Kadelphianism at Texas Christian University Essay

Psychologists often refer to the period of life known as adolescence as one of the most difficult stages of development that an individual will endure. It has been stated that adolescence is the time when an individual forms his/her own sense of identity. A sense of identity is defined as â€Å"an organized sense of how our own personality traits, values, and beliefs fit together in defining who we are.† Therefor, the development of a sense of identity is, in fact, the basis for a stable adult personality. Certain responsibilities accompany this development of an identity, such as the commitments quot;to oneself, to ones family, to significant others, and to the various subgroups in society of which one is a member.quot;†¦show more content†¦The founders believed in unselfish service to mankind, and they felt that personal leadership requires confidence tempered with humility and tolerance. The rituals of Kadelphianism are also quite simple and pure in nature. With Frog Fountain serving as a center for all activity, the Kadelphian students meet on a bi-weekly basis; during these meetings there is an opening prayer session, a candle lighting ceremony, and an open discussion or forum involving all of the students present. The members discuss private and public issues which they attempt to resolve through peer support and interaction. After the forum is complete, the candles are blown out simultaneously, and a closing prayer is recited. During the ritual ceremony, all Kadelphians wear a small pin bearing the symbol of Kadelphianism: a diamond shaped badge with the inscribed letters TCU and a pair of hands clasped in friendship. The hierarchy of the Kadelphians is based on the leadership and dedication set forth by its members. The Grand Kadelphian, or leader of the students, is chosen by majority opinion; the other leading Kadelphians are chosen by the Grand Kadelphian based on merit, scholarship, and service to fellow students. It is considered an honor to be chosen by ones peers for any of the above-mentioned

The Light Of The West - 874 Words

Do you feel comfortable in the dark as you feel in the light? The gothic novel of Dracula is full of motifs that differ from religion to idealism. A motif is an idea or element in a written work that is repeated over the length of the book. In the novel Dracula is seen as a dark and evil character will the others that are battling against Dracula are seen as the good or the bright people. In the novel there is even a character that is named â€Å"The Light of the West†. If we just take a look at the names of the characters in the novel Dracula you get a feel of the battle between light and dark. In the name Dracula you can almost see the word dark, which just gives the name an evil look. While one of the â€Å"good characters† is named Lucy Westerna, which if you look at her first name in Latin it is close to the word â€Å"luz† which means light. While her last name has the word â€Å"west† which means that her name could be seen as â€Å"The Light of th e West†. Even in the cover art of the book we see that Dracula is all black as if it was his shadow. In the reading within the first and second chapters as John Harker goes to Castle Dracula Bram uses dark colors to describe the ride to Dracula’s castle in Transylvania ,such as â€Å"5 May-The Castle- The grey of the morning has passed†(9), â€Å"Then through the darkness I could see a sort of patch of grey light ahead of us†(11), â€Å"There were dark, rolling clouds ahead†(13), and â€Å"The time seemed interminable as we swept on our way, now in almostShow MoreRelatedPainting Is American Progress By John Gast847 Words   |  4 Pagesthe picture, which is the east, there is light, but when looking to the left of the picture, which is the west, there is darkness. As Columbia is heading west, she is not only bringing the settlers with her, she is bringing light. The light represents the hope of the Americans that they will fulfill their goal of Ma nifest Destiny. The light also represents the future of the United States. The dark times in the past are becoming better in the future as light continues to envelop the continent as theRead MoreJay Gatsby’s Heroism Essay798 Words   |  4 Pages1920’s novel sets the stage for Gatsby to showcase his prominence in the society of West Egg, New York through the descriptive language and emotion that Fitzgerald writes with. Jay Gatsby’s heroicness is displayed through the symbolism of the green light, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and the contrast between East Egg and West Egg. The first symbol that the reader is introduced to is the mysterious green light. When Nick Carraway first sees the illustrious Gatsby, he is trembling and beginsRead MoreEssay Symbols and Symbolism in The Great Gatsby520 Words   |  3 Pages They are the valley of the ashes, the reality that represents the corruption in the world, the green light of Daisys lap that Gatsby sees across the bay and lastly, the symbolism of the East Egg and West Egg or more important the east and the west of the country. The Valley of the Ashes is located next to the river, where railroad and highway intersect. It is a dumpster between West Egg and New York. The valley of ashes poisons the American landscape with waste produced in the manufactureRead MoreA Review Of The Wests Dream?992 Words   |  4 Pageswith him and Swift. At the end of â€Å"Power,† West questions in plain voice, â€Å"Are you strong enough to let power go?† The incredibly deep and wondrous record revealed a darker side of West that showed his transformation and desire to once more speak for the people and highlight dark, comedic experiences. After â€Å"Power,† West released new, free records every Friday via his Twitter and website for two months leading up to the release of MBDTF. On Twitter, West explained that his exile showed him the importanceRead MoreSymbolism In The Great Gatsby1278 Words   |  6 Pagesin the summer of 1922, living in the East and West Eggs. Fitzgerald uses many different symbols throughout the story to help set the tone. One of the main characters Jay Gatsby of West egg trying to recreate his fairytale past with Daisy Buchanan living just across the bay in East egg. As the story progresses, we come across several symbols that Fitzgerald uses to ease our understanding, such as colors, weather, East egg vs West Egg and the green light. These all contribute to the mood of the storyRead MoreBuilding A Place For Meditation Essay1393 Words   |  6 Pagesunderestimated. natural light is integrated into buildings of its potiential economic benefit and the effect on the occupants psychological and physiological well being and also natural light is a major element of contemporary architecture,by its influence.both interms of construction or aesthetic. this paper will comprise the importance of natural lighting in a building and how it can be used in different ways. providing maximum openings in the buildings will allow enough day light to enter into theRead MoreSy mbolism in The Great Gatsby Essays790 Words   |  4 Pagesgreen light at the end of Daisy’s dock as well as T.J Eckleburg’s eyes overlooking the Valley of Ashes and the discrepancy between not only the characters of East and West Egg but the social class and standard of living they abide by. By uncovering all of these symbols and exposing them in their true light, a better understanding of the messages F. Scott Fitzgerald is revealing can be obtained. The confusion within the Great Gatsby can deciphered and straightened out. The green light representsRead MoreThe Great Gatsby Research Paper1217 Words   |  5 Pageslocation to differentiate social status amongst his characters while the weather and seasons of those locations help guide them.   Ã‚  Each character helps represent and support the differences of social class and the four main locations, The East Egg, the West Egg, the Valley of Ashes, and New York City. In The Great Gatsby geographical locations separate social classes. East Egg represents old wealth. The characters from East Egg are wealthy but empty inside. Their lives are shallow and unfulfilledRead MoreSymbolism In The Great Gatsby1082 Words   |  5 Pagesbut mainly there is one main purpose for the color green. The color green is actually the color of a light across the lake from Jay Gatsby house. In the novel Nick Carraway states, â€Å"he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light† (Fitzgerald, 17). As Nick stands there watching Gatsby, Nick can see that Gatsby is trying to reach outRead MoreMountain Man Case Study1336 Words   |  6 Pagesestablished as a family concern in 1925 in West Virginia by Guntar Prangle. The company brewed single-product beer, Mountain Man Lager, which won â€Å"best beer in West Virginia† and was elected as â€Å"America’s Championship Lager†. Mountain Man Lager featured quality, bitter favor and slightly higher-than-average alcohol content that uniquely contributed to the company’s brand equity. Mountain Man was a local market leader and distributed its lager in several states outside West Virginia. By 2005 Mountain Man was

