Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Why minorties lagging behind in healthcare management professions PowerPoint Presentation

Why minorties lagging behind in healthcare management professions - PowerPoint Presentation Example Among the other reasons are a lack of diversity in healthcare leadership and workforce. Minorities are only a small portion of the healthcare professionals, though they are a substantial portion of the population (over a quarter of it!). The lack of diversity causes rigidity and lack of flexibility in terms of methods used and changes to the program of healthcare. This leads to bad communication between officials and the minorities, and also in a system which is poorly designed for minorities, meaning that they arent receiving as much individual attention as they should (Betancourt, 2002). The way to improve this situation is to pay attention to the special needs of minorities, be aware of their differences from others and develop unique healthcare programs which put an emphasis on what they need, instead of incorporating them in the population. This could mean putting focus on diseases which are more prevalent in different minorities. This could also mean taking a step back and examining the fallacies of the healthcare system and see how it is possible to change the current situation and apply new, more innovative techniques and approaches of dealing with minorities, whether it is by education doctors more about special communities concerns and needs, encouraging more people that are minorities to work in this profession or any other way possible (Medige, 2002; Koberg, Boss, Sengem & Goodman,

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Information Overload Essay

Information Overload Essay Information Overload is an increasing problem both in the workplace and in life in general. It is a state in which the amount of available information is so overwhelming a person is unable to effectively process and utilize it. Information overload is intuitively noticeable in our daily lives. Walking any street, we can hardly measure the amount of information we are exposed to. Information hits us from all directions, newspapers, television, voice mail, cellular phones, email, electronic memos, and the World Wide Web, to name a few. This increase in information, combined with the factor of change in many aspects of our lives, can lead to an unhealthy effect. Information Overload is when you are trying to deal with more information than you are able to process to make sensible decisions. The result is either that you either delay making decisions, or that you make the wrong decisions. Understanding Information overload The first recorded use of the phrase information overload was used by the futurologist Alvin Toffler in 1970, when he predicted that the rapidly increasing amounts of information being produced would eventually cause people problems. Heylighen (1999) noted, People exposed to the rapid changes of modern life may develop a state of helplessness and inadequacy. Nelson (2001) defines information overload as the incapability to obtain a form of knowledge from a massive amount of information for one reason or another. Information overload can take place for one of these reasons: 1. Not understanding the existing information 2. Feeling inundated by the need to absorb huge amounts of information 3. Not knowing if the needed information exists or not 4. Not knowing where to obtain the information 5. Knowing where the information is but have no access privilege Causes of Information overload Information overload was experienced long before the appearance of information technology and electronic gadgets. Complaints about too many books echo across the centuries, from when books were papyrus rolls, parchment manuscripts, or hand printed. After Printing innovation books were produced and accumulated in unprecedented numbers, and, given their drop in cost, many more readers than before had access to more books than they could read. In the Internet era where millions of smart phones and gadgets are sold every day, zillions of tons of data are being produced. Thus making people spoilt for choices. With a touch, one can easily get almost any data from any corner of the world. The rate of production of different kinds of data such as news, text, multimedia and graphs is breathtaking. For example: YouTube where 24 hours of video is being uploaded in every minute and the rate is increasing everyday. There are millions of sites are there and even the IP address is going to be exhausted. One could imagine the amount of electronic data that is available to digest. Organizations accumulate a huge amount of information about its internal operations and resources. Fifteen years ago only phone, fax and post mails were used for communication. There is a general increase in business communication by voice mail, e-mail, internet and online conferencing in addition to the above mentioned traditional methods which results information overload. Disadvantages of information overload for an organization Too little or too much information is not good for an individual and an organization. Too much reduces their ability to concentrate effectively on the most important messages. People facing information overload sometimes try to cope by ignoring some of the messages, by delaying responses to messages they deem unimportant, by answering only parts of some messages, by responding inaccurately to certain messages, by taking less time with each message, or by reacting only superficially to all messages. Persons exposed to excessive amounts of information are less productive, prone to make poor decisions, and risk suffering serious stress-related diseases. He becomes highly selective and ignore a large amount of information or give up and dont go beyond the first results in many cases, need more time to reach a decision, make mistakes, have difficulties in identifying the relationship between the details and the overall perspective and waste time. Information overload affects-and afflicts-both individual knowledge workers, struggling to perform their jobs while drowning in data, and entire office organizations, whose productivity and customer care suffer as a consequence. The abundance of information we enjoy today comes at a price. Less apparent is the tremendous hidden cost it imposes on the organization as a whole. In one study, for example, people took an average of nearly 25 minutes to return to a work task after an email interruption. Another study found that time lost to handling unnecessary e-mail and recovering from information interruptions cost Intel nearly $1 billion a year. An article in the October issue of HBR, found that forcing knowledge workers to take weekly breaks from email and other work distractions improved performance. Information Overload on an organization is to understand all the lost opportunities it causes and inefficiencies produced. The amount of information has increased for a number of reasons: there is a general increase in business communication, in-company and with customers and suppliers; trends such as globalisation and deregulation increase competition; companies are downsizing and fewer secretaries are employed to protect people from information; more outsourcing means a wider range of other companies with which it is necessary to communicate. There are also more ways to communicate: by fax, voice mail, e-mail, internet and online conferencing, in addition to the more traditional methods, telephone, meetings, post and telex. The cost to business Time is wasted. People spend too much time looking for information. 38% of managers surveyed waste substantial amounts of time just looking for information. Factors such as the holding of files in different software formats and the speed of the internet at critical times of day contribute to this. Decisions are often delayed: 43% of respondents though that decisions were delayed and otherwise adversely affected by analysis paralysis or the existence of too much information. 47% of respondents said that information collection distracts them from their main responsibilities. They find it difficult to develop strategies for dealing with the information they retrieve. It is interesting to imagine the potential increase in productivity if all distractions were removed. The human costs The study identified for the first time that information overload contributes to stress. Two out of three respondents associated information overload with tension with colleagues and loss of job satisfaction. 42% attributed ill-health to this stress. 61% said that they have to cancel social activities as a result of information overload and 60% that they are frequently too tired for leisure activities. National differences In general these were not considered to be of great significance. Managers in the USA and the United Kingdom get the most unsolicited information. Asian managers appear to need less information to make decisions: only 9% claimed to need enormous amounts of information compared with 31% in the United States. Their major decisions may be made through intuition to a greater extent. More United States managers (39%) agree that they suffer stress than those in the UK and Hong Kong. People can no longer develop effective personal strategies for managing information. Faced with an onslaught of information and information channels, they have become unable to develop simple routines for managing information. Technologies for managing information are often the problem, not the solution. They can create the M25 effect: more lanes just means more traffic. People create and distribute because they can, not because its useful. Intranets can become like the internet full of home-made home pages and dead links. Intelligent agents frequently do not live up to their name. Current research suggests that the surging volume of available information-and its interruption of peoples work-can adversely affect not only personal well-being but also decision making, innovation, and productivity. In one study, for example, people took an average of nearly 25 minutes to return to a work task after an e-mail interruption. Thats bad news for both individuals and their organizations. Theres hope, though. Innovative tools and techniques promise relief for those of us struggling with information inundation. Some are technological solutions-software that automatically sorts and prioritizes incoming e-mail, for instance-designed to regulate or divert the deluge. Others prevent people from drowning by getting them to change the way they behave and think. Who knows: Maybe someday even I will enjoy swimming in the powerful currents of information that now threaten to pull me under. Before we can take action / set the procedure to minimize the negative effect of information overload, we should do the analysis of information flows both individual and organisation. Not only for electronic information source such email, but also for spoken words, reading books and talking to friends and family. The analysis is started with identification what information we need based on our key information areas, when we need the information, to whom we should exchange the information with (information sharing), and why we need the information and how we turn the information into results. After understand the information flow, we will be able to set/construct the procedure of information handling which consists of filtering, information pruning, time management, to-do list and optimization the use of current technology as information organizing and distributing tool. There are two types of filtering information i.e. technical filter and daily communication filter. The technical filter is easier to manage as once we set our preference it will work accordingly. An example of technical filter is filter function that is available in e-mails. Filtering daily communication is more difficult because it depends much on the situation and current conversation at that time. Every reaction to another person is an indication of what you want to hear or not hear during the rest of the conversation. We often think that the information is important/useful for the recipient which actually not from recipient point of view. Filter prime our thinking and test whether the new information is important. However, the filter should not be too rigid, as it may exclude coincidences. We will no longer accidentally stumble across information, as is often part of searches on the internet. As regards of second information flow, we can decide more quickly to simply stop receiving it if the information is just nice to know instead of need to know. We will not miss anything as we dont use this information for making decision. Besides that, this less important information will leave us less time for really important information. There is a tool for technical pruning such as setting up the expiry date and which action should we take e.g. file, cancel, delete, etc. Time management is important as time is always in exceedingly short supply. We never enough with the time that we have. Therefore, attention and concentration are important aspect in time management. With full attention and concentration the time spent for managing information is more efficient. Because we need to remember increasingly more, we need an aid i.e. to do list of actions so that we can keep tracking what things we still need to do/settle. This practice alone will give us a lot of added value. Besides the to-do list, it is also good if we also make not-to-list so that when the time come, we are ready. Nowadays with high technology we can optimize the IT to help us to organize and distribute the information.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Great Depression Possible Leads to Its Cause :: essays papers

