Sabbath Dinner Essays - Jewish Culture, Human Behavior, Shabbat

Sabbath Dinner The Israeli family is not an ordinary American family no matter how Americanized the kids feel. In most American families, with a teenager involved a Friday night is a detached night from the family. You ask just about any teenager what they do on a Friday night and they will say, "Party" or "Hang out with friends". On the other hand the family-dinner that my parents and I went to was at our friend's house and like most Israeli families they to spend Friday nights as a family; no one leaves the house until dinner is over. (Unless they go to a synagogue together and then come home to have dinner, or go to a friend's house together) Dinner is a whole separate ritual, there are certain things that have to be on the table, certain things they say and sing, before the meal, and the way that it is considered a special family gathering day. This really amazes me, because my family has never done anything like that before. The Shabbat dinner started at 5:30 PM, when we got there, they greeted us, and we chitchatted for a while, and then sat down at the table. The table had a beautiful white tablecloth on it, and antique plates at each seating spot, and really shiny silverware. Each person had one glass filled a little with grape wine, Sosnick Company. The really young children had grape juice, but my brother (the 13-yr. old) had the wine. That's because he, in the Jewish religion is already a man. Under each plate there was a napkin on the right side, and a book "The Shabbat Seder", with a colorful picture of a metal wineglass, 2 hallot (Braided Bread), covered, and 2 candles lit. On the table that we were sitting at each person had a metal wineglass, and there were 2 hallot covered closer to the head of the table on the side that the male sat at. There were 2 candles closer to the other head of the table, where the woman sat. Each male had a Kipa on his head. (It was a hat big enough to cover a bald spot) I asked what that was for and the head of the family replied. "That is so we are not being impolite to the lord" I wasn't really sure how covering one's head had anything to do with politeness but I didn't ask any more. The service started with the woman lighting the candles, and saying a prayer over them; thank you for giving us light. Then the man said a family blessing, and then he stood up and said the Mourner's Kiddush. I didn't want to ask if he was mourning or not, so I just sat quietly. After which he said the prayer over the wine, and everyone took a sip. He then continued with a prayer/song M'kadesh ha-Shabbat, basically thanking the lord for giving us everything we have now and that we are able to celebrate this day like this (with food on the table, a roof over our heads, etc.). Then we all got up and went to wash our hands. There was a cup standing by the sink, and each person did 3 pours per hand while mumbling something, and went back to the table. When we got to the table everyone was silent, and still until, everyone sat down, the father stood up and made a blessing over the bread. Then you heard the movement in the seats, as each person reached for the bread, breaking off a little piece from the braided roll of bread. Then we started singing songs, (Because everyone was singing them,). We sang 2 songs, which sounded really fun, and up beat "Hinei Mah Tov" and "Shabbat Shalom". After which everyone kissed each other as they said "Shabbat Shalom". Then the lady of the house went into the kitchen and started bringing out plates of chicken soup and matzo balls. It was mysterious for me why only the father said the prayer and at the end of each prayer everyone said "amen", so I asked. The man of the house said that it means, "so be it," I guess they are saying that they agree with what ever the prayer says. Then, while he was answering my question the lady of the house brought everyone a plate with soup, and we began to eat. While eating, everyone took turns saying how their day went, what they accomplished that day, and

Free Essays on Women Gaining Strength

Women Gaining Strength It is very obvious that the roles of women have altered significantly over time. Despite the fact that they are not as important today, a couple hundred years ago they controlled their lifestyle. During that time period it was a man’s responsibility take care of women and to be the one who represent their household. In the late 17th century the job of a woman consist of organizing the house. Keeping everything in the home running in a smoothly manner such as preparing all the meals and keeping up with the chores. It was very common for the males to have the voice of the family; therefore a woman’s opinion was rarely heard. In the beginning of the 18th century a few things began to change. Woman were slowly starting to stand up for themselves and voicing their opinions. This time period was known as a transition period, and women’s lifestyles were definitely apart of it. There were several different types of writers during this time. There were male wri ters and poets that still wrote about what they believed a woman’s life should consist of at that time. Majority of their writings were insensitive but some of them were considerate. Several stories and poems would bring down the confidences of many females are. On the other hand a couple of the male writers would put females first such as are Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser. This was also the time where woman finally started writing their own stories and poems. Many of them spoke out, voicing the thoughts on men, marriage, and their own personal beliefs. A two of the female writers are Katherine Philips and Margey Kempe. In each of the texts expresses a different concept on gender roles, which is why English Literature during the 17th and 18th century is extremely interesting. To begin with, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales, which consist of several short stories; the passage he wrote pertaining to woman was â€Å"The Wif... Free Essays on Women Gaining Strength Free Essays on Women Gaining Strength Women Gaining Strength It is very obvious that the roles of women have altered significantly over time. Despite the fact that they are not as important today, a couple hundred years ago they controlled their lifestyle. During that time period it was a man’s responsibility take care of women and to be the one who represent their household. In the late 17th century the job of a woman consist of organizing the house. Keeping everything in the home running in a smoothly manner such as preparing all the meals and keeping up with the chores. It was very common for the males to have the voice of the family; therefore a woman’s opinion was rarely heard. In the beginning of the 18th century a few things began to change. Woman were slowly starting to stand up for themselves and voicing their opinions. This time period was known as a transition period, and women’s lifestyles were definitely apart of it. There were several different types of writers during this time. There were male wri ters and poets that still wrote about what they believed a woman’s life should consist of at that time. Majority of their writings were insensitive but some of them were considerate. Several stories and poems would bring down the confidences of many females are. On the other hand a couple of the male writers would put females first such as are Geoffrey Chaucer and Edmund Spenser. This was also the time where woman finally started writing their own stories and poems. Many of them spoke out, voicing the thoughts on men, marriage, and their own personal beliefs. A two of the female writers are Katherine Philips and Margey Kempe. In each of the texts expresses a different concept on gender roles, which is why English Literature during the 17th and 18th century is extremely interesting. To begin with, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales, which consist of several short stories; the passage he wrote pertaining to woman was â€Å"The Wif...

