Safe Sex Communication for Young People in China Essay

Safe Sex Communication for Young People in China - Essay Example Sheeran, Abraham, & Orbell (1999) and a meta- analysis by Noar, Carlyle, & Cole (2006) found communication about condom use, which can be the most effective way for sexually active individuals to protect themselves from STDs including HIV, to be the strongest predictor of condom use. China is suffering one of the fastest growing of HIV epidemics in the world, with an annual 30% increase (Webber, 2007). Among the reported HIV infections, about 81% were young people between the ages of 20-39 (Qi, 2002). One primary factor fueling the spread of HIV is the increase in unsafe sexual behaviors. Hence it is vital to encourage the Chinese young population to engage in communication about safe sex and condom use. In this study, two theories that have been used to explore safe sex communication successfully in the US will be examined from the perspective of the young Chinese population: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) developed by Ajzen (1991), and the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills Model (IMB) developed by Fisher and Fisher (1992). The determination will be made of how they could be used to successfully the young Chinese population to engage in more active safe sex communication and condom use. This paper begins with an overview of the... g this, the Information-Motivation-Behavior Skills Model (IMB), suggesting that information, motivation and behavioral skills are the three essential factors in achieving behavior change, will be examined. Finally, the application of the two theories to the young Chinese population in terms of safer sex communication and condom use will be presented. They will be compared and contrasted, and recommendations regarding the effective use of the two theories in Chinese young population will be offered. An evaluation of 10 million Chinese people will be infected with HIV by 2010 in the absence of effective preventions (UNAIDS, 2004). However, few studies have investigated safer sex behavior among the young Chinese population. Of the limited studies in this area, results indicate that it is largely uncommon to conduct safer sex behaviors, and the use of condom remains consistently low (Wong & Tang, 2001). For instance, among a total of 455 surveyed Chinese college students in Hong Kong, 24% were sexually active while only 38.2% of them using condom regularly during the year (Wong & Tang, 2001). In another study, only 14.4% of the subjects were found using condoms regularly during sex intercourse, while almost 30% (28%) had never or almost never used condoms (Wang, & Zhang, 2002). Cottrell et al. (2005), which investigated Chinese college student's sexual and HIV knowledge, found that less than half of the student (43%) had used a condom the last time they had sex. Condom use, however , was found to be the only reliable method of protection for STD/HIV for those who are sexually active (Bryan, Fisher, & Fisher, 2002). Researchers have found that consistent and correct condom use can reduce the rate of HIV transmission by 87% (Bobrova, Sergeev, Grechukina, & Kapiga,

University Education Is Necessary Essay Example for Free

University Education Is Necessary Essay According to Casse and Banahan (2007), the different approaches to training and development need to be explored. It has come to their attention by their own preferred model and through experience with large Organisations. The current traditional training continuously facing the challenges in the selection of the employees, in maintaining the uncertainty related to the purpose and in introducing new tactics for the environment of work and by recognizing this, they advising on all the problems, which reiterates the requirement for flexible approach. Usually the anagers have the choice to select the best training and development programme for their staff but they always have to bear in mind that to increase their chances of achieve the target they must follow the five points highlighted by Miller and Desmarais (2007). According to Davenport (2006), mentioned in his recent studies that its easy to implement strategy with the internet supported software. Some of the Training theories can be effective immediately on the future of the skill and developments. The content and the access are the actual factors for the process. It is a representation itself by the Access on main aspect what is effective to the adopted practice in training development. As per the recent theories to access the knowledge is changing from substantial in the traditional to deliver the knowledge for the virtual forms to use the new meaning of information with electronic learning use. Every organization needs to have well trained and experienced people to perform the activities that have to be done. If the current or potential Job occupant can meet this requirements, training is not imparting. But when this is not the case, it is necessary to raise the skill levels and increase the versatility and adaptability of employees. Inadequate Job performance or a decline in productivity or changes resulting out of job redesigning or a technological break through require some type of training and development efforts. As the Jobs become more complex, the importance of employee development also increases. In a rapidly changing society, employee training and development or not only an activity that is desirable but also an activity that an rganization must commit resources or to if it is to maintain a viable and knowledgeable workforce. Training, education, and development are three terms frequently used. On the face of it, there might not appear any difference between them, but when a deep thought is given, there appear some differences between them. In all training there is some education and in all education there is some training and the two process cannot be separated from development. Edwin flippo Training is the act of increasing the knowledge and skill of an employee for doing a particular Job.

Essay --

When imagining the Cold War, it is safe to assume that most people envision a picture that of its namesake; a game of spy versus spy, secret black operations and nuclear threats, with no major physical conflict. However, contrary to the aforementioned portrait, and the given label, the Cold War was anything but â€Å"cold.† Not only was there physical conflict, but full-scale wars, fought out on the battlefield rather than the podium. Engulfed at the start was the Korean War, a bloody wake-up call for America on how far the Communists will fight for their government. A fact to be once again reinforced with the Vietnam War, both of which shook America up to the point of questioning their own â€Å"invincibility.† The â€Å"revelation† in the United States was due to the outcome of both wars, which points to the inarguable fact that our quest to stop Communism in Asia was an overall failure. The fact that the United States was not the global dominant power thought to be after WWII was a tough truth to swallow for the American populace at the time (and perhaps today). After WWII, the US was exhausted, battered, and relieved. Years of fighting finally ended how it began: with the bombing of an unsuspecting populace. A hypocritical, albeit â€Å"necessary† evil. With the newly established United Nations, the world could finally rest in peace. However, the US and its allies now how had a bigger problem to contend with. Many people saw it coming, even before the end of the war. General George S. Patton saw threat in the Soviet Union's power, even while US troops were fighting and dying alongside them. However, despite the warnings, the United States failed to act, and thus, found themselves reacting to Russia's every move. The lines were set, the alliances... ... topic on the minds of even the truest patriots: Did we win? Some might argue yes, since South Korea remains a democratic state today, a fact that cannot be stated if North Korea had won. However, some might argue the opposite; the fact that North Korea is still a thorough-bred communist threat proves that we failed our goal of uniting Korea under a democratic government. The line between winning and losing was, and is, too blurry to accurately decide a conclusion. This was in sharp contrast to WWII, or WWI, or even as far back as the Spanish-American war, where America won. America always wins, right? For the first time in almost 200 years, the answer to that question is no longer clear. And that scared the American people. And with that scare, the cracks of doubt formed in the window of invincibility. A window about to be shattered, by the Iron Hammer of Communism.

Oryx and Crake Summary

In Orgy and Crake Margaret Atwood highlights this ethical issue through the lives of characters directly involved in this business to show that impasses both in the novel and in today's society use poor and desperate people to further their businesses and turn a profit. Tattoo's novel focuses on a community dominated by bio engineering and genetic sciences in a time where restrictions on what companies could do with technology are limited.The main character Jimmy and the important figures in his life (his parents, Crake, Orgy, etc) live in a society where their comfortable lifestyles are only possible through the revenue they make off of the biomedicine developments they make. Atwood uses the desires of people like Jimmy who live in the engineering compounds, and the desperate conditions of the poor inhabitants in the slums, known as the planeloads. At the end of the novel, Atwood creates a catastrophic apocalypse stemming directly from a disease created by a company distributed to t he plebes, who were eager to receive what they thought was a life changing medicine.Atwood uses this to illustrate issues that are prevalent in modern society. In both modern times and in Tattoo's novel the upper-class takes advantage of the lower-class' desperation for a better lifestyle to make a profit and continue to live their ivies comfortably at the expense of others. Atwood uses the way companies in the novel manipulate and take advantage of the lower-class to draw a parallel to today's society. In the novel the first example shown of economic manipulation is through an argument Jimmy's parents have over the ethics of the recent breakthrough in drug advancements.In this excerpt, Jimmy's father comes home celebrating advancements in genetic engineering at his company, but his mother refuses to celebrate as she sees this as â€Å"yet another way to rip off a bunch of desperate people. â€Å"(Atwood 26) As the argument regresses Jimmy's father maintains the argument that the new technology being created gives people hope a. Jimmy's mother relays that it gives hope â€Å"At Nonskid' prices it is. You hype your wares and take all their money and then they run out of cash, and it's no more treatments for them. They can rot as far as you and your pals are concerned†¦ Make] life better for people -? not just people with money' (26). In this passage Atwood uses Jimmy's parents and the false hope companies' products like â€Å"Nonskid† give to represent companies and people, profit and generosity and the struggle between aging money and helping others. This reveals an issue that concerns not only the characters in the novel, but also people today. The way companies rip off â€Å"a bunch of desperate people† is seen today with businesses that take their drugs overseas to take advantage of desperate people in need of a miracle, and instead test their products on them for half the cost and little consequence.In an article called â€Å"Drug Te sting Goes Offshore† in Fortune Magazine, Abraham Illustrate states that â€Å"nearly 40% of all clinical trials are now conducted in poorer countries such as Russia and India, where costs are rower and patients more vulnerable. â€Å"(Fortune) This parallels the disparity shown in the novel where Jimmy's father and the company he works for uses the poorer people in the â€Å"planeloads† to test their products on to do the same principles of low cost and vulnerability.Additionally the article reveals that â€Å"The very business model that summons drug companies to those places also risks exploiting the vulnerability of foreign patients–they are eager to sign up because they lack a viable alternative and tend to have blind faith in medicine,† (Fortune) showing how truly desperate the patients are and easily impasses in both the novel and today's society are able to take advantage of that as a business opportunity rather than a chance to help others.The a rticle also shows how the companies make individual profit by explaining that â€Å"trials investigators in Russia can make ten times his salary by recruiting his patients into studies,† (Fortune) and also tells how â€Å"Patients in SST. Petersburg told stories about bribing doctors, passing on a few dollars to ensure they would get a repeat visit or admission to a clinic† (Fortune). Atwood uses products like â€Å"Nonskid† and the arguments Jimmy's parents make to present the same involvement companies in modern society use the same form of manipulation to make money instead of helping the people they deceive to grow financially.Atwood also shows another side to the company's forms of manipulation through a controversial statement Jimmy's friend Crake makes about how companies are always able to create new drugs for a seemingly increasing amount of new diseases. In this passages Jimmy asks â€Å"But don't they keep discovering new diseases? â€Å"(Atwood 1 2 6) In which Crake replies â€Å"Not discovering, they're creating them†¦ [they insert] a hostile oviform started in he plebe population†¦ [and] it more or less runs itself.Naturally they develop the antidotes at the same time as they're customizing the bugs, but they hold those in reserve, they practice the economics of scarcity, so they're guaranteed high profits† (Atwood 126). This radical business concept mirrors the same tactics of manipulation seen previously with deception of the â€Å"plebes† and the immediate advantage taken in finding a way to make money off of them. But even in the novel this concept seems to manipulative and far- fetched to be believable, or relatable to modern society.However the concept of â€Å"disease mongering' or the creation of diseases to convince people to buy products to cure them is more prevalent in society than expected. In the British Journal of Nursing and article called â€Å"Marketing disease: is osteoporosis an example of ‘disease mongering? ‘ this concept is explored in a disease that is more or less excepted as an accurate condition that people need drugs for. In the article it explains that: â€Å"Osteoporosis is often described as a disease, yet the symptoms are imperceptible and reliable diagnostic criteria have not been formulated†¦ E manufacture of ‘lifestyle' drugs has been costly without significant improvement in mortality or morbidity. The influence of the medical profession and large drug manufacturers is [and] the manufacture of illness is [shows] there may be significant risks attached to treating non-existent diseases† (BBC). This shows that not are there diseases that are believed to be problematic and prevalent, but that companies are in fact making them up and furthermore using them to make money by selling treatments that could even be harmful to the consumer.This was shown as he case with â€Å"hormone replacement therapy, which resulted i n the unnecessary deaths of thousands of women,† (BBC) revealing that as long as there are people desperate enough to seek relief to their ailments, companies will take advantage of that for personal gain whether it leads to hurting people and in this previous case, even death. Here Atwood shows that the evil and deceitful actions taken by the fictional characters in the novel share a striking parallel with the companies in today's drug market.Although it is easy to take away from these examples that there are manipulative people in today's society as well as in Tattoo's novel, Atwood encourages that a further step is taken with this. These examples of disparity in the ethics of drug companies not only reflects the looming threat of big scary companies always out to get people, but reflects how as a population, people are ready to throw themselves at whatever drug comes their way as their miracle.Atwood pushes the realization that people aren't safe just because they're not im poverished or seeking free medical care, but that even the wealthy and the everyday individual in modern society are vulnerable to this manipulation. It is unfortunate that today the dream of living a life with good health and medical protection for families is used to support an already wealthy society that continues to flourish while the poor are left to depravity. Although companies use the lure of low prices and free trials to continue their lives of leisure, the victims pay an even larger price than anticipated.A shown in the novel and the articles, many pay with being worse off than before and even death. The price people pay for these â€Å"miracle pills† and a chance to enjoy a better way of life can't be valued, however companies still make a refit off of the hardships of the destitute and despairing. This lack of empathy and simple decency is the foundation that breeds the inhumane suffering of others and, as Atwood illustrates, can lead to the same catastrophic dow nfall constructed in her novel.