The Great Depression Possible Leads to Its Cause The Great Depression is known as the worst economic disaster of our time. While this fact is accepted throughout the world, a specific cause to this disaster remains a mystery. Maybe there is no one certain reason. Maybe it was a result of widespread factors causing the world-wide recession. Overproduction, World War I, and the banking system were all origins of the Great Depression. Thanks to the "roaring twenties," consumers of the late twenties were very confident. They didn't care to spend. To complement the increased spending, producers began to spend more as technology improved production speeds and costs. Author T.H. Watkins says "more and better goods were produced during this time (the 1920's), than at any time in history" (45). With slightly increasing wages, consumers bought as much as their wallet would allow them. However, they couldn't afford to purchase all that was produced and overproduction occurred. Even though overproduction occurred, that still wasn't enough to cause this stagnant economic recession. World War I was partly to blame because it had made the international economy unstable. Though Great Britain was the national creditor before the war, devastating circumstances made G.B. needy for some finances instead. In fact, much of the continent of Europe had been destroyed. Factories, farms, and homes were all brought to the ground as the battle between nations began. By the end of the war, the United States was the least harmed of the Allied nations. The United States didn't lose near the lives but it did lose a lot of money. After the war, nations still sought cash to repair their tarnished homelands. The United States and its supposed booming economy became the lender to many countries. These loans couldn't be repaid. In fact, Europe even relied on U.S. loans to purchase U.S. goods. With the foreign trade market in a downward spiral, it was evident that harsh times were soon to come. As Paul Gusmorino illustrates on his web page, by 1929, ten percent of American gross national product went into exports. When the foreign nations discovered they couldn't afford to buy U.S. goods, U.S. exports fell a drastic thirty percent seemingly overnight. The $1.5 billion lost in foreign sales between 1929 to 1933 was one-eighth of all lost American sales, Gusmorino concludes. So, as the world economy became a nightmare, the banking system of the United States also became a disgust.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Immigration Reformation

Mexico’s immigration policies comprise single, streamlined laws that ensure that foreign visitors and immigrants are regimented. For a better picture, these include stern rules that these immigrants are in the country legally, that they are able to sustain themselves economically, that they do not become burdens to the society, that they are of good character and have no criminal records, and are contributors to the general wellbeing of the nation.In fact, immigration authorities compile records of each foreign visitor and assure that these visitors do not violate their visa status. They are also banned from meddling with internal politics and those who violate the terms of their entry and who enter under false pretenses are imprisoned or deported (Lillpop). Indeed, the Mexican constitution strictly defines the rights of its citizens and as one may put it, the denial of may fundamental rights to non-citizens, legal or illegal.Though its law makes perfect sense, Mexico is pushi ng the United States to water down the latter’s immigration rules, when, in the first place, its own immigration restrictions are the toughest in the continent. However, also looking at Mexico’s points, El Paso asks the US government to stop raids and dividing American families insisting, â€Å"We are not the Enemy, We are Part of the Solution† (Garcia & Camargo).The rally down in El Paso has emphasized the need for new immigration policies that provide means for immigrants residing in the United States to attain permanent residency. Some say Mexican leaders demanding from the United States immigration laws, which contradict its own. Some even say the agenda of Mexico for such demand is clear: to have a one-way immigration relationship with the United States. However, looking at a broader perspective, I believe Mexico only wants to impose stern rules with regards to foreigners to protect its citizens and the well being of its nations.United States, on the other hand, are trying to impose the same, now with opposition from the Mexicans. Who are directly affected here are those Southerners who live in US soil and vice versa. To avoid stepping on each other’s flags and more importantly to avoid misunderstanding between the neighboring countries, each much provide room for adjustments and meet halfway so as to grant the its citizens, foreign or not, just and humane rights even if they live in a soil foreign to their true nation.Works Cited Lillpop, John. â€Å"Immigration Reform? Lets Try Mexico’s Immigration Law. † 27 February 2007. Canada Free Press. 19 October 2007. . Garcia, Fernando & Camargo, Betty. â€Å"El Paso and Southern New Mexico Communities March and Rally for Just, Humane and Comprehensive Immigration Reform NOW! †. 6 April 2007. Border Network and Human Rights. 19 October 2007. .

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Research on Morality Essay

There is an inherent question on the basis of morality and whether or not it is a man-made, almost religious invention or if it is intrinsic to our beings as humans. I think that the rope that is the argument between is too complicated and tightly knotted to have a short conversation about, but by fraying the ends of the rope we can inevitably decide that morality is innate and that religion may have a part in building upon it, but not in creating it. The curiosity behind the topic of morality is normally fashioned by religious arguments for the assumption that a deity endowed us as humans with some sort of moral compass. However, by searching the brain for its different functions and activities during moral dilemmas and religious interactions, along with historical clues and a little knowledge of sociology, determining that morality is not created, only built upon, is inevitable. Morality is defined as normatively to refer to a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons (Stanford). With this as a definition, the first question to rises is the following: What is one moral action that a believer can do that a non-believer cannot do? There are few answers to the inverse, if any, but non-believers do not pose that they have any stronger of a moral compass than believers, while believers do. It is incredibly important to think about an answer to this question because if there truly is no answer to this challenge, then a road has been paved toward an objective that we can already see, which is that being ethical and moral is not necessarily a religious view, so such claims can immediately be cast off and the topic can stay on a strictly scientific road. Now the consideration lies upon what is deemed as an ethical person. Is the president ethical in his decisions? Is a doctor ethical in his decisions? Of course, there is an ethical code in these circles, but does that immediately mean that any decisions outside of the codes are immoral? A moral person is normally described as somebody who takes into account the possible consequences of his or her actions and rationally decides on a choice based on how it may affect those around him. We call these people morally good because their contributions to whomever they are around are normally well thought-out, harmless contributions to the topic. However, this is simply a definition, and the person is simply his or her self. Take into account the thoughts of those around the subject. A religiously-convicted man would say that his religion is the reason for his good nature, while one not necessarily supporting religion would say that he is simply a good person. As an aside, there are multiple people who would take the chance to point out many historically immoral figures, such as Mao Zedong, Stalin, Pol Pot, who were atheistic. While it is true that these figures were indeed non-believers, it is important to distinguish the reasons for their immorality. It was not based on religion, but rather by social constructs and a greed for power that caused them to act out. Some may cite Hitler as an atheist as well, but they’d be digging their own grave. Hitler, in Mein Kampf, even gives credit to the Christian god, and had religious inscriptions on every Nazi-uniform belt. To get back to the previous point, it is important to take into account what those around the subject would perceive, and although the religiously-convicted man might have millions of people around the world following his train of thought, research done Dr. Pyssiainen and Dr. Hauser from the departments of Psychology and Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University offers an interesting perspective on the topic: â€Å"†¦Despite differences in, or even an absence of, religious backgrounds, individuals show no difference in moral judgments for unfamiliar moral dilemmas. The research suggests that intuitive judgments of right and wrong seem to operate independently of explicit religious commitments. † Pyssiainen’s and Hauser’s study grants us that although religious backgrounds may indeed build upon moral constructs, as good religion is only positively influential to a good person, a complete lack of religious background is perfectly plausible if an individual wishes to be moral because moral judgments are not linked to religious commitments. This finding is absolutely crucial to determining whether or not morality is man-made or inherent to humans because it breaks the perceived bond between belief and morality. So their contribution to the topic has been seen through and accepted as a welcome source of reference. However, it is essential to look at the other side of the argument. Which studies show that seem to show that religion is a key factor in morality? Unfortunately, they are found few and far between. As a matter of fact, there are literally no scientific studies that show religion is crucial in the formation of morality. It’s widely granted that religion, in some aspects, can further construct upon morality and cause others to be exceedingly altruistic and generous, and that is conceded by Paul Bloom of Yale University, but it is not a formative agent. In his paper, â€Å"Religion, Morality, Evolution,† he accepts that religion can be a guiding influence on a positive path. However, he points out that it is by no means the reason for morality, and that religion itself may just be an accident by which humans needed an answer to questions that they couldn’t fathom without the help of a deity. Necessity dictates that there should be some rather fueled individuals on a topic as flammable as the topic of morality and religion. Speaking as an outsider looking in, I cannot very well use the words of Christopher Hitchens, though I would love to dearly, because he was so against religion. While he was indeed logical in most of his claims, he was a self-described anti-theist, meaning that he was against a spectating deity who watched over each individual. Thus, his words would seem rather biased. However, Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, and Sam Harris, a well-known neuroscientist, are individuals who speak strictly through logical and provable means. Richard Dawkins posed the same point as Paul Bloom that religion is most likely an accident through evolution that was used as a possible answer to the world’s greatest questions, and Harris poses multiple reasonable points. The most relevant, though, is that if the bible were the only book in the world, it would be rational to use it as a basis for morality. However, because the bible is not the only book in the world and society is far more civilized now than it was when the bible was conceived, it is reasonable to assume that the bible is not the best book for building a moral compass. To end on a rather short note, there are few, if any, scientific studies arguing that religion is the factory that builds moral compasses. However, there are studies being conducted which follow Pyssiainen’s and Hauser’s and should end up corroborating their finds that morality works independently of religious constructs and confines. Thus, it is both rational and reasonable to assume that, after looking through history at the reasons for extreme wrongdoings and the social situations that facilitated them, and the evidence against opposing claims, morality is indeed intrinsic to our human nature and that it is simply augmented by outside forces, such as good religion. References Bloom, Paul, Religion, Morality, Evolution (January 2012). Annual Review of Psychology, Vol. 63, pp. 179-199, 2012. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn. com/abstract=1982949 or http://dx. doi. org/10. 1146/annurev-psych-120710-100334 Cell Press (2010, February 9). Morality research sheds light on the origins of religion. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 12, 2013, from http://www. sciencedaily. com /releases/2010/02/100208123625. htm Harris, Sam. Letter to a Christian Nation. New York: Random House, Print. Harris, Sam. The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason. New York: W. W. Norton, Print. Pyysiainen, Hauser et al. The origins of religion Q1 : evolved adaptation or by-product? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, February 8, 2010 â€Å"The Nature of Morality and Moral Theories. † Morality and Moral Theories. University of San Diego. Web. 12 May 2013. .

