Discussion board Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Discussion board - Assignment Example Laws to force people to reveal encryption keys are still comparatively new and contentious. limitations are ease of access to children and insight of anonymity has given predators of sexual a way to reach child victims in the internet, the vulnerability of computers to the hacker attacks is a constant prompt of security issues surrounding the data stored digitally, and lastly, since the computers control almost all our infrastructure this makes the technology an appetizing target for the terrorists (Saferstein, 2011). 2. The document is reliable to examination in criminal and civil cases in that it avails a very broad and can include information from just about any software program. WordPerfect and Microsoft Word processing programs typically producing text based files like documents which are typed and correspondence. These programs and other host of word-processing programs have substituted the typewriter and are the common sources of evidence in the cases of criminals, especially those who are involved in white-collar crime. There are also information related to the personal and business finance which are significant in white-collar crime and same financial investigation. Programs like QuickBooks and Peachtree accounting packages which can run the whole financial of retail business. Likewise, it is not easy to get an individual bank account records in a computer being managed by the personal software like Microsoft Money and Quicken. More, over the criminals may use these programs as well as a pplications of spread sheets to track bank accounts stolen from the unsuspecting victims. Therefore computer forensic examiners make acquainted with these programs, the way data is stored, recovering data and reading the data (Saferstein, 2011). 3. There are mainly two web browsers: Internet Explorer and Firefox. There features are; two Web browsers use a caching system for the expedition of Web browsing and

Students as Catalysts Of Peace Essay Example for Free

Students as Catalysts Of Peace Essay Friends, let me begin by quoting you a line lifted from Eleanor Roosevelt. â€Å"It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.† This ladies and gentlemen challenges Juan De la Cruz, the majority common Filipino people. And what is more moiling to this are the sweet and sour additives and influences of the society. My friends, as we all know Philippines is somehow ignorant to peace, particularly Mindanao. The island in this country that has 63% Christian majority and 32% Muslim population resulting in many violent conflicts due to misunderstanding. According to Jose Rizal, â€Å"Youth is the hope of the fatherland.† It is indeed a privilege for every Filipino youth to show patriotism and responsibility in raising the country through bringing back peace. Peaceful resolution of conflicts is more likely the choice of an ideal youth. But how can we encourage the youth? Simply, envelope them in a world where they can have a stronger sense of self-esteem; more solid connections to their own community; sense of empowerment to make decisions affecting their own future; adequate opportunities to get to know youth who are different than themselves and; access to programs to improve leadership, communication and basic conflict resolution skills, in short develop them inside the home and education, thus students must be seen as the pioneers and catalysts for peace. There are lots of organizations and projects being built globally to foster peace. One of these is the â€Å"Empowering 900 Filipino Youth in Peace Building†. The project that aims to raise schoolchildren as peacemakers. Creating a library involving students as volunteers, organizing trainings for the whole community, creating a student service club that will then become the basis for a volunteer and peace movement are the ways they are doing to realize their goal of connecting people to peace through service.

Comparing Binomial Tree, Monte Carlo Simulation And Finite

Comparing Binomial Tree, Monte Carlo Simulation And Finite In recent years, numerical methods for valuing options such as binomial tree models, Monte Carlo simulation and finite difference methods are use for a wide range of financial purposes. This paper illustrates and compares the three numerical methods. On one hand, it provided general description of the three methods separately involved their definitions, merits and drawbacks and determinants of each method. On the other hand, this paper makes a concrete comparison in valuing options between the three numerical methods. Overall, the three numerical methods have proven to be valuable and efficient methods to value options. Introduction In recent years, option valuation methods are very important in the theory of finance and increased wildly in the practice field. The various approaches on option prices valuation included binomial tree models, Monte Carlo simulation and finite difference methods. Binomial models are suggested by Cox, Ross and Rubinstein (1979). Boyle (1977) firstly discussed Monte Carlo simulation and then it has been used by both Johnson and Shanno(1985) and Hull and White(1987) to value options when it is a stochastic process. Finite difference methods are discussed by Schwartz (1977), Brennan and Schwartz (1979), and Courtadon (1982) (Hull and White, 1988). This essay aims to provide a comparison and contrast among the three numerical methods mentioned above. All these numerical methods focus on the objectives of both calculation accuracy and speed. The only way for any given method to achieve better accuracy and speed is to calculate with many times (Hull and White, 1988). For one thing, this es say provides general description about binomial trees, Monte Carlo simulation and finite difference methods and defines benefits and drawbacks of each method. For another thing, it makes contrast on the valuation option prices involved American and European options. Binomial tree models Hull and White (1988) provide a general description about binomial trees. They concluded that Binomial model is a particular case of a more general set of multivariate multinomial models. All multivariate multinomial models are characteristics as lattice approaches such as binomial and trinomial lattice models(Hull and White, 1988).And the binomial trees, a valuation option approach, which involved separating option into a large number of small time intervals of length Άt. The assumption of this method is that the asset price changed from its initial value to two new values, both upward and downward movement, Su and Sd separately. The probability of an upward movement was indicated as p, while the probability of a downward movement is 1-p and the parameter u, d, p are used to value option prices. (Hull, 2008) The binomial model focused on option replication. For the binomial trees, the only way to reproduce the payoff of an option is to trade a portfolio involved the stock and the risk-free asset. Within other lattice approaches, involved the trinomial tree model, do not admit option replication(FiglewskiGao, 1999).However, the fair value of option can be valued under the basic assumptions of option pricing which is the world is risk-neutral. (Hull, 2008) In this case, the fair value can be valued simply by computing the expected values within the risk neutral distribution and discounting at the risk-free interest rate (Hull, 2008).When the world is risk-neutral, any approximation procedure which is based on a probability distribution and rough risk neutral distribution and make convergence to its limit, can be used to value options prices properly. Therefore, it is necessary to use trinomial tree model even a more complex structure without lack of the ability to calculating unique option payoffs (FiglewskiGao, 1999). What is also worth mentioning about the application of binomial tree is that there exists known payouts involved dividends (Hull and White, 1988). Dividend policy was based on the principle that the stock maintains a constant yield on each ex-dividend date which was denoted by ÃŽÂ ´ (Cox et.al, 1979) Essentially, binomial and trinomial models are powerful, intuitive methods to value both American and European option. Moreover, it also provides asymptotically exact approximation based on Black-Scholes assumptions (FiglewskiGao, 1999). Consider the efficiency and accuracy of this method, the binomial method is more efficient and accurate when there are a small number of options values without dividends. However it lacks of efficient in a situation where effects of cash dividends should be analysed. Actually, the fixed dividend yield generated an improper hedge ratio despite that the assumption of fixed dividend yield is an efficient and accurate approximation. Furthermore, the binomial tree models are inefficient in valuing American options compared with European option. And it is less efficient and accurate than finite difference methods for multiple options valuation. This is because it has a conditional starting point (GeskeShastri, 1985). Monte Carlo simulation Monte Carlo simulation is a useful numerical method to implement for various kinds of purposes of finance such as securities valuation. For the valuation of option, Monte Carlo simulation use risk-neutral measure (Hull, 2008). For example, a call option is a security whose expected payoffs depend on not only one basic security. The value of a derivative security can be obtained by discounted the expected payoff in the risk-neutral world at the riskless rate (Boyle, et.al, 1997). Boyle et.al (1997) stated that this approach comprises several steps in the following. Firstly, Simulate sample paths of the underlying state variables (e.g., underlying asset prices and interest rates) over the relevant time horizon. Stimulate these according to the risk-neutral measure. Secondly, evaluate the discounted cash flows of a security on each sample path, as determined by the structure of the security in question. Thirdly, average the discounted cash flows over sample paths There is a tendency that high-dimensional integral is becoming more and more necessary to evaluate in the derivative security. Monte Carlo simulation is widely used in the option valuation due to the increases of high dimension (Ibanez Zapatero, 2004). Regarding the integral of the function f(x) over the d-dimensional unit hypercube, the simple Monte Carlo estimate of the integral is equivalent to the average value of the function f over n random points from the unit hypercube. When n tends to be infinite, this estimate converges to the true value of the integral. Furthermore, the distinct advantage of this method compared with other numerical approaches is that the error convergence rate is independent dimension. In addition, the function f should be square integrable and this is the only restriction which is relative and slight ((Boyle, et.al, 1997). Monte Carlo simulation is simple, flexible. It can be easily modified to adapt different processes which involved governing stock returns. Moreover, compared other methods, it has distinct merit in some specific circumstances. Essentially Monte Carlo simulation can be used when the process of generating future stock value movement determined the final stock value. This process mentioned above is created on a computer and aims to generate a series of stock price trajectories which is used to obtain the evaluation of option. In addition, the standard deviation also can be used simultaneously in order to make sure the accuracy of the results (Boyle, 1977). However, there are some disadvantages of this method. In recent years, some new techniques were developed so as to overcome the disadvantages. One key drawback is that it is wasteful to calculate many times and difficult to control situations when there are early exercise opportunities (Hull, 2008). Different variances reduction techniques involved control variate approach and antithetic variate method are used to solve these problems. Furthermore, deterministic sequences also known as low-discrepancy sequences or quasi-random sequences are used to accelerate the valuation of multi-dimensional integrals, (Boyle, et.al, 1997). Quasi-Monte Carlo methods are suggested as a new approach to supplement Monte Carlo simulation. It uses deterministic sequences rather than random sequences. These sequences are used to obtain convergence with known error bounds ¼Ã‹â€ Joy ¼Ã…’et.al. 1996 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ ° Until recently, Monte Carlo simulation has not been used in American options. The key problem is that payoff depends on some sources of uncertainty. The optimal exercise frontier of American options is uncertain (Barraquand Martineau, 1995). Finite difference methods Hull (2008) provides a general description of finite difference methods. He concluded that finite difference methods value a derivative by solving the differential equation that the derivative satisfies. Finite difference methods are classified into two ways those are implicit and explicit finite difference method. The former approach is related the value of option at time t+Άt to three alternative values at time t, while the latter one is related the value of option at time t to three alternative values at time t+Άt (Hull White, 1990). The explicit finite difference method is equivalent to a trinomial lattice approach. Compared with the two finite difference methods, the distinct advantage of explicit finite difference method is that it has fewer boundary conditions than the implicit way. For instance, to implement implicit method, considering the price of a derivative security S, it is vital to specify boundary conditions for the derivative security whether minimising or maximising price. By contrast, the explicit method, regarded as a trinomial lattice approach, does not need specific boundary conditions (Hull White, 1990). There are two alternative problems of partial differential equations. The first, known as boundary value problems where a wide range of boundary conditions must be specified, the second, known as initial value problems where only a fraction of valuation required to be specified. There is a fact that most option valuation problems are initial value problems. The explicit finite difference method is the most appropriate method to solve initial value problems because implicit finite method used extra boundary condition which was produced errors (Hull White, 1990). Furthermore, consider the efficiency and accuracy of valuing option, the explicit finite difference method, with logarithmical transformation, is more efficient than the implicit method. This is because it does not need the solution solved a series of simultaneous equations (GeskeShastri, 1985). In addition, for the finite difference method and jump process, the simple explicit difference approximation is harmonized with a three-point jump process, while the more complex implicit difference approximation corresponds a generalized jump process which is based on that the value of derivative security will jump to infinite future values, not just three points(BrennanSchwartz, 1978) Finite difference approach can be used in the same situation as binomial tree approach. They can control American and European option and cannot easily used when the payoff of an option depends on the past history of the state variable. Furthermore, finite difference methods can be used in the situation where there are some state variable ¼Ã‹â€ Hull 2008). However, the binomial tree method is more intuitive and easily implemented than the finite difference methods. Therefore, financial economists tend to use binomial tree methods when there are a small number of option values. In contrast, finite difference methods are frequently used and more efficient in a situation where there are a large number of option values (GeskeShastri, 1985). The comparison between the three methods Overall, compared with the three numerical methods of valuing option, Monte Carlo simulation should be seen as a supplement methods for the binomial tree models and finite difference methods. This is because the increase of a variety of complexity in financial instruments (Boyle, 1977). Furthermore, binomial and finite difference methods are implemented with low dimension of problems and standard dynamics, while Monte Carlo simulation is the proper methods to solve high dimension problems and stochastic parameters (Ibanez Zapatero, 2004) The binomial tree models and finite difference methods are classified as backward methods and can easily handle early exercise opportunities. On the contrary, Monte Carlo simulation is a looking forward method and may be opposed with backward induction (Ibanez Zapatero, 2004) For the two similar methods, finite difference approach is equivalent to a trinomial lattice method. They are both useful for American and European options and tend not to be used in a situation where the options payoff depends on the past history of state variables. However, there also are some differences between them. Binomial tree methods can be used to calculate a small number of values of options, while finite difference methods can be used and more efficient and accurate when there exit a large number of option values. In addition, binomial tree models are more intuitive and readily completed than the finite difference methods Monte Carlo simulation is a powerful and flexible method to value various options. In principle, Monte Carlo simulation is calculated a multi-dimension integral and this is becoming an attractiveness compared other numerical methods. It can be used to solve the problem of high dimension. The drawbacks should not be neglected. The computation with many times and cannot easily handle the situation where there are early exercise opportunities. Based the traditional Monte Carlo simulation, a new approach was developed, known as Quasi-Monte Carlo methods to improve the efficiency of Monte Carlo method. The basic theorem is to use deterministic number rather than random. However, it has not been used in valuing American options due to the optimal exercise frontier is uncertain. One way to value American option is to achieve combination of Monte Carlo simulation and dynamic programming (Ibanez Zapatero, 2004) Conclusion To sum up, with the complexity of numerical computation, numerical methods are wildly used to value derivative security. This paper provided general description and specific comparison between the three numerical methods mentioned above. Binomial tree models, known as lattice approach, are a powerful and intuitive tool to value both American and European option with and without dividend. When there are a small number of option values, binomial method is more efficient and accurate. On the contrary, it is inefficient in a situation where effects of cash dividend should be analysed. Finite difference method can be seen as the trinomial lattice approach. They are used with the problems of low dimension and have been regarded as efficient and accurate methods to value American and European options. Compared with binomial tree models, finite difference methods is more efficient and accurate when practicers computing a large number of values of options. Monte Carlo simulation can be seen as a supplement tool for the two methods mentioned above to value options. It can be used with high dimensional problems whereas other two methods are used with low dimensional problems. The flows of Monte Carlo simulation are that it consumes time for calculating and cannot readily handle the situation where there are early exercise opportunities. In this case, Quasi-Monte Carlo methods based on traditional Monte Carlo simulation utilise deterministic sequences known as quasi-random sequences. These sequences provide an opportunity to acquire convergence with known error bounds. Referenc: Barraquand ¼Ã…’J. Martineau, D. (1995)Numerical Valuation of High Dimensional Multivariate American Securities The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Vol. 30, No. 3 pp. 383 -405 Boyle, P.P., Option: A Monte Carlo Approach, Journal of Financial Economics, Volume:4, pp: 323-338 Boyle, P. Broadie, M. and Glasserman,P.(1997) Monte Carlo methods for security pricing, Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Volume 21, Issues 8-9,29,pp:1267-1321 Brennan, M.J. Schwartz, E.S., (1978)Finite Difference Methods and Jump Processes Arising in the Pricing of Contingent Claims: A Synthesis, The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Vol. 13, No. 3 pp. 461 -474 Cox, J.C., Ross, S.A. and Rubinstein. M.(1979) Option pricing: A simplified approach, Journal of Financial Economics, Volume 7, Issue 3, pp: 229-263 Figlewski,S.Gao,B.(1999)The adaptive mesh model: a new approach to efficient option pricing, Journal of Financial Economics, Volume 53, Issue 3, pp: 313-351 Geske,R. Shastri, K.(1985) Valuation by Approximation: A Comparison of Alternative Option Valuation Techniques, The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Vol. 20, No. 1 pp. 45- 71 Hull, J.(2008) Option, Futures, and Other Derivatives,7th edition, Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall Hull, J, White, A.(1988) The Use of the Control Variate Technique in Option Pricing, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Vol. 23, Issue. 3; p. 237-251 Hull, J, White, A. (1990) Valuing Derivative Securities Using the Explicit Finite Difference Method,Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Vol. 25, No. 1; pp: 87-100 Ibanez, A. Zapatero, F. (2004) Monte Carlo Valuation of American Options through Computation of the Optimal Exercise Frontier, Journal of Financial and Quantitative analysis Vol.39, No. 2, pp: 253-275 Joy, C., Boyle, P.P. and Tan, K.S.(1996) Quasi-Monte Carlo Methods in Numerical Finance, Management Science.Vol.42, No.6,pp:926-938

