Abacus Distribution plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Abacus Distribution plc - Essay Example The Group has adopted a customer service policy with more personalised local service and a strong technical support. This ensures the company’s performance in providing quality products and support from a strongly motivated workforce. The company has an office in Asia with manufacturing operations extended in the Far East to supply European customers, quality products at competitive prices. In general, the objective of a company must be to create value for its shareholders. Value is represented by the market price of the company’s common stock, which in turn is a function of the firm’s investment, financing, and dividend decisions. The basic idea of managing finance in any business venture therefore is to acquire assets and invest in new products and services where expected return exceeds their cost, to finance with those instruments where there is particular advantage, tax or otherwise and to undertake a meaningful dividend policy for stockholders. (Ross et al.) These functions define the scope and role of financial management in any organisation. The financial management function thus concerns the acquisition, financing, and management of assets with the overall organisational goals in mind. In line with the above principles of financial management the company has taken the following actions in the financial discipline. During the year 2004 the company embarked on a major capital expenditure in upgrading the business system of the company scheduled to be completed in the year 2007. The company has adopted a policy of acquiring large properties on a freehold basis. In line with this policy the company has invested in the acquisition of subsidiaries to the extent of  £2.1 million, a net investment of  £1.1 million in plant, machinery, and equipments, and a small investment of  £0.1 million in land and building. There is an investment of  £50 million representing the acquisition of Deltron Electronics Group UK having subsidiaries in

Agriculture importance Essay Example for Free

Agriculture importance Essay Those of us who preach the gospel of agriculture with evangelical zeal find the text compelling and convincing. We are regularly possessed by the spirit only to look around and see out colleagues, in other sectors, in country management, or even our senior management doubting, yawning or subtly edging towards the door. We face the implicit query, â€Å"If agriculture can do such great things, why have they not yet happened? †1 The past decade has been one of agro-pessimism. The promises that agricultural development seem to hold did not materialise. This pessimism seemed to coincide with pessimism about Sub-Saharan Africa. Especially for Sub-Saharan Africa the hope was that economic development would be brought about by agricultural development. After the success of the green revolution in Asia, the hope was that a similar agricultural miracle would transform African economies. But this hope never materialised, agricultural productivity did not increase much in SSA (figure 1), and worse, the negative effects of the green revolution in Asia became more apparent, such as pesticide overuse and subsequent pollution. Also in Asia the yield increases tapered off. The sceptics put forward several arguments why agriculture is no longer an engine of growth2. For instance, the liberalisation of the 1990s and greater openness to trade has lead to a reduction in the economic potential of the rural sector: cheap imported Chinese plastic buckets out compete the locally produced pottery. On the other hand, it does mean cheaper (imported) supplies. With rapid global technical change and increasingly integrated markets, prices fall faster than yields rise. So, rural incomes fall despite increased productivity if they are net producers3. The integration of rural with urban areas means that healthy young people move out of agriculture, head to town, leaving behind the old, the sick and the dependent. It is often also the men who move to urban areas, leaving women in charge of the farm. This has resulted in the increased sophistication of agricultural markets (and value chains) which excludes traditional smallholders, who are poorly equipped to meet the demanding product specifications and timeliness of delivery required by expanding supermarkets. The natural resource base on which agriculture depends is poor and deteriorating. Productivity growth is therefore increasingly more difficult to achieve. Finally, multiplier effects occur when a change in spending causes a disproportionate change in aggregate demand. Thus an increase in spending produces an increase in national income and consumption greater than the initial amount spent. But as GDP rises and the share of agriculture typically decreases, the question is how important these multiplier effects are, especially when significant levels of poverty remain in rural areas, which is the case in middleincome countries4. The disappointment with agriculture led many donor organisations to turn away from agriculture, looking instead to areas that would increase the well-being of poor people, such as health and education. Those organisations that still focused on agriculture, such as the CGIAR, were put under pressure to focus more on reducing poverty, besides increasing agricultural productivity. However, since the beginning of the new century, there seems to be a renewed interest in agriculture. A review of major policy documents5, including the well-publicised Sachs report and the Kofi Annan report, show that agriculture is back on the agenda again. The most influential report, however, has been the World Development Report 2008 of the World Bank6. This report argues that growth in the agricultural sector 1 contributes proportionally more to poverty reduction than growth in any other economic sector and that therefore alone, the focus should be on the agricultural sector when achieving to reach MDG 1. A reassessment of the role of agriculture in development seems to be required. This policy paper addresses several timely though complex questions: †¢ First, how can or does agriculture contribute to economic development, and in particular how does it relate to poverty? †¢ Second, the agricultural sector has changed considerably in the past decades: what are the main drivers of this change? †¢ Third, what is the relationship between economic or agricultural growth and pro-poor development? †¢ Fourth, how does agriculture relate to other sectors in the economy? †¢ Fifth, who is included and who is excluded in agricultural development, specifically focusing on small farms? †¢ And finally, if agricultural development is indeed important to economic development, then why, despite all the efforts and investments, has this not led to more successes? 2. Agriculture and economic growth This section presents a number of factual observations describing how the agricultural sector changed in terms of productivity, contribution to economic growth, and indicating the relevance of the agricultural sector for poverty alleviation in different regions. Background: some facts In the discussion of the role of agriculture in economic development, a leading question is how agriculture contributes to economic growth, and especially to pro-poor growth. There seems to be a paradox in the role of agriculture in economic development. The share of agriculture contributing to GDP is declining over the years (see figure 1). At the same time, the productivity of for instance cereal yields has been increasing (see figure 2). It seems that as agriculture becomes more successful, its importance declines in the overall economy. Of course, other sectors in the economy can be even more successful, such as the Asian Tigers.

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Essay -- mississippi river, racism, civ

Huckleberry Finn is one of the most controversial novels in history. It is the fifth most challenged book in United States history (About Mark Twain). It tells the tale of a young boy and a slave who venture across the Mississippi river. At the time, this was considered immoral and unheard of. The author of this story is Mark Twain. Twain was born as Samuel Clemens, but later, after he began writing, he took on the pen name of Mark Twain. This name signifies the borderline between acceptable and not acceptable- as shown in his writing. Twain had three punctilious messages in his novel. Mark Twain wrote Huck Finn to express his disillusionment of society through the eyes of a young farm boy who realized that senseless violence, racism, and slavery all expressed how cruel and corrupt people could be. Samuel Clemens grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. There, he experienced an adventurous childhood that greatly influenced several of his stories. The town of Hannibal however, was not all it seemed to be, for Samuel experienced death and violence at an early age. When he was 9 years old, he saw a local man murder a cattle rancher, and at 10 he saw a slave die after a white overseer struck him with a piece of iron (Mark Twain Biography). Next, after he married, he travelled frequently across the country. In his travels, he experienced slavery, and racism first hand. This greatly affected him and he fought against it with the publication of Huckleberry Finn. In 1858, he became a licensed riverboat pilot (About Mark Twain). This experience allowed him to explore the Mississippi River, which played a large role in developing the novel. Twain clearly shows his social criticisms in this novel using satire. Huckleberry Finn was publish... ...through the eyes of a young boy named Huckleberry Finn. Works Cited -A&E Television Networks, LLC. (1991, March 5). Abolitionist Movement. Retrieved May 18, 2014, from History.com: www.history.com/topics/black-history/abolitionist-movement -A&E Television Networks, LLC. (n.d.). Mark Twain Biography. Retrieved May 14, 2014, from Biography.com: www.biography.com/people/mark-twain-9512564#awesm=~oEhRSHITXnijgm -CMG Solutions. (2006, July 6). About Mark Twain. Retrieved May 9, 2014, from The Official Website of Mark Twain: www.cmgww.com/historic/twain/about/facts.htm -Twain, M. (1994). Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (S. Appelbaum, Ed.) Mineola, New York, United States: Dover Publications, Inc. -Weider History. (2010, September 15). Causes of the Civil War. Retrieved May 17, 2014, from HistoryNet: www.historynet.com/causes-of-the-civil-war

Government Health Care

Jerry Trevorrow English 0900-11 Essay #2 Government Healthcare The overwhelming majority of Americans agree that reform of our healthcare system is necessary; debate continues to rage over what specific type of reform we need. Imagine having uk/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-governments-providing-free-health-care/">free health care, and never to worry about getting the healthcare you need. This being available would give people a chance to live a little better. Having the government provide healthcare would be better for Americans. This type of health insurance would help the unemployed as well as the employed.The price of health insurance is increasingly costing the American people thousands of dollars on premiums. The quality of medical coverage in the United States is among the best in the Nation. With free health care American’s are able to see a doctor early so that they can help prevent major problems like cancer, HIV or other major illnesses. The positive side of g overnment healthcare is no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. You are insured from the day you are born. No bankruptcies due to medical bills.No deaths due to lack of health insurance or Cheaper , More affordable; everybody in nobody out. Save taxpayers billions a year in bloated corporate administrative and executive compensation costs. Government-funded healthcare would provide access to medical services for all uninsured. Lower costs of government healthcare will cause insurance coverage to be significantly more accessible to millions of individuals and businesses. Doctors and other medical professionals can focus on patient care, and no longer need to spend hundreds of wasted hours annually dealing with insurance companies.Patients too, under government healthcare would never need to fritter inordinate amounts of frustrating time haggling with insurance companies. Other important positives of government-funded healthcare include: 47 million Americans lacked healthcare insur ance coverage as of the 2008 presidential campaign season. Soaring unemployment since then have caused the ranks of the uninsured to swell past 50 million in mid-2009. Conservatives and Libertarians oppose U. S. overnment healthcare mainly because they don't believe that it's a proper role of government to provide social services to private citizens. Instead, conservatives believe that healthcare coverage should continue to be provided solely by private-sector for-profit insurance corporations or possibly by non-profit entities. In 2009, a handful of Congressional Republicans have suggested that perhaps the uninsured could obtain limited medical services via a voucher system and tax credits for low-income families. This is like what Minnesota care is about.Low income or no income you can get Minnesota care. You might have a monthly fee for the policy or have to pay three dollar co-pay for everything. You are only allowed to use up to ten thousand dollars of medical care for a year a t a time. From the patient's perspective, negatives of government-funded healthcare might include. Decrease in flexibility for patients to freely choose from among the vast types of drugs, treatment options, and surgical procedures offered today by higher-priced doctors and hospitals.On June 18, 2009, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi told the press, â€Å"I have every confidence that we will have a public option coming out of the House of Representatives — that will be one that is actuarially sound, administratively self-sufficient, one that contributes as to competition, does not eliminate competition. † Less potential doctors may opt to enter the medical profession due to decreased opportunities for highly compensated positions. Fewer doctors coupled with skyrocketing demand for doctors could lead to a shortage of medical professionals, and to longer waiting periods for appointments.The American Medical Association, which represents 29% of U. S. doctors, opposes any government insurance plan mainly because doctors' reimbursement rates will be less than those from most private sector plans. Not all doctors oppose government-funded healthcare, though. There are many other countries, which have government healthcare and are doing well with it. The percentages of longer life expectancy are better in those countries compare to the U. S. Canada’s life expectancy is 81. 3 percent; compare to the U. S is 78. 1 percent. Physicians per 1000 people as follows; Canada is 2. compare to the U. S is at 2. 4. There is not much difference from what we have now compared to government healthcare in services and quality of care per patience. We will benefit of living longer with government healthcare, as we know we are the lowest in life expectancy to many other countries. The government controlling anything should be healthcare. Instead of the other issues they are regulating now. Having the governments provide healthcare would be the best thing for all Am erican’s. I feel we would greatly benefit from this and become more of a healthier country.