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Role of Kapos in Nazi Concentration Camps

Role of Kapos in Nazi Concentration Camps Kapos, called Funktionshftling by the SS, were prisoners who collaborated with the Nazis to serve in leadership or administrative roles over others interned in the same Nazi concentration camp. How Nazis Used Kapos The vast system of Nazi concentration camps in occupied Europe was under the control of the SS (Schutzstaffel). While there were many SS who staffed the camps, their ranks were supplemented with local auxiliary troops and prisoners. Prisoners that were chosen to be in these higher positions served in the role of Kapos. The origin of the term â€Å"Kapo† is not definitive.  Some historians believe it was directly transferred from the Italian word â€Å"capo† for â€Å"boss,† while others point to more indirect roots in both German and French.  In the Nazi concentration camps, the term Kapo was first used at Dachau from which it spread to the other camps. Regardless of the origin, Kapos played a vital role in the Nazi camp system as a large number of prisoners within the system required constant oversight.  Most Kapos were put in charge of a prisoner work gang, called Kommando. It was the Kapos job to brutally force prisoners to do forced labor, despite the prisoners being sick and starving. Facing prisoner against prisoner served two goals for the SS: it allowed them to meet a labor need while simultaneously furthering tensions between various groups of prisoners. Cruelty Kapos were, in many instances, even crueler than the SS themselves.  Because their tenuous position depended on the satisfaction of the SS, many Kapos took extreme measures against their fellow prisoners to maintain their privileged positions. Pulling most Kapos from the pool of prisoners interned for violent criminal behavior also allowed this cruelty to flourish.  While there were Kapos whose original internment was for asocial, political, or racial purposes (such as Jews), the vast majority of Kapos were criminal internees. Survivor memoirs and recollections relate varying experiences with Kapos.  A select few, such as Primo Levi  and Victor Frankl, credit a certain Kapo with ensuring their survival or helping them get slightly better treatment; while others, such as Elie Wiesel, share a far more common experience of cruelty.   Early in Wiesel’s camp experience at Auschwitz, he encounters, Idek, a cruel Kapo. Wiesel relates in Night: One day when Idek was venting his fury, I happened to cross his path. He threw himself on me like a wild beast, beating me in the chest, on my head, throwing me to the ground and picking me up again, crushing me with ever more violent blows, until I was covered in blood. As I bit my lips in order not to howl with pain, he must have mistaken my silence for defiance and so he continued to hit me harder and harder.  Abruptly, he calmed down and sent me back to work as if nothing had happened. In his book,  Mans Search for Meaning,  Frankl also tells of a Kapo known simply as The Murderous Capo. Kapos Had Privileges The privileges of being a Kapo varied from camp to camp but almost always resulted in better living conditions and a reduction in physical labor.   In the larger camps, such as Auschwitz, Kapos received separate rooms within the communal barracks, which they would often share with a self-selected assistant.   Kapos also received better clothing, better rations, and the ability to supervise labor rather than actively participate in it.  Kapos were sometimes able to use their positions to also procure special items within the camp system such as cigarettes, special foods, and alcohol.   A prisoner’s ability to please the Kapo or establish a rare rapport with him/her could, in many instances, meant the difference between life and death. Levels of Kapos In the larger camps, there were several different levels within the â€Å"Kapo† designation.  Some of the titles deemed as Kapos included: Lagerltester (camp leader): Within the various sections of large camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Lagerltester oversaw the entire section and served largely in administrative roles.  This was the highest of all prisoner positions and came with the most privileges.Blockltester (block leader): A position that was common in most camps, the Blockltester was responsible for the administration and discipline of an entire barracks.  This position customarily afforded its holder with a private room (or one shared with an assistant) and better rations.Stubenlteste (section leader): Oversaw portions of large barracks such as those in Auschwitz I and reported to the Blockltester about specific needs related to the barrack’s prisoners. At Liberation At the time of liberation, some Kapos were beaten and killed by the fellow prisoners that they had spent months or years tormenting, but in most cases, Kapos moved on with their lives in a similar fashion to other victims of Nazi persecution.   A few found themselves on trial in post-war West Germany as part of the U.S. military trials held there, but this was the exception, not the norm.  In one of the Auschwitz trials of the 1960s, two Kapos were found guilty of murder and cruelty and sentenced to life in prison. Others were tried in East Germany and Poland but without much success.  The only known court-sanctioned executions of Kapos occurred in immediate post-war trials in Poland, where five of seven men convicted for their roles as Kapos had their death sentences carried out. Ultimately, historians and psychiatrists are still exploring the role of Kapos as more information becomes available through recently released archives from the East. Their role as prisoner functionaries within the Nazi concentration camp system was vital to its success but this role, like many in the Third Reich, is not without its complexities.   Kapos are viewed as both opportunists and survivalists, and their complete history may never be known.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on Mother Courage

Mother Courage and Her Children The story of Mother Courage and Her Children is one of progressive ruin in the face of war and it’s devastating consequence. As each of Courage’s children leave or die, the burden placed upon her is augmented. By the end of Brecht’s tale, Mother Courage is forced to, quite literally, carry her burdens on her own. As a director, a proper approach to the script would take this progression into account. To exemplify the corrosion of Mother Courage’s world, and the expansion of her burden, attention must be drawn to the wagon, the primary symbol of Courage’s hope and her duty. A possible approach to the symbolism of the wagon would be to increase its size from the beginning of the play to the end. By the final scene, Courage would be pulling a far larger burden, both literally and figuratively than at the beginning of her journey. Another dramaturgical element to be accounted for is that of music. Narrative songs of both hope and despair permeate the play, and are integral to its structure and rhythm. Action on stage should not cease during the songs, but continue as normal. As they are sung, sheets should be folded, knives sharpened and other daily tasks completed, thus changing the songs from capricious acts of artistry, to a necessary expression of powerful emotion. As is exemplified in Courage’s mute and mutilated daughter, Kattrin, the fruits of war have their consequence. Though Courage subsists on the ravages of war, it is the same conflict that ultimately destroys all that she loves. It is this irony that presents an inspiring challenge both dramaturgically and directorially.... Free Essays on Mother Courage Free Essays on Mother Courage Mother Courage It’s always important to be touched. Writers know and understand this idea. Whether the audience feels good or bad about whom or what you present is not as important as the fact that they feel something. Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children is a perfect example of a work that doesn’t leave us in very high spirits but touches us in such a way that it becomes even more powerful than if it had. Throughout the play the title character, Mother Courage, is presented to us in such a way that the reader is usually left not knowing how to feel. We have with two choices. On the one hand she can be a money grubbing, self concerned woman who only cares about herself and those directly related to her money. On the other hand she can be considerate and caring mother who only wants to protect her children. It’s an issue the reader wrestles with many times over the course of the play. If you take everything at face value it seems that all Mother Courage is driven by is profit. But then one has to think . . . What’s is her motive? Is it her children? Are we completely misinterpreting Mother Courage’s intentions? Consider this: Mother Courage throughout the war does what she can to keep her daughter Kattrin â€Å"innocent.† Now as awful as it sounds prostitution is a pretty lucrative business. If Mother Courage was only driven by profit wouldn’t she decide that maybe selling Kattrin’s body would help her business? Mother Courage looses all three of her children at the end of the play. As each dies she just seems to pick up and move on, with a brief moment of sorrow. This is a characteristic that adds to the readers contempt for her, and rightly so. Wouldn’t you think the death of a child would affect a mother to the point of agony? But it doesn’t seem to reach Mother Courage on this level. Why is it, that in spite of losing all her children, Mother Courage fails to see the lig... Free Essays on Mother Courage Mother Courage and Her Children The story of Mother Courage and Her Children is one of progressive ruin in the face of war and it’s devastating consequence. As each of Courage’s children leave or die, the burden placed upon her is augmented. By the end of Brecht’s tale, Mother Courage is forced to, quite literally, carry her burdens on her own. As a director, a proper approach to the script would take this progression into account. To exemplify the corrosion of Mother Courage’s world, and the expansion of her burden, attention must be drawn to the wagon, the primary symbol of Courage’s hope and her duty. A possible approach to the symbolism of the wagon would be to increase its size from the beginning of the play to the end. By the final scene, Courage would be pulling a far larger burden, both literally and figuratively than at the beginning of her journey. Another dramaturgical element to be accounted for is that of music. Narrative songs of both hope and despair permeate the play, and are integral to its structure and rhythm. Action on stage should not cease during the songs, but continue as normal. As they are sung, sheets should be folded, knives sharpened and other daily tasks completed, thus changing the songs from capricious acts of artistry, to a necessary expression of powerful emotion. As is exemplified in Courage’s mute and mutilated daughter, Kattrin, the fruits of war have their consequence. Though Courage subsists on the ravages of war, it is the same conflict that ultimately destroys all that she loves. It is this irony that presents an inspiring challenge both dramaturgically and directorially....

