Meditation reflection Essay

In the last 2 months, I was personally struggling to concentrate on my studies due to the emotional turmoil. So, I was trying some ways to calm down my senses and also improve my concentration. Therefore, I was hoping to learn various techniques of controlling mind from the meditation class so that I could develop high level of concentration. One thing crossed my mind before the class is the feeling of insecurity and nervousness, mainly because of the fact that I am unable to open up with people in first meeting. I was also concerned about any negative effects in case I fail to follow all the rules of meditation. So, I attended the meditation class with a definite purpose of learning the process of developing a focused mind and ability to enhance my concentration level. The class i attend is offered on GW campus, and our instructor is Professor Malfitano on Friday from 1:00pm- 2:50 pm. The meditation class was not emotionally or physically challenging for me. In fact, the meditation process that was taught in the class did not involve any rigorous physical activities. Moreover, the techniques that were taught for meditation were easy to understand and enjoyable. I felt relaxed and happy during and post meditation class. All the nervousness and insecurity shaded away as the ambience was quite soothing and fellow classmates were quite friendly and welcoming. At the beginning of the class, I thought of learning only about certain techniques of meditation; however at the end I learned a lot of theoretical knowledge, techniques and specific outcomes related to meditation. I found out that the power of meditation is potentially high and its efficacy is far reaching in long-term perspective. Only with the aid of meditation, one can even change the course of life towards betterment. Therefore, the first session of the meditation turned out to be comprehensive and highly beneficial. All in all, I would say that the meditation class was quite effective in changing my internal thoughts, my apprehensions and belief system. In fact, the course exhibited immense potential of offering physical and emotional benefits in the long run. After attending the class I realized, that if I continue to practice meditation on regular basis, soon I will be able to concentrate on my studies. Since the first class of meditation turned out to be beneficial, I decided to go there on a regular basis. Therefore, my decision to continue with the meditation is defined as I firmly believe practicing techniques  will enable me to enhance power to control my mind. I believe that if I am able to control unwanted stray thought process of my mind I will develop the capability to counter any impediment of life. Thus, positive benefits associated to meditation have made me enthusiastic about it. Besides, one of the major benefits of meditation is that it is an effective stress management tool. Meditation enables any individual to know about controlled breathing techniques and in turn lowers blood pressure and emotional stress. For people of present modern world, leading a very busy and complex lifestyle, meditation indeed turns out to be an effective stress-management intervention.

Informative essay on obesity and weight loss surgery Essay

Weight loss surgery or ‘bariatric surgery’ are procedures which change the manner in which the digestive system functions, helping to limit the food consumed and in this way lower the weight of the individual along with lowering the risk of associated medical problems (NIDDK 2009). In certain cases, bariatric surgery also interferes with the manner in which nutrition is absorbed into the body. Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery may also have to ensure certain changes in their lifestyle such as regular exercise, dietary changes and avoiding certain other risks. One of the most frequently performed bariatric surgeries is gastric bypass in the US. Compared to other bariatric surgeries, gastric bypass is much safer, has lesser complications and can provide long-term results. However, there are also certain risks associated with the procedure, along with changes in diet, lifestyle and behavior. A lot depends on the patient for the success of the treatment (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). Indication Gastric bypass surgery is required in obese and overweight individuals who are unable to reduce their weight through diet and physical activities. As the BMI ratio is between 35 and 39 (obesity) and above 40 (severe obesity), the health related risks are higher and the individual can be affected with diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders, etc. However, gastric bypass surgery may not only be required alone, but along with it, exercise, dietary changes and lifestyle changes to ensure that the results of the gastric bypass are satisfactory (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). Bariatric surgery can also be performed if other methods of conservative treatment fail for obesity. The patient has to be properly informed about the details of the procedure, along with the benefits, risks and alternatives, so that an informed decision can be made (Medline Plus, 2010). The patient would have to give an informed consent for the procedure. The patient should also be committed to lifelong changes with diet, physical activity, behavior, medical monitoring and medication therapy. Insurance would be applicable for Bariatric surgery only if it has been medically indicated due to an obesity related cause, rather than cosmetic. Bariatric surgery may be indicated for adolescents only if other conventional methods have failed for about 6 months. Newer studies have demonstrated that gastric bypass may actually be ideal for adolescent obesity (NIDDK 2010). Procedure The entire procedure is done under general anesthesia, and the patient would require preparing for tests, dietary changes, X-rays (for planning the surgery), medications and hospitalization (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). In the US, 4 types gastric bypass are performed. These include biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), adjustable gastric band (AGB), and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). AGB involves placing a band around the top portion of the stomach to reduce the size of the stomach pouch to ensure that the food intake is reduced. In RGYB, involves placing a gastric band and also by bypassing the food directly from the pouch to the small intestine. In BPD-DS, a large portion of the stomach is removed, bypassing the food from the stomach to the small intestine and re-routing the bile and digestive tract juices, so that food is not absorbed and digested properly. In VSG, a portion of the stomach is reduced to ensure that the quantity of food consumed is reduced (NIDDK 2009). After the procedure, the individual should not consume anything for the next 24 hours. Following this, a special diet needs to be consumed, which includes liquids, soft foods and slow progress towards solid food. Following this, the indvidiaul needs to consume reduced quantity of food. There may be certain side-effects of the procedure (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). Results Weight loss surgeries basically work by reducing the amount of food being consumed or the amount of food being digested. Some surgeries bypass a majority of the food consumed resulting in reduced amount of absorption of nutrients. Along with dietary and lifestyle changes, loss of body weight can be achieved. However, there are also a few risks associated with weight loss surgeries. The individual may lose about 50 to 60 % of the excess body weight within 2 years of the surgery. However, exercises, lifestyle changes and diet need to be included in the plan (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). The risk of several health disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease, infections, and cancer can be reduced (Daniel Jones, 2010). Complications In recent years with improvement in the surgical technique, there has been a reduction in the rate of complications from the year 2006, by about 21%. The rate of readmissions has also been under a decrease (NIDDK 2009). Some of the early complications related to gastric bypass include bleeding, infection, leakage of intestine, damage to the intestines, heart attacks, blood clots in the legs, emboli, etc. The other complications that can develop include malnutrition, (such as beri beri, pellagra, etc), strictures, hernias (includes internal hernias and intestinal hernias), pneumonia, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia, gallstones, kidney stones, dehydration, etc. If the contents from the stomach move very quickly, it can result in dumping syndrome causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In patients with poor general health and with serious medical conditions, fatal outcomes may be a risk, but very rare (Mayo Clinic Staff 2009). In some patients further surgery may be required (Daniel Jones, 2010).

High School Life

Robert Revilla Mr. Osman English 35 #31127 March 17, 2013 The Past and Present of Teenagers Ask any teenager today and they will tell you that they are nothing like their parents, that their parents just don’t understand them. This may be true and this may be false, it just depends on how you look at it. Teenagers of the Rebel Without a Cause, meaning the parents of today’s teens, did face a lot of the same problems and issues that we now face. Yet I am left thinking did the past teens face all the same problems at the same time as we do and were some of their â€Å"problems† not as much of a problem as it is to us.Teens from the past and present are faced with problems such as school, relationships, and friends. There were many teenage problems back then in â€Å"Rebel Without a Cause† and today’s teenagers. Most of these problems that Jim Stark and the other teens faced were similar, but my own belief is that these same problems were not as big of problem back when they were growing up. Let’s take school and homework for example, oh sure your parents had it too but I just don’t believe that there was as much pressure upon them to get good grades. Also, get into a good college as there is for us.And of course with the knowledge that college is right around the corner most teens also need to work. They need to save money for college, or a car, or to make the girl/boy of their dreams happy by taking them out on dates once in a while. Plus, all this pressure and work can build up for a teen and to most of us it seems like we never have a chance to just relax and hang out with friends anymore. It relates to the movie because some of the teens do not care about homework or going to school. The reason is that was back then it was easy to get a job by only having a high school diploma with no college education.But, now in our teen lives it is hard to get a job with a high school diploma. Another thing that is different from the past from the present is the fashion that students wear. In the past, boys wear plain regular clothes and the cool guys always wear black jackets or blazers. It is similar like what a gang member usually wears right now. Except the gangs have their baggy pants or shorts and show their boxers in black or white. It is weird how those kind of guys like to show-off their boxers or underwear. For the girls in the past, they all mostly put on dresses. Now girls mostly wear skirts or short shorts.Plus, girls always try to put on the sexiest clothes to wear because to get all the attention and be popular. Like in the movie, Jim Stark wears different clothes from his classmates. The reason is that he moved to a lot of different high schools because he never made any friends and doesn’t fit in with the other teens. Also, in every high school he went to the teens called Jim, â€Å"Chicken†. Why he is called that because the teenagers see him acting like a chicken, when Jim does not want to get into trouble. I think back then music for teens like, â€Å"Rebel Without a Cause†, probably listened to rock and roll.But now teens prefer rapping and hip hop music. It’s interesting how music has changed so much in the past because teens loved to get crazy on rock and roll. I wonder how teens will react if music never came to rock and roll. Probably teens will make their own music or have to try out their parent’s music, which were more hip hop and dance music. Now teens today have a mix of genres they like to listen. Most teens in the present relate their music to their emotions. The reason is because they must have some problems in their lives and music helps teens release stress.Plus, I am sure that it happens to the teens in the past except not big problems compare to our teen years. I bet Jim Stark and his classmates love to listen to rock and roll. Even though it does not show in the movie that they played rock and roll, but back then there was a lot of rock and roll. The teens in the early years prefer rock and roll because it was something they can be themselves with their friends. Sometimes parents cannot stand their teen’s music and tells them to turn it off or take it away from them. It is weird how in the movie, it shows parents like Jim’s parents how they do not care about his school issues.For instance, when Jim’s classmates call him chicken, he tells them to stop and be angry to his parents. Then Jim’s parents decide to move somewhere else again, which happen several times. Jim does not want that because he thinks it is going to happen all over again. So, basically Jim’s parents do not really help him and his life that much. But comparing to today’s teens, Jim’s parents and other parents show more concern for each of their son/daughter’s education to make them successful in life. I can see that every year new parents learn from their past seei ng their mom and dad on how they take care of their son or daughter.Then later on the new parents learn from their parent’s mistakes and become a better parent. There are things that are similar between our time and the movie, â€Å"Rebel Without a Cause†. One is that teens hate doing homework and waking up early for school. Teens in the past and present struggle with their emotions like in relationships or family issues. Jim shows his emotions to his parents in the movie. He tells them how he feels every time when he transfers to a new school and he is not good at making any relationships or friends.The main reason is everyone calls him chicken because he is different from his classmates and they think he is afraid of them. I just want to say that I am not saying that teenagers of the past did not have their own problems, but of course they did, every single teen alive faces problems that they think is hard and that their whole world is crumbling down around them well at least once in a while. But now that they have grown up and turned into the parents of today’s teenagers I feel that they put more pressure upon their own teenage child in order for them to achieve more than they were able to.A common expression is, â€Å"My parents are so strict, overprotective, or too involved in my life, because they don’t want me making the same mistakes they did when they were my age but they need to trust me and just leave me alone. † And that expression can sometimes is kind of true. But all in all I feel that our parents do understand what we, as teenagers, are going through because they did face the same problems that we face today, but maybe with just a little less pressure.

Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Paper - Assignment Example In this case, it is not the role of the media to create the advertisement or generate the desired message. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to formulate the message, and then present it to the media for conveying to the society. Nevertheless, the fact that the media represents, rather than creates events, does not remove the ethical responsibility on the side of the media (Ap.org, n.p.). Therefore, it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that it avoids any form of misrepresentation of the events being reported to the society, through ensuring to accurately represent the event, without any â€Å"inaccuracies, carelessness, bias or distortions† (Ap.org, n.p.). The theory of Act Non-consequentialists can support this position, owing to the fact that it requires that each ethical case is addressed on a case-by-case basis. Thus, the ethical representation of the events by the media should be evaluated on a case basis. From what I hear from you Molly, the media is in the business of making money, and thus is there to represent the events created by anyone, regardless of the ethicalness of the events. While I agree with you completely that the media does not create events but rather uses the events created by other people or agencies to generate money, I really do not agree with you on the opinion that the job of the people working in the media is simply to â€Å"fill spots of air time and advertisements†. In fact, I hold a contrary opinion, to the effect that, although the media people are in the business of making money, they owe the society the ethical duty of care, requiring them to uphold ethics in every aspect of their events representation. Now if you may, please tell me how the media can effectively expedite its role of making money, and at the same time remain ethical. Tawania Reese, I support your opinion on the

Cancer Chemotherapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Cancer Chemotherapy - Essay Example The nature of cancer is one that has been the easis of much research and even scrutiny. Cancer is a chronic, metabolic disease...that is obvious. It isn't an infectious disease, which is caused by bacteria of viruses. It is a disease that is metabolic in origin. A metabolic disease is a disease that is linked with our utilization of food. Most metabolic diseases have as their basis specific vitamins and minerals. Let me give you a categorical or axiomatic truth to take with you. One that is totally uncontradictable, scientifically, historically and in every other way. This is that no chronic or metabolic disease in the history of medicines has ever been prevented or cured, except by factors normal to the diet or normal to the animal economy. There have been many erstwhile fatal devastating diseases that now have become virtually unknown. They have been prevented and cured by ingesting the dietary factors and thereby preventing the deficiencies, which accounted for these diseases. (Kr ebs) Cancer is a chronic, metabolic disease...that is obvious. It isn't an infectious disease, which is caused by bacteria of viruses. It is a disease that is metabolic in origin. A metabolic disease is a disease that is linked with our utilization of food. ... There have been many erstwhile fatal devastating diseases that now have become virtually unknown. They have been prevented and cured by ingesting the dietary factors and thereby preventing the deficiencies, which accounted for these diseases. . (Krebs,) science brings us face to face with a lot of things we do not like to face. We have become over-civilized. We are inclined in out delusory thinking to feel that here and there must be a magic out. That there must be a simple way, a short cut, that somehow or other medical science or some other man-made forces beyond our comprehension will do for us those things we must do for ourselves. And it is slowly dawning on us, perhaps too slowly that this thinking is fraudulent; that it is unsound. (Budwig) With new computing power and knowledge, scientists hope to develop lifesaving drugs more quickly and with better results (Sheridan) It took 115 years from the first description of blood cancer in 1845 until the discovery of a genetic abnormality instrumental in the disease. Now, 41 years later, a new drug, Gleevec, seems to be the first to offer promise as a treatment. powerful drugs just beginning to be tested for similar glimpses of potential will join Gleevec and hundreds of other drugs in the years ahead. But where do these drugs come from To the public, it may seem like a trial-and-error process of chemical guesswork, but cancer drug discovery has come a long way," says Nouri Neamati, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the USC School of Pharmacy and the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Drug discovery has entered a new era, with not only better

You will confront yourself and describe who you are by creating a Essay

You will confront yourself and describe who you are by creating a personal simile, in this case it needs to water - Essay Example Just as fresh water is limited in the surface of earth, I also have my own limitations because no one is perfect and the first way to change this is by acceptance. I am therefore like water as I am needed by everyone and adored by all. Water is used for cooking, drinking, irrigating land, growing crops, making other substances and drinks, cleaning, showering and washing among other uses. I can provide an endless list of the unending uses of water. It is as a result of these unending reasons that water is said to be life and people even dying for lack of it in some part of the world. These multiple uses ensure that people cannot leave without it and would do anything possible to have it. Just like the water has unlimited uses and importance for everyone, I also have unlimited importance wherever I am and hence turn out to be a great asset wherever I am. It is for this reason that I always want to volunteer my services and usefulness to all in every way I can without discrimination or prejudice. With this non-discriminatory attitude, I can work in any environment and with everybody without complaining but with patience, hard work, diligence and tolerance and in the ends success is always by my side. Water is amazing as it can transform its physical nature to other forms depending on the subjection to different elements. In its natural form, water is liquid. However, when subjected to extremely low temperatures, it condenses and then becomes ice which is hard and very solid. Extreme subjection to high temperatures turn it from liquid to vapor and escapes in the air unless trapped which then makes it to condense and turn back to liquid but which is more pure. I also change my attitude and energies depending on the environment I am in or that I am subjected to just like water. If my environment requires me to put in additional working hours or more classes in order to succeed, then I immediately change my

Hotel service operation management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Hotel service operation management - Essay Example SWOT analysis of the Web based training and development in this hotel helps us to carve a niche in the market. The marketing plan based on the hotel has to be designed and implemented to achieve the goals of business. It also provides knowledge regarding the strengths and the weaknesses of the business. By recognizing and analyzing the marketing strategic plan, the hotel can overcome its difficulties smoothly. The management and operation team of the Hotel solved the problem of worker turnover by increasing the expense of training and salary. For future strategic action plan, report recommended that room for conferences must be constructed at first rather than in the last year. The financial analysis of the Seaside Hotel includes the Total hotel revenue and total hotel net income, Rooms department revenue and rooms net income, Food & beverage department’s revenue and food & beverage net income, Occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and REVPAR, Refurbishment spending and extra f acilities built analysis, Short term and long term stability ratios, Staff turnover and EMS spend and activities. This plan could attract more businessmen and raise hotel competitiveness. The report also provides information regarding the effectiveness of Web based training and development method in the Hotel business. Appendixes of the report include Current Balance Sheet, Statement of Income for 3 years and Monthly indicator report for the three years. Report also includes aims, objectives, strategy, and formulation of program feedback and control of the study. Report shows the proper implementation of promotional mix could raise the market share and develop business growth in the face of strong competition. HOTS report also shows client satisfaction and loyalty through employee training and development program, by way of increasing profitability and development of the hotel, which was formed by satisfied, faithful, and productive workers. Finally the report shows that the proper