Filipino people Essay

Rizal pointed out that long before the coming of the Spaniards, the Filipinos were industrious and hardworking. It is the Spanish reign that brought about a decline in economic activities because of certain causes. First, the establishment of the Galleon Trade cut off all previous associations of the Philippines with other countries in Asia and the Middle East. As a result, business was only conducted with Spain through Mexico. Because of this, the small businesses and handicraft industries that flourished during the pre-Spanish period gradually disappeared. Second, Spain also extinguished the natives’ love of work because of the implementation of forced labor. the Filipinos were compelled to work in shipyards, roads, and other public works, abandoning agriculture, industry, and commerce. Third, Spain did not protect the people against foreign invaders and pirates. With no arms to defend themselves, the natives were killed, their houses burned, and their lands destroyed. As a result of this, the Filipinos were forced to become nomads, lost interest in cultivating their lands or in rebuilding the industries that were shut down, and simply became submissive to the mercy of God. Fourth, there was a crooked system of education. What was being taught in the schools were repetitive prayers and other things that could not be used by the students to lead the country to progress. There were no courses in Agriculture, Industry, etc. , which were badly needed by the Philippines during those times. Fifth, the Spanish rulers were a bad example to despise manual labor. The officials reported to work at noon and left early, all the while doing nothing in line with their duties. The women were seen constantly followed by servants who dressed them and fanned them – personal things which they ought to have done for themselves. Sixth, gambling was established and widely propagated during those times. Almost everyday there were cockfights, and during feast days, the government officials and friars were the first to engange in all sorts of bets and gambles. Seventh, there was a crooked system of religion. The friars taught the naive Filipinos that it was easier for a poor man to enter heaven, and so they preferred not to work and remain poor so that they could easily enter heaven after they died. Lastly, the taxes were extremely high, so much so that a huge portion of what they earned went to the government or to the friars. When the object of their labor was removed and they were exploited, they were reduced to inaction. Rizal admitted that the Filipinos did not work so hard because they were wise enough to adjust themselves to the warm, tropical climate. â€Å"An hour’s work under that burning sun, in the midst of pernicious influences springing from nature in activity, is equal to a day’s labor in a temperate climate. † According to Rizal, all the causes of indolence can be reduced to two factors. The first factor is the limited training and education Filipino natives receive. Segregated from Spaniards, Filipinos do not receive the same opportunities that are available to the foreigners. They are taught to be inferior. The second factor is the lack of a national sentiment of unity among them. Because Filipinos think they are inferior, they submit to the foreign culture and do everything to imitate it. The solution, according to Rizal, would be education and liberty. Rizal’s Philosophy of the Human Person 1. Freedom from friar influence pervades the letter and Rizal proffered a stinging rebuke against them by saying that God’s command is different that of the priest. 2. According to rizal, the integrity of conduct is no longer about â€Å"prolonged kneeling†, large rosaries, soiled scapular. † 3. That living the Christian life is far richer and immensely beneficial if we have faith in God within reason and what is just, because unquestioning obedience would sustain the bondage that has imprisoned even the conscience of man, who is â€Å"born without chains. † 4. The mind, according to Rizal, is a gift from God that must be kindled if we are to sustain our faith and illumine whatever activity man does, even with regards to faith. 5. Faith and reason doesn’t cancel each other, they are like the two wings of one bird or the chambers of one heart; neither can stand without the other and one is designed to reinforce the other. 6. For Rizal this is the only way to understand the function of reason in the strengthening of faith. Rizal’s Feminist Thoughts 1. Rizal found comfort and encouragement from the display of valor made by the youthful ladies of malolos; 2. In his letter, he expresses great joy and satisfaction over the battle they had fought. 3. In this portion of Rizal’s letter, it is obvious that his ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same opportunities as those received by men in terms of education. 4. During those days young girls were not sent to school because of the universal notion that they would soon only be taken as wives and stay at home with the children. 5. Rizal, however, emphasizes on freedom of thought and the right to education, which must be granted to both boys and girls alike regardless of gender. Moral Responsibilities of Woman 1. For Rizal, the woman is the first teacher of mankind and the mother of civilization. 2. Rizal says let us be reasonable and open our eyes, especially the women, because they are the ones who open the minds of men. 3. Consider that a good mother is different from the one created by the friars. 4. Raise your children close to the image of the true God — the God who cannot be bribed, the God who is not greedy, the God who is the father of all, who is not partial, the God who does not fatten on the blood of the poor, who does not rejoice at the plaint of the afflicted, and does not confuse the intelligent mind. 5. Awaken and prepare the mind of the child for every good and desirable idea — love for honor, sincere and firm character, clear mind, clean conduct, noble action, love for one’s fellow men, respect for God — teach this to your children. 6. The central idea here is that whatever a mother shows to her children is what the children will become also. 7. If the mother is always kissing the hand of the friars in submission, then her children will grow up to be minions and mindless fools who do nothing but do as they are told, even if the very nature of the task would violate their rights as individuals. 8. Rizal also enumerates the qualities Filipino mothers have to possess. 9. A mother should be a noble wife and should rear her children in the service of the state. 10. A woman should set standards of behavior for men around her. Rizal’s Points for Reflection 1. In closing the letter, Rizal gave some 7 principles to the women of Malolos. 2. The 1st and the 4th principles are to take courage in engaging ones self in social action to assist others. 3. The 2nd principle is to consult with frankness and bravery and inculcate self respect in each and all. 4. The 3rd principle is to wing our way from the bondage of ignorance and that we should examine the truth in our own way. 5. The 5th principle reiterates the ideal that the instruction of children be given to the mothers first obligation. 6. The 6th and 7th principles want us to examine justice and equality as twin pillars of civilization and that each one must work for its full realization and that we must examine carefully the religious teachings being given us. Rizal was very impressed to the fighting spirit of the young women of Malolos had shown. In this letter of Rizal, it is obvious that his ultimate desire is to have women the same opportunity men received in terms of education. During those days young girls was not sent to school because of the universal notion that they would soon be only taken as wives and stay only at home with the children. But Rizal emphasizes on freedom of thought and right for education that both girls and boys should have. He had also shown to this letter all about that Spaniards friars. He cited, â€Å"God gave each individual reason and a will of his or her own to distinguish the just from the unjust; all were born without shackles and free, and nobody has a right to subjugate the will and the spirit of another. † We are all born equal, naked and without bonds. God did not create man to be a slave of others. A man who does not think for himself and allowed him to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter. God give us intelligence that we may use against this slavery of others. We must be dignified, have faith on him and work together as one. In this letter he emphasizes different points. One is that Filipino mothers should teach her children love of God, country and fellowmen. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer their sons in defense of their country. Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor. They should educate themselves aside from retaining their good racial values. Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is living the real Christian way with good morals and manners. In recent times, it seems that these qualities are gradually lost in the way Filipino women conduct themselves. In recent times, it seems that these qualities are gradually lost in the way Filipino women conduct themselves. There are oftentimes moments where mothers forget their roles in rearing their children because of the overriding idea of having to earn for the family to supplement their husband’s income. Although there is nothing negative about working hard for the welfare of the family, there must always be balance in the way people go through life. Failure in the home cannot be compensated for by any amount of wealth or fame.

Seasonality of White-Tailed Deer essays

Seasonality of White-Tailed Deer essays Deer are one of the most abundant mammals on earth. Their capability to adapt easily to the environment around them allows deer populations to prosper. Because deer can meet their needs in almost any ecological area, they are a numerous species. Although they can be found almost anywhere in the world, white-tailed deer are mainly found in the Western Hemisphere. Ranging from southern Canada to South America, white-tailed deer inhabit a large geographical area. White-tailed deer experience dramatic changes in their surrounding environment and in their own biology during the course of a year. More specifically, deer express very noticeable changes in their diet, their antlers, and their coat or pelage as the seasons change. The white-tailed deers changes allow them to survive through the fluctuations in temperature and available food sources that occur over the year. Because they are able to adapt to the seasonal changes taking place in their environment, white-tailed deer are able to survive, reproduce, and prosper. Because White-tailed deer have such high metabolisms, they require very large amounts of food. A deer weighing 100 to 150 pounds needs four to six pounds (6,300 to 9,900 calories) of high quality food daily to meet its nutritional needs (Hiller 18). In order to meet their daily food requirements, deer spend most of their time eating and searching for food. The types and amounts of foods that deer eat vary depending on the quality of the food and the current season. During the summer, fields flourish with new growth and forests are abundant with young, growing shoots. Because the summer is a time of abundance, deer have a wide range of food sources. Although scientists and researchers are unable to explain a deers ability to choose the most nutritious food, it is well documented that deer seem to choose food that is best for them (Nelson 35). Because the most nutritious p...

Pornai - The Prostitutes of Ancient Greece

Pornai - The Prostitutes of Ancient Greece Pornai is the Ancient Greek word for prostitute (porne, in the singular). It may also be translated as a â€Å"buyable woman.† From the Greek word pornai, we get the English word pornography. Ancient Greek society was fairly open to the practice of the world’s oldest profession. Prostitution was legal in Athens, for example, as long as the workers were slaves, freed women or Metics (foreigners in Ancient Greece who had limited rights, not unlike legal residents in the U.S.) These women had to register and were required to pay taxes on their earnings. The Sex Workers of Ancient Greece Pornai were generally the ordinary sex workers, from those who worked in brothels to streetwalkers who advertised their services out in the open. How open? In one innovative marketing strategy some pornai wore special shoes that imprinted a message in soft ground saying, follow me   Male prostitutes were called pornoi. These sex workers were typically clean-shaven, and though they did sleep with women, they primarily serviced older men. Sex work had its own social hierarchy in Greek society. At the top were hetaerai, which means â€Å"female companion.† These were beautiful, often educated and artistic women who were essentially high-class courtesans. Greek literature has numerous references to famous hetaerai who cast their spells. One reason for the prevalence of sex worker aside from the existence of slavery, which meant women could be forced into prostitution was that Greek men married comparatively late in life, often in their thirties. This created a demand, as younger men sought sexual experience before marriage. Another factor was the fact that adultery with a married Greek woman was considered a high crime. So it was far safer to hire a pornai or a heaerai than sleep with a married woman.   Source: The Cambridge Companion to Ancient Greek law, by Michael Gagarin, David J. Cohen.

