Chronicle of the Council Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chronicle of the Council - Term Paper Example In addition, the precursors to activism intended to redeem the image of God’s church and teachings are examined in this study. It is imperative to note that, this study is confined to specific period attributed to the occurrence of the event. The vivid picture given out by Pope Urban II on the situation brings out the true inspiration of a person who loves his country and its environs. The Chronicles of the Council of Clermont dates back the year 1095 when Catholic faith was most respected. It formed the basis of unity and harmony. A people that fears God and is deeds characterizes this period. This nation believes an alienated tribe from the Persians society should not mix with God’s clean people. The speech is culturally upright because it upholds the key principles of a united nation that can only come together when intruded. It is evident from the speech that the alienated tribe had no cultural principles that guided their moral conduct. This is seen when the aliena ted tribe is reportedly raping women. However, the cultural beliefs of the Greek nation depict its people as mature and respectable to human rights and dignity. The narrator depicts the natives as blessed by God and believes in the word of God, and this makes their culture to revolve in the Biblical teachings. This is evidenced by the numerous verse quoted and referred from the Bible by the narrator Pope Urban II. A remark by Pope in the speech, that the ancestor’s deeds inspire the natives to rise up and achieve the concerted war indicates a cultural inclination towards the invincible powers of the ancestors; particularly those lived up to good things when alive. For instance, the reference made to King Charles the Great and Louis is son. These two men represented the strength and attributed success for their nation. The speech examines an alienated tribe fro m the Persian community that as forcefully invaded the native’s land and nation with the aim of performing ala rming and shameful acts which are against the human rights. For instance, the alienated tribe extends acts of rape and killing to the native people. This sends a wake up call to both the religion and political leaders who raises their voices high in a bid to condemn the intruders. It is evidenced by the speech that the alienated tribe invaded the Christians land and began to depopulate them through massive killings in form of sword, fire and pillage. In addition, the enemy tribe succeeds to take way the natives as captives. More devastating is the alienated tribe that has continually destroyed God’s church, defiles altars and initiates their ungodly rites and religion. Pope Urban II in his speech expresses fear of loosing considerable number of the Christians through circumcision and base death where navels were perforated and the extremity of intestines dragged out. Indeed this marked the climax of inhumane. Similar acts of torture prompted Pope Urban to encourage the native s in the strongest terms possible to redeem themselves form the bondage of the alienated tribe. It is imperative to note that, Urban’s speech intended to send a strong signal to the minds of the natives that, time for liberation was ripe and it is all systems go to redeem tier nation from the yoke of an alienated tribe. Urban, keeps reminding them that God remained firm on His promises upon them, however, the sole responsibility of

Transformational Leader Profile Essay Example for Free

Transformational Leader Profile Essay One of the most debated, described and defined aspects of managerial competence, leadership continues to claim the attention of practitioners and theorists alike. Leadership, essentially a synthesis of arts, reflects individual experience, understanding, values and capabilities, interacting with situations where, realistically, there is rarely an ideal solution. The recognition that transforming a business is something of an heroic journey explicitly and implicitly acknowledges the key role of leadership in todays world as a determinant of success, in an organization’s change, progression and development. The quality of that leadership is itself largely determined by the leaders effectiveness as a coach and mentor who can grow the skills and confidence in others, necessary to shape tomorrows businesses, organizations and successes. To develop leadership one must work at developing himself.   