Critically evaluate the role played by Victim Support in assisting Essay

Critically evaluate the role played by Victim Support in assisting victims of crime and advocating for reforms on their behalf. And Critically evaluate the cont - Essay Example Other wise they loose the confidence in organized world and faith in other human beings which is dangerous to the society. Hence it calls for immediate measures for crime management and victim support services (Van Dijk, 1996). However, the successful crime management requires thorough study of nature of crime and causes of the same and nature of victimization (Joutsen, 1997). Hence this necessitates the reforms in the criminal law provisions and judiciary and also establishment of victim support organizations for providing services and assistance to genuine victims of crime (Groenhuijsen, 1998). This is made possible by victim support services, European court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. Victim support1 is a service available to citizens of England for helping themselves in minimizing the effects of crime. There has been a remarkable increase in incidents of crime in different forms in the European society. It is indeed difficult to solve these crime related problems for any person at his individual level with out any external support. Hence there is a strong necessity of some supporting charity or institution that aids the people subjected to crime. Its main objective is to reduce the negative effects of the crime and to manage the crime related after effects in most efficient manner. The role of Victim Support is highly appreciable in this direction. Moreover, Victim Support also promotes and advances the rights of victims and witnesses. Victim support also maintains the confidentiality and privacy of the victims of crime and hence it is liked by all the sections of the people. It is also committed to the service of minority and disadvantaged groups subjected to crime on priority basis. Hence here is a need to critically evaluate its role in assisting victims and advocating reforms on their behalf. Victim Support assists the victims to deal with their experience in most efficient manner. It also

Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) - Essay Example nologies Incorporated), principally involved in the integration of radiology images information into healthcare enterprise networks improving radiology workflow efficiencies, reduces operating costs and improves medical decision making processes. Thomson One (2004) will be utilized on this financial analysis process for it provides a complete presentation of various companies’ profile, financial statements, and past and projected operations that are very useful to investors, creditors, and other business entities as well for financial analysis purposes prior to business acquisition, purchase, merger, or investment undertakings. Thomson One exhibited quantitative information of the 3-year business operations of Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics Limited. Presented were financial statements as of 09/30/2007, 12/31/2006, and 12/31/2005. The most recent financial statement recorded was on 09/30/2007 and the balance sheet have these values (presented in millions): Total Assets (all current and 0 long term) = 784.41; Total Liabilities (all current and 0 long term) = 306.43; Total Shareholder’s Equity (all common equity and 0 preferred equity) = 477.99. For the rate of change year over year starting from 2006 (2005 as the base year), it can be observed that all components of the balance sheet had marginally increased: Total Assets = 83.03%; Total Liabilities = 303.16%; and Total Shareholder’s Equity = 19.83%. By 2007, Total Assets unfavorably dropped by 11.56%; Total Liabilities was decreased by 29.68%; and Total Shareholder’s Equity had increased by 5.95%. For the Income Statement of the company, the 3-year business operations had been profitable with its peak year on 2006 generating a marginal net profit of 262.685 (million), equivalent to 337.99% increase from 59.975 profit during 2005. On 2007, net income had decreased to 49.302, equivalent to 81.23% decrease in profit from the previous year’s business operation. Thomson One presents the 5-year

Behavior Disorders Related to Cultural Diversity Essay

Behavior Disorders Related to Cultural Diversity - Essay Example However, when discussing children and adolescents, the picture changes because individuals in this age range are still in the process of building their belief systems. The individuals who experience or construct behaviors which are destructive as a result of cultural diversity do so from a number of influences and causal factors. However, one factor that should not be used to understand these behaviors and interactions is that of racism. Although the individual may well be experiencing events similar to racially motivated disagreements, because the younger population is still constructing their core belief systems, we must look for other influences in order to understand their behaviors. According to Boucher, the issue of mental health is a valid discussion to pursue when inquiring into children and adolescent behavioral disorders. The child who is able to take a step back, so to speak, and look at a situation from a more objective viewpoint is a person who has a better foundation of emotional and mental health than those who cannot. When an individual cannot withdraw, and put emotionally charged feelings on a lesser priority level and consider a problem or situation from a more rational point of view, the person cannot detach in order to think more clearly and exercise behavioral choice over their responses. This persona has a problem with "detachment: or an inability to be objective or to distance themselves from circumstances. They over personalize events; they complain that they are the brunt of insults, the butt of jokes, blamed, or targeted; or they believe that they are victims. Unable to prioritize, they react to everything in equal proportion; molehills bec ome mountains." (Boucher, 1999) This behavior is not that which rises to the point of clinical detachment disorder, but rather is simply the learned ability to think through a problem, whether emotionally or racially charged or not. Boucher continues "The detachment difficulty evident in students with emotional and behavior disorders does not involve such a pervasive quality of unreality. Their detachment difficulty, rather, is a process of selective perception. These individuals can deal only with what relates to them; they cannot think beyond themselves; and they are unable to put order into their thoughts and behaviors, or prioritize." (Boucher, 1999) Thus Boucher has identified one of the inherent difficulties with approaching the subject of adolescent and child behavioral disorders as they relate to cultural diversity. Individuals in a culturally diverse setting are often more conscious of themselves, uncomfortable with how they do or do not fit in. When this is perceived as being motivated across racial divides the problem can escalate quickly. In other words, the younger population often has not yet developed the ability to step back and see the situation through a rational viewpoint. For example, black and white people groups within the American culture have unique, and yet often opposing views of the country and culture which give them identity. Black and white, a subgroup and a group respectively, have a different experience within the American culture which has given birth to what can be diametrically opposed perspectives on the American experience. For the white group, what could be called a ruling class by those who feel

