Nairobi National Park

Introduction This is a descriptive essay on a national park. I chose a national park situated in a country which is well known for its fauna and flora to make the whole descriptive process great and beautiful. Nairobi National Park receives thousands of tourists from Europe and America; they flock into this country to admire the natural beauty of the national park. The free roaming wildlife and beautiful scenery at the park provide a great opportunity for a beautiful descriptive essay to be written.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nairobi National Park specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nairobi National Park Nairobi national park was the fist to be established in Kenya in 1946 during the British colonial reign in the then East Africa region. The national park sits on a vast piece of land covering over 117 square kilometers. It is surrounded by an electric fence all round to contain the animals within the park and k eep off poachers and any other intruders. The park can be accessed through seven gates though two are only used by the Kenya Wildlife Services officials only. The park has an animal orphanage where young animals left behind by their parents are kept: life at the park is survival for the fittest and if, for instance, a zebra is ambushed by a leopard it has to outrun the leopard otherwise it turns into a good leopard food. The position of the park is very strategic as it only takes less than ten minutes drive to be at the downtown of the capital city. For international visitors, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport can be used and for those with light aircrafts the Wilson airstrip will be handy. The park offers extremely beautiful features; all around within the park are trees of different species with different characteristics, there are thick bushes and the grass is either green or dry depending on the season at hand. With a pair of binocular, birds can be seen hovering over the bushes with some trying to outdo each other through their songs. If the binoculars has sharp lens, then you are likely to see a race between a bird and an insect with the bird defeating its prey in most cases. If you project your eyes beyond the horizon of the park you will see Nairobi’s tall buildings. If you farther raise you head up you will see a light aircraft passing over the park on its way to an airstrip which is nearby. The park is relatively dry but has a rich collection of fauna and flora. There are streams which run through the park and more often than not animals are witnessed coming to quench their thirst at these streams. This happens most in the afternoons when the sun is a bit strong.Advertising Looking for essay on geography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Park Flora and Fauna The park environment mainly consists of an open plain consisting of grass with an average height of one meter from the gro und. It is like hundreds of soccer pitches laid next to each other. Herbivorous like buffaloes, zebras, antelopes among others feed on this grass. The grass is also used tactically by the big cats especially the lions and leopards. One thing that a careful observer will note is that the herbivorous will always appear distracted; they never absolutely focus on feeding on the grass, they keep on jabbing their heads up- it is the rule of this place. A leopard can keep its body as low as an envelop and move stealthily towards a grazing zebra and if the zebra is not on the look out it is caught unawares but if its sixth sense raises an alarm the leopard will have lost the day – it is survival for the fittest. Watching the unfolding of all these through binoculars is unbelievable; it makes the experience at this place memorable (KWS 1). The park tracks are not tarmac and off road vehicles are often used in cruising through the park. Driving at relatively high speeds through the par k tracks creates a good experience and elevates the feel of cool air cool as it brushes over your face incase you are viewing the park through the roof of the car. The animals at this place are the greatest treasure. It these animals which have made park what it is. Park Activity Options The park has selected spots where picnics can be held. Some of the picnic activities which can be carried out in the picnic sites include bush dinners, team building sessions, weddings, video and filming sessions. The park also maintains a three star restaurant where visitors to the park enjoy their meals while enjoying the view of the park. The picnic spots are quite awesome and everything about them is great. The sites are quiet, the air is cool and sun is not very strong – it presents the right environment for outdoor activities. Playing badminton might be disappointing because the winds are likely to take the shuttlecock on a tour. Soccer and volleyball will be good options and probably h ide and seek is not a bad idea as the bushes around the picnic sites can perfectly offers some hiding spots. Holding a wedding in this place will be unforgettable experience.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Nairobi National Park specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For a wedding it will be advisable that the months of April through October are avoided as they are quite wet. The picnic sites are not very nice during the wet months as the ground is often wet and it is always raining. During the dry period, the ground is dry and one can sit down comfortably (KWS 1). Within the park, there is a safari walk. This consists of a long trail of a pavement made of wood; the pavement which is raised above the ground by an average of eight meters. The pavement meanders in an ox-bow manner through trees and bushes; walking over this pavement gives a feeling of walking through the sky. Conclusion Nairobi National Park is a great place. It offers a great scenic view which leaves an unforgettable experience. The ever flourishing vegetation makes the place appear evergreen. Trees are all over, the grass stand tall and bushes are spread around. The place provides one great and detailed ecosystem which sustains itself in an amazing wonderful manner: predators depend on the herbivores for their food and herbivores in turn depend on the vegetation for food. The park management has done great to enhance the beauty and entertainment value of the park by creating picnic sites and a safari walk. The safari walk and the picnic sites give a great opportunity for people to relax in a soothing environment which is quiet and with a lot of fresh air. The park is a great place to visit. Work Cited KWS. Nairobi National Park. Kenya Wildlife Service, 2011. Web. This essay on Nairobi National Park was written and submitted by user Shania Kerr to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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Free Essays on The Minister’s Black Veil

The Minister’s Black Veil In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†, the author chooses to mask the character of the minister with the black veil to construct an allegory that would compare sin concocted by imagination with unrecognized sin of one’s self. The story â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† is symbolic of the hidden sins that we hide and separate ourselves from the ones we love most. In wearing the veil, Hooper presents the isolation that everybody experiences when chained down by own sins. He has realized that everybody symbolically can be found in the shadow of his or her own veil. By Hooper, wearing this shroud across his face is only showing the dark side of people and the truth of human existence and nature. With the story being set in the Puritan period of the settlement of New England, as nearly all of Hawthorne’s stories are, the reader can logically infer a certain set of value judgments. For instance, these people, being very sincere about their religion, are likely to see anything out of the ordinary, such as a black-veiled minister, as a serious issue that undermines their faith. On the surface, the first sight of the veil not only confuses the congregation, but scares them as well. This man is supposed to be their most direct mode of communication with God, and to see him in what they perceive to be quite a bizarre condition must make them feel that their religious lives may be in danger. Yet another character trait held by this community is its inability to cope with even the slightest bit of change. Something as trivial as a man covering his face with black crape paper literally whips this community into a frenzy. â€Å"I don’t like it† (p.102), cried the old woman, â€Å"Our parson has gone mad† (p.102), cried Goodman Gary. Without even the slightest bit of investigation into the issue these people have brewed in their imaginations all sorts of theories as to what is so ... Free Essays on The Minister’s Black Veil Free Essays on The Minister’s Black Veil The Minister’s Black Veil In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†, the author chooses to mask the character of the minister with the black veil to construct an allegory that would compare sin concocted by imagination with unrecognized sin of one’s self. The story â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† is symbolic of the hidden sins that we hide and separate ourselves from the ones we love most. In wearing the veil, Hooper presents the isolation that everybody experiences when chained down by own sins. He has realized that everybody symbolically can be found in the shadow of his or her own veil. By Hooper, wearing this shroud across his face is only showing the dark side of people and the truth of human existence and nature. With the story being set in the Puritan period of the settlement of New England, as nearly all of Hawthorne’s stories are, the reader can logically infer a certain set of value judgments. For instance, these people, being very sincere about their religion, are likely to see anything out of the ordinary, such as a black-veiled minister, as a serious issue that undermines their faith. On the surface, the first sight of the veil not only confuses the congregation, but scares them as well. This man is supposed to be their most direct mode of communication with God, and to see him in what they perceive to be quite a bizarre condition must make them feel that their religious lives may be in danger. Yet another character trait held by this community is its inability to cope with even the slightest bit of change. Something as trivial as a man covering his face with black crape paper literally whips this community into a frenzy. â€Å"I don’t like it† (p.102), cried the old woman, â€Å"Our parson has gone mad† (p.102), cried Goodman Gary. Without even the slightest bit of investigation into the issue these people have brewed in their imaginations all sorts of theories as to what is so ...