Diabetes :: essays research papers

Diabetes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks millions of people around the world. It can strike at any age and can happen to anyone. Although we are not exactly sure about the causes of diabetes, we believe that it has to do with the body's own immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the glucose that we need to live, has a hard time entering the cells of the body that need it. If too much glucose builds up in the blood, then a diabetic may begin to have headaches or blurry vision. They may become very thirsty and have dry, itchy skin. If glucose levels go too low, then a diabetic may feel shaky, tired, hungry, confused, or nervous. There are two types of diabetes. They are called Type 1 and Type 2 Some symptoms of diabetes include: excessive thirst; constant hunger; sudden weight loss for no reason; rapid, hard breathing; sudden vision changes or blurry vision; and drowsiness or exhaustion. These symptoms can occur at any time. Type 1 diabetes is more common in Americans then Type 2. It has affected over 1 million Americans with 30,000 more people diagnosed every year (13,000 of those being children). Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. In Type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas produces little or no insulin, and because insulin is necessary for life, people with Type 1 diabetes must take several insulin injection shots each day for the rest of their lives. Although insulin allows a person to stay alive, it does not cure diabetes or prevent it's complications. The blood sugar level of the diabetic must be tested several times daily. One this is done by pricking the finger with a special needle and placing the blood into a machine that will carefully read it. This helps balance the glucose in the blood and will help determine how much insulin is needed. Diabetics need to pay careful attention to their diets, exercise, and blood sugar levels in order to stay healthy. Other factors that can affect the blood sugar levels are stressed, periods of growth, dollars for infection, and fatigue as well as their exercise and any changes in their normal schedule. Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes or, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is different than Type 1 diabetes in one major way.

Layers of the Atmosphere

Without our atmosphere, there would be no life on earth. Two gases make up the bulk of the earth's atmosphere: nitrogen (78%), and oxygen (21%). Argon, carbon dioxide and various trace gases make up the remainder. Scientists divided the atmosphere into four layers according to temperature: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The temperature drops as we go up through the troposphere, but it rises as we move through the next layer, the stratosphere. The farther away from earth, the thinner the atmosphere gets. 1. TROPOSPHEREThis is the layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface, extending up to about 10-15 km above the Earth's surface. It contains 75% of the atmosphere's mass. The troposphere is wider at the equator than at the poles. Temperature and pressure drops as you go higher up the troposphere. The Tropopause:  At the very top of the troposphere is the tropopause where the temperature reaches a (stable) minimum. Some scientists call the tropopa use a â€Å"thermal layer† or â€Å"cold trap† because this is a point where rising water vapour cannot go higher because it changes into ice and is trapped.If there is no cold trap, Earth would loose all its water! Most of what we call weather occurs in the troposphere. The uneven heating of the regions of the troposphere by the Sun causes convection currents and winds. Warm air from Earth's surface rises and cold air above it rushes in to replace it. When warm air reaches the tropopause, it cannot go higher as the air above it (in the stratosphere) is warmer and lighter †¦ preventing much air convection beyond the tropopause. The tropopause acts like an invisible barrier and is the reason why most clouds form and weather phenomena occur within the troposphere.The Greenhouse Effect:  Heat from the Sun warms the Earth's surface but most of it is radiated and sent back into space. Water vapour and carbon dioxide in the troposphere trap some of this heat, preventi ng it from escaping thus keep the Earth warm. This trapping of heat is called the â€Å"greenhouse effect†. However, if there is too much carbon dioxide in the troposphere then it will trap too much heat. Scientists are afraid that the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide would raise the Earth's surface temperature, bringing significant changes to worldwide weather patterns †¦ hifting in climatic zones and the melting of the polar ice caps, which could raise the level of the world's oceans. 2. STRATOSPHERE This layer lies directly above the troposphere and is about 35 km deep. It extends from about 15 to 50 km above the Earth's surface. The stratosphere is warmer at the top than the bottom. The lower portion has a nearly constant temperature with height but in the upper portion the temperature increases with altitude because of absorption of sunlight by ozone. This temperature increase with altitude is the opposite of the situation in the troposphere.The Ozone Layer:   The stratosphere contains a thin layer of ozone molecules (with three oxygen atoms) which forms a protective layer shielding life on Earth from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. But this ozone layer is being depleted, and is getting thinner over Europe, Asia, North American and Antarctica. â€Å"Holes† are appearing in the ozone layer. 3. MESOSPHERE Directly above the stratosphere, extending from 50 to 80 km above the Earth's surface, the mesosphere is a cold layer where the temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude.Here in the mesosphere, the atmosphere is very rarefied nevertheless thick enough to slow down meteors hurtling into the atmosphere, where they burn up, leaving fiery trails in the night sky. 4. THERMOSPHERE The thermosphere extends from 80 km above the Earth's surface to outer space. The temperature is hot and may be as high as thousands of degrees as the few molecules that are present in the thermosphere receive extraordinary large a mounts of energy from the Sun.However, the thermosphere would actually feel very cold to us because of the probability that these few molecules will hit our skin and transfer enough energy to cause appreciable heat is extremely low. The thermosphere corresponds to the heterosphere , a zone where there is no uniform distribution of gases. In other words, the gases are not well-mixed; instead they are stratified that is layered, in accordance to their molecular masses. In contrast, the gases in the homosphere (consisting of the troposphere, stratosphere and mesosphere) are uniformly distributed.

