healthcare administrators in other sectors are not required to be licensed; however, voluntary certification is available through the American College of Healthcare Administrators (American College of Healthcare Executives, 2014). References American College of Healthcare Executives. (2014). Early careerist question. Retrieved from http://www.ache.org/carsvcs/CareerFAQ/early.cfm Fried, B.J., Fottler, M.D. (Eds.). (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. (2014). CNS FAQs. Retrieved from http://www.nacns.org/html/cns-faqs.php 3.1 Why is sexual harassment so prevalent in the healthcare environment? What can be done to break this pattern? Sexual harassment is prevalent in the healthcare environment as a result of feminism, the women’s movement, increasing societal attention, and equal accommodation in the workplace. In addition to that, the growth of women in the workplace is also one of the factors. Several factors also explain why it is prevalent in healthcare organizations. First, sexual harassment always includes an element of power and control. Most hospital employees are women, but those in the authoritative position are men. Second, intimacy among healthcare providers has been the nature of healthcare work—having a strong collegial relationship established under a high-stress environment of healthcare and having sexual jokes and off-color humors that will later on lead to an abusive, suggestive language (Fried Fottler, 2011). To break this pattern, putting in place a sexual harassment policy must be implemented; this includes the following (Fried Fottler, 2011): Having a strong definition of what is sexual harassment and developing a strong statement that it will not be tolerated. Conducting an extensive training among all employees on the policy, focusing on employees with management and supervisory authority. Giving instructions on how to report complaints, including procedures to bypass a supervisor if there is the involvement of a supervisor. Providing an assurance on confidentiality, protecting against retaliation, and having a guarantee of prompt investigation. Forming a statement that disciplinary action will be taken against harassers up to and including termination. References Fried, B.J., Fottler, M.D. (Eds.). (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. 3.2 Under what circumstances would you use a progressive discipline process? When would you choose not to use such a procedure? Progressive discipline is a process that deals with job-related behavior that does not meet an expected standard. Assisting the employee in understanding that a performance problem or opportunity for improvement is the primary purpose (Heathfield, 2014). It is most successful when a person is able to perform effectively in an organization. Steps in a progressive discipline include the following (Heathfield, 2014). Counseling the employee about performance and ascertain his or her understanding of requirements. Verbally reprimanding the employee for poor performance. Providing a written verbal warning in the employees file, in an effort to improve employee performance. Providing an escalating number of days in which the employee is suspended from work. Starts with 1day and escalate to 5days. A healthcare administrator would not use this process when he or she sees that there is already a serious unlawful involvement such as theft, alcohol or drug intoxication at work, misconduct behavior, and any acts of violence that are ground for immediate termination. References Heathfield, S. (2014). Progressive discipline. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryd/a/discipline.htm

US Foreign and Defence Policies Essay -- Politics International Relati

US Foreign and Defence Policies Within America, there has long been a tension between those who describe themselves as realists or idealists - a tension that suggests a stark choice between the narrow pursuit of interests or an endless campaign to impose our values†¦ I reject this choice. President Barack Obama, Nobel Peace Prize Remarks, 10 December 2009 Since the end of the Cold War, U.S. grand strategy has revolved around maintaining this country's overwhelming military, economic, and political preponderance. However America is changing, President Barack Obama is shifting American foreign policy from its historical norms based on exceptionalism, isolation, and bipartisanship. President Obama has asserted; that the United States will us its economic and military power as a stabilizing influence; that America will multilaterally engage other world partners to solve security, economic, financial, and environmental problems; and he will become a post partisan President bridging the party divide in foreign policy ideology. Thus, President Obama has reconceptualised US foreign policy resulting in a grand redefinition, an ideological shift, which will realign America role in the world. When we examine Obama’s foreign policy from a perspective of exceptionalism, we see a departure from the US historical understanding of its role. The United States of American has a long believed that is a unique nation, a nation that was created and developed differently, a nation unlike any other in the world, a nation that is blessed by God, a nation that is exceptional. The US has firmly held to exceptional view that they are the dominant defenders of democracy, liberty, freedom, equality, and capitalism. Traditionally because of its mi... ...07): 71-83. DeConde, Alexander. Isolation and security: ideas and interests in twentieth-century American foreign policy. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1957. McCormick, John. "American Exceptionalism: The Implications for Europe." Journal of Transatlantic Studies Vol 3, no. 2 (Autumn 2005): 200-205, 213-214. Obama, Barack. "President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address." The Whitehouse. January 20, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-barack-obamas-inaugural-address (accessed Novemeber 16, 2010). —. "Remarks by the President at the Acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize." The Whitehouse. December 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-acceptance-nobel-peace-prize (accessed November 16, 2010). Schwarz, Benjamin, and Christopher Layne. "A New Grand Strategy." Atlantic Monthly 289, no. 1 (January 2002): 36-42.