Sociology Coursework Help

Sociology Coursework Help Sociology Coursework Help Sociology Coursework Help: Order Custom Writing If you are in need of professional sociology coursework help, you have found the right place to get assistance with writing. Our team of coursework writers is able to handle the most challenging assignments and help you with writing your coursework even if you have to submit the final draft tomorrow morning! The following sociology coursework excerpt is written by one of our experienced writers. If want to get a well-written sociology coursework free of mistakes and in full accordance to instruction points, you should try our custom writing services. We are open 24/7 and we can definitely handle any assignment, within any deadline, and on any topic! In addition, you may review free sample Much Ado About Nothing coursework and read tips on writing business studies coursework. Our paper writing blog includes numerous tips on term papers and reports, essays and dissertations, and all other types of academic assignments! Sociology Coursework Help: Read Excerpt Sociology is a field of study that is more than just a couple of college courses and text books full of abstract theories. Although many other areas of study also are applicable outside the classroom, sociology is one that truly permeates every aspect of life. It is no surprise that many people are now turning to sociology to better understand their lives, careers, and everyday interactions. Many people are realizing that sociology is more than just that required undergraduate college course that they didn't think would ever apply to their life or help advance their career. Karen Jensen explains in the book Careers in Sociology by W. Richard Stephens that I wasn't much interested in the social sciences. I saw my future in medicine, as a nurse (Karen Jensen as quoted by Stephens, 28). Karen later realized though that in order to better understand her professional surroundings and organization she needed to reconsider sociology as a possible and rewarding area of study. Karen says she found in organizational sociology a helpful understanding, or framing, of the work issues (Karen Jensen as quoted by Stephens, 28). Considering that sociology is the study of people and society, it is applicable in almost any person's life and career. Everyone can benefit from learning about sociology and understanding the social aspects of their own organization, coworkers, and, of course, themselves: People have found their way to sociology in numerable ways, which is what the book Careers in Sociology accurately illustrates. Some people reviewed in the book knew right away that their careers would come out of their love for sociology, whether it was a career doing statistical studies or doing social service work in the community. Whatever the career outcome may be, many people started with an interest in sociology in school that lead them into to a certain career. Other people, however, found sociology only after they had already advanced in a career or another area of study. For many, sociology offered something that was needed in their careers or education, whether it was statistical research methods, understanding work organization, or applying theory. Read also: MBA Essay Help Law School Admission Essay Statement of purpose essay Scholarship Application Essay College Essay Helper

Learning Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Learning Theories - Essay Example Activities in the lesson plan are already aligned with principles of Cognitivism. Cognitivism is concerned about making students fully understand the concepts (Casas, 2011). Contrary to Behaviorism, which relies on memorization for mastery of the subject (Arizona State University), Cognitivism relies on higher thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Therefore, to incorporate principles of Cognitivism in the current lesson, one should focus on making students use higher thinking skills in mastering the concepts that will be taught. The first means of instruction is to use visual and verbal content at the same time. It entails the use of visual aids in the explanation of the story to better facilitate expedient learning on the students. The use of pictures is important because it appeals to the visual sense of the students. It is not enough to just mention Mississippi to engage students. Pictures will aid in making them imagine what they can find in the setting of the story. Also, instead of making students read the story right away, it will help students to understand the story more if the teacher presents vocabulary words used in the story. The short story makes use of the setting to highlight the theme. Therefore, for the main task, students are assigned to construct the timeline of the story. In making the timeline, they are expected to base their work on the events of the story. Making the timeline will challenge their analytical skills as they cut out Grandma Phoenix’s trail. Likewise, the visuals they will make will help to strengthen their knowledge of the plot, hence lead them to a deeper understanding of the story.

The advantages and disadvantages of robots Essay - 1

The advantages and disadvantages of robots - Essay Example In simple terms robots can be defined as a mechanical device that may resemble sometimes a human and is capable of performing several tasks or often complex human tasks which may be programmed in advance or perform on command. The following report includes the discussion about the advantages of robots in this innovative and technological world. The report also includes the description of the disadvantages of robots. Finally a conclusion has been drawn in the report related to the research done. There are several advantages of robots, as they are machines which can perform several tasks and actions which humans cannot do. Robots can work 24/7 without any need of salary and food, and they can also perform tasks with accuracy and consistency. Robots are advantageous because they can perform tasks faster than humans along with more accuracy and consistency. Robots can be used in doing several tasks like in production, household etc. using robots in the industrial sector have several advantages as they can help in improving the quality of products and also will reduce the wastage or breakages. Robots can be very advantages in business terms as they can increase the level of production and can also decrease the cost per unit of production as compared to human labour (Gray, 88). This is because they have the ability to work constantly without any breaks, vacation, and sleep and also has a potential to be more productive than any human worker. Robots also has the advantages of work place safety, as the workers are moved to the supervisory role and the humans don’t have to perform dangerous actions in several hazardous settings. Robots may also lead to savings as higher workers safety also leads to savings. This also leads to lower level of concerns for the workers insurances by employers. Robots also perform each and every task faster than any human which helps in saving of time. Robots measurements and actions are more

Study 4 - Nonprofit Fundraising Ethics Coursework

Study 4 - Nonprofit Fundraising Ethics - Coursework Example This can only be done under special circumstances. Even if the organizations have to apply the code of conduct in their activities, they do not have a right to question the origin of the money. Therefore, the organization should accept the money. But if the money that he or she is giving to the organization has been established that he acquired illegally, the organization should not accept the money. It makes no difference even if the person has served the jail sentence. Though this would be a good prove that the person is free to use his money. The information about the prospect’s husband illness should not be communicated to the volunteer. This is a personal arrangement and the prospect may be does not want the information to be distributed publicly. The fund raiser should first confirm from the prospect whether she wants the information known to the volunteer and the donor. Even if she is being helped, her right of privacy should not be violated. The fund raiser should act according to the prospect. The details of the prospect should not be recorded in the database of the organization. This is because this was a private discussion and if the wife of the husband needed help, she should have gone to the organization officially. These are private matters unless the owner wants to be exposed (Worth 2009). It is not ethical to tell the donor about the impending appointment if the owner of the organization wants to be considered alone and be given the donor. The owner of the organization should compete with other organizations for the donation from the donor. The owner should not use ‘back doors’ in order to get the donation. As the manager or the owner of the organization, I would accept the second room and name it. The owner is not obliged to tell the first donor about the arrangements that they made. This is because, it is a private issue and he has the authority to do whatever he wants with his rooms.

The Turkish invasion in Cyprus at 1974 Research Paper

The Turkish invasion in Cyprus at 1974 - Research Paper Example All these were taking place in the knowledge of three guarantor powers which reacted three days after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus. The guarantor powers that included the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey decided to agree upon the fate of the invaded island. Seemingly, Turkish had a lot of interest in having the most of the island, and, in fact, it ended up acquiring more than a third of the island illegally (Freedman 402). This came as a result of their Attila II pre-planned physical attack which saw them through their acquisition of the island disregarding opinions of other guarantor powers. The above actions were devastative in nature as many things were destroyed ranging from property in the island to individual lives that were claimed in the process of the attack. As a consequence of their brutality, more than 5000 individuals lost their lives. In addition, there resulted a fate unknown, and nobody could account for 1,614 missing Cypriots as well as 4 citizens from the US duri ng the invasion period, Congregation Record (18108). Before the attack on Cyprus by the Turkey, Greece had come up and led a coup whose intention was made known all. As Freedman (402) noted in his book, the Greek-led coup was to unite Cyprus Island with Greece. This is the sole reason why the Turkish military launched an operation to invade the same island to respond and resist the Greek dominion over the same island (Freedman 402). It is a clear fact that Greece was involved in the fight with Turkey over the Cyprus Island which led to atrocious consequences as the one that had previously mentioned. They tried various means of acquisition of the island including military approaches just to win it over Turkey, but it did not succeed as its expectation was. This fight between Greece, and Turkey over Cyprus made them differ over the Aegean territories. As a result, Greece itself tried to apply a diplomacy involvement in solving the issue at hand by then. This included their withdrawal from active participation in the NATO military command from the year that they experienced the fight between them and the Turkey (Freedman 402). This was s due to their partly protest over the issue regarding Cyprus Island that dominated largely by the Turkey. Huth, (136) brings an important aspect of Greek operations which are regarded to be full of diplomacy. For instance, the Greece itself was not willing to confront Turkey by counter attacking them using their available military to continue fighting over Cyprus Island. They avoided this kind of confrontation but rather withdrew and stayed calm over the issue. According to Huth (136), there have been three main crises that rank nationally between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus. The earlier ones, which happened before the 1974 Turkish attack like the 1964 and the 1967 ones, the government of Greece gave in to diplomatic intervention and resolutions. These diplomatic settlements were as a result of threats of using military for inte rvention posed by the Turkish government. Indeed, the 1974 confrontation did not see Greece use any military confrontation to contest against the Turkish invasion and domination upon Cyprus Island. There was a great challenge to international democratic peace in 1974when Turkey and Greece had the conflict over Cyprus Island, as Diez (169) has realized. It is important to note that, before this confrontation, Greece

Metrics and measurements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Metrics and measurements - Essay Example Overall, human resource metrics and measurements translate human resources capabilities to measurable strategic value, which facilitates better understanding of human resource data, and improves human resource connection with the rest of the organization (Jamroq and Overholt 3; Strategy2Act). According to Strategy2Act, an organization that develops solutions for obtaining valuable information out of files created with popular office tools, the most common human resource measurements and metrics are typically related to "employee attitudes, employee turnover, employee skill levels, as well as outsourcing costs, service center operations, the number human resource transactions processed, staffing process, training programs utilization and effectiveness, and promotions". These metrics and measurements are used by 25% to 75% of all organizations (Strategy2Act). "Employee turnover" metric includes indicators such as cost per hire, turnover cost, turnover rate, time to fill, and length of employment. Cost per hire includes calculation of advertising fees, employment agency fees, headhunter fees, employee referrals rewards, relocation benefits, recruiter pay and benefits costs, and the number of hires. Turnover cost includes calculation of termination, new hire, vacancy, and learning curve costs. Turnover rate is the rate at which employees leave the organization. Time to fill is the period from job requisition approval to new hire start date. Length of employment takes into account the job designation, department, etc (Strategy2Act). For example, Carphone Warehouse found that every retail employee who left the company within six months cost 4,875 in gross profit margins. If they could reduce turnover by only 2% they could cut 585,900 in recruitment and training costs and lost productivity (Carrington 38). "Recruiting" metric includes vacant period, new hires performance appraisal, manager satisfaction, turnover rates of new hires, and financial impact of bad hire. Vacant period is the number of overall days the jobs were vacant. New hires performance appraisal is the average performance appraisal of new hires, compared to previous period. Manager satisfaction is the satisfaction of hiring managers, compared to previous period. Turnover rate of new hires is measured for a specific period. Financial impact of bad hire includes the cost per hire and the turnover cost. For example, Carphone Warehouse uses recruitment metrics to "get the right people at the right time - and first time". "Retention" metric includes overall employee turnover, preventable turnover, diversity turnover, and financial impact of employee turnover. Overall employee turnover emphasizes the key positions. Preventable turnover takes into account the reasons why the employee left the organization and what measures may be taken to prevent it. Diversity turnover classifies the turnover rate into three categories based on professional, managerial, and technical positions. For example, Scottish Power uses a scorecard system to monitor retention of its retail business that employs call center staff, meter readers, and sales person where retention rate is low. "Training and Development" metric includes learning and growth opportunities, on-the-job learning satisfaction, and opportunities for new hires. Learning and growth