Travel Is The Best Education

In the technologically advanced era that we are living in, travelling has become not only easier, but also more accessible to almost everyone. Therefore, more and more people have the opportunity to get to places they have never been to before, making the experience interesting and, at the same time, educational. It has become in this way, the best form of education. Millions of people travel around the world at any given time, through various means of transport.This means that a very big number of people have the chance to see something they have never seen before, learn from the new experiences and broaden their horizons, as they get new ideas from the new people they meet, realize that the differences between them make everybody unique and so they also learn to respect those differences. Travelling gives the chance to people to strengthen and develop their character and mind, as it helps them to learn how to manage themselves in various situations, such as asking directions in a d ifferent countries , to give the simplest example.Therefore, travelling means having to do with new people, new places and new situations that require critical thinking. In addition to that, travelling doesn’t only provide knowledge about new cultures and interesting facts about the countries and their people, but it also makes the travelers understand and value more their own culture, home and lifestyle. There is also the planning phase of the trip, which can be an education opportunity in itself.For example, the maps. What route will you take? Geography. What sites will you visit? History and culture. How long will it take you to get to each city and how will this work in your budget? Math. And, for a dose of social skills, you can always interact with interesting people: waitresses, hotel owners, tour guides, market sellers and anyone else you come into contact with can be ideal sources of local information.More and more people every year get to travel to other countries a nd experience the educational character travelling has to offer in a fun way, a lot better in practice than in theory. Who needs a textbook (although you can still bring them along) when you can visit historical sites, art galleries, museums, and sporting events in person? That’s why, it is right to say that travelling constitutes the best form of education.

Lab Report, Bench micrometer Essay Example

Lab Report, Bench micrometer Essay Example Lab Report, Bench micrometer Essay Lab Report, Bench micrometer Essay What life expectancy depends on and some reason for short life(maybe) Ali Mokdad, of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation According to Mokdad, life expectancy depends on many factors: income and education, access to health care † which includes both physical proximity and affordability † and the quality of medical care. But most important of all is the element least affected by science and technology: lifestyle. And while people in developing countries have more pportunity to exercise and eat a full complement of fruits and vegetables, they are also more likely to become sick with diseases related to eating too much salt, cholesterol and sugar. Thoughts So, what about the future † will gains in life expectancy shoot up again as techno-optimists like Ray Kurzweil posit? Not according to the WHO. The organizations morbidity predictions for 201 5 2030 dont indicate that areas of medicine currently making strides will push longevity trend lines in developed countries back up. ome diseases While medical advances have brightened the prognosis for many cancer patients, the WHO predicts that cancer will continue to account for about half of all deaths in upper-middle income and upper income countries. Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases are on a course to claim more lives One of the solution The Smartphone may be the most powerful tool in a doctors bag, Mokdad said. Simply following up with pa tients to ensure that they follow doctors orders will improve and extend more lives than a cutting-edge medical breakthrough, he said

AP Spanish Literature Figuras Retóricas Essays

AP Spanish Literature Figuras Retà ³ricas Essays AP Spanish Literature Figuras Retà ³ricas Paper AP Spanish Literature Figuras Retà ³ricas Paper Essay Topic: Literature aliteracià ³n Alliteration is a stylistic literary device identified by the repeated sound of the first consonant in a series of multiple words. Allen ate apples awkwardly. hipà ©rbole A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to make a point. I literally died. metfora A metaphor is a figure of speech that identifies something as being the same as some unrelated thing for rhetorical effect, thus highlighting the similarities between the two. Freddie is a pig when he eats. onomatopeya the use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical, dramatic, or poetic effect. Boo! personificacià ³n Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are given to animals, objects or ideas. It is the opposite of a metaphor but is very similar. In the arts, personification means representing a non-human thing as if it were human. The fire ran wild. sà ­mil a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid Im as brave as a lion anfora Anaphora is the repetition of a certain word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines of writing or speech. I have a dream that I have a dream that antà ­tesis Antithesis is used in writing or speech either as a proposition that contrasts with or reverses some previously mentioned proposition, or when two opposites are introduced together for contrasting effect. Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind apà ³strofe an exclamatory passage in a speech or poem addressed to a person that is not present. Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are, up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. circunlocucià ³n o perà ­frasis Circumlocution is a long, complicated word which means a long, complicated way of expressing something. To cut to the chase, circumlocution means to beat around the bush. The edge of a colossal jungle, so dark green as to be almost black, fringed with white surf, ran straight, like a ruled line, far, far away along a blue sea whose glitter was blurred by a creeping mist. The sun was fierce, the land seemed to glisten and drip with steam. elipsis enumeracià ³n An enumeration is a complete, ordered listing of all the items in a collection. Get eggs, rice, cheese, butter and milk please. eufemismo a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Passed away in place of died gradacià ³n scale first ____ then ____ hipà ©rbaton an inversion of the normal order of words, especially for the sake of emphasis, as in the sentence. This I must see asà ­ndeton the omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence. I came, I saw, I conquered. cacofonà ­a Refers to the use of words with sharp, harsh, hissing and unmelodious sounds primarily those of consonants to achieve desired results. Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves,an And the mome raths outgrabe. epà ­teto An adjective or phrase expressing a quality or attribute regarded as characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. Sailing across the wine-dark sea to men. metonimia A figure of speech in which a thing or concept is called not by its own name but rather by the name of something associated in meaning with that thing or concept Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. paradoja A paradox is a statement that apparently contradicts itself and yet might be true. I must be cruel to be kind. polisà ­ndeton he use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted He ran and jumped and laughed for joy. sinà ©cdoque a figure of speech in which a term for a part of something refers to the whole of something, or vice versa. She organized her life around the little yellow ball. (tennis ball) sinestesia technique adopted by writers to present ideas, characters or places in such a manner that they appeal to more than one senses like hearing, seeing, smell etc. at a given time. The word would fill her mind for a few minutes with a single color: not an unpleasant sensation but still an intrusion Patriarch: Brown, she thought, a temple of a word, a shiny red brown, like the surface of a chestnut. retruà ©cano A pun. The two pianists had a good marriage. They always were in a chord.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE CHURCH Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE CHURCH - Essay Example nt and as such cannot cause conflict, in most cases, disregarding these sources creates bigger conflicts that could even contribute to bother breakup of the church. Although the church embraces morals in its operations, understanding the differences in the backgrounds of the members and leaders is important in dealing with conflict whenever they arise. Church attendance is one of the most important sources of conflict in the church. An increase and a decrease in people’s attendance in the church both have similar effects. They have a high likelihood of creating conflicts. While an increase in the number of people in the church raises an alarm to individuals holding leadership positions in the church, as they risk competition, a decrease in the attendance levels is an indication of poor leadership skills among the leaders (Turner 1991, p. 6). This could thus lead to a conflict between the members of the church and their leaders. Annual budget is yet another source of conflict in a church. Some of the people could have diverse views especially in the allocation of the total income of the church. Money, now more than ever, is a highly sensitive issue in the church. Budgeting should receive the approval of most of the members of the church, if not all (Spann & Wheeler 2010,  p. 241). Time changes for the leaders especially in addressing the members of the church is an important consideration too. Some of the leaders feel superior to others and thus regard them as coming later in the protocol. Time allocated to the leaders of the church to address the members of the church could also be a good breeding ground for church conflicts. When new influential people join the church, conflict is bound to arise. In most cases, these new people appear to receive more attention than the leaders of the church, something that would not go well with the leaders. Finally, the fear of the organization being out of control could be a source of conflict as the members deliberate on the

Data Analysis Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Data Analysis Report - Essay Example The personal beliefs of the person, balanced by the significance that he or she attributes to the influence of others, help determine behavioural intentions. Finally, behavioural intentions are the integration of one’s attitudes toward certain behaviour along with the subjective norms associated with such behaviour; behavioural intentions have also been shown to influence actual behaviour (Miller, 2005). The theory of reasoned action has been frequently used for determining the purchase intentions of consumers. For example, the study of Korzaan (2003) applied the theory on examining college student’s online purchasing intentions. Findings showed that attitudes toward online purchasing had a significant influence on behavioural intentions to become involved in conducting purchases online. The study of Kim and Cheung (2011) also showed how personal values and beliefs strongly influenced consumer attitudes toward purchasing a particular product; moreover, previous experien ces also helped predict purchase intentions while perceived behavioural control acted as a mediator in the relationship between attitudes and purchase intentions. ... ce Quality It has been asserted by Zeithaml, Parasuraman and Berry (1993) that the quality of services can be measured by examining the gap that exists between customers’ expectations and the actual services delivered by employees. Their SERVQUAL model was developed in order to measure such gap, thereby allowing organisations and researchers alike to determine possible service areas that can be further enhanced. Service quality can be evaluated through the perceptions of customers regarding a specific service and its level of quality, hence the following dimensions: reliability to identify whether employees were able to provide an accurate and dependable delivery of services; assurance which is characterized by the ability of employees to create a sense of trust and favourable expectations among customers; responsiveness which refers to the ability of employees in attending to their customers in a prompt manner; empathy that is demonstrated through care and concern for custome rs’ specific needs; and tangibles that are evident through physical appearances and materials. Service quality has been constantly linked to a number of concepts such as customer satisfaction and loyalty. According to Kondou (1999), customer satisfaction is a positive affective response that is brought about by the person’s evaluation of a certain situation. The theory and practice of service marketing heavily relies on the satisfaction of customer needs due as this can ultimately result to increased profitability. Companies that deliver services which customers often perceive as satisfying can not only increase satisfaction but also increase positive behavioural intentions through customer loyalty. Kang, Okamoto, and Donovan (2004) showed that tangibles showed that tangibles were the most