Sunday, October 20, 2019

List of Elements in the Lathanide Group

List of Elements in the Lathanide Group The lanthanides or lanthanoid series is a group of transition metals located on the periodic table in the first row (period) below the main body of the table. The lanthanides are commonly referred to as the rare earths, although many people group scandium and yttrium together with the rare earth elements. Its less confusing to call the lanthanides a subset of the rare earth metals. The Lanthanides Heres a list of the 15 elements that are lanthanides, which run from atomic number 57 (lanthanum or Ln) and 71 (lutetium or Lu): Lanthanum: atomic number 57 with symbol Ln Cerium: atomic number 58 with symbol Ce Praseodymium: atomic number 59Â  with symbol Pr Neodymium: atomic number 60 with symbol Nd Promethium: atomic number 61 with symbol Pm Samarium: atomic number 62 with symbol Sm Europium: atomic number 63 with symbol Eu Gadolinium: atomic number 64 with symbol Gd Terbium: atomic number 65 with symbol Tb Dysprosium: atomic number 66 with symbol Dy Holmium: atomic number 67 with symbol Ho Erbium: atomic number 68Â  with symbol Er Thulium: atomic number 69 with symbol Tm Ytterbium: atomic number 70 with symbol Yb Lutetium: atomic number 71 with symbol Lu Note sometimes that lanthanides are considered to be the elements following lanthanum on the periodic table, making it a group of 14 elements. Some references also exclude lutetium from the group because it has a single valence electron in the 5d shell. Properties of the Lanthanides Because the lanthanides are all transition metals, these elements share common characteristics associated with metals. In pure form, they are bright, metallic, and silvery in appearance. Because the elements can have a variety of oxidation states, they tend to form brightly colored complexes. The most common oxidation state for most of these elements is 3, although 2 and 4 are also generally stable. The metals are reactive, readily forming ionic compounds with other elements. Lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, and europium react with oxygen to form oxide coatings or tarnish after brief exposure to air. Because of their reactivity, pure lanthanides are stored in an inert atmosphere, such as argon, or are kept under mineral oil. Unlike other most other transition metals, the lanthanides tend to be soft, sometimes to the point where they can be cut with a knife. None of the elements occurs free in nature. Moving across the periodic table, the radius of the 3 ion of each successive element decreases. This phenomenon is called lanthanide contraction. Except for lutetium, all of the lanthanide elements are f-block elements, referring to the filling of the 4f electron shell. Although lutetium is a d-block element, its usually considered a lanthanide because it shares so many chemical properties with the other elements in the group. Although the elements are called rare earth metals, they arent particularly scarce in nature. However, its difficult and time-consuming to isolate them from each other from their ores, adding to their value. Lanthanides are valued for their use in electronics, particularly television and monitor displays. They are used in lighters, lasers, superconductors, to color glass, to make materials phosphorescent, and to control nuclear reactions. A Note About Notation The chemical symbol Ln may be used to refer to any lanthanide in general, not specifically the element lanthanum. This may be confusing, especially in situations where lanthanum itself isnt considered a member of the group!

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Comparison of Violent Extent of Religious Terrorism to Secular Essay

Comparison of Violent Extent of Religious Terrorism to Secular Terrorism - Essay Example Nevertheless, religious terrorist attacks are known to be fatal and lethal compared to secular attacks. Religious terrorist motivated by religion, to commit terrorist attacks with a conviction that they are right; for instance, Muslims commit crimes with the claim that they are involved in a holy war (jihad). The secular terrorists are aware that they are committing a crime; therefore, they ensure their attacks are less lethal and fatal (Al-Khattar, 2011, 22). Terrorism is a kind of violence applied in peace, conflict and war. The groups use threats before carrying out unexpected attacks. The American Christians white supremacists threatened the government of America claiming that the people running the government were not Christians. As a result, they bombed Alfred P. Murrah federal office building in Oklahoma City in April 1995 to make their point clear (Hoffman, 2006, 107). Terrorist attacks have specific goals and motives the attacks do not happen randomly. For instance, the al Q aeda group led by Osama bin laden carried out the 9/11 attack to ensure the American government withdraw its military base from Saudi Arabia. Their goal was to ensure the Americans were not in control of any Arabic country (Dyson, 2010, 5). Religion known to be the centre of human beings, people controlled and guided by religious beliefs. Therefore, when terror groups created based on religion the group is likely to have many committed followers (Fine, 2008, 59). In addition, when undertaking terror attacks the group ensures the attacks are fatal because they believe the people attacked are wrong and should be punished for their wrong doings. Secular terrorist attacks; on the other hand, undertaken to manipulate a government or a group of people to adhere to their demands (Hoffman, 2006, 7). Islamic religion well known for conducting a number of terrorist attacks, the well-known al Qaeda group religiously controlled. Its followers commit crimes with a view that they are fighting for their Islamic rights. For instance, the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York was fatal, many people lost their lives and others left injured (Jonathan, 2010, 369). In addition, property of invaluable value also destroyed. The attack was fatal because it was religiously controlled. Religious terrorism are known to be fatal, because of the reasoning behind the attack. Religious terrorist believe that the attack is holy and religiously protected (Juergen, 2010, 34). In addition, religious terrorist believe that violence is a sacred act undertaken in direct, to fulfill religious needs or better still they believe the attack justified by the scripture. Religion functions as a legal force, which triggers a massive criminal activity against people who are not strong believers of religion (Sugirharah, 2011, 75). Religious terrorist attacks believe their work is a vocational calling, and they normally take responsibility of their actions publicly. They use terrorism to fulfill their political and social demands (Okoro, 2010, 554). In addition, religious terrorist also act anonymously, and they act to fulfill their own needs. Their attacks escalate violence and harm to the public. Islamic religion known to accommodate a number of terror groups, nonetheless, religious terrorist involve other religions too. For instance, the 1995 nerve gas attack in Tokyo subway system led by apocalyptic Japanese religious cult that took the lives of many people. After the attack, the group also promised