Article Review on Public Relations in Society- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Write about theArticle Review on Public Relations in Society. Answer: Summary: Australian Day is important in the Australian culture. This day witnesses the conglomeration of Australians as a nation. Recapitulation of the achievements is the main activity performed by the Australians in this gathering. According to National Australian Day Council (NADC), this day is marked for celebrating the richness in the cultural diversity. Exclusion of the Aboriginals reflects incompleteness within the celebrations. The article upholds the evidence of Australian Day celebration, under the media and cultural studies. This expanded the knowledge of the public relation practitioners, regarding the different cultures. However, lack of examination of the evidences has not exposed the steps taken by the practitioners for promoting the Australian culture. This lack is one of the gaps in the literature related to the Australian Day. One of the other gaps of the article is the failure towards excavating the exact reason for celebrating Australian Day. However, at one point, the article considers strive for public support as the main reason for observing Australian Day. According to the other perceptions, Australian Day was significant, as it was a collaborative attempt of the Australians to celebrate the quest for adding meaning into their lives. Therefore, it can be said that the critics were mixed in terms of the Australian culture. Bordieu attaches value and weightage to the critics, who question the cultural programs taking place on radio and television. Countering this, experimenting with the cultural sentiments contradicts the true essence of ethics. Delving deep into this experimentation, it is an interplay with the individual sentiments of the people, which is, in turn, adds a negative connotation to the aspect, culture. New petite bourgeoisie was the term coined by Bordieu to represent the elites. However, they were categorized, as the public relation practitioners peeked into their personal and private space. Even in these narrations also, there were disparities between the actual descriptions and the exposed facts. Mediatization of the new petite bourgeoisie secludes them from the mainstream society. This seclusion adds hypothetical perspective to their profession, negating their cultural integration with people from other occupations. The arguments provided by Negus in the article merges the intermediaries, which restores the lost cultural value in the statement of Bordieu. Consideration of the space between the product and consumption would help in gaining an insight into the practices towards preserving the Australian culture. This would require a deeper examination of evidences regarding the cultural events and practices. The article lays special emphasis on advertising practices. Advertising is one of the efficient means of informing the people about the latest trends. Maintaining rationality in advertising would result in the preservation of individual sentiments of the people, which enhances the culture. Campaigning is one of the other techniques, which can be adopted for assessing the approaches of the people in response to the events taking place. Australian Day is a symbol of cultural heritage for the inhabitants. Commercialization of the festival by advertising and promotion would be a shameful act in terms of preserving the culture and maintaining peace and harmony. Article 2: Australian Public Relations campaigns: A selected historical perspective 1899-1950 Author: Mark Sheehan Summary: Campaigns are one of an effective tools adopted by the Public Relations Professionals in terms of enhancing the stability in the relationship with public domain. There are evidence regarding the campaigning activities in the early 1900. Usage of radar gained prime importance in the campaigning activities. The main aim of the article is to peek into the people involved in the campaigns. In this, the major focus is on the professional development of the public relation practitioners. Different perspectives are attached to the definitions of campaign for gaining an insight into the rationale behind their undertakings. The campaigns One of the main purposes of these campaigns was the achievement of economic growth. The article mentions the high economic growth during the 150th anniversary of the white settlement in Australia. This was during the period of 1938, when the political parties were actively involved in the campaigns. 20th century witnessed the exploitation of the communication tools for adding more supporters to the parties. This was illegal in terms of playing with the sentiments of the people. Adoption of wrong means for gaining public support was against the workplace ethics. In terms of the varied identities of public relations, there were fewer campaigns. It was in the era of 1897 that the members of Association of American Railroads used the term campaign for making the people aware of newly introduced rails. Evidences of academic writing reflect the commonality of public relations from the beginning of 1897. The era of 1830 achieved an escalation in the public relations. The major drive behind this was the widespread utilization of communication tools- speech, pamphlets, and strategic polls. Here, the role of Amos Kendall needs to be applauded as he indulged in counseling sessions for guiding President Jackson. Coordination between the branches of the political parties brought Jackson to limelight. This case study acts assistance towards exploration of the cultural practices, present in the Australian threshold. History is the witness to the different and varied use of public relations. The explorative approach undertaken by the article proves beneficial for the readers in terms of projecting the immense popularity of media. Radio took over newspaper in the 19th century, followed by television in the 20th century. However, the purpose of informing the people remained the same. The case studies reflect the ways through which the public relation practitioners used the communication tools for strengthening their public relations. Campaigns can be one of the mediums proposed by MacArthur model for conveying the latest messages to the public domain. 1942 was the era, when public relations got its pure essence. It is at this stage that the one way communication was widely used for disseminating the essential information to the public. This was time specific in terms of assessing the public approaches towards the undertaken communication tools. Two-way communication initiated in the period of 1960, where there was mutual understanding between the party members and the public. Both sides communication proved essential in gaining an insight into the needs and requirements of the public. This insight, in turn, helped in ensuring public welfare, one of the important components for preserving the culture. Article 3: Globalisation and public relations: An overview looking into the future Author: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh Summary For decades, public relations have been considered as a 20th century phenomenon. Evidences regarding the public relations practice can be traced in the threshold of UK and USA. In the recent past, many researches have been conducted for exploring the public relations practice, which were evident since the pre-Biblical times. Even there are research regarding the public relation practice in the middle east, which dates back to 4000 years. Scholars need to be praised for taking the public to the age of tablets for disseminating the information to the public. With the advancement of science, transformations have come in the communication mediums. Typical examples in this direction are newspapers, radio, and television. Globalization has covered all of the spheres including the public relations. Publicizing the relations was an attempt to enrich the cultural diversity. Typical evidence in this direction are reformation of Europe after World War 2 and formation of United States in 1946 among others. Lifting of the trade barriers acted as a green signal for the companies to make widespread use of the public relation practices. The immediate result was enrichment of the cultural diversity through the hands of media. The article highlights the introduction of latest and modern technologies, which enabled the media personnel to intimate the public the current affairs. Specifically, the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) gains prominence in the relationship between globalization and public relations. 1990 was the era when social media found its presence. The initial stages were not that productive, as the people lacked the operational skills. In the later stages, social media exposed wonders in terms of easing the process of delivering goods and services. This communication medium gathered popularity among the people, as it was cheaper. Through this aspect, the article exposes one of the other dimensions of the relation between globalization and public relation. Theoretical considerations proposed by the article seem beneficial in terms of enhancing the readers knowledge about globalization of public relations. Typical example in this direction is the model of public relations. This model sheds light on the strategies undertaken by the media personnel for enhancing the stability in their public relations. The article upholds the evidence regarding the policies, which were implemented in the organizations of US and in the few democratic countries of the West. Within this, public relation scholarships were one of the important developments in the period of 1990. Adhering to the principles of media proved beneficial in terms of executing effective advertising practices. Involving the coalition parties for decision-making resulted in the achievement of positive outcomes. Complying with the contract terms and conditions preserved the stability in the relationship. This compliance was included within the strategies, which systematized the dissemination of the information to the public. Introduction of scholarships in the public relations is the recent example of globalization, which creates a mass appeal for expanding the media business. However, rationality is crucial in terms of attracting more customers. Here, consciousness towards preservation of culture is the cornerstone towards enhancing the public relations. References Macnamara, J., Crawford, R. (2013). The construction of Australia Day: A study of public relations as new cultural intermediaries.Continuum,27(2), 294-310. Sheehan, M. (2007). Australian public relations campaigns: A select historical perspective 18991950.Australian Media Traditions: Distance and Diversity. Sriramesh, K. (2009). Globalisation and public relations: An overview looking into the future.Prism,6(2), 1-11.

The Collector free essay sample

The Development of events outside a persons control is regarded as the most basic definition of fate; the belief that a stronger power or supernatural being has the ability to change the course of one’s life and override a persons fundamental tool of refined thought and decision making. The story of Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy is one clouded in the mist of fate and destiny versus human thought and emotion. The tragic becoming of Tess Durbeyfield can hardly be classified as the work of the devil or simply put down to the fickle fates when the protagonists own decisions as well as that of those surrounding her, alter the outcome of each day and situation throughout the novel. Furthermore the morals of society throughout the Nineteenth century blamed a woman for any form of sexual assault at the hands of a man; Tess struggles and at times, thrives throughout her life as a strong and passionate woman, however mistakes are made by each and every character within this story including the striking protagonist. We will write a custom essay sample on The Collector or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The concept that all actions have consequences is a value instilled in one’s mind at a young age; that with each decision a greater effect will shortly follow, a rule disregarded by Tess throughout the novel. Being a passionate and proud heroine Tess opted for he most honest, and virtuous path, in order to uphold these characteristics. It is these decisions that set in motion the journey to Tess’ fateful death. It can not be disputed that one of the most proud and simultaneously ignorant moments was of informing her husband, Angel Clare, of her impure past. ‘it is as serious as yours It can hardly be more serious,’†¦ she entered on her story of her acquaintance with Alec D’Urberville and it’s results† (pp. 292-293, Tess of the D’Urbervilles) Such a decision caused Tess an enormous amount of grief, heartbreak and confusion instantly, first and foremost from the man whom she loved and believed that loved her also, however the social and religious conventions of the time outweighed any love Angel may have felt for Tess. â€Å"‘Tess, forgiveness does not apply to the case. You were one person; now you are another. ’† (p. 298, Tess of the D’Urbervilles). Angel can no longer see anything except Tess’ past tragedy, and despite the fact he does not blame her, her simply is not able to love the same person. As a young women, Tess appears ignorant of men and sex and the complex world that young girls today are taught it is; she relies solely on the only older female figure in her life, her mother, and whilst her mother gives her the advice to remain silent on the subject f her rape, Tess goes against these wishes. On no account do no say a word of your Bygone trouble to him†¦Many a woman†¦ have had trouble in their time; and why should you trumpet yours when others don’t trumpet theirs? knowing it to be your childish nature to tell all that is in your heart. † (p. 256, Tess of the D’Urbervilles) Despite the way in which society is at the time of Tess’ rape, and the advice given from her own mother Tess makes a decision which is far bigger than any other throughout the novel. Being raped changed Tess’ life, yet the decision to tell the one person who, in this form of society, could never know was what set in motion the tragedy and horror that followed her. Each character within the novel is interconnected, the choices, thoughts and decision produced by each one allows the story to take a different path and change that of the protagonist; within the story there are many smaller narratives taking place and each one changes the main point of interest. Parson Tringham- a relatively minor character- plays one of the most major roles to set the journey in motion; addressing Tess’ father as Sir John and advising of the possibility of rich relations. Without this idea Tess’ life may have been a far simpler one yet the decision was made, and the story was changed. Each and every individual decision changed the course of the story; the decision of Angel’s to leave Tess and travel to Brazil when he heard her dreadful story is another that was of vital importance to Tess’ life. I am going to Brazil alone, Izz,’ said he. I have separated from my wife for personal, not voyaging, reasons. ’†¦ despite her love, the facts had not changed†¦ he took the train that night for London. † (pp. 343-344, Tess of the D’Urbervilles). Without the help of her husband, Tess struggles through tough winter labour, meets once again her assaulter and faces the death of her own father. Of course these events were never unavoidable, however in leaving Tess, Angel left her vulnerable to the likes of Alec D’Urberville and the poverty that so horridly affected her family. Events do not purely and basically occur, nothing happens because nature intended it to; each choice, action, thought and opinion changes the course of a life and the world. Angel’s choice to leave Tess ultimately meant she was faced with another difficult decision to become Alec’s ‘creature’ of sorts, and save her family from starvation and severe poverty. â€Å"‘Tess! can you forgive me for going away? ’ ‘It is too late†¦ You did not come! He kept saying you would never come†¦ I hate him now†¦ these clothes are what he’s put on me. ’† (p. 66, Tess of the D’Urbervilles). Through the decisions of each character, Tess ultimately is positioned in a terrible state of affairs that has been affected and changed by the characters of the story. â€Å"‘Ah- it is my fault! ’ Said Clare. But he could not go on. Speech was as inexpressive as silence. † (p. 467, Tess of the D’Urber villes) Upon finding Tess in such a position when he returns to regain her love, Angel blames himself for the predicament despite Alec’s clear despicable actions. And this blame is just yet cannot be carried purely on the men. Saint Thomas Aquinas states â€Å"far be it from the hearts of the faithful to think that fate is anything real† (P. 1, God and the Order of Creation); Aquinas instead believes that the power of the human mind is what creates a situation or a belief across the world (God and the Order of Creation). This statement reflects the narrative of Tess of the D’Urbervilles and the way in which characters change the course of the story by their choices. However the morals and values of society at the time affected the thinking of everyone, a matter reflected particularly in the dominant male characters of the story. The Victorian era had many ideals and values foreign to the modern world, particularly in the case of equality and the role of women. At the time Hardy was writing Tess of the D’Urbervilles there was much change brought about concerning women’s rights and ideals, â€Å"hysterical forces unleashed by the suffragette movement represented a challenge to the Victorian status quo. The role and status of women were being redefined, and writers such as Hardy†¦ were intimately involved in that redefinition. † (p. 8, Tess of the D’Urbervilles Second Edition) The belief that purity was of the utmost important was upheld by majority of the higher class in England at this time, having a clear impact on the difficulty for Tess to deal with what is already a demoralizing, horrid deflowering. Angel in particular has issues dealing with the news as he has been brought up taught that nothing can compare to a pure and virtuous women, which the women he loves is not; â€Å"the traditional Victorian ideal/norms of femininity emphasized the belief that the most important principle for a women was that of purity. (p. 18, Tess of the D’Urbervilles Second Edition) As this belief was instilled into society, Tess’ own lower class society would not accept her situation, the church refusing her son a true Christian burial. â€Å"‘Then you will give him a Christian burial? ’†¦Ã¢â‚¬ËœI must not- for certain reasons’†¦ â€Å"I’ll never come to your church no more! ’† (p. 125, Tess of the Dâ₠¬â„¢Urbervilles) The values of society had a major impact on the way in which Tess’ life preceded her, and influenced so much how she was treated and expected to act. Fate is a belief system similar to that of religion, a concept and a notion- nothing more. The way in which people act and think is what truly affects the lives of people around the world, and this is reflected in the fictional world of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Characters make choices as the writer decides to shape a story and a journey, to create a world that portrays reality so succinctly; the characters within this narrative form their own lives and make their own decisions leaving nothing, even the most tragic becoming, up to fate.