The Turkish invasion in Cyprus at 1974 Research Paper

The Turkish invasion in Cyprus at 1974 - Research Paper Example All these were taking place in the knowledge of three guarantor powers which reacted three days after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus. The guarantor powers that included the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey decided to agree upon the fate of the invaded island. Seemingly, Turkish had a lot of interest in having the most of the island, and, in fact, it ended up acquiring more than a third of the island illegally (Freedman 402). This came as a result of their Attila II pre-planned physical attack which saw them through their acquisition of the island disregarding opinions of other guarantor powers. The above actions were devastative in nature as many things were destroyed ranging from property in the island to individual lives that were claimed in the process of the attack. As a consequence of their brutality, more than 5000 individuals lost their lives. In addition, there resulted a fate unknown, and nobody could account for 1,614 missing Cypriots as well as 4 citizens from the US duri ng the invasion period, Congregation Record (18108). Before the attack on Cyprus by the Turkey, Greece had come up and led a coup whose intention was made known all. As Freedman (402) noted in his book, the Greek-led coup was to unite Cyprus Island with Greece. This is the sole reason why the Turkish military launched an operation to invade the same island to respond and resist the Greek dominion over the same island (Freedman 402). It is a clear fact that Greece was involved in the fight with Turkey over the Cyprus Island which led to atrocious consequences as the one that had previously mentioned. They tried various means of acquisition of the island including military approaches just to win it over Turkey, but it did not succeed as its expectation was. This fight between Greece, and Turkey over Cyprus made them differ over the Aegean territories. As a result, Greece itself tried to apply a diplomacy involvement in solving the issue at hand by then. This included their withdrawal from active participation in the NATO military command from the year that they experienced the fight between them and the Turkey (Freedman 402). This was s due to their partly protest over the issue regarding Cyprus Island that dominated largely by the Turkey. Huth, (136) brings an important aspect of Greek operations which are regarded to be full of diplomacy. For instance, the Greece itself was not willing to confront Turkey by counter attacking them using their available military to continue fighting over Cyprus Island. They avoided this kind of confrontation but rather withdrew and stayed calm over the issue. According to Huth (136), there have been three main crises that rank nationally between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus. The earlier ones, which happened before the 1974 Turkish attack like the 1964 and the 1967 ones, the government of Greece gave in to diplomatic intervention and resolutions. These diplomatic settlements were as a result of threats of using military for inte rvention posed by the Turkish government. Indeed, the 1974 confrontation did not see Greece use any military confrontation to contest against the Turkish invasion and domination upon Cyprus Island. There was a great challenge to international democratic peace in 1974when Turkey and Greece had the conflict over Cyprus Island, as Diez (169) has realized. It is important to note that, before this confrontation, Greece

Drexler's World Famous Bar-B-Que Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Drexler's World Famous Bar-B-Que - Article Example The ability to utilize windows of opportunity is a vital factor of success. This paper gives a discussion on factors that enhances Drexler’s existence and its impact on the neighboring population. What role do values play in how Drexler's Bar-B-Que interacts with its neighbors and customers? Values are essential in the advancement of any organization and, they are of particular interest to Drexler. The business has specific values for both the business and the surrounding population. The business also has value for family membership and participation. This indicates that Drexler values family ties among its different stakeholders. The different values that Drexler have on its business play vital roles that determine interactions between the business and its environment. The effects or benefits of Drexler’s value have a cumulative effect that has helped to sustain the bar-b-que business at a competitive edge. Firstly, the business has values for its heritage. Its heritag e included unique recipes and value for conservative taste for their products. These values have enabled the business to retain its originality despite the numerous transformations that it has gone through. In addition to the maintenance of originality, the value for heritage enabled Drexler to be identified among its competitors. The value also promoted a sense of uniqueness that made customers to identify themselves with the business. This value ensured that the memory of the business and its bar-b-que remained in customers’ minds despite the numerous times that the business closed down. This value promoted customers service or the value of customers to the business. Unlike other competing businesses, Drexler had value for its customers. Value for its customers is demonstrated through the impeccable services offered to customers who visit the restaurant. In addition to the quality services, customers to the business were treated with high degree of respect and appreciation. Value for customer enabled Drexler to attract and retain dedicated and loyal customers. The ability to attract large number of loyal customer has enabled the business to rise to success. Customer value also enabled Drexler to have continuous and lucrative business in a highly competitive food industry. Drexler value for customers created and maintained a warm relationship between the business and its customers. This guaranteed the business a constant supply of customer despite the various options for bar-b-que. This factor was of particular interest during the numerous occasions that the business had to re-open after a close down. The ability to maintain customers was promoted by the fact that the business had high value for quality products. Drexler invested in producing quality bar-b-que through their highly researched secret recipes. The recipes that were used in the restaurant had been tested and tried throughout the entire duration that the business was in operation. Offering high quality products remained as the sole secrete of the business’ success. The business’ success was also heavily determined by its interaction with the immediate external environment. Drexler maintained a good relationship with its neighborhood that enabled it to create and maintain a competitive business. Unlike other businesses, Drexler also had value for its competitors. This enabled the business managers to learn useful skills from their competitors and methods they could use in order to remain in

English coursework (Oscar Wilde) Essay Example for Free

English coursework (Oscar Wilde) Essay In an essay of 3-4 pages discuss how Oscar Wilde uses stereotypes and concepts from traditional fairy-tales and in invert them in his short stories. In the majority of Oscar Wildes fairytales there are numerous stereotypical characters and concepts. In an exemplary fairytale there is the philanthropic character, who is very important to the format of fairytale, for instance a Prince or King, This individual usually, forms an advantageous partnership with a bi-character such as Princess, Queen, Frog, or a Wizard, this may work in reverse in some fairy tales where e. g. the Princess is the leading character and the King is the sub-role. The enemy of the protagonist is called as a villain whose only existence in a fairytale is to try and prevent the leading character and his/hers acquaintances from saving the day or more importantly the world. The evil being is primarily associated with negative images for example bad manners, ruthless personality, or the trademark evil express of amusement. In contrast the valiant hero/heroine is linked with a clean depiction. Witches, Dragons, and Wolves are more often than not portrayed as Villains. Fairy-tale writers use techniques in which they lead the reader to believe that the hero/heroine will prevail in the battle against evil, because the story gives the impression that the villain is superior to the central character. Almost ever fairy-tale begins with the opening phrase Once Upon a Time and end with and they live happily ever after. Use of these phrases result in the reader instantaneously recognises that it is a fairy-tale. Castles are prominent buildings in fairytales because most of fairy-tales were written in medieval-times where castles were the biggest buildings you would see, and they are also related to Kings and Queens. Wilde makes extensive use of traditional fairy-tale characters, which do not exist in real life, in his stories such as ogres, giants and talking birds. I think Wilde choose to do this because he knew bizarre creatures put the message of his choice across much easier to the readers, children in particular. I know this from The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant where the winter season is given human characteristics and actually given a voice to speak: He is too selfish. What separates Oscar Wilde from other writers in Victorian times is that he uses traditional fairy-tale characters to address contemporary issues to express his opinion. In The Happy Prince Wilde embarks upon the difficulty of poverty and privilege, which were disregarded subjects in that era. When the Prince was alive he lived in the palace of San-Souci, here he wasnt allowed to see the outside world, that didnt bother the Prince because there he had everything he wanted and needed. He was very happy this led to people naming him the Happy Prince: My courtiers called me The Happy Prince, and happy I was indeed, if pleasure be happiness. In the Palace no grief would enter, his courtiers fearing the happy prince would see true misery and sadness. The Prince lived a very luxurious and rich life and was easily pleased with his wealth. When he died they made a statue of him and placed high above the city. From this position he had a respectable view of everything. This meant that he was able to life outside the Palace: Beggars starving, children being abused, poverty all this made the Happy Prince grieve because he was powerless to stop any of this as he was a statue. Here Wilde makes a direct comparison between the rich and the poor. Wilde does this to make the reader sympathise with the poor people: When the Swallow flies over the city he sees rich people sitting in the warmth of their expensive residences and beggars sitting outside of their gates. The Swallow also spots to children hungry and cold lying in each others arms for warmth under a bridge to seek shelter from the heavy rain, but they are told to leave by the watchman, and they walk back out into the rain. Incidents like this make the Happy Prince cry every single day as he sits and watches the wretchedness of the city. Wilde sends the message that human fickleness is a weakness in The Happy Prince. As a statue the Happy Prince was very beautiful and expensive. His body was covered in leaves of fine gold, he has two bright sapphires as eyes and a large red ruby encrusted in his sword-hilt. The Happy Prince was admired by many people in the city as a consequence of this awe-inspiring appearance. A mother says to her child: Why cant you be like the Happy Prince She uses the Happy Prince as a role model for her son, little does know of the Happy Prince but him being a very expensive statue. This show how people judge based on small assumptions of physical appearance only. Eventually the Happy Prince loses all his fine possessions, as he has given them away to those whose needs are greater, and two townsfolk spot the statue. They decide to take it down; they compare its value to that of beggars: As he is no longer beautiful he is no longer useful. The Arts Professor believes that without beauty the statue is useless. This indicates that they didnt place the statue above the city as a symbol representing something with a deep philosophical intent, but merely as an appealing decoration for the city. Wilde also shows some fickleness and its consequences in The Nightingale and the Rose where the nightingale observes a young student who is in love with his teachers daughter. He wants to give her a rose which symbolises his love for her, but cannot afford one. The nightingale sympathises for the young student, he decides to go through agony and in the end sacrifice his life to get that rose for him. The student receives the rose, and goes to the professors daughter to ask her if she will accept his rose, but she frowns and says that she has been given far better gifts from another man. The student walks away in disgust and throws the rose into the gutter where gets flattened by a cart-wheel. The nightingales sacrifice was in vein. The student decides to exclude himself from ever loving again and he dedicates the rest of his life to studying philosophy. This tale has had an important morale stressed by Oscar Wilde. He uses a dramatic ending to emphasise his point. He undoubtedly show s the destructiveness of a fickle nature. The fairytale The Selfish Giant explores selfishness and ignorance by portraying the stereotypical character of a giant as a ruthless monster in some part of the story. Wilde uses little children to contrast the enormous giants dominance. When the giant arrives at his castle he finds children playing innocent games in his garden. The giant furiously chases them away and builds a high wall around his garden. As a result of this no seasons but winter enters his doomed garden. As summer, autumn and spring comes and goes one constant climate remains in the giants garden and his only. Wilde uses the endless winter a metaphor for the ongoing sentence of the giants misery, that winter has sentenced him for being selfish and cruel to the children. The giant soon realises his that all that time he was away, the little children had been preserving his garden and now that they were away it was winter forever. He figures this out when he sees one of his trees blossoming because a group of children climbed upon it. The giant apologises to the children and breaks down the stone fence: and my garden shall be the childrens playground for ever and ever. The giants change of heart causes his garden to blossom and allow the other seasons to enter accordingly. When the giant dies, he goes to paradise. Wilde does this to stress the storys morale and message by showing that if you stop being selfish you will be rewarded. Wilde does use many traditional fairytale conventions but still his stories are different from the tradition in a variety of ways. Traditionally the good triumph when they have made a noble sacrifice. Wilde doesnt necessarily do this. In fact he tends to not do it at all. This is evident in The Nightingale and the Rose where a nightingale unselfishly sacrifices his life for something as minor as getting a red rose to a student who is in love. In the end the student is rejected by the girls he loves, and the nightingales sacrifice was in vein. This story shows that Oscar Wilde will write sorrowful endings if he has to emphasise his point. A reasonable amount of Wildes tales do not introduce the story with the phrase Once upon a time and conclude it with And they all lived happily ever after. Wilde is very attentive in the ways in which he opens a fairy tale, but when it comes to ending one he usually goes with a harsh approach, and does not include psychological twists. In a world of magic and wonder Wilde does not exclude the use of religious imagery, this is hardly ever done in fairy tale. For example; when the Happy Prince and his little assistant the swallow both die doing their heroic deeds. God orders an angel to bring Him the two best things in the city the angel chooses the Happy Prince and the Swallow, because they were recognised for doing good deeds and therefore rewarded with an entry to Gods paradise. In the Selfish Giant we also see Wildes strong belief in God, when the giant dies and allowed entry in Paradise by God, because the giant has become a better individual. I think Wilde does this because he himself believes that good things come to those who deserve it, and he wants to encourage the readers to believe in that too. This is especially aimed at younger readers. Though Wildes stories are fairy tales they bare a resemblance to modern day life. In the beginning of storytelling fairy tales were used as a form of entertainment and written for that purpose as well. Where Wildes tales differ is when the tales carry a message hidden behind a great storyline, this not only done to give the reader a good read but also to teach and educate things that they perhaps didnt know or had a different perspective of. Nowadays stories always have these messages in them, but Oscar Wilde was one of the first to introduce this style of story-formatting, as readers crave for more than just a good story. The drama and intensity was also quite unusual elements Wilde added in his tales. These days drama is an essential ingredient to almost every genre of literature, Wilde was one of the first to discover this, which is one of many reasons why his tales are still loved and admired across the world to this day.