Dining Feature

It was an intelligent idea to go against conformity, and Open this kind Of restaurant – not a Korean dining place. Singling is a slang term for Singapore and Western (English). Its menu holds Asian cuisines that are not commonly around the metro and Western delicacies which the Filipinos are quite used to. The restaurant had a unique attack on food; it is the first to introduce Singapore dishes in the streets of Marking, and mind you, its menu is usually the mall-worthy and overpriced type of menu, but hey, they offer food at a very reasonable price.Walking along Lilac street, a residential and dining road in Barraging Conception Dos in Marking, it is quite noticeable that Singling Cafe is a newly opened cafe because for those who know the place, the stall they are now occupying has long been vacant, and with long, I meant really really long. Another is when you look from the outside, their accent of red and black details over light brown wooden furniture looks unique compared to the other 3 restaurants beside it. Entering the empty restaurant on a Sunday afternoon, what greeted me was an edgy and laid back interior design.All pieces of furniture are wooden, a few chairs and the frame of a huge mirror are wooden but are colored red. Their menu is along the counter and also on top of all tables. They also have a chalkboard menu that holds the drinks they have. I took a seat on the left side of the diner just across their gigantic mirror with red wooden frame. At my back is a wooden wall with white small frames with photos of food that they offer. The menu on the table is only printed in bond paper, but a clipboard holds it and makes it a little more presentable.I decided to order 4 dishes, ND below are my reviews on the four: MME Green (PH 168. 00) – The first dish that arrived is the MME Green, a Singapore dish. The dish looks kind of orange with noticeable bite-sized chicken, and it had a green accent because of the cabbages which are crunchy â⠂¬â€œ fresh, indeed! It came out with a strong seafood and spicy smell, but when once tasted it, it turned out not too spicy and not too neutral. It is spiced just right. You can easily water down the spiciness. No wonder that the noodles are quite firm because they are fried yellow noodles.I was just mind of confused looking for shrimps and seafood pieces, but there were not any. I, then, wondered where the strong seafood smell might come from. The dish was so oriental because of the spices incorporated in it. Juicy Lucy Burger (PH 198. 00) – This dish is the shish in Singling. This burger is their best-selling Western dish. The burger bun was presented in a unique way. It was like joint panels formed like a flower. Outside the burger were cabbage strips, a tomato slice and a cucumber slice topped with Thousand Islands dressing.These vegetables were also in the burger, but the tomato ND the cucumber were doubled, and instead of cabbage strips, the burger had a whole crunchy cabbage leaf. The vegetables and the % pound beef patty are drizzled with mustard. The patty looks ordinary, but once you begin eating it, little by little you can notice the melted cheese inside it. It is not a usual patty, I swear, it was spicy and cheesy at the same time. The cheese compliments the spiciness of the patty (with spiciness I meant full of spices). Braised Pork Belly with Steamed Rice (PH 188. 0) – The Braised pork belly and the Rice were served separately. The dish looked plainly presented with pork Cuts, brown sauce and spring onions that added a green accent to it. Its sauce is brownish and smooth. It is quite salty and resembles the taste of Showing's Sad Sauce. The pork was still quite tough making it hard to chew. The rice goes well with the dish because it helps lessen the saltiness of the sauce. However, it is disgusting that I have already swallowed the rice yet the pork stayed in my mouth because it was difficult to chew. Cereal Shrimp (PH 298. 0) -? Looking through the menu, this dish struck me cause I have not yet tried Shrimps with Cereals. The dish was served with 3 Fried shrimps and a significant amount of oats as topping. With the oats almost overwhelming the shrimps, the dish was significantly color light brown with orange and green touches because of the shrimps and the curry leaves respectively. Began peeling the shrimps and noticed that it looks well-cooked even from the outside, and I just verified it when I tasted it. It tasted like plain shrimp until I tried it with the oats. It tasted buttery, and the oats were crunchy.

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay for College Essay Example

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay for College Essay Example How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay for College Essay How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay for College Essay Essay Topic: Cause and Effect How To Write A Cause and Effect Essay For College A cause and effect essay is a basic essay type that is commonly used in college. However, cause and effect essay writing actually begins when in grade school and is used up through higher education. Understanding cause and effect is extremely important as these types of essays help with critical thinking and understanding of relationship between ideas. Typically a cause and effect essay looks at topics that are multi-faceted and not Just one dimensional to explore the relationship between them. These types of essays create many different types of views typically on the ame topic since each writer will view the cause and effect of different topics and relationships differently. The information within the essay needs to pertain directly to the topic and the cause and effect. There needs to be plenty of research with credible resources cited within the essay. The essay begins with the introduction, which should clearly define the topic that is going to be covered. Many times, the cause or the effect is used as the topic or thesis of the essay. Also, some professors may require that the essay to be written from the cause or the effect view. Alternatively, your essay can also be written to cover what causes create certain effects. Either way, the thesis needs to be clearly defined and easy to understand as well so the reader knows if it is the cause or the effect that is being covered. The rest of the essay is the body and conclusion. The length of the paper will be determined by the professors requirements, as well as how in depth the cause and effect essay needs to be covered. Typically, there are 5 paragraphs that can be used. There is the introduction, three body paragraphs and the conclusion. However, again it will epend on the requirements of the paper and the topic itself. There can also be an introduction paragraph and four or five body paragraphs and a conclusion paragraph as well as other variations. The body of the essay should clearly define the causes or effects, depending on which angle the essay is being written from. Each paragraph should cover one point or topic and then lead into the next paragraph so that all the ideas are connected together. There should be the topic sentence that is used to cover the main idea of the paragraph, and then the rest of the paragraph should go into further detail. This will ensure the causes or effects are clearly defined and there is a proper flow to the paper as well. The last paragraph is the conclusion and you should restate the thesis, but in a different way. It should summarize the entire essay, but there should be no opinion added here. Cause and effect essays are about facts, not opinions. There should also not be any ideas, problem solving or any type of call to action either. The cause and effect essay needs to be stated factually so the reader than draws their own conclusions instead. How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay for College By Jenya-ulyana

Pauli Exclusion Principle Definition

Pauli Exclusion Principle Definition The Pauli exclusion principle states no two electrons  (or other fermions) can have the identical quantum mechanical state in the same atom  or molecule. In other words, no pair of electrons in an atom can have the same electronic  quantum numbers n, l, ml, and ms. Another way to state the Pauli exclusion principle is to say the total wave function for two identical fermions is antisymmetric if the particles are exchanged. The principle was proposed by Austrian physicist Wolfgang Pauli in 1925 to describe the behavior of electrons. In 1940, he extended the principle to all fermions in the spin-statistics theorem. Bosons, which are particles with an integer spin, do not follow the exclusion principle. So, identical bosons may occupy the same quantum state (e.g., photons in lasers). The Pauli exclusion principle only applies to particles with a half-integer spin. The Pauli Exclusion Principle and Chemistry In chemistry, the Pauli exclusion principle is used to determine the electron shell structure of atoms. It helps to predict which atoms will share electrons and participate in chemical bonds. Electrons which are in the same orbital have identical first three quantum number. For example, the 2 electrons in the shell of a helium atom are in the 1s subshell with n 1, l 0, and ml 0. Their spin moments cannot be identical, so one is ms -1/2 and the other is ms 1/2. Visually, we draw this as a subshell with 1 up electron and 1 down electron. As a consequence, the 1s subshell can only have two electrons, which have opposite spins. Hydrogen is depicted as having a 1s subshell with 1 up electron (1s1). A helium atom has 1 up and 1 down electron (1s2). Moving on to lithium, you have the helium core (1s2) and then one more up electron that is 2s1. In this way, the electron configuration of the orbitals is written.

Military Grave Markers and Tombstones

Military Grave Markers and Tombstones For many, the first introduction to an ancestors military service is at the cemetery when they discover a flag or military marker next to their ancestors grave, or an unknown acronym or image carved on the stone. Common Military Abbreviations United States - Military Abbreviations - Ranks, Units AwardsAustralia - Military Abbreviations TerminologyCanada - Military Abbreviations, Terms and MeaningsGermany - Glossary of Germany military terms and abbreviations Tombstone Symbols May Indicate Military Service Flag - liberty and loyalty. Often seen on military markers.Stars Stripes around an Eagle - Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen on U.S. military markers.Sword - often indicates military service. When found on the base of the stone might indicate infantry.Crossed swords - May indicate a military person of high rank or a life lost in battle.Horse - May indicate calvalry.Eagle - courage, faith and generosity. May indicate military service.Shield - Strength and courage. May indicate military service.Rifle - often indicates military service.Cannon - generally indicates military service. When found on the base of the stone it may indicate artillery. Acronyms for Military Groups Veterans Organizations CSA - Confederate States of AmericaDAR - Daughters of the American RevolutionGAR - Grand Army of the RepublicSAR - Sons of the American RevolutionSCV - Sons of Confederate VeteransSSAWV - Sons of Spanish American War VeteransUDC - United Daughters of the ConfederacyUSD 1812 - Daughters of the War of 1812USWV - United Spanish War VeteransVFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars

Performance Baseline Development for Severs and Networks Coursework

Performance Baseline Development for Severs and Networks - Coursework Example The analysis indicates the health status of the network. Data capture or sniffing tools can be used to monitor the stream of network data. Also, other protocols such as sFlow or NetFlow can be alternatively be used to capture the data stream. The two are less storage-intensive compared to sniffing tools. The administrators can see trends in application usage by performing packet analysis. The trends will help in assigning the percentage of utilization for each application in reference to total network usage. Finally, the monitors are left to run and gather points of data. The most preferred time to be allocated is about seven days. The seven days will allow effective and accurate monitoring of window and thus the determination of performance trends. A baseline for each data metrics is then set. The ranges that were obtained will determine the network performance baseline. (Tomsho, G. 2009, pg. 143) Some windows programs and tools can be used to gather the information that can be used to create the baseline. These include the Windows Forensics Toolkit (WFT) and the KDiff. WTF is an analysis tool developed by McDougal. It can be used to collect data. It is done by using the command â€Å"wft-fetch tools†. The KDiff is a comparative analysis tool. KDifff accepts both a baseline file and an updated file.