Globalisation of Higher Education Essay Example for Free

Globalisation of Higher Education Essay The term ‘globalization’ means integration of economies and societies through cross country flow of information, ideas, technologies, goods, services, capital, finance and people. Globalization is a process, which has affected many areas of human life, one of those being education. The effect of globalization on education bring rapid developments in technology and communications are foreseeing changes within learning system across the world as ideas, values and knowledge, changing the roles of students and teachers, and producing a shift in society from industrialization towards an nformation- based society. Globalization has a multi- dimensional impact on the system of education. It promotes new tools and techniques in this area like E- Learning, flexible learning, distance education programs and overseas training. The globalization of education is shaping young children of a country into ‘global citizens with a broad range of skills and knowledge to apply to a competitive information based society. Globalization also facilitates international collaboration and cross- cultural exchange. Globalization of higher education is a major concern for all societies. As the essential driving force of economic, social and human development, education is at the heart of the change that is dramatically affecting our world in the areas of science, technology, economic and culture. This paper will analyze the positive and negative impact of globalization on Higher education for developing countries. Effective education system is the foundation of opportunities to lead a decent life. One should ensure that all Children should have adequate access to education at all income level. The paper argues that education is a core element of society. The basic cause of global inequality is due to the difference in opportunities in education between different countries. People can only contribute and benefit from globalization if they are endowed with knowledge, skills, and values and with the capabilities and rights needed to pursue their basic likelihoods. The accuracy of the analysis is dependent upon the accuracy of the data reported by various people of the country. The result of this study will help all the sectors of the society to understand better, the culture, values and education system of other countries and facilitates its adoption. Educators can also use this result to bring the changes in their areas if necessary. Introduction The term â€Å"Globalization† represents the international system that is shaping most societies today. Globalization is a process by which many areas of human life such as economies, societies, politics, business and cultures have been affected around the world. One of these areas being education. The term ‘globalization’ means integration of economies and societies through cross country flows of information, ideas, technologies, goods, services, capital, finance and people. It s characterized by an accelerated flow of trade, capital and information as well as mobility of individuals, across geographical borders. It reflect comprehensive level of interaction than that has occurred in the past, suggesting something beyond the work â€Å"international†. Globalization means more competition, not just with other companies or institutions in the same city or the same region. Globalization also means that national borders do not limit a nation’s investment, production, innovation and education. Therefore, the term â€Å"globalization† has acquired many emotive commutations. At one extreme, globalization is seen as an irresistible and benign force for delivering economic prosperity to people throughout the world. At the other, it is blamed as a source of all contemporary ills. However, while the theory of globalization is relatively new, the process is not. Roberson (1992) further states that globalization was initially discussed from economic perspectives, but soon after it became a topic for discussions among intellectuals from cultural perspectives as well. According to Giddens â€Å"Globalization the dialectic of homogenization and heterogenization† (1991. p22). In other words, globalization, by intensifying the interconnectedness among different people, things and ideas, homogenizes the world and yet at the same time, the world becomes heterogenized as people are more aware of differences due to the increasing proximity with differences under a globalize world (Giddens, 1991 ). The notion of the world community being transformed into a global village, as introduced in 1960 by Marshall Mc Luhan in an influential book about her newly shared experience of mass media, was likely to be the first expression of the contemporary concept of globalization. Cited in Epstein, 2002). After 1980, accounts of globalization focused on a professed tendency of societies to converge in becoming modern, described initially by Clark Kerr and colleagues as the emergence of industrial man (cited in Robertson, 1992). One critical issue that emerges from all of these restructuring processes is the central role of Knowledge, education and learning for the success of the Global Information Society (GIS) and global information economy. Globalization impacts all aspects of society. Higher education may and business contents seem particularly influenced by them. In the twentieth century, may developing countries have xperienced growth in the educational facilities available to them due to the entry of institution from the west. Some believe that this process is an invaluable opportunity for the people of the developing counties to increase their skills and standard of education. Other fear that it is merely a modern version of cultural imperialism that will lead to the creation of a universal, ultimately western society. People can only contribute and benefit from globalization if they endowed with knowledge, skills and with capabilities and rights needed to pursue their basic livelihoods. They need employment and incomes, and a healthy environment. These are the essential conditions with empower them to participate fully as citizens in their local, national and global communities. Education is a major concern for all societies. As the foundation and essential driving force of economic, social and human development, education is at the heart of the change that is dramatically affecting our world in the areas of science, technology, economics and culture. Steven Schwartz (http:// www. Ssn.. flinders. edu. u) believed that â€Å"Education, where possible, hould be integrated into the private sector because ‘higher education is increasingly and international enterprise’ and thus will increasingly be pressured and drawn into deregulation and privatization. † This paper analyses the effect of globalization on higher education and also discusses about the impact of globalization on higher education, various opportunities and challenges on the society. Imp act of Globalization of Higher Education. Education is undergoing constant changes under the effects of globalization. The effects of Globalization on education bring rapid developments in technology and communications are oreseeing changes with in school system across the world as ideas, values and knowledge, changing the role of students and teachers, and producing a shift in society from industrialization towards and information- based society. It reflects the effect on culture and brings about a new form of cultural imperialism. It brings rapid development in technology and communications are foreseeing changes within school system across the world as ideas, values and knowledge. The rise of a global society, driven by technology and communication development are shaping hildren, the future citizens of the world into ‘ global citizens’, intelligent people with a broad range of skills and knowledge to apply to a competitive. , information based society. The future of countries often lies with in their ability to compete in a global market where industrial based economies are giving way to knowledge based industries, realizing the importance of â€Å"knowledge skills and the intellectual capacity to meet the challenges of accelerated change and uncertainty†. Education is becoming a lifelong learning and training process, developing ransferable skills and knowledge that can be applied to competitive markets where knowledge and information is being trades as a commodity. Although globalization seems to be unavoidable to many counties and numerous initiative and efforts have been made to adapt to it with aims at taking the opportunities created from it to develop their societies and people, in recent years there are also increasing international concerns with the dangerous impacts of globalization on digenous and national developments. Various social movements have been initiated against the threats of globalization particularly in eveloping countries. The negative impacts of globalization include various types of economic, political, and cultural colonization by advanced countries on those developing and under- developed countries. In evitable, how to maximize the opportunities and benefits from globalization to support local developments and reduce the threats and negative impacts of globalization will be the major concerns of developing countries. Opportunities of globalization of higher education Knowledge is the driving forces in the rapidly changing globalize economy and society. Quantity nd quality of specialized human resources determine their competence in the global market. Emergence of knowledge results in both challenges and opportunities. It is well known that the growth of the global economy has increased opportunities for those countries with good levels of education. Globalization has a multi-dimensional impact on the system of education. It promotes new tools and techniques in these areas like- E- learning, flexible learning, distance educational programme and overseas training. The introduction of technology into the classroom is changing the nature f delivering education to the students is gradually giving way to a new form of electronic literacy , more programs and education materials are made available in electronic form. Teachers are preparing lectures in the electronic form and even students are presenting assignments and giving papers in the electronic form. The blackboards have been replaced by the LCD’s. The chalk has been replaced by the pointers and the power point presentations. Books have been replaced by compact discs. Even grades and the exams are gradually becoming available through electronic means and notebooks are replaced by laptops. Now the students do not have to carry heavy bags to the classrooms. Even the students can be examined through computer managed learning system and do tutorials exercises on a computer rather than in the classroom. Even, the technology has given the opportunity to deliver the material through electronic source i. e. via power point presentation and even the notes can be distributed to the students via electronic mail. With such changes and the emergence of video conferencing and the internet, the barriers of distance are being broken down at a rapid rate, due to the key aspect of globalization. Students and adults or in other works each and every person can now learn in variety of ways and there is no longer any need to be physically present in the education institutions in order to learn. The material is becoming readily available over internet, through video conferencing and tape recordings. Teacher can deliver the lecture to the whole class with the help of video conferencing without being physically present in the class. Now, the student of can get the education from any part of the world without traveling over there. The person can stay in his /her own country and et the education of which country he/ she wishes without going over there. Students can learn any time and at any place. Anyone can maintain libraries of texts, images computer software and other forms of data, anywhere at any time. The rapid growth of television services, with their immense influence as media of mass communication, has been very relevant in the technological shift. Other larger contribution to this shift includes the transistor and space satellites. Communication and information based technology over the years is the internet. This is a massive network of computers located hroughout the world. Developments in the delivery of education is allowing for individuals to explore new areas of learning and thinking that could not be done with pen and paper. They are discovering knowledge through inquiry and experimentation rather than memorizing facts in a teacher dominated classroom setting. Another opportunity of international trade leads to allocation of resources that is consistent with comparative advantage. Globalization results in specialization which enhances productivity. Thus, the international trade, in general, is beneficial and that restrictive trade practices impede rowth. That’s why many off the emerging economies, which originally depended on a growth model of import substitution, have moved over to a policy of outward orientation. Globalization of higher eduction also gives the opportunity in movement of capital. Capital is a key factor of production. Capital flows across countries have played an important