25 Quotes to Inspire Thoughtful Written Sentiments

25 Quotes to Inspire Thoughtful Written Sentiments Sometimes its easy to take friends and family for granted, which is why showing appreciation is so important. As philosopher Voltaire said, Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. When you take the time to express thanks and gratitude, you help build and strengthen bonds of trust and love. It doesnt matter whether you send a card or make a phone call. Appreciation, however you express it, builds bridges and fosters healthy relationships. Of course, appreciation should always be sincere. For example, when you praise a family member for their cooking, mention what you specifically liked about the dish, and thank them for preparing it so well. If a friend has thrown you a surprise birthday party, offer your sincere thanks. Remember to say what you enjoyed most about the celebration. Everyone loves a thoughtful thank-you card, but finding the right words to show your appreciation is not always easy. The following is a list of quotes on the subject of appreciation and gratitude from well-known artists, writers, world leaders, and others to help you create your own special sentiments. You could also include the entire attributed quote if it makes sense. Maya Angelou: When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. Guillaume Apollinaire: Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. Thomas Aquinas: There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. Marcus Aurelius: Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them. Leo Buscaglia aka Dr. Love: Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Henry Clay: Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the gratefully and appreciating heart. Ralph Waldo Emerson: A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature. Helen Keller: Words are never warm and tender enough to express ones appreciation of a great kindness. Dalai Lama aka Tenzin Gyatso: The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. Washington Irving: Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart. President John F. Kennedy: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. Steve Maraboli: Forget yesterday - it has already forgotten you. Dont sweat tomorrow - you havent even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift - today. Willie Nelson: When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. Marcel Proust: Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Albert Schweitzer: At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Mark Twain aka Samuel Langhorne Clemens: To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with. Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Voltaire: Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. William Arthur Ward: Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you. Booker T. Washington: Any mans life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day. Mae West aka Mary Jane West: Too much of a good thing can be wonderful! Walt Whitman: I have learned that to be with those I like is enough. Oscar Wilde: The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Thornton Wilder: We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. Oprah Winfrey: Be thankful for what you have; youll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you dont have, you will never, ever have enough.

The Anti Fedralist Papers vs The Federalist Papers Essay

The Anti Fedralist Papers vs The Federalist Papers - Essay Example The term, Anti-federalists, catches both a connection to certain political standards and additionally remaining in favor and against patterns that were showing up in late eighteenth-century America. It will help in our understanding of who the Anti-federalists were to realize that in 1787, the saying "elected" had two implications. One was all inclusive or situated on a fundamental level and alternate was specific and particular to the American circumstance. The vital contentions energetic about it were expressed in the arrangement composed by Madison, as well as Jay as per the Federalist Papers, in spite of the fact that they were not as broadly perused as various autonomous nearby discourses and articles. The contentions against sanction showed up in different structures, by different creators, the vast majority of who utilized a pen name. Aggregately, these works for several years have been known as the Anti-Federalist Papers. The most paramount approach to peruse the professional and hostile to federalist papers is as a verbal confrontation on how the procurements of the Constitution might be translated, or "built". Those contradicting endorsement, or at any rate raising questions about it, were less contending against the sanction or something to that effect of elected constitution, as against sweeping development of procurements assigning forces to the national government, and the reactions from ace generally comprised of affirmations that the assignments of force might be developed strictly and barely. Subsequently, to win the backing of their adversaries, the star ratificationists basically needed to agree to a convention of elucidation that must be viewed as a piece of the Constitution, and that along these lines must be the support for translation today.  

Signs of armageddon in Islamic and Christian faith Research Paper

Signs of armageddon in Islamic and Christian faith - Research Paper Example two religions, but they both share a belief that Jesus will return and that the world will descend into chaos in order to prepare people for deep repentance. The revelation of St. John is the foundation of the belief in the apocalypse of the followers of Christ in Christianity. The revelation is specific in its mention of how the information is revealed to John, that signs from the Angel of God would be sent and that he must share the signs with the Churches of Asia. While seven churches are mentioned, this may be more a mystical reference than an actual number (Steiner, 2008, p. 242). The number seven is used repeatedly throughout the bible as a sacred number, found in Mark with the feeding of the masses where five loaves of bread and two fishes were used to feed thousands and in Acts where seven non-Jewish Christians are asked to serve (Mahan, 2001, p. 16). There are seven canonical sacraments; baptism, confirmation, Euchrist, penance, orders, matrimony and unction of the sick (Kamil, 2002, p. 219). As well there are seven deadly sins: pride, envy, sloth, gluttony, anger, lust, and vanity (Bromiley and Fahlbusch, 2008, p. 25). Seven is also a prominent number within the apocalypse. There are seven seals that, when opened, will move the world closer towards the apocalyptic ending. The first four seals reveal a horse and rider, the four becoming the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; conquest, famine, war, and death. The fifth seal is the vision of the martyrs, with the sixth seal being opened to reveal an earthquake. The opening of the seventh seal will herald in the time of judgment which is the opening of the apocalypse (Bromiley and Fahlbusch, 2008, p. 26). The traditional use of the number seven continues the theme of the beginning of the apocalypse, suggestive of the hidden nature of the actual events that will transpire as it is shrouded in meaningful symbolism. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have been a powerful image to both believers and to