Mental Health Well-being of Dementia Carers

Mental Health Well-being of Dementia Carers Introduction Research is undertaken and applied across many different professions and disciplines, as it offers a basis for increasing knowledge, informed decision making and action (Minichiello, Sullivan, Greenwood Axford, 2004; DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Within the nursing profession research is the link between theory and practice and has influenced many changes to the way that nurses practice (Schneider, Elliot, LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2003). Research has brought about improvements in the delivery of care which in turn contributes to improved patient outcomes (Loiselle, Profetto-McGrath, Poilt, Beck, 2007). Nursing research has made available the best evidence to support and underpin nursing practice as it is currently: this is essential to the achievement of optimum biopsychosocial results for the patient, their family members and their wider community. Furthermore research guides legislation and regulations at a government organisation level (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; DePoy Gitlin, 2011; Da vies Logan, 2012). Health research topic This assignment will explore how research is designed, conducted and applied to investigate and inform the improvement of mental health wellbeing of those who care for people with dementia. In an international study on the global prevalence of dementia published in 2006, experts estimated that there were 24.3 million people with dementia, with 4.6 million new cases of dementia every year, one new case every 7 seconds (Ferri, Prince, Brayne, Brodaty, Fratiglioni, Ganguli Scazufca, 2006). It is estimated that there are 50,000 New Zealanders currently diagnosed with dementia and by 2026 it is estimated to be close to 78,000 (Ministry of Health, 2013). The prevalence of this cognitive disease necessitates research to better understand the effects and implications dementia has on people and society and how society can be better equipped to face the psychosocial challenges dementia presents for those in caregiver roles. Research Paradigms Depoy and Gitlin (2011) define research as â€Å"multiple, systematic strategies to generate knowledge about human behaviour, human experience, and human environments in which the thinking and action processes of the research are clearly specified so that they are logical, understandable, confirmable, and useful† (Depoy Gitlin, 2011, pg. 6). There are two major research paradigms that underpin these systematic strategies, determining how a researcher will ‘think and act’. They are positivist and the naturalistic. A positivist paradigm is most closely allied with quantitative research and naturalistic paradigm is most often associated with qualitative research (Christensen Johnson, 2012, Loiselle et al. 2011). Each paradigm or approach is a perspective on research based on a set of shared assumptions, concepts, values, and practices (Christensen and Johnson, 2012). These two paradigms have two very distinct ontological, epistemological and methodological foundati ons. Quantitative research views the nature of the knowable and the nature of reality as being objective, material and structural. This worldview or perspective is that there is a reality ‘out there’ that is separable and independent from individual. That this reality can be verified and discovered through the scientific method is the fundamental assumption of positivism or the positivist paradigm (DePoy Gitlin, 2011; Loiselle et al. 2011; Christensen Johnson, 2012). The positivist or experimental-type perspective employed by quantitative research primarily follows the confirmatory scientific method because it focuses on hypothesis testing and theory testing (Christensen Johnson, 2012). Logical positivists believe that there is a single reality that can be discovered by reducing it into parts, and discovering the relationships among them. In other words, the logical, structural principles that guide some component of reality can be known. This concept is known as reductionism (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Quantitative researchers typically use deductive reasoning to identify a single reality and generate predictions or hypotheses. They then use a systematic approach, progressing logically through a series of steps, according to a prespecified plan. The researchers use various â€Å"controls† to minimise biases and maximise precision and validity (DePoy Gitlin, 2011; Loiselle et al. 2011). Empirical evidence is rigorously and systematically gathered (directly or indirectly through the senses rather than personal hunches) using tested means. Quantitative information, being numeric information, is gathered then subsequently analyzed and measured through statistical procedures to deduce if a hypothesis is true or false (Loiselle et al, 2011). The hypothesis is confirmed or rejected on the basis of these empirical results. Qualitative research, on the other hand, take the view that as nature of the knowable and reality are mentally constructed by individual, they are multiple, subjective and personal. This worldview claims that reality is not a fixed entity but rather a construction of individuals participating in the research. That reality exists within a context, and many constructions are possible is the fundamental assumption of a naturalistic paradigm (Loiselle et al. 2011; Christensen and Johnson, 2012). Naturalistic inquiry theorists believe that ideas and individual interpretations are the lenses through which each individual knows and comes to understand and define the world. â€Å"Knowledge is based on how the individual perceives their experiences and how he or she understands his or her world† (Depoy Gitlin, p. 26). Naturalistic methods of enquiry attempt to capture these dynamic, holistic and individual aspects of phenomena in their entirety, within the context of those who are experiencing them. Therefore, naturalistic investigators emphasize understanding the human experience as it is lived, usually through the collection and analysis of qualitative materials that are narrative and subjective (Loiselle et al. 2011). Qualitative methods differ from that of quantitative in that procedures are flexible and can be modified to capitalize on findings that emerge during the course of study. Qualitative studies take place locally, in a natural setting, in the field, frequently over extended periods of time. Data collection and data analysis typically progress simultaneously . Consequently, naturalistic studies yield rich, in-depth information that can potentially clarify the multiple dimensions of a complicated phenomenon (Loiselle et al. 2011).t The scope of this assignment is to further examine and analyse quantitative research design and methodology and how it relates to the research of dementia†¦ Quantitative Experimental Design In experimental-type research, DePoy and Gitlin (p. 84) describe design as the plan or blueprint that specifies the procedures used to obtain empirical evidence to determine the relationship among variables of the study. In other words, the design is structured in such a way as to enable an examination of a hypothesized relationship among variables. Generally in quantitative research, hypotheses are constructed from general principles prior to data collection and then tested during the study. Experimental design is therefore well suited to answering questions about cause and effect or causation (Minichiello et al, 2004). The specific procedures actioned to obtain empirical evidence depend on the study and the design method used, but generally quantitative experimental designs involve sampling, data collection, data analysis and reporting. Investigators employ sampling techniques to select a subgroup that can accurately represent a population, defined as a group of persons, elements or both that share a set of common characteristics as predefined by the investigator. The intent is to be able to draw accurate conclusions about the population by studying a smaller group of elements (sample) (Minichiello et al, 2004, DePoy Gitlin, 2011). In quantitative research the collecting of data, quantifying information or measurement is a primary concern. Therefore the researcher must ensure the data instrument used is reliable and valid (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Reliability refers to the degree of consistency with which an instrument measures an attribute and validity addresses the critical issue of the relationshi p between a concept and its measurement. It asks if whether what is being measured is a reflection of the underlying concept (Minichiello et al, 2004, DePoy Gitlin, 2011). The instrument can be one that the researcher designed themself, modified from another study, or an intact instrument that has been used by another researcher (Creswell, 1994). When experimental-type research is conducted, the researcher’s first preference is the selection of instruments that have demonstrated reliability and validity for the specific populations or phenomena the investigator wants to study. As is the case in the quantitative research articles explored later in this assignment. Statistical analysis is an important action process in experimental-type research that occurs at the conclusion of data collection and data preparation. It is at this juncture that data become meaningful, and lead to knowledge building that is descriptive, inferential or associational. From this analysis investigato rs can interpret and summarize data, generalise findings to the population from which the sample is drawn, and make causal statements and predictions (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). That part done. now how to tie this one to the next one below. True experimental design has three distinguishing properties namely; a randomised population sample, an intervention otherwise known as a manipulation and a control group for comparison (Nieswiadomy, 2008; Davis Logan, 2012). By randomly assigning subjects to an experimental group and a control group, the investigator attempts to develop equivalence, or eliminate subject bias, caused by inherent differences that may occur in the two groups (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Investigators then manipulate an independent variable (IV) so that the effect of its presence, absence, or degree on the dependent variable (DV) can be observed. Manipulation is the action process of manoeuvring the independent variable for example the (IV) could be medication, a teaching plan or treatment etc. (Minichiello et al. 2004; LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; DePoy Gitlin, 2011). The dependent variable is the variable that has changed due to the result of the manipulation e.g. the measured end result (Dempsey Dempsey , 2000; Minichiello et al, 2004). This enables researchers to study ‘cause and effect’ relationships (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; Hedges Williams, 2014). Within the health arena the ‘causes’ are often the interventions or treatments and the ‘effects’ are the final outcomes (Minichiello et al, 2004; Moule Hek, 2011). The control group is the comparison group that receives the usual treatment or care, compared to the experimental one under scrutiny. This ‘true’ experimental design is referred to as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). RCT’s are considered the ‘superior’ design when investigating cause and effect relationships (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; Loiselle et al. 2011). This control of variance and over extraneous influences inherent in experimental design allows the researcher to state with a degree of statistical assuredness that the study outcomes are a consequence of either the manipulation of the independent variable or the consequence of that which was observed and analysed. In other words, the design provides a degree of certainty that an investigators observations are not haphazard or random but reflect what is considered to be a true and objective reality. Quantitative experimental designs therefore eliminate bias and the intrusion of unwanted factors that could confound findings and make them less credible (Depoy Gitlin, 2011). Although the true-experiment design is continually upheld as the best design to use to predict causal relationships, being the most ‘objective’ and ‘true’ scientific approach, it may be inappropriate for other forms of inquiry in health and human services. This is because not all research questions seek to predict causal relationships between independent and dependent variables. Moreover, in some cases, using a true-experimental design may present critical ethical concerns such that other design strategies may be more appropriate. this part doesnt quite fit yet. According to DePoy Gitlin (2011) quantitative or experimental type research define four categories namely non-experimental, quasi-experimental, pre-experimental and true experimental. In relation to the chosen articles, experimental design will be discussed as both articles are randomized controlled trials. Should we delete this paragraph? dunno. what does part 2 say about experimental and non-experimental. Depoy Gitlin (2011) suggest that a design in the experimental-type tradition should be chosen purposively because it fits the question, level of theory development, and setting or environment in which the research will be conducted. The next part of this assignment will examine two such pieces of research demonstrating purposeful use of experimental design in the specific research of curtailing psychosocial effects such as depression and mental health wellbeing of caregivers caring for someone with dementia. Experimental Research Examples The research articles chosen to critique are both RCT’s. Both are trials investigating the wellbeing of family caregivers of people with dementia. The objective of one study was to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention of a home based training programme supporting family caregivers with a family member who have dementia. The study used the â€Å"Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Survey† to collect data on physical well-being and the Chinese adaptation â€Å"Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale† to measure depressive symptoms (Kao, Huang, Huang, Lian, Chiu, Chen, Kwok, Hsu Shy, 2012). Results from the design showed positive statistical measurements for each category of physical health outcomes and a decreased rate in risk of depression for those in the experimental group compared with the control group. This study concluded that the home based caregiver training programme significantly improved the quality of life relating to heal th and decreased the risk for depressive symptoms (Kao, Huang, Huang, Lian, Chiu, Chen, Kwok, Hsu Shy, 2012) . The other RCT was investigating the effectiveness of an internet intervention â€Å"Mastery over Dementia† supporting family caregivers of people with dementia. Results from the regression analyses showed caregivers of the experimental group had decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Concluding that the internet course was an effective treatment (Blom, Zarit, GrootZwaaftink, Culjipers Pot, 2015). Experimental research design has strengths and weaknesses. The main strength of experimental research design is that they are the most effective for measuring cause and effect relationships (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). Due to the data obtained from experimental research designs knowledge has been applied and changes have been integrated in to action (Carr, 1994). The strength of random sampling is that it increases the possibility of being generalizable in the finding, however random selection is very time-consuming (Carr, 1994). With experimental type design the researcher remains detached from the subjects, the strength of this approach is prevention of researcher involvement guarding against any bias within the study (Carr, 1994). However they are often complex and unrealistic to measure in clinical environments and can be disruptive to peoples routine when implemented (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010) . Other variables that can impact on findings is that when an intervention is bei ng administered by different people e.g. it is impossible to ensure different nurses deliver the intervention in the same way with each person (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). A further weakness is that many interventions required for studies are not agreeable to ethical consent e.g. doing an experimental design on people who smoke to measure adverse side effects (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). Due to these weaknesses many researchers resort to quazi-experimental design (Rewrite in own words)There is nothing inherently good or bad about a design. Every research study design has its particular strengths and weaknesses. The adequacy of a design is based on how well the design answers the research question that is posed. That is the most important criteria for evaluating a design. If it does not answer the research question then the design, regardless how rigorous it may appear, is not appropriate. It is also important to identify and understand the relative strength and weakness of each design element (DePoy Gitlin, 2011).