Project on leaflet ordering within the workplace Essay

Project on leaflet ordering within the workplace - Essay Example These provide customers with comprehensive information regarding tenancy, ownership, entitlements, neighbourhood plans, safety, security and all supportive systems forming part of the housing scheme. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process and effectiveness of changes implemented in the ordering and display of customer information leaflets at KHT’s six offices across the borough. When undertaking changes in any part of an organization’s functioning, the individual, team and organizational levels need to be taken into account. Effectively addressing the issues that require change through relevant management processes, leads to the required results. It is essential to consider beneficial outcomes for customers, cost-effectiveness for the organization, have both vision and pragmatism, â€Å"pay attention to global and local issues, and encourage individual accountability at the same time as enabling team work† (Cameron and Green 2004, p.3). Effective management of change provides competitive advantage, improves enterprise and helps to consistently meet organizational goals. Managing change is a â€Å"complex, dynamic and challenging process† (Paton and McCalman 2000, p.2) involving assessment of the situation, planning tactical, strategic processes, and implementing operational changes. The work profile includes travelling to each of the Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) offices on a weekly basis, to check whether all leaflets pertaining to KHT and its various benefit schemes, support and services are displayed correctly. A short notice inspection revealed that some of the leaflets displayed were out of date. Secondly, it was found that staff members were not willing to take responsibility towards stock taking and ordering fresh stocks according to the requirement. This resulted in the ordering of excessive numbers of the information leaflets, causing expensive wastage. A

Schedual management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Schedual management - Essay Example The purpose of inviting shakers is so as to increase the number of attendees who will be readily interested to come for the event (Rahner 5). ?1000 is the amount of money that is estimated to be the fee that the group will demand as their allowance. ?1000 will be the grand prize for the winning team while the runners up will be rewarded ?500, and ?250 for the third place. ?500 is the amount that has been estimated as the expenses for preparations besides the costs mentioned above. The university is donating ?500 of the estimated ?3500 required. This means that further sponsorship to raise the remaining ? 3000 will be required. However, over 500 students are expected to attend the event where ? 25 will be charged for each ticket. This translates to a total of ?12,500 which is the least amount that is expected to be raised. When costs are deducted, about ? 9000 will be the net profit. Of this, ? 7000 will be used for charity while the rest will go to Alpachino kitty who are the main or ganizers. It is important to state that Alpachino are the organizers but I am the project manager. The ?2000 will continue to support the implementation of the project in the coming years. To ensure that the number attendants is increased, tickets will be sold for one month prior to the main event with emphasis to the fact that the charges is meant for charity purposes. Huge numbers of students are expected to flock in the event where The shakers dancers will perform. Background Information Alpachino is the best dancing group of which I am a member. The club was founded on 1998 by a group of talented students interest in dancing. Every year, the club organizes a concert that is always aimed at giving back to the community. Many welfare projects have been accomplished by the combined efforts and support of the university towards this noble goal. This year, it is not exceptional because on July 21st 2013, the club will hold a major dancing competition aimed at raising funds for the ch arity purposes. The club hopes to serve slum children that are in need by empowering them and encouraging them to come forward and showcase their talents and potentials. Such project has for the last five years rehabitated over 200 street children among many more projects. This year, the officials of the club has approached me and asked me to develop on their behalf, an individual project plan for the planning of the stated dancing completion to be held at the university in July 2013. I will use an initial budget of ?500 but the club will also sponsor the event from their accounts kitty. In total, an amount of ?3,500 will be the budget that I will use to plan the project. However, my project plan needs to demonstrate that any of the ?500 spent – will secure a profit and enable more money to be sent to the charity. Business Case Business Goals and Objectives The business goals and objectives for this project will focus on hosting a dancing concert. Raise money for empowering y ouths in the slums. Facilitate coordination and information among the committee members. The project will enable participants to showcase their potential and talents Will bring together people and facilitate interactivity and capacity building. Facilitate entertainment . Provide high level of event planning skills by organizing the event. Provide an open,

The Form and Function of The Eucharist in Modern, British Christianity Essay

The Form and Function of The Eucharist in Modern, British Christianity - Essay Example From the time Psychology became an independent field of enquiry the psychologists started studying religious phenomenon, especially rituals like the Eucharist. But for the exception of Islam and Buddhism all religions have some form of sacrifice. The Christian sacrifice of Eucharist is, in a way, the perfection of all the sacrifices that the world has witnessed, because it is the sacrifice performed by the Messiah Himself. Since no more sacrifices are required to atone for mankind, Christ Himself ordered mankind to perform the sacrifice in the form of Eucharistic celebration in which the materials used are wine and bread. But though the material used are wine and bread they turn into the body and blood of Christ. To find out the level of participation in UK two approaches have been used. To find out the general attitudes to Eucharist the tool of Focus Group was used. The study yielded ten different attitudes to Eucharist, ranging from wholehearted involvement to total apathy. Finally the statistical information on UK public to religion was used .It revealed that religion is matter of limited interest to UK public. Eucharist, par excellence, is community worship. Since the modern British Christians are members of religion only from the point of view of statistics only the participation in the Eucharist, is not matter of importance to them. Religious phenomenon started attracting the attention of scholars only in the latter half of 19th century. Religion was a subject surrounded in mystery and generally scholars did not study it as they studied other subjects. Subjects like sociology, anthropology and psychology however started making their entry into the study of religion. The attempt was praiseworthy as thinking man or woman is able to integrate his /her faith experience in the light of reason. In fact, many people thought that Darwin’s work would be the death knell of people’s faith in religion. But even after Darwin religion remains .The

