Letters to a Young Poet Essay

Rilke’s â€Å"Letters to a Young Poet,† ostensibly a series of reflections about and advice regarding the inner-life of an accomplished poet, reveal as much about philosophical and moral attitudes as those attitudes or concepts which are commonly associated with literary theory and literary technique. In fact very little, if any, evidence of traditional literary criticism exists within the series of letters; Rilke, in fact, comments in the first letter that: â€Å"†Nothing touches a work of art so little as words of criticism : they always result in more or less fortunate misunderstandings† (Rilke, 1). With that quite clear admonition as a sort of preface to his ensuing reflections and advice, Rilke establishes a far more urgent and profound set of considerations regarding creative expression, considerations which arise out of the human capacity for self-exploration and spiritual odyssey. To begin with, Rilke advises young artists to eschew traditional â€Å"markers† of success, such as publication and critical acclaim. Such things are aspects of what he terms the â€Å"outer† world and have little to do with the composition of poetry. Instead of looking outward for signs of success, the aspiring poet should look within: â€Å"†You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you – no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself† (Rilke,1). While it is relatively easy to comprehend Rilke’s meaning here that an aspiring poet should not allow themselves to be judged by outside sources for fear of losing their individuality, the method by which one attempts to â€Å"go into yourself† (Rilke,1) are both complex and dependent upon th aspiring poet’s level of devotion and patience. It is not certain that a turning inward, alone, will produce the emotional and intellectual response that feeds into the creation of great art, but without such a turning inward, great art can not be accomplished at all. When Rilke comments that â€Å"if out of this turning-within, out of this immersion in your own world, poems come, then you will not think of asking anyone whether they are good or not† (Rilke, 2) he is beginning to introduce the most crucial point in his set of principles and advice for young artists. This first, and most important, concept is that: artists are self-reliant. This means that not only do artists plumb their own depths of emotional response for themes and techniques with which to advance self-expression, but the process of turning inward makes of any potential artist, a sort of â€Å"exile† within their own respective societies, a loner who must accept, first, subjective experience and response, and only later consider the repercussions of their journey. The searching into the deep and personal subjective reality of the artist is not only a search for self-identity, bit a search for an escape from irony. And here, Rilke makes an amazing and very profound point regarding the â€Å"pose† that many people adopt to their lives. It would be easy to recognize this pose, say, in a corrupt politician who espouses love for his fellow-citizen but steals for personal wealth and empowerment from the taxes which are meant to improve his society. Equally easy would be to recognize the irony and hypocrisy of literary critics who pontificate about works without ever bothering to understand them. However, Rilke takes the idea of irony and hypocrisy to an additional level and views it as one of the primary obstacles, as well as primary instruments, of creative expression. To dwell in irony may make for quick expression and readily comprehensible art, but it is also a path to the trivial. Rilke writes â€Å"Search into the depths of Things: there, irony never descends† (Rilke, 3) and so, lack or irony, and hence — honesty — is also a hallmark of the odyssey of the artist. Once the prospective artists has made the decision that they could simply not live without being an artist, that they must plumb the depths and take on the journey within, the ensuing time of solitude and reflection will allow the artist to slowly replace conventional modes of logic and thinking with modes of logic and thinking that are far more conducive to artistic expression. It is important to remember that Rilke states plainly that anyone who imagines that they can live without being a poet should not bother to write at all. This is a key point in his overall vision because Rilke regards poetry and artistic expression not as crafts or vocations, but as a â€Å"calling† not unlike that which is commonly associated with religious traditions. The poet or artist has no choice but to be a poet or an artist; there is no-one to teach them craft or skills, there is simply the immersion into one’s â€Å"soul† and the re-emergence as an artist with a unique voice and vision. The thought process of the artist is â€Å"To let each impression and each embryo of a feeling come to completion, entirely in itself, in the dark, in the unsayable, the unconscious, beyond the reach of one’s own understanding, and with deep humility and patience to wait for the hour when a new clarity is born† (Rilke, 5). In this statement Rilke places great emphasis on the erosion of the ego in the artist, signifying that it is not the artist’s conscious ego which creates art, nor learned technique, but submission to unconscious processes, and openness to sensation and understanding: â€Å"this alone is what it means to live as an artist: in understanding as in creating† (Rilke, 5). Along with the substitution of a new â€Å"logic† for the old, Rilke mentions that perception of linear events, such as time itself, are not the business of the true artist: â€Å"Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come† (Rilke, 5). Along with self-reliance and patience, internal emotional, spiritual, and psychic growth are aspects of an artist’s journey. Simply by removing oneself from the â€Å"mainstream† (and often ironic) flow of common society and common thinking, the artist becomes something apart from human society and something which is more in touch with Nature nd the processes of natural growth. Such a diversion from the ordinary means that the poet or artist will carry with them the additional burden of being misunderstood, possibly envied, and likely written off as a â€Å"crank† because the diversion of vision, mission, and personal bearing is radical enough to cause visible manifestation. For this issue, Rilke advises â€Å"be happy about your growth, in which of course you can’t take anyone with you, and be gentle with those who stay behind; be confident and calm in front of them and don’t torment them with your doubts and don’t frighten them with your faith or joy, which they wouldn’t be able to comprehend† (Rilke, 9). The prospect of internal joy and a magnificent experience of one’s self and of nature are the artist’s true rewards, not notoriety and publication, just as self-reliance, patience, and honesty — rather than technique, theme, and medium — are the important aspects of composition. In the long run, the journey inward which is made by the prospective artist will reveal itself to be a journey toward a deeper and more complete communion with God. Of course, Rilke avoids any dogmatic interpretations of precisely what God is or is not, but he advises young poets to understand that art is a spiritual, rather than a material or commercial, process. He mentions that it is very helpful for an artist to view God as â€Å"the one who is coming, who has been approaching from all eternity, the one who will someday arrive, the ultimate fruit of a tree whose leaves we are† (Rilke, 10). This latter observation sums up, quite readily, the ultimate â€Å"thrust† of Rilke’s advice: that any prospective artist should view the process of becoming an artist as something more akin to religious than material experience. Art is not only a way of life, it is life and for a true artist, there is no other path. Rilke’s letters are important not only for their veracity and honesty, but for Rilke’s insistence that the artist be regarded, rightfully, as a visionary rather than a craftsman, especially in an age which values above all else, reduction of human experience to merely material principles. Work Cited Rilke, Rainer Maria. Letters to a Young Poet, W. W. Norton & Company, 1993.

Biography of William Shakespeare Essay

In the mid-sixteenth century, William Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare, moved to the idyllic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. There, he became a successful landowner, moneylender, glove-maker, and dealer of wool and agricultural goods. In 1557, he married Mary Arden. John Shakespeare lived during a time when the middle class was expanding in both size and wealth, allowing its members more freedoms and luxuries as well as a louder voice in local government. He took advantage of the change in times and in 1557 became a member of the Stratford Council. This event marked the beginning of his illustrious political career. By 1561, he was elected one of the town’s fourteen burgesses and subsequently served successively as constable, one of two chamberlains, and alderman. In these positions, he administered borough property and revenues. In 1567, he became bailiff—the highest elected office in Stratford and the equivalent of a modern-day mayor. Town records indicate that William Shakespeare was John and Mary’s third child. His birth is unregistered, but legend pins it on April 23, 1564, possibly because it is known that April 23 is the day on which he died 52 years later. In any event, his baptism was registered with the town on April 26, 1564. Little is known about his childhood, although it is generally assumed that he attended the local grammar school, the King’s New School. The school was staffed by Oxford-educated faculty who taught the students mathematics, natural sciences, logic, Christian ethics, and classical language and literature. Shakespeare did not attend university, which was not at all unusual for the time. University education was reserved for wealthy sons of the elite, mostly those who wanted to become clergymen. The numerous classical and literary references in Shakespeare’s plays are a testament, however, to the excellent education he received in grammar school (and to his ability as an autodidact). His early plays in particular draw on the works of Seneca and Plautus. Even more impressive than his formal education is the wealth of general knowledge exhibited in his works. His vocabulary exceeds that of any other English writer by a wide margin. In 1582, at the age of eighteen, William Shakespeare married the twenty-six-year-old Anne Hathaway. Their first daughter, Susanna, was baptized only six months later—a fact that has given rise to speculation concerning the circumstances surrounding their marriage. In 1585, Anne bore twins, baptized Hamnet and Judith Shakespeare. Hamnet died at the age of eleven, by which time Shakespeare was already a successful playwright. Around 1589, Shakespeare wrote his supposed first play, Henry VI, Part 1. Sometime between his marriage and writing this play, he moved to London, where he pursued a career as a playwright and actor. Although many records of Shakespeare’s life as a citizen of Stratford—including marriage and birth certificates—have survived, very little information exists about his life as a young playwright. Legend characterizes Shakespeare as a roguish young man who was once forced to flee London under suspect circumstances perhaps having to do with his love life. But the little written information we have of his early years does not necessarily confirm this characterization. In any case, young Will was not an immediate and universal success. The earliest written record of Shakespeare’s life in London comes from a statement by the rival playwright Robert Greene. In his Groatsworth of Witte (1592), Greene calls Shakespeare an â€Å"upstart crow†¦ [who] supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blank verse as the best of you. † While this is hardly high praise, it does suggest that Shakespeare rattled the London theatrical hierarchy even at the beginning of his career. It is natural, in retrospect, to attribute Greene’s complaint to jealousy of Shakespeare’s ability, but of course we can’t be sure. With Richard III, Henry VI, The Comedy of Errors, and Titus Andronicus under his belt, Shakespeare was a popular playwright by 1590. * The year 1593, however, marked a major leap forward in his career. By the end of that year, he secured a prominent patron in the Earl of Southampton and his Venus and Adonis was published. It remains one of the first of his known works to be printed and was a huge success. Next came The Rape of Lucrece. Shakespeare had also made his mark as a poet and most scholars agree that the majority of Shakespeare’s sonnets were probably written in the 1590s. In 1594, Shakespeare returned to the theater and became a charter member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men—a group of actors who changed their name to the King’s Men when James I ascended to the throne. By 1598, he was the â€Å"principal comedian† for the troupe; by 1603, he was â€Å"principal tragedian. † He remained associated with the organization until his death. Although acting and playwriting were not considered noble professions at the time, successful and prosperous actors were relatively well respected. Shakespeare’s success left him with a fair amount of money, which he nvested in Stratford real estate. In 1597, he purchased the second largest house in Stratford—the New Place—for his parents. In 1596, Shakespeare applied for a coat of arms for his family, in effect making himself a gentleman. Consequently, his daughters made â€Å"good matches,† marrying wealthy men. The same year that he joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, along with Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Taming of the Shrew, and several other plays. Two of his greatest tragedies, Hamlet and Julius Caesar, followed around 1600. Hamlet is widely considered the first modern play for its multi-faceted main character and unprecedented depiction of his psyche. The first decade of the seventeenth century witnessed the debut performances of many of Shakespeare’s most celebrated works, including many of his so-called history plays: Othello in 1604 or 1605, Antony and Cleopatra in 1606 or 1607, and King Lear in 1608. The last play of his to be performed was probably King Henry VIII in either 1612 or 1613. William Shakespeare lived until 1616. His wife Anna died in 1623 at the age of 67. He was buried in the chancel of his church at Stratford. The lines above his tomb—allegedly written by Shakespeare himself—read: Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones And cursed be he that moves my bones. *The dates of composition and performance of almost all of Shakespeare’s plays remain uncertain. The dates used in this note are widely agreed upon by scholars, but there is still significant debate around when and where he wrote most of his plays.