The transformation of the self is central to the leadership development process. Meeting Peter was a very profound experience for me. I met Peter, CEO of a large healthcare management organization, a year ago. The CEO had recently been picked by the Chairman of the Board to head up the organization of approximately 20,000 employees. Everyone knew him, and it appeared that he was well-liked by employees and generally trusted. Peter is someone I totally admire. He is someone who always makes sure employees all know why they are part of the organization. The terms charismatic and transformational are used more or less interchangeably in much of the literature. Distilling a large literature on the transformational leader, the notion can be broadly captured by reference to six elements: an heroic figure (usually with attributed past success stories); a mystic in touch with higher truths; a value-driven individual rather than one who is apparently purely self-serving; someone who is perceived to know the way; an individual who has a vision of a more desirable and achievable future; and finally someone thought to be capable of caring for and developing followers. All six points reflect attributes of personality and behavior of Peter. Peter has an approach which aspires to significant organizational change through engaged and committed followers. It was John McGregor Burns (1978) who emphasized the meaning and significance of transformational leadership by contrasting it with transactional leadership (Orlikoff 2000). This theme was picked up and elaborated by Bass (1990). According to Bass, transformational leadership has four components: individualized consideration (the leader is alert to the needs of followers and also takes care to develop them); intellectual stimulation (the leader encourages followers to think in creative ways and to propose innovative ideas); inspirational motivation (energizing followers to achieve extraordinary things); idealized influence (offers followers a role model). The core of Peter’s model is cantered on the concept of developing oneself to develop others. Specifically, as Peter matures and gains moral perspective, he invests more time and energy in promoting the development of others versus satisfying his own needs. As Avolio and Yammarino (2002) note, through the accumulation of developmental experiences the moral structure of an individual can be enhanced providing sufficient structure to assess complex moral challenges. This basic premise is at the core of what drives transformational leadership to the highest end of the full range of leadership. In his daily work, Peter identifies developmental opportunities, where there is scope for: Challenge, and the breaking of new ground. Work that makes a significant, demonstrable contribution to the business. Bigger/wider leadership roles, preferably the earlier the better within the leaders career progression. Shifting gear and moving up into more strategic roles/tasks and relationships. Moving and operating out of existing comfort zones. Multi-disciplinary and cross-functional working. Building stakeholder coalitions and alliances, supply chain projects, involving suppliers, deliverers (own organization) and customers. Acquiring new contributive competencies which will test and enhance both skill and will. Working on specific role/task assignments in other comparable, but noncompetitive organizations. Making keynote presentations at major events, where there is a sense of occasion and opportunities to establish reputation and credibility. Leading (preferably) or acting as a member of jointly run projects with a leading business school, professional body or significant consultancy group. Setting up and managing increased outsourcing for supportive activities. In effect, leader learning development (like so much interpersonal skills training) is about building competence – and confidence – in three related areas of activity. On the reasonable assumption that competence – like charity – begins at home, the first priority in Peter development is learning to manage oneself. This includes not only the development of effective self-management skills, but also acquiring high levels of competence in the three primary areas of know-how identified as: Transforming Integrating Mobilising Peter’s personal skills and leader competencies form an appropriately strong base for developing consistently sound working relationships with others. Particularly important are the following interpersonal competencies: Self awareness and awareness of others. Negotiation techniques. Listening and questioning skills. Influencing skills. Coaching skills. Assertiveness. Motivational skills. Working as a partner (primus inter pares) as opposed to leader. Collaborative problem solving. Empowering and delegating skills. I identified five significant distinguishing characteristics which differentiated Peter from the less effective: He is neither perfect, nor perfectionists in their demands of others. He quickly learns skills which he does not possess personally. He sees management as essentially a team effort. He strives endlessly for improvement – to him, the game is not over until its over. He admits his weaknesses and learns from his mistakes, but differentiates himself from the less successful. The leadership theory proposed by Peter is based on the relationship and interaction between the leader and the follower. Under transformational theory, the leader and the follower may possess their own motivations for the interaction, but together they realize a common goal and are changed by the process. The change, or transformation, in the participants is found in the unity of purpose that raises the goal beyond individual satisfaction to a higher level. Peter’s theory is consistent with transformational theory. Collaboration cannot be achieved without the team members reaching a consensus and perhaps giving up something of themselves and changing in the