The Difference between a Hypothesis and a Research Question

Think Personal Development is Optional Think Again

Think Personal Development is Optional Think Again Many of my blog articles are about topics that might fall under â€Å"personal development.† These articles are often my favorites to write, and yet there’s sometimes a voice in my head saying, â€Å"Brenda, your readers want to read about something practical! Don’t go overboard here or get too â€Å"woo-woo.† An article I read today gave me encouragement to keep writing these â€Å"self-growth† or â€Å"personal development† articles. August Turak, author of Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks, wrote a piece for Forbes that spoke to me strongly. In it, he lamented that the business world and much of society compartmentalizes personal growth as if it’s something we do on the side to get somewhere or get business results- including becoming a better leader. On the contrary! Turuk argues vehemently that the essence of leadership is to use every opportunity as a means for personal growth. Become a CEO to grow yourself rather than growing yourself so you can get that CEO position. Focus on your higher mission or spiritual development- and success in other aspects of life will be a natural by-product. He asserts, â€Å"The reason you were born is to become the best human being you can possibly be.† So make personal development your mission, rather than using it as a â€Å"means to a more limited end.† Turak holds up the example of Fyodor Dostoevsky, who wrote some of the world’s most classic Russian novels. Said Dostoevsky, â€Å"Man is a mystery. If you spend your entire life trying to puzzle it out do not say that you’ve wasted your time. I occupy myself with this mystery because I want to be a man.† I personally must cop to doing personal growth trainings in part so I will succeed in business, in relationships, in my health, and in every aspect of my life. I have also done what Turak advocates so strongly: taken on new ventures and new relationships with the intention of having those challenges contribute to my growth. Even within my personal development circles, such as my learning group with the Wright training I’m in right now, I take risks and stretch myself in every way I can. That is the fastest path to growth and to being a fully realized human being. This journey is never over, and the puzzle will never be solved. That’s what makes it so worthwhile, regardless of whether I become as successful in business as the Trappist monks. I, for one, intend to keep exploring the mystery. Category:For ClientsBy Brenda BernsteinJanuary 20, 2014

Japanese Politics and Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Japanese Politics and Culture - Essay Example Electoral System The Koenkai formed during the post war period and can be described as a personal support group for political candidates and those in office. They are formed by the candidates themselves and not the particular party and involve personal acquaintances of every nature and are maintained through the use of personal gestures such as cards and visits which can become expensive for the candidate. It is this expense that led to the creation of what are known as factions. Many actually inherit their koenkai and in 2011 72% of the hereditary candidates were elected to office with the benefit of their koenkai (Neary, p72). The koenkai formation represented an innovative and unique resolution in campaign strategy rather than relying on local politicians and community leaders. Politicians formed the koenkai in response to an inability of aforementioned politicians and leaders to gather enough votes to allow them to win the election. Local politicians are usually made officers of a candidates koenkai, local assemblymen serve as chapter presidents and these koenkai can easily include thousands of members with an example being Nakasone, whose koenkai numbers 50,000 (Curtis, p130). Local politicians give the koenkai a feel of democracy in a mass membership organization and when given titles such as federation chief it becomes more difficult for them to switch their loyalty to another candidate. Their primary function is no longer to gather votes but to add prestige to the koenkai. These koenkai will consist of many groups, including women and youth and other special interest populations. The idea is maintained that it is the will of the people who allow the official to become elected and helps to ensure equal distribution of wealth and income which Japan has... In 2007 political scandal resulted in the suicide of Matsuoka Toshikatsu, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Though this is a rare occurrence corruption is a constant and prevailing factor in Japanese politics. As a member of the prior ruling liberal democratic party he was extremely influential and involved in bureaucrat led-bid-rigging and political donations from public works contractors to Diet members, allowing opportunity for political expenditures to be hidden used for activities such as vote buying. Shortly before his appointment to be questioned by the House of Counselors’ Budget Committee regarding the misappropriation of political funds Toshikatsu took his own life, followed the next day by associate Yamazaki Shinichi, directly connected to the bid-rigging scandal. Through multiple studies and suggestions there are many possibilities for the long running success of the LDP. Clientelism, the prior electoral system of SNTV/MMD, factions and koenkai, and the preference of the Japanese people to remain within groups may be all strong contributing factors. The Clientelism obviously has led to corruption and essentially makes it much easier to conduct bid-rigging and vote buying as suggested, which led to the suicide of Toshikatsu two years before the LDP lost political power. With the DJP in place it is too soon to know what successes they will create within the government or if they will be able to maintain their power. Naoto Kan, previous Prime Minister, was the sixth Prime Minister in a five year period to be replaced, after his mishandling of the Tsunami disaster that occurred in 2011 and the disaster occurring with the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

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

Argument - Essay Example The incident happened between the months of January to October 2006. As early as January 2006, my cousin told me that she is getting married in October 25 of the same year. For this reason, my best friend and I planned to visit my cousin for her wedding celebration. I was really looking forward to meet my cousin for the first time aside from the fact that it will be the first time I will be able to go to Florida. For this reason, I ended up spending at least 12-hour shift at work to save money for my accommodation, food, and travel expenses. Just like me, my best friend was also eager to join me in this occasion. My best friend and I were supposed to leave town a week before my cousin’s wedding day. I was terribly disappointed when my best friend told me that she suddenly changed her mind about going to Florida because her dog was sick. Because of my disappointment, I ended up accusing her for being unreasonable for not going with me because of a dog. I was really angry at her for breaking our plans. I personally believe that it is rude to break something that you have committed yourself into. I feel that my best friend’s dog is more important than I am. I am her best friend. I simply couldn’t believe that she is prioritizing her dog over me. Isn’t she supposed to prioritize me over a highly domesticated animal? Because of my anger, I did not bother to speak to her for more than a week. Some of our common friends noticed the distance between me and my best friend. For this reason, our common friends decided to patch things up between me and my best friend. A week after the wedding celebration, my best friend and I ended up talking over a cup of coffee. She told me that she really felt bad for breaking our plan to go to Florida. She explained that the real reason why she could not go is because she was very shy to tell me that she was not able to come up with enough