Italian Renaissance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Italian Renaissance - Essay Example The refined and educated thinkers of the Renaissance spoke and read Greek and Latin which helped the transformation of several fields of learning including those which were the dominions of the church and the impact was visible even in the aspects of Christian learning such as theology and spirituality. The Renaissance which nourished itself on antiquity, the rediscovery of Greek and Roman ways, resulted in new ways of thinking in theology and spirituality, and restructured the essence of Christian learning. "The Renaissance was a revival of learning and art. The Europeans were always aware of antiquity since they lived with it, but they now saw everything in a different light. They ceased to see the world through ecclesiastical glasses... Great interest in Greek and Roman art, language, and philosophy developed... Thus, the Renaissance had its intellectual impact. It would, in effect, replace the church's dominance in the area of thought... To this extent, the Renaissance was anti-c lerical but not anti- religious." (Bausch, Cannon, and Obach 1989, P. 225). Significantly, Renaissance was most influential in theology and spirituality of Christianity which were no longer exclusively served by art and science which began to be studied for their own sakes. Theology and spirituality are the two essential domains of Christian learning which were most influenced by the Renaissance thought and thinkers. It is of great importance to analyse the influence of Italian Renaissance on the theology and spirituality as it can help one comprehend the role played by the Renaissance in bringing out drastic change in these areas of Christian thinking. Therefore, this paper undertakes a profound analysis of the Italian Renaissance in relation to the role it played in the transformation of two of the most important spheres of Christianity, i.e. theology and spirituality. In other words, it looks into the Italian Renaissance from a historical point of view and a theological point of view, comparing the theology and spirituality of the period before Renaissance with that of the period after Renaissance. In such a comparative analysis of the theology and spirituality in relation to Renaissance, it becomes lucid that this great event of revival in learning and art was central to ultimate transformation in these areas, which was corresponding to the spirit of humanism. Notwithstanding the attempts to limit the great role of Renaissance in making vital revival in theology and spirituality, it becomes obvious that the Renaissance played a seminal role in transforming these spheres of Christian knowledge. The Influence of Italian Renaissance on the Theology and Spirituality From the historical point of view, the Renaissance is one of the essential factors which caused the revival of Christian ideology and it resulted in the Reformation. There were several central elements in the early phase of the Renaissance which could very well pave the way for a complete change or reformation in the Christian thought and ideology. In an analysis of the situation before and after the Renaissance,

Asthma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Asthma - Essay Example Asthma is caused by either a narrowing or block in the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes narrow from being blocked by mucous and swelling or they are squeezed from the muscles outside A person may have asthma without having flare ups for long periods of time. Asthma can be a continual disease, however there are typically triggers that initiate the bout. According to Web MD there are several triggers to asthma and identifying which culprit flares one asthma episode will allow the individual to off-set attacks (www.webmd.com/asthma). Allergies are a known asthma trigger. It is estimated that up to 80% of people with asthma are allergic to airborne substances. Certain foods can also flare up asthma. Additives that can be found in certain foods can bring on an attack. Excessive exercise can also be a culprit. Strenuous exercise can cause narrowing of the airways which makes it difficult to breathe. It is stated that severe heartburn and asthma have a direct connection. Gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease) causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. If the stomach acid reaches into the the throat or airways then an asthma attack can be triggered. Smoking is another asthma trigger as smoking interferes with lung functioning. Introducing smoke into an asthmatic body only worsens the condition and further obstructs airway passages. Sinusitis and upper respiratory infections cause more mucous to be produced in that line the sinuses which can also bring on asthma attacks. When airways get inflamed then sinusitis may occur triggering asthma attacks. Infections are another thing that can bring on asthma attacks. This common cause can be found to bring on asthma attacks especially in children under 10. Along with the preceding triggers, medications are also a culprit. It is common for those with asthma to have sensitivity to certain medications especially anti-inflammatory drugs and beta

Strategic Sourcing - Assignmet Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Sourcing - Assignmet - Case Study Example A quality analyst should have a high level of training and have exceptional analytical abilities along with broad knowledge. He should also be creative and be a quick learner in order to solve problems easily. The quality analyst is always supposed to work with other people as an analysis of the process of production entails an analysis of the people involved along with the technology. The applicant should demonstrate that he has an ability to cooperate and interrelate with other employees efficiently. Â  This question aims to understand whether the candidate has the necessary skills that are needed to report and make effective presentations that associated with the position through oral or written communication. The candidate should be able to demonstrate that he can make effective presentations of problems and proposed means of dealing with them. He should also show that he can freely interact with the rest of the employees and clients with exceptional oral and written skills The candidate should broadly explain how he would be able to efficiently use his skills and experience if he is selected for the job. He should demonstrate his motivation, abilities to deal with challenges and be flexible in handling challenging situations. The ideal candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in quality control a related field so that he can demonstrate competency with essential skills that provide a wide range of knowledge for success as a professional. The candidate should be able to demonstrate that he possesses exceptional analytical skills that are needed to perform the tasks associated with the position efficiently. He must also show an ability to rely on his skills in the various responsibilities associated with the position. The ideal candidate should be one that is willing to learn from his mistakes and one who regularly seeks to get more knowledge on his field through seminars and workshops as well as other forms

Scientific discoveries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scientific discoveries - Essay Example Molecular electronics face two types of challenges. The first challenge is building molecular structures that act as switches and the second challenge is combining these molecules into a complex circuit in order that they are able to perform a specific function. These two tasks demand reproducible organic molecular conductors and insulators. Polyphenylene based molecules besides carbon nanotubes have been considered as possible candidate molecules capable of these tasks (3). In October 2009 a team of researchers led by bio-designer N. J. Tao reported success in the development of key electrical component of the diode on a phenomenally tiny molecular scale, namely the single-molecule diode. (4). Diodes constitute critical components for a wide range of applications that include power conversion equipment, radios, logic gates, photodetecters and light emitting devices. In all these applications diodes make up the components that permit current to flow in one direction, but not in the other direction in an electrical circuit. To bring this specific function down to the level of a molecule, the molecule should be physically asymmetrical, where one end of the molecule has the capacity to form a covalent bond with the negatively charged anode terminal and the other end capable of bonding with the positively charged cathode terminal. A symmetrical molecule allows current to flow in both directions, which is similar to an ordinary resistor. On the other hand an asymmetrical molecule allows current to flow in only direction similar to a diode, which is the more important and difficult component to replicate. With the size of a transistor in the field of electronics nearing a few te n nanometers or about twenty times larger than a molecule, the development of a molecular diode is exciting. (5). The Tao led research team studied conjugated molecules for the purpose of developing a molecular diode. In conjugated molecules the atoms are stuck together by alternating

Strategic Sourcing - Assignmet Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Sourcing - Assignmet - Case Study Example A quality analyst should have a high level of training and have exceptional analytical abilities along with broad knowledge. He should also be creative and be a quick learner in order to solve problems easily. The quality analyst is always supposed to work with other people as an analysis of the process of production entails an analysis of the people involved along with the technology. The applicant should demonstrate that he has an ability to cooperate and interrelate with other employees efficiently. Â  This question aims to understand whether the candidate has the necessary skills that are needed to report and make effective presentations that associated with the position through oral or written communication. The candidate should be able to demonstrate that he can make effective presentations of problems and proposed means of dealing with them. He should also show that he can freely interact with the rest of the employees and clients with exceptional oral and written skills The candidate should broadly explain how he would be able to efficiently use his skills and experience if he is selected for the job. He should demonstrate his motivation, abilities to deal with challenges and be flexible in handling challenging situations. The ideal candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in quality control a related field so that he can demonstrate competency with essential skills that provide a wide range of knowledge for success as a professional. The candidate should be able to demonstrate that he possesses exceptional analytical skills that are needed to perform the tasks associated with the position efficiently. He must also show an ability to rely on his skills in the various responsibilities associated with the position. The ideal candidate should be one that is willing to learn from his mistakes and one who regularly seeks to get more knowledge on his field through seminars and workshops as well as other forms

Tipaimukh Hydro-Electric Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Tipaimukh Hydro-Electric Project - Assignment Example Also the submergence may lead to loss of homes, means of subsistence like agricultural, horticultural and even forest lands, where tribal have access to minor produces as well as for jhumming, and naturally will have traumatic effect on the affected population. Under such circumstances, it will be proper to take timely steps for planning rehabilitation and resettlement of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to avoid any further disastrous incidents. Due to varied geomorphic character, complex tectonics, structure and soft sediment lithostratigraphy, and change in draw down, the impounded water is bound to cause unstable slope condition, especially in reservoir rim, particularly those in the limit of draw down. Thus, in the event of sudden draw down, major slide could develop. Simultaneously, reservoir water would act as the load drive, as is commonly found in the Himalayan Region, which may have a positive stabilizing influence too. It is therefore recommended that about 100 m above the reservoir rim is thoroughly investigated for site specific knowledge on failure mechanism and adequate protection measures, as explained, be planned at the pre-construction stage with tentative provision of shot crating, rock anchoring, carving out of slopes etc. Landslide activity would generat... eously, reservoir water would act as the load drive, as is commonly found in the Himalayan Region, which may have a positive stabilizing influence too. It is therefore recommended that about 100 m above the reservoir rim is thoroughly investigated for site specific knowledge on failure mechanism and adequate protection measures, as explained, be planned at the pre-construction stage with tentative provision of shot crating, rock anchoring, carving out of slopes etc. Landslide activity would generate rock boulders, silts and mud, but its effect is again dependent on the distance of occurrence from the project components. If the slide occurs much above the FRL direct impact would be less. However, some slides just at the periphery of the rim would add to the silt load / bed load. This impact on the project could be managed by arresting the potential slide zones through suitable engineering treatment measures, afforestation etc. However, the project shall have a separate provision for engineering geological studies to provide necessary treatment measures. Monitoring Gas Emission During construction / excavation of underground openings in the project site, emission of explosive gas may be encountered as the lithological sequence to be encountered is of tertiary age. Therefore, its adverse effect of damaging environment during construction period could be mitigated through early monitoring of the quantity and quality & concentration of the gas. For this gas detector and protective measures, as per underground construction / mining rule is to be kept and executed strictly. Monitoring of Change in Water Quality Provision for monitoring of change in water quality, both upstream and down stream, should be made. Seismic Risk, Hazard Monitoring and Mitigation