process. Collaboration cannot be realized without facilitation, communication, information, participation, and expectation. Understanding something of the dynamics of group behaviour and the processes underlying transactions between people, is fundamental to effective leadership (Orlikoff 2000). There are no panaceas or cure-alls, but informed awareness of what is really going on, in behavioral terms, within and between groups helps to give managers – and others – a clearer idea of how to handle relationships in more productive ways. Peter believes that a business needs at least three interrelated forms of leadership: One which brings about requisite task performance and goal achievement. One to generate and maintain the commitment of its members. Another to ensure continuity of congruence between the requirements of the task, and peoples needs and expectations (Schein 1985). Peter has ability to overcome or compensate for (transform) organizational and individual limitations. He motivates others to do more than they originally intended and indeed often more than they thought possible. Team spirit is aroused. Enthusiasm and optimism are displayed. Peter enables his staff to overcome, to break through, to see beyond the limitations of their organization: he stimulates his ‘followers efforts to be innovative and creative by questioning assumptions, re-framing problems, and approaching old situations in new ways’ (Ackoff 1999). Peter is unique leader, on whom organizational success depends (and who therefore receives a considerable share of the benefits of that success). Peter seeks power not for self-aggrandizement but in order to share it. He empowers others to take an active role in carrying out the value-based mission or vision defined by him. That vision is based on what the organization and followers need, not what the leader wants personally. Thus, Peter appeals to followers values, emphasizing that certain important values serve as the common basis for our ideals and goals. Peter transforms organization by first using his cognitive power to understand complex causal chains and then acting to design outcomes that will benefit the organization and advance his vision. While a substantial degree of cognitive power is required in order for Peter to be effective, such effectiveness results as much from his success in developing followers cognitive abilities as from the exercise of his own. Peter with the degree of cognitive power required for a top-level position makes important long-term strategic decisions. But how much do these decisions affect what actually goes on in the organization on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis? It is the thought and action of managers and employees at lower levels that most affect current and short-term future operations. The finest long-term plan and the wisest long-range actions will surely fail if those who must act today and tomorrow are not capable of doing so. Thus, it is more important for top-level leaders with great cognitive power or vision to help followers expand and improve on their own vision than it is for leaders to simply exercise their cognitive power (Smith 2000). Peter empowers others to define organizational policies and develop programs that are explicitly based on the values and beliefs contained in the philosophy that in fact put those values and beliefs into organizational action. For example, hiring and promotion policies should take into account values consistent with those in the organizations philosophy as well as applicants knowledge and skill. Reward systems and bonus programs must be based on the values of cooperation and innovative action instead of on competition over a limited pool of resources. Finally, Peter inculcates values and beliefs through his own individual behavior, his personal practices. He models organizational values and beliefs by living by them constantly and consistently. That is why his leadership behaviors that were described earlier are extremely important. Many people think of these behaviors as tools with which leaders explain their vision to followers and convince them to carry out that vision. Although this is not totally untrue, the far more significant reason these behaviors are important is that leaders use them to demonstrate and illustrate the values and beliefs on which their visions are founded. Thats why Peter takes so much time and effort and why he is good manager with strong management skills. He uses everyday managerial activities a committee meeting, for example as opportunities to inculcate values. In a meeting the leader may guide a decision-making process while making it clear that final authority and responsibility rests with the group. By so doing, Peter takes what might otherwise be a bureaucratic process and instills the value of empowerment into it. Whenever possible, he overlays value-inculcating actions on ordinary bureaucratic management activities. Without a sound base of management skills, this would not be possible. Ultimately, examination of Peter’s leadership leads to the recognition that transformational leaders own personal behaviors play a large part in shaping organizational culture. This comprehensive theory goes beyond