Friday, October 18, 2019

THE CHALLENGES FOR NURSES WHO PROVIDE PALLIATIVE CARE TO DAYING Essay

THE CHALLENGES FOR NURSES WHO PROVIDE PALLIATIVE CARE TO DAYING PATIENTS - Essay Example This holistic care services may be carried out in most clinical setting, including patient's home. Role of Nurses in Palliative Care Issues of death and caring for dying patients are certainly emotional human experiences that demands for a compassionate care. ICN reiterates that nurses should reduce suffering and help improve the quality of a dying patient's life, so with the family members. Nurses are expected create and maintain a relationship with the client who is therapeutic; working with them in a peaceful environment conducive for mitigating pain. As health care providers, they must be effective as clinical managers, supervisors, coordinating services, able to set priorities, monitor care outcomes, conducting health teachings to patient and the families, managing resources and efficient in providing nursing leadership in caring for dying patients. Issues and Challenges in Nursing Palliative Care In line with their work, several nurses experienced moral and ethical dilemmas. In January 2004 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (2004, 11), authors who conducted survey about the end-of-life experiences of people who passed away shared that, majority of people preferred to die at home. Regardless of the setting, respondents shared that, the care given by the staff were inadequate: dyspnea (22%), pain (24%), and emotional needs (50%). There was higher patients' satisfaction with hospice care than the care provided by nursing homes, hospitals, and home care providers. Undoubtedly, the goals of care and care itself are interdisciplinary.On the contrary, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) elaborated that, in nursing homes, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the experience... This report approves that The health care team with the family must do advance planning so that, during the course of decision making, patient’s preferences are ensured. The patient needs to be guarded against any aggressive and inappropriate care near death. The team also has to make the time spent by the dying and the family precious. Despite declining physical health, the patient’s quality of life must be ensured. The financial burden of the family must be minimized; patient and the family should be educated in terms of insurance which cover treatment of the illness and help the family with bereavement should be given. All these are important and health care providers should be educated of the said principles. This essay makes a cocnlusion that good health is a responsibility of everyone. The overall health outcomes of a patient greatly depends on the collaborative efforts of the patient and family, health care providers and institution, insurance companies, and all the more, the government. When health care costs are rising, insurers must see to it that they address properly the patient’s needs. The public and policy making bodies must adopt the prolonging-life-at-any-cost approach in order to upgrade the existing quality health care system. Nurses should not only predict the moment of patient’s death but should anticipate the risks and difficulties patient experience, rather discuss dying, support patient and family by informing them about appropriate treatment decisions.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Chrysler PT Cruiser - Essay Example The Chrysler PT Cruiser The Chrysler Group is Daimler Chrysler AG’s unit which is world’s fifth biggest automaker producing company in both passengers as well as commercial vehicle segments. The Chrysler PT Cruiser is built by Chrysler which is a â€Å"retro† styled station wagon. It is the marquee of Daimler Chrysler. The model resembles in size and shape to the 1997 Chrysler CCV prototype. The marketing plan is all about repositioning and revitalising the PT Cruiser that has been struggling since many years and underwent a decline stage. PT Cruiser has been one of the successful retro-styled vehicles. More than 1.3 million PT Cruiser cars were manufactured since the year 2000. However, despite its stylish look and many advanced features, the sales of the car have been plummeting in the recent years. It has been analysed that the reason behind the sales slide and the failure of the PT Cruiser have been that the Chrysler didn’t invest the required sum in this model. It has even b een argued that the reason behind its failure has been that the car was never improved by the company over its life span. The target segment was primarily the middle aged people who bought these cars. There are always two basic strategic choices for any company. Either the company can segment the market or it can treat its entire market as its potential customers for the goods and services that it renders. By the word ‘segmentation’ the development of the unique marketing strategies in order to meet the market needs of the market place, is perceived. (Weinstein, 2004). In addition to the middle aged people the target segment should be youngsters as well. By driving its attention towards this particular segment, the company can gain a significant number of customers in comparison to the middle aged people. In terms of psychographic segmentation, the company needs to segment its market to the outgoing people who usually hangout with their friends and relatives. The company has been providing its services all over the world; however, it would be better if the company targets the Asian countries as there is huge potential in these countries. In terms of benefit segmentati on, the company needs to focus upon investing in the style of the product as it has not gone through much change with respect to the product and there has been no investment made to upgrade it. In terms of physiographic segmentation, the company can target both the economy minded as well as the high income group people. Marketing Objectives The main objective of the company must be to invest adequate resources so that they can appeal to the mass consumers. In the era of competition, it is important for the companies to keep themselves updated with the modern technologies. The major reason for the failure of the product has been that the model and features provided by the car were same throughout its entire of its 11 years existence in the market. Therefore, the main objective of the company must be to make changes in the product model along with providing new advanced features with the aim to beat the

Make up Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Make up - Essay Example Moreover, the plan requires all businesses and workers to abide by these rules. For a long time Republican and Democratic presidents used legal authority in dealing with the issue. However, President Obama took a commonsense approach. The approach by the President relies on his executive authority to ensure everyone is accountable and capable of following the law in contributing to the US. The president took the approach as the country anticipates for the Congress and Republicans to act. No hindrances exist that can affect the president’s decision since US constitution as well as Immigration and Naturalization Act offer the Executive authority to come up with enforcement priorities that improve the way agencies apply the law. US Supreme Court agrees on this. The executive authority allows both Democrat and Republican presidents to act on immigration. All presidents after President Eisenhower have legal authority that enables them to deal with immigration (The White House). For a long time, the US immigration system has been broken making it pointlessly difficult for the country to draw the best talent around the globe. Skilled workers usually wait for years or even decades before obtaining green cards to allow them contribute fully to the country’s economy and gain citizenship with time. Entrepreneurs lack devoted immigration corridor to allow them develop their enterprises and create jobs in the country. Every year, the country’s universities educate a number of well talented students only to coerce them to return to their country of origin and compete against the US. Through the executive action by the President, the immigration system is set to enhance immigration of highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates (The White House). In the past, skilled immigrants got temporary work visas. Only in cases where no American employees available to

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Essay Question Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Question - Essay Example This category comprised of 14% of the whole sample. The next category was ordinary users. This comprised a moderately 27% of the whole cluster analysis. The third category was the irregular users. The irregular user encompassed 14% of the total population sample. The largest category was thee basic users, who comprised an enormous 45%. In order to obtain this analysis, Chi-Square analysis method was used. This analysis showed important relationships between the various kinds of technology identified. The analysis also showed the various universities which the students attended. It also reveals the various genders of the students, their age, and their countries of origin. The last ten years has shown a lot of development in the type of technology that is being employed today. The technology skills have improved greatly. Students have changed their preferences and their experience is biased towards the direction of technology. The result in the next few years will be that all the students will be â€Å"digital natives.† These students will have homogenous group characteristics that require a wide range of experience and improved skills in in using information and communication technology. In recent years, there has been an empirical research that has been conducted by other different researchers concerning the Net Generation students. This research reveals an increasing level of technology that is being adopted and used. However, the findings are below those predicted by the Net Generations or the digital natives’ rhetoric. The researches shows a large number of students often use an established technology. For example emails and web browsing. However, there is only a few of this students sub-groups who used more advanced or a recent technology and tools. While classifying the various groups in a broader manner, another researcher found out that 31% of all the American adults were elite technology users while 20% were mid-level

Article critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Article critique - Essay Example Participants/Subjects The participants/subjects consisted of 22 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 from a school for children suffering from physical maladies. The students were selected from a random population sample and divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Both groups were subjected to a three month training program which proceeded three times each week. Tests measuring walking speeds, gross motor skills and muscle tone were conducted both prior to and after the program commenced and ended. The control group’s program consisted of treatment and traditional physiotherapy which involved three exercise regiments with balance, gait, mat and â€Å"functional gross motor activities† (Chrysagis, et. al., 2012, p. 747). The experimental group’s program consisted of treadmill training without the use of support for body weight and with a â€Å"comfortable speed† (Chrysagis, et. al., 2012, p. 747). Findings At the conclusion of the three month program research findings indicated that there were appreciable differences between the experimental group and the control group in terms of GMF and walking speeds. In both cases, the experimental group’s GMF and walking speed scores were greater than those for the control group. There was no significant difference in the muscle tone outcomes between the two groups. Thus results of the study indicate that treadmill training may contribute to an improvement in walking speeds and GFM of ambulatory adolescents with cerebral palsy without having a negative impact on muscle tone. Limitations of the Study The study is limited by the fact that it was conducted among a relatively small population sample. The population sample consisted of only 22 adolescents and when divided into two groups further narrowed the sample down to 11 in each group. The validity of the results among such a small population is further compromised by the fact that the students were selecte d from the same school. Selecting all students from one facility where they share the same physical education regiment indicates that the results of the study may very well be related to other physical education activities shared by the group at school. The difference in the outcome may have been mere coincidence since the sample sizes were so small. A larger sample population among students from different schools would have made the results more valid. Authors Acknowledge Limitations The authors pointed out limitations of their own. The acknowledged limitations included the observation that the student participants were not tested for muscle strength and endurance and that the results of the test may have been influenced by muscle strength and endurance. The authors also noted that interventions and support during the training program by physical therapists might have contributed to the results of the study as well. Implications The study can be useful to physical education teacher s who train ambulatory students with cerebral palsy. It indicates that the treadmill can be a safe alternative for students with cerebral palsy to possibly improve walking speed and GMF, if used with the help of physical therapists or with close supervision. Next Study Based on the results of the study and the limitations reported I would conduct further research on the impact of the treadmill on muscle, tone, strength and endurance, GMF and Walking Speed of adolescents with

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Essay Question Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Question - Essay Example This category comprised of 14% of the whole sample. The next category was ordinary users. This comprised a moderately 27% of the whole cluster analysis. The third category was the irregular users. The irregular user encompassed 14% of the total population sample. The largest category was thee basic users, who comprised an enormous 45%. In order to obtain this analysis, Chi-Square analysis method was used. This analysis showed important relationships between the various kinds of technology identified. The analysis also showed the various universities which the students attended. It also reveals the various genders of the students, their age, and their countries of origin. The last ten years has shown a lot of development in the type of technology that is being employed today. The technology skills have improved greatly. Students have changed their preferences and their experience is biased towards the direction of technology. The result in the next few years will be that all the students will be â€Å"digital natives.† These students will have homogenous group characteristics that require a wide range of experience and improved skills in in using information and communication technology. In recent years, there has been an empirical research that has been conducted by other different researchers concerning the Net Generation students. This research reveals an increasing level of technology that is being adopted and used. However, the findings are below those predicted by the Net Generations or the digital natives’ rhetoric. The researches shows a large number of students often use an established technology. For example emails and web browsing. However, there is only a few of this students sub-groups who used more advanced or a recent technology and tools. While classifying the various groups in a broader manner, another researcher found out that 31% of all the American adults were elite technology users while 20% were mid-level

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Slacks Transformational Process Model Case Study