role in enhancing the production base. Without capital any type of economic activity is not possible. Capital mobility enables the total saving of the world to be distributed among countries which have the highest investment potential. Emergence of strong capital market has been one of the important features of the current process of globalization while the growth in capital and foreign exchange markets have facilitated the transfer of resources across borders, the gross turnover in foreign exchange markets has been extremely large. The internationalization of higher education can be linked to various internal and external changes in the international system. Externally, there have been changes in the labor market, which have resulted in calls for more knowledge and skilled workers and workers with deeper nderstandings of languages, cultures and business methods from all over the world. â€Å"Modern education is almost exclusively focused on preparing children for an urban future. † Challenges of globalization of higher education No doubts, higher education has attained a key position in the knowledge society under globalize economy. However, the challenges faced are immense and far- reaching. Its impact on the clientele via, individuals, institutions, systems and societies are not only not clear but also not comprprehentible at this moment unless it is viewed in the context of various other factors that re simultaneously operating on the higher education system. Some agrees that the rapid cross national flows of people, goods , capital and information may dissolve the nation states, push institutions( university is the one) into a common mould where as others disagree. It is assumed that globalization promises dramatic and rewarding change to the higher education system, of societies, which are relatively stable in their political, social and institutional make up, while for the will performing higher education system. It is also true that globalization has given the dvanced economies a huge advantage as they had made enough preparation prior to its launching while others are caught in the trap without any preparation. Integration into world economy today’s implies not only mastery of traditional knowledge but also the capacity to acquire the new skills required by a knowledge society. It is therefore evident that an unequal sharing of the new communication and information technologies only serves to reinforce existing inequalities. While education deficits are obviously greater in developing countries, this is a major issue in developed countries as well. In many industrialized countries there is a persistent problem of illiteracy and low skills, which is and important source of social exclusion. Unequal access to education also fuels growing wage inequality and worsen the income distribution. The uneducated and unskilled in industrialized counties face sever disadvantage in an increasingly competitive global market. However, the provision of both primary and secondary schooling increased during the 90’s across the globe, but progress is inadequate and hides the differences between counties and regions. There are many evidences that the more rapid progress is possible if the political will nd the resources exists, in high and low income countries alike. The increase in poverty in the world is the most tragic phenomenon in this era of abundance. It is the cause of marginal and the exclusion of increasingly bigger groups of the world population and in particular, affects children, the young and women. As a consequence, we see the development of cultures of poverty and marginalization that lock the same people into the cycle of poverty and reinforce their exclusion. But it is still the inequality with regards to knowledge that constitutes one of the biggest challenges of our societies. The traditional raw materials and non renewable natural resources under threat of extinction no longer occupy the most important place in the process of production and development . It is knowledge in itself that has become one of the key resources of economic growth. The introduction of technology is also becoming a challenge to the society. As the implementation of technology and communication to be successful and to educate a society, both the students and teachers need to be technologically literate. Communication technology is offering new challenges for students of all abilities as they can discuss issues of concern with heir fellow students from around the world. A shift in education is becoming evident where more responsibility is being placed on the individual for his or her learning, instead of solely on the teacher. Subsequently, the teachers themselves also need to be highly technologically literate, needing the competence and confidence to prepare students for a global information society. Just because of technology and communication seems to be creating in human life between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ resulting in a bifurcated society of those who can afford such information technology and those who can’t. so too does globalization. While education institutions in western societies are embracing technology, developing countries are once again left behind, too weak and fragile to implement development programs for education, let alone introduce technology as well. There are severe limitations in delivering basic services. A lack of infrastructure and funding makes it difficult to implement any technological and communication advancements. However, despite differences in economy, political, cultures and society, second and third worlds have adopted educational ideals from western thought and are anxious to appear odern and therefore promote education as a symbol of modernity and development to their own population and the foreign countries. The spread of education internationally, as a result of globalization, has clearly had effects on Cultures worldwide. Now the sources of wealth come from knowledge and communication instead of natural resources and physical labour, which once characterized the United States as a n industrial society. This is a global rather than a national economy. The new economy puts a premium on intellectual capital and the people who produce it. This means that the demand for igher education is expanding dramatically. Education is needed throughout a lifetime, and the marketplace for that education is international. This growth makes education appealing to the private sector. Educational institutions have reacted by becoming more market oriented. Due to this increasing free trade around the globe- to end protection in many sectors so that there is more competition and privatization, education is increasingly being drawn into this global capitalist competition. The internationalization of education has become one of the key themes of ducational policy and planning in the 1990’s and the integration of worldwide capital and labour markets; educators are being forced to respond to a new set of challenges. The demographics of higher education have changed substantially. Less than one fifth of today’s college students meet the traditional stereotype of attending school full time. For the new majority of students, higher education is not as central to their lives as it was for previous generations of students. Research shows they want a very different relationship with their college than students have historically had. They are unwilling to pay for activities and services they do not use. Higher education is being subjected to greater criticism than in the past on issues varying from low productivity and higher cost to the quality of leadership and the inadequacy of technology use. This is an invitation to a private sector that rightly or wrongly sees higher education as the next health care industry. Another challenge is of currency trade. Currency trade has become an end in itself. However, the volatility in the foreign exchange has created often times panic situations. The most recent xample of this was the East Asian crisis. Contagion of financial crises is a worrying phenomenon. When one country faces a crisis, it affects others. It is not as if financial crises are solely caused by foreign exchange traders. Another, major concern is to deliver world class education with updated curriculum and practical exposure. This is possible only by attracting talented and experienced persons in to academics. At present it is difficult to assess not only the nature and dimensions of globalization, but also what it means to the field of education. A few educational researchers have attempted to made onnections between the several dimensions of globalization and the policies of education. Globalization of Higher Education in India India is also following the global phenomenon. As part of globalization, the economic reform packages were introduced in India in the beginning of 1991. These reform packages imposed a heavy compression on the public budgets on education sector, more specifically so on higher education. This has trickled down to public expenditure on education in general, and higher education in particular. Indian government and Indian corporate sector has recognized the importance of management ducation in the ganging global scenario. Today under the reforming economic conditions, integration of the Indian economy with world economy presupposes efficiency and competitiveness in the domestic front as well as in the international arena. As the process of globalization is technology-driven, and knowledge driven, the very success of economic reform policies critically depends upon the competence of human capital. But, what is observed is the reverse. Even within the education sector, relative priority assigned to higher education has been on the decline. It is to be realized that higher education institutions lay an important role insetting the academic standard for primary and secondary education. They are also responsible for not only providing the specialized human capital in order to corner the gains from globalization, but also for training inside the country, provide policy advice, etc. Globalization is expected to have a positive influence on the volume, quality an spread of knowledge through increased interaction among the various states. Today our education system is strong enough but central and state governments should change their roles with in the education system, re- inventing them as facilitating supervisory rganizations. Teacher training, infrastructure and syllabuses need to be urgently upgraded. Industry should come forward to share experience with students and to offer more opportunities for live projects. Commercial institutions offering specialized education have come up everywhere. In view of globalization many corporate universities, both foreign and Indian, are encroaching upon our government institutions. Our Institutes like IIM’S and IIT’S have produced world class professionals. These institutes imparts quality education as per industry expectations and give due importance to institute Industry interface. Under the new scenario, Government – Private partnership is becoming important in Management Education. Now India is a transforming country. We are near to achieve status of developed nation. The demand for higher education has been growing rapidly with comparatively faster growth in enrolment in higher educational institutions than the growth in number of higher educational institutions. The growth rates are doubled among the students enrolled in post- graduate and research, while the number of institutions for post –graduate and research studies has grown at a slower rate in 1990’s than in 1980’s. India is witnessing new era in the field of Management Education. Many Corporate groups like Reliance, Nirma, Tata, Sterlite etc have promoted Management Institutes. Some reputed foreign universities are also coming to India. But government should issue some guidelines so that fees structure remains with in certain limit and those who are from economically poor background have same opportunity. Conclusion Globalization has had many obvious effects on educational technology and communication systems change the way education is delivered as well as roles played by both teachers and tudents. The development of this technology is facilitating the transition from an industrial based society to an information-based one. At the same time, there is a dark side to globalization and to the very openness of the new information systems. While the richest countries grow richer, the poor are becoming poorer. Income, information and education gaps between the rich and the poor are widening not narrowing: economic crises, trade imbalances and structural adjustments have precipitated a moral crisis in many countries, tearing the basic social and ultural fabric of many families and communities apart, resulting in increasing youth unemployment , suicide, violence, racism and drug abuse and anti social behavior form schools. In the 21st century, education systems face the dual challenge of equipping students with the new knowledge, skills and values needed to be competitive in a global market while at the same time producing graduates who are responsible adults, good citizens both of their country and of the world. Thus, globalization challenges us to rethink not only how much education is needed but also its ultimate purposes.