behavior to incorporate personal characteristics. Even more, it includes the organizational context of transformational leadership that is, culture building. Peter refers to the challenges as trigger events in our lives that oftentimes have a profoundly positive effect on our development. So how do we create the challenges that you must confront to develop into the full person you can be and to achieve your full potential? I am still searching for that in myself, and I hope you will do the same each and every day, because that is the way to develop leadership—each and every day we emerge, we get better, we know more, and we can influence people more effectively. Peter had a profoundly positive impact on my leadership development. I have chosen a developmental goal for myself, based on my primary style of leadership. After having examined Peter as a transformational leader I have tried to capture the whole process of personal and leadership development in a simple model. Let me explain. The top left-hand part of the model represents what we come into the world with our talents and strengths. Building on those capacities or attempting in some cases to break them down, we have life experiences that shape our development, that comprise our life stream. On the bottom left, we have the context in which we are currently operating and there we specify the importance of the vision and culture to nurturing leadership development. The rest of the model represents what we typically focus on in terms of leadership development, including enhancing our self-awareness of where we are and where we should focus our energies, then focusing those energies by regulating our development and then finally being consistent in our efforts to call it self-development. A number of important individual and contextual factors feed into self-awareness, but we must go beyond simply being aware to enhance leadership development. References Ackoff, R. L. (1999). Transformational leadership. Strategy Leadership, 27, 20–25. Avolio, B. J., Yammarino, F. J. (2002). Transformational and charismatic leadership: The road ahead. Greenwich, CT: JAI. Bass, B.M. (1990). Leadership and Performance beyond Expectations, New York: Free Press. Orlikoff, J. E. (2000). A board as good as its chair. Trusteeship, 8(4). Schein, E. H. (1985). Organizational culture and leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Smith, C. J. (2000). Trusteeship in community colleges: A guide for effective governance. Washington, DC: Association of Community College Trustees.

The Scarlet Letter Essay -- Literary Analysis, Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, portrays the adversities faced by Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale, and their struggles to overcome their sins of adultery. Hawthorne depicts the celestial Dimmesdale as a troubled minister with an uneasy conscience who struggles to cope with his wrongdoings. Dimmesdale is torn between whether to publically confess his wrongdoing with Hester and let the merciless Puritans decide his fate, or keep his secret hidden and let the guilt derived from his actions, along with the devil in Roger Chillingworth, destroy him both mentally and physically. Being divided between his love for Hester and his Puritan ideals, Dimmesdale’s advancement towards making amends for his sin of adultery is manifested in the three scaffold scenes throughout the novel. The first scaffold scene depicts Hester’s public humiliation of her sin, and Dimmesdale’s lack of courage and troubled soul. In the first scaffold scene, Dimmesdale acts as Hester’s deceptive accuser, letting her stand alone on the scaffold for three hours while being ridiculed by the townspeople for an act they both committed. Dimmesdale charges Hester â€Å"to speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer. Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him† (Hawthorne 64). By directly speaking to Hester, Dimmesdale wants Hester to reveal his sin to the townspeople of Boston. Dimmesdale does not want Hester to pity him, and take all the blame for their wrongdoing because he does not want to live a sinful life full of hidden sin and guilt. Although Dimmesdale wants Hester to reveal his secret, he is relieved when Hester says â€Å"I will not speak...And my child must seek a heavenly Father; she shall never know an earthly ... ... Dimmesdale, a minister with a troubled soul, regrets his actions and makes amends for his sin, allowing him to finally be free from guilt and suffering. The scaffold, a place of public shame and humiliation, symbolizes Dimmesdale’s progression towards making amends for his actions, and obtaining salvation. Dimmesdale goes from being a religious and deceitful minister in the first scaffold scene to a humble and lowly individual by the end of the third scaffold scene, freeing himself from the guilt that has caused so much havoc on his life. Dimmesdale’s sin, which is manifested throughout the three scaffold scenes, symbolizes the major theme of the Scarlet Letter, which states that hidden sin will ultimately kill an individual if left unconfessed, and that the only way to achieve salvation is by publicly confessing one’s actions and making atonement with God.