Slacks Transformational Process Model - Case Study Example In the model of transformational process comprehension is significant because it constitutes the common syntactic space and this is a prerequisite in a successful transformational process. Comprehension is an important factor because the language or syntax devoid any logic that is considered too complicated. Another important factor in the transformation process is the internalization that constitutes the interpretative space and it is part of the major prerequisite. Any information cannot stand alone and they always appeared as personalized and it comes into social context. The information must have the interpretative space having the capacity to synchronize semantically. Any transformational process must be comprised with information that contains relevant matters. This is necessary in determining the acquisition or non acquisition of knowledge. The information must appear believing that it represents truthfulness and it is depends solely on the contextualization. In the event, any individual must be considered for certain information and they are expected in distributing knowledge. In any system, the information is valued as Any organization, specifically a car manufacturing company must have the transformational process model. ... In the application it elaborates all the analytical levels. All the knowledge management methodologies require understanding and it covers facilitating tools and it is efficient for having social dimensions and information quality. In the performance of businesses to modern world they need quality customer service, agility in heir performances, speed and efficiency. There is different emphasis in the concept of business process wherein it illustrates how the firm organizes itself. Standardization allows the car manufacturing company to achieve longevity as a result of corporate agility. It is also part of the initiative to have service orientation and outsourcing to business processes. In the transformational process the organization needs to discuss the meaning of the words used in every area of the business. Previous process is needed before moving on the examination of the importance of knowledge in order for the workers to generate value towards the firm. In the transformational process of a car manufacturing, it focuses on the imperative and innovations that is within the scope of service orientation and it composed the agility of the organization or the corporation. Slacks transformational process could result to potential implications in several processes like in the organizational maturity, process architecture and management practices. In the transformational process of car Slacks Transformational Process Model P 3 manufacturing company, it raises the challenges on the existing design philosophies and it gives emphasis on the alternatives that supports the efficiency and flexibility of the organization. Implications in Car Manufacturing Slacks transformational process can cause delay in certain areas

Monday, October 14, 2019

Recent Trends in Marketing Management

Recent Trends in Marketing Management The present era is the era of marketing. Marketing Management has taken over all the other functions of business management. The product design which was earlier an exclusive production function is now the primary function of marketing management. Human Resource Management is also been throttled by Internal marketing. Even Strategic Management now implies marketing management. Marketing now has taken the drivers seat in business and the very word marketing now defines the way we live. So marketing is no more a marketers domain but a co-venture of marketers as well as customer. Marketing in the 21st century has experienced a paradigm shift. The new millennium gave a new dimension to marketing by converting the customer-oriented marketing approach of 1990s to customer-driven marketing. Involvement of customers in product design and development, branding packaging and advertising decisions is now what is being practiced. To relate to this idea, we can look back to the Frito lays ad campaign where they invited options from customers for launching new flavors and then again public voting for the final flavor. Another example can be public voting being carried out for the selection of an actress for playing the role of grown-up Aanandi in the famous Ballika Vadhuà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.The guiding philosophy of marketing today is not products for the people but the product by the people as well. The advent of service economy has made customers the co-creators of products, so more and more involvement of customers is being sought. Customers are being involved at every s tage of product development in an attempt to generate loyalty from variety-spoiled customers. Another trend that has up surged recently is Product placements We are now quite used to watching advertisements during movie intervals and in between our favorite shows on the television. An ad exposure during interval may not find sufficient viewers and remote of a TV set gives the viewer full liberty to switch-over the channelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..so the new thing that is being tested for effectiveness is the product placement in movies or in popular TV shows. Now we often see our favorite actors and actresses using some brands as a part of their natural lifestyle or hoardings or showrooms of some brands as a backdrop of some important scene. Such product placements are being so naturally embedded in the settings that the viewers sub-conscious registers them strongly in their mind. A very undercover trend is neuro-marketing -marketing to mind. Understanding the complex dynamics of consumer mind is a real challenge of the modern times. The attempts of marketers to know what a consumer wants through varied research methods are now not generating effective insights into consumer minds because the consumer today is smart, intelligent and sophisticated enough not to let anyone extract the unwarranted information and moreover the dynamics of human behaviour are so intricate that in most cases we as consumers dont even know rightly why we buy something. So what the marketers are now doing to get deeper into the consumer psyche is something which is still being debated for its ethical concerns. Various psychological techniques are being used to explore the consumer mind and above that FMRI scans of consumers are also being taken to know what happens in the consumer mind while experiencing a particular service or what appeals to the consumer mind more while watching an advertisement. Many such trends have been catching up recently but the future of marketing lies in technology with which consumers now spend most of their timeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the mobile phones and the internet. Times are fast changing from counting the customer footfalls to the counting of eyeballs. That means how many customers will actually buy the product now depends on how many customers see the products and the advertisements on their mobile phones or through internet. Wireless technology enabled media defines the new age of marketing. All the latest explorations of marketers are oriented towards this relatively new media. Internet is a new way for people to connect, gather information, share, collaborate and build their business or buy their products. Ensuring web-presence has become a pre-requisite for every business be it small or large. New generations belonging to any strata of society now extensively use internet and mobile technology. And the literate sections of senior generations are a lso catching up fast with it. Looking for a mobile phone, booking of travel package, sending flowers and greetings on special occasions, listening and downloading songs, chatting with a distant friend and relativeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..whatever we want to do and know à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the internet is ready with ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..So obviously it has become the key driver for marketing systems. The trends that have emerged as an outcome of this big change are mainly fuelled by a buzzword known as Viral Marketing. It refers to marketing techniques that use pre-existing social networks to produce increase in brand awareness or to achieve other marketing objectives through self-replicating viral processes similar to the spread of virus. It can be word-of-mouth delivered or enhanced by the network effects of the Internet. Viral marketing takes the form of Mobile marketing, email-marketing, blogging, Gaming, video marketing and above all social media marketing. Mobile marketing is all about marketing to people through their mobile phones and smart-phone devices. Demand is increasing dramatically for mobile applications and mobile web-browsing due to wider adoption of devices like the iPhone. Video marketing is a very effective tool of internet marketing where in Countless buying emotions and memorable brand moments are possible to be presented through musical, adventurous, motivational or funny video messages. These videos are viewed, liked and forwarded by the viewers hence spreading the message like a viral network. Social networking sites are attracting millions of people of all age groups. Staying connected through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc is part of ones daily regimen. No wonder Social Media is the strongest marketing trend which is not just a fad but a trend to stayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ more and more companies have been posting on various blogs, creating profile on Facebook, tweeting on Twitter, or posting news on Digg.com ,etc and by simply clicking like on such pages we are becoming part of the marketing network . Another related trend is taking the web marketing one step further: it is called Social Appvertising! The leading brands are now starting to create special interactive Facebook applications to maximize consumer involvement. A soft drinks Facial Profiler application finding your twin on Facebookà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Or American Express contest for creating your own ad through a Facebook application. So a lot is to be explored about these trends. With the dynamics of ever changing consumer behaviour, dynamics of marketing will keep on changingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.the changes that are important, inevitable and essence of life..!!!!!!! RAMNEEK KAUR MBA, M.COM, M.PHIL ASSTT. PROFESSOR GURU NANAK INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY, MODEL TOWN, LUDHIANA.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

An Inspector Calls :: English Literature

An Inspector calls is set in 1912 and was written for a 1946 audience. What can it have to offer an audience in 2002? An Inspector calls. 'An Inspector calls' was written by J.B. Priestly in 1945, and was first shown to an audience in 1946. It was set in 1912, before the Second World War had started, and was to be shown, after the Second World War had ended. 'An inspector calls' is a dramatic, moralistic thriller. It is set around the death of a young woman: Eva Smith. The play begins with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila, to the wealthy Gerald Croft. In this part of the play you learn a lot about the social system of that era, the way people acted, and the way they thought. The doorbell, and the arrival of an Inspector interrupt their 'celebration'. From now on the mood changes, contrasting the light-hearted and happy mood; it now becomes tense and serious. The Inspector reveals each characters involvement in the death of Eva Smith, side by side with the flaws and evils in each characters' personality. This slowly reveals to the audience that the Inspector is a lot more then he seems, and that the play is not only a 'murder mystery', but also resembles a moralistic play of the middle ages, but in it's own socialistic manner. It also shows the flaws in the social system at the times, which are displayed in each character, and in the consequences of their acts. The audience are shown how some people ignore the reality of their actions, and even after seeing the consequence of their actions, refuse to change. Mr and Mrs Birling are portrayed as selfish and ignorant of their actions, while Sheila and Eric, as a contrast, have fully realised their mistakes and have changed the way they think. The inspector is successful in changing two of the characters, but is not successful in the rest. Priestly is in a way playing the Inspector, to his audience, showing them the consequences of their actions, and what will happen if they do not change. 'An Inspector calls' has many underlying messages, most of which are still relevant to us today. The question as to whether 'An inspector calls' is out of date, is a long argued and debated question. Both sides of the argument have valid points, and in order to come to a fair decision, you must consider both these sides of the argument. I am going to consider three statements about 'An Inspector calls' and after studying each one, am gong to come up with a decision.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Black is Beautiful in Shakespeares Sonnets and Astrophil and Stella Es