Comparing Grendel and Oedipus Rex :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Parallels between Grendel and Oedipus Rex      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A messenger hurriedly arrives at a palace to tell king Oedipus, that his father, Polybus, the king of another town, has died at an old age of natural causes. The message's receptor and his queen, therefore, assume that Oedipus has escaped his fate as told by the oracle at Delphi that he should murder his father and marry his mother. There is reprieve of worry until it is revealed that the man who died was merely Oedipus' adoptive father and that Oedipus had indeed once killed his father and was married to his mother. Oedipus was not the king of his fate.    "'Pointless accident,' not pattern, governs the world, says Grendel, who, as a consequence, adopts an existentialistic stance," explains Frank Magill in Critical Review of Short Fiction. This point has been expressed in numerous critical papers by various essayists. One may wonder, however, whether this is the only way to interpret an incredibly ambiguous story in which no question is ever clearly answered nor clearly formulated. One may wonder, actually, whether the author meant for his work to be analyzed in this way at all. The author, John Gardner, spins a tale of a monster held viscously to his destiny of an unnatural death. No matter what Grendel does, his death is predetermined. Though he tries to disprove fate to himself by believing in existentialism, the belief that actions create the future, he never validates that point of view. John Gardner's purpose in writing Grendel was to express that the future is completely unavoidable.    Grendel may be paralleled to Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" which describes the story of Laius and Jocasta, the king and a queen of Thebes, who are told by the oracle at Delphi that the fate of their newborn son is to someday kill his father and marry his mother. They believe that they can change that destiny by killing the child but their plan backfires when, unannounced to them, the child grows up far away and fulfills his destiny by eventually murdering Laius and marrying Jocasta, neither of whom he knows is his parent. "Oedipus Rex" is analogous to Grendel because in both stories the main character has a fate which is exceptionally clear but he simply does not believe it, quite on the contrary, he believes that his actions will create his future, but he is tragically mistaken.

Henry Tam and Mgi Team

The third founder Alexandra (Sash) Compelling) is a 1987 MBA graduate from HOBS. Other MGM' members include Dana Seaman (HOBS MBA student), Dave Clark (MIT graduate student), and Alexandra Jan Sarasota (Boston Berkeley College Music Business Management and Music Production and Engineering student). The founders are all Russians who are trying to create, produce, and sell a unique computer-based music game where through the game play user can both learn and enjoy music. Within a short time frame these diverse members assembled to compose a business plan for the company. Meg's Founders believe.The product should be marketed as a game and ant to focus on the entertainment market while the HAS student believes it should be marketed toward the education industry. Also, the team struggles to identify their responsibilities, define their roles, make decisions together, and resolve conflicts. Arguments and tension started to build as the team produced a variety of ideas about how to promote their product, but had difficulty agreeing on which ideas to pursue. The team had very little success in working together. Discussion MGM' appears to be an excellent company and their software music product seems to have great potential.In addition, the team is comprised of diverse members who share a strong commitment to the Business, and the founders of the company have a strong passion on their product. To completely understand MGM and provide recommendations as to working effectively, we will start by analyzing the Issues that MGM has experienced. There are numerous issues building within the MGM team from the very start. Provided below is a breakdown of our understanding of MGM and its internal issues. * The MGM founders (Sash Compelling, Igor Toothache, and Roman Yak) are all Russians whose vision is to target their product towards the entertainment industry.The HOBS students believe that the product has a greater chance of success towards the education industry. This indicate s that there is a strong disagreement in terms of the company's vision for the product between the founders and HOBS students. * The product Just missed a Christmas holiday season. The founders believe the product lacked a focus on sales. This is a clear sign the MGM team needs skills to appropriately promote their product. * There are various differences between the MGM founders. Igor and Roman are from Ukraine.They're both creative and established International musicians but lack business skills. Sash is from Russia and is considered the primary business person because he is a college graduate wit n Dustless acumen Ana Tolerance Skills. Mess's student team Includes: Henry Tam (HOBS MBA student with experience in investments); Dana Seaman (HOBS MBA student with experience in banking); Alex Jan Sarasota (Boston Barley College Music student); and Dave Clark Coins the team in the third meeting and is an MIT graduate student with experience in software development and music). Henry and Dana believe Sash has a tendency to Jump from ideas to ideas, and seems unclear. Also, Sash's resume indicated that he has limited accomplishments since he has Jumped from industry-to-industry. * The MGM' founders share a different viewpoint for the HAS students. Igor considers Dana and Henry a critical part of Meg's success while Sash is thinking of the students as interns. Henry and Dana see themselves as creating a business plan. There's a clear conflict with role establishments and expectations. * A new student â€Å"Alex† is added in the second meeting.Alex has experience in music, has worked with Meg's founders in the past, and has an understanding for business. According to Alex, MGM' has a great product UT the company lacks in organization. * As the group continues to meet, prejudices toward one and another are formed. Dana sees Sash as a salesperson and believes that leadership is needed from within MGM'. Roman and Sash believe that Dana has a very broad view of thi ngs. Sash lacks in interpersonal communication skills. Alex sees Dana as aggressive and strong-minded. * Dana and Sash had constants disagreements.Anything that Dana would present Sash would reject. * In the third meeting, Dave was introduced. Dave also Joined MGM' to represent the company at the MIT Business Contest. Dana and Henry were unconcerned by the recruitment of Dave and made them question whether MGM' was using the students to get into the business contest. * At the third meeting, Dana and Henry presented their ideas that outlined the work completed to date. Igor and Roman were impressed by the presentation but Sash expressed frustrations and felt that he is being alienated by the group. Dave believes the group is impacted due to the cultural differences. Alex believes the people are from different experiences and skill levels. * Alex is somewhat a mediator who's got music skills which are similar to Igor and Roman; however, he is close to Dana and Henrys age. Alex views t he major difference or point of conflict as that between the creativity of Igor and Roman and business sense of Dana and Henry. * As the team progresses, issues regarding how to market the MGM' product arise.After compiling a heavy amount of research data, Henry and Dana believe they should market the product to teachers and education market. However, according to Roman, education market is small in comparison to the entertainment market. Additionally, Sash feels that they would set themselves for a failure since they have no interest in the education market or have the experience. But, Henry thinks it would suitable to start off with the education market since Meg's product is in development and MGM' should consider a shorter and long-term viewpoint. There is no clear leader. Per Henry, the leader was that person who at the time had the most energy to give to an issue. Based on our observations of the case, we believe the team had good debates about the direction of the company but they were disorganized, unstructured and did not lead any final result of plan. At the end of the day, the team was surely behind schedule in development of the business plan. Henry and Dana were the mainly contributing to outcome; tender were no Inhalations AT work contributed Trot toner team members. The team did not work well together.They had conflicts, frustrations, and tension among each other. Also, the team members did not share a common goal. Dana and Henry wanted to test their abilities for the HOBS contest, so their goal was to develop business plan in time for the competition. The MGM' founders wanted to develop their vision into a viable business. Alex was assisting MGM' market the game, and Dave was pulled in at the last minute as way to participate in the MIT business contest. MGM' did not divide the task into sub tasks; there seemed to be a main group and subgroups with no integration.Additionally no team leader was officially appointed or nobody was empowered to de fine the role structure, the decision- making process and assessing team performance. We also feel the team did not spend time developing a good working culture from the start. Recommendations After directly observing the company's internal issues and based on our analysis, we provide the following recommendations for Henry and the MGM' team: * The very first thing Henry needs to do is to volunteer to serve as a team leader for MGM'.MGM' is n need of a transformational leadership and this is the style, which is the most appropriate for Henry. A person using the transformational leadership style has competencies such as integrity, sets clear goals, clearly communicates a vision, expects the best from the team, encourages and supports the team, provides stimulating work, and helps people see beyond their self-interests and focus more on team interests and needs (Leadership Styles, 2011). Transformational leaders are exceptionally motivating and they're trusted (Leadership Styles, 2011 ).When your team trusts you, and are enthused by the way you lead, one can achieve great things. Observing Henrys behavior throughout the case and MGM' circumstances, he appears to be trustworthy, enthused about the MGM' product, confident, good listener, highly analytical, and remained calm throughout the meetings. Most importantly, all the members of MGM' team seem to like him and have demonstrated respect for Henry. We believe he would be a suitable leader; hence, he needs to volunteer to serve as the MGM' leader.A leader is an important function of management which helps to maximize efficiency and to achieve organizational goals. Having a leader at MGM' will help in communicating policies and plans to subordinates from where the work actually starts. A leader will motivate the employees, provide guidance, create confidence, and help in building a work environment (Importance of Leadership, 2011). * We strongly advise and recommend that the members of the MGM' team learn about di versity management within workplace since the MGM' team was compromised of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.Having a good understanding of diversity is quite crucial to Meg's success. Most successful teams and managers, deal with multicultural challenges in one of four ways: adaptation, structural intervention, managerial intervention, and exit (Brett, Bear, and Kern, 2006). Adaptation involves acknowledging cultural gaps openly and working around them (Brett, Bear, and Kern, 2006). Structural intervention involves changing the shape or makeup of the team (Brett, Bear, and Kern, 2006).Managerial intervention is setting norms early or bringing in a higher-level manager (Brett, Bear, and Kern, 2006). Exit involves removing a team member when other options have failed (Brett, Bear, and Kern, 2006). Also, it would be extremely Dentally Tort Henry to Locus systematically WI TN Dana now to acclimatize to sauna's style in order to avoid conflicts. Henry needs to identify norms and values for the team. Their decision making process was extremely slow. Someone would always oppose whenever the team was about to come to a decision.This would cause the process to start all over again. Henry would benefit by setting deadlines on tasks, defining each member's role and contributions, and utilizing a voting system for decision-making. Utilizing the egalitarianism value system would be quite beneficial. Egalitarianism is a moral principle. It is the belief that all people should be equal and that values should be split evenly (Importance of Philosophy, 2011). Time management is highly needed. Henry needs to write the meeting objectives prior to starting every meeting.