How The American Revolution Started Essay Example for Free

How The American Revolution Started Essay The American Revolution was the colonists breaking from monarchy and switching to Democracy. The outcome of the movement lead to the Declaration of independence, and then the creation of America. There are several reasons why the American Revolution began, here are a few. The sugar act, or the American Duties Act was passed in 1764 for the sole purpose to raise money for the French Indian war. The Act forced a tax of three cents on sugar that was shipped to the new colony. The act also placed tax on Molasses to stop merchants from smuggling it in. Of course the tax was placed onto the colony while they were in a state of financial depression. In response, the Merchants refused to buy luxury British imports, but the rebellion didn’t start until the Quartering act and the Stamp act began. The Quartering act was created in 1765. Colonists were told to house, feed, and care for the troops as they came. The act backfired in 1766 when 1,500 troops appeared in New York. The Provincial Assembly refused to obey the law, and refused to provide the soldiers with any alms. Because they refused, Parliament said they’d suspended New Yorks Governor and Legislature until 1769, but never carried it out. Soon after, the Assembly agreed to accumulate money to quarter the troops. After that, the Quartering act was avoided in all states except Pennsylvania. The Stamp act began in 1765 when George Grenville raised the taxes on most things in the American Colony. Initially he wanted to raise taxes in Britain, but that was out of the question because of the hostile reaction after the Cider Tax. So instead decided to raise tax on the new colony without asking their permission. The colonists responded immediately by debating in the colonial legislatures, creating mob crowds, tarring, and feathering. All in all, the colonists finally showed their displeasure for all the new laws through â€Å"The Boston Tea Party†. The Boston Tea Party was a political protest against the taxes. A group, named the â€Å"Sons of liberty†, came up with the idea to dress as Indians (which didn’t fool anyone) and toss all the crates of Tea that came in, into the harbor. The British Government responded harshly, and it grew into the American Revolution as we know it. In the end, the American Revolution got rid of increasing restrictions placed on the colonies from Britain. It’s estimated that only one-third of the colonists were in favor of rebellion, one-third sided with the British, and the last third were all neutral concerning the rebellion and break from Great Britain.