Black is Beautiful in Shakespeare's Sonnets and Sidney's Astrophil and Stella    Germinating in anonymous Middle English lyrics, the subversion of the classical poetic representation of feminine beauty as fair-haired and blue-eyed took on new meaning in the age of exploration under sonneteers Sidney and Shakespeare. No longer did the brown hair of "Alison" only serve to distinguish her from the pack; the features of the new "Dark Lady" became more pronounced and sullied, and her eroticized associations with the foreignness of the New World grew more explicit through conceits of colonization. However, the evolving dichotomy between fairness and darkness was not quite so revolutionary; in fact, Sidney and Shakespeare lauded the virtues of fairness with the same degree of passion as their predecessors, albeit in a cloaked form. To counter their mistresses' exterior darkness, the poets locate an interior lightness that radiates beyond the funereal veil of hair or eyes†¹raven-hair or jet-eyes is acceptable only if there is an innate brightness that illuminates th e sensuality of the superficial.    Most of the poems addressing the light/dark antithesis choose at some point to make an open declaration that embraces or undermines the dichotomy and lays the groundwork for the rest of the poem. The dichotomous lines tend not to be as straightforward as they suggest. "I can love both fair and brown," from John Donne's "The Indifferent," seems to blur the line between the colors, but by revealing the gracious equanimity of his desire, Donne implicitly reinforces brown's aesthetic inferiority. Shakespeare parodies the antiquated contrarieties, which he acknowledges in Sonnet 127: "In the old age, black was not counted fair" (1). In... ...line "But being both from me" as the couple's being "away from" the speaker, the line can also imply that the two inhabit his mind (11). With this reading, "To win me soon to hell, my female evil/ Tempteth my better angel from my side" means not that the Dark Lady will cast Shakespeare into misery through her upsetting the triangle, but that her power will shift Shakespeare's mind to the dark side. Her temptation is filled with reference to dirtiness of sin: "And would corrupt my saint to be a devil,/ Wooing his purity with her foul pride" (7-8). "Proud flesh" is the swollen flesh surrounding a wound; thus her "foul pride" may be a pun on her genitalia. The eroticization of her darkness is a salient pointer towards the fascination the poets hold toward darkness; beneath that impure exterior lies a devilish promiscuity unlike that of all the other fair-haired maidens.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Global Software Piracy Case Study

MGT 440 International Buisness Name of the case: Global Software Piracy Prepared by: xxxx Date 16-03-2010 Executive Summary: This case is taking software piracy under the light that explained at the end of the third chapter of the book International Business environments and operations by Daniels in the 11th edition. Software piracy is the mislicensing, unauthorized reproduction and illegal distribution of software, whether for business or personal use. When someone copies software without buying the appropriate number of licenses, it is copyright infringement. Individual copying software for a friend is a form  of software piracy. Types of software piracy may include: end-user piracy, pre-installed software, Internet piracy, and counterfeiting, online auction piracy. Q1. What is the relationship among the various governments, institutions, organizations, and companies in developing legal codes to combat software piracy? Companies, industry associations and governments developed arrangement and legal codes to deal with software piracy. Governments have been passing and enforcing laws supporting copyrights. The effort to condemn software piracy led to more governments joining the effort, associations such as BSA (Business Software Alliance) have members in more than 70 nations. All this effort can’t really provide significant results in the future. Other method has to be considered as well. Narrowing the gap in price of the legal and illegal copies, my encourage consumers to go for the legal copies. Other solutions is the introduction of new technologies that would limit if not kill software piracy, such as the introduction of cloud computing. Q2. In your opinion, should software companies, industry associations, home governments, or transnational institutions take the lead in aggressively negotiating with the governments of countries with high piracy rates? Why? Reading up the case, you can see the enthusiasm that most governments shown in form of enforcing laws or taking actions as well. So, what I think is instead of pushing governments to negotiate with other high rated piracy countries may lead to more complexity in their political relationships. It would be better if complies make enquires by themselves or by watchdog associations such as BSA. Other methods are through international trade channels. In the case with countries of high piracy rates, adjustments to their copyrights laws made above their accession to the WTO, china for example. Q3. Can the software industry expect to contain and control software piracy without eventually relying on governments to take a more active role? Why would the software industry dislike greater government regulation? Yes. I think software industry can contain and control software piracy without eventually relying on governments to take a more active role. This is done through technology innovation. The introduction of cloud computing has opened the door to a future with no software piracy. Cloud computing  is  Internet-based  computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like electricity. Software are to be rented or incensed by paying a fees on the user of software and no such piracy is possible in this world, unless newly discovered! Q4. In your opinion, what rationale do you think consumers in high theft countries (see Table 3. 6) use to justify software piracy? Similarly, what ideas or conditions lead consumers in lower theft countries to respect IPRs? Consumers in high theft countries tend to be more of a collectivists kind of cultures where is sharing is on of its primary features. While Consumers in high theft countries are individualistic. Q5. What sorts of political or legal solutions should the software industry lobby governments to apply to the piracy problem? Software companies should convince governments to enforce laws and legal actions in case of violations to the copyright laws. And keep pursuing international regulators such as WTO to establish piracy policies and protect the intellectual rights.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Bell v. Florida

The defendant, Mr. Gary Paul Bell, was charged and convicted with the crime of attempted kidnapping. At the trial, his victim, through her testimonies, claimed that the defendant exhibited attempted kidnapping in two counts to wit: (1) When the victim was walking along the street during daytime, the defendant drove up to her and offered to give her a ride to her destination, twice; (2) When the defendant forced the victim to get into the van by grabbing her around the neck and holding a gun to her head[1].The victim, who was able to break free from Mr. Bell, ran into traffic and tried to get the help of others in escaping the defendant. The defendant, on the other hand, remained standing nearby with his gun pointing towards his victim, threatening to shoot her. When the victim reached her house she called the police.The officer attending the case noted that the victim was in state of hysteria. The victim was found very upset and could not speak. Likewise, it was also noted that the v ictim was only made to give a statement after a series of attempts of making her relay the incident, which lasted for fifteen to twenty minutes[2].The testimonies given by the victim and the attending officer were admitted in the court as evidence on the basis of hearsay rules and exceptions. The defendant, appeals on the court’s decision on his conviction on the basis of contrive or misrepresentation and that the testimony of the attending officer on the accounts of the crime of the victim should be excluded as hearsay.Issue:Â  The issue is whether the testimony given by the attending officer regarding the accounts of the victim on the crime of attempted kidnapping should be excluded as hearsay.[1]Cases Relating to Chapter 12, 747.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

God’s rule over human happenings Essay

God controls events of human history to accomplish of his purposes. God’s rule over human happenings is demonstrated many times in the Bible. One of the clearest examples is recorded in the first four chapters of the book of Daniel. Daniel and three of his friends were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. In Babylon they are trained to be special servants of the king. When Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and apparently forgot it, he demanded that his wise men tell him what he dreamed and give its interpretation, on penalty of death if they didn’t. When Daniel heard about this situation, he and his friends prayed to God to learn about the dream and its interpretation. When God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel, Daniel thanked God by saying, â€Å"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. . . . He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. . . . I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known . . . the king’s demand† (Daniel 2:20-23, NKJV). The dream was about a man with a head of gold, his chest and arms of silver, his thighs of bronze, his legs of iron, and his feet partly of iron and partly of clay. Daniel told the king that God had revealed to him the dream and its interpretation. He declared that different parts of the man represented various kingdoms. The head of gold represented Nebuchadnezzar. His was the greatest kingdom. After him would come lesser kingdoms, represented by the inferior medals, until the coming of the greatest – an everlasting kingdom – represented by a stone, uncut by human hands. The stone would strike the image and broke it in pieces. It would then became a great mountain and fill the whole earth. Nebuchadnezzar was grateful to Daniel for telling him his dream and its interpretation. He declared, â€Å"Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret† (Daniel 2:47). The king then promoted Daniel to be ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. Moreover, Daniel’s three friends were placed in positions of power in the province of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was a most powerful king. He was also very conceited. He built an image of gold, ninety feet tall. Why he built it is not declared in scripture. However, it may be because the dream, wherein he was represented as possessing a kingdom portrayed with a head of gold, motivated him to exalt himself in that way. He called for everyone to fall down before the image and worship it. But Daniel’s three friends refused. Nebuchadnezzar threatened them, saying that they would be put into a furnace of fire if they didn’t prostrate themselves before it. They still refused, saying that God would deliver them, but even if he didn’t, they would not worship the image. Nebuchadnezzar, full of fury, had them put into the fiery furnace. Afterward, however, when he looked into the furnace, he was greatly surprised. There was a fourth person, one like a son of the gods, walking among them and none of them were burned. When Nebuchadnezzar called for them to come out of the furnace, he discovered that they were not singed, nor did they have even the smell of fire on them. Therefore he said, â€Å"Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him . . . that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.† (Daniel 3:28-29) He then promoted them in the province of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar thus came not only to recognize, but also to appreciate the Most High God. Nevertheless, Nebuchadnezzar was still filled with great pride. In his own words, Nebuchadnezzar told how he came to be humbled by God. He had another dream which none but Daniel could interpret. The dream was about a great, strong, and high tree with lovely leaves and abundant fruit. In it the birds lodged, under it animals found shade, and from it all flesh was fed. But a voice from heaven commanded the tree to be cut down. Even so, the stump and roots were to be left, bound with iron and bronze in the grass of the field. Before being told the meaning of the dream, Nebuchadnezzar recognized that â€Å"This decision is . . . in order that the living may know  that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men† (Daniel 4:17). When told the dream, Daniel was disturbed because he knew it was against the King. The tree represented the king. Although the king was great, he would be cut down but not destroyed. His heart would become like that of an animal and he would eat grass for seven â€Å"times† (probably seven years). However, Nebuchadnezzar was assured that the kingdom would be his after he came to realize that Heaven rules. Daniel then advised the king, â€Å"break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity† (Daniel 4:20). The dream began to be fulfilled a year later while Nebuchadnezzar was walking in his palace. He said, â€Å"Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?† (Daniel 4:30). It was then that a voice from heaven said, â€Å"King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses† (Daniel 4:31-32). And so it was. Nebuchadnezzar ate grass like an ox, his body was wet with the dew of heaven, his hair grew like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like bird’s claws. At the end of the time, Nebuchadnezzar’s understanding returned to him, as did his kingdom, honor, splendor, counselors and nobles. He then blessed the Most High, saying, â€Å"His dominion is an everlasting dominion, . . . He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’† (Daniel 4:34-35). He then praised and honored the King of Heaven, saying that his works are true and his ways just. Moreover, he said, â€Å"those who walk in pride, He is able to put down† (Daniel 4:37). God rules. He sent dreams to Nebuchadnezzar. Through Daniel, God made their interpretations known. In this way God caused Daniel to become ruler over  all Babylon and his friends to be elevated to rulership positions. God changed Nebuchadnezzar’s heart and made him to be a believer in the Most High God. He also humbled and then restored Nebuchadnezzar to his kingdom. He thereby caused His name to be heralded by the King throughout all Babylon (Daniel 4:1-3). Nebuchadnezzar came to know that God ruled. Yet he probably did not understood the extent or purposes of God’s rule. He may not have realized that in all these things God was preserving the Israelites in their captivity. When we see disturbing conditions in our world (just as the Israelites saw and were disturbed by the fall of Jerusalem and the overthrow of their nation by the Babylonians) we should realize that God â€Å"reigns over the nations, God sits on his holy throne† (Psalm 47:8; See also Jeremiah 18:7-10). He still rules in the kingdom of men. And while we may not know the extent of God’s rule, we should realize that God is working out his own purposes through contemporary human events.