Rome and Han china Essay Example for Free

Rome and Han china Essay 1. Roman Republic: The period from 507 to 31 B. C. E. , during which Rome was largely governed by the aristocratic Roman Senate. 2. Roman Senate: A council whose members were the heads of wealthy, landowning families. Originally an advisory body to the early kings, in the era of the Roman Republic the Senate effectively governed the Roman state and the growing empire. Under Senate leadership, Rome conquered an empire of unprecedented extent in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. In the first century B. C. E.  quarrels among powerful and ambitious senators and failure to address social and economic problems led to civil wars and the emergence of the rule of the emperors. 3. Augustus: (63 B. C. E. -14 c. e. ) Honorific name of Octavian, founder of the Roman Principate, the military dictatorship that replaced the failing rule of the Roman Senate. After defeating all rivals, between 31 B. C. E. and 14 C. E. he laid the groundwork for several centuries of stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire. 4. Roman Principate: A term used to characterize Roman government in the first three centuries C. E. , based on the ambiguous title princeps (first citizen) adopted by Augustus to conceal his military dictatorship. 5. pax romana: Literally, Roman peace, it connoted the stability and prosperity that Roman rule brought to the lands of the Roman Empire in the first two centuries C. E. The movement of people and trade goods along Roman roads and safe seas allowed for the spread of cultural practices, technologies, and religious ideas. 6. Romanization: The process by which the Latin language and Roman culture became dominant in the western provinces of the Roman Empire. The Roman government did not actively seek to Romanize the subject peoples, but indigenous peoples in the provinces often chose to Romanize because of the political and economic advantages that it brought, as well as the allure of Roman success. 7. Jesus: (ca. 5 B. C. E. -34 C. E. ) A Jew from Galilee in northern Israel who sought to reform Jewish beliefs and practices. He was executed as a revolutionary by the Romans. Hailed as the Messiah and son of God by his followers, he became the central figure in Christianity, a belief system that developed in the centuries after his death. 8. aqueduct: A conduit, either elevated or under ground, using gravity to carry water from a source to a location-usually a city-that needed it. The Romans built many aqueducts in a period of substantial urbanization. 9. third-century crisis of the Roman Empire: Historians term for the political, military, and economic turmoil that beset the Roman Empire during much of the third century C. E. : frequent changes of ruler, civil wars, barbarian invasions, decline of urban centers, and near-destruction of long-distance commerce and the monetary economy. After 284 C. E. Diocletian restored order by making fundamental changes. 10. Nero: debauched Roman emperor (stepson of the emperor Claudius) who for centuries was blamed for the great fire of Rome in 64 CE. 11. Cicero: was an orator and statesman of Rome and is generally considered the greatest Latin prose stylist—was executed after criticizing Marc Anthony and the other two members of the Second Triumverate. 12. Tacitus: Roman historian—greatest works: The Annals (in which he blames Nero for the 64 CE fire in Rome) and The Histories 10. Constantine: (285-337 C. E. ) Roman emperor (r. 312-337). After reuniting the Roman Empire, he moved the capital to Constantinople and made Christianity a favored religion. 11. Qin: A people and state in the Wei Valley of eastern China that conquered rival states and created the first Chinese empire (221-206 B. C. E. ). The Qin ruler, Shi Huangdi, standardized many features of Chinese society and ruthlessly marshalled subjects for military and construction projects, engendering hostility that led to the fall of his dynasty shortly after his death. The Qin framework was largely taken over by the succeeding Han Empire. 12. Shi Huangdi: Founder of the short-lived Qin dynasty and creator of the Chinese Empire (r. 221-210 B. C. E. ). He is remembered for his ruthless conquests of rival states, standardization of practices, and forcible organization of labor for military and engineering tasks. His tomb, with its army of life-size terracotta soldiers, has been partially excavated. I. Romes Creation of a Mediterranean Empire, 753 B. C. E. -330 C. E. A. Geography and resources 1. Italy and Sicily are at a crossroads of the Mediterranean and serve as a link between Africa and Europe. Rome is at a crossroads of the Italian peninsula. 2. Italys natural resources included navigable rivers, forests, iron, a mild climate, and enough arable land to support a large population of farmers whose surplus product and labor could be exploited by the Roman state. B. A republic of farmers 1. Rome was inhabited at least as early as 1000 B . C. E. According to legend it was ruled by seven kings between 753 B. C. E. and 507 B. C. E. Kingship was eliminated in 507 B. C. E. when representatives of the senatorial class of large landholders overthrew the last king and established a republic. 2. The centers of political power were the two consuls and the Senate. In practice, the Senate made laws and governed. 3. The Roman family consisted of several generations living under the absolute authority of the oldest living male, the paterfamilias. 4. Society was hierarchical. Families and individuals were tied together by patron/client relationships that institutionalized inequality and gave both sides of the relationship reason to cooperate and to support the status quo. 5. Roman women had relatively more freedom than Greek women, but their legal status was still that of a child, subordinate to the paterfamilias or her own or her husbands family. Eventually procedures evolved which made it possible for some women to become independent after the death of their fathers. 6. Romans worshiped a large number of supernatural spirits as well as major gods such as Jupiter and Mars. Proper performance of ritual ensured that the gods continued to favor the Roman state. C. Expansion in Italy and the Mediterranean 1. Rome began to expand, at first slowly and then very rapidly in the third and second centuries B. C. E. until it became a huge Mediterranean empire. Possible explanations for this expansion include greed, aggressiveness, the need for consuls to prove themselves as military commanders during their one year in office, and a constant fear of being attacked. 2. During the first stage of expansion, Rome conquered the rest of Italy (by 290 B. C. E. ). Rome won the support of the people of Italy by granting them Roman citizenship. As citizens, these people then had to provide soldiers for the military. 3. In the next stages of expansion, Rome first defeated Carthage to gain control over the western Mediterranean and Sicily, Sardinia, and Spain (264-202 B. C. E. ). Next, between 200 and 30 B. C. E. Rome defeated the Hellenistic kingdoms to take over the lands of the Eastern Mediterranean. Between 59 and 51 B. C. E. , Gains Julius Caesar conquered the Celts of Gaul. 4. The Romans used local elite groups to administer and tax the various provinces of their rapidly expanding and far-flung empire. A Roman governor, who served a single one- year term in office, supervised the local administrators. This system was inadequate and prone to corruption. D. The failure of the republic 1. As Rome expanded, the social and economic bases of the Roman republic in Italy were undermined by change. While men from independent farming families were forced to devote their time to military service, large landowners bought up their land to create great estates called latifundia. This meant both a decline in Romes source of soldiers and a decline in food production, as latifundia owners preferred to grow cash crops like grapes rather than staple crops such as wheat. 2. Since slave labor was cheap in an expanding empire, Italian peasants, driven off the land and not employed by the latifundia, drifted into the cities where they formed a fractious unemployed underclass. 3. As the independent farming family that had been the traditional source of soldiers disappeared, Roman commanders built their armies from men from the underclass who tended to give their loyalty, not to the Roman state, but to their commander. This led to generals taking control of politics, to civil wars, and finally to the end of the republican system of government. 4. Julius Caesars grandnephew Octavian (also known as Augustus) took power in 31 B. C. E. , reorganized the Roman government, and ruled as a military dictator. After Augustus died, several members of his family succeeded him. However, the position of emperor was not necessarily hereditary: in the end, armies chose emperors. E. An urban empire 1. About 80 percent of the 50 to 60 million people of the Roman Empire were rural farmers, but the empire was administered through and for a network of cities and towns. In this sense, it was an urban empire. Rome had about a million residents, other large cities (Alexandria, Antioch, Carthage) several hundred thousand each, while many Roman towns had populations of several thousand. 2. In Rome, the upper classes lived in elegant, well-built, well-appointed houses; many aristocrats also owned country villas. The poor lived in dark, dank, fire-prone wooden tenements in squalid slums built in the low-lying parts of the city. 3. Provincial towns imitated Rome both in urban planning and in urban administration. The local elite, who served the interests of Rome, dominated town councils. The local elite also served their communities by using their wealth to construct amenities such as aqueducts) baths, theatres, gardens, temples, and other public works and entertainment projects. 4. Rural life in the Roman empire involved lots of hard work and very little entertainment. Rural people had little contact with representatives of the government. By the early centuries C. E. absentee landlords who lived in the cities owned most rural land, while the land was worked by tenant fanners supervised by hired foremen. 5. Manufacture and trade flourished under the pax romana. Grain had to be imported to feed the huge city of Rome. Rome and the Italian towns (and later, provincial centers) exported glass, metalwork, pottery, and other manufactures to the provinces. Romans also imported Chinese silk and Indian and Arabian spices. 6. One of the effects of the Roman Empire was Romanization. In the western part of the Empire, the Latin language, Roman clothing, and the Roman lifestyle were adopted by local people. As time passed, Roman emperors gradually extended Roman citizenship to all free male adult inhabitants of the empire. F. The rise of Christianity 1. Jesus lived in a society marked by resentment against Roman rule, which had inspired the belief that a Messiah would arise to liberate the Jews. When Jesus sought to reform Jewish religious practices, the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem turned him over to the Roman governor for execution. 2. After the execution, Jesus disciples continued to spread his teachings; they also spread their belief that Jesus had been resurrected. At this point, the target of their proselytizing was their fellow Jews. 3. The target of proselytizing changed from Jews to non-Jews in the 40s-70s C. E. First Paul of Tarsus, an Anatolian Jew, discovered that non-Jews (gentiles) were much more receptive to the teachings of Jesus than Jews were. Second, a Jewish revolt in Judaea (66 C. E. ) and the subsequent Roman reconquest destroyed the original Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. 4. Christianity grew slowly for two centuries, developing a hierarchy of priests and bishops, hammering out a commonly accepted theological doctrine, and resisting the persecution of Roman officials. By the late third century, Christians were a sizeable minority in the Roman Empire. 