Legal Memorandum of the case of Griswold v. Connecticut

The appellants in this case are Griswold, the Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood League of Connecticut, and Buxton, the Medical Director of the Planned Parenthood League in New Haven.   They were charged of violating a Connecticut statute for giving information, instruction, and medical advice to married couple as means of preventing conception. Sec 53-32 of the Connecticut Statute states that : â€Å"Any person who uses any drug, medicinal article or instrument for the purpose of preventing conception shall be fined not less than fifty dollars or imprisoned not less than sixty days nor more than one year or be both fined and imprisoned.†Ã‚   Section 54-196 provides that â€Å"Any person who assists, abets, counsels, causes, hires or commands another to commit any offense may be prosecuted and punished as if he were the principal offender.† The appellants were found guilty as accessories for violating the said statute and fined $100 each.   They filed their appeal and argued that the said statute violated the Fourteenth Amendment.   The Appellate Division of the Circuit Court affirmed the judgment of the lower court. Issue: Whether the Connecticut statute forbidding use of contraceptives violates the right of privacy which is protected by the Bill of Rights Decision: The Supreme Court ruled that the subject Connecticut statute forbidding the use of contraceptive violates the right to marital privacy.   It is unconstitutional. Analysis: This is not the first time the Connecticut statute has been the subject of a controversy.   In the earlier case of Tileston v. Ullman 318 U.S. 44 (1943) the Supreme Court did not have the opportunity to rule the constitutionality of the said statute.   In this case, a doctor challenged the statute on the grounds that a ban on contraception may in certain situations threaten the lives and well-being of her patients. He argued that the statute would prevent his giving professional advice concerning the use of contraceptives to three patients whose condition of health was such that their lives may be endangered by child-bearing.   The Supreme Court declined to rule on this issue but dismissed the case on the ground that the plaintiff lacked the standing to litigate the constitutional question This is the first time that the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the statute.   According to the Supreme Court, though the US Constitution and the Bill of rights does not explicitly mention some rights, such as right of the people to meet and associate, or the right of the parent to educate a child in a school of their choice, or the right to study any particular subject or foreign language, the First Amendment has been construed to provide protection to these rights. Among these cases are: the Pierce v. Society of Sisters which affirmed the right of the parents to send their children to any school of their choice under the First and Fourteenth Amendment; the Meyer v. Nebraska case which affirmed the right of the students to study German language in a private school; the NAACP v. Alabama which protected the freedom to associate and affirmed a person’s privacy in one’s own association. These cases strongly indicate that the Bill of Rights have penumbras which emanate from the specific provisions of the US Constitution and its amendments.   These extended guarantees give flesh and blood to the various protections under the US Constitution without which the guarantees under it will merely be a useless formality.   Indeed, the various guarantees create zones of privacy. The relationship between spouses and their choice to procreate lie within the zone of privacy protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.   The statute should therefore be struck down as unconstitutional. It is a well-settled principle that though the state may control or prevent activities that are subject to its regulation, it cannot exercise its power so broadly as to invade the areas protected by the constitution. The objective of the statute is laudable but means for its accomplishment seriously violates the right to privacy of the married individuals.   The objective of the statute could be accomplished by other means such as regulating of the manufacture, sale of the contraceptives. If the Supreme Court were to uphold the constitutionality of this statute, it is as if we are tolerating the law enforcement officers to search the sacred precincts of the marital bedrooms simply for the purpose of finding out if they are indeed using contraceptives.. Conclusion: The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the trial court and the appellate court.   It also invalidated a Connecticut statute for invading the privacy of married couples.   Although the constitution does not explicitly mention the right to privacy of the citizens, this right is found in the penumbras of the other constitutional protections. This case is considered as a landmark decision in the sense that it established a basic sphere of personal privacy to which all people are entitled.   (Decision: Griswold v. Connecticut (1965))   It confirmed that marriage couples do have the right to privacy.   With this decision, our country took a giant leap forward finally recognizing the right of individuals to make their most private decision on planning their families, deciding the number and spacing of children.   (Elizabeth Borg, 2005) Further, this decision paved the way for another land mark decision which is the case of Roe v. Wade. (John W. Johnson, 2005) Bibliographies Borg, Elizabeth.  Ã‚   (2005) The Fight that Won Us the Right to Birth Control.   Star Tribune.   8 June 2005. Retrieved 11 September 2007 Decision: Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) About.com.   Retrieved 11 September 2007 from:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://atheism.about.com/library/decisions/privacy/bldec_GriswoldConn.htm Johnson, John W.   (2005) Birth Control and the Constitutional Right to Privacy.   Retrieved 11 September 2007 from: http://www.kansaspress.ku.edu/johgri.html Tileston v. Ullman 318 U.S. 44 (1943)      

Henrician Reformation

To What Extent Was The Henrician Reformation Inspired By The Political And Dynastic Consideration Rather Than Religious Ideology? The Henrician Reformation posed many religiously inspired ideology as well as both political and dynastic considerations. Evidence shows all three played their particular part in successfully inspiring the Henrician Reformation. From various acts being passed in 1533 and 1534, with one of them being The Act of Supremacy, in which Henry’s dynasty becomes more powerful than it was before. However, religiously the reformation was inspired by such things as, the break from Rome and the Pope due to Henry’s need for a divorce form Catherine of Aragon. Also the denominational faith of England being changed to the new ‘Church of England’ faith. Henry’s dynasty was in tact right up to the point in which he died. This was due to, The Supremacy Act. He got what he wanted in terms of wealth, divorce, etc. and the people were fine with his power as it didn’t per say affect until he began closing the monasteries. Henry used parliament and politics to make known his growing supremacy over the Church of England faith. He did initially do this to allow the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. In the 1540s, as Henry’s health go down hill and was not very substantial, William Paget and Co. rallied a successful overthrow against the conservatives. This in turn allowed them to not only control the king’s will but also seize power in the next reign. The Henrician Reformation did however become inspired by religious ideology. The pregnancy of Anne Boleyn ignited Henry’s already urgent plea to be granted a divorce from his current wife, Catherine of Aragon. The pregnancy itself was a social faux par and id not please the Pope and the divorce proceedings would only make the issue worse. This was the first religious inspiration, which could be said to have inspired the Henrician Reformation, which eventually resulted in the break from Rome and the Pope, giving England its new Protestant faith, The Church of England. Once Henry had succumbed to the inevitable loss of his money he and Thomas Cromwell devised a plan to close the monasteries. This would allow Henry to gain money form the tithes and annates. In 1536 the Ten Articles were published. The Ten Articles declared that ‘Christ’s body and blood were actually present ‘substantially’. This statement meant that it could be used by Catholics or Lutherans as well. It was done in the thinking that it would justify the articles which proclaimed that ‘sinners attain the justification by contrition and faith joined with chanty’. This was a Catholic fixation. 3 years later, in 1539, The Act of Six Articles was published. It was published as it came to light that England was not as protestant as hoped and still remained substantially Catholic. Denial of transubstantiation was made punishable by burning. Politically and dynastically the reformation was inspired but evidence shows that without the religious ideology, it wouldn’t have become such a famous reform. Religious ideology initially started off the reformation, with Henry wanting a male heir to the throne of England. Dynastic and political considerations only back-up the initial fact. The Henrician Reformation began with religion and although it was inspired by politics and dynasty, this can’t take away from the fact that religion had a profound effect on the Henrician Reformation.