Puritans Influence on New England colonies between 1630`s to the 1660`s

During the 1630`s to the 1660`s the Puritans had a frat influence on the New England colonies. Puritans were protestants that arose within the Church of England. They demanded to have a greater and more rigorous discipline and were not satisfied with what the Church of England offered.They separated themselves from the Church of England but still considered themselves from the Church of England. when their desires were not fulfilled they left to settle in the Americas.Many spread throughout the colonies and settled in places like New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The Puritans made an impact on the political, economical, and the social development of New England colonies through the 1630`s and the 1660`s.In 1630, the Puritans settled and founded Massachusetts Bay Colony. The leader was John Winthrop, he created the idea of â€Å"city on a hill† and also â€Å" a model of christian charity†.This idea was that the city that was on the hill was to be an example to the other c ities, and they hope the others would follow (Doc A). New England enforced many laws that the Puritans believed in. Whoever did not obey â€Å"God's law†, was breaking a law. When Roger Williams contradicted the Puritans in 1644, he was later on banished. He stated that God didn't have a uniform religion and also this will cause a destruction of of millions of souls (Doc F). With the law on their side, The Puritans influenced the political aspect of New England.Many families owned their owned their own farms that produce a decent amount of products that were sold for a fair price.The community had a substantial amount of wealth. The Puritans always worked together to increase the wealth. They believed that God was always favoring in their success in whatever they did. There was a huge supply of timber and fishing, these aspects were quite helpful when it came to increasing the economy. Eventhough  the economy was abundant,religion was still the main focus. Their values and morals were not changed for the sake of money. John Higginson reassured the world that New England was designed for religion and not worldly gain (Doc J).The Puritans believed that having an education was crucial. The idea of having communities with families was just perfect. Because of this New England had more families settling than having individuals. The Puritans believed small towns or villages that had even amounts of land for all of the community. Family was an unquestionable value. The small towns were well organized and provided a school in which all the children attended (Doc B). The reason why education was very essential in the lives of these people, was because if no one knows how to read then whos gonna read the bible.This was an advantage to the Puritans, because the other colonies were illiterate and had no education. In conclusion, the Puritans had an extreme influence on the political, economical, and social development of the New England colonies, With new laws, e ducation,and having wealthy communities. The Puritans definitely made an impact on how the New England colonies made decisions and how it shaped New England to what it was at the time.

Aristotle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Aristotle - Essay Example One of the primary elements of a virtuous man is that he also be a courageous man. Despite the fact that Aristotle’s ideas lie at their foundations, much of Aristotle’s ideas are presented in relatively abstract terms, often difficult to understand and apply to everyday modern conceptions. However, studying Aristotle’s concepts of what constitutes a courageous man can provide a great deal of insight regarding what he intended when he discussed the more abstract concepts of virtue. Aristotle dedicates three full chapters to the discussion and investigation of what constitutes a courageous man in his book, Nicomachean Ethics, which begins to demonstrate on a more concrete level what he intended in his discussions of the virtuous man. Courage is a mean between fear and recklessness. All objects of fear are fearful things, and generally they are evil also, so fear is defined as the expectation of evil. It is right and proper to fear some evils, but wrong to fear those which are not within ones control as an agent. The truly courageous man is concerned only with the most terrible of evils—death—and in particular with death in the most noble of circumstances, war. The real test of courage is how a man behaves in the face of dangers that are to some extent within his control. Like all human beings, the courageous man fears what is fearful, but he endures his fear in the right way and for the right reason because his aim is to act with nobility. It is possible to fear things to a greater or lesser extent than is warranted or to fear what is not really fearful, and these are the forms taken by the vices surrounding courage. Common usage has no name for excessive lack of fear, but the man who is afraid of nothing is either a madman or totally immune to pain. Excessive confidence is called recklessness. Excessive fear is cowardice. Cowards, reckless men, and courageous men are all concerned with the same situation, but have different attitudes

Ethical controversial about the abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethical controversial about the abortion - Essay Example These people base their argument with Aristotle point of view that abortion is right since it creates a strong path for people to control the size of their family. Supporters of abortion believe that there is no biblical text that specifically prohibits abortion, despite many citing various biblical verses as a framework for forbidding abortion. This essay seeks to underline the ethical controversial about abortion. In the article entitled, Abortion in Australia: a Legal Misconception 2005 Kerry Petersen presented the opinion polls, which showed that most Australians approved women having their rights to carry out abortions. In Australia, there has been little support and emphasize for introducing restrictive laws that ban abortion and most state regards abortion as legal to protect the health of the woman (Kerry 142). The ground on which abortion is allowed differs from state to state. In practice, most states in Australia believe that all women have the right to access medical serv ices for termination of pregnancy especially in cases when the pregnancy may interfere with their health. The major aspect surrounding abortion in modern times is just when the soul enters into the body. Just as in ancient times, Aristotle believed that if performed early, abortion was not killing the human life (Mercer 22). He considered that the embryo gained a human soul after forty days if male and ninety days if female. Before that period, Aristotle believed that the embryo had animal and vegetable soul. In modern times, some people believe that a woman has an ethical obligation to terminate pregnancy if conducted at an early stage. In this regard, most people claim that women may terminate a pregnancy because of many reasons such as in the case of incest or rape, when the mother is not financially prepared, or when the pregnancy interferes with the mother’s health. By virtue, the accumulation of human cells has the right to live if only it has reached a specific stage o f development. With this, it stands out that it is right to terminate the pregnancy provided it is done at an early stage. A study conducted in 2009 by Rita indicates that, a pregnant woman has the moral right to terminate pregnancy if the pregnancy interferes with her personal life. In other words, the woman has the right to take the decision without legal or moral intervention of others. A woman has the right of ownership to her body. With this, she can make the decision to abort the foetus if it is interfering with her life or health. Additionally, it may not be ethically wrong to terminate a pregnancy in cases where the mother has to choose, which of the conjoined twin will die. In such cases, the operation required to separate them may cause one infant to die. The woman may be forced to abandon one of her child to save the other. Nevertheless, opponents of abortion hold that human lives are sacred and one should treat them with respect and reverence (Mercer 30). Most religions stress that, God is the creator and giver of life, and human beings should not destroy what he has created in his image. The Roman Catholic Church maintains that abortion is against God’s word and natural law, and there should be no scenarios that make it better or right. Ethically, religious experts believe that the foetus deserve to live just like a human being does (Haugen, Susan, and

Analyze the passage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Analyze the passage - Essay Example If we regard our action first from the point of subjective inclination and then from the perspective of conformity to reason, we do not find a contradiction; we are led to realize the validity of the categorical imperative. The writer concludes that if duty has to be a practical and unconditional necessity of action and account for the legislative authority it can only be expressed in terms of categorical imperatives. If there is any such thing as an a priori notion of duty which is absolute, it must cover the willing and inclination of all human beings. They should conform to reason. Such duty is intrinsic and sublime and its validity gets diminished if it is dictated by subjective inclinations or natural dispositions. The reasons that the writer gives do support his point to a great extent. The writer’s views are important because everyone has certain duties and obligations in life. Our duties must conform to reason and we should not be liberal and compromising regarding our personal

Behavioural Intervention Grading Scheme Case Study

Behavioural Intervention Grading Scheme - Case Study Example Alyssa will get a chance to showcase her potential and overcome the obstacle of Autism to thrive in the world of education just like her peers and mentors. Alyssa’s problem behaviour of punching and scratching her legs and arms when upset has led to her being moved away from her peers and other care givers. This has led to her being examined by her physician, Dr. Taylor who has recommended a rationale and monitoring her behaviour since she does not have any history. The Joint attention process is one of the underpinning skills of communal behaviour. A joint attention is a communal contact between a child and another whereby they carve up attention on a familiar subject matter or purpose. Joint attention develops by whats more responding to one’s awareness directive or developing joint attention with an extra person. The major rationale of the Joint attention program is the â€Å"application of an objective as the way for obtaining a grown-ups attention†. The involved child (in our case Alyssa) develops a significant social contact with the adult care givers by directing their gazes at the mutual objective or coming to terms with the adults’ satisfaction of the objective by smiling and responding properly. Imitation is the foundation for gaining a new-fangled skill set. A child suffering from autism will observe a skill and emulate the behaviour in anticipation of competently learning and generalizing the new skill into all domains. Alyssa will definitely benefit from taking part in such a task since she will feel accommodated and gain the confidence of her peers and care givers. Social play manners is a multifaceted set of inherent behaviours used to pilot peer play. Restricted ability to act in response to joint attention bids, kick off social interaction and emulate social behaviour diminish social play

General description, meaning of the song Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

General description, meaning of the song - Essay Example He is reminiscent of the times when he was at loggerheads with his mother and ended up being kicked out of the house but remembers that once he was convicted the mother was the first to visit him in jail. The song takes the listener through the harsh life of living in the streets and the plight that the mothers have to pass through in order to make ends meet for their children. The song is filled with the ‘gangster’ life that the street members used to live in. The song takes one through the experiences that the life in the streets meant for the people that lived the street life day in day out. Although they made ends meet and had a living it took a lot of effort to ensure that they were safe with the gang members constantly being tracked by the police. Tupac however justifies the people that engaged in thug life in the streets asserting that the life was only to ensure that they got some money that they later used to help their families. According to Tupac (41-43) â€Å"I needed money on my own so I started Slangin and I ain’t guilty because even though I sell rocks it feels good putting money in the mailbox† meaning that although he was engaged in different evils while on the streets he was doing it for the good of the family and not for his own benefits and also to pay for his own rent. Tupac reiterates that life in the street s is hard and one has to adapt to make it out there since everyone lives for themselves however he still remembers the huge role that his mother played. The song highlights the plight of different people on the streets especially those that are of age and are wishing to join the different gangs to make it in life. It is an illustration of the hustle of the gang members and the different reasons that leads the people in the society to join the gangs. Poverty and poor living conditions is also clearly identified as a

SWOT Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

SWOT Analysis - Essay Example It is done, to maintain a very good relationship with the patients so as to retain them for longer period of time. It might prove effective for the organization of Mayo clinic so as to enhance its reputation and demand in the market among others. High brand image- the news paper of United States described the organization of Mayo Clinic as a provider of integrated care services to its patients. As a result of which, the patients are extremely satisfied and pleased with the services of the hospital resulting in amplification of its position and market share among other contenders. Along with this, it might also prove effective in amplifying its reputation and patient base in future era thereby reducing the fear of new entrants. Large presence- the organization of Mayo Clinic is also present in three major metropolitan locations such as Rochester (Minnesota), Jacksonville (Florida), and Phoenix (Arizona). Therefore, due to the presence of the organization of Mayo Clinic in various locations, the patients might very easily reach it to attain varied types of services at an effective cost among others. Huge employees- the organization of Mayo Clinic also comprises of huge range of employees so as to offer value-added services to its patients. And this might help the organization to enhance its image and market share among other rival players. Competitive cost- the organization of Mayo Clinic also offers varied types of services to its patients at a quite effective cost. This acted as one of the most important strength for the organization of Mayo Clinic among others. Less number of doctors- the organization of Mayo Clinic fails to offer varied types of medical practitioners to its patients at appropriate time-period and so, a huge range of patients gets dissatisfied. This hinders the reputation and market value of the

Toyota outsourcing and offshoring analysis Essay

Toyota outsourcing and offshoring analysis - Essay Example India and many other countries and has recreated its management philosophy, work methods and adherence to productivity. This paper examines the methodology behind the off shoring and outsourcing that the company has introduced and also discusses how these practices follow the theories of Dunning and Hymer. Fang (2003) has suggested that the famed Toyota Production System (TPS) that was established by the famous Taiichi Ohno has been applied to all aspects of the outsourcing model. The authors have defined Off shoring as the relocation or creating afresh, the infrastructure and processes from one country to another. Off shoring may be utilized for the transplanting of production, services, backend services, call centre operations, help desk support and other business functions. Outsourcing is the process of procuring core and non core business function and services from suitable vendors. The term outsourcing includes parts ad spares manufacturing, procurement of raw materials, finished goods, apparel, automobile components, outsourcing of intellectual work such as market research and others. According to the Paul (et all, 2005), when Toyota decides to offshore manufacturing base in another country, it either opens a fully owned company if the rules of the foreign country permit or it may decide to take a partnership with a like minded partner who values the principles of Toyota manufacturing company. Other than recreating the manufacturing process by buying machines and testing equipment, the company extends the TPS model to cover other areas such as maintaining a flat corporate structure that empowers individuals to strive for excellence, hiring practices that favour the young and inexperience but who can be moulded to easily adapt to new trends, teamwork where each member helps the other in achieving goals, establishing two way open communications where people are urged to speak about their problems; non-monetary awards