Analysis of Petrarch’s Sonnet 134 Essay

Based on the persona’s love that is unreciprocated by his beloved, the Poet illustrates in this sonnet, an internal conflict in the persona. The wholly bitter tone establishes a holistically integrating theme of being torn apart for love and also an atmosphere of histrionic resentment engorged with Petrarch’s hyperbolized emotions. Divided into an octet and a sestet, which are respectively divided into two quatrains and two triplets, the sonnet follows a strict formula of end-stopped lines and medial caesurae: â€Å"I find no peace || and have no arms for war |† (l. 1); The use of lineation in this sonnet adds to the conflict in the poem as tropic figures of speech that insinuate a sense of paradox are used ubiquitously: oxymora and antitheses are used to contrast ideas separated by the medial caesurae; â€Å"My jailer opens not, nor locks the door,† (l. 5) gives further evidence to the point postulated, how can a jailer not lock yet not open a door simult aneously? The end-stopped lines and the medial caesurae suggest a sense of finality and possibly a disheveled state of emotion as the abrupt pauses break the flow of the recitation and reflect the disturbances in the persona’s emotions, to me the fact that the poem keeps cycling forward as the paradoxical wheel that it is, intimates an anguished continuity. Life is a conflict. That is just the way that it is. The octet pivots into the sestet through a Volta that does not propose a solution to the emotional conflicts but rather states â€Å"why† the Poet must suffer so, and it is proclaimed rather blamefully, that it is â€Å"his lady† who has gifted him with such torment — â€Å"for you || my lady || am I in this state |† (l. 14); the change in syntax here serves to intimate an overtly dramatic tone as well as bring emphasis to â€Å"I†, hinting a bruise to the poet’s ego. It is common knowledge that a Petrarchan sonnet traditionally has the rhyme scheme: abba abba cde cde; but it is clear that this is not the case here. Using an inconsistent rhyme scheme: abab abab cde cde, the Poet corroborates the inconsistent emotions of the persona, wavering towards extremes. The poem is dominated by the rubato iambic pentameter that most sonnets are expected to have. The regularity of the iambic pentameter results in a continuous feeling: it is a meter of acceptance, as the true nature of life is not different, it too is continuous and one must accept it. But it is not without exceptions.

Gender differences in Communication

Gender differences in Communication For as long as there have been two different genders, there was a difference in communication styles between men and women. It was evident before and later, when women began fighting for equality rights and fair treatment. Verbal and non-verbal differences in communication lead to prejudice and partially, it comes from the fact that men and women are different not only biologically but mentally as well.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Gender differences in Communication specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Charles Greenwood mentioned that even looking at The Early Communication Indicator (ECI), children of very young age have particular communication styles, ranging from gestures to vocalizations and utterances (Greenwood et al., 2013). As a result, the unique nature of each particular style of communication comes from biological and social or environmental factors. Women would communicate both verbally and no n-verbally in a way, which the modern society describes, as feminine. This is due to the influences of male preferences and social roles. Since birth, both boys and girls are conditioned to behave in a certain way, which is representative of their role in society and family. Girls are taught to be more sensitive and rely on their feelings while boys are given lessons in masculinity. The society expects a certain â€Å"style† from each gender and thus, the separation in professional and leisure-time communication has been created (Ashford LeCroy, 2010). Communication styles can be qualified as instrumental and expressive since each one is specific to males and females. Men are more focused on finding out the neutral and clear cut facts about something, which leads them to being more direct and assertive. There is a much greater reliance on logic and the â€Å"instrumental† nature of things. As such, males are interested in how something can be used practically and in a n application to the physical factors. One piece of knowledge or information usually, leads to another, thus creating a â€Å"thinking chain†. Women use a much different technique in communicating, as it stems from better insight into the matter of things. Because women were segregated for such a long time and prevented from taking up higher and more prominent positions, they have developed a unique method of communicating in reaching their goal. Women tend to center on the person, deeper insight into the context and personality of the speaker and the general situation.Advertising Looking for critical writing on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This allows for better qualitative analysis of information, linking it to the individual presenting the facts. Their communication is more personal, and is directed to the emotional side of the person. Of course, it would be unwise to conclude that all me n and women exhibit these qualities, as there are women who want to have all the authority and men who have profound insight, but the standard for the majority is upheld by existing evidence. It is interesting to note that professionally, there is a difference as well. Desjarlais-deKlerk and Wallace write that healthcare professionals use unique set of communication skills to attend to a particular gender and person. Especially in rural areas, medical staff is well aware of the families, their cases and so, the communication style adjusts on a more personal level. This type of communication decreases anxiety and develops trust (Desjarlais-deKlerk Wallace, 2013). This can clearly be aligned to women’s communication style, as they develop a more individual understanding towards a person, thus connecting on a closer and more effective level. At the same time, it is difficult to say which style is the best because every individual has their unique technique in the interaction wi th other people. But the modern times have made gender differences less noticeable with men being great negotiators and women strong fighters. This is much noticeable in the relationships that exist today. Sexual communication has stayed very much prevalent for centuries. One of the oldest gender constructions came from the functioning of the family. This is where conflict might arise, as women were taught to have a role of homeowners, raising children and teaching children how to be more sensitive to the surrounding environment. Men were hunters and centered their life on providing for the family, so strength and calculation would be something a father would teach his children. Even though the world has greatly changed, the separation is still noticeable through social and private roles in communication. Each gender has their own way of communicating in a relationship or family, and the goals or expectancies each individual has are also unique.Advertising We will write a cu stom critical writing sample on Gender differences in Communication specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The majority of positions of power are still held by men, thus the communication style tends to be authoritative, depriving women of a chance to demonstrate their strengths. Women are forced to communicate in a non-demanding way, allowing the man to be in charge. Often, the conflict stems from inability to understand the meaning behind the communication, as each gender bases communication on own understanding of others and the environment. As a result, each person uses their own style, and it becomes difficult to align to the thought process and emotions of the other person (Krolokke, 2006). References Ashford, J. LeCroy, C. (2010). Human behavior in the social environment: a multidimensional perspective (4th ed.). Belmont: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Desjarlais-deKlerk, K, Wallace, J. (2013). Instrumental and socioemotional communicatio ns in doctor-patient interactions in urban and rural clinics. BMC Health Services Research 13(1), 261-268. Greenwood, C., Walker, D., Buzhardt, J., Howard, W., McCune, L., Anderson, R. (2013). Evidence of a continuum in foundational expressive communication skills. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28(3), 540-554. Krolokke, C. (2006). Gender Communication Theories and Analyses: From Silence to Performance. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