Stereotypes Associated With Tattoos Cultural Studies Essay

Stereotypes Associated With Tattoos Cultural Studies Essay Tattooing is the act of making a mark on the skin by inserting ink to the skin using needles and dyes. The name Tattoo came from the Tahitian word Tatu which means, to mark something. Therefore, tattoo, in this case, would mean to leave a mark on our skin. As its name suggests, tattoos have become a way to identity and represent people in both the negative and positive way. From the past to present, tattoos have undergone a transition from religious practices, branding of slaves and identity of gang members to a widely accepted practice by everyone as a way to represent themselves. Yet, the stigma of tattoos can still be felt today. People tend to have an impression of tattooed people as evil and being part of a triad gang. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, it could be due to firstly, the way tattoo was used in the past, the fact that gang members do use tattoos as an identity and lastly, the image created by the mass media, we will discuss them in detail later in the pa per. To prove that these are indeed stereotypes, we will unveil what tattoos truly represent. The earliest Tattoos seemed to appear in Polynesia where archaeologists discover tattoos around the islands dating to at least the second millennium B.C. However, the exact location and year is unclear until today. Therefore, our project will be more interested in how tattoos were spread throughout the world. There was no definite answer to which country began to spread the use of tattoos. Margo DeMello wrote in his book that North America was the country that caused the wide spread of Tattoos when Captain James Cook visited Tahiti and discovered the art of tattooing there in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. He brought the idea of tattooing back to American and was since then spread to Asian countries. The picture below, Figure 1, is an image of an ancient North American with tattoos. In the picture, the person has a full body tattoo which stretches from the face to his ankle. In another source, A Brief History Of Tattoos stated that Egypt was the one that spread tattoos to other countries. Historical evidences of tattoos in Egypt can be found to be dated as early as before the Pyramids were made. Figure 2 is an image of ancient Egyptians with tattoos. It is visible that the ancient Egyptians had tattoos on their arms and legs. The trend of people getting tattooed today is an increasing one. In March of 2005, The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found out that 24% of the general U.S. Population had at least one tattoo; 17% of those people have thought about having a tattoo removed and 5% of them have had a tattoo covered up with a different design. The National Geographic News stated in April 2000 that 15% of Americans were tattooed or about 40 million people. The art of tattooing is so popular that the government of America had to set up a tattoo association called the National Tattoo Association to regulate the activities carried out by tattoo enthusiasts and to limit tattooing time and sales of tattoo equipments. There are two main reasons for the increased popularity of tattoos. Firstly, the process of tattooing is less painful and less time consuming today. The most common method of tattooing in modern times is the electric tattoo machine, which inserts ink into the skin via a group of ne edles that are soldered onto a bar, which is attached to an oscillating unit. This method is much more comfortable as compared to the agonizing traditional method which was to use a tool made of carved bone or wood, and tipped with a cluster of tiny needles, the artist punches into the skin with a succession of painful jabs. Figure 3 is a picture of ancient tattoo tools found in Egypt. Figure 3 Secondly, the media, although also portrayed people with tattoos in the bad light as we will discuss in the later part of our paper, it has also played a major role in transforming tattoos into something so popular. Advertisements for common commodities ranging from cellular phones to alcoholic beverages have in the past ten years deliberately included tattooed skin. The advertisement for Chuck Taylor sneaker has created an ad in which a man with facial tattoos is photographed with a pair of shoes adorning his neck. Therefore, with these factors, it is inevitable for tattoo to become so popular around the world. Tattoos are not worn upon the body but rather inscribed into the body. It is often regarded as a commodity which resists consumer throw-away. Tattooing is a product that involves the consumer to become the witness, participant, and life-long bearer of a unique production process; a process in which the producer and consumer unite in complicated exchange that is simultaneously ritualistic and individualistic. However, before getting tattooed, one will see tattooing as a process which they pass through various barriers. Like Lawrence, we think that tattooing requires one to pass through the barrier of entering the studio, decide the design of tattoos, the location of the tattoos and the pain of tattooing. The process of tattooing involves a needle vibrating in and out at an incredible speed dipped in ink creating an indelible mark on the skin that will withstand all the elements and remain there for a lifetime. As tattoos are permanent, there will often be a second thought whether they should get tattoos. For one to get tattooed, he or she must be determined to get tattooed in order to pass through these barriers. Stereotypes of people with tattoos as ex-convicts and delinquents were due to impression from the past. In the past, many countries used tattoos to mark criminals, to separate them from the majority and to deter people from committing crimes. In China, for example, authorities would tattoo the faces of prisoners who committed severe crimes before they were banished to another land. This is a severe punishment as prisoners who returned to the mainland after their sentence would still be identified as ex-convicts by people and it would be natural for people to shun them. Thus, it is not surprising that the impression of tattoos related to criminals last until today. People in the past also used tattoos in another way, which was to brand slaves. Slaves were tattooed by their masters to claim ownership of their slaves. In ancient Persian, tattoos were used on slaves to indicate both ownership and status. If a slave were to escape from their owner, they can easily be identified by others that they were slaves and who were their masters. Slave tattoos gave the people a status of slave in the past, slaves would be beaten up and abused by just any other people on the road. . In the Greek and roman civilizations, around 2200BC, tattooing was also used in a manner similar to that used with slaves-in other words, a man would tattoo a woman to ensure that she was recognized as his property and as a reminder to her to keep her sexual desires under control. Thus, people today may associate people with tattoos with useless people. People today look at people with tattoos as abnormal people; they would think that people with tattoos are not like any ordinary person, something must be different about them. One of the reason could be due to how dime museums and circuses in the past exhibited tattoos. In the nineteenth centuries, Freak shows better known today as circuses emerged. In these performances, tattooed people were considered made freaks, which means that they were not b orn with tattoos but looked like monsters. In dime museums, tattoos were exhibited alongside people with disabilities and natural wonders like wild animals and native people. Thus, this made tattoos seem bizarre at that era. Tattooed people as gang members? Secondly, tattooed people are often stereotyped to be gang members. This is true to a certain extent because tattoos have become a popular method adopted by gang members to mark their group identity and their alienation from the mainstream norm and social networks. Gang members in particular take pride in branding themselves as outside of the boundaries of conventional society. Tattoos have long been a means of identifying oneself with a group or culture and triad gangs were one of the first