The Rhetoric And Introductory Research Writing Philosophy Essay

The Rhetoric And Introductory Research Writing Philosophy Essay Most people believe the vision system exists solely in the eyes. In reality, the eyes make up only a small part of the system. For instance, just as the camera is a small item in a large TV station, the eyes play a small part in vision. Like a camera, all the eye does is deliver a bunch of colored dots. It is in the brain that the real work of seeing begins. So, what do we actually see? And, what is it that our eyes dont see? Through the variations of darkness, there is light; but, what does that mean to the person who struggles with a mental illness? A contributing factor to this paper will be the relationship between; the blind eye, the minds eye, the third eye; as well as the conscious and unconscious phenomena of the mind. The analyses that will be used in this paper will be based on the views of well-known authors. All of these sources are highly reliable and are thoroughly described in this research. Martha Stout Mental Illness Oliver Sacks Blindness Robert Thurman/Karen Armstrong Religious Beliefs Thais Campos Consciousness I want to know why the mental processes, ranging from the supreme clarity of consciousness at moments of creative inspiration, through the dimness of the half-sleeping mind; to the complete darkness of the unconscious, accounts for a large part of man mental life. On the other hand, we have the term consciousness what does this mean, and how do we describe this level of the mind? Why, is it so important for us to find an answer? We know that consciousness, is considered the highest form of mental activity, and is seen only in human beings. However, it does not exist in the newborn child, in certain categories of the mentally ill, in people who are asleep or in a coma. For philosophy, the main question is the relationship of consciousness to being, and the existence of the different levels of consciousness that remains a target for research by many sciences. I step back and wonder how the mind finds its way through the many varieties of mental illnesses; and, how observing the conscio usness will easily relinquish this information that will help us to understand, where and how far do we travel when we blank out. Introduction I have spent most of my life in a daydream state of consciousness and un-consciousness. I know that others notice that I have a tendency to be distracted, but they have no idea that usually I am gone even when I seem to be paying attention. I wander off for brief moments, and when I come back I have to grasp quickly what was said before I forget it, then I wander off again. This goes unnoticed because even though I am gone, whatever was said during the previous second or two, is still there for me to grab when I return. It is almost impossible for me to pay attention when somebody is telling me something that does not interest me. In that case, I go away and think about things unrelated to what is being said. I am gone into a never land inside my mind and I just come back regularly to check and see that everything is going well outside, that is, that I dont get caught in the act of not paying attention to what is being said. I do not do this on purpose. I cannot avoid doing it, and m ost of the times I do not even realize that I am doing it. When I am alone, for instance, when I am working on a writing topic of some sort, I am gone all of the time. I may think what I am going to write about when I get to the computer, and I might get some pretty good ideas, but it is useless, since by the time I get to the computer, I will have forgotten everything that I decided to write about, or forget in mid-sentence where exactly I was going with this idea pertaining to the topic of research. Lately, I have been taking a legal pad with me everywhere to write down my ideas. I also speculate a lot about what is going to happen in the future. I even talk with people in my mind, not only what I will say but also what they will reply. But of course, in real life it never turns out to be like I anticipated. I have tried several times not to go away. I can prevent it only for a very short period of time. It is as hard as trying to stay with our minds blank, that is, without thinki ng about anything. You can do it, but you have to concentrate not to think, and as soon as you lower your guard, you are doing it again. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Depression, and I am not sure which is worse; the illness itself, or the medication that I use to help manage this illness. Martha Stout: Mental Illness Martha Stout(2002) specializes in treating patients who have suffered psychological trauma; Stout uses her case studies to show that the ability to dissociate from reality, which functions as a life preserving defense mechanism during times of stress in childhood, can develop multiple personalities in order to contend with life many demands(p. 380). Dissociation also accompanies depressive disorders as well some of the medications that treat these disorders, will render the persons mind registering actual events in a daydream state without remembering what just took place. Most of us have days when we dont feel like ourselves. Some of us have moments, sometimes more than moments, when we feel disconnected from our surroundings, our actions, ourselves. The best example that I can give here is: Driving to the doctors office, with no recollection of the drive from home. The summary that is given about the essay, When I Woke Up Tuesday Morning, It Was Friday by Martha Stout, says that th e term divided consciousness refers to those times when we withdraw mentally from the world around us. Daydreams and other forms of subjective escape often help us to keep our mental balance by shutting out events when they threaten to be overwhelming. The article Chaos, Brain and Divided Consciousness by author Petra Bob (2007), gives insight to how the mind works. Chaos and self-organization seem to be particularly important for research of some fundamental problems regarding mind-brain relationship. Relevant problems among others are formations of memories during alterations of mental states and nature of a barrier that divides mental states, and leads to the process called dissociation. This process is related to a formation of groups of neurons which often synchronize their firing patterns in a unique spatial manner (P., 2007). Oliver Sachs Blindness In the Minds Eye: What the Blind See by Oliver Sacks (2003), he is quoted as saying For those who lose sight so early, the very concepts of sight or blindness soon cease to have meaning, and there is no sense of losing the world of vision, only of living fully in a world constructed by the other senses (p. 305). We are presented with a brief view of Oliver Sacks. Before even contemplating writing a book on being blind, he felt it was necessary to write about the mentally ill, in ways that foreground the humanity of those who are suffering from diseases that generate all manner of strange behaviors (Sacks, 2003, p. 302). This summary of In the Minds Eye, makes one wary of how scarily fragile the brain is. To what extent are we; our experiences, our reactions, shaped, predetermine, by our brains, and to what extent do we shape our own brains? Does the mind run the brain or the brain the mind? p. 303. In The Minds Eye, Oliver Sacks explores the relationship between vision, recognition, and perception, and the amazing ways that the brain and spirit can adapt to disorders of vision. He gives case studies of persons who have lost their sight and have learned new ways to accommodate their seeing with other senses and the powerful possibilities of the human brain and mind. It is through his own experience with a cancerous tumor behind his right eye followed by blindness that he writes what is physically happening and shares his inner thoughts and the full range of his emotional reaction. We are all close to the brink of being someone else. For instance, a person who has had a mind-shattering stroke or head injury, one of many possible complications can arise from this stroke: There is death, paralysis, loss of memory, or you have become blind. Consider this, your thoughts, memories and emotions, your perceptions of the world, and your deepest intuitions of selfhood, are gone. We take o ur fragile brains so much for granted. Ultimately, Sacks tries to show the progress made in the knowledge of what centers of the brain are responsible for vision and its interpretations, but still lacks the knowledge of how things really work inside our heads. We all depend on our power senses sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Each one serves a particular purpose and when we end up losing one of these senses, we become forced to replace that sense in order to elevate. So when an individual is physically blind they devise ways to adapt to their surroundings. Now when a person is mentally blind, they allow other people of authority around them to construct ways for them to live because they do not see the importance in self. They trust everyone else before themselves. Needless to say, lose no time searching for a way to find your true self. It goes beyond knowing what your favorite food is or favorite color, but really getting to the essence of what you are about, therefore no none else can define you by making you blind to yourself and more importantly no one can trick you. Robert Thurman, Karen Armstrong Religion Spirituality is based on the experience of one persons awareness, one cultures awareness, and where life itself experiences universality. Awareness, what does this term really mean? According to the Webster dictionary; aware or awareness is defined as, conscious (of), informed; cognizant. In order to understand spirituality, we need to be consciously aware of the peace, and cognizant of the enlightenment that lies within this peace. Have you ever found yourself looking at the sun shining through the white fluffy clouds in the sky and wonder if there is something more hiding behind them, something of a more spiritual nature? For example, is there really a heaven, and what about hell? In this moment of being immersed in the daydream state of consciousness, are we on the path to awareness? Could enlightenment feel like this? For one un-noticed minute, we have become part of the peace, and it is afterward, when we realize that we are just a paint stroke that is part of the masterpiece of life. We have become one glittery particle that connects to an infinite number of other glittery particles that make up the divine space, which is nothingness. To know this nothingness, is to know what awareness means. Yet, to experience this spirituality we need to become in tuned with our inner voice, our minds eye, our core consciousness known as our soul However, this kind of understanding goes well beyond what our mind, intellect, and ego can fathom. In religious traditions this core consciousness is part of a more universal domain of consciousness referred to as God. Even a partial glimpse of this level of awareness, a person can experience joy, insight, and intuition: an awakening of love, and compassion. People in all cultures discovered that by pushing their reasoning powers to the limit, and by living as selflessly and compassionately as possible, they will that enables them to affirm such suffering with serenity and courage. In Karen Armstrongs essay Homo religious, and Robert Thurmans essay Wisdom, they explain their meaning of Nothingness, awareness, and enlightenment through religion, the self, the universe, and knowledge. It is through years of studying and learning, that both of these authors articulate their views/beliefs on the consciousness; the sacred energy and show just how similar their beliefs are to one another. Self When people believe in something with every fiber of their being, they make sacrifices and live their lives in ways that others on the outside looking in may not understand. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones and do something that we normally would not do to find what is right for ourselves. Stepping out ekstasis is a term used in Homo Religiosus, written by Karen Armstrong (p. 27). She writes of a universal principle of most religions, that implies, the only way to truly connect with the sacred energy of the universe is to let go of ones self totally and to put aside preoccupation with promoting ones own ego and selfishness. However, when a person becomes selfless, that person is then open to what can truly be obtained by doing away with personalities, egos, and other obstacles that tend to limit one from true release; The Greeks referred to this process as kenosis or emptying (page 34). In the excerpt Wisdom taken from the book Infinite Life (2009), Robert Thurman describes the meaning of selflessness in relation to the Buddhist beliefs. Thurman (2009) writes, Selflessness does imply that any one person is considered nobody. To find true selflessness we must let go of self-preoccupation and self- centeredness (Page 464). It is by letting go that the self can find true enlightenment. Similarly, Thurman writes that the Buddha was happy not knowing who he was because this selflessness made him more compassionate toward others. (Page 463) To know true selflessness and enlightenment we must remove the I from our existence. Thurman (2009) goes on to say; that when we find true selflessness we discover a true connection between ourselves and others. In addition, we see everyone as equal to ourselves but at the same time different in their own ways (Page 473). Universe Karen Armstrongs view is that, religion has always been a matter of doing rather than thinking. People were able to become more creative and draw on their inner self. Yet, it is through the experience of nothingness that we discover the depths of ones own being (p.36). Armstrong expresses the central concern of the self and its connections to the universe as a whole. Energy starts as a consciousness, a self-awareness that nearly every religion in the world experiences, and every scientific theory and or conclusion have based their beliefs on. Self-emptying connects the individual core within our mind and soul with the sacred energy of the universe. This is when our senses are no longer our main focus, freeing us and also brings us closer to our soul and our deep thoughts. Nothingness puts creativity into peoples minds, because the presence of nothing means that there are no wrong ideas or beliefs. One of the ways that self-emptying connects the individual with the sacred energy of th e universe can be explored, possible through the energy of deep meditation. Armstrong (2009) remarks that, You had to acquire the knack of thinking outside the ordinary (p. 35). Thinking outside the ordinary is to prepare us for the nothingness, when through our spiritual purification; we will find the reason for our being, and our purpose. On the other hand, Robert Thurman, author of Wisdom shares his knowledge on the Buddhist tradition, and explains what he has learned throughout the teachings by the Buddha. It is with words such as: Selflessness, and Enlightenment, that we learn why this tradition is important to so many. What exactly is Enlightenment? And how does it differ from salvation? According to Thurman (2009), enlightenment means to look deeper into yourself, to find out what youre existence means to life, finding the greatest answer, the moment that will finally free us from the unhappiness that one feels from everything negative in life, which keeps us a prisoner within our conscious mind and soul. Reaching enlightenment means to finally experience the quiet and oh so calming sense of peace: Being in the zone. Religion Armstrong suggests that through the history of past civilizations, religious beliefs have always been and still is the link that connects us all. Whether spoken through different tongues or through art, the message is the same: religious discourse should not attempt to impart clear information about the divine, and should help us appreciate the limits of language and understanding (Armstrong, 2009, p. 38). However, it is the proof in religion throughout humanity that not only feeds our beliefs, but provides the essence of knowing that there is another dimension that could ultimately prove that there is a Supreme Being. By exploring the basis of religion in human culture, Armstrong suggests that from ancient times to modern culture mankinds beliefs have changed and evolved. Humans have gone from believing in many gods that govern our world to a belief in one superior being who created and controls all things. Armstrong also points out that by believing in a Supreme Being one loses the ability to understand the all-encompassing, wholly transcendent reality around them (Pg. 38). This being is not one that is in the form of man, but instead encompassed all of what man could see, knowing that life was continual yet, more importantly, it was what he could not see. It simply was a matter of knowing that something bigger than man, in fact, does exist. It is through the studies of Buddhism that Robert Thurman relates his experience in his essay, Wisdom. Thurman speaks of his journey into enlightenment, selflessness, the Buddha, and nirvana. He explains that enlightenment is different from salvation as salvation delivers us from harm, strife, and struggle. On the other hand, enlightenment is realizing selflessness. Selflessness is the awareness that you are now more perceptive; aware, that you have opened up your wisdom, and youve realized that knowing who you are is the trap, an impossible self-objectification (p.462). In contrast, this fascination with wanting to know thyself or self-knowledge is actually a fundamental misunderstanding, a delusion, this revelation is what became a defining moment for the Buddha, thus is at the core of the philosophy of Buddhism (p 466). The Buddha called his failure to know who he was enlightenment. that selflessness kindles the sacred fire of compassion; the inner self is now energized with compa ssion and the infinite life becomes your ongoing work of art (p.463). This could mean, that helping others will become an art form, that will continue to blossom in various ways. It is through unselfish acts of love and kindness shown to all forms of life, that we feel happiness: enlightenment. In Buddhism, the main focus is the mind. Enlightenment consists in realizing that Buddha-nature exists in everything and everyone (Lieberman). Buddhism leads you beyond your bodys (awareness), senses, breath, conscious mind, unconscious mind (nothingness) and then to the center of consciousness known as the soul within you, the main source of light and life within you. Knowledge The meaning of religion has never really been understood. Religious truth has always been symbolic and its symbols will vary according to context; they will change as society changes, and understanding the reason for these changes. In order to learn the meaning of religion and what mysteries it has to offer; many cultures present their beliefs through forms of art, music, or poetry which is transformative (Nielson, 2011). Karen Armstrong elaborates in great length and detail in her essay, Homo Religiosus, that some of these places were in deep caves that had writings on the walls. For many cultures, keeping religion sacred was to keep religious beliefs secret and holy by hiding them in the catacombs and bowels of the earth. Karen Armstrong shares her knowledge of such art by sharing her experiences in the deep caves in the Lascaux labyrinth, she comments that there are about six hundred fresco and fifteen hundred engravings there (p.22). Art, such as these paintings on the walls of c aves that date back thousands of years ago, have left mankind consistently asking the same ageless questions: Is there a god?; Why are we here? What is our purpose? And is there, life after life? People have come to realize that beyond the obvious for clues about the meanings and secrets contained in various art forms, religion is still mans creation. Yet, the quest for spirituality is the eternal search for a supreme being, the divine and the connection that binds all living beings. Armstrong sees religion as an expression of art. Still, with some of us, we can have an out of the body experience, in the conscious sense experience and never consider that this would be a privilege, the unknown or the self-emptiness revealing itself. Armstrong states that people become more alive and creative through experiencing nothingness, because it is comparable to a rebirth or rejuvenation of ones entire being-both spirit and body (p.27). Life is all around, as is creativity. Armstrong goes on to say that nothingness, is the moment when ones conscious mind and body becomes the sacred energy that holds the breath of life that explains everything you had questions about. Yet, many times to experience this nothingness; a person needs to experience a tragedy, the death of a loved one, or face death themselves. In order to feel and understand the meaning of which we are, what is; and accept that there is nothing more, we need to experience nothingness, and understand enlightenment . Selflessness is to understand that you do not know your inner self. the conscious thought that defines your spirit. Whereas, know thy self, defines the outside shell, your persona. This then will lead to discovering selflessness, which is the way to enlightenment. IV. Consciousness The self plays an important role on the Path of Consciousness because it is through the self and its many different aspects that we are aware of our emotional, energetic and vibrational reality. Through awareness of the material self, our third dimensional, human self-aspect, we are aware of our disconnection, fear and alone-ness in a vast Universe that we cannot control. But that is an illusion which lacks the element for transformation, enlightenment. To become conscious within our highest self-aspects we can enlighten the self, reminding us of our divinity and joining our human self into our spiritual self. Yet, when we consider the many different aspects of the self, all of which can be expressed as different levels of consciousness, we can choose what we will be aware of and can then apply enlightenment to those areas. Our reality unfolds according to the self-aspect we choose to express. To create a different reality, we have to enlighten this self-aspect and raise its energy. How much enlightenment is required? It depends on which self-aspect we choose our intention for enlightenment and the desired outcome for our post-enlightenment awareness. Our intention for joy, peace and abundance will guide us to the level of enlightenment required to achieve those things. As we choose our path, our self-consciousness can express the highest, most powerful aspects of who we are and our enlightened being will manifest the heaven on earth that can be our path of consciousness. The Symbolic Meaning of the Lotus Flower Lotus Flower grows in the deep mud, far away from the sun. But, sooner or later, the Lotus reaches the light becoming the most beautiful flower ever. The Lotus flower is in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the beautiful flower (Campos, 2010). According to Buddhism, every person has the potential to become perfect and enlightened, and it is just a matter of time until each human reaches the light. Buddhists that its necessary to be reborn thousands of times, polishing ones being through many incarnations, until one reaches nirvana the highest state of consciousness that humans can access (Campos, 2010). What Is Consciousness? Consciousness is a state of being in the sense that without it, we would not be nor exist nor have such faculties that allow us to make choices. Consciousness is our existence, our awakened moment. It is the reality between our now and the present. It gives us the awareness of being alive in the present. The science of the mind (religious and spiritual science) is where we look at the mind as an energy form. Conclusion So, where is the mind? This is a question that still mystifies scientists and philosophers. It seems to be widely accepted in some camps that the mind exists as an external realty to our physical form under its own consciousness, yet it remains a part of who we are. Where it exists, no one knows. Yet, it is claimed to be part of the divine essence of universal consciousness. It is the higher self and the real you.