Given the recent ethnic violence in Myanmar, how can ASEAN enhance its Essay

Given the recent ethnic violence in Myanmar, how can ASEAN enhance its cooperation with a view to avoiding or mediating ethnic tensions in its member states in the future - Essay Example This study attempts to take an in depth analysis of this issues so as to explain the root causes of such conflicts, reviews the policies available and generate the possible alternative policies which can address this issue. The prevailing policies do not address the issues of how the member governments of ASEAN should resolve or avoid conflicts within their states (MacQueen, 2012). The Burmese government has tried to curb these conflicts by coming up with â€Å"seven steps road map† but this has proved not to work since the ethnic clashes are still ongoing (Lall, 2009). The Myanmar’s government needs to come up with alternative policies which will enhance cohesion among the member communities. Some of these alternatives include steps like encouraging dialogue among all the stake holders in the Burma state. It may also involve power sharing among the ethnic communities, enhancing democracy and justice to all with absolute fairness. This can be achieved through a genuine devolved system of governance that enhances autonomy to all the ethnic communities in Myanmar (Bray, 1992) I recommend the policy of establishing a devolved government. Burma has been in the military rule for over two decades. All the ethnic communities need to feel included and accepted in the government, they need to feel part of the policy makers and patriotic in the way they relate among each other at a national level. These ethnic groups need an assurance that their autonomy and identity will be upheld by supporting the government rather than opposing it (Brown, 1999). Myanmar has just recovered from the military rule that has been in control for over two decades (Lall, 2009). The new president Thein Sein will help the country to grow economically at a great pace. However, the ethnic conflicts are posing a serious challenge to the nation’s economic growth (Smith, 1994). The most recent is where the government forces conflicted with

Advanced Financial Reporting - Prevalence of Creative Accounting Essay

Advanced Financial Reporting - Prevalence of Creative Accounting - Essay Example This report will be evaluating the reasons that give rise to creative accounting by organizations; the grounds for the nativity of this practice will also be discussed. The evaluation of the efforts made by existing standards and accounting practices in controlling and reducing aggressive accounting will be catered in the report. The levels of success achieved by regulatory bodies will also be discoursed. Increasing the complexity of accounting treatments in such a creative and aggressive way, actually results in deviation from the actual spirit of the suggested treatment. Transactions are treated with a high level of quibble and in a complex manner so as to obtain desired misrepresentation of items present in financial statements, such as assets, liabilities, expenses, revenue, and stock options. It is generally successfully applied over the transactions of inherently complex items of financial statements, for example Derivatives, Hedge accounting, leases, insurance contracts, const ruction contracts, financial instruments, impairment of assets, revenue recognition and manipulation can easily be made. Reasons for using Creative Accounting Creative accounting aims to manipulate ultimate shareholder’s wealth, showing high paper profits, and hiding right earning figures from stakeholders (Farlex 2011). Those who are involved in creative accounting are usually personnel having excess to accounting documents, or can influence the accounting treatments. The records and accounts are falsified and wangled as to divert the route of organization’s money to individual intended pockets. There are some obvious motivations, which lead to the commencement of creative accounting by managers or directors. The business corporate and other borrowers search for capital beyond their home land; this gives rise to an increase in the foreign investment. The investors must be supported with high level investor protection measure and market integrity because there is a sig nificant gap between the investor and the borrower that increases the chances of and may lead to dishonesty (Security and Exchange Commission 2000). Creative accounting provides assistance to businesses to appear profitable and attract customers, resources, and investors. It proves to be more costly when deceptive accounting leads to drastic consequences. Methods of Creative Accounting In an organization where salaries and incentives are paid on the basis of performance (performance related pay), directors can manipulate the annual sales account by showing high sales value or reduction in the figures of liabilities as to pay themselves high remunerations and incentives. Directors can also create high provisions for remote liabilities and include under the head of assets account remote or possible future assets, this treatment of assets and liabilities will be against the bench marks described by standards but if the liability and asset heads are intensely populated then, it will be difficult to locate this non compliance. Other minor non-compliances in the financial statements can result in a material non-compliance in the aggregated form. Directors can also change the policies relating to share options and take advantages like bed and breakfasting shares. Job security concerns can also cause highly designated individuals to falsify accounts in the periods of unfavorable results. To cover up previous frauds, original accounts become compulsory to be replaced by fake accounts using creative accounti

Benefits and Limitations of Economic Analyses of Entrepreneurial Essay

Benefits and Limitations of Economic Analyses of Entrepreneurial Behaviour - Essay Example The researcher states that entrepreneurship consists in undertaking those activities which are generally not conducted in usual business routine. However, the entrepreneurial behavior in any country can be affected by economic analyses of a particular nation. The efficacy of entrepreneur improves if certain economic contexts such as political or governmental interference are less in a country. Several economists have defined the term ‘entrepreneur’ and their behavior in an economy. In economic theories, the knowledge of selection and decision making is essential for successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs demonstrate individual qualities which let certain persons make innovative decisions whose impact can be experienced in the long run. In every country, the entrepreneurial behavior is influenced by the suitability and setup of proper business foundations. For instance, political environment, economic environment, marketing aspects and technological aspects can significa ntly impact on the behavior of entrepreneurs. A stable, expectable and well-organized business environment with the strong governing system generally facilitates entrepreneurs to take innovative decisions. Entrepreneurs positively react to the environmental opportunities which in turn is related to economic analysis, because it can help to measure the benefits of opportunities identified. One of the most significant tasks of entrepreneurs is to discover and take advantage of opportunities. Opportunities for entrepreneurs can be defined by those environmental circumstances where products and services can be traded for the higher rate than the cost of production. Entrepreneurs typically decide when to utilize a market in order to support the discovery, and when to create a business to assist in facilitating the discovery. These decisions typically depend on the economic analyses of a country such as technological environment, marketing environment, and political environment. Before an entrepreneur earns revenue from an opportunity, he/she first analyze the worth of the opportunity. According to the discovery theory, there are two major assumptions which impact on entrepreneurial behavior.

What are alternative sources of funding in the fire service during Research Proposal

What are alternative sources of funding in the fire service during difficult economic times - Research Proposal Example Hence it is better to fight the turmoil with the alternative strategies of funding. Limited by a stipulated budget, the fire department in the United States are trying to capitalise on a wide range of fund raising approaches beyond the conventional methods (US Fire Administration, n.d.). The fund raising strategies can vary from small fees to large sources of fund as benefit assessments. Sometimes these major funding sources pay off as much as 40 percent of the service budget. Development fees and subscription charges are two of its major alternative funding strategies. These are the fees which the private investors pay for constructing a new fire stations and buying related apparatus. Subscription charges are paid by the households and are a part of the emergency medical services availed by them (US Fire Administration, n.d.). Some fire divisions have suggested, keeping these fees specific for small house hold fires. According to them, an additional service charge must be paid for dealing with the emergency services. Few fire departments, though aware of the fact that the housing insurance policies do cover up a few thousand dollars for fire protection fees, would still like to charge for fire prevention services. Some other departments charge almost for everything, starting from simple services to the special emergency ones (US Fire Administration, n.d.). The payment can be in two ways; either by subscription fee or by service fees for each of the services. The major source of funding comes from the emergency incidents. Some services which were free earlier are charged these days. Some local funding strategy include tax revenue, borrowing, leasing, benefit assessment charges, fees, strategic alliances, cost sharing and consolidations, fines and citations, sales of assets and services, subscriptions and impact development fees (US Fire Administration, n.d.). Apart from these there are more miscellaneous

Advanced Financial Reporting - Prevalence of Creative Accounting Essay

Advanced Financial Reporting - Prevalence of Creative Accounting - Essay Example This report will be evaluating the reasons that give rise to creative accounting by organizations; the grounds for the nativity of this practice will also be discussed. The evaluation of the efforts made by existing standards and accounting practices in controlling and reducing aggressive accounting will be catered in the report. The levels of success achieved by regulatory bodies will also be discoursed. Increasing the complexity of accounting treatments in such a creative and aggressive way, actually results in deviation from the actual spirit of the suggested treatment. Transactions are treated with a high level of quibble and in a complex manner so as to obtain desired misrepresentation of items present in financial statements, such as assets, liabilities, expenses, revenue, and stock options. It is generally successfully applied over the transactions of inherently complex items of financial statements, for example Derivatives, Hedge accounting, leases, insurance contracts, const ruction contracts, financial instruments, impairment of assets, revenue recognition and manipulation can easily be made. Reasons for using Creative Accounting Creative accounting aims to manipulate ultimate shareholder’s wealth, showing high paper profits, and hiding right earning figures from stakeholders (Farlex 2011). Those who are involved in creative accounting are usually personnel having excess to accounting documents, or can influence the accounting treatments. The records and accounts are falsified and wangled as to divert the route of organization’s money to individual intended pockets. There are some obvious motivations, which lead to the commencement of creative accounting by managers or directors. The business corporate and other borrowers search for capital beyond their home land; this gives rise to an increase in the foreign investment. The investors must be supported with high level investor protection measure and market integrity because there is a sig nificant gap between the investor and the borrower that increases the chances of and may lead to dishonesty (Security and Exchange Commission 2000). Creative accounting provides assistance to businesses to appear profitable and attract customers, resources, and investors. It proves to be more costly when deceptive accounting leads to drastic consequences. Methods of Creative Accounting In an organization where salaries and incentives are paid on the basis of performance (performance related pay), directors can manipulate the annual sales account by showing high sales value or reduction in the figures of liabilities as to pay themselves high remunerations and incentives. Directors can also create high provisions for remote liabilities and include under the head of assets account remote or possible future assets, this treatment of assets and liabilities will be against the bench marks described by standards but if the liability and asset heads are intensely populated then, it will be difficult to locate this non compliance. Other minor non-compliances in the financial statements can result in a material non-compliance in the aggregated form. Directors can also change the policies relating to share options and take advantages like bed and breakfasting shares. Job security concerns can also cause highly designated individuals to falsify accounts in the periods of unfavorable results. To cover up previous frauds, original accounts become compulsory to be replaced by fake accounts using creative accounti

What are alternative sources of funding in the fire service during Research Proposal

What are alternative sources of funding in the fire service during difficult economic times - Research Proposal Example Hence it is better to fight the turmoil with the alternative strategies of funding. Limited by a stipulated budget, the fire department in the United States are trying to capitalise on a wide range of fund raising approaches beyond the conventional methods (US Fire Administration, n.d.). The fund raising strategies can vary from small fees to large sources of fund as benefit assessments. Sometimes these major funding sources pay off as much as 40 percent of the service budget. Development fees and subscription charges are two of its major alternative funding strategies. These are the fees which the private investors pay for constructing a new fire stations and buying related apparatus. Subscription charges are paid by the households and are a part of the emergency medical services availed by them (US Fire Administration, n.d.). Some fire divisions have suggested, keeping these fees specific for small house hold fires. According to them, an additional service charge must be paid for dealing with the emergency services. Few fire departments, though aware of the fact that the housing insurance policies do cover up a few thousand dollars for fire protection fees, would still like to charge for fire prevention services. Some other departments charge almost for everything, starting from simple services to the special emergency ones (US Fire Administration, n.d.). The payment can be in two ways; either by subscription fee or by service fees for each of the services. The major source of funding comes from the emergency incidents. Some services which were free earlier are charged these days. Some local funding strategy include tax revenue, borrowing, leasing, benefit assessment charges, fees, strategic alliances, cost sharing and consolidations, fines and citations, sales of assets and services, subscriptions and impact development fees (US Fire Administration, n.d.). Apart from these there are more miscellaneous