groups to use tattoos as a means of denoting identity and affinity. Tattoos are a way of both asserting membership in the gang and flaunting their lack of membership in straight society. For this reason, street gang members will often get tattoos on their hands and faces so as to permanently bar them from being a part of normal society. Tattoos can tell other details about the bearer, including rank in the gang and number of hits or other services performed on the gangs behalf, for example, the y akuza boss has full body suit tattoos. Tattoos were also used to express gang members often fatalist philosophy of life. One popular tattoo among Hispanic gangsters is a depiction of the smiling and crying comedy and tragedy masks, meaning, play now and pay later, or my happy life, my sad life. Clock faces are also found within the intricate artwork that can make up a gangsters tattoos. If the clock has no hands, it symbolizes doing time in prison. In addition, tattoos served as a way for them to disrespect the authority, a desire for revenge, obscene words and obscene images. Take for example, the Yakuza have full-body suit tattoos on them as a symbol of being part of the gang. Tattoos are painful and permanent, this permanence marks their undying loyalty to their gang leader and that they will never leave the gang while the pain derived from tattooing was a symbol of their masculinity and that they were fearless individuals. Tattoos were not just popular in the western triads, Asi an gang triads, like those in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan too have tattoos on them. Some Hong Kong triad members have dragons and phoenixes on their arms as a symbol of part of the gang. This may be because in Chinese traditions, phoenixes and dragons are auspicious and powerful animals. These symbols will bless them and allow them to be a successful triad. From our research, we see that that gang triads worldwide seems to have a liking for tattoos and the practice of tattooing, thus we can conclude that tattoos as a representation of gang triads is actually a worldwide phenomenon. Thus, it is no surprise that when people encounter a tattooed person, they will associate him or her with gang triads. Figure 4: A common tattoo among Hispanic gang members, usually tattooed on the hand between the thumb and index finger. Figure 5: This symbol that stands for mi vida loca, my crazy life. Southeast Asian gangsters have adopted the same tattoo of the three dots, defining its meaning as To O Can Gica, or I care for nothing. In this paper, we will examine the role mass media plays in creating and shaping the stereotypes of people having tattoos. Mass media which includes the newspaper, movies and television has always been a great power of influence of people, affecting our viewpoints, decisions, perceptions, beliefs and even our habits in life. This is because, advancement in technology has made access to mass media content easier to everyone, so much so that it has become a tool for people to obtain knowledge of the world. In addition, as the society we lived in is commercial- and media-driven, television shows, advertisements, movies, cartoons and even music will affect the way we perceive the world around us. It is important to note that our knowledge of the world or what is happening around is frequently derived from the mass media. Many times, it is difficult for us to experience or see it evidently to know of it. Hence, we assumed what portrayed in the mass media to be truth and evidence of what i s happening. Studies have shown that mass media tend to present a limited and recurring range of images and ideas which differs from realities hence the mass media is not a reliable source of information for the people. However, the mass media is not entirely unreliable as its credibility will depends almost entirely on the integrity of its author. This is often subjective among authors of TV series, newspaper and movies. Thus, we think that careful thinking should be taken when we are viewing the mass media and the usage of its content. We should not assume that all is true or wrong in the mass media but make our decisions and opinions on what is shown in it. Television dramas and movies like LOST, CSI and Prison Break(See Fig.8) have portray tattoos in the bad light, using tattoos as way to identify criminals, villains and gang members. Take for example, local sitcom Police and Thief, Mark Lee who acted as the gang member had a tattoo on his arm. The constant portrayal of stereoty ping of people with tattoos will cause people to internalize the image that tattoos are related to villains and criminals. The effects of internalization can be drawn to case study of mass media and thin ideals. Research shows that continual exposure to the image that thin is beautiful has result in people thinking that thin is beautiful. The way the mass media causes people to internalize the images of thin ideals is similar to the way it causes people to internalize the image that tattooed people are villains, criminals and gang members. Hence, it results people to view those with tattoos as people who are criminals, villains and immoral. Research has shown a consistent relationship between the amount of television viewed and beliefs about the social world. As our world modernizes, tattooing on criminals was abolished and became a trend for many others. The idea of tattoos being associated with crime and gang members also changed. This is partly due to the mass media and the change in gangs practice. Mass media created the stereotype that tattoos are associated to criminals and gangsters but on the other hand, it also showed celebrities wearing tattoos. With the proliferation of the entertainment media worldwide, it increased peoples exposure to celebrities which resulted in an elevation of the power of influence of celebrities. Hence, celebrities play a role in influencing how we see tattoos. Actors, models, musicians, and idolized athletes proudly herald the mainstreaming of a previously marginalized and historically underground practice. This causes tattooing to be gentrified and repackaged as desirable and fashionable. For example, David Beckham has a no. 9 tattooed on him to represent himself; the number he wore for Manchester Unit ed.Next, there is a decrease in the practice of tattooing in gang members, the reasons why they do not want tattoos will be discussed further in our project. To unveil the realities of tattoos, we will look into why gang members no longer want tattoos, and also show that tattoos actually have many other different definitions other than the usual image people have. As mentioned earlier in our paper, tattooed people are stereotyped to be criminals and gang members. Tattoos were a way to represent gang identity, it also became a way for the police to spot gang members and catch them. This causes tattoos to become a disadvantage for gang members and gangs. This is because their illegal activities could be easily discovered if police see a group of tattooed people around. Hence, some gang members and gangs actually discourage tattooing in order to allow their illegal activities to go unspotted. Take for example, in Japan, modern Yakuza bosses discourages tattooing in order to avoid the attention of the police. Another example is seen in the Yamagumi boss Takenaka Masahisa who has no tattoos. In addition, ex-gang members also try to avoid being identified as gang members for fear of being attacked by other gang members. For example, see in Figure 10, a man by the name Hugo removed his tattoos as he was attacked on the streets. From here, we can infe r that tattoos are no longer the proud symbol gang members wore to show their identity or ex-gang members wore to show that they were part of them before. With the dangers attached with tattoos wore on them, there is a decrease in this practice in some gangs. Thus it is a stereotype that tattoos actually represent gang triads as gang members can look like the normal average person without tattoos on them. Tattoos may be a symbol to represent the individualistic character of one through self-expression and creating an identity. Tattoos allow the wearer to be differentiated from the mainstream and contribute to the image of them as being unique. In Ervin Goffmans exposition, he suggested