Legalized gambling Essay Example for Free

Legalized gambling Essay The Economic Impacts of Legalized Gambling Introduction The effect of gambling on the standard of living will be pronounced if the gambling activity is regressive, meaning that the rate of participation (as a percentage of income) declines as people earn higher incomes. In other words, if most gamblers are poor, then gambling is more likely to affect the standard of living among the poor. One study showed many forms of gambling to be regressive. Impact on Surrounding Communities Much of the economic research investigating the ancillary economic benefits of casinos has focused on riverboat casinos. Riverboat casinos are a uniquely American establishment. They began operating in Iowa in 1991 and quickly expanded throughout the Midwest. By 1998, over 40 riverboat casinos were in operation in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa. 2 Nearly 50 riverboat and dockside casinos were in Louisiana and Mississippi (NGISC, 1999). There does not appear to be empirical evidence of economic growth as a result of the expansion of riverboat casinos. In terms of generating local tourism, riverboats seem to have been most successful in places such as Galena, Illinois, where the tourism industry was already established. Case studies suggest that the bulk of patrons of riverboat casinos are day-trippers who spend virtually no time at local non-gambling establishments (NGISC, 1999). There, thus, appear to be few, if any, positive economic spillovers to the local hotel or restaurant industry. In support of the cannibalization hypothesis, Siegel and Anders (1999) provide empirical evidence that riverboat gambling in Missouri led to a displacement of revenue from industries that constitute substitutes for gaming activity, such as entertainment and recreation services. 3 Evans and Topoleski (2002) conduct a rigorous examination of the economic and monetary impacts of Indian casinos for both Indian tribes themselves and surrounding communities. Impact on Native American Tribes An explicit goal of the IGRA was to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments. Tribes frequently refer to casinos as the new buffalo, meaning the new source of economic sustenance for their communities. The tribes point to repaired infrastructure; diversifying economies; rising employment; augmented health, housing, education, and monetary budgets; greater indigenous language retention; and generally renewed community vitality (Taylor, Krepps, and Wang, 2000). Evans and Topoleski (2002) find that four years after tribes open casinos, tribal population is up by 12 percent and tribal employment has increased by 26 percent, resulting in an increase in tribal employment-to-population ratios of five percentage points (12 percent). Because the current program seems to be generating jobs does not necessarily mean that granting reservations a monopoly in a particular industry is a desirable policy. 9 Impact on Public Revenue Casino businesses are subject to taxation and, therefore, have a direct impact on public revenue. Maximum tax rates on gross gaming revenues in American casinos range from 6. 25 percent in Nevada to 35 percent in Illinois. Taxes on casinos are not an important source of public sector revenues for most states in the United States; only Nevada is heavily dependent on tax revenue from casino gaming. Non-Indian casinos paid over two billion dollars in taxes to states on gaming revenues in 1997, compared to state lottery revenues of approximately ten billion dollars in the same year (Eadington, 1999, p. 187). By law, states cannot tax the profits of tribal businesses. But in some states (e. g. , Connecticut, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and New Mexico), tribes have agreed to make annual payments to state governments. These fees are typically payments for the monopoly rights the state have granted the tribe to provide certain forms of gambling. In 2003, tribes contributed over $759 million to state and local governments via various forms of revenue-sharing (Meister, 2004, p. 1). Table 2 lists tribal contributions to state and local governments by state. As shown, there is tremendous variability across states. The two tribes that operate Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut alone account for over half of these payments. 10 Casinos might indirectly affect public revenue as well. Insofar as casinos generate additional business income, they might indirectly increase other forms of tax revenue. Insofar as they cannibalize sales from other businesses, they might decrease net tax revenue. Anders, Siegel, and Yacoub (1998) find that as a result of the introduction of two Indian casinos into Maricopa County, Arizona in 1993, employment and retail sales in the restaurant and bar sectors declined. Popp and Stehwien (2002) estimate a similar model to examine the effect of New Mexicos 11 Indian casinos on gross state tax receipts using quarterly data from 1990 to 1997. They also find a negative effect of Indian casinos on state sales tax revenuesthe introduction of a single Indian casino is found to be associated with a one percent decrease in county tax revenues, but the introduction of a second Indian casino in the county if found to reduce sales tax revenue by more than six percent. While suggestive, these analyses are limited in scope and their results do not necessarily generalize to the experiences of other states. Additional research on the link between casino gambling and state sales tax revenue is warranted. Casinos could also cannibalize sales from state lottery operations. Three studies offer evidence suggesting that they do. Siegel and Anders (2001) investigate the relationship between Indian casinos and state lottery revenue in Arizona. The authors empirical analysis finds that a ten percent increase in the number of slot machines is associated with a 2. 8 percent decline in lottery sales. Elliott and Navin (2002) examine the impact that the introduction of riverboat casinos between 1989 to 1995 has on state lottery sales. They find that riverboat gambling expenditures have a negative and statistically significant impact on state lottery revenues. Fink and Rork (2003) build on this work by examining data on 48 states from 1988 to 2000 and using actual tax receipts from all forms of commercial casinos. Also, like Elliott and Navin (2002), the authors perform a Heckman two-step selection correction, but in the first stage, the authors model the adoption of a commercial casino, rather than the adoption of a state lottery. Their analysis finds a strong cannibalization of state net lottery revenue by commercial casino tax revenue. Specifically, they find that an increase of one dollar in commercial casino revenues reduces net lottery revenues by $0. 56. Economic Impacts on States Casinos are good business, say their proponents. Case studies show that legal casino gaming can increase tourism, employment, sales of noncasino goods, and tax revenues. In Nevada, gaming employs 211,000, or 24. 41 percent of the workforce. Direct annual state gaming taxes total over $500 million, or more than 42 percent of the state budget. In contrast, the cost to regulate the gaming industry was less than $21 million. Las Vegas alone attracts thirty million visitors annually. New Jersey, the second state since 1931 to legalize casino gaming, also realizes significant revenues. In 1996, total direct tax revenues were over $232 million. Since casino gamblings inception, the state has realized $3 billion in direct taxes and millions more in property and luxury taxes. Gaming has resulted in 91,600 direct and indirect jobs, and community reinvestment money from casinos has totaled about $500 million. In South Dakota, the government predicted that it would generate $1 million in tax revenues in the first year of operation. From November 1989 to August 31. 1990, the City of Deadwood alone received more than $4. 3 million in taxes. Taxable sales increased 41 percent in the first year of operation. Tourism increased 300 percent. In this formerly depressed area, the casinos created more jobs than there are residents. Consequently, some workers must commute from surrounding communities. Perhaps the greatest beneficiaries of casinos have been some Native American tribes. While previously plagued by high unemployment, poor medical care, poor infrastructure, and other problems, many reservations now enjoy employment, job training, new schools, new hospitals, and college scholarships, all provided by casino gambling. Some tribes have wisely invested their revenues in new businesses that are not casino-related to provide diversity and a new economic base. Effects of Gambling on Local Economies Gambling has expanded at all levels and has even brought a rise in attendance at church bingo games. The new gambling outlets were impressive for their variety: electronic slot machines in rural South Dakota bars; imitation Wild West casinos in old Colorado mining towns; riverboats along the Mississippi River, from the distressed industrial communities of Iowa to the Gulf of Mexico; and gambling establishments on Indian reservations from coast to coast. (James, 2000) New Orleans was now building what promoters tout as the worlds largest casino, while the mayors of Chicago, Philadelphia, and other big communities enthusiastically embrace gambling proposals. (James, 2000) Casino companies often enjoy economic advantages that are available to few other businesses. Since they are usually granted exclusive government franchises, they are able to generate short-term profits on a scale that proprietors of other businesses can only dream about. (James, 2000) Earnings of five to eight percent of revenues are the norm for most American businesses. In the gambling industry, however, yearly profits between 30 and 50 percent are not unusual. It is not extraordinary for companies to be able to pay off their total investments in one or two years. One Illinois riverboat company reportedly tripled the return on its investment in just six months. (Laurence Armand French; 2000) More and more Americans are being persuaded to try their luck. According to casino industry sources, the number of American households in which at least one member visited a casino doubled between 1990 and 93 from 46 million to 92 million. More than three-quarters of this upsurge was the result of community people visiting casinos outside Nevada and Atlantic City. (James, 2000) In 1994, gambling industry leaders and other business observers were predicting even more spectacular growth. By the year 2000, said Phil Satre, president of Harrahs Casinos, one of the worlds largest casino companies, 95 percent of all Americans will most likely live in a state with legal casino entertainment. (James, 2000) A Large Business Since the governor signed Fort McDowells compact, the tribe has expanded twice, more than tripling the casinos size. Completed in 1994, this is the building that stands today. Now it has 475 slot machines, more than 70 poker tables and a 300-seat restaurant. As Fort McDowell has grown bigger, so has its purchasing power. Businesses come to the reservation now, seeking contracts for everything from the satin jackets sold in the gift shop to office furniture and bingo cards. They visit us just like they would a factory outlet center, says Nunez. The casino has become one of the areas largest businesses, employing 1,300 workers, most of whom commute from nearby cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and others. It takes a mix of talent to run a casino: everything from skilled accountants, managers, slot technicians and poker dealers to minimum-wage food servers and money changers. Many people think that Americans/Canadians enjoy gambling, that the gaming industry brings new jobs and money with them when they come to a community. Government sees it as an important source of revenue. Moreover the funds and support that gambling business provides for monetary sector especially for education is significant. In my opinion, our society should be more open to the expansion of gambling that will benefit the whole community. The devastating Hurricane Katrina, which squashed New Orleans, may hit the business and revenues generated by the Casinos operating in the region. End Notes 1. Thomas Barker, Marjie Britz; 2000, Jokers Wild: Legalized Gambling in the Twenty-First Century Praeger Publishers, 2000 2. Ambrose I. Lane, Esteban E. Torres, Terry L. Pechota; 1995, Return of the Buffalo: The Story behind Americas Indian Gaming Explosion Bergin Garvey, 1995 3. Laurence Armand French; 2000, Addictions and Native Americans Praeger Publishers, 2000 4. Gambling with Our Future? The Costs and Benefits of Legalized, March 5, 2004, 5. http://collection. nlc-bnc. ca/100/200/300/fraser/fraser_institute_digital/gambling_with/gamblingwithourfuture. pdf 6. Scheherazade Daneshkhu et al. , Online Betting Operator Jailed: Internet Gambling Decision Could Slow Growing Business, FIN. TIMES, Aug. 11, 2000 7. James W. Prado Roberts, Jail Unlikely to Slow Cyber-Gambling, ASBURY PARK PRESS, Aug. 13, 2000 8. Michael D. Cox, The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act: An Overview, 7 ST. THOMAS L. REV. 769, 770 (1995). 9. Indian Reservations and the New Mexico Economy: Monograph 2: Tourism, April 6, 2004, 10. http://www. sandiapueblo. nsn. us/sandia/gaming/car_tourism. html Works Cited Ambrose I. Lane, Esteban E. Torres, Terry L. Pechota; 1995, Return of the Buffalo: The Story behind Americas Indian Gaming Explosion Bergin Garvey, 1995 Gambling with Our Future? The Costs and Benefits of Legalized, March 5, 2004. Accessed, November 30, 2005, from: http://www. sandiapueblo. nsn. us/sandia/gaming/car_tourism. html Indian Reservations and the New Mexico Economy: Monograph 2: Tourism, April 6, 2004. James W. Prado Roberts, Jail Unlikely to Slow Cyber-Gambling, ASBURY PARK PRESS, Aug. 13, 2000 Laurence Armand French; 2000, Addictions and Native Americans Praeger Publishers, 2000 Michael D. Cox, The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act: An Overview, 7 ST. THOMAS L. REV. 769, 770 (1995). Scheherazade Daneshkhu et al. , Online Betting Operator Jailed: Internet Gambling Decision Could Slow Growing Business, FIN. TIMES, Aug. 11, 2000 Thomas Barker, Marjie Britz; 2000, Jokers Wild: Legalized Gambling in the Twenty-First Century Praeger Publishers, 2000.