Article Critique on Video Game Play and Aggressive Thoughts and Behavior Essay

The study by Vincent Cicchirillo and Rebecca M. Chory-Assad (2005) entitled Effects of Affective Orientation and Video Game Play on Aggressive Thoughts and Behavior investigates the effect of violent video game on aggressive thoughts and behavior and the mediating role of affective orientation on this relationship. This study is prompted by the scarcity of research examining the role played by an individual’s personality in the processing of media effects. The underlying concept which frames the study is that of priming which is the idea that a certain stimulus will activate similar stimulus present in the mind of an individual, thus enabling a reproduction of the outside or presentation stimulus to occur (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). Media effect is based on this concept. It also supported by the neoassociatve perspective on cognition. In the neoassociative model, the mind is a network of nodes that corresponds to certain emotions, behaviors and thoughts. These nodes are connected by pathways that are strengthened by frequency of use and relatedness. When a particular node is activated, related nodes will be activated as well through the networks, resulting to production of other emotions, behaviors or thoughts which were not directly stimulated. Researches found that media such as video game can activate cognitive nodes (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). According to Cicchirillo and Chory-Assad (2005), personality traits such as affective orientation play a part in the processing of media effects. They define affective orientation as the tendency of an individual to utilize his emotions as a guide for behavior and decision-making (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). A person with a high affective orientation will respond to emotional cues and act accordingly, while one with a low affective orientation will act based on factual variables. The independent variable in the study is the administration of video game varying in content. The first video involved violence and the other involved non-violence. A second independent variable is the level of affective orientation of the participants. The dependent variables in the study are aggressive thoughts and aggressive behavior. Each dependent variable is measured with an appropriate scale to determine its interaction with the independent variables. Cicchirillo and Chory-Assad (2005) make two hypotheses in the study. First, participants who played violent video games will exhibit more aggressive thoughts and behavior than those who played non-violent games. This hypothesis is based on the gathered research supporting it and the concept of priming (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). Second, participants with high affective orientation who played violent video games will exhibit more aggressive thoughts and behavior than participants with low affective orientation who played the similar game and participants who played non-violent games (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). This hypothesis is based on the assumption that affective orientation mediates on the effect of violent video games on thought and behavior. To test the hypothesis, the researcher randomly asked 80 communication students at the beginning of the semester to answer questionnaires measuring their affective orientation. This was the first phase of the methodology. Thereafter, the second phase which is a laboratory test was initiated. The students who participated in the first phase were called back to participate in the second phase which involves the actual playing of video games. The students were divided randomly into two groups. One group was assigned to play a violent video game; the other group assigned to play a non-violent game. After playing for ten minutes, the students were asked to take a word completion test for three minutes to measure aggressive thoughts. Upon completion of the test, the students were told to evaluate the researcher on the pretext that this evaluation will be the basis for a research grant which the researcher was applying for. The evaluation form asked the students to assess the researcher’s courtesy, competence and deservedness of a financial support. The test was designed to measure the students’ aggressive behavior after playing the video game. A debriefing about the whole research was conducted after the students completed the evaluation. The results show that violent video games do not directly prime aggressive thought but it does prime aggressive behavior. They further conclude that some other process other than aggressive thoughts mediates the relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). In addition, the study also shows that affective orientation does not mediate between video games and affective behavior, but between affective behavior and aggressive affect (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). In other words, video games stimulate the aggressive affect which may increase aggressive behavior depending on the level of affective orientation. A participant with a high affective orientation is more likely to exhibit aggressive though and behavior after playing violent video games than one who is otherwise. The methodology designed by the researchers is experimental to test both hypotheses. In the first hypotheses, they measured relationship between the independent variable (violent video game play) and dependent variable (aggressive cognition and aggressive behavior). In the second hypotheses, they measured the correlation between affective orientation and video game play in predicting the level of aggressive cognition and behavior. In measuring affective orientation, student participants were asked to answer Booth-Butterfield Affective Orientation 15 scale which was used in previous studies about the influence of affective orientation in behavior(Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). To measure aggressive cognition, mean scores from the word completion task were analyzed, while scores obtained from the evaluation of the researchers were used to measure aggressive behavior. The researchers decided to separate the scores obtained from three items in the evaluation of aggressive behavior because the correlation is low and the alpha reliability is unacceptable (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). The psychometric tools used by the researchers in measuring the variables of the study were culled from previous investigations of similar nature to ensure reliability and validity (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). Thus, the tools can be considered appropriate for the variables present in the hypotheses. There is a concern though about the nature of video games used in the experiment. From what Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad (2005) related, it can be observed that the violent video game [Grand Theft Auto] is relatively more complex than the non-violent game [etris)] As such, the researchers took a longer time in explaining the mechanics of the violent video game which may have affected the students’ evaluation of the researchers in the last phase of the experiment (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). The length of playing time and number of video games used may also have affected the correlative scores between variables. In previous studies, participants were allowed longer exposure to a number of media compared to the exposure used in this study (Anderson cited in Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). A significant result may have arisen if this method was appropriated. In addition, the instrument used in measuring aggressive condition, a word completion task, may also have influenced, or more specifically, limited the responses of students. According to the recommendations of the researchers, an alternative instrument, such as thought listing, may record accurate and significant results obtained during the actual playing of the game; a less constricted instrument may allow for a precise mapping of aggressive thoughts (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). Moreover, the method of word completion is a novel psychometric method in that only two studies have used it (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). The researchers reported that during the period between the first and second phase of the test, some of the student participants who answered the affective orientation questionnaire did not show up during the lab test (Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). The original sample of 80 students was cut down to 59 and an additional 5 students who were not present during the first phase participated in the lab test. This significantly affected the results of the study. According to Kazdin (2003), in terms of sample selection, attrition, or the difference in the number of participant drop-outs in the groups, has significant effect on the result. He further suggested that to avoid attrition, researchers should select participants who are not likely to pull out of the experiment (2003). Considering that the experiment was done in a school setting, which is relatively easier to supervise than a broader setting such as a community, the researchers could have avoided the huge drop out of participants. The number of sample is crucial in arriving at a more definitive result as demonstrated in a similar study involving a sample of 65 participants (Anderson, C. ited in Cicchirillo & Chory-Assad, 2005). The partial validation of both hypotheses in the study may be different if the following changes are adapted in the study. As mentioned, an increase of sample size will yield to a significant relationship between aggressive thought and aggressive behavior. A close (but not intrusive) monitoring of participants may enable researchers to avoid the occurrence of attrition. In addition, utilizing a more naturalistic setting for the lab tes t may result to significant changes. According to Kazdin (2003), one factor influencing the external validity of a research design is the level of a participant’s awareness that he or she is undertaking an experiment. The â€Å"reactivity to experimental arrangements† may be lowered if the researchers utilized non-artificial and informal setting. Another improvement applicable to the study is the distribution of sample. According to the researchers, there was a random uneven distribution of the participants in terms of gender and number, and this may have affected the results. Increasing the sample size and close monitoring of the participants will resolve this discrepancy. The statistical analyses used to measure the relationship of the variable are appropriate for testing the hypotheses. The impact of violent video-game play to aggressive thought and behavior, which is the first hypothesis, was determined using a one-tailed t-test. This test determines the relationship of two groups—in the studies case, the players of violent video games and players of non-violent video games—to a single variable. Cicchirillo & Chorry-Assad (2005) reports that violent video-game play influences aggressive behavior, but not aggressive thought. Since the second hypothesis involved a the relationship of two independent variables—that is, level of affective orientation and video-game play—the researchers appropriately used regression analyses to determine the closest fit in this relationship. The results show that high scores on affective orientation and playing violent video games influence some aggressive behavior, but, similar to the first hypothesis, not aggressive thoughts (Cicchirill & Chorry-Assad, 2005). Because of the numerous variables present in the study, an alternative method may present more disadvantage than otherwise. However, to accommodate the use of a more naturalistic set-up, the study may require a longer methodology in terms of time. The researchers may involve a sample of much younger participants—for instance, high school students. To measure their affective orientation, school departments such as the guidance office may be utilized to administer tests at the beginning of the school year. Instead of a laboratory test for the second phase, a survey may be done to gather data on violent video game use of the specific sample chosen for the test. Methods to measure aggressive thought and behavior may be similar to the Cicchirill & Chorry-Assad study, but may include observation of actual behavior of the participants in a natural school setting. The disadvantages of this method involve the constraints on time and money resources inherent in a longer experimentation, and the bigger probability of attrition also due to time element. The research may be extended by exploring cultural factors involved in determining affective orientation. According to Zimbardo et al (2005), personality types, such as thinking versus feeling, are influenced by cultural affiliations. For instance, some cultures do not distinguish thought and emotions as much as Americans do (Zimbardo et al, 2005). Further research such as this may enlighten recent issues involving mass killings in US associated with violent behavior adapted by young people from media. It may also explore the role of gender differences in determining affective orientation, the results of which may establish empirical grounds for gender associated aggression.

Competitiveness and investment attractiveness of the South African Essay

Competitiveness and investment attractiveness of the South African food retail industry - Essay Example By 2012, the SAFRI is expected to have a value of $98.1 billion which will be an increase of 32.7 percent over 2011 (Appendix A). While the above figures demonstrate the attractiveness of the market for investments, further evaluation would be conducted to determine the competitive advantage in investing in South Africa. This would be conducted through the extended model of Porter’s National Diamond. 2. Porter’s National Diamond The competitive advantage of an industry, according to Porter, derives from the national ‘diamond’. These four diamonds are the four determinants of competitive advantage created within the home base of the nation state – factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure and rivalry. The extended model of Porter’s National Diamond includes government and chance events. An important key feature of the model is that the determinants are supportive of each other and oper ate as a system (Clancy, O’Malley, O’Connell and Egeraat, 2001). This implies that there should be effective flow of information about needs, techniques and technology. Here geographic concentration is important because proximity facilitates flow of information. ... While the basic factors pertain to demographics, location and climate, the advanced factors include communications infrastructure, sophisticated skills and research facilities. South Africa’s population has surpassed 50 million and more than 90 percent of its population is non-white (Arisaig, 2012). Unemployment rate is 25.2 percent and the average life expectancy is only 57 years. Unequal distribution of wealth has resulted in the poorest ten percent earning just one percent of the total national income. Poor education system can be attributed to high rates in unemployment. However, the country has modern infrastructure and the retail sector is sophisticated although dominated by local products (Ntloedibe, 2012). The country also has a well developed communications network and electricity supply is also reliable. In addition, South Africa also has a network of merchant banks, brokers, and financial services specialists. Investments in technology and telecommunications are inc reasing which will enhance business infrastructure thereby enabling the companies to compete with the countries in the West (Maxwell, 2013). The southernmost country on the African continent, South Africa is one of the most economically prosperous nations in southern Africa due to its coastal location and presence of gold, diamonds and natural resources (Briney, 2012). However, climate change is prominent in South Africa and this impacts sourcing and transportation of agricultural products for retailers. One way to handle this is through adaptation by sourcing through several suppliers in vulnerable categories. Despite its coastal location, water is scarce and water security is a fundamental challenge faced by retailers. This requires the retailers to actively engage with suppliers for