5. The expansion of Christianity in the Roman empire came at a time when Romans were increasingly dissatisfied with their traditional religion. This dissatisfaction inspired Romans to become interested in a variety of mystery cults and universal creeds that had their origins in the eastern Mediterranean. G. Technology and transformation 1. The Romans were expert military and civil engineers. Among their accomplishments were: bridge-building, ballistic weapons, elevated and underground aqueducts, the use of arches and domes, and the invention of concrete. 2. Following Augustus death, the army was organized primarily for defense. The Rhine-Danube frontier was protected by a string efforts; long walls protected the frontiers of North Africa and Britain. On the eastern frontier, the Romans fought for centuries against the Parthians. Neither side made any significant gains. 3. The state system constructed by Augustus worked well until what historians call Romes third-century crisis. The symptoms of this crisis were frequent change of rulers; raids by German tribesmen from across the Rhine-Danube frontier; and the rise of regional power when Rome seemed unable to guarantee security. 4. Romes economy was undermined by the high cost of defense, debasement of the currency and consequent inflation, a disruption of trade, reversion to a barter economy, disappearance of the municipal aristocracy of the provincial cities, and a movement of population out of the cities and back into the rural areas. 5. The emperor Diocletian (r, 284-305) saved the Roman state by instituting a series of reforms that included price controls and regulations that required certain people to stay in their professions and to train a son to succeed them. Some side effects of these reforms include a flourishing black market and a growing feeling of resentment against the government. 6. Constantine (r. 306-37) converted to Christianity in 337 and patronized the Christian church, thus contributing to the rise of Christianity as the official religion of the empire. Constantine also transferred the capital of the empire from Rome to the eastern city of Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. II. The Origins of Imperial China, 221 B. C. E. -220 C. E. (We covered very little of this information) A. Resources and population 1. China is a large region marked by significant ecological, topographical, biological, and climatic diversity. 2. The two most important resources that supported the imperial Chinese state were agricultural production and labor. Agricultural production in China was intensive and was taxed by the government. The most productive agricultural region was the Yangzi Valley, which began to be linked to the centers of political power (Changan and Luoyang) by canals. 3. Both the Qin and the Han governments exploited the labor power of rural China by demanding that peasant families supply men for labor and for service in the military. A periodic census and regularly updated records of land and households enabled officials to collect the proper amount of taxes, labor service, and military service. 4. Throughout antiquity, the Han Chinese people expanded at the expense of other ethnic groups. Han expanded into areas that were suitable for settled agriculture. They did not expand into areas that were suitable only for nomadic economies. B. Hierarchy, obedience, and belief 1. The family was the basic unity of society. The family was conceived of as an unbroken chain of generations including the ancestors as well as the current generations. Ancestors were thought to take an active interest in the affairs of the current generation, and they were routinely consulted, appeased, and venerated. 2. The teachings of Confucius were a fundamental source of values for family, social, and political organization. Confucius regarded hierarchy as natural and placed absolute authority in the hands of the father. Family members were thought of as part of the group, not as individuals. Confucius also believed that people would properly fulfill their roles if they were correctly instructed and imitated good role models. 3. According to the ideals of the upper classes, women were to cook, take care of household chores, respect their parents-in-law, and obey their husbands. Lower-class women may have been less constrained. Marriages were arranged, and a new wife had to prove herself to her husband and to her mother-in-law through hard work, obedience, devotion, and by bearing sons. 4. Chinese believed in a number of nature spirits to whom they sacrificed. Unusual natural phenomena were regarded as ill omens. The landscape was thought to channel the flow of evil and good power, and experts in fengshui (geomancy) were employed to identify the most fortunate location and orientation for buildings and graves. C. The first Chinese empire 1. After the Warring States Period (480-221 B. C. E. ), the state of Qin united China. Factors that enabled Qin to accomplish reunification may include: the ability and ruthlessness of the Qin ruler, Shi Huangdi and his prime minister, Li Si; Qins location in the Wei valley with its predominantly rural population of independent farming households; and Qins experience in mobilizing manpower for irrigation and flood-control projects, which had strengthened the central government. 2. Upon uniting China, the Qin established a strong centralized state on the Legalist model. Shi Huangdi and Li Si suppressed Confucianism, eliminated rival centers of authority, abolished primogeniture and slavery, and constructed a rural economy of free land-owning/tax-paying farmers. They standardized weights and measures, knit the empire together with roads and defended it with a long wall. 3. The oppressive nature of the Qin regime and its exorbitant demands for taxes and labor led to a number of popular rebellions that overthrew the dynasty after the death of Shi Huangdi in210 B. C. E. D. The long reign of the Han (206 B. c. s. -220 C. E. ) 1. Liu Bang, a peasant who defeated all other contestants for control of China, established the Han dynasty. The Han established a political system that drew on both Confucian philosophy and Legalist techniques. 2. After a period of consolidation, the Han went through a period of territorial expansion under Emperor Wu (r. 140-87 B. C. E. ). During the Western Han period (202 B. c. E. -8 C. E. ) the capital was at Changan. During the Eastern Han (23-22 C. E. ) the capital was at Luoyang. 3. Changan was an easily defended walled city with easy access to good arable land. The population in 2 C. E. was 246,000. Other cities and towns imitated the urban planning of Changan. 4. The elite ofChangan lived in lived in elegant multistoried houses arranged on broad, well-planned boulevards. They dressed in fine silks, were connoisseurs of art and literature, and indulged in numerous entertainments. The common people lived in closely packed houses in largely unplanned, winding alleys. 5. The emperor was supreme in the state and in society. He was regarded as the Son of Heaven, the link between heaven and the human world. Emperors were the source of law. But anything that went seriously wrong could be interpreted to mean that the emperor was guilty of misrule and that he was losing the Mandate of Heaven. Emperors lived in seclusion, surrounded by a royal retinue that included wives, family, servants, courtiers, and officials. 6. The central government was run by two chief officials and included a number of functionally specialized ministers. Local officials collected taxes, drafted men for corvee labor and military service, and settled local disputes. Most people had no contact with the central government. 7. Local officials were supplied by a class of moderately wealthy, educated local landowners that historians refer to as the gentry. The gentry adopted Confucianism as their ideology and pursued careers in the civil service. E. Technology and trade 1. In the field of metallurgy, China advanced from bronze to iron by about 500 B. C. E. Rather than make wrought-iron goods (as the Romans did), Chinese ironworkers melted the iron and used molds to make harder and more durable cast-iron and steel tools and weapons. 2. Other technological innovations of the Han period include the crossbow, cavalry, the watermill, and the horse collar. New transportation and communications technology included a road system, courier systems for carrying government communications, and canals. 3. The Han period also saw significant growth in the size and number of urban areas. Somewhere from 10 to 30 percent of the population of Han China lived in towns. 4. Long-distance commerce was a significant part of the Han economy. The most important export was silk, and the most important export route was the Silk Road through Central Asia. The Chinese government sought to control this route by sending armies and colonists to Central Asia. F. Decline of the Han Empire 1. The Han Empires major security problem was the nomadic tribes on its northern border. Nomadic groups were usually small, but during the Han, the Chinese faced a confederacy of nomads called the Xiongnu. China attempted to deal with the Xiongnu threat by strengthening its defenses (particularly its cavalry) and by making more compliant nomads into tributaries. 2. The Han Empire was undermined by a number of factors. First, the expense of defending the northern borders was a tremendous financial burden. Second, nobles and merchants built up large landholdings at the expense of the small farmers. These large landholders were able to resist taxation and became independent of government control. Third, the system of military conscription broke down and the central government had to rely on mercenaries whose loyalty was questionable. 3. These factors compounded by factionalism at court, official corruption, peasant uprisings, and nomadic attacks led to the fall of the dynasty in 220 C. E. China entered a period of political fragmentation that lasted until the late sixth century. III. Imperial Parallels A. Similarities Between the Roman and Han Empires 1. The Han and Roman Empires were similar in respect to their family structure and values, their patterns of land tenure, taxation, and administration, and in their empire building and its consequences for the identity of the conquered areas. 2. Both empires faced common problems in terms of defense, and found their domestic economies undermined by their military expenditures. 3. Both empires were overrun by new peoples who were then deeply influenced by the imperial cultures of Rome and of China. B. Differences Between the Roman and Han Empires 1. In China, the imperial model was revived and the territory of the Han empire re-unified. The former Roman empire was never again reconstituted. 2. Historians have tried to explain this difference by pointing to differences between China and the Roman world in respect to the concept of the individual, the greater degree of social mobility in Rome than in Han China, and the different political ideologies and religions of the two empires. Conclusion A. The Qin and the Han were able to unify China and build an empire rapidly because the basis had already been set in the Zhou and Warring States Periods; Rome constructed its empire slowly and without precedents to draw upon. B. The Han and the Roman empires maintained and administered large territories and populations by virtue of their ability to organize large professional armies and professional bureaucracies. C. Both empires provided long periods of peace and prosperity, but they were undermined by the high cost of defense and by the heavy tax burden, which this put on their people. D. The Han dynasty constructed a political system that would be revived and modified by subsequent dynasties; the Roman empire was never restored.