The property market at world level ( credit crunch affected ) and How Essay

The property market at world level ( credit crunch affected ) and How this goes for Hong Kong market - Essay Example Thus the impact of this is far reaching and can provide insight into the future of Hong Kong’s property market as well as its overall financial infrastructure and how they can be affected. The reason for choosing this topic is therefore to study as to how this credit crunch will affect the world markets in general as well as Hong Kong Market in particular. Current credit crunch is largely perceived as the main reason behind the collapse of the property market in international system. The reason as to why credit crunch resulted into the collapse of the property market can be traced back to the subprime mortgage crises which emerged due to the imprudent lending practices of the bank. By definition, a subprime borrower is a borrower whose credit has not been entirely satisfactory due to historical defaults on payments against loans taken. (Budworth,2009). However, such borrowers offer more lucrative options for the banks and financial institutions to lend because of their higher risk. High risk borrowers are often charged high rates therefore there is always a chance to earn high on such relationships. Based on this simple principle of risk and return banks and financial institutions started to lend to their subprime borrowers especially in mortgage markets. However, banks and other financial institutions, at the same time, also started the process of securitization through which the mortgage portfolio held as security with the bank were bundled and securities were sold out against such collaterals in the open market. The basic purpose was to recoup the liquidity lost in making the loans to subprime borrowers. Crises in property markets started to emerge when subprime borrowers started to default on their commitments and as such banks have to pay out to the holders of mortgage backed securities through other means as with the default of the borrowers a mismatch in cash flows were created. The