Kite Runner Connections with Skrzynecki Essay Example for Free

Kite Runner Connections with Skrzynecki Essay The Kite Runner is set in Afghanistan, about a young boy named Amir who feels that he must win the kite tournament in order to redeem himself to his father. Because his mother died while giving birth to Amir he feels somehow responsible for his mother’s death. His servant is his best friend, Hassan, who runs the kite for him. Amir feels as though he is not acknowledged or accepted by his father, therefore not feeling a sense of belonging when Baba (father) shows his love toward Hassan. This motivates Amir to not do anything about Hassan’s rape which later leaves him with guilt. Those who do not belong may commit acts that are not within their desire in order to belong. For example, after Hassan was raped Amir lied to his father saying that Hassan stole his watch and money from him causing them to be kicked out of their house as servants. Amir’s thoughts were that once Hassan had left, Baba’s love would be pointed toward him only, hence giving him a deeper sense of belonging to his father. Hassan on the other hand felt as though he belonged to the Afghan home of Baba and Amir even as a servant as he is treated with the same respect as the members of the family. However being Hazara’s, a minority ethnic group, Hassan would not have felt a sense of belonging on the macro scale for the reason that his rape was motivated due to the ethnic group he is from i.e. the minority in Afghanistan who are continuously discriminated against. After the Soviets invaded Afghanistan the country became a war-zone causing Amir and Baba to flee the country leaving all the memories and reminiscences in their country. Connections are shown with several of Skrzynecki’s poems, for example, St Patricks College. In St Patricks College it is signified that the poet has been at his school â€Å"for eight years† however he has still formed no sense of belonging. This connects with the relationship that Amir has with his father, Baba. Baba has raised Amir on his own for almost a decade however Amir feels as though Baba does not love him causing him to feel an insignificant amount of belonging.

Comparison Of Mivan Formwork System With Conventional System Construction Essay

Comparison Of Mivan Formwork System With Conventional System Construction Essay In recent times due to globalization, the construction industry has started focusing on new innovative ways of working. The construction industry has started adopting new technologies and approaches in order to increase the overall efficiency of the project. This report is about the modern methods of construction and smart materials that can be used to improve the overall construction process. The first half of the report is on the aluminium formwork systems (Mivan System) which is used for mass housing construction. This system of aluminium forms is fast, durable, cost effective and also produces quality work which requires minimum maintenance. The second half of the report is on green roofs a smart material which is a replacement for traditional roofs. Today in this modernized world where global warming is the major concern for all countries, green roofs can be one of the innovative ways to reduce the energy consumption which ultimately helps in reducing the CO2 emissions. 1. Introduction The construction industry is one of the biggest industries in the whole world. The contribution of this industry towards the global GDP is enormous. In recent years due to globalization and advancement in technologies there has been a tremendous development in the construction industry. However despite of the boom in construction activities the scenario on the housing front remains far from satisfactory. In the countries like India and China the situation on the housing front is even worst. Due to ever increasing population in these countries there is an overgrowing demand for housing. Now keeping in view the gigantic task of providing affordable shelter to masses, adoption of modern and cost effective technology assumes greater significance. The modern methods of construction are broad range of processes and products that aims to improve business efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, environmental performance, sustainability and the predictability of delivery timescales (Baker 33 Cross industry Group, 2006). Today there is a growing realization that the speed of construction needs to be given greater importance especially for large housing projects. For undertaking mass housing works, it is necessary to have innovative technologies which are capable of fast rate construction and are able to deliver good quality and durable structure in cost effective manner (Anon, 2010). Several systems are adopted all over the world but Mivan system has proved to be reasonably economical and capable of fast rate construction of mass housing. In this system walls and slabs are cast simultaneously at site by use of specially designed, easy to handle light weight aluminium forms (Anon, 2010). The system is far more faster than the traditional beam and column construction. However as per Sir John Egan report Rethinking Construction (1998), the commitment from major clients, from the construction industry itself and from the government is the only way forward to create and sustain the environment that is needed for significant improvement in performance, efficiency and quality of the construction. The construction projects are getting more complex in nature due to growing human endeavour and the construction industry need to respond to the unique challenges presented in front in terms of time cost and quality. Also the industry will need to respond to the major issues such as global warming and health and safety of the workers. We as a member of the construction industry will need to overcome these issues by using modern methods of construction (like Mivan System) and smart materials (like green roofs) for carrying out projects. The main objective of this report is to explore modern methods of construction and smart materials and also to evaluate their impact on the construction process in terms of time, cost and quality. In the first half of the report, the use of Mivan formwork system during the construction process is discussed while in the second half idea of using green roofs is discussed. 2. Mivan formwork System: (Aluminium formwork system) Mivan is basically an aluminium formwork system developed by the Mivan Company Ltd from Malaysia in the year 1990. The technology has been used extensively in other countries such as Europe, Gulf Countries, Asia and all other parts of the world. MIVAN technology is suitable for constructing large number of houses within short time using room size forms. In this system of formwork construction, cast in situ concrete wall and floor slabs are casted monolithically in one continuous pour. Large room sized forms for walls and floors slabs are erected at site as shown in the figure1 below. These forms are strong, easy to handle and are fabricated with accuracy. They can be used repetitively around 250 times. The frames for windows and door as well as ducts for services are placed in the form before concreting as shown in the figure 1. Staircase flights, faà §ade panels, chajjas and jails etc. and other pre-fabricated items are also integrated into the structure as shown in figure 1 and 2. This proves to be a major advantage as compared to other modern construction techniques. Figure 1: A set of Mivan formwork Figure 2: Staircase flight formwork 2.1 Comparison of Mivan formwork system with Conventional Construction The table below shows the relative comparison between the Mivan form work system and the conventional system. The comparison is made on the factors such as speed of construction, quality of construction, aesthetics, external finishes and maintenance. Factors Conventional Construction Mivan formwork system Speed of construction The speed of construction is much slower due to step by step completion of different stages of the activities such as erection of formwork, concreting and deshuttering and thereafter plastering and other finishing activities. In this system the wall and the floors are casted simultaneously in one continuous operation and also the finishing work can be started immediately, so the speed of the construction is much faster. Quality Due to conventional method of construction normal quality is obtained Superior quality is obtained due to in-situ casting of whole structure and transverse walls done in continuous operation Aesthetics In the case of conventional construction the partition walls are made up of bricks due to which the column and the beam show unsightly projections in room interiors. In case of Mivan system the partition wall and the ceiling elements are casted together due to which the interiors have neat and clean lines without unsightly projections in various corners. The wall and the ceilings also have a smooth even surface. External finishes All the external walls are made up of bricks, so it requires manual cement plastering which needs to be repainted frequently. All the external walls are made up of concrete and do not require manual cement plastering and also have smooth finishing, so this will need no frequent repainting. Maintenance The maintenance cost is too high as it requires frequent repairs of plasters of wall and ceilings, painting of outer and inner walls due to leakages. The maintenance cost is negligible as the walls and ceiling are made up of high quality concrete which do not require frequent repairs. Table 1: Comparison of Mivan Formwork System with Conventional construction 2.2 Benefits of Mivan formwork System According to Mivan (Thailand) Limited the following are the main benefits of using Mivan formwork system. 2.2.1 Speed of construction: The structure is completed much faster than the traditional formwork as a large amount of work can be completed in each daily work routine. There is no need for brick laying and plastering as all walls can be formed at the same time. Finishing work such as window fixing, wall tiling and plumbing work can be installed immediately once the concrete is casted. 2.2.2 Building strength and durability: The walls and the floor slabs are casted simultaneously so there are no weak joints. The walls are made of reinforced concrete which provides much greater stability than columns with brick walls. The wall surfaces are made of concrete which do not crack like plaster and maintains a smooth surface for much longer time. 2.2.3 Quality of finishing building: The formworks are manufactured precisely which allows the concrete to be cast to exact dimensions as designed. Services like water supply some waste pipes and electrical conduits, can be cast into the concrete where it is protected and not visible. 2.2.4 Financing cost: Fast project completion saves financing charges as the buildings can be transferred to the owners much earlier than traditional methods. 2.2.5 Efficiency and cost saving: There is no requirement of labours for building brick walls and plastering as major part of the structure is cast in concrete by small group of workers. The project can be completed in shorter time due to fast production methods which save onsite running, operating and financing cost. The formwork panels are light in weight and can be lifted manually, so there is no need of spending money for heavy cranes for lifting. Less skilled labours are required on the site as all the finishing items are prefabricated. 2.2.6 Environmental benefits: The formworks are made up of aluminium which can be reused and also can be recycled to make other products. 2.3 Case study The following is a case study which justify that incorporating Mivan formwork system in the construction project is very beneficial to the project. 2.3.1 Infinity tower- Dubai As per MFE formwork technology (2008), the Infinity Tower in Dubai is a 73 storey residential tower with a dynamic twisting shape as shown in the figure 3 below. The tower is more than 300 meter in height and has been designed by Skidmore Owings Merrill who also designed the worlds tallest tower, Burj Khalifa which is 828 meters in height. The contract was awarded to Arabtec Construction. The structural system for the tower is high strength with a reinforced concrete column superstructure that rotates with the twisting shape. In addition, each floor will accommodate a 1.08-degree twist to achieve the full 90-degree spiral. Figure 3: Infinity Tower (Source: MFE formwork technology) The tower was constructed by using a light weight aluminium formwork system. A special twisting aluminium panels were made to obtain the precise design. The tower was constructed at a speed of 8 floors per month when the site was in full flow, maintaining zero tolerance with regard to site safety. Now by referring to this case study, it is clear that the use of Mivan formwork system not only improves the quality and speed of construction but also maintains site safety. 2.4 Limitations of Mivan formwork System The following are the limitations of using Mivan formwork System Modifications are not possible as all members are cast in RCC. Concealed services become difficult due to small thickness of the components. The aluminium formworks are far more expensive than the conventional formwork. Heat of hydration is high due to shear walls. The finishing lines can be seen on concrete surfaces due to small sizes. It requires uniform planning as well as uniform elevations to be cost effective. The shrinkage cracks are likely to appear due to box type construction. The formwork can be cost effective only if it is used in symmetrical type of structure. 3. Green Roofs Green roof refers to a system of roofing that uses plant life for roof covering instead of traditional covering materials (Green Roofs Today, 2010). Department of Trade and Industry (2004) defines the smart material as a material that senses its environment and responds. Green roofs provides constant temperature throughout the year due to high degree of insulation they provide, hence they can be termed as smart materials. Green roofing has become increasingly popular in the cities as it creates additional green spaces that bring some nature in concrete and steel jungle (Green Roofs Today, 2010). Green roofs are visually appealing and create an attractive contrast to concrete and steel as show in the figure 4-5 below. Figure-4 (Green Roofs) Figure-5 (Green Roofs) There are several components of green roofs which besides plants include a growing medium, a filter cloth, drainage, insulation and a waterproof membrane (Green Roofs Today, 2010). These components are shown in the figure 6. The construction of rooftops and the selection of plants for roof covering depend on the factors such as size of the building and type of roof. Now for construction of green roof both flat and slopped roofs are suitable but for construction of large park like roof system only larger buildings are appropriate as accommodation of large plants and trees are too heavy for medium sized buildings. Figure 6: Components of Green Roofs (Source: Green Roofs Today, 2010) Green roofs are mainly of three types; Intensive, Semi-Intensive and Extensive roofs, depending upon the selection of plants (Green Roofs Today, 2010). Intensive green roofs are those that accommodate large plants, trees, full lawns etc. This type of green roofing requires a significant depth of soil and also requires heavy maintenance. Semi Intensive green roofs are those that accommodate moderate size of plants and require less maintenance. Extensive green roofs is the most convenient of all types of green roof systems and involves roof covering with a thin layer of growing medium and vegetation that requires minimal care and maintenance (Green Roofs Today, 2010). The factors which are taken into consideration while designing green roofs are orientation of roofs, preferred planting, level of maintenance and performance expected from the plant layer (Green roofs, 2006). As the intensive roofs consist of deep layer of growing medium, it needs special consideration at the time of designing as they require specific support from the building. Conversely, extensive green roofs require negligible structural support from the building, hence no special consideration is given at the time of designing them (The green roof centre, 2010). 3.1 Benefits of Green Roofs System The following are the benefits of Green Roof systems; Plants reduce the air pollution by absorbing harmful gases including carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Green roof system therefore reduces the air pollution and makes the air cleaner and healthier especially in urban areas where quality of air is a major problem. Plants tend to absorb the heat from the air and release it into the air when the temperature drops. Green roof system therefore helps in lowering the temperature of the urban areas. It also helps the building owners to reduce their cost for heating for heating and cooling which is good for the environment too because most cooling and heating systems are powered by energy that is obtained from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. Plants that cover the roofs can absorb up to 75% of the rain water. Therefore the green roofs system significantly reduces the amount of water that runs in to the sewage system. The plants also filter many pollutants in rainwater including heavy metals. The rainwater that is absorbed by the green roofs is then released into the air via condensation (Green Roofs Today, 2010). Green roofs system offer a natural habitat to many local animal life including insects and birds that were virtually driven out from urban centres. Green roofs systems are extremely durable and can last up to 50 years. It also does not virtually require any repair like many other roofing systems. Green roofs combined with other green technology such as solar thermal collectors and solar photovoltaic panels can further reduce the costs for heating and cooling as well as help combat the global warming (Green Roofs Today, 2010). The figure below from the (Green Roofs Today, 2010) shows the main benefits of green roofs system. 3.2 Limitation of Green Roofs System The following are some of the limitations in installing the green roofs system; Higher capital cost Lack of awareness and knowledge No insurance cover is provided for green roofs Difficulty in maintaining and accessing roofs. 4. Recommendation Due to globalization and competition there is a tremendous pressure on the construction industry regarding the time, quality and cost of the work. With the implementation of the modern construction methods such as Mivan Formwork System and smart materials like Green Roofs the issues related to the time, cost and quality can be overcome. Although the initial cost of implementing such methods and smart materials are quite high the total amount saved at the end of the project life cycle is substantially more than the increase in the initial cost. The construction firms all over the world have been slow to adopt new innovation and changes. It is the need of time to analyse the depth of problems and find effective solution. Mivan system serves as an efficient tool to solve the problems of mass housing fronts all over the world. The system has a great potential to provide high quality construction at unbelievable speed and at reasonable cost which was justified in the report with the help of a case study. Hence it is recommended to use Mivan formwork system over the traditional formwork system Amid fears of global warming, deforestation, melting of ice on both the poles, increase in average temperature in next few decades, green roofs can be looked up to as a potential solution which can help in optimising use of rain water, conserving energy, improving aesthetical view of buildings and improving living conditions inside the building. Hence implementation of green roof is recommended as it will save large amount of resources. 5. Conclusion It can be concluded that the modern methods of construction such as Mivan formwork system are the key to meeting the demand for efficient, sustainable housing. Also the quality and speed must be given due consideration with regards to economy. Mivan formwork system not only helps in improving the quality and efficiency of the work but also has helped in maintaining the site safety. Anything that is good for the environment is good for humankind as well, so the investment in the green roofs is considered to be the best way in reducing the negative impact of humans on the environment. Green roofs not only reduce the adverse impact on the environment but also help the people in reducing their bill for heating and cooling.