Immigration and Europe Essay -- European Politics, Economics

Immigration within and into Europe has increased in recent years, with local populations' anxieties raised(Pilcher 2010, p445). I will look at the socio-cultural challenges which immigration introduces. These include the real and perceived impacts on native populations, and the policy responses which stem from the issues. Next, economic well-being is an aspect of the immigration question that will be examined. I will consider soem of the various problems which are encountered in tackling this subject. While attempts to reach conclusions of the de facto effects of immigration in terms of the economies are not made, considering the arguments made may help in gauging the extent of the challenge that immigration poses. I will also examine some of the structural changes which immigration makes in the political sphere, with electoral and representative politics being affected. With constituencies changing significantly throughout several countries, the resultant shifts in terms of policy and governance are concerns which need to be taken seriously. Social and Cultural Challenges The social and cultural tensions which arise from hosting immigrant communities are often expressed as a failure to integrate or assimilate immigrants into society. Yet cleavages can be amplified due to the liberal and egalitarian doctrines which underpin European states. Provisions have to be made for immigrant citizens which may cause resentment in the existing population as a consequence of competition for diminishing resources, as well as the overarching factor of cultural stability(Lahav 2004, p1167). Yet this difficulty may be eased by the inclusion of non-EU immigrants in a reformulation of the European identity. If, as Diez & Whitman(2002) arg... ...ect individuals on the micro-level but research suggests that there are context-dependent issues in societies. This means that the challenges which immigration pose cannot be met by assuming that macro-economic scenarios fit different solutions. Countries from both ends of the spectrum face problems with managing immigration and its consequences on different strata within the existing society. Again, the challenge here is one in which the political leaders and mass media are still themselves unsure of. If the effects of immigration on the economy are to be ascertained, then the implementation of appropriate policies needs to be pursued without deference to political and ideological pressures. The biggest challenge facing the states of Europe regarding immigration is to pinpoint the causes of insecurity, in both the immigrant and native communities, and address them.