Beginners Guide To Orchids

Beginners Guide To Orchids Orchid is one of the most fascinating, beautiful and peculiar variety among the flowering plants. They have always been considered difficult to grow. But given the right climatic and cultural conditions, they can thrive anywhere and will flower regularly. These plants belongs to the Orchidacae family, with all the difference in size, shape, color, scent or lack of it. They are the most rapidly changing group of plants on earth with over 880 genera and 28,000 species. Understanding Orchids Orchids have been considered a plant difficult to grow because of lack of knowledge about these fascinating plants. Taking a closer look at the plant will help us understand it better and take away our hesitation to nurture them in our gardens. Basic Characteristics: Orchids are easily distinguished from other plants, as they share some very evident apomorphies. Among these, bilaterally symmetric (zygomorphic), many resupinate, one petal (labellum) is always highly modified, stamens and carpels are fused, and the seeds are extremely small. Orchids belong to the most diverse family of plants known to man. There are over 880 genera, 28,000 species and well over 300,000 registered cultivars currently documented. These numbers only begin to tell the true story behind the evolutionary success of modern day orchids. Orchids are the most rapidly (genetically) changing group of plants on earth and more new species have been discovered over the last few thousand years than any other plant group known. Orchids produce seed pods with literally hundreds of thousands of seed that are released and scattered by the wind. Orchid seeds must establish a symbiotic relationship with a special fungus to survive its first year of life. The fungi gathers water and minerals for itself and the seedling, and the seedling shares its sugars from photosynthesis with the fungus. Only one or two orchid seeds will ever germinate and survive on that perfect crevice or depression that is both moist and has the fungus present. Even then, its chances to survive in the wild long enough to bloom are slim. Orchid Stem and Roots: All orchids are perennial herbs and lack any permanent woody structure. Orchids can grow according to two patterns: Monopodial and Sympodial. Monopodial orchids have a central stem which grows continuously from the tip. They have no pseudobulbs, but produce new growth from the crown of the plant. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually alternately from side to side. Monopodial orchids often produce copious aerial roots along their stems. The aerial roots have green chlorophyll underneath the grey root coverings, which act as additional photosynthetic organs. These aerial roots attach themselves to any surface they meet, thus providing support to the plant. In the older parts of the roots, a modified spongy epidermis called velamen has the function to absorb humidity. It is made of dead cells and can have a silvery-grey, white or brown appearance. In some orchids the velamen includes spongy and fibrous bodies near the passage cells. These structures are named tilosomes. Sympodial orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. In time, from the base of this growth, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are often, though not always, protected by a sheath. Sympodial growth is more common among orchids. Most of these orchids have pseudobulbs which function as storage reservoirs for food and water. The plant will hold pseudobulbs vertically and send out new growth horizontally between the pseudobulbs. They function very much like rhizomes on terrestrial plants, although they are part of the plant rather than a root. The growth begins at the base of the pseudobulb and is called a lead. Both the shoot and roots will grow from this lead. Many times more than one growth at a time will be present. Leaves can last for several years and provide nourishment to the plant until they turn brown and die. Even without a leaf, the pseudobulb will continue to support the plant and provide nourishment for growth and flowering. Some sympodial terrestrials, such as Orchis and Ophrys, have two subterranean tuberous roots. One is used as a food reserve for wintry periods, and provides for the development of the other one, from which visible growth develops. In warm and humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs. With ageing, the pseudobulb sheds its leaves and becomes dormant. At this stage it is often called a backbulb. A pseudobulb then takes over, exploiting the last reserves accumulated in the backbulb, which eventually dies off too. A pseudobulb typically lives for about five years. Comparison of Sympodial and Monopodial Orchid Growth Pattern Orchid Leaves: Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although some Vanilloideae have a reticulate venation. Leaves may be ovate, lanceolate, or orbiculate, and very variable in size. Their characteristics are often diagnostic. They are normally alternate on the stem, often plicate, and have no stipules. Orchid leaves often have siliceous bodies called stegmata in the vascular bundle sheaths (not present in the Orchidoideae) and are fibrous. The structure of the leaves corresponds to the specific habitat of the plant. Species that typically bask in sunlight, or grow on sites which can be occasionally very dry, have thick, leathery leaves and the laminas are covered by a waxy cuticle to retain their necessary water supply. Shade species, on the other hand, have long, thin leaves. The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is they live for several years, while others, especially those with plicate leaves, shed them annually and develop new leaves together with new pseudobulbs, as in Catasetum. The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the Macodes sanderiana, a semiterrestrial or lithophyte, show a sparkling silver and gold veining on a light green background. The cordate leaves of Psychopsiella limminghei are light brownish green with maroon-puce markings, created by flower pigments. The attractive mottle of the leaves of Ladys Slippers from tropical and subtropical Asia, (Paphiopedilum) is caused by uneven distribution of chlorophyll. Also Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a pastel pink orchid with leaves spotted dark green and light green. The Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor) is grown more for its colorful leaves than its fairly inconspicuous white flowers. Some orchids, as Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid), Aphyllorchis and Taeniophyllum depend on their green roots for photosynthesis and lack normally developed leaves, as do all of the heterotrophic species. Orchid Flowers: Orchids are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers. Some orchids have single flowers but most have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be basal, that is produced from the base of the tuber, like in Cymbidium, apical, meaning it grows from the apex of the main stem, like in Cattleya, or axillary, from the leaf axil, as in Vanda. As an apomorphy of the clade, orchid flowers are primitively zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), although in some genera like Mormodes, Ludisia, Macodes this kind of symmetry may be difficult to notice. The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two whorls of sterile elements. The outer whorl has three sepals and the inner whorl has three petals. The sepals are usually very similar to the petals (and thus called tepals), but may be completely distinct. The upper medial petal, called the labellum or lip, is always modified and enlarged. The inferior ovary or the pedicel usually rotates 180 degrees, so that the labellum, goes on the lower part of the flower, thus becoming suitable to form a platform for pollinators. This characteristic, called resupination occurs primitively in the family and is considered apomorphic (the torsion of the ovary is very evident from the picture). Some orchids have secondarily lost this resupination, e. g. Zygopetalum and Epidendrum secundum. The normal form of the sepals can be found in Cattleya, where they form a triangle. In Paphiopedilum (Venus slippers) the lower two sepals are fused together into a synsepal, while the lip has taken the form of a slipper. In Masdevallia all the sepals are fused. Orchid flowers with abnormal numbers of petals or lips are called peloric. Peloria is a genetic trait, but its expression is environmentally influenced and may appear random. Longitudinal section of a flower of Vanilla planifoliaOrchid flowers primitively had three stamens, but this situation is now limited to the genus Neuwiedia. Apostasia and the Cypripedioideae have two stamens, the central one being sterile and reduced to a staminode. All of the other orchids, the clade called Monandria, retain only the central stamen, the others being reduced to staminodes. The filaments of the stamens are always adnate (fused) to the style to form cylindrical structure called the gynostemium or column. In the primitive Apostasioideae this fusion is only partial, in the Vanilloideae it is more deep, while in Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae it is total. The stigma is very asymmetrical as all of its lobes are bent towards the centre of the flower and lay on the bottom of the column. Pollen is released as single grains, like in most other plants, in the Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae and Vanilloideae. In the other subfamilies, that comprise the great majority of orchids, the anther, carries and two pollinia. A pollinium is a waxy mass of pollen grains held together by the glue-like alkaloid viscin, containing both cellulosic stands and mucopolysaccharides. Each pollinium is connected to a filament which can take the form of a caudicle, like in Dactylorhiza or Habenaria or a stipe, like in Vanda. Caudicles or stipes hold the pollinia to the viscidium, a sticky pad which sticks the pollinia to the body of pollinators. At the upper edge of the stigma of single-anthered orchids, in front of the anther cap, there is the rostellum, a slender extension involved in the complex pollination mechanism. As aforementioned, the ovary is always inferior (located behind the flower). It is three-carpelate and one or, more rarely, three-partitioned, with parietal placentation (axile in the Apostasioideae). Orchid Fruits and Seeds: The ovary typically develops into a capsule that is dehiscent by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends. The ripening of a capsule can take 2 to 18 months. The seeds are generally almost microscopic and very numerous, in some species over a million per capsule. After ripening they blow off like dust particles or spores. They lack endosperm and must enter symbiotic relationship with various mycorrhizal basidiomyceteous fungi that provide them the necessary nutrients to germinate, so that all orchid species are mycoheterotrophic during germination and reliant upon fungi to complete their lifecycle. As the chance for a seed to meet a fitting fungus is very small, only a minute fraction of all the seeds released grow into an adult plant. In cultivation, germination typically takes weeks, while there is a report of one paphiopedilum that took fifteen years. The main component for the sowing of orchids in artificial conditions is the agar agar. The substance is put together with some type of carbohydrate which provides qualitative organic feed such as banana, pineapple, peach or even tomato puree or coconut milk. After the cooking of the agar agar, the mix is poured into test tubes or jars where the substance begins to jelly. The seeds have to be put in the dish above boiling water, in the steam because that secures sterile conditions. The test tubes are put diagonally after that. Reproduction: Orchids have developed highly specialized pollination systems and thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce. This is why orchid flowers usually remain receptive for very long periods and why most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass; each time pollination succeeds thousands of ovules can be fertilized. Pollinators are often visually attracted by the shape and colours of the labellum. The flowers may produce attractive odours. Although absent in most species, nectar may be produced in a spur of the labellum, on the point of the sepals or in the septa of the ovary, the most typical position amongst the Asparagales. In orchids that produce pollinia, pollination happens as some variant of the following. When the pollinator enters into the flower, it touches a viscidium, which promptly sticks to its body, generally on the head or abdomen. While leaving the flower, it pulls the pollinium out of the anther, as it is connected to the viscidium by the caudicle or stipe. The caudicle then bends and the pollinium is moved forwards and downwards. When the pollinator enters another flower of the same species, the pollinium has taken such position that it will stick to the stigma of the second flower, just below the rostellum, pollinating it. The possessors of orchids may be able to reproduce the process with a pencil, small paintbrush, or other similar device. Some orchids mainly or totally rely on self-pollination, especially in colder regions where pollinators are particularly rare. The caudicles may dry up if the flower hasnt been visited by any pollinator and the pollina then fall directly on the stigma. Otherwise the anther may rotate and then enter the stigma cavity of the flower. The labellum of the Cypripedioideae is poke-shaped and has the function to trap visiting insects. The only exit leads to the anthers that deposit pollen on the visitor. In some extremely specialized orchids, like the Eurasian genus Ophrys, the labellum is adapted to have a colour, shape and odour which attracts male insects via mimicry of a receptive female. Pollination happens as the insect attempts to mate with flowers. Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male orchid bees, which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a different body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce proper cross-pollination. After pollination the sepals and petals fade and wilt, but they usually remain attached to the ovary. Gallery of Common Orchids There are over 25,000 types of orchids and, in fact the Orchidaceae family is the most numerous in the plant world. These beautiful plants have been around for over 100 million years and plants can range from microscopic to reaching several feet in height. The flowers have a distinctive look with 3 inner petals surrounded by 3 outer petals and a cupped petal that is distinct from the others. Some orchids even resemble other creatures like bees, moths and lizards. Although we think of orchids as a tropical flower they can actually grow in almost any climate. They can grow on the ground or on trees and even rocks. Orchids are classified depending on their water requirements. Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Odontoglossum need a moist environment all year long. Cattelya, Oncidium and Dendrobium only need water when they are actively growing and the vanda Ascocend doesnt really need water at all. Below you will find pictures of some of the commonly found orchids. It is easy to identify them by their flowers. Aceras antropophorum Anacamptis pyramidalis Barlia robertiana Cephalanthera longifolia Cephalanthera rubra Coeloglossum viride Cypripedium calceolus Dactylorhiza elata subsp. sesquipedalis Cephalanthera damasonium Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. meyeri Corallorhiza trifida Dactylorhiza sambucina subsp. insularis Epipactis atrorubens Epipactis helleborine subsp. muelleri Epipactis palustris Goodyera repens Gymnadenia conopsea Himantoglossum hircinum Limodorum abortivum Neottia nidus-avis Listera ovata Neotinea maculata Nigritella nigra subsp. nigra Ophrys apifera subsp. apifera Ophrys insectifera subsp. insectifera Ophrys catalaunica Ophrys fusca Ophrys omegaifera subsp. dyris Ophrys lutea subsp. lutea Ophrys scolopax subsp. apiiformis Ophrys speculum Ophrys scolopax subsp. scolopax Ophrys sphegodes subsp. litigiosa Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes Ophrys tenthredinifera Orchis conica Orchis coriophora subsp. fragans Orchis coriophora subsp. martrinii Orchis laxiflora subsp. laxiflora Orchis mascula subsp. mascula Orchis morio subsp. champagneuxii Orchis militaris Ophrys sphegodes subsp. passionis Orchis coriophora subsp. coriophora Orchis ustulata Orchis provincialis subsp. provincialis Serapias lingua Orchis simia Platanthera bifolia Platanthera chlorantha Pseudorchis albida Spiranthes spiralis Serapias vomeracea Growing Orchids Tips for Beginners Orchids have always been considered difficult to grow. Once the cultural needs of these fascinating plants are understood, growing orchids is relatively simple, and it becomes a deeply satisfying activity. If given the right climatic and cultural conditions, they can thrive anywhere and will flower regularly. Some species of orchids may flower two or three times a year and some flower annually. The following is a brief guideline of the role of essential and beneficial mineral nutrients that are crucial for growth. Eliminate any one of these elements, and plants will display abnormalities of growth, deficiency symptoms, or may not reproduce normally. Macronutrient Nitrogen is a major component of proteins, hormones, chlorophyll, vitamins and enzymes essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism is a major factor in stem and leaf growth (vegetative growth). Too much can delay flowering and fruiting. Deficiencies can reduce yields, cause yellowing of the leaves and stunt growth. Phosphorus is necessary for seed germination, photosynthesis, protein formation and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism in plants. It is essential for flower and fruit formation. Tropical orchids are no more difficult to grow than other plants, but because most of them are epiphytes (tree dwelling plants) their culture is different from that of other types of plants. British orchid growers failed in the early 1800à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ²s when they attempted to grow tropical orchids under dark, hot, and steamy conditions. They succeeded only when they realized that most tropical orchids grew at higher, cooler elevations and in the upper branches of trees where they got considerable light and perfect drainage. Lighting In the greenhouse, most orchids require some shading to prevent the leaves from overheating. In the home, however, orchids need the maximum light available. Placing them outside under the shade of tall trees during the summer months is very beneficial. Do not place them in full sun, however, or the leaves will burn. Also, do not place the plants on the ground, for insects and slugs (snails) can enter the pots and damage the plants. Pot hangers can be used to suspend the plants from tree branches, chains, strong trees, or other structures. Temperature In the home, placing the orchids in a room with relatively cool temperatures will help guard against dehydration. Most orchids are actually most happy at temperatures below the comfort level of humans, especially at night. Orchid greenhouses are usually maintained at 55-65 degrees at night. Soil Potting mixes for tropical orchids are loose mixtures of organic material such as fir bark (not pine bark), tree fern, osumda fiber, with small amounts of peat, perlite, cork, or charcoal added. The object is to have a mix that drains well, but holds some moisture. Most commercial orchid growers supply ready-to-use orchid mixes in small quantities. Orchids usually need repotting only once every two to three years. Moisture In watering orchids, it is best to soak the potting mix thoroughly and wait until the surface is relatively dry before watering again. Most orchids in fir bark based mixes will need watering no more than once every 5 to 7 days. Fertilizer All plants can be fertilized safely with a water-soluble urea free fertilizer such as Growmore 20-10-20 about once a month. Some orchid growers prefer to mix water-soluble fertilizers weaker than indicated on the package instructions and to use them every second or third watering. Always water before fertilizing and remember that it is best to under-fertilize rather than to over-fertilize. With the lower light and drier conditions in the home, orchids cannot use as much fertilizer as they can use in the greenhouse. Some growers like to increase the humidity around their orchids in the home by using humidity trays or trays of wet gravel around or under the plants. Pots should not touch the surface of the water. Water One of the big mistakes that people make is over watering their orchids. People assume that since they are tropical plants they need a lot of water and this is not necessarily the case. While they do appreciate the humid environment, over watering can kill them. The amount of watering necessary depends on the temperature any type of orchid a general rule of thumb is to water once a week. You may want to water more frequently in the summer and a little bit less in the winter. The Cymbidium, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Paphiopedilum varieties like to be kept with the soil a bit moist even between wanterings while the Ascocenda, Vanda and Phalaenopsis prefer to have their soil become dry in between. Which Orchid Plants Are Easy to Grow? We have seen what orchids are and how to take care of them. The obvious question is which of these orchids can I grow at home, and which ones are easy to grow. As a novice to the world of orchids, you only need to concern yourself with the name of the genus. Most plants within the same genus will require similar growing conditions, so if you want to keep things simple, dont worry about the species or variety at this point. Orchid Genera for the Novice Novice orchid growers should start with members of the following genera, since these are relatively easy to grow orchids: Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Oncidium. Phalaenopsis Orchids Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, are one of the easiest orchids for beginners to grow, as well as one that is commonly found in stores. Members of this genus have multiple large, showy flowers on each spike; flowers that may remain open for six weeks or longer. Often when a spike is cut after its blooms are gone, a secondary spike will develop on the old stalk below the original flower head, thus extending the blooming season. Phalaenopsis is a genus of approximately 60 species of orchids. The abbreviation in the horticultural trade is Phal. Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth habit. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elliptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains in this way four to five leaves. If very healthy, they can have up to ten or more leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks. If kept in the home, they usually last two to three months, which is considered quite a long time. Some Phalaenopsis species in Malaysia are known to use subtle weather cues to coordinate mass flowering. Caring For Phalaenopsis: In nature, they are typically fond of warm temperatures (20 to 35  °C), but are adaptable to conditions more comfortable for human habitation in temperate zones (15 to 30  °C). At temperatures below 18  °C watering should be reduced to avoid the risk of root rot. Phalaenopsis requires high humidity (60-70%) and low light of 12,000 to 20,000 lux. Flowering is triggered by a night-time drop in temperature of around 5 to 6 degrees over 2 to 4 consecutive weeks, usually in the fall. Phalaenopsis prefer to be potted in medium fir bark. They can also be potted in sphagnum moss or mounted. Keep them in pots with a lot of drainage. Keep the potting media fairly moist but not wet. Water when the potting media is just approaching dryness, but still a bit moist and never allow the potting media to become bone dry. Do not let water flow into the center of the plant or it can potentially die from crown rot. One of the most numerous blunders that new growers make is to rot the roots. Overwatering and poor drainage cause the roots to deteriorate, therefore killing the plant. Being careful to water when you feel the soil is dry through and through is the safest thing to do. Light is quite vital to the well-being of the phalaenopsis orchid. Keep it in indirect light near a southern window. Be sure the sun does not directly reach the leaves, which will cause burning and brown marks. If the leaf feels hot to the touch, move it away immediately. On the other hand, phalaenopsis grown in poor dark areas tend to grow floppy dark green leaves and rarely flower. Phalaenopsis roots are quite thick, and the green point at the ends signifies that the root is actively growing. It is okay for them to climb out of the pots. Plant may be fertilized with a 1/4 diluted strength balanced fertilizer three times out of four waterings. The flower spikes appear from the pockets near the base of each leaf. The first sign is a light green mitten-like object that protrudes from the leaf tissue. In about three months, the spike enlongates until it begins to swell fat buds. The buds will thus bloom. Usually you can tell what color the phalaenopsis is by looking at the bud color. After the flowers fade, some people prefer to cut the spike above the highest node (section). This may produce another flower spike or more rarely a keiki (a baby orchid plant that can be planted). Paphiopedilum Orchids Paphiopedilum is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae) of approximately 91 species. Paphiopedilum, the so-called Venus Slipper orchid, is easily recognizable. Most have a single flower per stalk, but there are varieties with multiple flowers. They are relatively easy to coax into bloom if you provide the plant with the right temperature range: mottled leaves need warmer conditions than do solid green leaves. Paphiopedilum (sometimes colloquially referred to as Paphs) are considered highly collectible by growers due to the curious and unusual form of their flowers. Most naturally grow in humus layers as semi-terrestrials on the forest floor, in rocky outcroppings or in trees. Caring For Paphs: Most paphs are intermediate growers and do well in medium to medium-high light. Most paphs should be kept evenly moist year-round. There are exceptions to these general guidelines, especially among the Chinese paphs some of which encounter winter temperatures near freezing, so it is important to research the cultural needs of a specific paph, especially if growing species. All paphs need a fresh environment and benefit from good air circulation and frequent repotting. The rule of thumb for paphs is to repot them every year, usually after flowering or in the spring so they can establish themselves before hot weather sets in. Paphs benefit from high humidity. Dendrobium Orchids Dendrobium, abbreviated as Den in horticultural trade, is a large genus of tropical orchids that consists of about 1200 species. Dendrobium inflorescences are loaded with blossoms and are also long lasting. These plants can often be split when mature, since small additional offset plantlets are frequently produced. When an offset has produced several aerial roots, it can be cut from the parent plant and will frequently flower after one year of growth. The species are either epiphytic, growing on a tree, or occasionally lithophytic, growing over a rock. They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from the high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of the Australian desert. The orchids in this genus often develop pseudobulbs, which unite into a long reedlike stem with a typical length of more than 30 cm. Some appear densely covered with short white hairs. The short, ovate leaves grow alternately over the whole length of the stems. The axillary flower buds develop into short flower stalks with one or two terminal flowers. The orchids grow quickly throughout summer, but take a long rest during winter. In the spring, new shoots are formed from the base of the main plant and the dormant buds come back into action. The blooming flowers are found on pseudobulbs formed in the previous year. Caring For Dendrobium: Care depends on specific species. Plants generally require a reduction of watering or with holding of water during the winter due to dormancy period. Plants grow in a variety of temperature ranges and lighting ranges which is dependent on the species. Plants can usually be mounted. Oncidium Orchids Oncidiums, commonly referred to as the dancing girls orchid, are also easy to grow. Abbreviated as Onc in horticultural trade, Oncidium is a genus that contains about 330 species of orchids from the subfamily Epidendroideae of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Since this is a large genus with different species originating in a wide variety of climates, it is helpful to know the growing requirements of the particular species you select. Still, these hardy plants generally flower well even under adverse growing conditions. The flowers of the Oncidium genus come in shades of yellow, red, white and pink. The petals are often ruffled on the edges, as is the lip. The lip is enormous, partially blocking the small petals and sepals. Caring For Oncidium: Oncs grow in cool to warm conditions with moderate to bright light. Water the plant right before the potting mix starts to dry. Plants should be potted in a well drain medium such as medium fir bark. Tips for Choosing a Healthy Orchid Plant Orchids are found in a variety of climates, so choose an orchid that closely matches the growing conditions of your environment. This means assessing your light sources, available space, temperature range, and humidity. Armed with this information, do a bit of research to find out which orchid plants match your environment. These will be the easiest types of orchid plants to grow and your success will encourage you to develop more skil