that the physical cues offered to others through scripted body performance are pivoted in shaping interpretations of the self. This statement was further supported by Mark B. Stephens , he said that tattoos are an important way to self-express and create an identity for many, especially the younger generation. Among the general adolescent populations, between 10% and 30% of adolescents or young adults currently have tattoos. Adolescents and their parents are often at odds over the acquisition of bodily decorations. For the adolescent, piercings or tattoos may be seen as personal and beautifying statements, while parents may construe them as oppositional and enraging affronts to their authority In using such decorations, and by marking out their bodily territories, adolescents can support their efforts at autonomy, privacy, and insulation. Seeking individuation, tattooed adolescents can become unambiguously demarcated from others and singled out as unique. Therefore, by having tattoos, it is a way for teenager to convey a message to their parents that they should be in control of their own body and life. In addition, tattoos were frequently used to create group identities, other than gangsters, in the modern world. Tattoos were used as an identity for modern women in Thailand as females were not allowed to have tattoos in the ancient times because the tattoo artists were men and thus, they were not allowed to be touched by other men. Therefore, women with tattoos in Thailand today would signify a new era and the change of conservative women image to a more liberal identity. Tattoos can also be as a symbol of following the crowd and worshipping of their idols. With celebrities wearing tattoos, it causes people who enamored with the particular celebrity to follow in their path. This has resulted in a different understanding of tattoos. Those who were followers of the celebrities would definitely see tattoos from a different viewpoint. They will not see tattoos as gang members but cool and fashionable. To the fanatics, their celebrities have the ideal look, thus they will try to look and act like film and television stars by adopting their clothing styles and mannerisms. Hence, we see that if celebrities have tattoos it could most likely cause their fans to have the tattoos too. Take for example, Angelina Jolie have lots of tattoos. Her fans tend to follow the trend and start to have tattoos on their bodies. Following with the group in case of peer groups will often affect youths. Youth, aged 12 to 17 undergoes a period of uncertainty of their identity as this is period which they are neither children nor adults. Adults treat them as children while they want to be treated as adults, but yet, they are still immature to make some of their decisions. Thus, it causes them to seek the peers for support as they are the ones who can best identify with and understand them. Youth become subjected to peer pressure as they would want to be part of the group. When their peer group wants to have a tattoo, they too would want a tattoo in order to be part of the group as the tattoo would be a group identity. Although there maybe some dissent about where and what tattoos should be place on them, but Youth would usually go ahead with the majority. In this case, tattoos may not be a symbol of being gang members or criminals but intent to signify ones unique identity among peers by being trend followers, w hich is to have tattoos. Tattoos as art Tattoos also became a way for people to decorate themselves, in a way, to enhance their beauty. Researchers have shown that celebrities are icons of fashion trends. With celebrities wearing tattoos there is no doubt that many people look up to tattoos as a decoration on oneself, thus they treat tattoos as a form of art. This results in an erasure of early images and meanings of tattoo by recreating tattoo as a form of art. People treat their skin as canvas and would tattoo as much as they like on it. People are so convinced that tattoo is a form of art that it led to the increase in number of tattoo art galleries for the appreciation of tattoo designs. These galleries display all kinds of tattoo designs, both ancient and modern, which help to understand the meaning behind this body art that is inked into skin. Tattoos are not only become part of the art gallery, it also became more recognized internationally. Many international tattoos shows were held as a way to showcase tattoos as an art. Take for example, Singapore Tattoo show 2009, International London Tattoo Convention were held to showcase tattoos as a form of art. These events received overwhelming response, with an astounding 20000 participants for the London Tattoo Convention. We see an increase in support of tattoos exhibition and that tattoos are slowly recognized as a form of art worldwide. Tattoos and Religions In addition, tattooing is a tradition for some religions as it represents their beliefs for their religion and can act as a form of blessings to them. Take for example Euro-Asiatic Catholics living on the Malabar Coast tattooed birds on their forearms as a symbol of the Holy Ghost, while Christian Serbs tattooed their arms with a cross. Catholic girls used to gather in the cloisters of churches to get small religious tattoos that they believed had magic powers in Bosnia and Herzegovina In terms of peoples belief and religions, wearing a particular tattoo would enable them, on dying, to pass from this earth to the land of the spirits. Moreover, tattooing has become a spiritual act as its process is often viewed as ritualistic. For some devotees getting tattoos after a long and painful process, they would usually feel a connection with the spiritual world and thus, tattoos became an important part of peoples spiritual identities. It was believed that human bodies are sacred, thus tatto os were treated as signs of recognition in the world of the spirits amongst the Naga, in Assam. This is because the husbands would choose a motif to tattoo on the shoulder of their faithful wives so as to recognize them in the afterlife. Similarly, Bengal Hindus believed that a person dying without tattoos wouldnt be recognized by his relatives in the world of the spirits. The pictures below are religious tattoo designs wore by devotees. Figure 11: Celtic tattoo Figure 12:Holy spirit tattoo How stereotypes affect their life? Stereotype will affect the life of tattooed people in terms of employability, finding a life partner and cause inconvenience to their daily life. According to a survey, 85% of survey respondents agreed that tattoos impede ones chances of getting a job. Regardless of who the real person may be, stereotypes associated with tattoos can and do affect others. In general, individuals with tattoos are often viewed as rougher or less educated.' Despite such prejudice, only 16% of employers have an official company policy on tattoos and piercings. Vault found that over half of employees with tattoos have to cover them up when they were at work. Forty-two percent of those surveyed admitted to having tattoos. Of that group, 40% had one or more tattoo. Therefore, this survey clearly showed that people with tattoos are prejudiced against and this caused inconvenience to them at work. Secondly, the stereotypes of tattoos caused tattooed people to have difficulties looking for a life-partner. Studies have shown that different attitudes towards people with tattoos. This is supported by a research done in United Kingdom, the results showed that tattooed women were rated as less physically attractive, more sexually promiscuous and heavier drinkers than non-tattooed women by men, with more negative ratings with increasing number of tattoos. This showed that men tend to find women with tattoos less attractive and hence, this made tattooed women less possible to find a partner. Lastly, people with tattoos experience some inconvenience in life. This is because of its association with gang members and criminals. Take for example, in Japan, public places like gyms, public baths and hot spring resorts forbid entry of tattooed people. This is because tattoos are greatly associated with the yakuza, the Japanese mob. Owners of these places are afraid that these tattooed people would cause trouble for other customers which will then affect their business and reputation.