Is College Degree Essential Essay

Is college degree really worth all the money spent and the effort put in it? Right now in our socirty a college education is no longer a option or a privilege. Without a college degree, you might as well becomes a homeless because if you don’t have a college degree you really aren’t anybody in this society.With a college degree, you get a good job, people give you more respect and you broraden up your knowledge. To me a college degree is essential for my future in order to be successful. First reason, college degree is essential is that it will lead me to get a really good job in the future. Being a college student perhaps more respectable role than being a janitor, lunch lady or a cook in a restaurant. When people know you as a college graduate, they give you more respect than just any ordinary person. With a college degree you get nice well-paying careers where you don’t have to break your neck and working your body to death. Even my parents motivate me more to stay in college because I don’t want to grow up and do the job that they doing now. Second reason why college is important is you gain respectful from people. For example my older brother who is a college graduate from Northwestern university gets more respect from all my family members and outsiders too. They look at him as not any ordinary person, but as a person who has accomplished a major goal that not everybody who starts finish. I know I will hain the same respect from people once I get my college degree. A degree is not just any other paper. It’s a special dcosument that will lead me to the right places in the future. It’s not good to be labeled as a college dropout or high school dropout. I would rather be preferred to be labeled as a college graduate not drop out. Another reason why college is essential is not only leading you to a good job, but also it prepares you with academic knowledge about the around you.  Most people are irerlate and don’t even know much about the world they live in due to the fact they didn’t finish high school or go to college. Most people excuse for not going to college is money. Yes that’s true but, there are so many resources out there to help you get into college if you’re willing to go. The way things are going now, the only way to make it through is by getting a college degree. Even with some simple jobs out there, you need some sort of degree in order to be hired. College degree is really essential for my future because I want to make a difference and help out my family in Ghana who didn’t have the same opportunity as me to go to college. Most teens out there take education for granted and don’t care much about it. In conclusion having a college degree is for your own benefit. It will lead you to many grate places in the career industry. Yes is a lot of money and work but it’s really worth it. I know that in four years from now I will be really happy that I went to college and didn’t play around with it. Nobody can ever take your education from you it’s your god given rights.

Reflective Portfolio Essay

1) Introduction: In this portfolio, I shall reflect on number of intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies relevant for my professional performance. Reflective learning is an important element of effective performance as research (Brockbank & Mcgill, 2012) has demonstrated that reflective style of learning leads to improvement in a variety of dimensions. While reflecting myself, I am specifically focusing on Emotional Intelligence and Conscientious using Jackson’s hybrid model of learning and conflict resolution to show my interpersonal skills. With a range of questionnaires I answered, it is revealed that I am most deficient in these skills. Moreover I shall assess my socio-cultural implications as a part of a team as well as an individual. Research shows that regardless of my professional occupation, these characteristics are important in shaping my personal life. Through the portfolio my aim is to improve on these key characteristics which are lacking and reflected in my current professional profile. I shall attempt to improve on my self-conceptualization and goals to develop my influence tactics and improve my scores. It shall also help in building good relationships, making rational decisions and consider conflict situation. After achieving such high standards I shall be a successful student and acquire a strong personality to shape my career. 2) Intrapersonal Effectiveness 2.1) Jacksons Model Chris Jackson’s hybrid model of learning in personality strongly argues that individual’s drive as an emotional, goal oriented, conscientious or a deep learning person is what makes him a strong sensation seeker (Jackson, 2005Í ¾ 2008). Jacksons model of learning (Jackson,2005) aims at uniting biological, socio ­cognitive and experiential theories of personality (Jackson, 2005Í ¾ 2008). All the three together make out a perfect outcome of an individual’s profile in accordance to the best way for them to learn (2009c). According to Jackson the level of sensation seeking can create functional or dysfunctional outcomes (Jackson, 2005). Functional outcomes are positive where learners re-express their sensation seeking by socio-cognitive construct such as emotional intelligence and conscientiousness while the dysfunctional outcomes lead to poor job performance and negative results (O’Connor & Jackson, 2008; Jackson, 2011b). To reach my professional goal, th e ability to carve functional outcomes in me and not let the dysfunctional be a hindrance to my achievements will be important and valuable. 