Analysis of Sir James Mackenzie (1852-1925) :: Essays Papers

Analysis of Sir James Mackenzie (1852-1925) James Mackenzie was a man of great importance during his lifetime and has been said to be one of the world's greatest pioneers in medicine (Mair, 4). His contributions to the field of medicine are still taught and read about around the world. In his research and writings, Mackenzie discussed the importance of the prevention and cure of disease and how we can teach our general practitioners and future medical students to become more familiar with the various stages of disease before suffering and even death occurs. He diverted much of his attention on the study of epidemiology and just how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. The study of epidemiology is used to help prevent illness and to help manage patients that already have a disease (http://bmj.com/epidem/epid.html). During Mackenzie's time, the prevention and cure of disease was a very lingering topic that not a lot of people wanted to address. Because of Mackenzie's research, time, and effor ts taken towards the prevention and cure of disease, people have gained a better understanding and have taken a completely different outlook into the field of medicine. His efforts and contributions made a huge impact in the history of medicine and on "the future of medicine" as well. James Mackenzie was born April 4, 1853 in Pictstonhill Farm, Scone Scotland. He attended the medical school at Edinburgh University in 1874 during a promising and exciting time of which the germ theory of disease was shaking the medical world (Mair, 31). He completed his residency in 1879 and joined Dr. Briggs and Brown in general practice in Burnley, England. He wrote in his Personal Experiences that he "was fortunate to serve under two doctors with exceptional attainments, the one being a shrewd general practitioner of many years' experience, and the other a surgeon of no mean ability....It was an old-fashioned practice of many years' standing and we followed the old custom of dispensing our own medicines...I had an opportunity of judging the effects of remedies which I otherwise would not have obtained, and having that opportunity, I was able to make some observations on the actions of drugs that physicians and pharmacologists with all their magnificent opportunities had failed to achieve.

How to be a good student

Time management Planned and don't put off your plan Pay attention in your lesson Take note and Review by Creating mind map Stage II: Planning (Outlining) Stage Ill: Writing f you want to be a good student, you should follow these advices that I will mention below. The firstly of them is that you should pay attention in your lesson. In fact, teacher is the person who concludes all main points of your lesson and tell it to you in an interesting and clear way in class.As a result, eying attention in your lesson is the best way help you save time to understand what you are learning in the book. The second advice is taking note and reviewing your lesson by creating mind map. In my opinion, listening to our teachers just like collect the information; however, a good student have to gain their own knowledge. One solution is taking note what you think is necessary, and then, you put all information you collected in your brain by remembering an imaginative noted mind map.Last but not least, l anding for your target, and manage your time weekly in order to reach your goal. Indeed, the more suitable plan you make, the more effective work you done. Accordingly, you should have long-term, short-term plan as well as weekly, monthly timetable. In addition, you also should rearrange your schedule so often that them are agreed with your aim; likewise making sure your timetable is enough flexible for you to not put off your work. In conclusion, these above â€Å"how to be a good student' advices only work when you want.