Childhood Obesity :: Obesity in Children

Over the past thirty years, childhood obesity has doubled among young children and adolescents in the United States (National Institute of Health, 2014). It is becoming a great concern for parents as children are getting heavier and heavier (Eberstadt, 2013). Fast food restaurants, among other reasons, can be to blame for this. Obesity, which should be identified before any problems can occur, has many causes which has lead it to become an epidemic in the United States, however there are several preventions and treatments that parents can execute to help their children live healthy lives. Nevertheless, this requires parents to educate themselves about obesity. Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat. One’s total body weight would be more than 25 percent fat in boys and more than 32 percent in girls if he or she were to become obese. A trained technician may obtain skin fold measures by triceps alone, triceps and sub scapular, triceps and calf, and calf alone. In triceps and calf, a sum of skin fold of 10-25 mm. is considered optimal in boys, and 16-30 mm. in girls (Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Besides the skin fold test, there are other ways to measure excess fat. A measurement called Percentile of Body Mass Index, or BMI, is used to identify overweight and obese children. If a child is in the 85th percentile, he or she is at risk level to becoming obese. For adults, this means that one is overweight. If a child reaches the 95th percentile, which corresponds to a BMI of 30, obesity in adults, than the child is at a severe level. The 95th percentile identifies children that are very likely to have obesity persist in adulthood, and is associated with elevated blood pressure and lipids in older adolescents, and an increased risk of diseases. The 95th percentile is also a sign that the child needs aggressive treatment (American Obesity Association, 2014). Obesity among children is increasing on a day-to-day basis. Between 5-25 percent of children and teens in the United States are obese: about 15.5 percent of adolescents (age 12-19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages 6-11). Of children, 7 percent were obese from 1976-1980, 11 percent from 1988-1994, and most recently 15.3 percent from 1999-2000. Of adolescents, 5 percent were obese from 1976-1980, 11 percent from 1988-1994, and an outstanding 18.

Romeo and Juliet: Impulses and Restraints

Romeo and Juliet’s impulses and self-control used in Romeo and Juliet. In the play of Romeo and Juliet, many characters show how they cannot handle the pressure that they are faced with which leads to impulse and action which is taken without thinking it through. Many of the characters show a lack of self-control and exaggerations which leads to broken-hearts and many unfortunate situations which result in deaths and miscommunications. Over the course of Romeos love life, he tends to act on an impulse whenever he sees a girl that he likes based on her looks. Romeo can go from depressed and unhappy because a girl does not love him back, to very happy because he meets another girl that he instantly likes. Before Romeo enters the Capulet’s party, he spills his heart out and tells Benvolio all about how he's feeling about Rosaline because he is very heart-broken that she doesn't love him back. Romeo himself has never spoken to Rosaline and has based his â€Å"love† on her looks. â€Å"What doth her beauty serve but as a note/ where I may read who passed that passing fair? / Farewell. Thou canst not teach me to forget. † (Act 1, Scene 1, 228-230) Romeo keeps saying that he will never forget someone like Rosaline and that she is the one and only that he could ever be with. But then he sees Juliet and forgets all about Rosaline. Romeo compares Juliet to a jewel that is hanging off an Ethiop's ear meaning that it stands out. He says that she is the most beautiful girl in the world and that she outshines all the other women like a white dove in the middle of a flock of crows. Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear-, Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear: So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows, (act 1, scene 5, 43-47) Juliet acts on a rash impulse and decision when she sees Romeo at Capulet`s party and she instantly falls in love with him but when she is on the balcony, she shows a little bit of restraint in deciding to marry him. When Romeo finally approaches Juliet at the party, they talk for a bit then share a kiss twice with each other. Once the two parts their ways, Juliet knows she has fallen in love with Romeo right away and she is already making haste decisions on a relationship with Romeo. But when Juliet is on the balcony, she is very upset because she had found out from the nurse that Romeo is a Montague and since she is a Capulet, they cannot be together. â€Å"Deny thy father and refuse thy name. / Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, /And I’ll no longer be a Capulet† (Act 2, Scene 2, 34-36) Juliet just wishes for Romeo to swear that he loves her because then she will stop being a Capulet. Once Romeo comes out of the bushes from hiding, both Romeo and Juliet begin to talk about making plans to get married even though they just met. They would do the wedding in secret without anyone knowing. Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow By one that I’ll procure to come to thee Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite, And all my fortunes at thy foot I’ll lay And follow thee my lord throughout the world. (Act 2, Scene 2, 144-148) Juliet would want Romeo to send her a message saying where they would get married if Romeo`s intentions were actually true. She said to Romeo how she would lay all her fortunes at his feet and follow him all around the world. But before Juliet agrees to get married to Romeo, she demonstrates some restraint at first asking Romeo if them getting married isn’t too fast. †It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, / Too like the lightning, wh-ich doth cease to be / Ere one can say â€Å"It lightens. † Sweet, good night. † (Act 2, Scene 2, 118-120) Juliet referred to their decision as being too rash and fast as lightning because they haven`t done much thinking through with their decision and they`re making an impulsive conclusion to get married. Romeo acts on a reckless and foolish reaction towards Tybalt when he witnesses him kill his best friend Mercutio. Mercutio and Tybalt get into a brawl because Romeo was supposed to fight Tybalt but instead, Mercutio does it for him, so when Romeo steps in between the two, Tybalt thrusts Mercutio with the sword under Romeo`s arm killing him. Romeo gets very mad and immediately acts on his quick and careless emotions and impulsively goes at Tybalt to kill him. And fire-ey'd fury be my conduct now† (act 3, scene 1, 120) Romeo said this when he went after Tybalt which meant that Romeo didn't care from now on what happened because he just wanted to hurt Tybalt for killing Mercutio as revenge. After Romeo finally got to Tybalt he stabbed him and killed him which led to him getting banished by the Prince. This causes a conflict because he is not allowed to be in Verona anymore which means that he wouldn't be able to see Juliet anymore. Romeos impulsive reaction has not only acted against him now, but for Juliet as well because they just got married and they won`t be able to see each other from now on. Throughout the play, not only did Romeo and Juliet show acts of impulse and restraint, but other characters like Mercutio did as well which attributed to how others reacted as well. This resulted in broken-hearts and fatal events which affected everyone. The characters lack of self-control without thinking resulted in difficulties throughout the play which led to many problems that had to be later faced with.

An Analysis of Movies Armageddon

Among the movies that were released and made it big at the box-office in 1998 were the Armageddon and Saving Private Ryan. Although the first is a science-fiction and the second is a war movie, making their presentation of the use of film technology different, both films are pictures of totally predictable elements – loud noises and frequent explosions. The two movies both presented battle scenes – against the asteroid in Armageddon while it is a battle among soldiers in Saving Private Ryan. Best remembered from the two films were the elements of sparks, noise, vibrations, shouting, running, screaming, fighting, fire, tremors, crashes and collisions. The difference in their cinematography and editing aspects depicted the use of their own film techniques and technology.Saving Private Ryan has Tom Hanks and Matt Damon as the main actors. The Steven Spielberg war film told about the character of James Ryan (Damon), who has parachuted into France during the Allied invasion of Europe, has just lost three brothers in combat. Government policy dictates that he should return home lest his family be deprived of its entire male offspring. A team of soldiers, led by Captain John Miller (Hanks) and fresh from the beaches of Normandy, is assembled to find and save Private Ryan.The use of film techniques was manifested with the way how Spielberg and his crew recreated the arrival of Allied forces at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, by using water-level and then ground-level handheld cameras during a 24-minute sequence of especially graphic carnage. McKenzie noted the use of seamless SFX and advanced film-making techniques, the terrors of battle massacre are splattered onscreen. The viewing public find themselves totally absorbed in the war horror, â€Å"with the dizzying and expert use of a variety of techniques, including hand-held cameras, the speeding up of the often unrelated images, frantic editing, and varying film stock. Spielberg's gifted Oscar-winning cin ematographer, Janusz Kaminski brought a compelling war-newsreel look to a lot of the images† (McKenzie, 2005).Another technique is when the film started off with the title Saving Private Ryan. It started off like this to show the title of the film and show what the film is going to be about. In some films they show a bit of the film and then show the title. But Spielberg didn't want to do this. This showed the film might be really exciting and interesting to watch. The Saving Private Ryan title was written in white lettering against a black background. The black background symbolizes the people who died in the war while the white lettering symbolizes those soldiers who fought in the war and emerged as winners.Cinematographer Kaminski employed many different techniques during filming to set the mood of a given scene. During the opening sequence, for example, the film is overexposed a bit to give a sense of a documentary-like feel to the scenes. The camera work is often hand hel d and jerky too, heightening the sense of realism during the scene. But the disc handles all this easily and is a testament to the work being done by the folks over at DreamWorks.Saving Private Ryan is nothing but a demonstration of cinematographic skills in a totally inappropriate context. Why does film documentary style, with a shoulder-held camera to capture the chaos, yet so formally stage the scenes and with bodies perfectly falling into full frame, dying perfect deaths? This is because everything onscreen told the audience what came first in the making of the movie: more than the war, its aesthetics possibilities.In Schlosser’s review, Spielberg and his skilled band of technicians studied the photo archives and documentaries very carefully. Then they carefully re-created the settings, the shootings, the sounds and furies. And on the seventh day, they decided to superimpose some silhouettes (Schlosser, 2000).The science-fiction film Armageddon, which top-billed Bruce Wil lis and directed by Michael Bay, started when the space shuttle is destroyed in outer space and NASA astronomers discovered that a meteor shower is pelting away at earth and that a huge asteroid, the size of Texas and capable of destroying the planet is headed for a direct hit with the planet. With all options too fantastic to implement before collision, NASA decides to recruit the world's best deep core drilling team (oil drillers) to land on the asteroid, drill a hole, drop a nuclear bomb into the hole, then take off and remotely detonate the bomb.For the drill team, they select Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) and his crew that includes tough guy-softie Bear (Michael Clarke Duncan), brilliant smart-ass Rockhound (Steve Buschemi), A.J. (Ben Affleck) the overeager fiancà © of his independent daughter (Liv Tyler), and spacy Oscar (Owen Wilson). It's a race against time to get the drillers trained, land them on the asteroid and get the hole drilled before earth is destroyed.Aside from t he futuristic aspect of the movie, its other strong points are editing and cinematography. From sweeps around the NASA conference room to quick close-ups, from split-second backgrounds to the simulated, striking aerial view of the double launch, the camera work told the story with stylistic, often frenetic motion.The film’s use of advance technology saved the script which was the result of the well-shot but terribly clichà ©d montages, many showing Bay's vision of a type of classic America, people listening to news of the coming catastrophe, gathered in a Mayberry-like barber shop or sitting in vintage pickups, near American flags and farmhouses. Another technique evidence is the one shot of a group of boys who even runs past a clapboard store sporting a faded campaign mural of JFK.Bay directed this stuff with a sure hand and a lot of slow motion effects. His visuals are actually quite amazing, including the spectacular lift-off of the two shuttles. Side-by-side, the image i s from far away, as the spaceships race off, leaving a trail of smoke behind. Bay is a good director for color pictures, using oranges and yellows effectively. The cinematography is excellent, and the editing is fast-paced. The special effects are top-notch, blowing away anything seen in that other comet film. The opening sequence is one of the best moments in the film, and one shocking moment occurs when a meteor plows into a city and you see it completely wiped out from the top of Notre Dame.The work by Blue Sky|VIFX for the opening shot ARMAGEDDON is brilliant. In a single shot, asteroids pummel the earth, creating huge fireballs that envelop the camera, wiping on the film's main title graphic. The camera swoops by the earth, revealing the massive destruction of the meteor shower, allowing the audience to fully examine the effect of this disaster. Geological inaccuracies aside, the shot is quite memorable. Explosion elements seem in scale, and the slow camera movement is quite bo ld–all in all, an exciting prelude for things to come.The two films used the theme of human sacrifice. For Saving Private Ryan, it was the sacrifice of a team of soldiers for a single human being while Willis’ sacrifice in Armageddon was in order to save the world and all the people living in it. Although set in different societies – a community torn in war and a world face with asteroid, both showed the importance of having to sacrifice and even to be killed just to save either one person or mankind. Saving Private Ryan pictured that in a war-torn society, the soldiers are destined to sacrifice their lives notwithstanding if these are for the sake of only one or many people.Armageddon was also a manifestation of giving up a life but this time to save not only one single human but the whole mankind. The two movies told the lesson of a society of such human beings are worth sacrificing for and that it is only through the value of each and every human being that a society achieves value itself.The audience who liked these two films is assumed to be of giving value to human life. Although different in genres, the audiences were moved that the film gave credit not just to the technology and techniques used but more so of the theme and lesson behind the aesthetics of the films.ReferencesMcKenzie, Edward (2005). Saving Private Ryan (World War II Collection) (1998).Schlosser, Eric. (January 2000). On Saving Private Ryan. Bright Lights Film Journal, Issue 27. Retrieved January 11, 2008 from http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/27/savingprivateryan.html