International Business. Crises and Exchange rate Essay

International Business. Crises and Exchange rate - Essay Example Even if there is no monetary agency, a government can create an inflation/debt crisis by excessive spending financed by domestic and international borrowing. Mutatis mutandis, the same considerations apply to a central bank that has the same degree of strictness as the currency board. (Betts, C. and Devereux, M, 2000) Second, world securities markets might crash as, for example, in October 1987 or in the October 1989 mini-crash. Many countries' central banks expanded their stocks of high-powered money to provide liquidity to markets as investors fled from equities and corporate bonds and to high-quality assets such as U.S. T-bills and T-bonds. A currency board is ill-equipped to handle this type of crisis. At a time when it need to increase liquidity by expanding the domestic supply of money, a currency board is likely to have domestic currency presented for conversion to the reserve currency, as international investors who fled to U.S. government securities did in the 1987 and 1989 crises. This flight reduces the stock of domestic currency as well as that part of the country's international reserves that the currency board holds. In turn, domestic banks are less willing to provide liquid assets, and depositors are more interested in holding the reserve currency directly (or liabilities of the re serve-currency country). (Jan Winiecki, 2002). A domestic monetary agency parallel to the currency board might expand liquidity, as measured by the domestic money stock, through open market operations. There may well be a flight from domestic assets to reserve currency assets. The monetary agency can preserve the exchange rate by selling reserve currency obtained from selling its own liquid holdings denominated in the reserve currency or by borrowing reserve-currency assets, either commercially from foreign banks or from the reserve-currency central bank. A small country with only a brief track record and low international holdings will likely find it difficult to preserve the exchange rate parity; a monetary agency that has the holdings and power to preserve the parity is likely also to have the power to undercut currency board discipline over monetary and fiscal policy. Disturbances to Equilibrium Real Exchange Rates Third, the currency to which the board pegs may come under pressure from output market disturbances in the reserve-currency country. An example is the pressure on the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) after German reunification to either revalue the German mark or devalue the other ERM currencies relative to the German mark. The interpretation of the September 1992 and July-August 1993 crises in the European Monetary System is that they arose in substantial part from the reunification of Germany. German aggregate demand rose substantially more than German aggregate supply. This increase caused upward pressure on German interest rates (with some observers arguing that the increase in interest rates was exacerbated by German reluctance to use taxes rather than bond issuance to finance the

Managing a wide range of cultural diversity in the workplace is Essay

Managing a wide range of cultural diversity in the workplace is challenging but not impossible - Essay Example Cultural diversity in work place is difficult to handle, but is manageable. This essay will address the main hurdles in effective management under culturally diverse circumstances and solutions to such problems. Cultural diversity refers to multiculturalism or interaction of individuals from different cultures at one platform. This phenomenon occurs as a result of international migration. People from several diverse cultures and nations migrate to other places usually developed areas for work. This makes management difficult. According to UNESCO (2003) some 175 million people live away from their birth places and this rate was reported to be 200 million by the World Bank in 2009. When individuals from various diverse cultures accumulate in a single organization, the management is faced by following common issues: Where there is cultural diversity, people from different races are provided with several opportunities to interact. An interaction at such a level is sometimes ridden with racial issues that are again quite challenging to manage. In culturally diverse workplaces, sometimes individuals from a contrasting culture fail to absorb or even understand the organizational culture. This is referred to as a cultural shock. Cultural shock leads to negative feelings of helplessness and isolation, usually leading to poor performance at work by the individual. Communication barriers among the co workers due to their diverse cultures also pose a problem in such scenarios and if left un dealt with, can pose serious limitations in the organization’s overall performance. The main issues relating to cultural diversity that might pose a problem for management have been highlighted above. These issues suggest that management of cultural diversity is a difficult task. Now I will discuss how these issues can be dealt with making it possible to manage such a culturally diverse workplace. Cultural diversity can be managed at workplace if certain

Research methodology.research methods Dissertation

Research methodology.research methods - Dissertation Example There are different styles of research which are in practice, including the document study which is exploratory one, the questionnaire study which is analytical and the interview study which is based on theoretical observations. Document study is about collecting facts, while interview and questionnaire methods are to understand individuals’ perceptions in the descriptive and theoretical manner (Bell, 2010). Interview research uses non-numerical and unstructured data, more than this, it has research questions which are more general at the start, and get specific as the study progresses (Teddlie, 2009). This chapter introduces three methods of research; the interview, the questionnaire, and the document research methods. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of each of the method will be highlighted. The chapter also discusses the ethical code of conduct of the study. Introducing the Research Methods (Interview, Document and Questionnaire) Document Method (Strengths and Wea knesses) First method is the document research which is based on analysis of primary and secondary documents. The primary documents may include the experimental data, such as responses’ data of a particular company or organization. Secondary documents may include books, periodicals, journal articles and scholarly abstracts which assist the researcher to collect secondary-theoretical information on the study (Johnson & Christensen, 2010). There are two main sources of data collection in document research: secondary and primary documents (Guest, 2011). Further, the document research applies two approaches: source-oriented document research and problem-oriented document research. The source-oriented research means collection of the secondary documents which is to build the ground of the research - the subject. On the other hand, problem oriented research refers to collection of the primary documents which aim is to identify the problem, objective and purpose of research (Johnson & Christensen, 2010). One weaknesses of document research is that it entails a large set of data from documents, which needs to be filtered out for conducting the research. Apart that, document method applies to the HRM subjective studies and therefore provides the reason to the researcher to get it adapted for its research (Teddlie, 2009). The Questionnaire Method (Strengths and Weaknesses) The second common research method is the questionnaire which is based on a designed set of closed-ended questions (Griffith & Layne, 1999). The researchers had to have a certain aim before they apply the questionnaire method. As the method requires certain objectives, they limit the method with its purpose of application. Moreover, as the questionnaire is designed on the basis of close-ended questions, it cannot produce the effective descriptive information on the study which is the most essential to conduct a research. The responses collected through questionnaire are fixed and not changing, t hey are more specific and less detailed (Griffith & Layne, 1999). Interpretation and findings in questionnaire are entirely based on statistical elaboration. The more effective the statistical analysis of the study is, the more useful and effective the information will be in the questionnaire to get used as findings or interpretation. The Interview Method (Strengths and Weaknesses) The third adaptive method is the interview, which is based on formation of thematic questions and questions to be deployed on interviewees for thematic answers. The interview is in a way similar to questionnaire method, as it details questions; but still it differs as it brings descriptive information from the respondents (Griffith & Layne, 1999). The interview guideline based on a set of thematic questions can generate productive information for research. It can bring changing perception of individuals and also changing opinions of respondents on a particular subject or theme, which a questionnaire canno t do (Griffith & Layne

Fort Myers Economical Development Research Paper

Fort Myers Economical Development - Research Paper Example The city has a lot of business opportunities. In conducting research about business opportunities, one should ask more question in order to come up with an appropriate data. One should ask about the business opportunities arising in the city, the demand of infrastructures available and whether the city encourages foreign investors. Being one of the major cities in Lee County, it has many infrastructures, which ensure business opportunities to both local and foreign investors. Many people from different regions of the world have invested in the area. The city is a centre of tourism attraction. The old historical building and museum attracts million of people yearly. It is estimated that over two million people visit the museum yearly. The river in the city ensures enough supply of water and also serves as a transport base. The city has many industries, which work to ensure the progress of Lee County. Tax collected from the industries assist in development of new business. Currently, t he industries, which exist include tourism, transportation, security, information technology, communication and fishing among others. The industries are operated by both government and private individuals. The government takes care of the business opportunity and ensures consumer protection. Each industry operates in respect of government rules. Tourism industry in the region has promoted other industries. Transport and communication have been in high demand due to transportation of the tourist and other business investors visiting the region. Security industry also has been in demand because the investor requires security to prevent loss. The government protects the old buildings; because they serve has tourism attractors. Demolition of these buildings can lead to decrease of business opportunities because tourism has promoted many industries in business and destruction of tourism attractors means that many industries will collapse. Fort Myers contributed to about a third of the Le e Country economy through the collection of taxes from business in the region. Other industries in the regions include education and health. Those industries are operated by the government and private individuals. Education sector has good chances of business growth. Private universities and school in the region earn business owners good income. The health industry also favors private business people. The estimate shows that about five thousand people visit the hospital each day. Establishment of a private hospital can earn the owner good income (Turner, 2009). People should invest in the city in order to notice the opportunities because the business needs trial. This study is significant to many people. It will help investors in the city, people willing to invest, the government and tourism agents. It will also help private investors in other regions. The study is also significant to students in the business department. The study has a lot of benefits to certain groups of people. F irst, it will help business investors because they will be able to know which industry to start a new business (Smoot, 2007). It will also help the government to know the areas to improve, and the industries which they should take care for to avoid collapsing. The people visiting the city will have knowledge about the things involved in the city and it can serve as a tour guide. Finally, the study will serve as an academic source. Student in the department of business and others related department will use