Analysing Willfred Owens Dulce Et Decorum Est. Essay -- English Liter

Analysing Willfred Owen's Dulce Et Decorum Est. ‘Dulce ET Decorum Est’ is an anti-war poem, which emphasizes the intensity of war. The meaning of the ironic title roughly translated into ‘it is good and honourable’ but is not fully established until you examine the poem. The full title ‘Dulce ET Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori’ means ‘it is good and honourable to die for your country’. However the main aspect of this poem is paradoxical to its title. This demonstrates the message Wilfred Owen’s is insinuating and his attitude towards war. The poem is regarding Wilfred Owen and his troop of exhausted soldiers making their way back to base after combat at the front line until a gas shell is fired at them. A soldier is fatally gassed, is put in an ambulance dying slowly and then eaten away from the inside. Owen describes a man being engulfed by gas, â€Å"Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, Under a green sea I saw him drowning.† The death and distress is shown and the harsh actuality of war uncovered. It is almost as though you are reliving the agony the man is suffering. The reader is nowhere near as unfortunate as Wilfred. He was repeatedly tortured by his experiences even after having to encounter them. â€Å"In all my dreams before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.† It is an inescapable memory that haunts him even when he attempts to sleep, on constant replay in his treacherous mind. His feeling of helplessness from that moment were captured and frozen, regret for not helping covered with hope, the possibility that he was unable to do anything useful anyway. A sense of regret, disbelief and anger are reused in other anti-war poems that Wilfred Owen ha... ... aid the pain once and still endured. Owen has created a way that transports the reader back to the scene of the poem. Using the effectiveness of the senses. He describes the sounds, the smells and the sights around to give the feeling that you witnessing the happenings expressed. My final contemplations to conclude this analysis are not in despair but queries, whether it is rhetorical or not I am not completely sure. The thing that concerns me is how the government send men off to fight war when under the misapprehension that they are fighting for their country? Do they have no conscious, no guilt in sending the doomed youth off to their inevitable deaths? The decisions they make obviously have repercussions as do all decisions, but to knowingly condemn so many innocent people to physical and mental torture then death, to me is worse murder, is it not?