Romeo and Juliet - Movie vs. Book :: Movie Film comparison compare contrast

Romeo and Juliet - Movie vs. Book Often times people say that William Shakespeare was and still is a legend. They are correct. It is amazing how Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet written centuries ago can be better than Franco Zefferelli's movie production of Romeo and Juliet, which had much better technology to work with only decades ago. Although the movie appeared better, it left out some major parts. The play had better mood and plot details which made it much more dramatic and by far a better presentation. One major difference between the play and the movie occurs in mood. An example of this is the marriage scene. In the marriage scene of the play, Romeo and Juliet act very serious. The reader can tell this by the way the two speak. Romeo says that the Holy Words the Friar speaks can make something without an equal (Act II, Scene 6, Line 4) which is a very intelligent thing to say. Whereas, in the movie they kiss and giggle the entire time. This leads the viewer to believe that Franco Zefferelli wanted the two to look like fools, that they could not do anything the way it is normally done because they are children in search of quick love. This is bad because it is not very realistic. In real-life, young adults would take the matter seriously because they know it is a major step in life. Because the play is not entirely trying to make the two look bad, it is the better production. Another major difference in the mood of the play and the movie is in the funeral scene. The funeral scene of the play is a very serious event. Juliet's family is very upset and think that they are the cause of her "death". Also, the Friar soothes the family of the loss of young Juliet's life (Act IV, Scene 5, Line 65). However, in the movie version of the funeral scene, again everyone is sad but this time the Friar lets out a giggle as he pretends to pray for Juliet. This is a major difference because if someone had seen the Friar giggle, it may have changed the entire play. They may have questioned him why he giggled but since

The Theme of The Cider House Rules Essay -- Homer Wells, moral obligat

During my senior year of high school, I often had dreams about leaving my parents house. Fantasizing about freedom and, the ability to come and go as I wished took the place of time designated for class work. I was tired of being told what to do, and I grew weary of the monotony of taking out the garbage and cleaning my room. Being told to come in the house by 10 pm while my friends stayed until 12 pm seemed unfair to me. The media bombarded my mind with the idea that being a football captain in senior year was supposed to be filled with keg parties, and orgies with cheerleaders. Schoolwork and housework weren't a a part of my 12th grade master plan. My thinking continued in this manner until I happened across a movie named "The Cider House Rules." It made me sit back and look at how ungrateful I was. I have both of my parents still alive and still together in the same house. I named about 15 friends who would praise God if they had what I had. Similar to my situation the main character in the Cider House Rules, Homer, was also desperate for a change of venue. Tired of the his mundane duties as a caretaker in the same orphanage that raised him, a way out became the only thing on his newly one tracked mind. The Cider House Rules is the tale of homer's struggle to find himself and to escape the grasp of the orphanage that was his prison. The story of Homer Wells, a child without parents who is raised and mentored by his orphanage's doctor, a man named Larch. Their bond was somewhat of an extraordinary one. Larch taught Homer everything about medicine and what he could about right and wrong. All Homer wanted was one thing Larch couldn't give him, freedom. Given the chance to leave the orphanage, and the only family he's ever k... ... him coming in the distance and was so filled with joy that he ran as fast as he could to meet his son. I learned from the mistakes of others, even if they are fictitious characters. Leaving home is inevitable, choosing the right time may be the most important thing. We all want to gain our independence and feel like a Man (or Woman). As young people its almost instinctive for us to want to get away from the evil clutches of "Mom and Dad." The old clichà © is ringing in my head like the emergency broadcast system, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry." Which really makes me think about being grateful for what we have, even though it seems to add up to chopped liver when compared to the joys of the world. Just like Homer and the Prodigal son, after "sowing our oats" we come to greater appreciate where home actually is, and we'll be glad to get there.

Advertising essay :: Business Marketing

Advertising Advertising is a process and mechanism usually used by some people or some companies trying to sell us products, services and others using different ways of publishing to attract their own customer advertising is an important source of income In some developed countries such as United States, where the advertisers job is based on media (Newspapers, Television, magazines, radio) used to push people to drive thru their own The advertisers use media to get people to use their products, Points at issue are: _How ads are developed _How the world of advertising touch our life and our community. Long time ago, the advertising mechanism appeared in newspapers. The advertisers tried to find their customers. Advertising mechanism appeared for the first time in newspapers, letters and fax? Were the advertisers trying to catch people by telling them a lot about their products or services, what they are ways to use them and what benefits we get? This process staying in progress, most of advertisers become more powerful day after other using different ways such as TV, magazines, Internet? Advertising has been moved from one person doing it to big companies of advertising around the world and affecting a numerous number of them. Today businesses are usually based on advertising, especially in e-commerce, where these companies use technology provided by the Internet to sharing and letting customers know about their products. This is the way used by huge cartels attracting and having their own customers. The 20-century represents a very interesting issue where a part of sciences and stilling ahead a studies in the most important university around the world being a major implicating a different specializations such as, business management, advertising, business management..Became involved in economic world. Today, advertising is provided by e-commerce the most powerful way to attract customers. These developments push the ads companies to spend billions of dollars of in advertising campaigns, internet, TV, magazines , newspapers, ?trying to sell us their different kinds of products and services. Advertising moves today anywhere, anytime, in homes, in our life, in every things we use It Touches our minds, our eyes, anything we think about it. All of these affect our lives, everyone becoming like a robot directed by advertisers and publishers.

Law Enforcement Essay

The two strengths of community policing that I thought was important are being able to build are try to build a better rapport with the community and citizen better than what you already have. The second strength is to try to build a rapport with the kids in the community and keep them out of trouble, getting into gangs, and using are selling drugs. So I think when community policing are being done throughout the community that gives the police officer to become community educators, planners and organizers, which in the end it allows the police officers to appreciate their citizens as well as to learn how to work together with them, not to mention It will allow the citizens to trust them more than they do. The two limitations of community policing that I have chosen are lack of educational opportunities and lack of parental involvement. The reason why is because some of our parents have came to a point where they really don’t care what they child do, were they go, are who they hang with. Parents these days don’t follow up on their child/children were about as long as that child is out of the house that’s all that matter but thanks to the school system they have a system that calls home whenever the child/children are absent. The Police can’t do this along the need parents help to also keep the crimes of our children down and to lead them into the right direction so parents let’s get involve with our kids and not just our kids all kids they need some kind of guidance. Explain how political, economic, and demographic characteristics of a community impact community policing. Well in my community we have PAL, neighborhood watch, and citizen on patrols. PALs are a group of police officer that are mostly talkative and athletic that gather up our youth and engage them into different activities that they like to keep them off the streets during the day and they are very active with our kids they even take them places on the weekend. They have different sport activities that they play so they can stay active threw the week most of their games are on Saturdays, they even take the kids to different places like the movies, skating, bowling, etc. I really think it’s a awesome program for the youths. The only thing to this program is the child that are considered a problem child has to want to change and for the ones that’s not their dedicated to the program because they don’t want to change they want to stay that respectful child they alw ays been. Our Neighborhood watch programs usually are the police that are just getting on the force besides the neighbors. The ride there bikes threw the neighborhood to make sure no one is out of the ordinary they be in cars also they usually stop and talk to kids that they see and give the younger one stickers. Citizens on patrol are older people that live in the neighborhood and volunteer to work with the police department to ride through neighborhoods in a patrol car to make sure nothing unusual is in the neighborhood. I really think all of the programs are great for community policing and the more help from the parents and community they have the less crimes we would have and the citizen will respect the police more.