E-business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

E-business - Essay Example For purchasing groceries in an online mode, one of the most crucial aspects are that the buyers of groceries should be computer savvy. According to a research conducted by Chu et. al. (2010), the shopping behaviour of the households, especially those purchasing groceries side by side from online and offline sources is dependent upon their brand loyalty, price sensitivity and size loyalty. These offline-online differences are more prominent in the purchase behaviours towards food products which include the grocery category. According to the research, there is more brand loyalty, size loyalty but less price sensitivity in online shopping behaviour of consumers than in the offline shopping behaviour. The online environment for grocery shopping mostly consists of elements like purchasing carts, grocery categories mentioned with prices, the online navigation facilities to know the products’ features, online communication with the seller on specifications of the grocery. The product details and the prices of the product are the main information that is reviewed by the customer. The categories of groceries are present which could be viewed and grocery from these categories could be added to the purchase cart and ordered online after online payment. The online shopping environment also includes in-store displays which mainly attract the customers to buy the particular groceries. Also online displays help the customers search for grocery they need to buy easily. The search option present on the website is a convenient option that allows users to review their preferred products just with one or two clicks. According to a research conducted by Breugelmans and Campo (2010), online in-store displays (ISD) help increase brand sales and make grocery shopping easier and ISD that anticipates competition through first-order or isolated position outperforms the ISD that aims to make the items stand out in the online

See the atteatchment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

See the atteatchment - Essay Example It evident that the chief executive used foul language when he referred to the issue as ‘bullshit’ in the full glare of the cameras. Furthermore, according to CBC, the CEO did not respond promptly to the matter. He only dismissed the case without promising and assuring the public that the company would investigate the matter. Furthermore, he began finger pointing and blamed the media for working hard to tarnish the image and name of the company. All these pointed to problems in communication. The controversy regarding the use of foreign workers had adverse effects on a number of relevant audiences associated or linked to the company. The controversy affected current and potential employees of McDonald`s Canada. According to CBC, some of the employees compared their working conditions in the company to slavery. They complained of excessive working hours coupled with huge loads of work. Such conditions are not only inhumane, but also unhealthy. Furthermore, many foreign employees working in the firm have downed their tools for fear of the effects of the exposure (CBC). In addition, potential Canadian employees of this organization are pessimistic and have lost desire for working at McDonald`s. The claims reported by the CBC coupled by the various interviews and testimonies of other workers are convincing. Another audience affected by the news would be the investors. Similarly, the poor communication and circumstances surrounding it affected a section of customers. The move has also affected investors and shareholders in the company. Negative publicity is not good for a large company such as McDonald`s. Such acts make investors and various shareholders reconsider their position and support for the company. No investor or shareholder wishes to be associated with a business that does not operate by the rules and regulations of the

Witness Essay Example for Free

Witness Essay The motion picture witness directed by Peter Weir in 1985 is a uniquely classic film which has no Hollywood cliches and the setting of different worlds help the audience develop ideas. Weir uses the Philadelphia Police Department scene to convey idea of police corruption. Significantly he uses a rare combination of synthesised 1980s soundtrack and a close up of Samuel Lapp. While Samuel Lapp walks about the police station he recognises Mcphees picture in a glass cabinet Samuel stops and stares at Mcphee who is the murderer. It is at this point that the close-up of Samuel staring in prominent the soundtrack of a high pitched synthesised actually gets louder as they full impact of this scene prevails. Weir uses a close up of Samuel to show his shock and dismay as a facial expression,he also combines this with the high pitch Soundtrack to create suspense. The impact on the audience is realisation that the pivotal scene in the film and that the murderer is in fact a policeman. The use of western setting such as a city police station and the concept of police corruption. The fast food scene is used to portray the idea of different worlds. Weir uses the sound effect of the kitchen as the connection to the world that we know and a long shot showing John, Racheal and Sam are eating. John, Racheal and Samuel are sitting at the diner and just about to eat lunch the clash at different worlds is present when John starts to frantically eating the hot dog while Racheal and Samuel go in there habit of praying before eating the sound effects of the cars outside and the sound effects of the kitchen. Weir uses the long shot to show the difference between Books world and Lapps world. The use of the scenery, the soundtrack and the long shot of the table shows the concept of different world and different experiences The barn raising scene has been one of the most famous scene in Hollywood because it shows how Book has moved into a new setting. The panning on the lemonade showing the friendship o the two men that like Racheal it also shows the idea of community acceptance of two men from different areas start areas start to work together. Weir uses the panning technique to show a development on the idea that Daniel and Book would have a long lasting friendship. The setting of the Amish country and the western man (Book) working together as a community which help the audience develop and idea of friendship. During the final scene the bell ringing scene was a significant courageous moment for Samuel this shows he is independent. The long shot of the Amish men coming over the hills to help shows of a close-knit community of the Amish. Weir uses the long shot to show that the neighbours would come and assist them in any in any way. The impact on the audience is the realisation that this is a pivotal scene from the point of view of Samuel because the courage that he possesses to stand up against the evil that is terrorising there house. Weir has intelligently shown Amish setting of the rural farm and the bell tower yard contrasting the frantic western setting out of the fast food diner and the busy police department. These choices of setting helped Weir establish his ideas of police corruption inside the police department and the unity and combined strength within the Amish community

Dead Poets Society Essay Example for Free

Dead Poets Society Essay Both The Mosquito Coast and Weir’s next feature, Dead Poets Society (1989), foreground fathers myopically invested in misguided personal aspirations. A significant critical and commercial success, Dead Poets Society is a period piece set in the 1950s in Welton College, a private boys school, at the heart of New England’s establishment. It is a study in the mechanisms with which the ruling class absorbs and expels rebellious influences before proceeding undeterred in its primary mission of reproducing itself. As in Picnic, Weir introduces eager young lives both oozing potential and straining under expectation. In both period pieces Weir deftly establishes the restrictive weight of the institution’s traditions through repeated interior, constricted compositions. Here, however, the challenge to the status quo, far from being a mysterious force, is an enthusiastic, unconventional teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), who nevertheless will play a role in leading the boys to a traumatic awakening. Keating’s passion for literature moves his students to personal quests of self-expression: â€Å"Make your lives extraordinary†, he pleads. The film evokes the American spirit of democratic self-actualisation, as epitomised by the poet Walt Whitman, a portrait of whom Keating displays in his classroom and gestures toward when inciting the boys to emulate his free spirit. Inspired by Keating, the boys re-establish the â€Å"Dead Poets Society†, a club that Keating himself had participated in when a student at Welton. They convene at night in the romantic setting of a nearby cave and share poetry. Keating’s encouragement proves most successful with one of the â€Å"Dead Poets†, Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), a teenager so neglected by his parents that he is fearful of human interaction, and petrified of public speaking. Weir subtly conveys the evolving effect Keating’s presence has on Todd, through dexterous camera placement in a series of scenes. In the initial scene, Todd chases his roommate, Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), around their dorm room, trying to retrieve a poem he was composing as an assignment for Keating, which Neil is now playfully reciting aloud. The camera captures the action in a continuous spiralling, pan shot of the boys running in circles within their confined space, creating a spirited, flowing sense of movement. Later, in a long take (28 seconds), the static camera observes Todd, again in his room, as he reads his poem to himself while walking in circles. He is initially pacing at a steady rhythm and smiling to himself, animated by his work, but he then gradually slows and begins to look less sure, before ultimately stopping and despondently tearing up his poem. A cut transfers us to the boys’ classroom the next day, where they are reading their compositions. Todd cowers, insisting he did not prepare a poem, but is encouraged by Keating to usher forth inspiration from Whitman’s portrait for an improvised composition in front of the class. As Keating covers Todd’s eyes, eliciting poetry from the student, the two walk around in continuous circles, followed by the camera, which in turn circles around them in a continuous shot. The effect is a vertiginous one of dizzying movement, which captures the moment of release and rupture for Todd, as he overcomes his inhibitions and spontaneously recites a heartfelt creation, eliciting impressed silence, followed by applause from his classmates. This series of circular movemen ts, suggesting Todd’s burgeoning capacity for self-expression, represents Weir at his most subtle and sophisticated. Todd’s ability to spontaneously compose and recite is rendered all the more persuasive by the almost subliminal referencing of the previous moments of circular movement. Keating’s influence holds different consequences for Todd’s roommate, the kind and charming Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard). When Neil’s father learns that his son has discovered a passion for theatre, he forbids him from performing in the local production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Neil defies him, only to be informed after the performance that his father is removing him from Welton the next day and sending him instead to military academy, after which he will attend medical school. The news constitutes a ten-year sentence for the artistically inclined teenager, who cannot bear the prospect. That night, in a haunting sequence of elisions, we learn through his parent’s distraught, slow motion reactions that Neil has killed himself. John Keating is indirectly blamed for Neil’s death and the school authorities coax some of the boys Keating had taken into his trust into condemning his unconventional teaching. Rather than presenting a facile depiction of a repressive establishment’s collapse against the ultimately victorious seekers of self-expression (a favourite American tale), Weir explores the scapegoating mechanism through which the establishment responds to a challenge to its symbolic order. As Keating’s class sits sheepishly, listening to droll instruction from the school principal who orchestrated Keating’s dismissal and who is now teaching his poetry class, their former teacher enters the room to collect his belongings. Before Keating leaves, Todd, previously unable to talk in front of a group, boldly stands on his desk (a position Keating had occasionally encouraged them to assume in order to â€Å"change their perspective†) and turns in one last circular motion, this time to face Keating and address him with the teacher’s favourite Whitman address, â€Å"Oh Captain, my Captain†. Rousing music builds to a crescendo as the school principal repeatedly orders Todd to get down or risk expulsion. The boy stands firm, looking more composed than ever before, as various other students follow his lead. A high angle point of view shot reveals Keating, with eyes watering, from Todd’s vantage point. With this final scene of defiance, Weir suggests that the seeds of discontent that will usher in the counter-culture of the 1960s have been sown.