Economics of Baseball: Revenue Sharing

Economics of Baseball: Revenue Sharing Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada. The organization is comprised of a partnership between the National League, founded in 1876, and the American League, founded in 1901. There are currently 30 teams in Major League Baseball, 14 in the American League and 16 in the National League. â€Å"Since 1903, the best of both of these leagues have met in the World Series, with the winner of the best-of-7 series being declared World Champion† (Burnett). When the World Series ends, baseball's business season starts.Receipts are tallied to determine how much the teams that earned the most will have to pay the teams that have earned the least. Large market teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Chicago cubs â€Å"have an overwhelming advantage over smaller market teams which created an uneven playing field† (Alice). Revenue sharing gives small market teams like the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Marlins, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, a better chance at success by providing more resources to improve their roster.In 1999, a â€Å"blue ribbon† panel commissioned by MLB found that â€Å"baseball franchises traditionally generate and retain a large majority of their revenue locally† (Jacobson) rather than nationally, causing a large and growing revenue disparity. Vince Gennaro, author of Diamond Dollars: The Economics of Winning In Baseball, found that 70 to 80 percent of a team's total revenue is contributed to local revenue. Local revenues consist of gate receipts, local television, radio and cable rights fees, ballpark concessions, advertising and publications, parking, suite rentals, postseason, and spring training.Revenues that are retained locally are a problem because all teams participate in the same national labor market. MLB has no salary cap; therefore, it is the teams’ decision how much they spend on payroll. The teams with the largest revenues have higher payrolls and are able to obtain and make offers on players that teams with lower payrolls cannot. As big market teams began setting up their own sports networks on cable, the revenue disparities accelerated. The clubs started profiting directly from subscriber fees and advertising sales. At the same ime, other clubs began to benefit from building new stadiums. According to the Report of the Independent Member of the Commissioner's Blue Ribbon Panel on Baseball Economics, the amount of a club's payroll is determined by the amount of the club's revenue and it has been argued that â€Å"the size of a club's payroll is the most important factor in determining how competitive the club will be† (Elanjin and Pachamanova). It showed in just five years the ratio of local revenues between the top seven clubs and the bottom fourteen clubs more than doubled from 5. :1 in 1995 to 14. 7:1 in 1999, because of fast g rowth rates on already large revenues (8). The ratio of payroll spending between the highest and lowest clubs went from 2:1 in the 1980s to 3. 5:1 in the 1990s (9). From 1995 to 1999, no clubs from the 14 lowest payroll-spending teams won a Division Series game or a League Championship game and no clubs from the bottom 23 clubs won a World Series game (Levin, Mitchell, Volcker, and Will p. 2-9). All of the World Series Championships have been won by one of the top payroll spending teams.The conclusion was drawn that these problems were getting worse and unless the MLB took action, the problems would remain severe. They would have to break more than a century’s worth of tradition, â€Å"to ensure baseball's broad and enduring popularity, and to guarantee it's future growth† (Levin, Mitchell, Volcker, and Will p. 13). The panel recommended that the league should impose revenue sharing, a competitive balance tax, central fund distributions, a competitive balance draft, re forms to the Rule 4 Draft, and should utilize franchise relocation. Revenue sharing money comes from two pools.The first is central funds revenue, which comes from national television and radio deals, MLB Advanced Media, merchandise sales, and the MLB network. The other is net local revenue, which comes from ticket sales, concessions and media deals that each club negotiates individually. â€Å"Against that money, each club is hit with a marginal rate of 31 percent, which is applied across the board to each of the 30 clubs† (Brown). In October 2006, the MLB and the players association reached an agreement that requires all teams to pay 34 percent into a common pool, which is than split evenly among all 30 teams.The Competitive Balance tax, also known as the Luxury Tax, penalizes teams with high payrolls by making them pay a tax rate to the MLB central fund, based on how far they go over their payroll ceiling on opening day. Only four teams have broken the threshold since it w as put in place in 2003, the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and, Tigers. The Yankees have â€Å"exceeded it every year, paying $25,689,173 last year, a high of $33,978,702 in 2005, and a grand total of $174,183,419 over seven years† (Brown). As of 2010, clubs are taxed if they exceed $170 million in total player payroll.Teams who exceed this amount get a further â€Å"repeat offenders† penalty, which raises the percentage they pay to 40 percent. In 2009 alone, $433 million of wealth was transferred from high to low revenue teams (Brown). Major League’s revenue sharing agreement does not dictate what the recipients must do with the money once it is received. Simply stated by Baseball's collective bargaining agreement, all that is required by teams is that they must use their revenue sharing money â€Å"in an effort to improve its performance on the field†.This is so vague; the money can virtually go anywhere, even the club owner's pockets. The main problem is th at the teams receiving payments use them as their primary source of income. This allows them to keep their payrolls low but continue to receive large revenue sharing payments. Two of the biggest offenders of this are the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2003, the Marilins won the World Series with a team of â€Å"great young players† and â€Å"talented veterans† that included Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, Mike Lowell, and Ivan Rodriguez. That year, the team had a payroll of $49. 5 million (Cohen). Rather than keeping the players that made up that payroll, they traded Penny and Beckett for much cheaper players, and lost Lowell and Rodriguez to free agency. â€Å"By shedding these stars, Florida was able to cut its payroll down to $14. 9 million in 2006, which is less than 20% of the Major League average of $78 million. It was also less than half of the $31 million in revenue sharing dollars the team received that year. † Instead of using the money to buy or retain talented players, the owners used it as part of the teams $43 million profit in 2006 (Ray).The most extreme example of revenue sharing offenders has been the Tampa Bay Rays. From 2002 to 2006, the Rays received an average of $32 million a year in revenue sharing payments (Ray). In 2006, the team had a payroll of $35. 4 million (Cohen), $42 million less than the 2006 league average. â€Å"It won only 38 percent of its games and filled less than 40 percent of its seats for home games†¦ and collected more than $30 million in revenue sharing† (Lewis). Other teams, like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals, also received significant revenue sharing money but have kept their payrolls low.In Contrast, teams like the Colorado Rockies, have not been so frugal with their money. They received $16 million in 2006 and increased their payroll by around $15 million the following season (Lewis). Since 1999, millions of dollars have been transferred from richer big m arket teams to poorer small market teams in an attempt to create competitive balance and allow all 30 teams to share in the economic advantages associated with playing in big market teams; a large fan base, lots of press coverage, lucrative cable television contracts, and high payrolls and revenues.However, baseball doesn't force revenue sharing recipients to use the money on payroll. All that is required is that the team uses the money to improve the product on the field. The system hasn't restored any true competitive balance for the league since, generally speaking, we see the same teams in the World Series year after year. The stark reality is that lower payroll and smaller market teams can make more money by losing than they can by winning because of revenue sharing.So long as the rules and regulation in Major League Baseball remain lax and enforcement stays nonexistent, teams will continue to take advantage of the system. Work Cited Alice, Lynette. â€Å"Examining why MLB rev enue sharing doesn't work. † Helium. 2002-2010 Helium, Inc. 10 Dec. 2010. Brown, Maury. â€Å"Revenue Sharing Is Making An Impact. † Baseball America. 2 Mar. 2010. Baseball America, Inc. 10 Dec. 2010. Burnett, Dashielle. â€Å"Major League Baseball. † Business Insider. 6 Dec 2010. Business Insider, Inc. 11 Dec. 2010. Cohen, Gary.The Baseball Cube Statistics. 2002. 17 Dec. 2010 Elanjian, Michael, and Dessislava A. Pachamanova. â€Å"Is Revenue Sharing Working for Major League Baseball? A Historical Perspective†. The Sport Journal. Volume 12. Number 2. United States Sports Academy, 2009. 8 Dec. 2010. Gennaro, Vince. Diamond Dollars: The Economics of Winning in Baseball. Hingham, Massachusetts: Maple Street Press, 2007. Jacobson, David. â€Å"MLB's Revenue-Sharing Formula. † BNET – The CBS Interactive Business Network. 14 July 2008. CBS Interactive. 8 Dec. 2010.Levin, Richard C. , George J. Mitchell, Paul A. Volcker, and George F. Will. â€Å"T he Report of the Independent Members of the Commissioners Blue Ribbon Panel on Baseball Economics†. The Official Site of Major League Baseball. MLB Advanced Media, L. P. , July 2000. PDF. 11 Dec. 2010. Lewis, Michael. â€Å"Baseball's Losing Formula. † The New York Times. 3 Nov. 2007. 11 Dec. 2010. Ray, James Lincoln. â€Å"Baseball's Revenue Sharing Problem: Major League Baseball Hurt By Teams Who Don't Spend Money On Players. † Suite101. 12 Nov. 2007. 11 Dec. 2010