Introduction of Advertising

Principle of Advertising Lecture 01 Introduction of Advertising Prepared by Samantha Chow What is Advertising? Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier http://www. zagbook. com/ Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier http://www. zagbook. com/ Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier http://www. zagbook. com/ Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier http://www. zagbook. com/Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier http://www. zagbook. com/ Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier http://www. zagbook. com/ What is Advertising? It is the â€Å"non-personal† communication of information usually paid for What is Advertising? Persuasive in nature about Product Service Through various media ATL vs BTL ATL Advertising †¢? ATL = Above the line †¢? Conventional in Nature †¢? Mass media (TV, radio & print) to promote brand †¢?Non-personal to customers †¢? Make use of current traditional media – TV, newspaper, magazine, radio, outdoor BTL Advertising †¢? BTL = Below the line †¢? Less conventional †¢? Direct mail, Public relations, sales promotions †¢? Using highly targeted lists of names to maximize the response rate †¢? Touch and feel product ? brand recall Available Media TVC Print Newspaper Weekly Magazines Non-weekly magazines Airport Bus Body Bus shelter Cinema First Vision In-store PromotionWhat is Marketing? What is Marketing? It is the process by which companies create customer interest in goods or services. What is Marketing? It generates the strategy that underlies sales techniques, business communication, and business development. End of Lecture 01 Thank you 😀 Resource from: Marty Neumeier, Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands [http://www. zagbook. com/] Prentice Hall, 2007, I ntegrating advertising, promotion and market communication

The entrenchment of abortion in different countries

Legalizing or not legalizing abortion is one of the most controversial subjects in the world. Arguments for and against abortion have taken religious, political and moral perspectives with the proponents and opponents giving substantive claims to support their arguments.The entrenchment of abortion in different countries’ constitution has raised resistance from the conservatives who claims that the laws are contradicting when they impose death penalty on individual convicted of murder while legalizing abortion is itself legalizes murder of unborn. Despite the ensuing arguments over the subject, it is clear that abortion is practices in every corner of the world regardless of whether it is legal or illegal.My thesis is that abortion should be legalized since illegalizing does not deter people from aborting and it deteriorates and risks life of women. Abortion can be defined as a premature expulsion of a human fetus, whether in naturally like in case of a miscarriage or artifici ally induced through the use of surgical or chemical equipment.However the controversy around the subject surrounds about 93% of the abortion cases which are carried out for elective, based on no medical reason.Abortion should be legalized in cases case where a woman has undergone a painful ordeal like rape or incest which may affect the whole of their live and bearing such a child will rekindle painful memories of the ordeal.With rising population of homeless people and street children and families, abortion should be legalized so that those who feel that they cannot raise their children are not compelled to give birth to children who they cannot support and will leave them to wander on the street. Even in countries where abortion has not been legalized, there are rising cases of backstreet abortion where many women lose their life.These and other facts support the reasons why abortion should be legalized. I once again restate that abortion should be legalized since illegalizing do es not deter people from aborting and it deteriorates and risks life of women.Why abortion should be legalizedMy first argument is that abortion should be legalized in case where a woman conceive after undergoing a painful ordeal like rape, incest, and other sex related ordeals. Such an ordeal is likely to haunt a woman for the rest of her life.Research has revealed that one out of every six case of rape or incest usually results to pregnancy. Apart from the danger of the mother contracting venereal disease which may affect fetal formation, women who give birth to children conceived in such circumstances are likely to suffer repeated emotionally every time they see that child since they remember the ordeal.Research reveals that more than 50% of pregnancies resulting from such cases are usually aborted all over the world where abortion is legalized or illegalized (Johnson, 2008). Most women turn to backstreet abortion while many are not likely to report pregnancy resulting from rapes and incest fearing stigma. Therefore, they end up undergoing crude methods of abortion where not one risking their health.   In order to save women from such ordeals, I feel that abortion should be legalized.My second argument supporting abortion is that there are many women who conceive when they have no means of bringing up the child.   Many women will enter into a relationship and when they conceive, their partners depart them.Some have no jobs or any economic means and they end up bearing children who are left to wander in the streets.   With the declining welfare supports, abortion should be legalized in order to save women from undergoing such ordeals which are likely to affect their life and that of their children.Research shows that more than 21% of the cases if abortions are related to women who are not ready for responsibilities while 11% are related to young pregnancies mostly to teenagers who cannot take responsibility for the children they bear (Johnson, 2008).Wo men should have the choice to decide carrying to full term pregnancies which they are prepared to handle and bring up the child in a good environment. I feel that abortion should be legalized in order to give women a chance to make choices of giving birth to children who they can take care.My third argument supporting abortion is that even in countries where abortion has been illegalized, people have not been deterred from performing abortion. In contrast to countries which are legalized where women seek abortion in hospitals, there are more people who are seeking abortion in backstreet clinics through crude methods risking their health. A study by Henshaw et al.(1999) showed there were more than 26 legal and 20 illegal abortions worldwide in 1999, concluding that stringent measures against legal abortion did not guaranteed low rate of abortion.Another study by Sedgh et al. (2007) concluded that the rate of abortion in countries where it is legalized has been decreasing with time. L egalized abortion help women to access safe abortion which is not detrimental to their health while illegalizing abortion expose women to health hazards. Therefore abortion should be legalized to help women access safe abortion.ConclusionAbortion remains a controversial subject in the world. My thesis is that abortion should be legalized since illegalizing abortion does not deter people from aborting and it exposes women to health risks. Abortion should be legalized for women who undergo painful ordeals like rape and incest which are likely to haunt them throughout their life.