Debt and Taxes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Debt and Taxes - Essay Example The study recommends that there be further research on the best ways of finding a balance between the two. Debt and Tax Introduction With increased concerns on the fluctuation of the world’s economy, governments have been on focus on the way they have handled these shifts. Borrowing and taxation have been largely used by various governments through fiscal policy to offset the imbalances that have been created by constant economic downfalls. Most governments have historically relied on domestic taxes for the facilitation of various expenditures. However, with pressure that arises from budget deficits, it is usually common to hear of governments borrowing to make up for the deficits in their expenditure plans. In addition, for an individual borrower, it is usually a general principle that the amount loaned out is considered to be part of income and therefore subjected to taxation. Consequently, it has been generally concluded by many researchers that taxation is the best way to ensure that firms utilize debt in their capital structure. Such is the complex relationship between debt and tax that there are various dynamics towards the two concepts as illustrated in economics. In view of the mentioned relationship between tax and debt, this paper will explore the various issues that come up as a result of the close examination of the two concepts. The economic implications, justifications of fiscal measures with relation to the two and other arguments on the relationship between the two concepts will be discussed. This will be done through use of available literature on the two issues. As a result, the paper will finally make conclusions with regards to the relationship and implications of taxation and debt policies by governments. In addition, the paper will identify and recommend the areas on the two concepts that will need further research. To begin, it is important to understand the significance and meaning of the two terms with respect to the underlying d iscussions. Taxes are the main fiscal policy instruments largely employed by federal governments to ensure that there are balances on earnings in particular areas of the economy as well as have a resource pool for the financing of public expenditure for the benefit of the citizens. Taxation is therefore a tool used by treasury to ensure that citizens and firms operating in the economy contribute to a larger pool where the government can draw funds for its smooth functioning as well as provide basic amenities and services like healthcare, education and security to all citizens (Simpson 4). There are various categories of taxes with respect to various economies. The United States’ economy, for instance, has three basic categories of taxation. Simpson (6) enlists them as progressive tax, regressive tax and proportional tax. On the other hand, debt is as a result of borrowing by the government, firms or an individual. Usually, the most debts attract interests which are paid on to p of the money borrowed for a specified period of time. As a result, taxation is connected with debt because the interest payable is classified as income and is therefore subjected to taxation. Taxation is used by government for fiscal policy measures that may be aimed at regulating the economy. For instance, in cases where there is a slow economic growth, governments may reduce taxation to some sectors to encourage borrowing and expenditure which therefore translates to growth.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Biomedical Informatics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Biomedical Informatics - Essay Example The Six Sigma refers to a quality level that is prone to minimal operational or experimental errors. In statistical analysis, Six Sigma represents standard deviation that indicates the level of variation in an experiment or operation (Pokharkar et al. 1160). The highly disciplined strategy entails three elements that include process improvement, re-design, and process management (Pokharkar et al. 1161). The Six Sigma strategy was initially dominant in the manufacturing industry where it played a noble role in meeting the client’s needs based on the DMAIC method (Snee 4). However, other industries including the health care industry have since adopted the six-sigma strategy to address the heightened competitive market pressures (Pokharkar et al. 1160-1163). Indeed, Lean and Six Sigma strategies have been fundamental in clinical and translational research where they enhance various processes. The strategy can achieve this by eliminating delays and errors, enhancing quality, and facilitating the timely adoption of biomedical discoveries. The NIH Roadmap for Biomedical Research and the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award program recognize the potential of the six-sigma quality improvements in clinical trials (Schweikhart and Dembe 748). Various scholars establish that Lean and Six Sigma relate and try to improve total quality management by deriving a more discrete and me asurable operation. The strategy also quantifies results and aims at delivering certain quality improvements within a given period. Clinical trials rely on six-sigma quality improvements to concentrate on process management, adopt standardized method for monitoring process improvement, and making sure that the trials address the clients’ needs. In most cases, the six sigma strategy works together with the lean strategy, which aims at improving delivery time, reducing operation costs, minimizing cycle times, and

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Film review the film is My Antonia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Film review the film is My Antonia - Essay Example Set in the late nineteenth century Nebraska, the story revolves around the travails of orphan Jimmy Burden, who moves into his grandparents’ (played by Jason Robards and Eva Marie Saint) farm that is located nearby Black Hawk, Nebraska. Young Jimmy is immediately drawn to 15-year neighbor Antonia Shimerda (played by Elina Lowensohn) and they become close friends. Conflict arises when Antonia’s father wants Jimmy to teach her English, whereas Jimmy’s grandfather is concerned about his grandson’s own education. But soon the Shimerda family meets a tragedy and contact with the Burdens is severed as the latter move into town. As the ageing grandparents pool their resources into making their grandson a graduate, Antonia renews her contact with Jimmy as she also now lives in town. The subsequent narrative is about the evolution and endurance of their friendship, which lasts for many years, even as Jimmy takes further strides in his academic and professional life . The relationship between Jimmy and Antonia has a romantic basis to it, but neither of them expresses it in overt ways. The intrusion of the beautiful Lena also disrupts the harmony of their relationship. As Jimmy takes greater interest in Lena, he drifts further apart from Antonia. This element of the relationship adds suspense and intrigue to the narrative and keeps audience interest alive throughout. The adaptation to film comes off well, although some of the smaller characters in the novel do not find space in the shorter film format. Yet, the essence of the novel is fully captured through the strong impression that the character of Antonia makes on the audience. Even as the film moves toward the final denouement, the benevolence and kindness of Antonia lingers on the mind of the discerning viewer, standing as a testament to the film’s overall success. For example, even as she realizes that Jimmy is lost to her, Antonia does not cry foul and neglect her duties toward her family. She carries on bravely and reconstructs her life in a manner fitting the circumstances. When Jimmy eventually meets Antonia toward the end of the film, he finds her living a happy married with children. The film ends upon this note of implicit regard and goodwill for each other. As for the performance given by lead actors, excepting for Elina Lowensohn's stand-out central performance, none of the other actors evince much energy, especially Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role. Even accommodating for the fact that Jimmy Burden is a reserved character in the film, he nowhere nearly capture the emotional turmoil that Cather portrayed so eloquently. One of the larger themes covered by the movie is the disparate treatment meted out to immigrant communities. This is most evident in the ordeals of the Shimerda family in assimilating with the local community in Black Hawk, Nebraska. Willa Cather was a writer of great cultural and social sensitivity. And the film My Antonio successf ully captures the thrust and emphasis of her presentation of American social problems. For example, reviewer Tom Wiener correctly notes in his review article that â€Å"The strongest portrayal in the film is the plight of European immigrants and in particular the young women. As Antonia plaintively says, "Girls like me don't get chances," and although she almost blows what she thinks is her best shot, she does land on her feet--no thanks to the self-absorbed Jimmy. A longer film might