Before Sunrise And The Slacker Genre Film Studies Essay

Before Sunrise And The Slacker Genre Film Studies Essay Before Sunrise, is a movie featuring two strangers, Celine and Jesse, who met on a train and spent a night sharing experiences, thoughts and affections, but parted before sunrise. The movie has a taken a minimalist plot as it involves the two characters walking around the city of Vienna, sharing their experiences openly as they believe they may never get to see each other again. Its sequel is a 2004 movie called Before Sunset, which continues with the story. Celine and Jesse meet each other after nine years. They walk around the city of Paris talking about their experiences especially on issues to do with life and love, and they realize they still love each other. They agree to meet again at the same place six months later as the train leaves. This paper presents a review of the genre of the two movies and the significance of the applied genre. Slacker genre Before Sunrise and Before Sunset belong to the slacker genre. They have deviated from the convention plot which characterizes Hollywood movies. The movies have a minimalist plot whereby the characters are followed throughout the cities as they walk and talk about their experiences. Because of this, nothing much seems to happen and the movies therefore seem to have no plot. Lack of plot in the movies is also emphasized by the fact that the movies have no antagonists or protagonists, and they do not revolve around a conflict as is the case with Hollywood movies. The two characters simply stroll around the respective cities in the two movies and talk about issues ranging from religion, life, love, and the cities. At no point do they engage in a conflict. Generation X films and Characters The characters in the movies belong to Generation X. Jesse and Celineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s love reflects that of teens whose grasp of aspects such as reality, and emotions seems weird. They fall in love deeply despite the reality facing them that they may never see each other again. In Before Sunrise, the characters engage in low key laughter, which seems to emerge from interactions of the main characters. The way they relate makes the film look like a love story rather than like a romantic comedy. Their love seems perfect with no commitments, obstacles, conflicts, or change of lifestyle to fit in to the others world. Thei9r love seems so real and it is the best kind of love ever seen on screen (Before Sunrise). In Before Sunset, the same kind of love continues between the characters. It seems as if they have been together all along. Obstacles that would seemingly affect the love such as Jesseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wife and son, and Celineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s boyfriend do not come in to th eir way. The two movies showcase a love only possible among the generation X who do not let anything get in to their way. The characters are thus exemplary of Generation X. The two characters seem to be hyper-talkative. Unlike in the Hollywood movies which center the main idea around a conflict which needs to be resolved urgently, these movies present a situation where the characters are living in the moment. They are totally open to each other due to their heightened romantic involvement; unlike in Hollywood Movies whose source of conflict is secrets and lack of openness. Jesse and Celine want to share the moments they have and make it last forever. The movies setting and ideals as well as the genre are clear indications that the target group is young people, who believe in a love that can endure all kinds of obstacles. The movies are expressing the strong emotions that are usually repressed in individualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s everyday lives. The movies have taken details found in our everyday lives and transformed them in to moments of strong emotions. These are however a reality among teenagers who believe in a strong kind of love that is unconditional, and they are best expressed in Generation X films. In addition, the idea of wandering in a foreign city with a stranger you have just met but feel emotionally connected brings about a feeling of intoxication among young people than it would in older adults. Significance of the Deviation from Hollywood Conventional Plot Deviation from the conventional Hollywood plot brought about a different kind of reality from that brought about in the Hollywood plot. The deviation has enabled the movie to bring about the interpersonal connections that exist between people and that allow them to find new value in their lives. Despite having deviated from the social norms and ideals of the Hollywood conventional plot, the movies are fully achieved art works with a lot of creativity and suspense created through repeated viewings. The movie offers illusion of an eternal moment and a fulfillment of a dream by capturing the significance of each moment in the scenes despite their seemingly messy complexity. Despite being plotless, the movies are well structured in terms of the things the characters say to each other, when, and how they say them (Before Sunrise). Varying Aspects of the Movies from those of Hollywood narrative Convention Deviation from the Hollywood plot in the movies was achieved through incorporating or leaving out a variety of aspects. One of these aspects is the setting. Instead of the elaborate setting in movies with convectional plots, these movies revolve around similar settings which are not elaborate. The two characters are first seen in the train where they meet, and after that, the setting changes to the cities where they stroll. In Before Sunrise, they enter in to places such as bars, and restaurants (Before Sunrise). Before Sunset has a similar setting whereby they walk around Paris entering in to places like gardens and restaurants. The film language is different from that of Hollywood movies. The camera movements of the movies are quite unique. There is a lot of reframing which results to viewing repetitions in Before Sunrise which help in capturing emotions (Before Sunrise). Before Sunset is majorly inclusive of long-take tracking pictures. Their significance is that they have enhanced realism which is non-existent. The movie has contrasting and masterful lighting. The dialogue between the characters is light and calculated as they talk about their lives, love, and their experiences. This is contrary to the conventional plot whose dialogue is strong basing on the conflict. Character development is not given much significance as the story itself. Celine is presented as a modern woman who is confident and smart. She is also presented as funny and lovely. Jesse on the other hand, is a bit old fashioned, goofy, intelligent, and sensitive. He is also evasive as he avoids confessing of having any romantic feelings. In order to tell the story without necessarily employing a specific plot, the movies have employed a simple narrative structure. The immediacy of each of his scenes through calculated revelations of the characters about their lives, feelings and opinions about things. The point at which they reveal details about themselves, and how they reveal them are gradual and elaborate. It does not consist of a conflict waiting to be resolved, or protagonists and antagonists. The structure gives the movie its substance which is the details the characters reveal about themselves, how they tell them, and the memories they have about their encounters. Conclusion The movies, Before sunrise and Before Sunset present a love story that is strong and fragile at the same time. The movies are however quite unique as they belong to the slacker genre. The movies have completely deviated from the Hollywood Conventional plot through the use of different kinds of settings, lighting, and narrative structure. Most importantly, the storyline deviates from the narrative convention as the storyline itself which does not have such aspects such as protagonist, antagonist or conflict which are considered significant. These aspects have made the movies to be considered as examples of slacker genre, and to the overall success of the movies.

Prohibition Essay example -- essays research papers

Prohibition, A Complete Failure   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prohibition had become an issue long before its eventual induction as the 18th amendment in 1920. Organizations came about for the sole purpose of an alcohol free America. In 1833, an estimated one million Americans belonged to some type of temperance association (Behr 12). Many believed the absence of alcohol would help the poor as well as big business. Lower class people would put more money into savings accounts and productivity would increase among workers (Hanson 27). More importantly the â€Å"noble experiment†Ã¢â‚¬â€was undertaken to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, and improve the health and hygiene in America† (Thorton 1). Although gangsters of the 1920’s were notorious for their violent turf wars,â€Å"the fundamental problem with prohibition was that an increasing percentage of American citizens refused to uphold the law† (Hanson 40). Not only did crime increase, ironically, prohibition turned ordinary citizens into lawbreakers. â€Å"In San Francisco, a jury trying a prohibition case was found drinking up the liquor that had been used in court as evidence† (Edey 154). In Texas, shortly after the start of prohibition,† a still turning out 130 gallons of whiskey a day was found operating on the farm of Senator Morris Shepard, author of the 18th Amendment†(Edey 154). â€Å"Americans bought machines for distilling liquor, called stills, at the hardware store.† (Hanson 28). Even if they did not know how to use them they easily get the information from the public library (Hanson28). Everything you could imagine was put into use to make liquor, even bathtubs (Hanson 28). â€Å"In fact, bathtub gin became a common term to describe during the decade† (Hanson28). â€Å"Doctors and druggists were legally allowed to dispense alcohol as medicine† (Hanson 34). â€Å"An average of 10 million prescriptions were issued each year during the thirteen years prohibition was in effect† (Hanson 34). In summary, ordinary citizens were consuming alcohol, an illegal act. They were making alcoholic beverages. They were getting doctors to prescribe alcohol for them under questionable circumstances making the medical profession their accomplice. Somebody had to satisfy the need for alcohol to an eager nation. This is where the rise in organized crime came in. â€Å"For the first time the United States experienced a massive ... ...e or prohibition agents zeroed-in on breweries, Capone was forewarned and hastily converted the targeted facilities to production of near-beer (Heimel 38). As one example of the amount of money changing hands, consider George Remus. He was one of the most profitable, if not the most profitable, bootlegger of the 1920’s. Out of the estimated $40,000,000 a year that he made, half of it went for bribes and payoffs (Behr 104). Prohibition has been called the â€Å"noble experiment† that failed (Hanson 26, 27). One of the reasons behind its monumental failure is that it made criminals of ordinary citizens. Decent, hardworking people broke the law simply because they took a drink of alcohol. And what a drink they took, consumption went from .8 to 1.3 gallons per capita between 1919 and 1929 (Thornton 2). To support this heavy demand for booze criminal gangs became more organized and ruthless, protected by corrupt officials. Corruption dramatically increased in prohibition. And who were people that were corrupted? Ordinary citizens were corrupted, who before prohibition, were decent, law abiding individuals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