Thomas the Apostle in India Essay Example for Free

Thomas the Apostle in India Essay The essay will discuss the debate concerning the arrival of Thomas Apostle to India. Based on the information available to researchers, the paper will argue that St. Thomas had actually lived in India. Two different theories that present opposing views concerning this topic will be presented in this paper. One theory argues that Thomas the Apostle had stayed in South India, while another theory argues that Thomas the Apostle did not come to India. There is also controversy regarding the place that was visited by the great saint. One group argues that he had stayed in North India while another group of scholars argue that in actuality he had stayed in the south. The essay will cover various facts, issues, and debates concerning Thomas the Apostles’ arrival to India. Malabar, the land where the apostle is said to have arrived, maintained trade and cultural contact with the western world. This was the center of the Jewish and Christian settlements, the remains of which can be seen even today. Many Christians decided to stay in Cranganore, a Malabar port, in order to avoid their harassment by the Roman Empire in Jerusalem. This shows that from historical times, Christians showed their liking for South Indian regions. (Coipuram, 2002)   Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ ordered St. Thomas to go the East particularly to India and China in order to spread the message of Christianity. St. Thomas arrived in South India in the year 52 AD. (Coipuram, 2002)   St. Thomas worked with the Christians as well as the local community. He was able to impress the people and the kings through his miracles. At the same time, his acts inspired the orthodox Brahmins of South India to kill him in 72 AD in Mylapore in the present Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state. (Coipuram, 2002)     The remains of the saint were taken to Turkey in 8th century and later they were sent to Rome. (Coipuram, 2002) It is stated that St. Thomas had constructed seven churches in different parts of Malabar. Christians of the region celebrate several festivals that are connected with the activities of St. Thomas. Many Christian communities came to India from Turkey. In the year 345 AD, some Christians settled in Cranganore. The Christians of the regions are known as the St. Thomas Christians. (Coipuram, 2002) Information regarding the activities of St. Thomas in India is found in the book â€Å"Acta Thomae† or Acts of Judas Thomas, which is dated to the end of 1st century AD. (Ninnan, n.d) The book is available in various languages including Syrian, Greek, Latin, Armenian, and Ethiopic. According to this book, St. Thomas and other apostles shared the whole world among themselves for the purpose of propagating Christianity. Jesus Christ sold Thomas to Habban of India who was looking for a carpenter. (Ninnan, n.d)   This forced Thomas to accompany Habban to India. Thomas reached the kingdom of Gondaphorus where Thomas was asked to build a palace.   St. Thomas performed various miracles winning the hearts of many people in India. Consequently, he was able to convert a few Indians. St. Thomas converted the Gondaphorus king, king of Mazdai, a noble lady named Mygdonia, and Tertia, the queen of Mazdai. (Ninnan, n.d)   The book â€Å"Acta Thomae† also states that the apostle became an apostle outside the city of the kingdom as he was killed by four soldiers. (Ninnan, n.d)   The book reveals that St. Thomas had arrived and stayed in India. (Ninnan, n.d)   There are many local traditions that claim that St. Thomas had arrived and stayed in South India. Such traditions are found in the works such as Songs of Nazranis, Thomma Parvam (1601 AD), and Veeradian Pattu. (Ninnan, n.d.) The local traditions claim that St. Thomas had stayed in Cranganore and converted the local people into Christianity. It is said that during the initial years of the stay of St. Thomas in Cranganore, he converted the Jewish settlers in the region. (Ninnan, n.d)   In the next phase, he converted 75 Brahmin families and 3000 others, who were obviously impressed by his miracles. (Ninnan, n.d.) The South Indian connection of St. Thomas is proved by the theory that due to the discovery of Hippalus wind in 45 AD, many westerners used to sail from Yemen directly to the Malabar Coast. (Ninnan, n.d.) Therefore, it is suggested that Thomas had stayed in the Malabar region. Apart from this theory and local traditions, there are no other strong evidences to state that St.Thomas had actually stayed in South India.    St. Thomas’s stay and death in North India is mentioned in the ancient Syrian texts. There are archaeological and literary evidences to state that the king of Gondaphorus had maintained contact with Christian saints and that he was finally converted to Christianity. (Ninnan, n.d.)   Nevertheless, it is not important whether St. Thomas had stayed in North India or South India. The Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal book, gives information pertaining to the work of St. Thomas in India. This book was not given much importance by the church authorities as it was believed that the book had undermined the teachings of Jesus, but researchers do not accept such allegations as this book does not contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ. (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1) The book the Gospel of Thomas mentions that since St. Thomas refused to go to India, he was compelled by Jesus Christ to go to the East by selling Thomas to Abban, an envoy of the king Gundaphor. (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1) It is stated that after coming to India, the apostle, instead of constructing a palace as he was asked by the king, distributed the money among the poor, which enraged the king who imprisoned the saint. (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1)   Eventually, the king realized the divine power of the saint and accepted Christianity. The evidence of this book also shows that St. Thomas had come to North India although South Indians claim that he had stayed in South India.   (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1) There are two phases of Thomas’s activities in India. In the first phase, he taught the Parthians ruled by the famous king Gondaphares who lived during 1st century AD. (Medlycott n.d.) In the earliest ecclesiastical writings, one gets the information pertaining to the first phase of the stay of Thomas in India. During the second phase, he seems to have visited South India. (Medlycott n.d.) This is because it is widely believed that St. Thomas died in Mylapore and his tomb could be found in this city although later his body remains were taken to Turkey. (Medlycott n.d.) This is proved by the evidences provided by various scholars who visited this region from the early years of Christian era to the Portuguese period. The Portuguese scholars have mentioned the existence of Christian traditions in Mylapore. (Medlycott n.d.) Therefore, this study has presented an eclectic view concerning the place where St. Thomas lived. The study shows that St. Thomas lived both in western India as well as in South India. (Medlycott,   n.d.) Evidences regarding St. Thomas are available in the works of Syrian writers, liturgical books and calendars of the Syrian Church, works of the fathers belonging to western church, works of fathers belonging to Greek and Abyssinian churches. (Medlycott, n.d.) The study of Prof. Carl Schmidt regarding the â€Å"Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles† has proved the authenticity of apocryphal works that describe the activities of St. Thomas in India. (Medlycott n.d.) Therefore, without any doubt one may accept the ancient Syrian and Latin works that describe the stay of St. Thomas in India. (Medlycott, n.d.) In ancient but revised Syriac work, â€Å"The Teaching of the Apostles†, it is mentioned that St. Thomas the apostle had actually lived in India. St. Thomas, who was also called Didymus was invited by Jesus to become his apostle and spread the message of Christianity in the east. (Jesuvera, 2006)     The St. Thomas feast day is celebrated in the Malabar on July 3rd every year. (Jesuvera, 2006) The Christians theologians believe that St. Thomas had preached to the people such as Parthians, Medes, Persians, Bactrians, Margians, and South Indians. (Jesuvera, 2006)   In the work, â€Å"Assumption of Mary†, a work belonging to 400 AD, there is reference to St. Thomas of India staying near the body of Virgin Mary on the day of her â€Å"body assumption†. (Jesuvera, 2006)  Ã‚     Evidences concerning Thomas apostle’s life in India are found in Syrian Christian literature and traditions found in India. (Jesuvera, 2006) With the arrival of the European missionaries to India after 16th century, many Europeans were informed that in India there existed a Christian community called â€Å"St. Thomas Christians†. Based on this, it was suggested that St. Thomas had really stayed in India and convinced a few Indians to accept Christianity. (Sharan, n.d.)   Contrary to this belief, it is argued that the Christian communities of Kerala were given the name only after 14th Century with the arrival of the European missionaries to Malabar. (Sharan, n.d.)   It is argued that this Christian community was actually called Syrian Christians and not St. Thomas Christians. (Sharan, n.d.) It is argued that Europeans propagated the myth of St. Thomas in order to achieve the political and religious agendas of converting India as a part of European or British imperialism and to convert large numbers of Indians into Christianity. (Sharan, n.d.)   To support this argument, correspondence of Fr. A. Mathias Mundadan who was satisfied with the fact that evidence existed to prove that St. Thomas had stayed in India. (Sharan, n.d.) It is argued that based on inaccurate evidences or hagiographies one cannot suggest that St. Thomas had lived and died in India. (Sharan, n.d.) It has been argued that St. Thomas never came to India. In reality, Christianity was established in India for the time in 345 AD by a merchant called Thomas Cananeus. (Sharan, n.d.)   Based on similarity of names, it has been suggested that St. Thomas had come to India and established Christianity in South India. (Sharan, n.d.) Traditions related to Thomas are found not only in India but also other countries of the orient such as Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Brazil, and Mexico. (Merrilat, 1977) This shows that many oriental countries have constructed their own myths concerning the arrival of St. Thomas to their land and introducing Christianity. Therefore, there is need for strong evidences to accept the belief that St. Thomas actually lived and died in India. Recently, a controversy has been created when the pope Benedict XVI suggested that St. Thomas had come to Western India. Implicitly, this statement has negated the assumption that the apostle had come to South India. (Pope denies, n.d.)   This statement also shows that the pope accepts the fact that St. Thomas had stayed in India although this statement has hurt the sentiments of the Christians of Kerala who strongly believe that St. Thomas had come to the Malabar region in the 1st century AD. (Pope denies, n.d.) The statement of the pope also shows that the apostle had actually come to North India and not to South India. This statement has been used by the scholars to suggest that St. Thomas had never stayed in India. The scholars, who refused to accept that St. Thomas had visited the present India, argue that he had actually visited the regions of Pakistan. (Pope denies, n.d.) This statement cannot be accepted because as already mentioned, there are many evidences showing that St. Thomas had actually lived in some parts of India. Most of the predecessors of the present pope had accepted that St. Thomas was an apostle of India. (Pope denies, n.d.) The church sources do not deny that St. Thomas had lived in India. The debate is regarding whether the apostle had stayed in North India or in South India. Already it has been mentioned that works such as Gospel of St. Thomas and Act of Thomas refer to the work of St. Thomas in India. The statement made by the pope has created controversy among the Christians of Kerala as a few churches in the region are dedicated to the memory of St. Thomas. (Pope denies, n.d.) In conclusion, there are sufficient evidences ancient, medieval, and modern to suggest that St. Thomas had actually lived and died in India. During the first phase of his stay in India he worked in Western India with the king Gondaphares. During the second phase, he visited South India and spread Christianity in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The saint’s tomb can be found in Mylapore although later his remains were taken to Turkey and eventually to Rome. Thus, he lived both in North India as well as South India. The books such Gospel of St. Thomas and Act of Thomas describe the various events related to the life of St. Thomas when he stayed in India. Therefore, there are solid evidences to assert that St. Thomas lived and died in India. References Gjorgjievski, B.T. (2001). On the Gospel of Thomas. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://darktreasures.com/Strangelore/Stuff/on-thomas.pdf Jesuvera. (2006). Feast of St. Thomas – Apostle to India. Konkani Catholics Blog. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.konkanicatholics.com/ Medlycott, A.E. (n.d.). India and the Apostle Thomas. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.indianchristianity.com/html/chap4/chapter4b.htm Merrilat, H.C. (1997). The Gnostic Apostle Thomas. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://members.aol.com/didymus5/intro.html Ninnan, M.M. (n.d.). Story of St. Thomas Apostle and St. Thomas Churches of India A Short History. Retrieved April 12, 2007, from the web site: http://www.acns.com/~mm9n/marthoma/marthoma.htm Pope denies St. Thomas came to South India. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.hamsa.org/index.htm Sharan, I. (n.d.). The myth of St. Thomas and the Mylapore Shiva temple. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.hamsa.org/01.htm