The Olympics - Ancient Greek Funeral Games

The Olympics - Ancient Greek Funeral Games Its a curious aspect of sports that even when they are part of a celebration of global peace, like the Olympics, they are nationalistic, competitive, violent, and potentially deadly. Substitute panhellenic (open to all Greeks) for global and the same could be said about the ancient Olympics. Sports, in general, could be described as ritualized warfare where one power competes with another, where each hero (star athlete) strives to defeat a worthy opponent within a setting where death is unlikely. Rituals of Compensation for the Catastrophe of Death Control and ritual seem to be the defining terms. In coming to grips with the eternally present fact of death (remember: antiquity was a time of high infant mortality, death by diseases we can now control, and almost incessant warfare), the ancients put on shows where death was under human control. Sometimes the outcome of these shows was purposeful submission to death (as in the gladiatorial games), at other times, it was ​a  victory. Origin of the Games in Funerals The[re] are a number of possible explanations of the custom of funeral games such as to honor a dead warrior by reenacting his military skills, or as a renewal and affirmation of life to compensate for the loss of a warrior or as an expression of the aggressive impulses that accompany rage over the death. Perhaps they are all true at the same time.- Roger Dunkles Recreation and Games * In honor of his friend Patroclus, Achilles held funeral games (as described in Iliad 23). In honor of their father, Marcus and Decimus Brutus held the first gladiatorial games in Rome in 264 BCE. The Pythian Games celebrated Apollos slaying of the Python. The Isthmian games were a funeral tribute to the hero Melicertes. The Nemean games celebrated either Hercules killing of the Nemean lion or the funeral of Opheltes. All of these games celebrated death. But what about the Olympics? The Olympic games also began as a celebration of death, but like the Nemean games, the mythological explanations for the Olympics are confused. Two central figures used to explain the origins are Pelops and Hercules who are genealogically linked insofar as Hercules mortal father was Pelops grandson. Pelops Pelops wished to marry Hippodamia, the daughter of King Oenomaus of Pisa who had promised his daughter to the man who could win a chariot race against him. If the suitor lost the race, he would also lose his head. Through treachery, Oenomaus had kept his daughter unmarried and through treachery, Pelops won the race, killed the king, and married Hippodamia. Pelops celebrated his victory or King Oenomaus funeral with Olympic games. The site of the ancient Olympics was in Elis, which is in Pisa, in the Peloponnese. Hercules After Hercules cleaned the Augean stables, the king of Elis (in Pisa) welshed on his deal, so, when Hercules had a chance after he finished his labors he returned to Elis to wage war. The conclusion was foregone. After Hercules sacked the city, he put on the Olympic games to honor his father Zeus. In another version, Hercules merely regularized the games Pelops had instituted.

Stress and Memory Loss essays

Stress and Memory Loss essays At some point in every persons' life, they will experience some kind of trauma. And though we know the shock of trauma usually occurs instantly, we cannot always anticipate how the anxiety may affect us in the long term. For some, who have personally been exposed to a life threatening event, or have been confronted with any type of seriously disturbing event sometimes develop what is known as acute distress. Acute distress may leave a person feeling frazzled after a few sleepless nights, but it is not something to be exceptionally worried about until it persists for over a month. When this happens it is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). (Schiraldi, G. 2009) What many people do not realize, is that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur at any age, including childhood. Symptoms usually begin within the first 3 months after the trauma, though it can be months, even years before symptoms appear. Many times the symptoms associated with PTSD cause significant problems with marriages, social relationships, and occupational life. According to the DSM-IV-TR (the diagnostic manual of mental disorders) symptoms include: persistent frightened thoughts and memories of the trauma, feeling emotionally numb or detached, difficulty falling or staying sleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability or outbursts of anger, hyper-vigilance, exaggerated startle response, as well as not being able to recall certain events or even missing huge gaps of time in their lives. This is commonly referred to as dissociate memory loss. This last example still has researches at a loss. What impact does uncontrollable stress have upon memory function? According to an article published by Yale University, School of Medicine, there have been neuroimaging studies to determine the areas of the brain that are affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The two brain areas that have been consistently mentioned include the hippocampus, the area of...

Homework Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Homework - Research Paper Example focus on standardizing the models that they use in carrying out their businesses and dedicate the needs of the IT system leading to a better performance. The institution should also consider the major forces that affect its profitability and align the IT system with the most current business practices that in carries. The top management of the institution should channel its efforts on prioritizing for equal resource allocations, while on the other hand the I/C management puts its focus on making an IT system that works following the guidelines of the company’s top management. On the level of service, the focus should be placed on the basic needs of the target customers and the IT performance should be based on the doctors of Peachtree new system design that brings about reliability without squashing doctors independence (Too far ahead of the curve? 2007). Again, the institution can use a service level alignment to ensure that all their external and internal domains align, maintain the quality of the care that they provide, their greatest assets and all the doctors to receive and play a part in the implementation process. To retain the doctors flexibility in decision-making, there should be an introduction of an IT system that is in a position to allow for surgical standardization. The institution should provide a user-friendly system for doctors by placing its focus on extreme system simplicity while at the same time maintaining the care quality for their businesses. Using pre-built SOA modules when possible and at the same time, basing all the modules will improve the communication and the interface between the doctors and the management in each module (‘too far ahead of the curve? 2007). Peachtree can also focus on purchasing custom- built services and channel its energies on those modules that pertain only to their business. As per this reason, it is imperative to come up with the strategic partnership to implement, operate and update a standardized

World Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

World Literature - Essay Example Set in Corinth in Greece, the whole play is enacted in a single scene in front of Medea's house. The nurse and chorus act as conscious-keepers of Medea and the attenders and messengers are employed by the playwright to depict scene shifts through their speech. In fact, the very opening of the play sets the tone of the horrific nature of events to follow. With a voice of doom of one of the nurses of Medea clearly indicates that her mistress, a victim of fate, is out to contrive some untoward scheme. The nurse acts as a foreteller of deeds to ensue. Through her speech we learn how in love she was with Jason and how her dangerous mood was capable of so much anger evil. "There is a subtle but fascinating theme of ethnic tension as Medea and Jason clash" (Mazza, Michael J) throughout the play. Medea lies fasting and weeping ever since she learnt that she was wronged by her husband, recalling memories of her dear father, her country and her home, which she gave up to come away with the man who now holds her in dishonor. Medea had antagonized her father and even killed her own brother in order to run away from a barbarious land to a land of promise along with Jason whom she blindly loves. "My love for you was greater than my wisdom" (lines 571-72) she says. After a series of adventures in which Jason is helped by Medea, they seek asylum in Corinth. Here they lead a respectable life and beget two children till they almost reach their middle age. Trouble brews when Jason gets restless with his complacent life. He wants a secure, wealthy future for his wife and children and hence resorts to infidelity. He wins the heart of Glauce, the daughter of Creon, king of Corinth. He tells Medea that it was not for love that he had promised to marry the princess, but to win wealth and power for himself and his sons. But Medea is infuriated and her unfailing love immediately turns to sheer anger. In a sense, it is Medea's own nature and vicious temper that proves her undoing. "Women don't like violence, but when their husbands desert them, that is different. In life, the worst disasters come from passion" (lines 467-69) Medea gets into a constant state of confusion and anxiety. Initially she weeps over her hapless situation. She feels women are most wretched because they care for one man only. But she gains a little confidence when Aegeus, King of Athens grants her asylum in exchange for helping him beget children by her skills in sorcery. Aegeus realizes that her scorn is justified and sees her as a woman with remarkable forethought. "A brain like yours is what is needed" he says. He fully believes in her powers of creation which is equal to her powers of destruction, which is why he uses her witchcraft to make his queen beget children. With the success of each scheme Medea devises, her resolve hardens and reaches a point of no return. "One can clearly trace the progression within the play of a victim with certain heroic traits who, because of her ill fate and her ruthlessness, becomes a villain" (Kliegl, Michael) Deciding to take her plans forward, she manages to buy a day's time from Creon befor e she is sent on exile. Creon's fate is sealed even though he knows that Medea is "A clever woman, very experienced in evil ways" (lines

Eliminating Bias Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Eliminating Bias - Essay Example Both of these aspects of management bias send some signs of favorable predisposition on one group while the other group experiences unfairness, mistreatment and bitterness, which ultimately translate into poor performance. The reporting of these unfair treatments almost often goes futile with fear of being fired or increased discrimination. Management of human resource faces many challenges including management bias due to inherent human errors. Individual managers’ personality which is factor of several psychological development interactions is an issue almost beyond the junior worker’s control. This is therefore the reason why appropriate measures must be taken by the managers, to ensure that their management practices are favorable to all, regardless of their differences. Favoring one group of persons with respect to their different characteristics has been reported, indicating the extent to which these errors affect human resource management. Being a boss is one thing while exercising the best human resource management is yet another. Over several centuries, these errors have continually reduced productivity, at least until when the field of human resource management evolved to offer solutions (Wanq, 2010). Bias and unethical conduct are totally different things in management, since some aspects of its aspects are sub-conscious. The fact that management involves decision making on a high frequency than any other worker exposes managers to risks of being biased on several grounds. Causes of management bias could be weight, height, color, age, race or even ethnicity. Human resource management recognizes management bias as a conflict which must be resolved for performance enhancement. Conflict resolution means that the complete absence of the elements of conflicts may not be realized. It therefore necessitates the accommodation and utilization of the underlying forces of the conflict to a meaningful coexistence that enhances maximization of