The Lost Symbol Chapter 129-131

CHAPTER 129 Robert Langdon stood mesmerized at the glass portal, absorbing the power of the landscape below him. Having ascended unknowingly hundreds of feet into the air, he was now admiring one of the most spectacular vistas he had ever seen. The shining dome of the U.S. Capitol rose like a mountain at the east end of the National Mall. On either side of the building, two parallel lines of light stretched toward him . . . the illuminated facades of the Smithsonian museums . . . beacons of art, history, science, culture. Langdon now realized to his astonishment that much of what Peter had declared to be true . . . was in fact true. There is indeed a winding staircase . . . descending hundreds of feet beneath a massive stone. The huge capstone of this obelisk sat directly over his head, and Langdon now recalled a forgotten bit of trivia that seemed to have eerie relevance: the capstone of the Washington Monument weighed precisely thirty-three hundred pounds. Again, the number 33. More startling, however, was the knowledge that this capstone's ultimate peak, the zenith of this obelisk, was crowned by a tiny, polished tip of aluminum–a metal as precious as gold in its day. The shining apex of the Washington Monument was only about a foot tall, the same size as the Masonic Pyramid. Incredibly, this small metal pyramid bore a famous engraving–Laus Deo– and Langdon suddenly understood. This is the true message of the base of the stone pyramid. The seven symbols are a transliteration! The simplest of ciphers. The symbols are letters. The stonemason's square–L The element gold–AU The Greek Sigma–S The Greek Delta–D Alchemical mercury–E The Ouroboros–O â€Å"Laus Deo,† Langdon whispered. The well-known Latin phrase–meaning â€Å"praise God†Ã¢â‚¬â€œwas inscribed on the tip of the Washington Monument in script letters only one inch tall. On full display . . . and yet invisible to all. Laus Deo. â€Å"Praise God,† Peter said behind him, flipping on the soft lighting in the chamber. â€Å"The Masonic Pyramid's final code.† Langdon turned. His friend was grinning broadly, and Langdon recalled that Peter had actually spoken the words â€Å"praise God† earlier inside the Masonic library. And I still missed it. Langdon felt a chill to realize how apt it was that the legendary Masonic Pyramid had guided him here . . . to America's great obelisk–the symbol of ancient mystical wisdom–rising toward the heavens at the heart of a nation. In a state of wonder, Langdon began moving counterclockwise around the perimeter of the tiny square room, arriving now at another viewing window. North. Through this northward-facing window, Langdon gazed down at the familiar silhouette of the White House directly in front of him. He raised his eyes to the horizon, where the straight line of Sixteenth Street ran due north toward the House of the Temple. I am due south of Heredom. He continued around the perimeter to the next window. Looking west, Langdon's eyes traced the long rectangle of the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial, its classical Greek architecture inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, Temple to Athena–goddess of heroic undertakings. Annuit coeptis, Langdon thought. God favors our undertaking. Continuing to the final window, Langdon gazed southward across the dark waters of the Tidal Basin, where the Jefferson Memorial shone brightly in the night. The gently sloping cupola, Langdon knew, was modeled after the Pantheon, the original home to the great Roman gods of mythology. Having looked in all four directions, Langdon now thought about the aerial photos he had seen of the National Mall–her four arms outstretched from the Washington Monument toward the cardinal points of the compass. I am standing at the crossroads of America. Langdon continued back around to where Peter was standing. His mentor was beaming. â€Å"Well, Robert, this is it. The Lost Word. This is where it's buried. The Masonic Pyramid led us here.† Langdon did a double take. He had all but forgotten about the Lost Word. â€Å"Robert, I know of nobody more trustworthy than you. And after a night like tonight, I believe you deserve to know what this is all about. As promised in legend, the Lost Word is indeed buried at the bottom of a winding staircase.† He motioned to the mouth of the monument's long stairwell. Langdon had finally started to get his feet back under him, but now he was puzzled. Peter quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object. â€Å"Do you remember this?† Langdon took the cube-shaped box that Peter had entrusted to him long ago. â€Å"Yes . . . but I'm afraid I didn't do a very good job of protecting it.† Solomon chuckled. â€Å"Perhaps the time had come for it to see the light of day.† Langdon eyed the stone cube, wondering why Peter had just handed it to him. â€Å"What does this look like to you?† Peter asked. Langdon eyed the 1514 and recalled his first impression when Katherine had unwrapped the package. â€Å"A cornerstone.† â€Å"Exactly,† Peter replied. â€Å"Now, there are a few things you might not know about cornerstones. First, the concept of laying a cornerstone comes from the Old Testament.† Langdon nodded. â€Å"The Book of Psalms.† â€Å"Correct. And a true cornerstone is always buried beneath the ground–symbolizing the building's initial step upward out of the earth toward the heavenly light.† Langdon glanced out at the Capitol, recalling that its cornerstone was buried so deep in the foundation that, to this day, excavations had been unable to find it. â€Å"And finally,† Solomon said, â€Å"like the stone box in your hand, many cornerstones are little vaults . . . and have hollow cavities so that they can hold buried treasures . . . talismans, if you will– symbols of hope for the future of the building about to be erected.† Langdon was well aware of this tradition, too. Even today, Masons laid cornerstones in which they sealed meaningful objects–time capsules, photos, proclamations, even the ashes of important people. â€Å"My purpose in telling you this,† Solomon said, glancing over at the stairwell, â€Å"should be clear.† â€Å"You think the Lost Word is buried in the cornerstone of the Washington Monument?† â€Å"I don't think, Robert. I know. The Lost Word was buried in the cornerstone of this monument on July 4, 1848, in a full Masonic ritual.† Langdon stared at him. â€Å"Our Masonic forefathers buried a word?!† Peter nodded. â€Å"They did indeed. They understood the true power of what they were burying.† All night, Langdon had been trying to wrap his mind around sprawling, ethereal concepts . . . the Ancient Mysteries, the Lost Word, the Secrets of the Ages. He wanted something solid, and despite Peter's claims that the key to it all was buried in a cornerstone 555 feet beneath him, Langdon was having a hard time accepting it. People study the mysteries for entire lifetimes and are still unable to access the power allegedly hidden there. Langdon flashed on Durer's Melencolia I–the image of the dejected Adept, surrounded by the tools of his failed efforts to unveil the mystical secrets of alchemy. If the secrets can actually be unlocked, they will not be found in one place! Any answer, Langdon had always believed, was spread across the world in thousands of volumes . . . encoded into writings of Pythagoras, Hermes, Heraclitus, Paracelsus, and hundreds of others. The answer was found in dusty, forgotten tomes on alchemy, mysticism, magic, and philosophy. The answer was hidden in the ancient library of Alexandria, the clay tablets of Sumer, and the hieroglyphs of Egypt. â€Å"Peter, I'm sorry,† Langdon said quietly, shaking his head. â€Å"To understand the Ancient Mysteries is a lifelong process. I can't imagine how the key could possibly rest within a single word.† Peter placed a hand on Langdon's shoulder. â€Å"Robert, the Lost Word is not a `word.'† He gave a sage smile. â€Å"We only call it the `Word' because that's what the ancients called it . . . in the beginning.† CHAPTER 130 In the beginning was the Word. Dean Galloway knelt at the Great Crossing of the National Cathedral and prayed for America. He prayed that his beloved country would soon come to grasp the true power of the Word–the recorded collection of the written wisdom of all the ancient masters–the spiritual truths taught by the great sages. History had blessed mankind with the wisest of teachers, profoundly enlightened souls whose understanding of the spiritual and mental mysteries exceeded all understanding. The precious words of these Adepts–Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Zoroaster, and countless others–had been transmitted through history in the oldest and most precious of vessels. Books. Every culture on earth had its own sacred book–its own Word–each one different and yet each one the same. For Christians, the Word was the Bible, for Muslims the Koran, for Jews the Torah, for Hindus the Vedas, and on and on it went. The Word shall light the way. For America's Masonic forefathers, the Word had been the Bible. And yet few people in history have understood its true message. Tonight, as Galloway knelt alone within the great cathedral, he placed his hands upon the Word–a well-worn copy of his own Masonic Bible. This treasured book, like all Masonic Bibles, contained the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a treasure trove of Masonic philosophical writings. Although Galloway's eyes could no longer read the text, he knew the preface by heart. Its glorious message had been read by millions of his brethren in countless languages around the world. The text read: TIME IS A RIVER . . . AND BOOKS ARE BOATS. MANY VOLUMES START DOWN THAT STREAM, ONLY TO BE WRECKED AND LOST BEYOND RECALL IN ITS SANDS. ONLY A FEW, A VERY FEW, ENDURE THE TESTINGS OF TIME AND LIVE TO BLESS THE AGES FOLLOWING. There is a reason these volumes survived, while others vanished. As a scholar of faith, Dean Galloway had always found it astonishing that the ancient spiritual texts–the most studied books on earth–were, in fact, the least understood. Concealed within those pages, there hides a wondrous secret. One day soon the light would dawn, and mankind would finally begin to grasp the simple, transformative truth of the ancient teachings . . . and take a quantum leap forward in understanding his own magnificent nature. CHAPTER 131 The winding staircase that descends the spine of the Washington Monument consists of 896 stone steps that spiral around an open elevator shaft. Langdon and Solomon were making their way down, Langdon still grappling with the startling fact that Peter had shared with him only moments ago: Robert, buried within the hollow cornerstone of this monument, our forefathers placed a single copy of the Word–the Bible–which waits in darkness at the foot of this staircase. As they descended, Peter suddenly stopped on a landing and swung his flashlight beam to illuminate a large stone medallion embedded in the wall. What in the world?! Langdon jumped when he saw the carving. The medallion depicted a frightening cloaked figure holding a scythe and kneeling beside an hourglass. The figure's arm was raised, and his index finger was extended, pointing directly at a large open Bible, as if to say: â€Å"The answer is in there!† Langdon stared at the carving and then turned to Peter. His mentor's eyes shone with mystery. â€Å"I'd like you to consider something, Robert.† His voice echoed down the empty stairwell. â€Å"Why do you think the Bible has survived thousands of years of tumultuous history? Why is it still here? Is it because its stories are such compelling reading? Of course not . . . but there is a reason. There is a reason Christian monks spend lifetimes attempting to decipher the Bible. There is a reason that Jewish mystics and Kabbalists pore over the Old Testament. And that reason, Robert, is that there exist powerful secrets hidden in the pages of this ancient book . . . a vast collection of untapped wisdom waiting to be unveiled.