Hucklbery Finn persuasive essay Essay Example for Free

Hucklbery Finn persuasive essay Essay Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Offensive Language in Literature In Mark Twain’s classic 1884 novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, regional and time-specific language is used in a way that offends some 21st century readers. Particular words are so disturbing that individuals across the country are still, to this day, attempting to have the book banned in schools and libraries. The idea that any book should be tucked away in a vault, let alone an example of a beloved American classic such as this, is ludacris and against what America stands for. Works of art, like this book, should be used to learn and to open up dialogue and analysis on both the piece itself and the society from which it came. With this particular Twain novel, we should be having a discussion about why the offending words are so offensive, and why it’s important that a record of these words and attitudes exist. Words carry weight, and the weight of the â€Å"N† word in Huckleberry Finn is heavy and dripping with sordid history. It is a term that holds an impassable amount of cultural appropriation and painful association. The word, used in a classic literary context, is then a perfect way to open up a dialogue about issues that are difficult to talk about. Political correctness, racial slurs, America’s dark past—these are all topics that can be used to teach young people how to have a gentle conversation about a torrid subject matter. Instead of banning the book and ignoring the past, we should be embracing the story and teaching people how to deal with the words in a tactful and progressive way. Moving forward from America’s shameful history of racism is difficult and taxing. But the only way we make steps to a new and more comfortable future is to learn from our past mistakes. Twain was a product of his time, putting words into the mouths of his characters that would easily have come from the mouths of real people. It’s also important to remember that the character of Huck Finn himself is anti-racist, so teaching the book to young people is not teaching racism, but acceptance. It is imperative to connect with the period of history that Huckleberry Finn comes from because shoving it to the side will only render us blind. Banning books is an effective way to censor, and censorship goes against a lot of what Americans believe to be a very important personal right. The right to free speech is sacred, and it is mostly untouched even in circumstances where highly polarizing or hateful words are being used. A work of fiction that integrates dialogue containing the â€Å"N† word may seem hateful to some, but it is certainly the intention of the author to use it in a context of satire. Censorship will just close the book when what we really need is to open it up in a different light. At a time when it is nearly impossible to find an adult engaged in a healthy debate or discussion, teaching our children how to think and speak analytically and fairly is a dire need. Using fictional novels such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as a jumping-off point of what used to be, and what has become, is the perfect opportunity for creating the ability to do this. By keeping books deemed controversial in rotation and out of the vault, we can begin to understand the preciousness of our own rights to speak our mind, as well as being able to speak to others with respect and with knowledge of the past. Downloaded from http://www. wikihow. com There are three possible organization patterns: Pattern 1: Thesis statement: PRO idea 1 PRO idea 2 CON(s) + Refutation(s) Conclusion Pattern 2: Thesis statement: CON(s) + Refutation(s) PRO idea 1 PRO idea 2 Conclusion Pattern 3: Thesis statement: CON idea 1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Refutation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  CON idea 2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Refutation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  CON idea 3  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Refutation Conclusion The  sample essay  has been written according to the third pattern. Thesis:  Do Reiki instead of taking medicine. Counter arguments Refutation 1. People should trust medicine since it is effective and scientifically proven. Reiki is also scientifically proven and does not have side effects. (refutation method: insufficient claim) 2. Serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer cannot be treated without medicine. Medicine also cannot treat serious illnesses if not diagnosed at an early stage. (refutation method: opponents are partially correct) 3. Reiki, like alternative healing methods, requires a lot of time. Reiki requires less time if done regularly. refutation method: opponents are completely wrong) Language:  Signposts gain importance in the argumentative essay. They enable the readers to follow our arguments easily. When pointing out opposing arguments (CONs): Opponents of this idea claim / maintain that †¦Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Those who disagree / are against these ideas may say / assert that †¦ Some people may disagree with this idea. When stati ng specifically why they think like that: The put forward this idea because †¦ They claim that †¦ since †¦ Reaching the turning point: However, but On the other hand, When refuting the opposing idea, we may use the following strategies: compromise  but prove that their argument is not powerful enough: They have a point in thinking like that. To a certain extent they are right. completely  disagree: After seeing this evidence, there is no way we can agree with what they say. say that their argument is  irrelevant  to the topic: What we are discussing here is not what they are trying to prove. Their argument is irrelevant. HEALTH AND HEALING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Throw out the bottles and boxes of drugs in your house. A new theory suggests that medicine could be bad for your health, which should at least come as good news to people who cannot afford to buy expensive medicine. However, it is a blow to the medicine industry, and an even bigger blow to our confidence in the progress of science. This new theory argues that healing is at our fingertips: we can be healthy by doing Reiki on a regular basis. Supporters of medical treatment argue that medicine should be trusted since it is effective and scientifically proven. They say that there is no need for spiritual methods such as Reiki, Yoga, Tai Chi. These waste our time, something which is quite precious in our material world. There is medicine that can kill our pain, x-rays that show us our fractured bones or MRI that scans our brain for tumors. We must admit that these methods are very effective in the examples that they provide. However, there are some â€Å"every day complaints† such as back pains, headaches, insomnia, which are treated currently with medicine. When you have a headache, you take an Aspirin, or  Vermidon, when you cannot sleep, you take  Xanax  without thinking of the side effects of these. When you use these pills for a long period, you become addicted to them; you cannot sleep without them. We pay huge amounts of money and become addicted instead of getting better. How about a safer and more economical way of healing? When doing Reiki to yourself, you do not need anything except your energy so it is very economical. As for its history, it was discovered in  Japan  in the early 1900s and its popularity has spread particularly throughout  America  and  Western Europe. In quantum physics, energy is recognized as the fundamental substance of which the universe is composed. Reiki depends on the energy within our bodies. It is a simple and effective way of restoring the energy flow. There are no side effects and it is scientifically explained. Opponents of alternative healing methods also claim that serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer cannot be treated without drugs. They think so because these patients spend the rest of their lives in the hospital taking medicine. How can Reiki make these people healthy again? It is very unfortunate that these patients have to live in the hospital losing their hair because of chemotherapy, losing weight because of the side effects of the medicine they take. Actually, it is common knowledge that except for when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, drugs also cannot treat AIDS or cancer. Most of the  medicinethese patients use are to ease their pain and their sufferings because of the medical treatment they undergo. Instead of drugs which are expensive and have many side effects, you can use your energy to overcome the hardships of life, find an emotional balance, leave the stress of everyday life and let go of the everyday worries. Most of the chronic conditions such as eczema or migraine are known to have causes such as poor diet and stress. Deep-rooted anger or other strong emotions can contribute to viral infections as well. Since balancing our emotions and controlling our thoughts are very important for our well-being, we should definitely start learning Reiki and avoid illnesses before it is too late. Some people may still maintain that in our material world, everything depends on time. It is even â€Å"lacking time† that causes much of the stress that leads to the illnesses we mentioned. How would it be possible to find time to do Reiki to ourselves and the people around us when we cannot even find time to go to the theater? This is one good thing about Reiki; it does not require more than 15 minutes of our time. There is no need for changing clothes or special equipment. It is a wonderfully simple healing art, an effective method of relaxation and stress-relief. Most important of all, it is less time consuming than medicine if we think of all the time we spend taking medicine for some complaints and taking some more for the side effects as well. Having said these, resistance to Reiki would be quite illogical. Reiki is natural and drug-free. What is more, it is easy to learn by anyone, regardless of age and experience. It  can be used anywhere, anytime. It also enhances physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and the benefits last a lifetime. It is definitely high time to get away from the drug boxes we store in our drug cabinet! _________________________________________________________________________ utline I Introduction/Thesis-Claim Body Paragraph  1: Present your 1st point and supporting evidence. Body Paragraph 2: Present your 2nd point and its supporting evidence. Body Paragraph 3:  Refuteyour oppositions first point. Body Paragraph 4:  Refuteyour oppositions second point. Conclusion/Restate Thesis Outline II Introduction/Thesis-Claim Body Paragraph  1:  Refuteyour oppositions first point. Body Paragraph 2:  Refuteyour oppositions second point. Body Paragraph 3: Present your first point and supporting evidence. Body Paragraph 4: Present your second point and supporting evidence. Conclusion/Restate Thesis Outline III Introduction/Thesis-Claim Body Paragraph  1: Present your first point and its supporting evidence, which also  refutes  one of your oppositions claims. Body Paragraph 2: Present your second point and its supporting evidence, which also  refutes  a second opposition claim. Body Paragraph 3: Present your third point and its supporting evidence, which also  refutes  a third opposition claim. Conclusion/Restate Thesis 3 Additional Outlines that You Can Print: Basic 5-Paragraph (Argument) Essay Outline: This outline also serves for other essays such as research papers, or the basic 5-paragraph essay. Highlight-and-print outline to fill in. Another Argument Essay Outline:  This outline asks questions that help you critically think about your topic. Highlight-and-print outline to fill in. Argument/Research Paper Outline Guide: This outline can help guide you through a series of questions. You can highlight-and-print this outline, but its not a fill-in-the-blank outline; use it as a guide. Many of my students like to use this outline for both research papers and argumentative papers. Basic 5-Paragraph (Argument) Essay Outline:

Ideologies of Islam | Peace and brotherhood

Ideologies of Islam | Peace and brotherhood Introduction All religion preaches peace and brotherhood and Islam is no different. However, how do you justify the killing of thousands of innocents by the Islamic terrorists. Islamic terrorism is the common term for violence,[1] rooted on Islamic fundamentalism, and aimed at defending, or even promoting, Islamic culture, society, and values in opposition to the political, allegedly imperialistic, and cultural influences of non-Muslims, and the Western world in particular.  [1]   Today, it is global terrorism has come to fore of the world politics after terror attacks on World Trade Centre on 09 September 2001. While looking at the globosity of the phenomenon of terrorism, it has to be appreciated that before terrorist groups attain their national, regional or global stature the first begin the same at local levels. A consideration of the origins of various terrorist groups would indicate that the growth of the small groups into the national or supra national movements could have been attributed to, if not large measure, to the frustration of the people, with the inability of their governments to provide with the elementary justice, security and welfare. It is difficult to say at which point local terror groups joins hands with the other groups operating in the region to form supra national entities that can operate trans national boundaries. If concrete steps are not taken immediately with due foresight, terror menace can well become the the biggest threat t o mankind.  [2]   Varieties of Terrorism Radical conservative religious movements have become linked to terrorism in places as diverse as the Middle East, Ireland, Japan, and the U.S. It is necessary to examine terrorism before further exploring the link between radical religion and the embrace of violence. It is difficult to define terrorism. One persons terrorist is anothers freedom fighter. There are various types of egregious political violence that are sometimes conflated. Official documents on terrorism rarely define the term or differentiate it from other forms of violent political action, e.g., guerilla movements, ethno-nationalist conflicts or progressive movements that take direct action. Nations often brand opposition/resistance/demonstrations as terrorist to demonize and discredit those who might dissent Ahmad (1998) offered a typology of five varieties of terrorism:- State terrorism. Religious terrorism. Criminal terrorism. Pathological terrorism. Secular oppositional, or political, terrorism. There are different motives for these. Some highly visible expressions of terrorism can be thought of as spectacles of violence, media events staged to dramatize an issue by gaining the attention of the world. Terrorism acts as both a symbolic message and supposed means of social change aiming at political transformation. The terrorist act dramatically advertises the grievance to a larger community that may support their goals. Further, the pain and suffering inflicted is believed, at least by the terrorists, to avenge a prior injustice and/or attain the organizations goal.  [3]   Jehad The word Jihad links its origin to the Arabic word JHD, which means strive. Jihad in essence means the measures taken to practice religion even during the times of adversity in the face of oppression and persecution. In Arabic, the terms Mujahid/Mujahideen and jihad, are Islamic-derived terms indicating righteous struggle, and are commonly used to refer to what the Western world calls Islamic terrorists and Islamic terrorism. In the non-Muslim world, this usage is often considered to be inaccurate and giving religious glorification to murder, and Islamic terms like hirabis and Muharib have been promoted as alternatives when referring to terrorists. Islamic terrorism is itself a controversial phrase, although its usage is widespread throughout the English-speaking world. Ordinary Muslims who have nothing to do with terrorism find it reprehensible because it forces upon them a label simply because they, too, are believers of Islam. In fact, the common Muslim believes that you are making him a racial hate target by using the word Islam with terrorism. Bernard Lewis believes that the phrase Islamic terrorism is apt, because although Islam, as a religion is not particularly conducive to terrorism or even tolerant of terrorism  [4]  . In his own words:- Islam has had an essentially political character from its very foundation to the present day. An intimate association between religion and politics, between power and cult, marks a principal distinction between Islam and other religions. In traditional Islam and therefore also in resurgent fundamentalist Islam, God is the sole source of sovereignty. God is the head of the state. The state is Gods state. The army is Gods army. The treasury is Gods treasury, and the enemy, of course, is Gods enemy. This argument is countered by Jamal Nassar and Karim H. Karim, who contend that because there are over a billion adherents of the religion, the phenomenon is more precisely regarded as Islamist terrorism or, because describes political ideologies rooted in interpretations of Islam. In this vein, describing terrorism as Islamic may confirm a prejudicial perspective of all things Islamic.  [5]   Radicalisation of Islam As has been noted, modern Islamic political fundamentalism is the product of a desire by some Muslims to return to a pure faith in order to counter and overcome growing pressure from an increasingly westernized world. Identifying and analyzing these pressure points is essential to understanding the rationale behind the often violent expressions of Islamic political fundamentalism whose ultimate purpose is to bring individual, country and world under the sovereign reign of Allah. As has been noted, Islamic political fundamentalist movements are a twentieth-century development. Not surprisingly, the majority of these movements are of the Sunni variety. Of the 175 Islamic fundamentalist groups (mainly of the political variety) in the Arab world as identified by Dekmejian from 1970-1995, only 32 were Shiite fundamentalists (with an additional four having both Sunni and Shiite followers). The modern era radical clerics have interpreted the Koran to their advantage and have used it effecti vely to strengthen the military wing of Islamic fundamentalists and use terrorism as a tool against the non practitioners of Islam. Some clerics supporting the hard stand against non Islamic societies and nations are reflected in the subsequent paragraphs. Radical as part of his sermon one Friday in August 2004, the Palestinian Sheikh Abu Muhammad al Maqdisi told his followers, Cutting off heads is part of our religion. Indeed, by God, slaughtering Allahs enemies is part of our religion. It should be done in accordance with the interest of Islamic nations. In another article titled The Infidels will be Obliterated, the cleric Seif al-Din al-Ansari writes Allah made annihilating the infidels one of his steadfast decrees. According to (divine) natural law of alternating fortunes, Allah said (Allah will) obliterate the infidelsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.It inevitably follows that this wisdomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.has become the way the life is to be livedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. The (Koran) mentions his decree frequently, to the point that it makes you feel that it is truth of supreme importance. In another context, Shiekh Nasser ibn Hameed, an al Quaeda affiliated Saudi cleric, considers the permissibility of using the weapons of mass destruction to bring about the will of Allah. The sheikh concludes that, considering what Americans have done:- If a bomb was dropped on themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that would annihilate 10 million and burn their lands to the same extent that they burned the Muslim lands this is permissible with no need to mention any other proof. Yet if we want to annihilate a greater number, we need further proof  [6]   Creating an Ideology A century ago, Islam had the same Koran, the same Prophet Muhammad, the same stories about founding of the faith, and the same religious and the legal traditions. Yet there were no suicides bombers like Salah Ghandour, no incendiary leaders like Hassan Nasrallah, no militant sheikhs like Yousaf al-Qaradawi and no murderous conglomerates like Hamas and al Qaeda. And that there was not should give pause to all those who claim that Islam is, necessarily, a violent and destructive faith. To attribute todays problems to the essence of the religion is to commit a grave error of oversimplification. Islam is a grand tradition that has proven itself capable of sustaining many different cultures, philosophies, approaches to life and political arrangements. Since September 11, and to a lesser extent before, many authors have probed the history of Islam and the Arabs in search of the roots of extremism. One good place to start is the story from the recent past, the story of Sayyid Qutb, an Egypt ian writer who is described as the intellectual hero of every one of the groups that eventually went to Al Qaeda, their Karl Marxà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ their guide.  [7]   Sayyid Qutb was born in Egypt in 1906. His early education was in the western system of education. After completing his studies, he took up the job of a teacher. He later became a novelist and a functionary in Ministry of Education, Egypt. In late 1940s he did his masters from Colorado. However, during 1930 to 1950, Qutb lost faith in the secular system and became a radical Islamist. On return from America, Qutb supported the Nassers secular revolution. Difference arose between Nasser and Qutb and later was imprisoned. It was during this time Qutb wrote some of his best known and influential work Milestone (a thirty volume commentary on Koran) and In shade of Koran. Qutb was latter executed by Nasser in 1966, giving Islam its earliest and most revered martyr. Qutb was influenced by Mawdudis writings but constructed a khariji-like revolutionary ideology. He stressed both Gods sovereignty and governance (hakimiyya) and the unity of God (tawhid) with the resulting unity in nature, rel igion, society, and state as the foundation of the integrated and comprehensive Islamic system. Qutb transformed the meaning of the Islamic term hijrah (emigration) from a simple description of the Prophets historic migration from Mecca to Medinah to signifying a definite stage in the development of all true Muslim societies hijrah is the response of true Muslims to the state of jahiliyya prevalent in their society. They must withdraw from society in order to create a vanguard of committed activists able to take over society when the right time comes.  [8]  Some of Qutbs interpretation of Jahiliyyah in his own words are as follows:- Islam cannot accept any mixing with Jahiliyyah, either in its concept or in the modes of living which which are derived from this concept. Either Islam will remain or Jahiliyyah: Islam cannot accept or agree to a situation which is half Islamic and half Jahiliyyah. The foremost duty of Islam in this world is to depose Jahiliyyah from the leadership of man, and to take the leadership into its own hand and enforce the particular (Islamic ) way of life. Indeed, people are not Muslims, as they proclaim to b, as long as they live the lier of Jahiliyyahà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Today th task f the call is to return these ignorant people of Islam and make them into the Muslim all over again. A person who feels the need of defence, justification and apology is not capable of presenting Islam to people. Indeed, he is a person who lives the life of Jahiliyyah, hollow and full of contradictions, defects and evils, and intends to provide justification for the Jahiliyyah he is in. These are offender against Islam.  [9]   Qutbs central mobilizing concept was a reinterpretation of Jahiliyya, and provided an ideology to military faction of Islamic leaders. Most terrorist Islamic groups today, derive their ideology from his writings. Interpretations of the Quran The role played by the Quran, Islams sacred text, in opposing or in encouraging attacks on civilians is disputed. Certain scholars such as Zakir Naik have said all Muslims should be terrorists in the context of war and fighting evils of society. When he was asked about the verse. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies. [Quran 8:60] He replied. Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. A Muslim should be a terrorist for the Robber and all other anti-social elements. The Princeton University Middle Eastern scholar Bernard Lewis, states that Islamic jurisprudence does not allow terrorism. Professor Lewis notes At no time did the (Muslim) jurist approve of terrorism. Nor indeed is there any evidence of the use of terrorism (in Islamic tradition). Muslims are commanded not to kill women, children, or the aged, not to torture or otherwise ill-treat prisoners, to give fair warning of the opening of hostilities, and to honor agreements. Similarly, the laws of Jihad categorically preclude wanton and indiscriminate slaughter. The warriors in the holy war are urged not to harm non-combatants, women and children, unless they attack you first. A point on which they insist is the need for a clear declaration of war before beginning hostilities, and for proper warning before resuming hostilities after a truce. What the classical jurists of Islam never remotely considered is the kind of unprovoked, unannounced mass slaughter of uninvolved civil populations that we saw in New York two weeks ago. For this there is no precedent and no authority in Islam. Indeed it is difficult to find precedents even in the rich annals of human wickedness. In 2007, Osama bin Laden, best known for the September 11 attacks, used quotes from the Quran-and a militant Taliban clerics interpretation of those verses-to justify his declaration of war on Pervez Musharraf and the Pakistani army, such as: O prophet! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them. Their abode is hell, and an evil destination it is. [Quran 9:73] O you who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guides not a people unjust. [Quran 5:51] And fight them until theres no fitnah (polytheism) and religion is wholly for Allah. [Quran 8:39] However, the interpretation of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban has been condemned by influential group of Pakistani scholars and religious leaders, who declared that suicide attacks and beheadings as un-Islamic in a unanimous resolution. Marmaduke Pickthall, a Western convert to Islam and an Islamic scholar notes that Nowhere does the Quran approve a spirit of revenge and situates verse 2:194 in the context of a defensive war. Ibn Kathir stated that the Quran clearly commands believers to prefer forgiveness over retaliation wherever possible. Michael Sells and Jane I. Smith (a Professor of Islamic Studies) write that barring some extremists like Al-Qaeda, most Muslims do not interpret Quranic verses as promoting warfare; and that the phenomenon of radical interpretation of scripture by extremist groups is not unique to Islam. According to Sells, Most Muslims no more expect to apply the verses at issue to their contemporary non-Muslim friends and neighbors than most Christians and Jews consider themselves commanded by God, like the Biblical Joshua, to exterminate the infidels.  [10]   Root Cause of Terrorism The Worldview of the Fundamentalist. It is obvious to mention that Islamic fundamentalism is caused by the actions of the fundamentalist. What we can ask ourselves is what drives these individuals to advocate fundamentalism? Several scholars have proposed that fundamentalists adopt a literal reading of the Quran. Consider the following verses:- And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worst than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Haram (the sanctuary at Makkah) unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the unbelievers (Surah Al-Baqarah). If one takes a literal reading of the above passage, then it is quite obvious that Muslims should kill non-Muslims where and whenever the former thinks that they are in a position to do so. Take for example Palestinians. Palestinians have been resettled to accommodate for the state of Israel, consequently displacing the former from their own homeland in the process. When seen within the light of the above verses, the perceived injustice suffered by the Palestinians would mean that Palestinians have every right to oppose the Israelis as well as their American benefactors. This is if a literal reading of the above verses is taken devoid of the context and historical circumstances that gave rise to such verses in the first place.  [11]   Islams Identity Crisis in Confronting Modernity. The historical inevitability and pain of transition to modernization/capitalism has been met with resistance and conservative religious leaders sees such forms as imperialism, colonialism, and the spread of neoliberal ideology. As conservative religious leaders struggled to deal with the advent of modernity, Islamic modernizers were more open. Indeed, these Islamic modernizers worked with secular nationalists and were better able to cope with modernity, using European models of socialism and capitalism for nation building and national development (Hossein-Zadeh, 2005). However, when socialism and capitalism failed to deliver for example, instances of poverty were rife; people were alienated from the system they were in; materialism and decadence prevailed in the capitalist system the disappointed masses of the Muslim world turned to the more radical message of Islam as Muslims especially those alienated and disaffected by socialist and capitalists models looked for an Islamic Alternative. This yearning signalled a desire to return to the state of Islam during its Golden Age. Conservative religious leaders thereby became the sources of mobilization and self-respect as the disappointed masses sought to return to the Golden Age (Hossein-Zadeh, 2005).  [12]   Socio-Economic-Political Factors. Islam is not a monolithic entity how Muslim states/Muslims relate to the non-Muslim other depends a lot on their socio-economic-political factors. For example, poverty and undemocratic regimes are significant factors that can contribute to Islamic militancy. In Aceh (Indonesia) and Mindanao (Philippines), marginalized Muslim communities suffer acute deprivation and alienation vis-vis the post-colonial state dominated by the ethnic and religious minority (Rahim, 2003). Additionally, given the lack of democratic mechanisms in these regions, there are no means for legitimate and sufficient political representation thereby making Islamists act subversively. Undemocratic and draconian measures adopted by oppressive regimes to contain the radical Islamists will also exacerbate the threat rather than effectively reducing it. Instances of poverty as well as undemocratic regimes and draconian legislation among many other factors can contribute to the conditio ns fuelling Islamic Militancy.  [13]   American Foreign Policy. American foreign policy is also a significant variable in the surge of Islamic Militancy. Many argue that Islam is a religion of peace Islamic terrorism, however, is a product and response to American foreign policy. This sentiment is reflected upon Americas unconditional support for Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the ubiquity of American troops in the Gulf; historical legacy of European colonialism; and terrorist attacks are a cumulative process of humiliating Arabs (for example, displacing Palestinians in their homelands; the Abu Ghraib Prison scandal; torture techniques used by the Bush administration). The rise of non-state actors such as Osama Bin Laden represents the Muslim and Arab worlds rage against American hegemony or simply arrogance/hubris (the so called Liberation Theology). Moreover, the double standards as exercised by the Americans in regards to supporting oppressive regimes so as to secure regional cooperation in the war against terrorism is seen as having veiled intent that the war against terrorism could be a war against Islam. American, it has been argued, should look into the causes and conditions that fuel Islamic rage that is, by reflecting upon its own foreign policies rather than blaming the other for the calamities that had happened thus far.  [14]   Drug Trafficking. Drug trade entered the murky scene of terrorism, in a big way, in Afghanistan during the Taliban operations using Afghanistan Pak axis. Initially, they justified the use of drug business as it was for a sacred cause and even convinced the clergy. However, gradually it became a part and parcel of their activities and drug mafias became big players in the venture and terrorist became synonymous of drug trafficker. Equally, the wide network created by the drug mafia was exploited by the terrorist outfits for their operations. As big money was involved politicians in Afghanistan and Pakistan were easily drawn into vicious circle. Drug trafficking provided the illegitimate money to fuel the Holy War Jihad across the globe. Conclusion Perhaps more important than ideological debates over the nature of Islamic history is the future of reform in Islam. Kepel (2002) suggested that Islamist terrorism does not, nor can it produce its intended goals and has become consumed with a fantasy of a world-wide triumph of radical Islam. Understanding the reasons for rise in fundamentalism in Islam and factors contributing to global terrorism, it is neigh important to take concrete measures against terrorism, else, we are likely to inherit aworld without peace to the coming generations. Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. 33.29. Quran