Biography of Andrew Jackson Essay

From his early childhood to his days in presidency, Andrew Jackson’s fueled a revolution in politics and the search for vindication of the American people. In this psychoanalytical biography of Andrew Jackson, James C. Curtis explores Jackson’s tenacious personality and lifelong quest for power, which was deeply rooted in his troubled past. Beginning in the backwoods of the Carolina’s, young Andrew Jackson was born to a couple from Northern Ireland that migrated here during a time of social and economic turmoil. Arriving in the late 1760’s, Jackson explored the prospective rolling countryside with the uncontrolled freedom that encouraged his wild behavior. By the age of fourteen, Jackson had lost his brothers and both parents, leaving a young troubled boy to fend for himself in the turbulent south. Evidently, Jackson’s rebellious attitude brought him nowhere in school. The local schoolmaster barley taught him to read or write, but he expressed himself directly. Even into his presidency his advisors had to revise his public writings due to his horrid grammar and spelling. Throughout the beginning of the book, Curtis extensively relates Andrew’s early encounters to his future motivations in personal and political thought. Andrew’s break came at the age of seventeen when he landed a job with a lawyer to practice law. Soon Andrew had a legitimate chance in frontier diplomacy. In 1784 he was involved in the Spanish Conspiracy. In this conflict the colonists were looking for a bold, reactionary person to represent them. Andrew took to this and forcefully went after the Indians. Obviously, his rashness toward the Indians was rooted in his own struggles with authority as a child. † They were doubly evil, reminding him of a past he was trying to forget and threatening a future he was trying to achieve. The Indian was a fit target for wrath.†(23) Curtis’ style emphasizes that Jackson was relating the unconstrained conditions of the frontier to his own unconstrained behaviors. As a result, Jackson wanted to suppress this feeling and took out his angers on the Indians. Finally in 1796, Jackson’s political chieftain, William Blount, selected the young judge advocate of the Davidson County Militia. After two years he  replaced Blount’s seat in the senate. Senator Jackson sat in office for about a year before he realized that his brash public speaking skills and high temper could not contest with the polemical persuasion the other Senators possessed. Once again Jackson returned to the profitable judgeship that the Blount regime offered. He served giving six years of crude but fair justice as a prominent judge. In 1806, Jackson once again revealed his reckless and impulsive behavior when he challenged a fellow opponent to a duel. Jackson exercised his boldness after allowing the sharpshooter take the first shot. Wounded, he immediately raised his gun and killed the other man. Curtis showed that this level of bravery would be his greatest alibi in future encounters. With the return of peace in 1815 allowed for more productive use of transportation. Consequently, the Market Revolution was born, as well as a time for political change. The old regimes were being taken over by new ones that represented a different generation of Americans. The majority favored Americans that were born and raised in the light of the Revolution. Andrew Jackson was and acted like that kind of person. His unstable past caught the admiration of the working class as well as the slave owners, but the old political parties saw Jackson as a frantic militiaman. He disappointed those † whose minds were prepared to see me with a Tomahawk in one hand and a scalping knife in the other.†(82) These reactions concerned Jackson and inspired him to seek a different course of action. Curtis showed, † the candidate desperately wanted such vindication.†(82) From 1828 to 1836 Jackson served the presidency with the same motivation that got him there. Tragedy struck again with the death of his wife, a serious illness, and the Eaton affairs. In 1831 allegations from the banks were swarming Jackson. The pressure of presidency was taking its toll. The fight with the Indians was showing progress, but the south was deteriorating. Jackson soon elected a new cabinet that contained federalists and Bank members. He even went to the extent in terminating his administration. Later in his retirement, he claimed,† It was the sovereign people that†¦.enabled me to terminate my administration so satisfactorily.†(179) This partisan  split showed Jackson’s trust in the people. Thus, his vindication was cured by the endorsement of the American citizen. For most he showed that the poor and unfortunate individuals could rise to the top, but he didn’t realize the human costs of economic expansion. During this time period Curtis presents Jackson as a resilient and self-promoting individual. However, there were just as important issues that should have been addressed besides the Market Revolution, issues with state banks, and Jackson fulfilling his need to clear his name from criticism. For instance, minorities, primarily blacks, didn’t have the slightest chance in rising to the point to make social change. The slaves were used as economic fuel to ignite the Market Revolution. I think this book did address Andrew Jackson as a genius in promoting change, but lacked in promoting his moral character and I would not recommend it. It seemed to me, Curtis represented him as an American hero more than a dynamic political figure. Andrew Jackson was the result of the troubled lives Americans lived during the Revolutionary period. The emotions of those people were the catalyst in Andrew Jackson’s search for vindication.