Finite Element Studies of the Pelvic Floor Deformation Essay Example

Finite Element Studies of the Pelvic Floor Deformation Essay Example Finite Element Studies of the Pelvic Floor Deformation Paper Finite Element Studies of the Pelvic Floor Deformation Paper Researches have been conducted to determine the factors that lead to pelvic floor deformation in women and solutions have been found although more has to be done to end the problem. There is hope for those women who have been suffering in silence for the reason that the anomaly can be solved or treated. This is a study that has helped to prevent pelvic floor damage during child birth and doctors are able to diagnose the problem. One of the main causes is the pressure and neural excitation provoked by vaginal child birth. This has been a big problem in women which has caused other secondary problems like unable to control bowel movements i.e. urinary and faecal incontinence. Pelvic floor dysfunction also causes pelvic pain in some women. The main cause of the problem is associated with the damage of connective tissues and muscles of the pelvic floor. : Modern studies have been conducted to determine treatment and preventive measures to the problem hence finite element for the passive and active deformation of the levator ani muscle are presented in this case. Models of pelvic bones have been used, which has signaled the possible remedy for the problem. Nevertheless, the mention of pelvic problems and consequences of childbirth such as pelvic floor dysfunction must not scare women who intend to have a family. Naturally the fetus cannot damage the pelvic floor during childbirth because the movement of the fetus gives an allowance as it rotates and the head stretches or extends upon arrival in the vaginal introitus. The Finite element (FE) was first introduced in 1972 and it is widely used nowadays in orthopaedic biomechanics for the micro-structural modeling of bones. The Finite Element works with a Computed Tomography but this technology exposes patients or the body to too much radiation which may be having adverse effects. However, scientific studies have introduced a new method for models of the femur and the pelvis from sparse Computed Tomography datasets. This method has the capability to take very complex geometrics using few elements which is the way forward to correct the problem. This is an advancement to solve the mystery of finding the right and standard measurement of the pelvic bones and the related muscles and tissues in different women because all women’s pelvic bones are different from one another. Even though the datasets may only have been restricted to the clinical interests but it is wise to introduce the structural information for the whole bone. The issue of radiation as been the bone of contention but with the advancement in technology it has been reduced drastically and accuracy in computations confirmed. But it has been noted that the more the reduced radiations the more deformities pass undetected especially if the pelvic bones which are delicate may be having minute fractures. Nevertheless, the efficiency has been ensured due to the discovery of the Finite Element in combination with the CT which has made it possible to handle a large number of datasets for examining the behavior of hip prosthesis. This discovery is very necessary because of the complexities associated with pelvic floor and all the surrounding muscles and tissues having connectivity properties with the bones next to it. Moreover, the comparison of datasets has been very accurate. A Shell Finite Element Model This is a model that can stimulate the pelvic floor. The main problem for many women is the pelvic floor dysfunction which causes disorders including urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and others. This is true after studies revealed that 50 percent of women aged above 65 years experience the problem. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs extensively to young and energetic women of child bearing age. Through the functions and the behavior of the pelvic such as support to the pelvic organs, abdominal contents and the contractions respectively has propelled researchers to design models that resemble the pelvic bones for experimenting and analyzing pelvic movements in order to find a remedy for many suffering women. But it is not yet clear what causes this pelvic floor damage however there is a general believe that this damage is caused by damage to the connective tissues and muscles of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor depends on other elements to function properly and these elements are the fascia, ligament and adjacent muscles. For surgeons to take corrective measures to the damaged pelvis floor they have to understand first what the main cause is and then reconstruct ligaments and the fascia. It is precedented that the future holds hope for the affected women because models have been made in a way to stimulate functions of the pelvic floor. Experiments are accompanied with calculations to ensure accuracy so as not to cause further damage during reconstruction. Moreover, extensive research has been directed to the contraction of the skeletal muscles which are of great importance. The research has been done using models and due to the advancement of technology, 3D will be a commendable simulation to demonstrate what really happens and what are the causes and cures.

Fate vs Free Will essays

Fate vs Free Will essays Fate vs Free Will - A Close Look at Sophocles' King Oedipus (Oedipus Rex) In the play King Oedipus, Sophocles suggests that while we have free will, this translates into little control over ones lives, as fate cannot be escaped. At the end of the play, Oedipus has been totally destroyed the reversal of his humanist confidence and prosperity is complete. When considering the downfall of a central character, critics often consider the flaws of the character that contributed to the destruction. While Oedipus considers that he is acting freely, his actions are inextricably bound with fate throughout his life. Sophocles explores the inevitability of fate while highlighting that the way we come to it is an open question. Therefore, no matter what Oedipus did to try to escape his fate, he would never have succeeded. Yes Oedipus was bad tempered, proud, and arrogant, but ultimately, the decisions and actions of Oedipus are irrelevant; he is simply a victim of fate. The future is hidden even from the men who made it (Anatole France). The individual does not know his or her fate, and a dramatic destiny is predetermined for some, and so life becomes an unravelling of events until ones ultimate fate is confronted. So, despite human endeavours and despite emotions and desires, the life one is fated to live will occur. Fate can be undeserving and cruel, overwhelming and unalterable, so much that no one can change its course. Even when others strive to help, fate will have its way. Indeed, in King Oedipus, Oedipus was such an individual for although exercising free will to determine the course of his destiny, fate ultimately had its way in that he would kill his father and marry his mother. Despite Queen Jocastas individual effort to change her destiny, that she would lose her husband to murder and herself will marry her son, she was unable to do so. Even though she gives up her son to death in the vain ho...

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Case Study Example The complains from the field consultants, immediately erupt as they complain of decision infringement on time spending and insensitivity to the relationship of business development. With little difference in the calling patterns after three months, Westerly defends her initiative and gives an amended proposal of the implementation plan of the product (Gabarro 57). Some critical problems emanating from this case are that Westerlys approach was not materializing as there were no remarkable changes in the pattern calls. This had serious implications that cost her so much in that her credibility with the organization was at stake and the RSDs as well as, the field consultants. Another problem was the risk of having poor relationship with the field consultants who did not take in her changes well. If the relationship failed that would mean serious risk for the organization. Some of the non critical problems would be slight losses during the transition period as well as small offenses that may take place due to change implementation as many people find it hard to accept change, but in time, this heals naturally and the accommodate the change if it works for the better (Gabarro 59). The proposed recommendations for this particular case would be to put up a strategy plan that focused on long term implications and at the same time, a plan that would have less negative implications on the organization as per the current time. This can be achieved by understanding the clientele, markets and priority to the development of

Sleeping Problems of the Elderly Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sleeping Problems of the Elderly - Assignment Example Sleep pattern assessment of community partner:- ================================== DJ’s Story:- ---------------- DJ has lived all her life in a small town . She is a widow nursing her sweet memories that date back to the days when her husband lived . In her hay days she used to wear the pants in her family consisting of her two kids (both boys) and husband , and now that she has crossed the threshold of 87 years she no longer is the same bright boastful lady ; she has grown peevish , is fussy about the smallest of things and refuses to accept that her three grandsons are incarnations of The Satan himself . Questionnaire :- ============ 1) At what time do you get up in the morning ? 2) At your age you mustn’t probably be busy doing household work when you are awake , so what is it that keeps you busy most of the time ? 3) How often do you talk to the other family members during the course of the day about yourself ? 4) Do you feel bored during the afternoon hours ? 5) At what time do you take your lunch ? 6) Over a period of one week how often do you consider taking a nap after lunch ? 7) At what time do you take your afternoon snacks ?