history of theatre :: essays research papers fc

â€Å"History exists only when it is â€Å"made† by the historian.† (Vince, 65). According to R.W. Vince, it is very easy for researchers to get lost between â€Å"fact† and â€Å"interpretation† when documenting theatre history. Even when scholars uncover identical pieces of information, they may each have their own personal explanations as to why these facts exist. In turn, readers must exercise critical analysis when studying scholar’s research and not fall into the trap of viewing history from the author’s perspective. Personally, I believe Leslie Read’s chapter on the â€Å"Beginnings of Theatre in Africa and the Americas† is both fact-oriented and assumption-oriented, and must be scrutinized from many angles.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the first part of the chapter, Read describes Egyptian theatre â€Å"festivals† dating from 2600BC onward. The documented festivals were found on â€Å"papyrus excavated†¦ in 1896. Each scene in this â€Å"production notebook† consists of an account of an action, a mythological explanation, a short dialogue involving two or more characters, together with directions concerning subsidiary roles, the inclusion of song or dance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Read, 94) This ancient document is an actual record of the Egyptians performances and helps to explain their festivals. From these papyrus designs, Read concludes, â€Å"Every symbol, gesture, sound and embodiment seems shaped to trigger a chain of significations in the onlooker, so that each episode compacts and resonates with shared assumptions†¦ continuity and coherence depend on the network of social, religious and political relations which are articulated and sustained, even taught, by these fest ival enactments.† (95) After studying the Egyptian theatrical texts, Read draws conclusions about the messages and meanings the performers were trying to convey. In accordance with Vince’s perspective, I believe that another historian could have studied the papyrus scenes and drawn a different conclusion as to the purpose of the Egyptian festivals. Perhaps by examining the documents, conclusions could have been made about the role of children or the importance of a strong work ethic. The point is that the document consisted solely of drawings and short dialogues between performers. There are limited facts available, and speculation is needed to complete the picture. The facts are but dots on the page, and Read connected those dots by providing possible explanations as to why these events occurred. Although these may be the correct inferences, after reading Vince’s article, I realize that this is not the only explanation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After I re-read Read, I noticed that the facts about Egyptian festivals that took place over 1000 years were treated as one piece of evidence. history of theatre :: essays research papers fc â€Å"History exists only when it is â€Å"made† by the historian.† (Vince, 65). According to R.W. Vince, it is very easy for researchers to get lost between â€Å"fact† and â€Å"interpretation† when documenting theatre history. Even when scholars uncover identical pieces of information, they may each have their own personal explanations as to why these facts exist. In turn, readers must exercise critical analysis when studying scholar’s research and not fall into the trap of viewing history from the author’s perspective. Personally, I believe Leslie Read’s chapter on the â€Å"Beginnings of Theatre in Africa and the Americas† is both fact-oriented and assumption-oriented, and must be scrutinized from many angles.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the first part of the chapter, Read describes Egyptian theatre â€Å"festivals† dating from 2600BC onward. The documented festivals were found on â€Å"papyrus excavated†¦ in 1896. Each scene in this â€Å"production notebook† consists of an account of an action, a mythological explanation, a short dialogue involving two or more characters, together with directions concerning subsidiary roles, the inclusion of song or dance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Read, 94) This ancient document is an actual record of the Egyptians performances and helps to explain their festivals. From these papyrus designs, Read concludes, â€Å"Every symbol, gesture, sound and embodiment seems shaped to trigger a chain of significations in the onlooker, so that each episode compacts and resonates with shared assumptions†¦ continuity and coherence depend on the network of social, religious and political relations which are articulated and sustained, even taught, by these fest ival enactments.† (95) After studying the Egyptian theatrical texts, Read draws conclusions about the messages and meanings the performers were trying to convey. In accordance with Vince’s perspective, I believe that another historian could have studied the papyrus scenes and drawn a different conclusion as to the purpose of the Egyptian festivals. Perhaps by examining the documents, conclusions could have been made about the role of children or the importance of a strong work ethic. The point is that the document consisted solely of drawings and short dialogues between performers. There are limited facts available, and speculation is needed to complete the picture. The facts are but dots on the page, and Read connected those dots by providing possible explanations as to why these events occurred. Although these may be the correct inferences, after reading Vince’s article, I realize that this is not the only explanation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After I re-read Read, I noticed that the facts about Egyptian festivals that took place over 1000 years were treated as one piece of evidence.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Chil

The use of several therapeutic methods to treat children with PTSD increases the argument among clinicians about the most effective treatment for PTSD. The clinical literature describes a wide variety of interventions besides CBT including, psychoanalytic techniques, creative arts, play therapy, crisis intervention, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and pharmacotherapy; which raises the question about what could be the most effective treatment for children with PTSD (Cohen, Mannarino & Rogal 2001). Several of these therapies have been recognized as effective PTSD treatments. For instance, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR), has become an increasingly accepted treatment modality for childhood PTSD; however, very few physicians recommend its use (Cohen, et al. 2001). EMDR is a PTSD treatment in which clients are engaged to visually track the therapist’s finger being rapidly wave back and forth as they engage with the trauma memory (Feeny et al. (2004 ). In a controlled study that examined the efficacy of EMDR on children with PTSD who were victims of natural disasters, Chemtob, Nakashima, & Carlson (2002), found that EMDR was an effective treatment to decrease or eliminate PTSD symptoms of these traumatized children. Chemtob and colleagues documented that 56.3% of the children no longer met criteria for PTSD according to the Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (CPTSD-RI) cut off. Empirical knowledge with regard to EMDR is quite comparable to the effectiveness of psychotropic medications; they have provided some support as effective PTSD treatment. However, these treatments have been far from unanimous in the demonstration of their effectiveness (Friedman, 1997). Despite the findings tha... ...ychiatric disorders associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in the general population. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 41, 469–478. Trowell, J., Kolvin, I., Weeramanthri, T., Sadowski, H., Berelowitz, M., Galsser, D., et al. (2002). Psychotherapy for sexually abused girls: Psychopathological outcome findings and patterns of change. British Journal of Psychiatry, 160, 234–246. Resick, P. A., Nishith, P., Weaver, T., Astin, M. C., & Feuer, C. A. (2002). A comparison of cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and a waiting condition for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in female rape victims. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 867–879. Zayfert, C., DeVita, J. (2004). Residual Insomnia Following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol. 17, No. 1, February 2004, pp. 69–73 ( 2004).

The Kentucky Fried Chicken Original Writing

There I was, stumbling through the lashing wet, windy weather on my way back from the Kentucky Fried Chicken after purchasing a large bucket of chicken at a great expense. As I passed the local bakery, the delicious smell of freshly baked bread filled my nostrils, which was soon to be replaced by cooking oil from the fish and chips shop next door. My stomach felt sickly with the combined aromas, but lengthy queues in both stores indicated that not everyone had the same opinion as I did about the smell. I noticed a black bag in a spotlight of colourful neon lights on the side of the kerb shuffling around in the breeze like a newborn baby. Unsure of the contents, I panicked. My eyes gazed at the streetlights that glistened like a Christmas tree. They were reflected in the shop windows that displayed mouth-watering cakes, bread, groceries, a variety of continental fruits and vegetables, as well as colourful fashionable clothes. On the corner of the road, there was a brightly lit car showroom full of gleaming new Mercedes, which drew me to the window. As I gazed enviously through the window, I was startled by the deafening wail of a siren which had blue flashing lights rotating rapidly on top of a huge red vehicle that raced past me. Car horns beeped, windscreen wipers swishing back and forth, as cars accelerated above the speed limit; the drivers and their passengers all had the same thought in mind: getting home from this dreadful weather. Traffic built up and ground to a standstill as the traffic lights appeared to have a malfunction, causing major delays. Engines revved with impatience. I witnessed two drivers exchanging furious words over a parking space, while passengers waited patiently for their local bus to take them home. Some pedestrians got splashed with dirty water as thoughtless drivers sped through puddles. Commuters appeared from nowhere as if there had been a riot in the area. I realized as I heard the mournful sound of the train horn coming from the station close to home that this was the reason for this strange mass of people. Some people were running desperately for shelter, as they were inadequately dressed for the inclement weather. An old drunken man, dressed in rough, ragged clothes, staggered along the street. He approached an apprehensive passer-by I had seen earlier on in the vicinity requesting spare change. I did not wait to hear the passer-by's response as my clothes were completely drenched from the rain. The relentless rain pelted down heavily, so I decided to pick up the pace because I could smell the sweet spices of chicken wafting from the chicken bucket I carried, which probably began to get cold. I remembered that my mother was waiting for her meal and I was feeling quite peckish myself. As I approached a narrow, dark alleyway, I was striving through the sharp, cold, icy, wind beating against my face. An enormous clap of thunder quickly followed with a strike of lightning from the heavens. I dropped the bucket of chicken in fear into a pool of mud. A sensation of fear and panic tingled through my body and my heart skipped a beat. I heard a dog barking continuously from a neighbouring garden over a red brick wall. I picked up my bucket, checked to see what state it was in, in discovering that the contents were still in good condition, I continued on my journey. The anxiety and fear I had experienced earlier had disappeared within me and transformed to happiness and warmth, as I drew nearer to my home. I sighed with relief and jingled my keys with delight at the front door to my house. I turned my key in the lock, and the door swung open, revealing my Mother's angry face. I had delayed her dinner!