World Religions Study Exam Study Guide

EXAM REVIEW HRF3O1 Unit 1 Approaches to Religion 1. Explain the meaning of the following terms; * Ascetic, Agnostic, Polytheistic, Monotheistic, Religious Impulse, Sacred, Secular, Animism and Humanist Ascetic: One who practices very strict devotions using sever of self-denial. Agnostic: A person who doubts that humans can know the existence of a possible God and the possible existence of anything beyond this life. Polytheism: Belief in more than one God. Monotheistic: Believing in only one God. Religious Impulse: The universal urge to believe in something beyond ourselves.Sacred: Connected with religion. Secular: Connected with or belonging to the material world. Animism: The attribution of a living soul to plants, animals, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena. Humanist: An adherent of humanism- an outlook or system of thought that views humankind, rather than spirituality or religion, as the source of all value or meaning. 2. Explain the connection (or lack of one) between reli gion and ethnicity. Religion is primarily concerned with beliefs, rituals and practices, while ethnicity refers to a person’s origins, race, culture but not necessarily his or her religion. . Define Pop Culture. Provide examples of the influence on traditional concepts of religion. Pop Culture: Commercial culture based on popular taste. A negative influence that pop culture has had, would be the negative image we have of Muslims, labeling them all as terrorists, based on a small minority. 4. Define Culture and describe how it is learned. Culture: The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Culture is learned through our family, our school, our friends, and our society.Things that limit what we learn culturally could be laws, or society’s expectations of us, our â€Å"class. † 5. Identify the world’s 3 â€Å"Great Religions†. Why are they considered â€Å"Great†? Islam, Christianity and Judaism. They are geographically spread, old, complex scriptures, many places of worship, involves the roles of people. 6. Identify 3 reasons people feel the need to practice religion. People feel the need to practice religion out of fear, out of wonder, to answer questions, to give them a guide in life, it helps them find themselves, etc. 7.All spiritual systems share some â€Å"universal† similarities. Identify and explain 3 of these. Organized institutions, Church, Synagogue, Mosque, places to practice their religions. Rules of conduct; the Five Pillars, the Ten Commandments, etc. , rules they must follow to guide them in life. Sacred writings or scriptures; the source of information for their practices and beliefs, or a sacred written history. Other examples would be a belief in the afterlife, salvation, ideas that parallel good & evil, etc. 8. How does religion provide both social harmony and social control?It could provide social harmony because it brings people together, gives them something to do, something to believe in, most religions are based off of ideas of good and evil, so if someone practices this, they will be trying to stay good, therefore making social aspects better too. It could provide social control again, because there are rules to be followed in that religion, and through history there have been attempts to convert everyone into a certain religion, or places that have a state religion, makes the religion a way to control the people. . Explain the difference between Fact and Opinion. How could you tell if someone is bias? Fact: A thing that is indisputably the case. Opinion: A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. You could tell someone is biased if they have had a previous experience that makes them lean a certain way, or if they got incorrect information from somewhere. Someone is usually bias is they have an extreme opinion- either positive or negative. 10. Provide 2 examples each of a pri mary source and a secondary source.A Primary Source could be an auto biography, or an interview with the person whom you’re talking about. A Secondary Source could be the Bible, or a documentary based on something that happened in history. 11. Explain the difference between Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism. Ethnocentrism: Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group. Cultural Relativism: Understanding the ways of other cultures and not judging these practices according to one's own cultural ways. Aboriginal Spirituality 1. Define Residential schools. What was the purpose of these schools?Residential schools were schools that Aboriginal children were forced into, and were abused, while people tried to assimilate them into European culture, by separating them from their parents, their language and their culture. 2. Define Self Government. What did the Indian Acts of 1895 encourage? Self-Government: Government of a political unit by its own people. They encouraged Ab original peoples to give up their culture and adopt â€Å"white ways. † 3. What is Oral History? Describe the Native views of Creation vs. our own. Oral History is the communication of stories and lessons of history by speaking fluently, listening and understanding.Aboriginal Creation stories usually involve several spirits or animals, where our Creation stories usually come from a supreme Creator. Unit 2: Early Religions Zoroastrianism 12. Identify the founder of Zoroastrianism Zarathustra was the founder of Zoroastrianism. 13. Explain the 3 similarities Zoroastrianism has with one of the â€Å"Big 3† religions. (Great Religions) It is very old, it is monotheistic and believes in one supreme being/god (Ahura Mazda), a belief in an afterlife, i. e. , good people spend their afterlife with Ahura Mazda, and bad people spend it with Angra Mainyu. (Parallels good and evils tendencies. ) 14.What is the significance of fire for Zoroastrians? Fire signifies the divine. 15. Wh ere is Zoroastrianism origins to be found geographically? It began in Azerbaijan, Iran around 1700 BCE. 16. What are the two main gods in Zoroastrianism? What happens to the â€Å"soul† after death in Zoroastrian beliefs? The two main gods are Ahura Mazda, the good god and supreme creator, and Angra Mainyu, the bad god and evil spirit of death and violence. 17. Explain the Zoroastrian death rituals. The bodies are placed in Dakhmas where the bones are picked clean by vultures. 18. Explain the symbolism used in the Faravahar. What does each part represent?The Faravahar, is to remind one of the purpose of life on this earth, which is to live in such a way that the soul progresses spiritually and attains union with Ahura-Mazda. Center Circle: Represents the soul of the individual. Wings: Allow the soul to progress and evolve. Five layers of wings represent the five divine songs (Gathas) of Zarathustra, the five divisions of the day (Gehs), and the five senses. Long Curved Legs: Represents the opposing forces of good and evil. A conflict occurs between the two and a person must choose which path to follow. Tail: Helps the soul to balance itself between these forces (like a rudder).Three layers of the tail represent:1. Good thoughts2. Good deeds3. Good words Head: Every soul has free choice to either obey or disobey the divine natural laws. Ring in Hands: Symbolizes the cycles of rebirth on this earth and planes the soul can undergo. Jainism 1. In what ways does a Jain achieve salvation/liberation? They must be fully ascetic and monasticism. A path to liberation (Moksha) consists of: i. Right Perceptionii. Right Knowledgeiii) Right Conduct They must conquer material existence to release oneself from Samara (the cycle of births and re-births) 2. What is Sallekhana?Compare with anorexia. Sallekhana is the voluntary death by fasting. Anorexia is an eating disorder where a person refuses to eat for fear of gaining weight, or to lose weight. Mentally it gives the victim control when they feel they can’t control other aspects of their life. Compared to Sallekhana, anorexia is a mental disorder where the person doesn’t understand anymore that they can die from not eating, versus Sallekhana, where the person is wishing to achieve liberation through fasting, and is a spiritual decision to detach oneself from the material world by starving themselves to death. . Explain Karma, Moksha, and Samsara, and Atomism in the context of Jainism. Karma: The sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. Moksha: Release from the cycle of rebirth impelled by the law of karma. Samsara: The cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound. 4. Identify 3 Rules of Conduct for a Jain and explain them. a. Ahimsa (Non-Violence, through thought word or deed) b. Celibacy c. No stealing 5. Sketch the symbol for Jainism and explain each part of the figure.Taois m 1. What does â€Å"Tao† mean? How is this included in Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism? Tao means â€Å"The Way†. Confucianism one best maintains the Tao via alignment with existing social values, so defined by tradition and cultural morays. Taoism believes that by to follow the Tao you must ‘sit and do nothing’, ‘go with the flow’ as we can’t have control over the way. The Shinto tradition focuses on the worship of the pure to the exclusion of the impure, and focuses on nature, although there is no Tao. 2. Explain the significance of Huang Di, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu for Taoism.Huang Di: The first sort of founder for Taoism. Lao Tzu: Wrote the Lao Tzu and is one of the most ‘famous’ founders of Taoism. Chuang Tzu: He wrote the Tao Te Ching. 3. What is the major difference between Eastern Religions and Western Religions in your opinion? Western religions hold a distinction that humans are the most important, where Easte rn religions tend to believe everything is alive, and has a soul. Western religions believe in a supreme creator, Eastern religions tend to believe that nature is divine, and that there is no one god.In Western religions the source of happiness and salvation are through a relationship with the supreme creator, or â€Å"God†, whereas Eastern religions believe that enlightenment and liberation is within oneself. 4. Sketch a Yin-Yang in your notes. Identify 3 points for each. The small circle in each side represents that there is a little bit of dark in light and vice versa. 5. What is Wu-Wei? Provide an example. Wu-Wei means do nothing, let nature take its course. If someone happens you don’t like, don’t try to fight it, it’s natural to happen and you’ll be messing with life’s natural cycle if you try to stop it. . Why is Taoism concerned with physical health? Provide ways that physical health is promoted Among Taoists. Taoism believes that to keep the body pure (the vessel of the spirit) that you are also being healthy spiritually. Being physically healthy helps your mind stay clear. Confucianism 1. What did Kung Fu Tzu (Confucius) experience that made him so revered? Confucius experienced heartache. His father died when he was a toddler, and his mother died later on. He was born out of wed-lock, and was â€Å"kicked out† of him family. Confucius was kind of a loner, being giant, and ‘ugly’ didn’t have many friends.Confucius experienced rejection from people of power but never stopped trying. People admire Confucius for his accomplishments even when he had such a hard life. 2. What is the â€Å"Golden Rule†? Was Confucius a founder? The Golden Rule is a code of moral and ethics. â€Å"What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. † Confucius was a founder, since he believe that no matter what rank, people should be judged based on their quality (intellect, wisdom), inst ead of looks , power or wealth. 3. Identify and explain the 5 virtues. 1. Ren: The virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity. . Yi: Honesty and uprightness. 3. Zhi: Knowledge 4. Xin: The virtue of faithfulness and integrity 5. Li: Correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, worship. Shintoism 1. Why is comparing Shintoism to other religions difficult? There is no founder, no ritual use of scripture, and no organized teachings. It is seen more as folklore and mythology. 2. How is Shintoism adaptable and tolerant? 3. Identify the main deities in Shintoism. Who were their offspring? Who was most significant? Izanagi-no-Mikoto (brother/husband) and Izanami-no-Mikoto (sister/wife).Their offspring was Amaterasu, goddess of the Sun and Universe. Amaterasu was the most significant. 4. What is a torii gate? What is the purpose of the gate? A torii gate marks the transition from a profane place to a sacred place and is usually the entrance to a Shinto Shrine. 5. How is purification apparent in Shinto ritual and prayer? Cleanliness is an important part of Shinto and before entering any sacred place on must be clean. Cleaning represents purification, and before entering some shrines, you must rinse your mouth out at a special station. 6. What exactly do Shintoists worship?Shintoists believe in worshipping the natural world to establish communion, harmony and peace with its spirits and deities through prayer and ritual. In their view, moral and physical purity is a basic law. Shintoists worship Kami, divine beings, gods/goddesses who inhabit the water, the ground, the air, all parts of nature. 7. What are the major Shinto varieties? Folk Shinto: A looser form of Shinto, not so involved, and revolved more around the basic gods and myths of Shinto. State (Shrine) Shinto: There was emphasis that the emperor was a divine being, being a descendant of Amaterasu herself, making him a sort of God.Sect Shinto: Practices the worship of Kami, through shrine s dedicated to particular Kami. Unit 3 : Eastern Religions : Hinduism and Buddhism 1. What did the Aryans have to do with the origins of Hinduism? The Aryan settlers created poems and later texts on rituals and philosophy. Aryan religious thought flourished between 1500 to 500 BCE and was embodied in a collection of works called Vedas, which are considered Hinduism’s earliest sacred writing. To this day, Hindus consider the Vedas to be the authoritive scripture. 2. What does â€Å"you are that† mean? What is a Puja? You are that† refers to the Hindu idea that everything and everyone is Brahma. That by worshipping other gods, you are still worshipping Brahma because he is everything. That you are also Brahma (in a way) because Brahma is everything. Puja is a common thanksgiving ritual that involves offerings of flowers, food and other articles to deities 3. Who was Mahatma Ghandi and how did Jainism influence him? Ghandi was a peaceful leader who believed that thi ngs can be achieved or settled in a peaceful way. He believed that you could be against something, or protest something, without being violent, following along with Ahimsa in Jainism. . What are Bindi and Tilak? What can they mean for Hindus? The Bindi is the represent the third eye, and to strengthen the 6th Chakra, is worn by married women to show they are married and should be respected as such. Tilak is a sandalwood paste, in which there are different colours, and when worn in different colours, or fashions on the face, it shows people what God you worship. 5. Identify the 3 main Hindu Gods. Brahma; the Creator, Vishnu; the Preserver, Shiva; the Destroyer. 6. What are the laws of Manu? What did this mean for Women? It is a law book that affirms the Hindu concepts of dharma, caste, and the four arms of life.It deals with religious practice, law, and politics. Brahmins accept this, but it is rejected by other castes. For women this means they are expected to follow the rules of th e Manu, which means bearing sons, never being without a man’s presence, having to do traditional cooking and cleaning, etc. Sort of repressed. 7. Identify and describe the main Hindu Goddesses and their consorts. Saraswati: Goddess of learning and the arts, which is why she is depicted holding a book and a musical instrument called a veena. She rides a swan or peacock, her consort is Brahma.Parvati: Mother Goddess, worshiped as Shakti, or female energy. Changes into Durga or Kali according to different levels of anger, representing the different levels of Shakti. She is Shiva’s consort. Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth, happiness, and good fortune. 8. What is the Ramayana and what is the significance? An Epic which contains 240 000 verses. It is the story of Prince Rama, who is worshipped throughout the Hindu world as the 7th avatar of God Vishnu. The epic represents the constant struggle between good and evil forces, where good eventually prevails. Intro. To Buddhism: 1.Why is Buddhism becoming more popular in the West? Buddhism is becoming more popular in the West because it fills a spiritual void that â€Å"Western† religions can’t fill. It is more of a philosophy and can appeal to anyone. It allows the idea that anyone can achieve liberation through the practice, again not ceremonies like Western religions tend to revolve around, i. e. meditation instead of church, peaceful behaviour instead of preaching beliefs, etc. 2. What does Buddhism emphasize? Buddhism emphasizes practicing the teachings rather than to engage in ceremony in ritual. There is also a large emphasis on meditation. . What does Buddhism believe about people in search of truth? 4. What is Buddhism’s ultimate goal? The ultimate goal is to end human suffering Origins: 1. When and where was Buddhism founded? It was founded in India, 6th Century BCE. 2. Who was Siddhartha Guatama? What does his name mean? Siddhartha Guatama was the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha m eans â€Å"the one who has achieved his goal. † 3. Describe Siddhartha’s miraculous birth. What did the Brahmins say about Queen Maya’s dream/the baby? What did King Suddhodana hop for his son and how did he protect him from the â€Å"real† world?Siddhartha was conceived as a baby white elephant, and his mother could see him in the womb. After 10 months of carrying the baby, his mother gave birth leaning against a tree, which lowered its branch to help her during labour. After he was born, water poured from the sky the wash him and his mother, though he was hardly dirty. After his birth, he took 7 steps and said, â€Å"This is my last birth. † The Brahmins told Queen Maya that she would give birth to a son, and that if he accepted the world, he would become King of all India, but if he rejected the world, he would become a redeemer of mankind.The King Suddhodana was more interested in his son becoming a king, so he made sure Siddhartha had everythi ng he could possibly want, and shielded him from suffering, so that he accepted the world. 4. What changed Siddhartha at the age of 29? Describe what he saw. Siddhartha discovered suffering. The first day he went outside the palace he saw an old man. The next day, he saw a man riddled with disease. The third day, he saw someone pushing a cart with a corpse on it, followed by a grieving mother and her children. The last day he saw a monk, who seemed like he had been through the hardships of life, but accepted them with peace and serenity.He realized that he too needed to solve this riddle to life. So he left his wife and son in the middle of the night. 