Personal Theory Paper Essay

Abstract As the main goal of Christian counseling is to facilitate change in order to help clients achieve emotional wholeness and prosper in the direction of spiritual maturity, the intent of this author is to outline the development of a personal counseling theory which will assist clients in meeting that goal. This theory utilizes aspects from the disciplines of psychology and spirituality, as well as integrates biblical concepts and theology without discounting the relevance of each. The work includes an examination of what is important for understanding human personality, such as motivation, human development, and individual differences. An investigation into where problems tend to develop is presented with conceptualizations of health and wellness, and psychological and spiritual illness. Additionally, the role of integration is discussed. Key elements of the author’s theory, along with techniques which guide the therapeutic process and a demonstration of their effectiveness are considered. Finally, the way in which the worldview of the author impacts her theory, along with her approach to integration of ideas and techniques from various authors and theories is presented. Personal Theory Paper Introduction As believers in Christ, individuals are promised an abundant life (John 10:10), peace beyond comprehension (Philippians 4:7), never-ending unconditional love (Jeremiah 31:3), and victory over the enemy (1 Corinthians 15:57). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2014), defines victory as â€Å"the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist; and achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.† There are people who continually fight the battle, yet remain defeated. Believed to be  appointed of the Lord to counsel (II Timothy 1:9), this author hopes to come alongside individuals and reveal the undiscovered aspects of God’s love; help them realize who they are in Christ, provide the tools for living and the weapons for the battle, point them to victory, and finally, be their greatest cheerleader throughout the process. To that end, the purpose of this writing is to provide a framework of Christian counseling which will assist clients in facil itating change in order to defeat the enemy and succeed in achieving emotional wholeness. Understanding Human Personality Personality Development and Structure Personality is a conglomeration of all beliefs, actions, temperament, and attitudes of the heart which make up the whole person. Ways in which a person uniquely reacts or responds to events in his/her life constitute the personality traits. Crabb (1977) describes the structure of the personality as consisting of the conscious and unconscious mind, the basic direction or heart of a person, the will, and the emotions; all of which work together as a unit – an indivisible whole. Hawkins (2101a) delineates the personality as a series of concentric circles which shape the total person; beginning with the core self, followed by the soul, the body, temporal systems (or outside influences), and finally supernatural systems. As one works to understand each concentric circle and how each impacts the personality, the counselor will better understand the sourcing of clients’ problems; inevitably helping them to take ownership of the problem and motivate them to change (Hawkins, 201 0a). An individual’s past is important in uncovering misbeliefs originating during childhood which may manifest as dysfunctional behaviors in adulthood (Backus & Chapian, 2000). Additionally, in order to better understand the inner workings of personality, one must seek to comprehend the ways clients are motivated to make core changes. Motivation to Change Avoiding the humanistic approach which would describe the personality as something which cannot be altered, this author remains convinced the basic personality is capable of change through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today’s modern Christians have all too often embraced the secular explanation for the ills of society, going so far as to affirm sin by agreeing with an excuse such as â€Å"I was born this way.† By embracing  personality traits which dishonor God, sin becomes easily sugar-coated and socially acceptable. On one hand, God is praised for His ability to transform lives and encourage conformity to His character, yet on the other hand the personality traits which do not measure up to the biblical standard are accepted as simply unique characteristics in today’s post-modern society where uniqueness is celebrated and all are encouraged to just â€Å"be themselves† and live life in any way they choose. Many Christians refuse to accept a problem ex ists. The Psalmist writes, â€Å"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting† (Psalms 139:23-24, NKJV). Dr. Larry Crabb (1977) is one of a number of Christian scholars who stands firm on God’s Word and shares a common belief that freedom from emotional pain and distress may be found within the pages of scripture as he states, â€Å"Do what God expects because He already has given you everything you need to live responsibly† (p. 140). Adams (1986) agrees with Crabb’s position as he explains if everyone chose to live responsibly according to the truths found in God’s Word, there would be no need for counseling, as all problems would be solvable on the basis of His Word. All legitimate forms of counseling should be based on scripture for in its pure form therein lies no need for improvement (Adams, 1986). This author would agree the assessment of counseling theories and practices should be held to a high biblical standard. Counselees should be encouraged to please God and not adopt the aforementioned post-modern mentality which permits one to behave in whichever way feels good at the time. Such behavior can only lead to emotional turmoil. Backus and Chapian (2000) admonish if individuals are serious about pleasing God, their behavior will be the exact opposite of what is expected. There is no need to go along with the deception brought about by the enemy which causes upheaval in the lives of those who choose to follow his lead. Freedom from the bondage which enslaves the minds of individuals can only be brought about by encountering the truth of the Word of God (Anderson, 2000). Those who do not embrace God’s Word as truth will spend their time seeking gratification of their needs rather than seeking a deeper relationship with God. Life is evaluated in terms of the rules of society and behavior is motivated to gratify self-centered needs (Cloud & Townsend, 1999). While the Christian may encounter deception and misbeliefs  (Anderson, 2000; Backus & Chapian, 2000), the desired choice would be to evaluate the situation within a framework based on biblical truths and exhibit behavior which is Christ-like in nature (Crabb, 1977). Theory of Human Development and Individual Differences â€Å"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made† (Psalms 139:13-14, NIV). Every individual possesses an understanding of the world and it is by this understanding a basis for autonomy within the world is sought after and developed. The process of development involves maturing along the journey and cultivating good spiritual habits. Frequently, the boundaries which guide behavior are for self-preservation (Cloud & Townsend, 1999). When behavior includes positive choices and patterns of relating which embrace biblical principles, such as treating others with the love and respect with which God intended, a â€Å"healthy, balanced interdependence† (Wilson, 2001, p. 246) is achieved. Recognition of the importance of first becoming a complete individual is critical in order for the healthy interdependence to occur. Completion and maturity cannot occur simply by an act of will, for individuals are unable to change in and of themselves (Cloud & Townsend, 1999). Therefore, by allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to direct the life-shaping choices throughout the process of development, a better sense of emotional and spiritual health may be achieved: â€Å"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil† (Hebrews 5:14, NKJV). The job of a counselor is to assist the client in progressing toward a healthy, mature balance of emotional and spiritual health. Where are Problems Developed? Health and Wellness Two scriptures which come to mind when considering health and wellness include: â€Å"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you† (Proverbs 3:1-2, ESV); and, â€Å"The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short† (Proverbs 10:27, NIV). Problems begin when clients neglect to heed the teachings in the Word of God. Hart (1999) states â€Å"many are falling into stress disease† (p. 4) and  proposes the possibility exists to create tranquility in the midst of the chaos and anxiety which presents in today’s world. Changing thought processes and taking time to care for the physical body through rest, not only will benefit the mind and body, but also impacts relationships and spirituality (Hart, 1999). Likewise, Backus and Chapian (2000) posit changing thoughts will change the biochemistry of the brain; the actual chemical comp osition of the cells within the brain and central nervous system. The goal of counseling would be to insure clients achieve good health; not just physically, but emotionally. And not just for themselves, but for others with whom they are involved relationally. Wilson (2001) stressed the importance of recognizing the way in which unhealed hurts affect how one responds to others; hurt people will hurt people. Illness Illness may be characterized by disorder, weakness, unsoundness, lacking strength, fragile infrastructure, abnormal functioning, harmful development, and finally, bondage or oppression of the body or mind. Illness does not just involve the body. The state of the mind lends itself to influence the physical body. Anderson (2000) writes, â€Å"But even modern medicine proclaims that the majority of people are sick for psychosomatic reasons† (p. 33). Counselors are primarily concerned with how illness may relate to and influence the state of the mind. Hart (1999) discusses several practical approaches to promote a state of well-being and reduce stress and anxiety: obtaining the proper amount of rest, consuming a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and in some cases, taking medication. In fact, the least of which is medication. Hart (1999) cites an Australian study listing the percentage of people successfully treated for anxiety disorders. Some treatment options included sel f-awareness, meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, psychotherapy, and medication. The relative effectiveness of the listed treatments indicated prescribed medication as having the lowest percentage at only 16%, compared to self-awareness reported as 95% effective (Hart, 1999). The information contained in the study supports this author’s belief that â€Å"as a man thinks within himself, so he is† (Proverbs, 23:7). In other words, often our physical and mental state is a product of our thoughts. Psychological and spiritual illness. Wilson (2001) states, â€Å"According to Jesus, no one is in perfect spiritual health†Ã‚  (p. 183). In fact, Backus and Chapian (2000) give an example of a client who spent considerable time exhibiting signs of physical illness, yet the reason for her illness was not caused by anything physiological. Her problem involved the psychological and spiritual. Backus and Chapian (2000) go on to emphasize, â€Å"The term anxiety covers a large number of behaviors, including cognitive activity†¦as well as physiological events† (p.72). An entire chapter of The Anxiety Cure is devoted to the connection between anxiety and depression (Hart, 2001). Anderson (2000) describes those who suffer not just with physical sickness but with psychological conditions as a result of satanic bondage; stating when one lives in a constant state of anxiety, a person is unable to concentrate on anything other than all-consuming fear. There remains no provision in the physical, mental, or emotional realm to focus on anything else. Similarly, Hawkins (2010a) is thorough in his explanation of concentric circles to include the supernatural realm. When counseling clients living in spiritual bondage, the words of Isaiah may be of tremendous comfort: â€Å"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you† (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV). Counselees may be encouraged to cease sinful practices which cause the enemy to obtain a foothold in their lives. Correspondingly, the spiritual health which may be proclaimed by some is partial and relative when measured by the absolute standard of what is seen in the Word of God (Wilson, 2001). Therefore, encouraging clients to trust in God and conform to the principles found in the Bible will produce a life less plagued by psychological and spiritual illness. Role of Integration and Multitasking As a Christian counselor, learning to integrate psychological, spiritual, and theological methods in the counseling arena is imperative. God’s Word specifically states, â€Å"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ† (Colossians 2:8, NKJV). General revelation must be placed under the evaluative scrutiny of God’s Word (Hawkins, 2010b). As Christian counselors ultimately are held accountable to the truth of God’s Word, great care must be taken to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide in the process of integration in order to rightly discern the truth. Hawkins (2010b) discusses the probability of uncovering  God’s truth within the work of scientists and scholars when he describes â€Å"unveiled truth† as â€Å"God’s truth.† The importance and role of multitasking is outlined in detail by Crabb (1977) when he describes four approaches of integration: Separate but Equal (a method of keeping psychology and theology completely separate), Tossed Salad (a method of blending them together), Nothing Buttery, (the complete disregard of psychology), and Spoiling the Egyptians (the method of profiting from psychology by carefully screening concepts to insure the compatibility with Christian presuppositions). Paul’s letter to Timothy reads, â€Å"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work† (II Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV). Additionally, Paul wrote to Titus, In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus, 2:7-8, NKJV) Therefore, when seeking to evaluate clients’ problems, the ability to multitask must focus on theological truth as the cornerstone, while integrating psychology and spirituality in order to obtain a healthy balance which may best be incorporated into the treatment plan. Sourcing Problems and Structuring Effective Intervention Key Elements of Theory This theory of counseling incorporates an integrative methodology which has as its base the primary purpose to restore to clients’ lives the truth of God’s Word and the influence of the Holy Spirit. Hawkins (2010a) stressed the spiritual strategy of placing emphasis on the restoration of Imago Dei. Likewise, this counselor recognizes the importance of structuring a counseling model around an application of disciplines which incorporate Christian values within the core of individuals; the place where the greatest influence of the Holy Spirit takes place, where the greatest impact on cognitive behavior is felt, and the place where the characteristics of the human personality are developed and subjected to purposeful change. The Word of God states, â€Å"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free† (John 8:32, NKJV). There exists a freedom in Christ unlike  anything secular truths may offer. Belief in something causes actions which reflect that belief, therefore, â€Å"beliefs and misbeliefs are the most important factors of your mental and emotional life† (Backus & Chapian, 2000, p. 16). The goal remains to teach clients how to exchange thoughts which are deeply rooted in misbelief with truths found in God’s Word by combining the strengths of cognitive-behavior therapy, as well as other empirically-supported psychological disciplines, without diminishing the strengths of those disciplines. Process and Techniques Motivating effective change can only be accomplished when the counselor is living by example; hiding the Word of God in her heart and mind. Therefore, it is paramount the counselor is free from anything which may plague the mind and cause bondage. To encourage a client to prosper in the direction of spiritual change, the counselor must first focus on the process in her own life as well. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship in counseling is critical. Therefore, creating an atmosphere in which clients encounter an empathetic, listening ear; where they know they are accepted with the unconditional love modeled by Christ and exempt from the threat of judgment; will go far in allowing mutual trust to be established. It is only in an environment of trust that a client will open up and disclose things affecting their lives while allowing the freedom to examine thoughts in their minds in hopes of motivating change (Crabb, 1977). This future counselor believes every battle is won or los t in the mind. Going back to the biblical example of Joshua and Caleb, in one of the most heartbreaking stories of the Old Testament, the Israelites sought to enter the Promised Land and were filled with fear upon eyeing the giants of the land; â€Å"†¦we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight† (Numbers 13:33b, NKJV). Because of their misbelief, they were unable to fulfill God’s call and were made to continue to wander in the wilderness until the next generation rose with boldness to take possession of the land. Joshua and Caleb had followed the instructions of God’s Word, had meditated on it day and night, and as a result became strong and courageous. There was no room in their minds for misbelief. Their actions were a sum total of their thoughts. The deepest, driving desire of their will, as it aligned with God’s truth, allowed them to complete the task and inherit God’s  promise. Adams (1986) argues teaching biblical principles is critical to immediate and lasting change. As a future counselor, this author plans to come alongside clients exhibiting the love of Christ bolstered by consistent prayer for the counselees. Joined together with hopes of being successful in encouraging them to identify incorrect assumptions, to support them as they exchange misbeliefs for truths, and to clarify biblical thinking – all of which will enable them to change and conform to the image of Christ (Adams, 1986; Crabb, 1977). As Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: â€Å"†¦speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ† (Ephesians 4:15, NKJV). Expectations of Effectiveness If methods used in counseling are in line with God’s Word, change brought about as a result will be effective. Crabb (1977) states worshipping the Lord more fully and serving Him more effectively comes about as a result of solving problems in ways which cause one to be more like the Lord, or spiritually mature. A progression toward healthy relationships will be displayed as clients work toward the goal of spiritual and psychological maturity. The good news is that the Lord Himself promises to guide individuals along the way. Isaiah 48:17b reads: â€Å"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go† (NIV). Crabb (1977) is adamant in his statement that the Lord will never allow a situation in life in which a believer is unable to respond biblically. Similarly, Adams (1986) explains as clients adopt pleasing God as their highest priority, changes made will have value before God and remain in effect. As counselors ente r into relationships with clients, trusting in clients’ ability to make themselves vulnerable before the Lord, desiring change and adopting a conforming nature toward the character of Christ, the Lord cannot help but bless (Jeremiah 29:11). The Influence of Worldview on Theory View of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality The lens which is used to process and filter this author’s worldview is primarily a Christian lens. It exposes a theological biblical foundation, yet allows room for spirituality and psychology as well. There remains a strong belief to not incorporate any teachings or practices which would  prove to be out of accord with the teachings of the Word of God. Adams (1986) spoke well when he reminded the reader that long before the existence of psychology, Jesus Christ was named Wonderful Counselor. That is not to say psychology does not have a place in counseling, however, one must keep in the forefront of one’s mind the â€Å"depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God†¦of him, and through him, and to him, are all things† (Romans 11:33-35, KJV). Understanding comes from God, including the understanding He grants in the discipline of psychology. Therefore, one must take care not to simply induce superficial change in counselees. As psychology ma y supply wisdom to help clients modify behavior, the Christian counselor is responsible to help clients delve deeper; employing a substantial change of the heart – a change which is guided by the Holy Spirit (Adams, 1986). There is an inner life which is known only to God and oneself. In order to facilitate any outward change of any significance, one must seek to probe those deep places, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through the counselor to implement the changes which the Holy Spirit has promised to effect. Anything less would be inadequate and unbiblical (Adams, 1986). Approach to Integration As Christians, we are granted the capability through the Holy Spirit to know the truth in all things: psychology, theology, and spirituality. The anointing of the Holy Spirit which dwells in the believer, teaches concerning all things. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (I John 2:27-28) Hawkins (2010b) described McMinn’s most effective pursuit toward psychological and spiritual health which involved three things: an accurate awareness of self, an accurate awareness of need, and healing relationships. In combining those three, and screening psychological concepts to determine compatibility with the presuppositions held by Christianity , Christian counselors can profit from secular psychology, provided unwanted elements which oppose truths found in God’s Word are discarded (Crabb, 1977). Conclusion The theory presented is careful to emphasize the importance of teaching the truth of the Word of God. By multitasking, or integrating psychological theories, as well as some aspects of spirituality, it is this author’s belief that the process of substantial, biblical, effective change is attainable for clients. The process of change must begin in the heart of the counselor and then reach out to encourage change in the hearts and lives of counselees. The emphasis must be on the word, â€Å"process.† As Paul writes, may each one â€Å"press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus† (Philippians 3:17, KJV). The hope of this future counselor is not only will counselees be moved to change to effect better mental health, but also will be moved to change to embrace the hope and healing which comes from a life which glorifies God. References Adams, J. E. (1986). How to help people change: The four-step biblical process. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Anderson, N. T. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. Backus, W., & Chapian, M. (2000). Telling yourself the truth. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (1999). Boundaries in marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Crabb, L. (1977). Effective biblical counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Hart, A. D. (1999). The anxiety cure: You can find emotional tranquility and wholeness. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Hawkins, R. (2010a). Hawkins’ model for guiding the counseling process. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University. Hawkins, R. (2010b). Introduction, McMinn, and multi-tasking. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University. Victory. (2014). In The Merriam-Webster dictionary. Retrieved September 25, 2014 from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary Wilson, S. D. (2001). Hurt people hurt people: Hope and healing for yourself and your relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers.