Free Essays on Organized Crime

Organized Crime Organized Crime When most people think of the Mafia they think, murderers and gamblers. But in fact the Mafia is more than just a bunch of â€Å"wise guys† sitting around gambling. For years organized crime families have provided for many and brought wealth to their communities. In the early years of America, organized crime helped pave a way for many of the American cities to grow to what they are today. Most of the â€Å"families† provide for more than one hundred people per community. Organized crime has become a world of phenomenon. In Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, the forces of organized crime are at work and no society is spared. From its traditional spheres of activity such as prostitution, the arms trade and trafficking in drugs, organized crime has now added money-laundering, the trade in nuclear technology, and even the transporting of illegal immigrants. Trans-national crime undermines the very foundations of the international democratic order. Trans-national crime affects the business climate, and persuades political leaders. Within societies, the triumphs of international crime is, more often than not, accompanied by a weakening of the law and sometimes even by a return to the law of the jungle. No one knows why crime occurs. The oldest theory is based on ethics and theology. It is that criminals are perverse persons who deliberately commit crimes or who do so at the instigation of the devil or other evil spirits. Criminologist pointed out that persons who are unable to provide adequately for themselves and their families through normal legal channels are frequently driven to theft, burglary, prostitution, and other offenses. Such conditions lead to feelings of deprivation and hopelessness and then turn to crime for means of escape. The feeling is encouraged by the example set by those who have escaped to what appears to be the bet ter way of life made possible by crime. Studies by such investigators... Free Essays on Organized Crime Free Essays on Organized Crime When most people think of the Mafia they think, murderers and gamblers. But in fact the Mafia is more than just a bunch of â€Å"wise guys† sitting around gambling. For years organized crime families have provided for many and brought wealth to their communities. In the early years of America, organized crime helped pave a way for many of the American cities to grow to what they are today. Most of the â€Å"families† provide for more than one hundred people per community. Organized crime has become a world of phenomenon. In Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, the forces of organized crime are at work and no society is spared. From it’s traditional spheres of activity such as prostitution, the arms trade and trafficking in drugs, organized crime has now added money-laundering, the trade in nuclear technology, and even the transporting of illegal immigrants. Trans-national crime undermines the very foundations of the international democratic order. Trans-national crime effects the business climate, and persuades political leaders. Within societies, the triumphs of international crime is, more often than not, accompanied by a weakening of the law and sometimes even by a return to the law of the jungle. No one knows why crime occurs. The oldest theory is based on ethics and theology. It is that criminals are perverse persons who deliberately commit crimes or who do so at the instigation of the devil or other evil spirits. Criminologist poi nted out that persons who are unable to provide adequately for themselves and their families through normal legal channels are frequently driven to theft, burglary, prostitution, and other offenses. Such conditions lead to feelings of deprivation and hopelessness and then turn to crime for means of escape. The feeling is encouraged by the example set by those who have escaped to what appears to be the better way of life made possible by crime. Studies by such investigators as the America... Free Essays on Organized Crime Organized Crime Organized Crime When most people think of the Mafia they think, murderers and gamblers. But in fact the Mafia is more than just a bunch of â€Å"wise guys† sitting around gambling. For years organized crime families have provided for many and brought wealth to their communities. In the early years of America, organized crime helped pave a way for many of the American cities to grow to what they are today. Most of the â€Å"families† provide for more than one hundred people per community. Organized crime has become a world of phenomenon. In Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, the forces of organized crime are at work and no society is spared. From its traditional spheres of activity such as prostitution, the arms trade and trafficking in drugs, organized crime has now added money-laundering, the trade in nuclear technology, and even the transporting of illegal immigrants. Trans-national crime undermines the very foundations of the international democratic order. Trans-national crime affects the business climate, and persuades political leaders. Within societies, the triumphs of international crime is, more often than not, accompanied by a weakening of the law and sometimes even by a return to the law of the jungle. No one knows why crime occurs. The oldest theory is based on ethics and theology. It is that criminals are perverse persons who deliberately commit crimes or who do so at the instigation of the devil or other evil spirits. Criminologist pointed out that persons who are unable to provide adequately for themselves and their families through normal legal channels are frequently driven to theft, burglary, prostitution, and other offenses. Such conditions lead to feelings of deprivation and hopelessness and then turn to crime for means of escape. The feeling is encouraged by the example set by those who have escaped to what appears to be the bet ter way of life made possible by crime. Studies by such investigators...