† Langdon was no stranger to the theory that the Scriptures contained a hidden layer of meaning, a concealed message that was veiled in allegory, symbolism, and parable. â€Å"The prophets warn us,† Peter continued, â€Å"that the language used to share their secret mysteries is a cryptic one. The Gospel of Mark tells us, `Unto you is given to know the mystery . . . but it will be told in parable.' Proverbs cautions that the sayings of the wise are `riddles,' while Corinthians talks of `hidden wisdom.' The Gospel of John forewarns: `I will speak to you in parable . . . and use dark sayings.' â€Å" Dark sayings, Langdon mused, knowing this strange phrase made numerous odd appearances in Proverbs as well as in Psalm 78. I will open my mouth in a parable and utter dark sayings of old. The concept of a â€Å"dark saying,† Langdon had learned, did not mean that the saying was â€Å"evil† but rather that its true meaning was shadowed or obscured from the light. â€Å"And if you have any doubts,† Peter added, â€Å"Corinthians overtly tells us that the parables have two layers of meaning: `milk for babes and meat for men'–where the milk is a watered-down reading for infantile minds, and the meat is the true message, accessible only to mature minds.† Peter raised the flashlight, again illuminating the carving of the cloaked figure pointing intently at the Bible. â€Å"I know you are a skeptic, Robert, but consider this. If the Bible does not contain hidden meaning, then why have so many of history's finest minds–including brilliant scientists at the Royal Society–become so obsessed with studying it? Sir Isaac Newton wrote more than a million words attempting to decipher the true meaning of the Scripture, including a 1704 manuscript that claimed he had extracted hidden scientific information from the Bible!† Langdon knew this was true. â€Å"And Sir Francis Bacon,† Peter continued, â€Å"the luminary hired by King James to literally create the authorized King James Bible, became so utterly convinced that the Bible contained cryptic meaning that he wrote in his own codes, which are still studied today! Of course, as you know, Bacon was a Rosicrucian and penned The Wisdom of the Ancients.† Peter smiled. â€Å"Even the iconoclastic poet William Blake hinted that we should read between the lines.† Langdon was familiar with the verse: BOTH READ THE BIBLE DAY AND NIGHT, BUT THOU READ BLACK WHERE I READ WHITE. â€Å"And it wasn't just the European luminaries,† Peter continued, descending faster now. â€Å"It was here, Robert, at the very core of this young American nation, that our brightest forefathers–John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine–all warned of the profound dangers of interpreting the Bible literally. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was so convinced the Bible's true message was hidden that he literally cut up the pages and reedited the book, attempting, in his words, `to do away with the artificial scaffolding and restore the genuine doctrines.' â€Å" Langdon was well aware of this strange fact. The Jeffersonian Bible was still in print today and included many of his controversial revisions, among them the removal of the virgin birth and the resurrection. Incredibly, the Jeffersonian Bible had been presented to every incoming member of Congress during the first half of the nineteenth century. â€Å"Peter, you know I find this topic fascinating, and I can understand that it might be tempting for bright minds to imagine the Scriptures contain hidden meaning, but it makes no logical sense to me. Any skilled professor will tell you that teaching is never done in code.† â€Å"I'm sorry?† â€Å"Teachers teach, Peter. We speak openly. Why would the prophets–the greatest teachers in history–obscure their language? If they hoped to change the world, why would they speak in code? Why not speak plainly so the world could understand?† Peter glanced back over his shoulder as he descended, looking surprised by the question. â€Å"Robert, the Bible does not talk openly for the same reason the Ancient Mystery Schools were kept hidden . . . for the same reason the neophytes had to be initiated before learning the secret teachings of the ages . . . for the same reason the scientists in the Invisible College refused to share their knowledge with others. This information is powerful, Robert. The Ancient Mysteries cannot be shouted from the rooftops. The mysteries are a flaming torch, which, in the hands of a master, can light the way, but which, in the hands of a madman, can scorch the earth.† Langdon stopped short. What is he saying? â€Å"Peter, I'm talking about the Bible. Why are you talking about the Ancient Mysteries?† Peter turned. â€Å"Robert, don't you see? The Ancient Mysteries and the Bible are the same thing.† Langdon stared in bewilderment. Peter was silent for several seconds, waiting for the concept to soak in. â€Å"The Bible is one of the books through which the mysteries have been passed down through history. Its pages are desperately trying to tell us the secret. Don't you understand? The `dark sayings' in the Bible are the whispers of the ancients, quietly sharing with us all of their secret wisdom.† Langdon said nothing. The Ancient Mysteries, as he understood them, were a kind of instruction manual for harnessing the latent power of the human mind . . . a recipe for personal apotheosis. He had never been able to accept the power of the mysteries, and certainly the notion that the Bible was somehow hiding a key to these mysteries was an impossible stretch. â€Å"Peter, the Bible and the Ancient Mysteries are total opposites. The mysteries are all about the god within you . . . man as god. The Bible is all about the God above you . . . and man as a powerless sinner.† â€Å"Yes! Exactly! You've put your finger on the precise problem! The moment mankind separated himself from God, the true meaning of the Word was lost. The voices of the ancient masters have now been drowned out, lost in the chaotic din of self-proclaimed practitioners shouting that they alone understand the Word . . . that the Word is written in their language and none other.† Peter continued down the stairs. â€Å"Robert, you and I both know that the ancients would be horrified if they saw how their teachings have been perverted . . . how religion has established itself as a tollbooth to heaven . . . how warriors march into battle believing God favors their cause. We've lost the Word, and yet its true meaning is still within reach, right before our eyes. It exists in all the enduring texts, from the Bible to the Bhagavad Gita to the Koran and beyond. All of these texts are revered upon the altars of Freemasonry because Masons understand what the world seems to have forgotten . . . that each of these texts, in its own way, is quietly whispering the exact same message.† Peter's voice welled with emotion. † `Know ye not that ye are gods?'† Langdon was struck by the way this famous ancient saying kept surfacing tonight. He had reflected on it while talking to Galloway and also at the Capitol Building while trying to explain The Apotheosis of Washington. Peter lowered his voice to a whisper. â€Å"The Buddha said, `You are God yourself.' Jesus taught that `the kingdom of God is within you' and even promised us, `The works I do, you can do . . . and greater.' Even the first antipope–Hippolytus of Rome–quoted the same message, first uttered by the gnostic teacher Monoimus: `Abandon the search for God . . . instead, take yourself as the starting place.' † Langdon flashed on the House of the Temple, where the Masonic Tyler's chair bore two words of guidance carved across its back: KNOW THYSELF. â€Å"A wise man once told me,† Peter said, his voice faint now, â€Å"the only difference between you and God is that you have forgotten you are divine.† â€Å"Peter, I hear you–I do. And I'd love to believe we are gods, but I see no gods walking our earth. I see no superhumans.You can point to the alleged miracles of the Bible, or any other religious text, but they are nothing but old stories fabricated by man and then exaggerated over time.† â€Å"Perhaps,† Peter said. â€Å"Or perhaps we simply need our science to catch up with the wisdom of the ancients.† He paused. â€Å"Funny thing is . . . I believe Katherine's research may be poised to do just that.† Langdon suddenly remembered that Katherine had dashed off from the House of the Temple earlier. â€Å"Hey, where did she go, anyway?† â€Å"She'll be here shortly,† Peter said, grinning. â€Å"She went to confirm a wonderful bit of good fortune.† Outside, at the base of the monument, Peter Solomon felt invigorated as he inhaled the cold night air. He watched in amusement as Langdon stared intently at the ground, scratching his head and looking around at the foot of the obelisk. â€Å"Professor,† Peter joked, â€Å"the cornerstone that contains the Bible is underground. You can't actually access the book, but I assure you it's there.† â€Å"I believe you,† Langdon said, appearing lost in thought. â€Å"It's just . . . I noticed something.† Langdon stepped back now and surveyed the giant plaza on which the Washington Monument stood. The circular concourse was made entirely of white stone . . . except for two decorative courses of dark stone, which formed two concentric circles around the monument. â€Å"A circle within a circle,† Langdon said. â€Å"I never realized the Washington Monument stands at the center of a circle within a circle.† Peter had to laugh. He misses nothing. â€Å"Yes, the great circumpunct . . . the universal symbol for God . . . at the crossroads of America.† He gave a coy shrug. â€Å"I'm sure it's just a coincidence.† Langdon seemed far off, gazing skyward now, his eyes ascending the illuminated spire, which shone stark white against the black winter sky. Peter sensed Langdon was beginning to see this creation for what it truly was . . . a silent reminder of ancient wisdom . . . an icon of enlightened man at the heart of a great nation. Even though Peter could not see the tiny aluminum tip at the top, he knew it was there, man's enlightened mind straining toward heaven. Laus Deo. â€Å"Peter?† Langdon approached, looking like a man who'd endured some kind of mystical initiation. â€Å"I almost forgot,† he said, reaching into his pocket and producing Peter's gold Masonic ring. â€Å"I've been wanting to return this to you all night.† â€Å"Thank you, Robert.† Peter held out his left hand and took the ring, admiring it. â€Å"You know, all the secrecy and mystery surrounding this ring and the Masonic Pyramid . . . it had an enormous effect on my life. When I was a young man, the pyramid was given to me with the promise that it hid mystical secrets. Its mere existence made me believe there were great mysteries in the world. It piqued my curiosity, fueled my sense of wonder, and inspired me to open my mind to the Ancient Mysteries.† He smiled quietly and slipped the ring into his pocket. â€Å"I now realize that the Masonic Pyramid's true purpose was not to reveal the answers, but rather to inspire a fascination with them.† The two men stood in silence for a long while at the foot of the monument. When Langdon finally spoke, his tone was serious. â€Å"I need to ask you a favor, Peter . . . as a friend.† â€Å"Of course. Anything.† Langdon made his request . . . firmly. Solomon nodded, knowing he was right. â€Å"I will.† â€Å"Right away,† Langdon added, motioning to the waiting Escalade. â€Å"Okay . . . but one caveat.† Langdon rolled his eyes, chuckling. â€Å"Somehow you always get the last word.† â€Å"Yes, and there is one final thing I want you and Katherine to see.† â€Å"At this hour?† Langdon checked his watch. Solomon smiled warmly at his old friend. â€Å"It is Washington's most spectacular treasure . . . and something very, very few people have ever seen.†