2.2) Results According to my Learning Style Profiler (LSP), I am a strong sensation seeker which shows that I have an urge to learn new things and gain knowledge from new experiences (Jackson, 2009c). I am a moderate goal achiever, moderately conscientious and probalby a deep learner. But on the contrary my emotional intelligence makes me dysfunctional. Yet overall I am a Functional learner and my instinctive drive for learning creates opportunities and re-expresses myself to achieve positive outcome (Learning Style Profiler, 2013). The results perfectly illustrate my profile. I have been striving hard and strong to study abroad. I have been giving many entrance exams to live my dream (high sensation seeker). I got rejected and yet kept applying to best of the universities worldwide (moderately goal oriented). The worst part of mine was always losing hope and depending on others for better outcomes (low emotional intelligence). At times all I used to do is make conscientious improvements on my St atement of purpose and prepare a better profile to submit (conscientious). I used to take advices, read knowledgeable materials, and kept trying for the best results (deep learner). 2.3) Emotional Intelligence According to Jacksons hybrid model (Jackson,2005), I have a very low score on my emotional intelligence(EI) scale. A low score in EI leads to lack of autonomy and avoidance of risk taking activity often leading to lessons not learnt from mistakes. So due to lack of risk taking ability and dependence on other people, working as a professional I may face problems being a follower and not showing logical ability to work out decisions(Goleman, 1995). Moreover lack of emotional intelligence wont create a drive in me to tackle situational dillemas and fight out problems, I shall always be afraid to do so (Goleman, 1995). To overcome this greviances I should residue to change. Certain things I shall plan to do are as follows: Physical act of writing is linked to emotional memory and heart, so planning early in the day would reslt in strong output of thoughts (Sterrett, 2000). Looking at situations differently and taking time to analise situations (Sterrett, 2000). 2.4) Sensation Seeker The best part of my personality has been my sensation seeking. I have always been engaged in learning new activities and been part of doing something new. This is what makes me unique. A bad sensation seeker is not only a dysfunctional professional but also a person with behavioral deficiencies (Zuckerman, Delaware, Newart, DE, & US). Being a good sensational seeker I have the advantage to take over and construct Emotional Intelligence deficiencies (Jackson, 2005a; Jackson et al, 2009). Therefore positive outcomes are achieved. 2.5) SMART Goals Goals are perceived, planned and then achieved. The SMART way to achieve goal refers to: S specific M measurable A attainable R   realistic T   timed My goal as a professional has always been expansion of my family business (specific). I plan to help my dad with it after my graduation and sour new heights of success (timed). Furthermore to be a part of it, I need to be worthy of it (realistic). Experience and training for the same will rather prove to be the best way to gain the knowledge for the same (attainment). I  shall timely plan an internship after my graduation and apply my knowledge to the practical business world (timed and measureable). This shall lead to achievement of my goal in a SMART way. Consequently I shall meet all the SMART criteria’s. 2.6) Social and Cultural Implications While assessing myself at my workplace the most noticeable thing was the age. There were people likely much older to me. Their talks and way of living never correlated to mine (Woods & Scinarini, 1995). The fact was I wasn’t mature enough to be a part of them (Hofstede, 1997). The best outcome for this could be I can think of ways and means to be a part of their daily interests so I can mix with them and increase my workplace effectiveness. 3) Interpersonal Effectiveness When measuring my stance in an organization, what I first look into is the interpersonal effectiveness. A way in dealing this common issue where there are differences between the people working together, conflicts which arise due to implications such as different race, caste, gender and upbringings (Lin, Wang, Shi & Chang, 2005) is death with interpersonal effectiveness to lead the organization efficiently. 