Sodastream Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sodastream - Case Study Example The key strategic issue facing SodaStream involves its North American market. The organization has to find a way of increasing its market share in the United States. Although the American market has a $40 billion home consumption market, the organization had only achieved $7 million in sales in 2008 (Subramanian 7). In order to penetrate the American market, it needs to fight established brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. In addition, it must build an emotional connection with the American consumers. Achieving this would be a challenge because Americans have a significantly lower interest in the environment than the European consumers do. SodaStream believes that the fact that it does not use cans or bottles makes it more environmentally friendly than its competitors. The strategy would face a challenge in the American market since people love buying canned and bottled soda. Furthermore, it has to generate $1 billion in revenue by 2016 in an economy where its competitors are experie ncing sharp declines in revenue growth (8). The demand for Soda has been falling consistently over the past five years (IBIS). Consequently, growing its operation in the United States will be a significant challenge. SodaStream can address the key strategic issue by adopting one of the following strategies. Firstly, it needs to launch an aggressive marketing campaign. Although environmental awareness in the United States is low, an increasing segment of the population would be loyal to a brand that helps to make the world cleaner. In addition, it should leverage the close ties between America and Israel to connect with Americans. The two countries share a rich history. Secondly, it can commence an aggressive campaign against Coca-Cola. The strategy will give the company visibility. American culture celebrates the underdog and the company could benefit from this strategy. Third, the brand can focus on the home market. The marketing campaign

Three negative impacts of Parental divorce on children in Contemporary Research Paper

Three negative impacts of Parental divorce on children in Contemporary China - Research Paper Example The number of separations and divorces is still less than the United States but the marked difference is becoming less day by day. And the impact it has on Chinese children is pretty bad. They feel inferior to everyone else all of a sudden and cannot help but think that they have a broken family even if their parents ended it at the best of terms1. The Government of China has certain rules that everyone has to follow and one of them is the famous one child policy. If the one child of the family loses the only family he has ever known, it crushes him completely. This is one of the greatest negative impacts that take place, which he has, no sibling to share the scenario with. Most parents fight but get back together because they have various children and find sense and compassion in one of them, enough to patch things up. This is not possibly here because all alone; the child faces the worst of the deals and often and understandably so thinks that no one can understand what he is going through. Even though divorce is not uncommon in China anymore, it is still somewhat not an acceptable thing in society. To escape from the prying eyes and the pinging gossiping sessions, more often than not the parent moves away to another country. Usually it is the parent with who the child remains, through a custody settlement. This also has a negative impact on the young one. Leaving behind everything they ever know, they become accustomed to the new world, often feeling incomplete and hopeless. The reverse effect can also take place. Sometimes no one moves anywhere and the child has to face a lot of discrimination amongst the peers and the society because it is still an unacceptable trait in a lot of areas of China. Chinese people are usually very family oriented and have a fixed set of ethics and values, even in these times where such things are rarely found. It is