Psychology Paper †Acts of Kindness Essay

â€Å"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. † (Leo F. Buscaglia) A simple act of kindness can ease one’s fears, touch one’s heart, and rekindle one’s faith in humanity. Kind behavior is among one of the most significant features a human can possess, however, as our lives become cluttered with all the burdens of our society, it becomes easy to lose track of what we live for. When my teacher presented the three acts of kindness project to us, I started to question whether I have been selfish or selfless in my everyday motives. I came to realize that performing random acts of kindness is something that needs to be incorporated more in my life on a regular basis. Therefore, I was eager to get started with my 3 acts. I have fallen guilty to selfish acts more than I am proud to say. I have underestimated the simplicity of taking a couple seconds out of the day, to act on kindness, towards a complete stranger. With that being said, when I came across a homeless man, leaving Walmart, I had all intentions on doing my first act. As I rolled down the window, to give the man money, I dug through my wallet and realized all I had left was a twenty dollar bill. I looked up to hint I did not have any money, but I could not get myself to tell him no. Along with the sadness and pain you could see in his eyes, there was a sense of hope there as well. I took out the twenty and handed it to him. Never in my life have I been so proud. The warm sensation I got all over, knowing, not only did I shock the man, but I shocked myself, was worth it. No amount of money would compare to the feeling I had right then. We as humans have a way with losing sight of the little things, that should be the outmost important. For example, until this project was presented, I would overlook the simplest acts of kindness others would do, almost as if I expected them to do it. I started to turn into a person I could not recognize, and would not be proud of. Therefore, I decided to take matters in my own hands. I was on the internet researching and came across a disease called Progeria. Progeria is a rare genetic condition that produces rapid aging in children. There are less than a hundred kids in the whole world that currently suffer from this condition, making Progeria the rarest of rare diseases. After doing some research over it, I came to a website that allow others to become involved with Progeria fundraising. I decided I wanted to help advance their mission in finding a cure for children with this disease. I followed all the steps by printing out the papers to fill out, sending them back in, and waiting for a phone call. I received a phone call back and I will be holding a Progeria fundraiser, here in Tyler, Texas, at the beginning of the year. Sometimes people need support and encouragement, from those around them, to be reassured that people do care as do I. One day on my way to school I decided to send out a forward, through text, to everyone in my phonebook. I sent â€Å"People will let you down, God never will. † I had many responses saying I absolutely love that quote and saying how beautiful it was. However, I had one response from a friend saying, how he needed to see that and thank you for sending it. For a couple days afterwards I sent a different text, along the same lines, every morning to him. I stopped sending the text one morning and did not hear from him for a while. A couple weeks later I woke up one day and have never felt more depressed than I did right then. I had received some news about my health that was not as good as we had hoped. At that moment I just wanted to give up and I was at, what I thought was, the end of the road for me. My phone goes off and I look at it. My guy friend that had thanked me for sending the text before sent me a message saying, â€Å"No. Don’t give up hope just yet. It’s the last thing to go. When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope. † – Pittacus Lore. He told me that something told him to send me a text that morning randomly, like I had done so to him. At that moment I knew there was a reason I sent out those texts to my friends, weeks before. One act of kindness will lead to another act of kindness even if it takes a while. This reassured my faith in humanity by showing there is kindness out in the world. Though kindness should be unconditional and free from expectation, with only goodwill in mind, this is almost never the case. With these simple acts, we have the power to demolish our arrogant, hateful lifestyles that surrounds us, by potentially turning a life around one by one. These times of contentment could be multiplied if every one would live with a better conscientiousness of those around them. I have come to realize that if you live your life being grateful and are considerate of those around you, your life will be much more prosperous.

Ece 6604 Final Exam

Georgia Institute of Technology School of Electrical and Computer Engineering ECE6604 Personal & Mobile Communications Final Exam Spring 2010 Tuesday May 6, 11:30am – 2:20pm †¢ Attempt all questions. †¢ All questions are of equal value. †¢ Open book, open notes, exam. 1a) 5 marks: The LCR at the normalized threshold ? for a 2-D isotropic scattering channel can be expressed as v 2 LR = 2? fm ? e , where ?= ? and Rrms = R ?p = R Rrms E[? 2 ] is the rms envelope level. i) Find the normalized threshold level ? o at which the LCR reaches its maximum value. i) Explain why the LCR at ? decreases as ? deviates from ? o . 1b) 5 marks: Consider a cellular system with a carrier frequency of 2 GHz. Suppose that the user is in a vehicle travelling at 60 km/h. Assuming that the channel is characterized by 2D isotropic scattering, ? nd i) the LCR at the normalized level ? = ? 3 dB. ii) the AFD at the normalized level ? = ? 3 dB. 2) The power delay pro? le for a WSSUS channel i s given by ? gg (? ) = 0. 5[1 + cos(2 /T )] , 0, 0 ? ? ? T /2 otherwise a) 3 marks: Find the channel frequency correlation function. ) 4 marks: Calculate the mean delay and rms delay spread. c) 3 marks: If T = 0. 1 ms, determine whether the channel exhibits frequencyselective fading to the GSM system. 3) Cellular CDMA systems use soft hando? , where the transmissions to/from multiple base stations are combined to give a macro-diversity. Here we consider the e? ects of path loss and shadowing and ignore multipathfading. Suppose that the received signal power corresponding to the link with the ith base-station, ? pi , has the probability density function p? pi (x) = v dBm) (x ? pi (dBm) ) 1 exp ? 2 2 2 2 . where pi (dBm) = E[? pi (dBm) ] The ? pi are assumed to be statistically independent. a) 5 marks: The reverse link uses selection combining such that the best basestation is always selected. In this case, ? s p (dBm) An outage occurs if ? s p = max ? p1 (dBm) ? ? th (dBm) , . . . , ? pL (dBm) (dBm) . What is the probability of outage? b) 5 marks: The forward link uses coherent combining such that ? mr(dBm) = ? p1 p (dBm) + . . . + ? pL (dBm) Again, an outage occurs if ? mr(dBm) ? ?th (dBm) .What is the probability of p outage if p1 (dBm) = p2 (dBm) =  ·  ·  · = pL (dBm) ? 4) Consider the reception of a signal in the presence of a single co-channel interferer and neglect the e? ect of AWGN. The received signal power, C , and interference power, I , due to Rayleigh fading have the exponential distributions 1 ? x/C ? ?e C 1 ? pI (y ) = ? e? x/I I pC (x) = ? ? where C and I are the average received signal power and interference power, respectively. a) 5 marks: Assuming that C and I are independent random variables, ? d the probability density function for the carrier-to-interference ratio ? = C . I Hint: If X and Y are independent random variables, then the probability density function of U = X/Y is pU (u) = pXY (v, v/u)|v/u2 |dv . b) 5 marks: Now suppo se that the system uses 2-branch selection diversity. The branches are independent and balanced (i. e. , the distribution pU (u) is the same for each branch. What is the probability density function of ? at the output of the selective combiner? 5) Suppose that a system uses selection diversity.The branches experience independent Rayleigh fading. However, the average received bit energy-to-noise ratio on each diversity branch is di? erent, such that ?i = 2? i ? o ? i = 1, . . . , L a) 5 marks: Find the probability density function of the bit energy-to-noise ratio at s the output of the selective combiner, denoted by ? b . b) 5 marks: If DPSK modulation is used, write down an expression for the probability of bit error. Obtain a closed-form expression if possible; otherwise leave your expression in integral form.