The Jesuit Legacy in India

The Jesuit Legacy in India Abstract: The Jesuits arrived in India in 1542 A. D. to carry out Christ’s command to â€Å"go and make disciples of all nations† (Matthew 28:19). Over the last 500 years, they have woven themselves into the very fabric of India with deep psychological, theological and sociological connotations. This article tells that story; highlights some noteworthy Jesuit influences on Modern India, particularly in the fields of education, medicine, social service and leadership training amongst the youth; and, draws leadership lessons from these Jesuit achievements.The Jesuits demonstrated servant leadership, transformational leadership, and transactional leadership qualities. Without the Jesuits, the article concludes, India would be a different country. The Jesuit Legacy in India Ad majorem Dei gloriam. For the greater glory of God. That’s the motto of a religious order of men called the Society of Jesus that has quietly influenced India, and pro vided understated leadership to the world’s largest democracy in many positive ways deserving of recognition.The influence of the Jesuits in India extends beyond just the spread of Christianity, weaving intricate psychological, theological and sociological patterns into the very fabric of modern Indian society. Professor George Menachery – appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as member of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great in early 2008, and editor of the St.Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India and the Indian Church History Classics – writes in Volume III of the former publication: the â€Å"factor which has won the Society a lasting place in the minds of the people and in the history of the nation is the large number of spheres which it has penetrated and permeated,† and goes on to list religion, spirituality, politics, education, science, technology, meteorology, diplomacy, indology, culture, history, geography, language, literature, a rt, architecture, sports, medicine, healthcare, social reforms, leadership formation, tribal and aboriginal movements, and nation-building as some of the contributions of the Jesuits to modern India. Brief History The organization was founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius Loyola (1491–1556), and received papal authorization in 1540 under Pope Paul III. Amongst the original six members was St. Francis Xavier, who was an ardent missionary with the passion to take Christ’s message to the East. He arrived in India in 1542, almost fifteen centuries after St. Thomas the Apostle had brought Christianity to India.With the arrival of Xavier, began a saga of leadership by the Society of Jesus in India that continues to this day, almost 500 years later. Pre-British India The expanding influence on the Jesuits on 17th century pre-British India has been well documented by historians, among them Ellison Banks Findly, who writes in Nur Jahan, Empress of Mughal India (Oxford University Pres s) that Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627) granted the Jesuits many privileges, and spent â€Å"every night for one year†¦ in hearing disputation† amongst Christian and other theologians, and that his â€Å"most active interest in Christian doctrine was in the debates held at his court between the Jesuit fathers and the Muslim mullas. In fact, the Jesuit Mission of the Great Moghul was started at the request of Emperor Akbar, with Father Rudolph Acquaviva, the future Martyr, as its first Superior.The Jesuit Mission in Madura in the south was also begun at the request of the Hindu viceroy (nayakka) established in Madura, and later supported by Zulfikar Ali Khan (1690-1703), the first Nawab of the Carnatic. The Madura Mission counted among its members the celebrated Father Robert de Nobili, as well as Saint John de Britto. British India With the onset of British rule over India that effectively began in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey, the Jesuits found greater favor wi th the erstwhile powers. They began exerting increasing influence not only on the Christians in India, but also on the society at large.Even the Maharajas – whom the British allowed to reign as long as they paid their due taxes to the Crown – and their war councils and civil administrations, were positively influenced by the Jesuits, right from Goa to Cochin to Cape Comorin to Manapad to Mannar to Mylapore. Independent India By the time the British Empire was overthrown and independent India emerged in 1947, the Jesuits had entrenched themselves deeply into Indian society by way of leading and high-profile educational institutions, hospitals, charity organizations and other enterprises that became effective partners of the government in the young democracy in supporting growth.Professor George Menachery writes in The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India (Vol. III 2010): â€Å"the ubiquitous nature of the Society has through its varied missions become one of the most powerful influences in Indian history. Today there is hardly any Catholic ecclesiastical division in India or any revenue district in the country for that matter which does not boast some Jesuit enterprise or other, be it a school or a college, a technical training institute or an engineering establishment, a printing press or an infirmary, a seminary or a social service centre. † Psychological Influence on India Discipline positively impacted the Indian psycheThe Jesuit movement gathered force right in the middle of the Catholic revival called the Counter-Reformation that began with the Council of Trent (1545-1563) as a response to the Protestant Reformation, and ended with the Thirty Years’ War in 1648. Pope Paul III (1534–1549) led the Council of Trent, and tasked the attending cardinals with institutional reform to impact ecclesiastical (or structural) reconfiguration, religious orders, spiritual movements and political dimensions of the Catholic Church. New religious orders – such as the Jesuits, Capuchins, Ursulines, Theatines, Discalced Carmelites, and the Barnabites – were a fundamental part of this movement, and Jesuits in particular, greatly bolstered rural parishes, enhanced popular piety, succeeded in constraining corruption within the church, and played an exemplary role in overall Catholic renewal.These activities extended well into India. The Jesuit charter established by St. Ignatius Loyola was dictatorial and military-like (possibly emanating from the fact that Ignatius was a soldier before he became a priest); and, this iron discipline, rigid training and resolute character of the Jesuits created a deep psychological impact on the Indian psyche. Rev. Fr. Jerome Francis, a current Jesuit missionary in the Calcutta Province, opines that this perception of extreme discipline sat well with the general Indian populace and the rulers, and consequently boded well for the next phase of Jesuit growth in the count ry. Helped prevent Mysticism amongst Indian ChristiansAn example of rigid and inflexible discipline can be discerned in regulations such as Rule-13 of the Jesuit Charter that said: â€Å"I will believe that the white that I see is black if the hierarchical Church so defines it† (Jesuit Political Thought: The Society of Jesus and the State by Harro Hopfl, Cambridge University Press, 2004). Ursula King writes in Christian Mystics: The Spiritual Heart of the Christian Tradition (Simon & Schuster, 1998) that such rigid principles helped prevent the spread of mysticism amongst Christians in India, even while mysticism ran high in parts of Europe during the Catholic revival, with leaders like Teresa of Avila (1515-82) and John of the Cross (1542-91). The spread of mysticism made the institutional Church especially nervous because, carried to its logical conclusion, mysticism negates the need for priesthood and the sacraments.Since one of the central tenets of Hinduism is a formless God (â€Å"Thou art formless; thy only form is our knowledge of thee† – Upanishads), Christians exposed to Hindu thought were especially prone mysticism, as has been proven over and over again by later-day Christian mystics like Father Bede Griffiths (1906-1993) and Henry le Saux (1910-1973). Closer psychological integration with Hindu society The Jesuits also introduced to India the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, which was endorsed by Pope Paul III in 1548, and exemplified the Society of Jesus in the way these exercises helped the Jesuits understand human relationship with God, and live a life of commitment to Christ. The Exercises were a set of meditations, prayers and mental exercises designed to be carried out typically over a four week period, aimed at helping individuals discern Jesus in their lives and commit to a life of service to Christ.This rigid Jesuit tradition has been compared with devotionalism, and provided close parallels to Hindu ritualistic tradi tions, and helped psychologically in the closer integration of the Jesuits into Hindu society. Theological Influence Setting up of Seminaries Jesuits believed in establishing seminaries for the proper training of priests in the spiritual life and the theological traditions of the Church. Consequently, they set up several seminaries in India to dispense theological knowledge. Styled after the successful seminary of the Malankara Orthodox Church that was founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle in A. D. 52, and the Rachol Seminary founded in 1521 by the Church of Goa, the earliest Jesuit seminary was the St.Joseph's Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangalore established in 1763; followed by St. Joseph’s Seminary started in West Bengal in 1879; and, the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier founded in 1887 in Pilar. Today there are at least 22 Jesuit seminaries, many of them degree granting institutions authorized by the Vatican and the government of India. The foremost example of Jesuit theological excellence is the Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi that currently enrolls hundreds of students coming from some 70 religious congregations, dioceses, secular institutes and lay associations from every part of India and abroad. Setting up of ChurchesOne of the earliest Jesuit churches was established by St. Francis Xavier himself in Tuticorin. Originally called the Jesuit Church of Saint Paul, its status was raised to that of a Basilica by Pope Paul II to mark its 400th anniversary, and is now known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows, Tuticorin. St. Paul’s Churchaty in Diu on the west coast of India dates back to 1610. In all, there are over 110 Jesuit Churches in India, and these churches have always integrated well with Indian society in general, and with people from other faiths, in particular. To cite one example of this integration: During midnight mass on Christmas Eve in St.Paul’s Cathedral in Calcutta, the rush of Hindus is so he avy that the Church installs a loudspeaker system in the large gardens surrounding the Church, so that hundreds of Hindus who could not gain entry into the Cathedral, can sit and listen to the rituals. Evangelism Jesus commanded his eleven disciples to: â€Å"†¦ go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. † – Matthew 28:19,20 NIV. The Jesuits had evangelism as one of their stated goals, and their efforts first spread Christianity along the western â€Å"Konkan† coast of India. The Jesuits then spread both southwards (towards Madura) and northwards (towards Agra), continually converting Hindus and Muslims to Christianity. Rev. H. Hosten, S. J. writes in Jesuit Missionaries in Northern India and Inscriptions on their Tombs (1580-1803): â€Å"Under (Mughal Emperor) Jah angir†¦ several Mohamedan Princes were baptized†, among them â€Å"Currown, another of Jahangir's sons, and other of his friends (to make his way easier to the Crown) prevailed with Jahangir that his kinsmen Shaw Selym's Brother's Sons might be Christened; which accordingly was done in Agra†¦ that year they also baptized another Grandson of Akbar's. † Until the Protestant Missionaries came to India in the 18th century, the Jesuits were the prime force of evangelism in India. Typical and often quoted, but not unique, proactive initiative to reach out to the Indian masses is practiced today by the Indian Theological Seminary (ITS).Founded by the Jesuits, ITS is now an interdenominational seminary located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with Gilgal Gospel Mission as its missionary training arm. The Gilgal Gospel Mission trains men and women, and sends them out into the world at large in pairs, into Hindu villages, with a view to them establishing friendship in the villag es, and starting, first, Sunday Schools and, later, Churches. ITS prepares three types of Church planters (a) bare foot evangelists (C. Th), (b) Bachelor of Theology (B. Th), and (c) Master of Divinity (M. Div). Graduates who prepare at ITS fulfill its mission of â€Å"Preaching Christ and Planting Churches† in every village, town and city.Many return to their homes in the various parts of India to continue teaching, preaching, and planting churches. Today, Christianity is India's third-largest religion, with approximately 24 million followers, constituting 2. 