Attitude change Essay Example for Free

Attitude change Essay Technology also brought about a change in attitude to many employees because of its personal approach where despite the fact that it allows teams to work together it is also an ideal partner for individual tasks to get done. Craiger JP (2006) claims that technology resulted to a generation of employees who are self starters and problem solvers. By using technology employees learned to work independently, even if they are also dealing with their work teams and welcoming team initiatives on the side. For instance, an employee who does not have a desktop computer or does not know how to use one will have to depend on an encoder or a secretary for files to be encoded, taking two people to finish one document. When errors occur, it will be an accountability of two people. Often, when the margin of error was crossed is impossible to determine. On the other hand, an employee who has a desktop computer and knows how to operate it can type documents himself and be accountable for the whole task. It will also take just one person for the task to be completed. Computer users and the technologically inclined employees are not the only ones who had an attitude change. Those who do not have access to technological innovations in their respective departments were also encouraged to learn how to operate the new gadgets to be able to contribute to the growth of the company and, of course, to avoid being left behind. For fear of being retrenched or laid off by the company for the benefit of accommodating people who can work with the innovations that the organization is adapting, employees are more open than ever to learn new skills specially those that are technological. The same attitude change affects job applicants, who are otherwise not yet members but intending to become members of an organization. Job applicants are now putting more effort in getting at least the simplest technological skills and know-how to get an edge in their job-hunting process, especially with the fact that the younger graduates are more competitive in this area of knowledge. Issues Most of the changes brought about by technology to businesses were positive. The claims cannot be far from the truth. Technology was created to bring in convenience and efficiency, which is what it delivered right from the very start. However, there are also notions as to how technology has largely affected the way in which employees and organizations function, albeit on a negative light. Communication? Contrary to above claims that technology helped the culture of teams to flourish, and that communication became easier through new innovations that companies were investing on, computers and other technological equipment is also blamed for the downgrade in organizational communication. Craiger JP (2006) stressed that computers did not allow employees to communicate until networks were created. There was a great divide between employees who are operating the new facilities, and those who are not. There is also a sub-divide between employees operating the new equipment. The great divide between employees occurs from the very start, when not all employees have access to technology. People who have the know-how are roomed in with the computers, and those who are still on manual work stay in regular cubicles where other employees are present, allowing for interpersonal communication. After much development, majority of employees in many organizations gained access to computers. The problem which turned out later on concerned the transferring, sharing, and merging of files and information within the organization. Born is the network, and things went well. Employees can drag and drop information from and to a colleague, and even share pleasantries with each other on the side. This is where the communication problem began. The problem with technology is that it allows people to be convenient. In fact, employees felt too much convenience that the simplest things are often put on the hands of technology. For instance, instead of dropping by to the nearby cubicle of a co-employee, one just has to click on some icons and send her message through the computer. The technologically-driven workplace also slowly transformed into an impersonal workplace where every bit of thing was coursed through technology. This posed miscommunication problems—messages and files which were not received, lost files, misinterpretation of messages, errors in routing messages, and so on. The list is boundless, but the solution is not far from reach as well. To aid this problem, companies must orient new employees and train existing employees on the art of effective communication, as well as the proper use of company technology. With proper information and education, it is possible for companies to be technologically inclined but still effective in their communication. Re-trainings and new hiring A necessity for many companies who are just starting their technological stance is the re-training of employees. Companies cannot expect all of their employees to be familiar with the jargons and processes of technology once it is initiated in the company. There is also the need for people to maintain the equipment and to troubleshoot them in case something wrong happens. Thus, even if majority of the existing employees know how to operate technological equipment, the company still needs to hire additional people or get an outsourced service for these. This, however, does not sacrifice the cost-effectiveness of business technology. Even if a company spends for additional people or service, the costs that it will incur will still be offset by the multiplicity of role that business technology can undertake. A good way to minimize the costs in this area is to train employees, including those knowledgeable, on the proper use and maintenance of the equipment and by developing guidelines for reporting any problem or damage so that proper and timely intervention can be made. Telecommuting woes A point of debate in the technological workplace is the telecommuting option for employees. This has long been a trend, which proved to be convenient for both telecommuters and their companies. With off-site jobs, telecommuters need not travel to their workplace and be stuck with an office routine. They can also perform personal tasks while working, and avoid the pressure of being confined in an office cubicle. For companies, it saves them the office space the employee needs, and the costs of electricity and other provisional expenses of keeping an employee on the job site. However, human resources managers have one problem with keeping and working with telecommuters and off-site employees in the organization: performance appraisal and monitoring. When an employee works off the job site, he holds his time and place. He may be calling a client for a presentation while waiting for the kids for a drive to the school, and meet the client for a lunch meeting just before going to the grocery for some things needed for dinner. While this requires incredible discipline for tasks to get done, there is no guarantee that all telecommuters have the required character it takes. This brings about the importance of monitoring and performance appraisal, which is an equally grueling task for human resource persons to do with telecommuters. But for many companies, the solution is easy. Monitoring and performance appraisal can be largely dependent on one thing: end product. Telecommuters should be given deadlines and work expectations, and they should in turn give back results. This can prove when an off-site employee has the discipline it takes to work away from work, of he needs to work with the boss around. Privacy issues The ease of organizing work teams is undoubtedly one of the better benefits of modern technology to organizations, but it is not also ideal at all. With the convenient dragging and dropping of information throughout the network of technologically driven companies, it is easy for information to leak and for privacy seals to be broken. On a smaller scale, it can be as simple as one employee stealing the proposal of another employee; or one team member taking full credits to the collaborative work of a work team. On a larger scale it can be the theft of significant company information, or the leak of personal information of employees. This is a possibility to which all companies are susceptible. The exposure of an organization to modern technology, especially that which binds the company to networking, also puts many of its information and exchanges out in the open. Companies, however, need not fret. As privacy has been an utmost concern for many developers of technology, many solutions are now available for companies to protect themselves and their systems. A wide range of products are available to suit many companies’ generic needs, and many developers have come up with security measures that can be customized according to the needs and preferences of an organization. It should be noted, though, that security software and technology does not erase the possibility of privacy issues from taking place. While it can secure much of a company’s information, proper care and understanding of privacy clauses and measures by employees are equally important. Too fast and too furious Another issue concerning companies is the fast turnover of technological trends. New computers and gadgets are introduced everyday, and what is trendy today can be obsolete in a matter of months. While there are companies who are true to their subscription of technology, and strive to invest in newer, better models to improve their standing and service, not all companies can keep up. It can be disheartening for an organization to invest thousands of dollars in innovations, only to find themselves looking for an upgrade months after. Technology’s game is simple: the newer, the better. However, this game should not work for companies as well as they have financial books to consider. For business technology, the key is that whichever fits the company best is the better alternative. Unless very necessary, companies should not feel pressured in constantly buying new equipment every so often to keep up with competition. Delivery of good products and service is what matters most.

The Life of Edgar Allan Poe Essay -- Edgar Allan Poe Writers Authors E

The Life of Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe is considered to be the father of the short story by many. Over the course of his life, he wrote hundreds of short stories and poems. His writing style is unique and influenced by the tragedies that occurred over the course of his life. In fact, he is most well known for writing morbid stories and gruesome, dismal poems. Indeed his writing habits were heavily influenced by his life. His life was full of depression, angst, and woe. Many of the people he cared for fell victim to deadly plagues and diseases. To cope with this pain, Edgar Allan Poe sought comfort in the bottom of a bottle. In his times of depression he would drink heavily and become sick for days at a time. In between his fits of alcoholism and depression, he wrote. When he wrote, he wrote well. Edgar Allan Poe led a life full of tragedy and troubled times. Although he kept an air of dignity and pride around him, he often felt very lonely and depressed. This feeling of desperation greatly influenced his unique and often morbid writing style. Edgar Allan Poe had very humble beginnings. Within the first three years of his life, he lost both of his parents and was separated from his siblings. Edgar Allan Poe’s parents had a background that can be credited for his imagination and love of writing poems and short stories. His parents, David and Elizabeth Poe, were both actors and stage performers. Although poor, David and Elizabeth were well known on the stage, and played as important characters in assorted plays including comedies and Shakespearean dramas. David Poe preferred to take on minor roles in plays, but was credited by critics as good nonetheless. Elizabeth scored many lead actress roles, but still the two only had enough money to live poorly. They were too poor to care for their firstborn son, William Henry Poe, and had to send him off to his grandparents who were to care for him. On January 19, 1809, Edgar Poe was born. Edgar’s father was suffering heavily from alcoholism, and eventually left Elizabeth to care for her son alone. Elizabeth, however, was showing signs of tuberculosis and was pregnant with a third child. She was struggling to support her family by playing various theatrical roles for money. Soon she was too weak to continue acting. The owner of the theater company she worked for placed adds in newspapers to rais... ...aring, the man orders to bird to vacate his door and his life, and â€Å"Take thy beak from out my heart.† The bird does not leave and the poem ends describing how the bird’s looming shadow crushes the man’s soul beneath it, trapping the man forever in a state of gloom and misery. So it was that Edgar Allan Poe led a life filled with misery, depression, loss, and heartbreak. He sought respect from his foster father and fame among his peers. But because of the ravages of alcohol, he drank all of his blessings away, and what he was left with, abandoned him. His life long dream was to own his own magazine but his lifelong financial problems kept the dream always just out of reach. He did however manage to become the father of the short story, and the first comprehensive detective story author. During his time, his literary works were overlooked or slandered by his many enemies. But now, to this day, Edgar Allan Poe is a household name. His works such as â€Å"The Raven† are known to almost everyone for their rhythmic meter and captivating emotions. The tragedies in Edgar Allan Poe’s life left him lovesick and depressed, and compelled him to write about tales of beauty, love, and loss.