Effects of Stress on Grades

Students at universities worldwide oftentimes find stress to be a part of everyday life. Stress is defined as the way one responds to the changes and demands of life either emotionally, physically, or mentally. Stress is registered in one’s â€Å"fight or flight† response. When an exciting or dangerous event occurs changes take place in the body to prepare the person to deal with the stressful situation. After the stressful situation has subsided the body returns to a normal state. The constant stress of being a college student does not allow the body to return to a normal state so a student may never be able to fully relax. This can lead to stress overload (Bower, 2010). Many factors can affect a student’s academic performance and grades. The National College Health Assessment of 2004 shows that the most significant impediment to effective listening, retaining information, and studying is stress. Stress is noted to be the number one cause of poor academic functioning in a student above other problems like depression, illness, eating disorders, death of a family member, and even sexual assault. The study reviewed 47,202 college students and 32. 4% listed stress as the number one barrier to schoolwork (Temple, 2006). Many college students have multiple stressors. Most are taking multiple classes, working full-time jobs, have family members to take care of, are working long hours at unpaid internship sites, or any combination of these. Many college students must deal with the stress of just leaving home and no longer benefiting from familial support. Relationship problems may begin to develop between the student and the friends, families, or significant others that have been left at home. This overload of responsibility and worry can lead to a lack of sleep and improper nutrition, which can cause difficulty in school (Bower, 2010). Proper nutrition may become a problem for a student because he or she may be unable to grocery shop on a regular basis. Other problems with nutrition occur because a student who is living in a dormitory may be unable to cook proper meals and unable to store large quantities of food. Some students new to living without parents may not have the knowledge to cook a decent meal. Others simply do not have the time to eat properly. Without proper nutrition the brain does not function properly and the student may have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork (Womble, 2002). Maintaining employment while attending college can also be a source of stress. This stress may come from working long hours that can make the student too tired to focus on his or her studies or working long hours may lead to attendance problems at school. Mentally focusing on both work life and school life can be exhausting for a student and can lead to increased amounts of stress. The number of hours a student spends at work can be directly related to that student’s grade point average (GPA) because the more time a student spends at work, the less time that student can spend studying (Womble, 2002). Sleep, or lack of, is the most important factor on a student’s GPA. Many college students do not sleep enough during the week to properly rest the body and mind. Lack of sleep has been shown to increase anxiety and stress. Simple sleep patterns like waking earlier during the weekdays than on the weekends have also been shown to affect the GPA of a student (Womble, 2002). Not all college students complain of experiencing stress, many do. Although some stress is good for a person and may be energizing or motivating, it is important for a person to recognize and be able to manage bad stress before it spirals out of control and has a negative effect. Coping mechanisms are important for anyone but may prove to be more so for a college student. Coping mechanisms include sleeping enough, spending time doing fun activities, relaxing, and practicing time management. Developing ones communication, writing, and test taking skills is important to reduce stress. Engaging in physical activity, reading a book that is not school related, or getting a massage are ways to reduce stress and relax. Daily use of a planner to track assignment due dates and upcoming project deadlines is useful for staying on track with studies (Bower, 2010). Coping mechanisms come from within, from something called personality hardiness. The idea of personality hardiness first came to be with regard to protecting business executives from the health effects of stress. This concept involves having a sense of control and commitment. Commitment means that a person can view the world as a meaningful place and he or she seeks to be involved in the world rather than withdrawn from it. Control shows that a person believes he or she can influence events that take place in his or her world. Personality hardiness means that a person may not feel threatened by changes to his or her environment. Theoretically, a student with personality hardiness should be able to adapt to the changes that come with enrollment in school, taking multiple classes, maintaining employment, and family obligations without stress overload. The result should mean that a student takes on the new challenges with less stress and instead turns the stressful events into opportunities for growth and personal development (Hystad, Eid, Laberg, Johnsen, & Bartone, 2009). Two studies have been performed by Lifton and colleagues. These studies assessed the personality hardiness of individuals throughout the college years. These studies had newly arriving college students complete hardiness measures and found a positive interrelationship between persistence and the student’s graduation date four years later. The hardiness scores among those who did not complete four years of college were lower than those who did not drop out. The scores on the hardiness exams were not directly related to scores on entrance exams or high academic ability. Personality hardiness is not based on a person’s academic ability but rather a person’s attitude or the manner in which he or she approaches life’s challenges (Hystad et al. , 2009). Though the information contained in the numerous studies that have been done regarding stress and the college student’s ability to achieve a decent GPA is helpful to understanding stress and how it affects different people there are always exceptions to every rule. Although it is true that every person handles stressful situations in his or her own unique way there are many resources available to help a college student achieve passing grades regardless of the stress factor. At the same time, there are many choices a college student makes that adds to the amount of stress he or she carries in everyday life. Many times when a college student is sleep deprived it is that he or she has made the choice to be sleep deprived. Staying up all night partying is common among college students as going off to college may be the first time the student has had the opportunity to do so and many consider it to be a bonding experience or a way to make friends in a new place. Grabbing a less than stellar meal from the nearest fast food joint or having a pizza delivered is oftentimes a choice that a student makes rather than a necessity. Eating a meal like this is easier than shopping for a meal, cooking a meal, and cleaning up after a meal. Eating on the run may also be what â€Å"all of the other kids are doing† and again it is a way to fit in. Whereas it is true that some students must maintain employment while attending school this may not have to be the stressor that it often is. Time management skills can come in handy when trying to juggle work and school. Taking time to relax is one of the most important and effective ways of reducing stress. This can; however, oftentimes be misconstrued and taken out of context. One of the worst, and most common, pastimes college students use to relax is drinking alcoholic beverages. Binge drinking can be very detrimental to schoolwork as this can do away with a person’s judgment skills, time management skills, and a person’s healthy well-being. Research shows that binge drinking affects approximately 50% of college students (Stunn, n. d. ). Binge drinking can lead to missing classes because the student may be to hung-over to attend or if the student does manage to attend the mind and body may not be functioning at full capacity and may lead to an inability to concentrate and retain information. When this kind of drinking is done night after night it can lead to many absences or missed assignments, which can compound a student’s stress level by having to make up the work or complete the work in a shorter time with little to no instruction This information would be recommended to others in the class because as students stress will be an important factor during not only college years but also in future years as well. It is important that as an individual a person has coping mechanisms to deal with stress to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Research done on the topic of how stress can negatively affect a student’s GPA is important in learning how to better deal with the stressors in one’s life to overcome barriers and achieve the goals he or she has set. Enrolling in college is a big step in which nobody intentionally sets up to fail. Whereas there are many changes that a college student must adapt to there are an equal number of services both on campus and off that will help a student overcome the barriers to effective learning and to become a better student despite the changes in life. Learning ways to manage time, learning to make choices that will facilitate not only a healthy relationship with peers but also a healthy lifestyle, and learning to cope with the sometimes daily changes in life is part of growing up and moving into the adult world.

Anti-terror laws in India

Anti-terror laws in India History of anti-terror laws in India Terrorism has immensely affected India. The reasons for terrorism in India may vary vastly from religious to geographical to caste to history. The Indian Supreme Court took a note of it in Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab[1], where it observed that the country has been in the firm grip of spiraling terrorist violence and is caught between deadly pangs of disruptive activities. Apart from many skirmishes in various parts of the country, there were countless serious and horrendous events engulfing many cities with blood-bath, firing, looting, mad killing even without sparing women and children and reducing those areas into a graveyard, which brutal atrocities have rocked and shocked the whole nation Deplorably, determined youths lured by hard-core criminals and underground extremists and attracted by the ideology of terrorism are indulging in committing serious crimes against the humanity. Anti-terrorism laws in India have always been a subject of m uch controversy. One of the arguments is that these laws stand in the way of fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by Part III of the Constitution. The anti-terrorist laws have been enacted before by the legislature and upheld by the judiciary though not without reluctance. The intention was to enact these statutes and bring them in force till the situation improves. The intention was not to make these drastic measures a permanent feature of law of the land. But because of continuing terrorist activities, the statutes have been reintroduced with requisite modifications. At present, the legislations in force to check terrorism in India are the National Security Act, 1980 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. There have been other anti-terrorism laws in force in this country a different points in time. The first law made in independent India to deal with terrorism and terrorist activities that came into force on 30 Dec 1967 was The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Ac t 1967. After the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the world’s outlook towards the terrorist and terrorist organization has changed the laws have become much more stringent to curb such activities. The Indian outlook also changed specially after the 13 December attack on the Indian parliament which is seen as a symbol of our democracy then it became necessary to enforce a law which would be more stringent so that the terrorist cannot go Scot free because after the lapse of TADA in 1995 following the wide spread complaint that it was being abused there was no law which could be used as a weapon against the rising terrorist activities in India. Prevention Of Terrorist Activities Act, 2002 In 2002 March session of the Indian parliament the Prevention Of Terrorist Activities (POTA) Act was introduced and it had widespread opposition not even in the Indian parliament but throughout India especially with the human rights organization because they thought that the act violate d most of the fundamental rights provided in the Indian constitution. The protagonists of the Act have, however, hailed the legislation on the ground that it has been effective in ensuring the speedy trial of those accused of indulging in or abetting terrorism. POTA is useful in stemming â€Å"state-sponsored cross-border terrorism†, as envisaged by the Home Minister L.K. Advani. The Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA), was seen as a controversial piece of legislation ever since it was conceived as a weapon against terrorism. Human rights groups as well as opposition parties have expressed strong reservations against the move, which they say violates citizens’ fundamental rights.

Music therapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Music therapy - Essay Example Musical therapy is a health profession. It is an interpersonal process where the therapist, who is trained personnel, develops a relationship with his clients using music and all of its facets i.e. physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and aesthetic aspects, enabling them to improve their health. They use musical experiences such as singing, songwriting, and listening, free improvisation, discussing to music and even moving to music to improve the healing process. The health issues in subject consist of cognitive functioning, emotional and affective development, behavioral and social skills, motor skills and, the quality of life. Music therapists can work in general hospitals, psychiatric facilities, schools, prisons, community centers, universities, and training institutes. Music therapist is in the hospital setup; work hand in hand with the physicians, psychologists, physical therapists and the occupational therapists. Individuals of all ages and those with specific requirements such as the stroke, sensory impairments, communication disorders, cancer, psychiatric disorders, those in palliative care and those in rehabilitation centers (recovering from substance abuse) benefit a lot form music. Apart from the entertainment they get from the music, they also get relaxed, improve their learning, build their self-esteem, reduce stress, support physical exercise and get composed which improves the healing process. Music therapy has its history back in the biblical times when David played the harp to get rid of an evil spirit, which was in King Saul. In 400, B.C, the Greek father of medicine played music to his mental patients. Music therapy began after World War I and II, where musicians would travel to hospitals to play music to soldiers who suffered from war-related trauma. Aristotle himself described music as an energy that purifies the emotions. While music is an art with a strong connection with mathematics, music therapy is an art and a science. Introductio n Music therapy has a strong relationship with play, creativity, use of the whole personality and individual discovery of one self. In fact, Winnicott (2005, p.120) claims that It is in playing and only in playing, which the individual adult or child develops the ability to be creative and utilize the whole personality, and the individual discovers the self only in being creative. Â  This is all that makes music therapy different from other professions. The item one creates should have some value accompanied with it. There exist a relation between personal intelligence and creativity, and every session involves the client in some kind of music experience. The various sessions include improvising, re-creating, composing, and listening to music. In improvising, the client comes up with his/her own music and starts singing whatever arises now.