Essay --

Western philosophy has been around since before the time of Jesus. Few philosophers have had as much influence on the world as Plato in western philosophy. Born over 400 years before Jesus, Plato’s influence may be second only to Christianity in this day and age (outside of eastern philosophy). One of Plato’s greatest works, and considered by many his masterpiece, is The Republic, which is widely read today and covers many topics. In The Republic, Plato presents many interesting ideas and thoughts that look to expand one’s wisdom and knowledge of the world. Plato uses a unique style of writing and welcomes controversy and opposing opinions. Some of the main concepts covered are justice, both on an individual and societal level, what is the nature of a man’s soul, the order and character of a just city-state, the forms of government, and theories of universals such as the Forms, and virtue. However, this book is mainly thought of as a philosophical treatise on politics. The main character in the Republic is Socrates, while other characters like Cephalus, Polemarchus, Thrasymachus, Glaucon, and Adeimantus help Socrates navigate through the problems presented by conventional wisdom, while displaying Plato’s thoughts and wisdom. Each of these characters play a key role in setting up Plato’s ideas and thoughts, while bringing to the story their own perspective and intellect. While Plato was an understudy of Socrates, and became the philosopher he is because of Socrates, Plato uses Socrates as a fictional character in his writing and expels his knowledge mainly through him and the conversations he has with the other characters. Plato is a very interesting philosopher, beyond the wisdom he has passed on to others; he writes in a unique ... ...nd forms previously mentioned. Plato presents that particulars participate in forms and give their common quality, which the quality is a reflection of his idea. Plato finally concludes with an argument for the immorality of the soul. The soul’s illness is ultimately injustice. A man can ultimately overcome injustice by harmonizing reason, spirit, and appetite (desire), which will lead to a healthy life and soul.4 Although Plato uses circular reasoning in many of his arguments, he embraces resistance and argument towards his ideas and philosophy. Plato embraces this because this is what dialectic is, refuting one’s views to progress towards a true knowledge. Dialectic is held very dearly to Plato and this is how Plato became so knowledgeable and wise. Plato is one of the greatest philosophers of all time, and The Republic is a prominent figure in today’s society.

Existentialism, Beloved, and The Bluest Eye Essay -- comparison compar

Existentialism, Beloved, and The Bluest Eye  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Toni Morrison has written several novels, many of which show the influence of existentialist thinking; however, Beloved and The Bluest Eye both strongly illustrate all of the major existential themes. Beloved is a novel about a woman, Sethe, who escapes from slavery with her children. She is haunted both physically and psychologically by her experience, as evidenced by the scars she carries on her back from a severe beating, and the scars she carries in her mind from the horrible treatment she suffered. A few weeks after her escape, Sethe's owner hunted her down to reclaim her as his property. Under the fear of capture, Sethe decided that for her children, death would be better than slavery. She killed her second-to-the-youngest child before she was stopped. Beloved is the story of Sethe, and how she must live with the ramifications of her terrible, necessary decision to kill her baby girl.    The Bluest Eye is a similarly haunting novel. It is the story of Pecola, a little ugly black girl trying to grow up in rural Ohio during the 1940's. She is despised by white society because she is ugly, black and female, and because she is the antithesis of all that white western culture idolizes: white skin, blond hair, and blue eyes. On a disastrous parallel, Pecola is also despised by black society: the society whose support she needs desperately to counter white negativity towards her. Instead of receiving that life-giving support, Pecola is regarded as an ugly, passive, pitiful girl. Her mother, herself twisted by the ideals of white society, loves a young, white, blond child she cares for more than her own daughter. Her father loved her so much, he r... ...son." Michigan: Gale Research Inc., 1994. 215-273. Eiermann, Katharena. "Themes of Existentialism." [http://members.aol.com/KatharenaE/private/ Philo/Existentialism/extheme.html]. 1996. 16 March 1997. "Existentialism" [http://www.sound.net/~melingl/existme.html] (16 March 1997) Morrison, Toni. Beloved. New York, New York: Plume, 1988. ---. The Bluest Eye. New York, New York: Plume, 1994. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Literature & Existentialism. New York, New York: Carol Publishing Group, 1994. Steiner, Wendy. "The Clearest Eye." Draper 239. Stone, Joanna. "Morrison proves to be moving and eloquent." The Tech, April 24, 1992: 11. Massachusetts. America OnLine. [http://the-tech.mit.edu/V112/N22/morrison.22a.html]. Online. 6 March 1997. Trosky, Susan, M., ed. Contemporary Authors. Michigan: Gale Research Inc., 1994. 319-328   