The Complexity Of Culture Cultural Studies Essay

The Complexity Of Culture Cultural Studies Essay So why is culture so complex? According to the popular writer Raymond Williams, culture is one of the most complicated words in the English language. The study of culture is far too complex to be studied only from the viewpoint of one specific scientific discipline, or to be based on one specific model. In a world as complex as ours, each of us is shaped by many factors, and culture is one of the powerful forces that acts on us. Culture is not a set of objects and behaviors, but a context, specific to a particular time and place, in which meaning is made (Geertz 1973) (Schall). Cultural contexts include important patterns, attitudes, and values such as language use and communication patterns, religious beliefs and rituals, the tools and artifacts of daily life, familiar relationships, gender roles, and many other characteristics. Because of the complex, multifaceted nature of culture, understanding a specific group, whether ones own or that of others, requires study from several dive rse perspectives. Although each perspective will shed light on the systems of meaning within that group, the different perspectives will not necessarily fit together into a neat, unified cultural portrait (Rosaldo 1989) (Schall). In order for a researcher to make sense of the complexity of cultural concepts, relevant prior knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of cultural variation is a prerequisite to effectively comprehending cross-cultural studies. According to Joe Novak, the creator of concept mapping, when concept maps are used, the material to be learned must be conceptually clear and presented with language and examples relatable to the learners prior knowledge. Concept maps can be helpful to meet this condition, both by identifying large general concepts held by the learner prior to instruction on more specific concepts, and by assisting in the sequencing of learning tasks though progressively more explicit knowledge that can be anchored into developing conceptual frameworks (Novak). In the following sections I offer up a series of approaches designed to aid a researcher in unraveling the complex nature of cultural variation and ways of simplifying cultural understanding. Gaining sufficient knowledge and understanding of culture can become a complex task in itself making it necessary for one to develop specific strategies and approaches to the problem. Any approach should encompass key terms, essential cultural concepts and principles, as well as multifaceted foundational theories. This should provide the knowledge necessary to understand and simplify complex models and studies designed for the purpose of illustrating culture differences across an array of situations. So where should one begin in developing their cross-cultural knowledge? Establishing a glossary of terms that define some of the significant concepts in one or more topics that lend themselves to research investigation using cross-cultural data is necessary. For the purpose of cross-cultural communication, cultural literacy should begin with the basic terms such as culture and communication. Culture can be defined as, a system of symbolic resources shared by a group of people. In every cross-cultural situation, groups of people with different systems of symbolic resources come in to contact by communicating with one another. Communication can be defined as, the practice of creating and exchanging meanings or symbolic resources. It is clear that culture and communication are interrelated, therefore, cross-cultural communication can be defined as a process of interaction between two groups of people with different systems of symbolic resources. ( Klyukanov) Understanding these terms wi ll enable one to see how and why people identify with each other and form cultures through the process of cultural identification. Cultural identification simply allows us to define our own cultural selves. Before embarking upon the quest for understanding of other cultures, it is necessary to break down and understand ones own culture. Anthropologists Kevin Avruch and Peter Black explain the importance of culture this way: Ones own culture provides the lens through which we view the world; the logic by which we order it; the grammar by which it makes sense. Everyone has a culture. No one can ever fully separate themselves from their own culture. While it is true that anyone can grow to understand and value a range of different cultures and communicate effectively in more than one, one can never overcome his own, or any other culture, to achieve an all encompassing perspective on culture. As was mentioned previously, it is necessary and important for one to gain knowledge in the study of cross-cultural communication. The nature of knowledge is very complex; however the complexity of the cross-cultural world can be exposed by combining two complimentary approaches: the objective (scientific) approach and the subjective approach. In the objective approach, knowledge is viewed as an object, the world consists of concrete variables and people behave in patterned and predictable ways. From an objective standpoint, all observers of a culture would see the same thing, knowledge is external to all people and the watchful observer captures this knowledge and characterizes it in meaningful fashion. The subjective approach represents the other side of the knowledge gaining process. This approach aims to interpret and understand interactions and cultural meanings that are internal to people. The combined implementation of these approaches highlights the methodical, relational, an d opposing nature of cross-cultural communication which includes an array of cross-cultural knowledge. Edward T. Hall, a respected anthropologist and cross-cultural researcher, identified Ten Primary Message Systems which he classified as Interaction, Association, Subsistence, Bisexuality, Territoriality, Temporality, Learning, Play, Defense, and Exploitation. From his ten primary message systems, Hall devised an interrelated Map of Culture. Halls map makes it easier for researchers to pinpoint complexities in understanding target cultures. The process of constructing a system of meanings known as cultural mapping explains how every culture develops ideas about the world and its place in it. The main types of meanings which form a culture map include: beliefs, attitudes, values, norms, mores, laws, and world view. It is important to understand that all of these ideas are interconnected. Culture maps provide structure and give rationality to universal knowledge established about people and the social world, providing expectations about typical patterns of behavior and the range of like ly variation between types of people and their characteristic actions and attributes. Understanding and applying these concepts can aid researchers in breaking down the complexities of cross-cultural variation. Another set of means that are typically presented are global cultural dimensions. These variables are very wide in scope, are related to all cultures, and can be used for the purpose of assessing cultures. Global cultural dimensions vary from researcher to researcher, this section attempts to identify and provide the most commonly discussed dimensions which include: Individualism/Collectivism, Power Distance, Masculinity/Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance, and High-Context/Low Context Communication. Researching several ethnographies and studying the approaches presented by anthropologists, philosophers, and writers whose work has laid the foundations for the field of cultural studies will provide further depth and understanding. Below are a few examples of theà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. According to Hans Gullestrup the complexity of cross-cultural studies, as well as cultural studies, are especially related to the following observations or facts: 1. The relativity of each culture the cultural hierarchy 2. The co-incidence of the cultures the cultural categories 3. The changeability of each culture the cultural dynamic 4. The ethical problems related to cross-cultural studies A researcher will base his or her work on different paradigms and a differing understanding of culture depending on the situation and the purpose (Hans Gullestrup). For these reasons, Gullestrup argues that theoretical and analytical models are needed for cultural and cross-cultural studies formulated as frame models, or as a kind of framework, where each researcher or cultural actor can relate to one other with his own data, observations, and experiences when trying to create an understanding of a particular cross-cultural situation, according to his or her needs, as well as to the four factors mentioned above. As mentioned previously, anthropologist Edward T. Hall When we approach another culture, a tendency exists to generalize, placing experiences in wide-ranging categories or types. The best we can do is to make sure generalizations are as accurate as possible and avoid overgeneralizations, especially those beginning with All. When attempting to describe a certain culture, we must be careful and ensure that the culture we classify is the one that was observed. If we come across another culture and fail to notice obvious differences then the all we have done is stereotyped and our interaction with that culture has become extremely unreliable. To avoid stereotyping, it is necessary to test generalizations against the actual behavior and values of those being encountered in the observed culture. Cross-cultural communication is successful when our observations and reflections of people from other cultures are accurate. Two useful approaches for counteracting mistakes of oversimplification and generalization of a culture are Culture-General and Culture-Specific approaches. Concentrating on cultures broad characteristics, is macro and global in scope and defined as Culture-General. With over 200 national societies throughout the globe, over 5,000 languages, and endless subgroups interrelated by ethnicity, race, religion, common history, politics, and culture, it becomes virtually unfeasible to thoroughly sort out the full range of cultural practices found in each society. Culture-General ideas and frameworks are useful and provide researchers tools necessary to understand principles, categories of behavior and world views, ideas and values, how to learn another culture, and how to successfully and effectively navigate cultural boundaries. Culture-general approaches to interaction describe general contrasts that are applicable in many cross-cultural situations. For example, Edward T. Halls classificat ion of high-context low and low-context cultures is a culture-general comparison that implies a source of miscommunication between many diverse societies. This approach is based on more conceptual categories and generalizable skills, and represents the etic form of cultural knowledge. Etic knowledge is essential for cross-cultural comparison because such comparison essentially requires standard units and categories (Lett). General cultural characterizations can be narrowed by using a Culture-Specific approach, based on ethnographies, is an intercultural form of emic cultural analysis. Emic knowledge is essential for an intuitive and empathic understanding of a culture (Lett). Culture- Specific refers to the distinctive qualities of a particular culture. It can also be a means of studying cross-cultural communication when the culture characteristics of a particular culture are examined and used to explore the broad, general characteristics of the structure of cultures. At the culture specific level, differences between two particular cultures are assessed for their likely impact on communication between people of those cultures. Cultural observers must always be ready to modify existing conceptualizations when new experiences do not fit into the original universal category. Simply, one-size fits all conceptualizations are not effective in cross-cultural communications. Clifford Geertz, in his book The Interpretation of Cultures, attempts to simply cultural variation by saying, The concept of culture I espouse, and whose utility the essays below attempt to demonstrate, is essentially a semiotic one. Believing, with Max Weber, that man is an animal suspended in webs of significance he himself has spun, I take culture to be those webs, and the analysis of it to be therefore not an experimental science in search of law but an interpretive one in search of meaning. It is explication I am after, construing social expressions on their surface enigmatical. But this pronouncement, a doctrine in a clause, demands itself some explication.

Listening Report ? Nirvana: In Utero :: essays research papers

This is probably one of my favourite CD’s of all time. It has so many of Nirvana’s greatest hits. I think (and I’m probably the only one) that Nirvana is a lot like Marilyn Manson in many ways. They completely created a new genre, and have the largest modern cult followings. Nirvana totally brought grunge to the world, and Manson brought us Alternative Music. Real ALTERNATIVE, as in the other choice. Anyways. On with the listening report. This was the second last CD that Nirvana released before Kurt Cobain (the lead singer, and one of my idols) O.D.’d on a LOT of crack and shot himself. The songs on this CD are really about how much Cobain hates the world, but some of the lyrics tell me that he really wants everything to stop. I think the true meaning of the Song, Heart Shaped Box, is that he just wants to stop performing, and go home and forget about all his fame, his money, his somewhat disturbing lyrics, and all of his touring. Heart Shaped Box is the second most popular Nirvana Song ever released. Although Kurt only really used 3 simple chords in all of his songs, that would make him that much more of a creative guy. He managed to come up with 5 or 6 CD’s full of original stuff with only 3 chords. He was an amazing guitarist, he just never felt like going nutz and putting on a real show for the world. He just wanted to sing his songs to get the pain out of him, and then people would leave him alone. Instead of leaving him alone, millions flocked to see him perform live at one of his 200 shows a year. This made him think that people thrived on others pain, and he felt like a guinea pig, this eventually threw him over the edge and he killed himself. With all the guy went through (I’m taking a

Essay --

San Jose State University Intro Sociology – M/W 9:00AM Paper #1 – Gun Control & Regulation 1. In your own words, please describe the problem or social issue that you have chosen to write about. What is the extent of the problem or issue as you see it or understand it? The gun control debate had been going on for a long time in America. What I seem to know about the debate is that whether Americans should own guns. In the United States Constitution there is a law that says the right to bear arms. Back then the people of the Untied States just wanted to protect themselves. However, today guns are killing many Americans. There had been many similar dangerous situations where people had been killed by guns. One of the situations can be a school shooting that endangered students. I believe that because of these kinds of situations are happening Americans should keep or be allowed to have guns. They believe that having guns keeps the citizens safe and protected. The people might say that if a bugler came to the house they would have some way of defending themselves. Others might say t...