3% of India's population. The popularization of Annual Retreats amongst Priests and the Populace As noted earlier, the Jesuits avidly pursued the implementation of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius that were a set of meditations, prayers and mental exercises designed to be practiced in the form of a four week meditative retreat from normal life. The basic purpose of these retreats was to mediate the human-God relation ship; and, periodically re-examine and re-validate the nuances of that relationship.Such annual retreats became popular in India not only amongst the Jesuit priests, but even amongst priests from other faiths. The concept of retreats spread to the corporate world too, and Sunanda Dutta-Ray writing in The Statesman dated January 26, 2006, mention three instances where Chief Executive Officers of large Indian corporations – all Jesuit alumni – instituted the concept of a 3-day annual retreat modeled after their experience in school. Sociological Influence The largest visible Jesuit influence on India has been the wide and deep sociological impact – in terms of the development of the Indian people and societies – that is discernible everywhere.Jesuit Education With over 30 excellent high schools, over 10 high profile colleges for higher education, and innumerable elementary schools and vocational training centers all over India, Jesuit education is much soug ht after in the country. The foremost examples of Jesuit higher education are the Vellore Medical College and Hospital, one of India’s foremost teaching hospitals, Xavier Labor Relations Institute, one of India’s foremost business schools. Even St. Xavier’s College in Calcutta has produced many industry leaders, the foremost amongst them is Lakshmi Mittal, whose company – ArcelorMittal – is today the world’s largest steel producer.Loyola College in Chennai has similarly produced many leaders for the country, even a President (Ramaswamy Venkataraman) and a world chess champion (Viswanathan Anand). Most of these educational institutions date back to the earlier part of the 20th century, if not earlier still, and played a vigorous role in nation-building when India became independent. Former President of India, Abdul Kalam, lauded the Jesuits’ role in India education, while opening the 6th global meet of Jesuit institutions in Calcutta: â€Å"†Jesuit institutions have a big role in the spread of modern education in the country. Being a Jesuit alumnus myself, I'm aware of the great contribution of Jesuit education not only in India but around the world† (as reported by Krittivas Mukherjee for Indo-Asian News Service).Not content to be restricted to India alone, Jesuits from Calcutta recently gave education in Afghanistan a boost, when two of them – Maria Joseph and Sahaya Jude – recently travelled to the war-torn country and started training students and teachers (as reported in the The Telegraph, Jan 4, 2010). It should be mentioned in passing that all Jesuit education in India is completely secular. Catholic students are given additional training in Catechism, but students of other faiths are usually treated to a secular Moral Science lecture, or – at most – a watered down Bible History. Jesuit Social Work Jesuits have deeply been involved in social work and social reform.W hole books can be written on this subject alone, because these engagements have been – and continue to be – so numerous and so vigorous. Caritas India has been at the forefront of traditional social work, as the front organization for Catholic Charities, with thousands of people and hundreds of project sites spanning all across the country. It is only one of the more visible ones; in general, almost every Jesuit organization practices social work in its immediate vicinity, and engages the students of all its nationwide institutions in social activities. For instance, the Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi has very active prison ministry, hospital ministry, slum ministry, tribal ministry, neighborhood ministry, and even a railway platform ministry.Many Jesuits ventured out into the villages and made a mark with their social activism. Just one such example is Father Michael Anthony Windey (1921-2009), founder of the Village Reconstruction Organization (VRO), who joi ned the Jesuits in 1938, traveled to India in 1946 and was ordained a priest in 1950. When he passed away in Belgium in 2009 while under treatment for cancer, he was mourned by the Church, social workers and villagers in India, because he had dedicated his life to using Gandhian methods to revolutionize village life in India. Said Father A. X. J. Bosco, a former head of the Jesuits? Andhra Pradesh province who has worked as VRO? operational director: â€Å"Father Windey was never bothered about the religion of the person he helped. While selecting villages, he always chose to help the poorest village. † Social Activism The involvement of the Jesuits extended to social activism, sometimes of a kind even questioned by the Vatican. Rone Tempest, staff writer, reported in the L. A. Times, Jan 21, 1986, on the Pope’s visit to India: â€Å"Significantly, the Pope will not visit the northern Bihar Muzafapur area, where radical Catholic priests have recently organized Hindu s erfs against powerful landlords, some of whom even maintain their own armies for private wars against their foes and bands of roving bandits, or dacoits.Similarly, when he visits the Catholic stronghold state of Kerala in southern India, he has no plans to visit areas in which radical priests and nuns, India's version of South America's â€Å"liberation theologists,† have organized sailboat fishermen, mostly Hindus and Muslims, against the motorized fishing trawler industry. † Leadership Training Service (LTS) LTS – short for Leadership Training Service – is a unique contribution by the Jesuits to Indian society. Initiated by five students of the Goethals Memorial School in Kurseong, West Bengal in 1959, Fr. Robert Wirth of St. Xavier’s School, Sahibganj, Bihar, was selected to lead the movement in 1970. Fr. Wirth did just that for the next 21 years from the LTS headquarter in Calcutta, and spread the movement to Jesuit educational institutes in 24 States. The LTS motto is: â€Å"For God and Country†, and resonated strongly with a developing India.The LTS vision involves the four-fold objectives of: (a) Personality Development; (b) Leadership Skills; (c) Social Awareness; and, Social Responsibility that leads to social development. The movement articulates this as â€Å"a journey from ‘I Consciousness’ (initiated through Personality development and mastering leadership skills) to ‘We Consciousness’ (achieved through inculcating social awareness and exercising social responsibility that leads to social development)† (as stated on its website: www. LTSworld. com). The LTS celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2009, and brought Fr. Robert Wirth – who collaborated in the writing of this paper – all the way from Malta to the LTS headquarters in Calcutta.Today there are reportedly over 15,000 LTSers working towards India’s progress. Leadership Lessons from the Jesuits Consisten t and long-term success is never a result of accident or luck. The Jesuits have demonstrated strong leadership qualities throughout their 500 year history in India. Servant Leadership The Jesuits, through their disciplined and exemplary behavior, became role models for the Indian populace who observed them, interacted with them, and learned from them. Influencing through exemplary behavior is a fundamental tenet of servant leadership. The Jesuits also extensively and deeply served the people whose lives they touched, through social work, educational institutions, hospitals and other missions.This service was, and continues to be, in the best tradition of servitude demonstrated by Christ. Transformation Leadership Mark Pousson, Program Director for Service Learning at The Reinert Center for Teaching Excellence at the St. Louis University writes in The Notebook, a publication of the Reinert Center: â€Å"Historically, the Jesuits espouse the power of transformation through conversati on,† (Vol 11, Issue 4), and goes on to say that Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, readily engaged people in conversation about God and spirituality. It is from his value of transformation through experiences that Saint Ignatius companions infused transformation in what is known as the Jesuit tradition of education.Jesuits heavily utilized this power of transformation through pedagogy and education in India, and – as earlier stated in this article – has left an indelible mark on the Indian education landscape. The Jesuits also practiced transformational leadership by inspiring Indians to strive for something better than they were used to, to push the limit, and to aim for excellence. Evidence of this is plentiful, but particular note may be taken of the Jesuit’s LTS (Leadership Training Service) initiative described earlier, which was a totally new concept in India when it was started in 1959, and continues to inspire and build the current g eneration of young leaders in the 21st century. In fact, the LTS movement resonates strongly with one of the fundamentals goal of transformation leadership: the make leaders out of followers.The Annual Retreats that the Jesuits taught the Indians and popularized amongst people of faith as well as the corporate world, was another instance where people were inspired and motivated to implement and practice innovative leadership solutions for everyday problems. Transactional Leadership Transactional leadership was commonly practiced by the Jesuits. A very common example was the exchange of better medical care for conversion to Christianity. It was a subtle but effective message. When the Jesuits set up modern medical care facilities in rural India – especially in the Tribal areas where people were not even Hindus, but practiced some form of pantheism – it is widely believed that it was not so much the preaching as the access to modern medical care that converted lots of tr ibal people to Christianity. Social Learning TheoryJesuit social activism, social work and its military-like discipline – all widely admired by the Hindus of India – triggered the positive effects of the Social Learning Theory, which argues that people learn best through a 3-step emulation process defined as: (a) observation, (b) imitation, and (c) modeling. When people like behavior they would like to emulate, they are motivated to do so on their own without having to be compelled in some covert or overt manner to oblige. Social Learning Theory, therefore, has feeds into the Servant Leadership theory, because servant leaders aim to influence followers through exemplary action and self-motivated emulation. The Jesuits in India put both servant leadership and social learning theories to good use. Epilogue In closing, a short acknowledgment says it all: Without the Jesuits, India would be a different country.