The Cinema of Martin Scorsese Essays

The Cinema of Martin Scorsese Essays The Cinema of Martin Scorsese Essay The Cinema of Martin Scorsese Essay Having emerged as the key figure of Hollywood cinema in the 1970s, Martin Scorsese is one of those personalities of Hollywood who considers film making to be a religion above anything else – one that he staunchly follows and reveres. This is a fact apparent in his school of film making which not only affected drastic changes but also ushered in a whole new ear of emotionally intelligent film making, especially in the genre of crime drama. In 1969, Scorsese embarked upon the start of his journey as a film maker with ‘Who’s that knocking at my door?’ where he went from being an ordinary hand at the editing table straight to the director’s chair. This was followed by notable efforts on his part where his talent as director shone through in memorable films like Mean Streets, Bringing out the dead, Raging bull, Last temptation of the Christ, Boxcar Bertha, the hugely acclaimed Kundun and more recently, Gangs of New York. If one were to take a deeper look into his body of work, the brightly lit pace of most of his plot lines would become apparent even through the more obvious grey tones that seem to underscore most of his movies. Let’s face it – you think Scorsese; you think grey. This brings directly to the two movies we are about to compare. The first one is Scorsese’s debut ‘Who’s that knocking at my door’ while the other is ‘Mean streets’, a movie that was close on the heels of the first. Who’s that knocking at my door, is believed by many to be a trial run for his later classics like Mean Streets and Taxi Driver. But the fact remains that this story of a boy in search of his identity when it comes to marrying the woman he loved – the woman who is scarred for life by rape – is a strong and compelling story to tell. Originally titled, I call first, this movie delivers many clever flourishes and novel ideas, despite the critical panning that observed lack of proper correlation between the scenes. This movie was written by Martin Scorsese himself and was released on the 15th of November, 1969. (www.wikipedia.com) Structured on a budget of $75,000 within a running time of 90 minutes, this movie calls the viewers attention to an easy flow of details and large doses of realist effects embedded in its overall mise en scà ¨n. Mean Streets is said to be a triumph of personal film making in context of its unparalleled demonstration of the power a film to convey reality. This movie was one of Scorsese’s early films starring Harvey Kietel and Robert De Niro. A notable feature of this movie is that although, the plot revolves around Italian American, there were only two Italians on the cast, i.e. Robert De Niro and Cesare DaNova. Released on the 2nd of October, 1973 after being made on a budget of $500,000, this movie boasts of a plethora of stars in its 110 minute runtime. This film’s story revolves essentially around an Italian American man eager to move up the ladder in the local mob, before he realizes that his strict catholic upbringing makes him too forgiving by nature to be successful in the mob. Coming to the formal similarities between the two films, one would first have to define the range of formal similarities. These similarities are to do with aspects of film making like the treatment of the movie, setting, lighting, performances, among various other factors. For facilitation of smooth flowing information throughout this paper, we will chart out these similarities in context of creative orientation. To start with, the characterization as well as the characters of both movies bears distinct similarities. Considering the fact the screenplay for Mean Streets initially began as a continuation of the characters in his first film, Who’s that knocking at my door, one will find that the J.R of Who’s that, and Charlie of Mean Streets could very well be brothers up in arms, against the whole world and their metal plight more than anything else. Who’s that boasts of a dynamic performance by Harvey Keitel as the very troubled and confused J.R, as his debut. Meanwhile, Charlie of Mean Streets is almost heart wrenching in his journey from innocence to full knowledge of the fact that he is not cut out to purse a career in the mob. He thus grows up in his own innocent way. Moving on, there is a strong underscore of themes of catholic guilt throughout the plotlines of both films which insert autobiographical elements into the movies. There are also Italian American sentiments on the agendas of both films in the sense that Scorsese manages quite effectively, to bring to life, what he saw growing up on the streets of Little Italy. Further, both films make for great viewing in the sense that it is amazingly enjoyable to go back in time and experience the shades that marked the horizon of life’s everyday nuances during the 60s. This has been done rather efficiently by Scorsese in both films – whether it is the look, the feel or even the sound of the movie. Even more distinct are the ragged edges of the plots and characters as they go about the all important business of living turbulent lives in that era. Also, the dialogues are beautifully crafted for the characters in both films. For example, in a scene from Who’s that, JR is seen coyly trying to strike up a conversation with a young lady on the ferry. The are able to develop a conversation even though they figuratively speak different languages him from the street; her a more cultured background. Another similarity would have to be on the camera work. Fluid and dramatic is how every movie buff worth his salt would explain the camera work of both films. Apart from this, the beautifully crafted dialogues for his characters mark both films. Heres one example from Who’s that: In one scene, a butcher is seen chopping meat and the camera is looking through a window. The camera pulls back and back and back until you realize its placed on a tall building across the street. But then entering from the stage right on the sidewalk far below, are two characters in the movie, the camera picks up on them then slowly zooms back to follow their actions. Brilliant is not the word. Apart from these similarities are the ones surrounding a kind of realism that Scorsese inevitably lends to all of his films and not just these two in particular, making it apparent that he has lived through some pretty harsh realities in life. Besides this, the fact that comes across clearly in both movies is one that has to do with the medium budget, artisanal, personal film making that characterized the 70s. Most of the key scenes in Mean Streets were almost fully improvised, thus sounding far more authentic than the old-style, theatrical delivery used in most American films up to that time. The actors speech is so profanity-ridden that no screenwriter of the time could have possibly doctored anything even close.

Lo and Behold!

Lo and Behold! Lo and Behold! Lo and Behold! By Maeve Maddox A football fan posted the following: I decided to watch the Duke vs Miami game and low and behold Duke is successful this year Naturally the â€Å"low and behold† caught my eye. Was it just a typo? I hopped on my search engine to see what I could find. Apparently a lot of English speakers write low for the lo of â€Å"Lo and behold!† Some of the misspellings I found were deliberate puns in headlines above stories about something â€Å"low,† like low oil prices, low calorie recipes, and low golf scores. More, however, seemed to be the result of not knowing that the word in the expression is spelled lo and not low. Here are some examples: Low and behold! (a blog title) Low and Behold (a 2007 movie about post-Hurricane Katrina) low and behold I have some pretty awesome DOMS in the mid region (exercise site) But low and behold, some four decades later (printed rap lyrics) Low and behold it worked out great I got a laptop in the mail (testimonial on marketing site) Autumn term will all be about the Old Testament and low and behold, we’ve worked out a complete program (university site in the U.K.) Low and BeholdHow Much Work Are You Willing to do? (headline on an author’s site) If you don’t count the exotic list of words acceptable for Scrabble tournaments, English has very few two-letter words. The fact that only about twenty are in common use may account for attempts to add a little body to lo by adding another letter. Lo may derive from the imperative form of the verb to look. It has been used as an interjection at least since Beowulf was written, but the tautology â€Å"lo and behold† dates only from the 19th century. Long before that, lo–in the sense of Look! See! Behold!– was used to direct attention to something about to happen or about to be said. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; (Song of Solomon, 2:11, KJV.) And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught/The Sultan’s Turret in a Noose of Light. (Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Edward Fitzgerald translation.) The earliest OED citation for Lo and behold! is from a letter written in 1808. Bulwer-Lytton– he who gave us the novel opening, â€Å"It was a dark and stormy night,† used it in 1841: The fair bride was skipping down the middle..when, lo and behold! the whiskered gentleman..advanced..and cried- ‘La voil!’ (Night Morning II. iii. v. 144  ) Nowadays the expression is used both humorously and cuttingly. Tennessee Williams has Stanley use it in a tirade against Blanche: You come in here and sprinkle the place with powder and spray perfume and cover the light-bulb with a paper lantern, and lo and behold the place has turned into Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile! (Streetcar Named Desire, scene 10). Modern novelists probably won’t find much use for the expression butâ€Å"Lo and Behold!† still has plenty of life in it for daily conversational use. People who use the expression in their blogs and online conversations may want to check the spelling. Historical novelists putting exclamations in the mouths of pre-19th century characters may want to stick to plain â€Å"Lo!† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Congratulations on or for?Rules for Capitalization in TitlesHow to Address Your Elders, Your Doctor, Young Children... and Your CEO

LighterLife Workshop Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

LighterLife Workshop - Case Study Example Obese people do not just detract from the country's growth by being unfit to perform their duties, they pose a financial burden because of their associated medical problems. Healthy non obese people can fulfill their duties to their country and thus are a great asset. A LighterLife counselor is thus in a unique position to contribute to the society by helping clinically obese people as well as to take advantage of a growing business opportunity. LighterLife now has 250 accredited and fully trained counsellors. The brand is unique in that it offers a real, scientifically proven and permanent solution to client's obesity problem. It has helped treat more than 60,000 obese people but the market penetration is low as per the expected business demand. Collective efforts are required to address this problem. In view of this, it is important to position the brand effectively. As a counsellor, I must emphasize what the brand has to offer and the values that we incorporate. I must project our belief in health, integrity and efficacy in a confident and well-balanced way. The philosophy of sustained healthy attitude towards food for life must be reinforced through the management program. This will help me forge a life long relationship with the client. Thus, more clients will stay on the route to management and management long after they have lost weight. Marketing For marketing LighterLife weight loss and weight management products, it's necessary for both the Company and the independent self employed counsellors to work in tandem. The counsellors must share their successful/ unsuccessful marketing efforts for LighterLife products with the Company. The Company can either take solutions from the marketing experts or share the tips from the successful marketers. To improve their business, counsellors should organize and attend relevant exhibitions in their areas, distribute flyers and combine advertising with advertorial. At their end, LighterLife will review and improve the present marketing material and tools to make it more sales oriented. It will make a concerted effort to support Counsellor marketing through new schemes, products and incentives. LighterLife will analyze the present Central marketing done from its offices through channels like magazine, website, public relation and exhibitions to get more clients interested. Counsellors will also be