Different Types of Human Communication

Different Types of Human Communication Most animals communicate with each other in some way. Dogs bark at those they perceive as a threat in order to communicate their hostility and in some cases the threat that they will attack if provoked; bees have a pouch in which they carry the scent of their hive so as to identify themselves as members of the community. However, it is only in humans that communication breaks off into different types of communication: verbal and non-verbal, and formal and informal. Verbal communication is just what one would expect from the name: communication using words, and in some cases written characters. There are subcategories for verbal communication, depending on who is at the receiving end of the communication. The main division is between interpersonal communication, in which one person speaks directly to another person, and public or group speaking, in which one person speaks to a large group. From here, the intention of the person speaking breaks it down into still further categories depending on whether they are trying to persuade the listener or listeners to think or act in a certain way, to convey information in the clearest manner possible, or even to entertain. However, in many cases, the intentions of the speaker will overlap: speakers may want to persuade, inform, and entertain their audiences all at the same time. Sometimes, they may even be unaware of what their true intentions are themselves. Non-verbal communication is the type that is more similar to what the dogs and bees mentioned above do. Non-verbal communication includes all the information we convey to others, whether consciously or subconsciously, without actually using any words. Probably the most ubiquitous example of non verbal communication is that of facial expressions. For example, when a person rolls their eyes at someone, they are expressing skepticism about what the speaker said. They are not using any words to convey this message, but using their understanding of the non-verbal cues they can send that message without having to explicitly say, â€Å"I really find what you are saying unbelievable†. Not all facial expressions are so calculated though: there are those like smiles that come naturally when someone is happy, and indicate this to others. Beyond these more explicit examples, there are more subtle instances of non-verbal communication. For example, clothing: just as the male peacock uses a vibrant display of his colorful feathers to signal to a potential mate that he is a desirable choice, people use clothing in order to send messages about themselves (whether they are true or not). In this vein, a man going to a job interview will usually wear a suit and tie in order to convey the idea that he is a very professional person. Unlike facial expressions, this kind of non-verbal communication is more like verbal communication because it is arbitrary – there is no intrinsic reason why a suit and tie should convey the idea of professionalism any more than a Japanese kimono would. It is simply that it has become a cultural norm that a suit and tie is what a professional person wears, and as such it becomes a symbol and a means of non-verbal communication. Formal communication is more strongly associated with large and small group speaking. It is more rule bound, and is more centered on the speaker getting some kind of result. For example, speaking to a board room full of business executives in order to convince them to accept a marketing strategy is an example of formal communication: what is said and how it is said is rule-bound to what is considered appropriate for the setting, and it is directed toward the specific end of getting the executives to accept the ad campaign. Furthermore, their are instances of symbolic non-verbal communication, such as the wearing of business attire in order to appear professional. Informal communication is associated with interpersonal communication. While it is still rule bound by the social norms of the those communicating, there is much more room for the speaker to be free in what he or she says. Informal communication is also much less tied to specific ends: in many cases, it takes place simply for the speaker to express what they think and feel about anything in particular, and the speaking is undertaken as an end it itself. It is a much more emotionally involved form of communication, in large part because there is less emphasis on symbolic non-verbal communication and more emphasis on saying what one really feels. Although these various types of communication are very different, they are all indispensable tools for communicating with and understanding others. In order to be able to look at others and truly appreciate what they are trying to convey and whether what they are saying has any value, one needs to have a thorough understanding of all types. Informal Communication If formal communication is viewed like dressing for a black tie affair, informal communication is like dressing casually and wearing slippers around the house. Much informal communication occurs on a person-to-person basis, in a face-to-face manner, without ceremony or fanfare. Other ways to communicate in an informal manner may include texting, post-it notes, an informal drop in visit to another person, or a quick and spontaneous meeting. Informal communication includes all the various methods of relaying information or messages between people. It often is called â€Å"the grapevine† as messages weave back and forth and around people. There are none of the trappings of formal messages, such as company letterhead, planned meetings or specific introductions of guests. Everyone is relaxed and casual, eager to chat about many things, as there is no specific agenda to follow. This type of communication frequently is oral, and works easily for small groups. The scope of the conversation may be broader than a formal presentation, and include topics that are diverse in nature, free flowing and loose rather than scripted carefully. Unfortunately, informal communication is subject to creating rumors and misinformation due to its loose nature and lack of substantiating evidence. This is the type of interaction that occurs in the workplace as banter between employees, or idle chatting. It is seen as blog entries on the Internet. At colleges, students are encouraged to drop by their professors’ offices as needed, informally. Other informal web communication is seen in diaries, personal email letters, instant messaging, emoticons, online chat rooms and cyberspace bulletin boards. Informal communication also may take a non-verbal form as facial expressions, sign language, or manner of dress. In spoken language, the informal communicative style incorporates the use of the second and first voices. This is in contrast to the use of the third person voice in formal communications. One of the visible signs of informal communication is its natural and easy style, as opposed to being formally regimented. There may be the use of colloquialisms and local slang in the course of speech. It is unconventional and without rules, which is just the opposite of formal. Informal communication is used to help put people at ease. This can be seen in an interview situation where an interviewer such as a paralegal needs to make a little small talk to help get clients to relax, feel welcome and open up verbally. The use of informal language is far more prevalent in society than the use of formal language. Formal Communication Formal communication can be considered as communication efforts that are â€Å"dressed up† to fit customary rules and ceremony For example, in a written letter, the formal communication style will demand that the layout of the piece of written communication follow a specific format that includes the date, header, salutation, body of the letter, close, signature lines and any indicators of enclosures all placed neatly upon company letterhead or personal stationery. By contrast, an informal piece of written communication can be as simple as a jotted note to a friend on a torn slip of paper Formal communications are mostly written, although they may now also include formal presentations that are on computer disk, video tape or DVDs, MP3 presentations and other similar electronic reproductions of written communications. Other forms of formal communications include newsletters, legal advisories, invitations, awards, and letters of congratulations. Non-written formal communication devices are in-person communications in the forms of departmental meetings, telephone calls, conferences and special interviews. Some publications that are devoted to a special purpose, such as a company’s annual report, are formal communications. There is a non-verbal component to formal communication as well. The style and manners of the presenter dictate the formalness of a meeting, and this can be immediately seen at the time of introduction of a speaker. Some elements of non-verbal formal communication include maintaining a certain distance from others, standing above the crowd, speaking in formal tones and using formal means of address to others, such as â€Å"Mister† or â€Å"Doctor† when calling upon others. Colloquialisms, which are freely used in informal communication, are not present in formal communications. Proper English or another language is spoken. Formal communications will follow a chain of command in the flow of the communication, either upwards to or down from managers. The use of formal communication is more prevalent in highly technical areas where a message must be exact and specific, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The written communication is carefully thought out, and planned for a certain effect or result. It often is written in a third person non-personal voice of â€Å"he, she, it, and they† rather than â€Å"I† or â€Å"you† voices. Grammar, spelling and layout are important for written communications, and for spoken communications there is an emphasis placed on the quality of the speech voice and pronunciation. Some formal communications are congratulatory, others can be advisory or informational. Legal papers follow a tightly formatted layout that is customary within the professional and widely used by others. Likewise, scientific research papers have a customary format to follow. Any written communication that is expected to adhere to particular rules can be considered to be formal communication, and the actual tone of the piece may range from friendly to threatening. It can be more demanding and imply expectations to the receiver that should create desired results. Communication through Body Language Communication is how human beings interact with the world that surrounds them. There are many forms of communication, some being more effective at conveying the intent or feelings of the individual expressing than others. Many people have a hard time with communication, and can find it difficult to tell others what they think or to give them bad news. Sometimes, they can’t find the right words to express the things they want to say. There are also those people who are not to be believed due to a history of dishonesty or embellishing the truth. One form of communication, however, is always honest and can always be counted on. Body language is a form of communication that is performed subconsciously. It occurs almost constantly, and will almost always give the correct impression that a person has of someone else, the environment, or the situation at hand. Body language makes it easy to know if someone is nervous, scared, interested, or focused, among many other feelings that could be happening. Learning to read body language can be as simple as paying attention to your own body when feeling specific emotions. For example, if you are able to notice the unconscious things that your body does when you are nervous, then it should be simple for you to be able to see when another person is nervous in a certain situation. Often, reading the body language of another person will tell you more than having an actual conversation would, especially if the conversation has the potential to be uncomfortable or is something that no one wants to acknowledge. On the lighter side of body language communication, it can be a very helpful tool in determining how interested another person is in you. When single people meet for the first time, reading the signs of body language can help you to determine if this person has any interest in you beyond friendship. If on a date, the person leans towards you when you are speaking or has their arms at their sides with the front of their body facing towards you, that is a sign that signifies a true interest in the things you are saying. If, on the other hand, they have their arms crossed, are leaning back in their chair with their back turned towards you, and are avoiding contact, they probably are not interested. These are some good physical indicators that you could be wasting your time. Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication is any kind of communication not involving words. When the term is used, most people think of facial expressions and gestures, but while these are important elements of nonverbal communication, they are not the only ones. Nonverbal communication can include vocal sounds that are not words such as grunts, sighs, and whimpers. Even when actual words are being used, there are nonverbal sound elements such as voice tone, pacing of speech and so forth. Nonverbal communication can be incorporated in a person’s dress. In our society, a person wearing a police uniform is already communicating an important message before they say a word. Another example is a man’s business suit, which is perceived by some as communicating an air of efficiency and professionalism. While each of these cues conveys a message, so does its absence. In some settings, failing to express a nonverbal cue also communicates meaning. A policeman out of uniform is called â€Å"plainclothes† and is seen as deliberately trying to conceal his role. To some, this may make him seem smart or efficient, while others may consider him sneaky or untrustworthy. In the same way, a businessman who does not wear a suit is conveying an air of casualness which some would consider slightly less professional. In the modern world, â€Å"dressing down† implies a relaxation of professional standards that is much more than just a change of clothes. Many cues are based on learned cultural standards, but there are some elements of nonverbal communication that are universal. Paul Eckman’s landmark research on facial expressions in the 1960? s found that the expressions for emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and surprise are the same across all cultural barriers. The setting where communication takes place also lends a meaning to words apart from their literal definition, and constitutes nonverbal communication. For instance, the word â€Å"tradition† means one thing when it is spoken in City Hall, and quite another when it is spoken in a church. The sign of a cross takes on great cultural meaning when used in a religious context, but on a road sign it just means that an intersection is coming up. Some nonverbal communication accompanies words and modifies their meanings. For instance, our speed of speaking and the pauses we place between our words form a nonverbal element to our speech. A slight pause before a word can imply uncertainty or be interpreted as a request for confirmation from the listener, whereas a lack of pauses can be taken as a sign of confidence or the encouragement of a fast reply from the listener. If someone asks you a question in a hurried manner, you will probably get the feeling that they want a similarly quick reply. The use of personal space constitutes a form of nonverbal communication. If someone leans toward their listener as they speak, it implies that they are communicating something personal or secret. Depending on the social nuances of the situation, this may be taken as a sign of friendship or an unwanted invasion of space. The use of touching as an element of communication is called haptic communication, and its meanings are very culture-dependent. In American society, a handshake, a pat on the shoulder or a â€Å"high five† have certain definite meanings understood by practically everybody. In other societies, these might be enigmatic acts or an embarrassing invasion of personal space. The use of the eyes as an element of nonverbal communication is an area of study in itself, and is called â€Å"oculesics. † Researchers have divided eye movements into separate elements such as the number and length of eye contacts, blink rate, dilation of the pupils and so forth. Here again, the interpretation of these cues is highly dependent on the culture of the participants. A prolonged stare may establish a bond of trust, or destroy it. It may elicit a reply from the person being stared at, or it may make them become uncommunicative from embarrassment. This is how most of our communication takes place. When we consider the amount of nonverbal communication that passes between us and compare it with the mere words we say, it is obvious that the nonverbal part is by far the largest.