5. What steps did Siddhartha take to find an answer on lifestyle choices? What was his conclusion? What did he learn about deeds? What state did he achieve? First he studied under Hindu hermits until he had learned all that they could teach. He then became an ascetic, giving up worldly pleasures and eating only a bean a day to survive. Siddhartha was close to death from fasting before his friends came and fed him. He realized that too much deprivation was as harmful as too much luxury, and the idea of â€Å"the Middle Way† was born. . What does Buddha mean? What did he believe about one’s personal salvation? Buddha means â€Å"the enlightened one† or â€Å"the awakened one. † He believed that everyone has to find their own liberation-which is within us all. 7. What Hindu aspects did Buddha accept and reject? The Buddha rejected the caste system, Hindu rituals and offerings to gods, theories, language of Sanskrit (he used Pali), nirvana being only possible for Brahmins, the authority of the Vedas and the Upanishads. Concepts that he accepted are those in the idea of reincarnation. 8. Describe the First Sermon.Define dharma, bhikkus, sangha and bhikku sangha. The First Sermon was when Siddhartha went back to the 5 ascetics and told them about this â€Å"Middle Way†, telling them h ow neither extreme was good- but that the path to liberation was one of moderation. This was his first teaching, so it is known as the First Sermon. Bhikku: A fully ordained monk who has left his home and renounced all his possessions in order to follow the way of the Buddha. Sangha: The community of Buddhist monks and nuns. Bhikku Sangha: The community of fully ordained monks and nuns. 9. Describe Buddha’s death.What did he say to his followers? What state did he achieve? When he was over 80 years old the Buddha took a poisoned meal and ate- even though he knew it was poisoned, just to be courteous. He lie on his deathbed, surrounded by his followers, and he spoke : â€Å"In all my lifetime, two meals stand out supreme: one was the meal that I ate before I sat under the Bo tree, after which I received enlightenment; the other, tonight at the home of my dear friend, Cunda, after which I shall receive NiNana. † And he died. Buddhist Beliefs: 1. How is Buddhism an intros pective religion? What do Buddhist teachings express?Buddhism is an introspective religion because it is subjective, not objective. It is based off one’s perception, and experiences, not â€Å"good† or â€Å"evil. † It focuses on bettering oneself, rather than changing the things around them. Buddhist teachings express that nothing is permanent, so why fret, over something when everything is always changing and we can’t stop it. 2. Describe women in Buddhism? Who is Buddha Tara? Women in Buddhism are as equal as men. They are allowed to become nuns, and are allowed to practice in general. It is believed that women are also able to achieve nirvana, just as much as men are.The Buddha Tara is a figure in Buddhist teachings- who vowed to take rebirth as a woman until she became a Buddha. 3. Anicca, Dukkha, and Anatta are the characteristics of what doctrine? What do they mean? Anicca(Impermanence): represents the idea that the world is in a constant flux and that nothing stays the same for long. Impermanence is a fundamental feature of everything. Dukkha(Dissatisfaction): represents the idea that all humans and animals experience suffering. Physical and mental pain, are good examples. Feelings of continuous happiness or pleasure do not exist since these feelings only last for a limited amount of time.Dukkha touches everything in life. Anatta(no-self): is the notion that we cannot point to any one thing in ourselves and say it is our self. No single part of the body, is a human, only the parts put together makes the whole person. That is the same in that our mind, body, and spirit make up our â€Å"self†. These three things are the â€Å"Three Characteristics of Existence. † They make up everything outside nirvana. 4. Buddha wanted to find the cause of unhappiness and its treatments. What did he come up with? What are the central themes? The Buddha found that suffering is cause by craving and aversion. It is caused by our p erception. . The 5 Precepts are the â€Å"rules† that Buddhists follow. What are these rules? List the additional precepts monks/nuns observe. The Noble Eightfold path is comparable to what according to the film Religions of the World? 1. Abstain from killing or harming living beings 2. Abstain from stealing 3. Abstain from improper sexual conduct 4. Abstain from false speech 5. Abstain from taking alcohol and drugs (Additional precepts) 6. Abstain from eating after noon 7. Abstain from looking at dancing, singing or drama 8. Abstain from the use of perfumes and things that tend to beautify and adorn a person 9.Abstain from using comfortable beds 10. Abstain from accepting gold or silver 5. Who/what are the Three Refuges? What does each represent? The Three Refuges AKA the Triple Jewel, are the Buddha (the guide), the dharma (the path) and the Sangha (companions and teachers. ) 6. Who practices the Six Perfections? List the Six Perfections. A Bodhisattva practices the Six Per fections which include: giving, morality, patience, vigour, meditation, and wisdom. Symbols and Icons: 1. What does the Wheel of Life represent? What is found in each circle? Who has control over the circle?The Wheel of Life represents the endless cycle of births and uncontrolled rebirths (samsara. )The inner circle holds a bird, a pig, and a snake. These represent the human vices that keep the wheel turning- greed, ignorance, and hatred. The goal is to conquer these vices. The second ring shows the forms we take when we are reborn. The white half shows Heaven, the black shows Hell. The third ring shows the many regions into which one can be reborn. They represent real places and are not metaphors for states of mind. This ring includes experiences we may have as humans, i. e. suffering/pleasure.The images in the outer circle represent the twelve causes of endless rebirths: the old, bind person is ignorance, the potter creating a pot means actions, the monkey climbing the tree of sam sara represents consciousness, the man rowing a boat means name and form(body), a house with six doors and windows means the senses, a man and woman embracing means contact, the arrow in the eye means feeling, the man drinking alcohol depicts craving, the monkey grabbing fruit illustrates grasping, a women in labour depicts existence, a baby being born indicates birth, and finally a man carrying a corpse represents aging and death.The Wheel of Life is held in the teeth of Yama; the Lord of Death, and there is no single being inside the wheel who is outside the control of death. Only the Buddha is outside the wheel, pointing at the moon symbolizing nirvana. 2. What is the Mandala used for? What monks are required to make Mandalas? What happens to the Mandala after it is used? While the Mandala is being made it is used for prayer and meditation. When it is finished, monks recite chants and prayers before it is swept away, which symbolizes impermanence. 3.What influences the portrayal of Buddha images? When did these images start to pop up? There are images of Buddha to help followers remember their path, and to remember the meaning of his teachings, and honour his memory as a person, and the fact that he fact that he escaped Samsara. The images are to remind Buddhists, remember, and to honour. 4. Practice the 9 different Mudras and know what they represent. 5. What is found in the Stupas? Relics of the Buddha and other holy figures are found in the Stupas. 6. Describe how Lotus flowers symbolically represent humans.The vision is that some of the flowers are bogged down in the mud, and some about to bloom. The comparison is that all people have the ability to develop their potential and rise from an undesirable life. 7. What are Buddhapadas? Name 2 symbols found on them? Buddhapadas are the representations of Buddha’s footprints, and are revered in all Buddhist countries, believed to be places where Buddha stood. Symbols could be the Buddha, or sacred whee ls on the â€Å"soles† of these footprints . Practices, Rituals and Festivals: 1. What is karma? How did the film Religions of the World define it?Karma: â€Å"Action† or law of cause and effect; the totality of one’s thoughts and actions, which determines one’s fate in the next life. 2. What are the common offerings and what do they represent? Flowers- because as they fade and wilt, they emphasize the notion of impermanence. Incense Sticks- burn in the home and the temple to symbolize the Buddha’s â€Å"odour of sanctity. † Light of a candle- representing Buddha’s enlightenment. 3. Compare Buddha, Dhamma, and Sanhga Day. Buddha Day: Celebrated on the full-moon day of May, surrounding the belief that the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha happened on this day.People assemble on the grounds of the monasteries, bringing flowers, lit candles and incense sticks. They walk around the main hall three times while reciting the Thre e Refuges. Dhamma Day: Celebrated on the full-moon day of July, being the day of the First Sermon, people gather and offer food to monks, nuns and novices in Deer Park. At night, people give food to the poor, observe the Five Precepts, and practice meditation. Sanhga Day: Celebrated on the full-moon day of March, commemorates two important events in the Buddha’s life.The first was the proclamation of the basic principles of Buddhist teachings, and the second was a sermon called the Basis of Success. Food is offered to monks, and people engage in good karma accumulating activities. Followers observe the Five Precepts and attend a sermon at the monastery. Groups and Institutions: 1. Compare the 3 main schools: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada: Practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Considered the original and more conservative school of Buddhism. Only recognizes Tripitaka, as scripture. Focuses on the teachings of Buddha, not Buddha himself.They rely on meditation and insight to attain nirvana. They believe that humans are individuals, the key virtue is wisdom, religions is for monks, the ideal being is the Arhat, that Buddha is a saint, and prayer through meditation. Mahayana: Practiced in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. A more liberal school, and see Buddha as a divine being. Emphasis on Bodhisattvas. They believe that humans are involved with others, that the key virtue is compassion, religion is also for lay people, the ideal being is Bodhisattva, Buddha is saviour, and prayer for request.Vajrayana: Practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. Focuses on rituals, such as mantras, and material creations attached to Buddhism such as mandalas. Focuses on the Dalai Lama, who is their spiritual leader. 2 . Where is Zen practiced? What does it emphasize? What are koans? Zen in practiced in the Rinzai School, and the Soto school. Koans are riddles used to test students on their enlightenment. Unit 4: Western Religions: Judaism and Chri stianity Judaism 1. Define: Tanakh, Torah, and Talmud. What is the difference between these?Tanakh: The Jewish Bible consisting of the Torah, the Prophets, and the writings. Torah: Refers to the Law of Moses as well as the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures and the entire belief system of the Jewish faith. The word Torah is often translated as meaning â€Å"law†, but a more accurate translation is â€Å"teaching† or â€Å"instruction†. Talmud: Rabbinic teachings derived from the Mishnah. It is the main source of Jewish teaching from the medieval period to the present. The Torah is the first five books of the Tanakh, the Hebrew bible. Know to Christians as the old testament.The Talmud is a collection of rabbinical commentaries on the Hebrew bible, Jewish history, and other such things. You can consider the Talmud to be an encyclopedia of commentary. 2. In a few points differentiate between the 4 main Jewish denominations. 1. Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Jews believe tha t God gave Moses the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding upon Jews. Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society.Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Chasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws and do not integrate into modern society by dressing distinctively and living separately. 2. Conservative Judaism: Conservative Judaism maintains that the ideas in the Torah come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), but believes that the Law should adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism's values. 3. Reform Judaism:Reform Judaism believes that the Torah was written by different human sources, rather than by God, and then later combined. While Reform Judaism does not accept the bi nding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), the movement does retain much of the values and ethics of Judaism as well as some of the practices and culture. Reconstructionist Judaism: Reconstructionist believe that Judaism is an â€Å"evolving religious civilization. † In one way it is more liberal than Reform Judaism – the movement does not believe in a personified deity that is active in history and does not believe that God chose the Jewish people.In another way Reconstructionist Judaism is less liberal than Reform Judaism – Reconstructionist may observe Jewish Law, not because it is a binding Law from God, but because it is a valuable cultural remnant. 3. Explain the significance of the following people in the historical development of Judaism; Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, the Rabbis. Abraham was instructed by God to move to a special land to raise a nation. God chose Abraham and promised to bless him and make him a â€Å"great nation†. The idea of Godâ €™s Covenant. During the time of Moses, God’s Covenant took on a new meaning.The Mosaic ties would have God provide His people with the Ten Commandments that would allow him to keep his Covenant. Moses came to Mount Horeb, called the mountain of God in the Book of Exodus. He encountered God through a burning bush. God revealed that the cries of the Israelites had been heard and that they would be set free through Moses. (Passover). David scored a number of military victories over his enemies and eventually established Jerusalem as his capital city. Solomon built a temple that would serve as a centre of worship for the Jewish faith for the next millennium.Rabbi: A Jewish scholar or teacher, especially of the Law, a person appointed as a Jewish religious leader. 4. What are Kashrut and Terafah? Kashrut: The Jewish dietary Laws; the active adherence to the rules of being Kosher. Terafah: nonkosher: not conforming to dietary laws. 5. Describe the Jewish rituals. What are some of the â€Å"items† used in Jewish rituals? Synagogue, Kiddush, minyan, yarmulke, tallis, tefillin, Shabbat, Rosh Hashannah, Yom kippur, Hanukkah, Pesach, Seder, chametz, Haggadah, circumcision. 6.Explain how both God and those of the Jewish faith uphold the Covenant. The idea of the Covenant is that the Jewish people are God’s people and part of His Covenant. In turn they must do His will to be in His Covenant. 7. Explain Mitzvah, Barakhah, and Halakah. Mitzvah: A commandment from God; the act of performing a good deed. The most well-known mitzvoth are the Ten Commandments. Barakhah: A blessing. Halakah: The legal part of Talmudic literature, an interpretation of the laws of the Scriptures. 8. Explain Bar Mitzvah and what it means for a young Jewish boy.Bar Mitzvah: The religious initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of thirteen. This means they can now be a part of the Minyan. Christianity 1. Identify the importance of the following on the life of Jesus Christ and Christianity: Augustus Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Pax Romana, The Sanhedrin, Roman Tolerance, Constantine. Augustus Caesar was the Emperor when Jesus was born. Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor who ordered that Jesus be crucified. Pax Romana was a time when Rome was very powerful and relatively peaceful, during which Christianity multiplied rapidly.The Sanhedrin: The highest court of justice and the supreme council in ancient Jerusalem. The Roman empire had a tolerance for Christianity allowing it to spread during the times of the Pax Romana. Constantine was a Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity. 2. Summarize the following: Lent, Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension and Pentecost. Lent is a 40 day period of time, in which Christians give up something, symbolically representing how Jesus went into the desert for 40 days. Easter is the holiest Christian holiday, celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection.Christmas is the day celebrating Jesus birth. Epiphan y, twelve days after Christmas, used to commemorate the revelation of Jesus as God’s son at the time of his baptism in the Jordan River. When the Holy spirit granted the apostles with spiritual gifts and abilities fifty days after Easter allowing them to go into Jerusalem and proclaim their faith enthusiastically. 3. Outline the fundamental beliefs of Christians as outline in the Nicene Creed of 325 CE. They believe in one God, and that Jesus Christ is His son.That Jesus shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, the belief in the Holy Spirit, the catholic and apostolic church, and the acknowledgement of baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 4. Who wrote the Gospels of the New Testament? Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 5. In what ways is the Catholic belief â€Å"outwardly† expressed? Through the Pope, one of the most well-known religious leaders in the current world. It is not just based on one’s own belief and faith, but also through oneâ€℠¢s actions and how they speak, proclaiming their faith, making it known through thought, word and action. . Identify the Sacraments of Christianity (i. e. Confirmation). Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. 7. What was the Great Schism? What caused it? What was the result? The Great Schism was a split between the Eastern and Western Church, caused by mainly the accepted or rejection of the Pop and his authority, and the filioque cause, using â€Å" and the Son† at the end of the Nicene Creed, where as other groups believed that the Holy Spirit proceeds solely from the Holy Father, and not from the Son.This resulted in the two groups to separate and become their own denominations. 8. What was the Protestant reformation? Explain the difference between Catholicism and Protestanism. The Protestant Reformation was the reform of the western church in protest to its practices. Orthodox and Roman Churches had always focused on the importance of both faith and works, Protestantism is the belief of salvation through faith alone, which turned the belief inward, rather than focusing on outward sings.