Criticism of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay -- Romeo and

Criticism of Romeo and Juliet In Romeo and Juliet, love serves as the tragedy. According to critic Denton J. Snider, "love, the emotion of the Family, in its excess destroys the Family; though it be the origin and bond of the domestic institution, it now assails and annihilates that institution." The love of Romeo and Juliet for one another, not only destroys their families, but ultimately destroys them as well. Their love and devotion for one another causes them to rebel against the institution of family. All in all, "love, which is the emotional ground of the Family, is here destroying the Family itself" (Snider). Among the Capulet and Montague families, why does the persistent rebellion among the children exist? Supposedly, the feud is fueled solely by their parent’s strife; however, it is clear that the children are brought into the picture and are victims of Verona’s violent social climate. Shakespeare critic, Coppelia Kahn places emphasis on the parent’s lack of direction in their children: Instead of providing social channels and moral guidance by which the energies of the youth can be rendered beneficial to themselves and society, the Montagues and the Capulets make weak gestures toward civil peace while participating emotionally in the feud as much as their children do. While they fail to exercise authority over the younger generation in the streets, they wield selfishly and stubbornly in the home. As in Shakespeare’s England, Verona was a very patriarchal society, and women had little place there, but to tend to the home. Men must bear and fight for their family name, while women bear the children and see to the men. Kahn points out that "Verona’s daughters have, in effect, no adoles... ...w York. Copyright 1969. Reiff, Phillip. â€Å"Politics and the Individual†. Freud: The Mind of the Moralist. www.english.upenn.edu/~afilreis/502/rieff.html,. Chapter 7. 1959. Snider, Denton J. " ‘Romeo and Juliet’," in his The Shakespeare Drama, a Commentary: The Tragedies, Sigma Publishing Co., 1887, pp. 36-78. Reprinted in Shakespearean Criticism, Vol.5. Stone, Lawrence. The Family, Sex and Marriage in England 1500-1800. New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1977. Simpson, JA and ESC Weiner (prep by). Oxford English Dictionary: Volume V, Second Edition.Clarendon Press. Oxford. Copyright 1989. U.S. Bureau of the Census. Current Population Reports, P20-515 â€Å"Household and family characteristics: March 1998 (Update)† and earlier reports. www.census.gov/population/socdemo/hh-fam/htabHH-1.txt, and www.census.gov/population/socdemo/hh-fam/htabFM-1.txt.

Consideration of Using a Linux Operating System

Organization will face an Infrastructure upgrade which will encompass an operating system as well a workstations upgrade. Because this occurrence requires a comprehensive survey of all options of new Operating Systems as well as workstations, it is necessary to consider whether a Linux Based system is appropriate for our organizational needs at this point. Introduction The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of using Linux in both a server and workstation environment. During this investigation several Linux distributions will be scrutinized.This examination will disclose what is really accessory to convert to a true Linux environment and will also verify the feasibility of such action. All appropriate subject matter will be enclosed, Inclusive of, product reliability, total cost of ownership, training requirements, available support, as well as existing infrastructure. Each Linux distribution will be weighted based on their pros and cons to come to a final deter mination of which Linux distribution would best fit the needs of our organization. When all criterion have been measured there will be a final recommendation made for the final consideration of management.Table of Contents l. The consideration of using a Linux based system In our business A. The pros and cons to using Linux In the commercial environment B. How does Linux compare to other popular alternatives C. Other issues to consider before switching II. Bunt The pros and cons of using this system A. 1. Subunit 14. 04 LETS 2. Cost 3. Training 4. Ovenware B. Comparison of this distribution with others C. Final assessment for management Ill. Cents A. The pros and cons of using this system . Cents Linux Training ‘V. Use 1. USE Linux Enterprise Server 11 V. Final comprehensive assessment for management based on research

Numerical Modeling

Numerical modeling of communicable disease is a device to understand the instrument of how disease blowouts and how it can be measured. we have studied numerically the dynamics of typhoid fever disease in this paper. We frame an unconditionally stable Non-Standard Finite Difference (NSFD) scheme for a mathematical model of Typhoid Fever Disease. The introduce numerical scheme is bounded, dynamically include and describe the positivity of the solution, which is one of the important requirements when modeling a prevalent disease. The comparison among the developed Non-Standard Finite Difference scheme, Euler method and Runge-Kutta method of order four (RK-4) shows the effectiveness of the proposed Non-Standard Finite Difference scheme. NSFD scheme shows convergence to the true equilibrium points of the model for any time steps used but Euler and RK-4 fail for large time steps. Key Words: Typhoid Disease, Dynamical System, Numerical Modeling, Convergence.Introduction Typhoid fever affects millions of people worldwide each year, where over 20 million cases are reported and kills approximately 200,000 annually. For instance, in Africa it is estimated that annually 400,000 cases happen and an incidence of 50 per 100,000 [5]. The mathematical modeling for transmission dynamics of typhoid fever disease is a capable approach to appreciate the behavior of disease in a population and on this basis, some capable measures can be modeled to prevent infection. Dynamical models for the transmission of disease objects in a human population, based on the Kermack and McKendrick SIR classical epidemic model [1–4], were proposed. These models deliver evaluations for the temporal advancement of infected nodes in a population [5–13]. In this paper we construct an unreservedly convergent numerical model for the transmission dynamics for typhoid fever disease which preserves all the essential properties of the continuous model. We considered the mathematical model of disease transmission in a population that has been discussed by Pitzer in [6]. Mathematical ModelA: Variables and ParametersS(t): Susceptible entities class at time t.P(t): Protected individual class at time t.I(t): Infected individuals class at time t.T(t): Treated class time t.?: The rate at which individuals recruited.?: Natural death rate. ?: Loss of protection rate.?: Rate of infection.?: Rate of treatment.?: Disease induced mortality rate.

Issues in Fit Food Inc Essay

Significant part of the behavioural displacement can be related to results control system that is in place. FFI is evaluating the divisional personals’ performance based on their achievement of Annual Operating plans; some of those are like †¢Achieving 7% divisional growth rates †¢Bonuses based on achievement (upto 150%)of annual operating plans and no bonuses on failure †¢Stock options offered to corporate managers and divisional presidents †¢Sean’s (founder & chairperson) call for better financial performance during those peak recessionary period(2008-2009) These quantitative results controls can be related to those behavioural displacements. As a result presidents of Drink division and Cookie division have involved in those unacceptable fraudulent practices of aggressive revenue recognition, prepaying expenses and capitalising parts costs. Since the CFO has the information about those fraudulent practices he should initiate the process of restating those prior year financial statements accordingly and those restatements require public disclosures. It is a serious issue for a listed company. Worse impacts would include lost of investor confidence, as a result share value deteriorates. Suggestions : controls Results Control 1.Instead of determining a target based on investor’s expectations, during the recession time company should have adjusted its targets according the economic condition. May be keeping the same market share or little above that could be a better option. It might create BUDGET SLACK. However that slack can reduce the tension, and stress for those managers and build an environment to change from there. Since 2008 was the peak recession time the AOP ‘s growth rate has to be altered and it can be changed into sustainability 2.Controls should balanced with those quantitative and qualitative results oriented controls. In this case most of controls such as achieving 5%  divisional growth and bonuses of 150% when divisions exceed the AOP has lead many issues . gamesmanship , manipulated financial statements, and unethical behaviour of divisional managers are some to be named; therefore FFI should introduce various control methods which include the measurement of their performances and ethical behaviour. Such control methods would include rather than just checking increase in sales, it should increase in actual sales. Solid sales, numbers have to be real and should not be manipulated towards the end of the period. An increase in market share, customer retention 1.Results controls should be tight results control Personal control : 1.Replacement of managers Removal / replacement of those managers in cookie division and drink division including the presidents of both divisions are the first step to re build the confident in the company. Even the chair Sean needs to be replaced; however it is question since he is the founder he may have the controlling rights over the company. 2.Replacing external auditors. Because they are the ones first to know about those accounting frauds in the organisation. However they have failed. They have not had a good audit plan and scope. This could have happened due to the following reason too. since the FFI is a public company and it needs a clean opinion to keep its position in the listing. Therefore auditor might have asked to provide such an opinion based on promises such as FFI is going to implement a tighter internal control policies so it prevents most of the fraud. Further auditor has already been intimidated about cancellation of the contract based on the price it charged. Therefore auditor may not be performing well planned audit instead providing a lower service which is not good for all those three parties (auditor, users and audtiee) Action Control : 1.Behavioral Constraints Separation of duties : since FFI is one company several division it can have one administrative division. Since all the changes have to be done by those  people who different from those divisional staff, divisional heads’ data management actions would not remain secret as earlier Second thing one storage facility for all division. Have the same effect. That data management can be controlled The direct costs of this may include delay in processes and a system should be created for fast communication 2.Pre action reviews Though there are several discussions and reviews held regarding the approval of AOP, the quarterly performance review meetings are seems to be very brief. Regardless of whether the target has been achieved or not every item has to analysed thoroughly and plans for rest of the period should be altered accordingly to achieve a real performance 3.Action accountability Unlike the current system divisional managers bonuses should not be purely based on achieving AOP profit. It has to include the strategies used in achieving profit, closing stock, new product developments, and effective sales Conclusion : However costs associated with each option has to be analysed before the decision. Since all the divisions are managed by humans. Certain level goal incongruence is present in any divisionalised organisation. It is impossible to eliminate it totally. Though a very minimal level of date manipulation and game playing activities are possible since those number in the financial statements are not perfect in real world