3.1) Dutch Test for Conflict Handling The Dutch Test for Conflict Handling is a useful tool to measure the best way in which an individual can resolve conflict (McShane, Olekalns & Travaglione, 2013). It consists of questionnaires which simplify if the manager can make best use of one of the following: Yielding- Managerial ability to take unilateral decisions completely towards others wishes. The decisions involve giving up your wishes (McShane, Olekalns & Travaglione, 2013). Compromising- Consistency to find an outcome which suits the either of the party or finding the equally valued gains. Forcing- The self yielding decision which involves winning over the arguments and conflicts for others expenses. Problem Solving- The better way to resolve issues through mutually corresponding to either parties benefits. Avoiding- A way to escape from conflicts by representing low concern towards it and suppressing it. 3.2) Results and Analysis After taking the Dutch test I came with an out with an outcome of considering  yielding as my most effective method of conflict resolution. My results in the Dutch test were as follows: Yielding 18 Compromising 13 Forcing 10 Problem Solving 15 Avoiding 17 The scale suggested that I am best at yielding and avoiding conflicts. Moreover I have moderate skills to compromise, force or solve problems. I have a tendency to yield or avoid conflicts because they lead to disagreements which makes me feel uncomfortable (McShane, Olekalns & Travaglione, 2013). This is inconsistent with my self-concept as I rather approve myself to get along with everyone (McShane, Olekalns & Travaglione, 2013). Yet being moderate at handling conflicts by other styles, I tend to use different ways to solve issues in different situations. I used situational tactics while working in the group for the BSB124 Group Presentation. I used to always yield and agree at what my group members said and performed according to their wishes whenever there were any arguments, justifying my yielding and avoiding style. But when we came down the line on the presentation day, I forced my fellow mates to put add a bit to my part as it wasn’t apt. Hence showed my compromising a nd forcing style to handle the situational conflict. They had to agree to my decision. 3.3) Conflict Resolution The conflict resolution style I used would be classified as collaborating by Thomas and kilman’s (1974) conflicting resolution styles model. Collaborating refers to pooling of individual needs and goals towards a common goal. This style is useful when you need to bring together a variety of viewpoints to get the best solution, when there have been previous conflicts in the group, or when the situation is too important for a simple  trade-off (Thomas & Kilman, 1974).The reason I used this style because it consistently yields the best results. Although it takes time but it gives the best result. In my group there were certain times when there used to be an argument regarding the content of the presentation, collaborating was the best way to solve the conflict as all team members would collaborate with each other and conclude to a single decision. To be effective in taking decisions and dealing with my colleagues I need to use a more appropriate conflict resolution style as collaborating takes time to plan and get executed which leads to less effective workplaces (Landa-Gonzalez, 2008). If facing a similar situation again a compromising or avoiding strategy may be more effective. 3.4) Social and Cultural Implications While working in group for the presentation, I got noticed by everyone in my team. I was the only international student to be dealt with. They seemed awkward with me at the start and left me away in discussions. After doing a bit and contributing to my team they realized that I could pose a great help indeed. They helped me out over factors such as public speaking to be efficient enough for the show time. Moreover, they were inclined towards me because I brought diversity in the group and suggested ideas which were differently thought of. They added their knowledge to my thinking and made a worth watching scenario at the presentation day. They taught me how to build relationships while working in groups and gain experience by contributing towards team spirit For what I had always been thinking a negative impact in working in groups was made my strength. I was very impatient while dealing with my fellow members but as time elapsed I understood that building relationships regardless of the social background is a beneficiary for me as well the other person. From now onwards I shall always look forward for relationship-building group work. 3.5) Goal Setting Working as a part of a team, I shall look forward towards attainment of SMART criteria through team effectiveness. While pursuing my family business I shall look forward to formulate plans so there remains cooperativeness amongst family members working as a whole in the business. Furthermore I shall also look into the differences in opinion between me and the  experienced people and handle conflicts with proper problem solving techniques. This will lead to organizational integrity and achievement of goals. 4) Conclusion I have analyzed and reflected upon my experiences in BSB124 Working in Business, evaluated my intra and interpersonal effectiveness, set SMART goals and identified my weaknesses. In the intrapersonal section, I used Jackson’s learning profiler to know my strengths and weaknesses, reflected upon them, gave examples to support the motion and analyzed my weaknesses to set SMART goals and achieve them. While in the interpersonal section I found the best way I can resolve conflicts and work effectively in groups to achieve group goals. I have learnt that interpersonal effectiveness runs from intrapersonal. So I have put a part of my SMART goals in section 3.5 to link my individual effectiveness to group abilities. I have also mentioned social and cultural implications which I wasn’t aware of. By improving on this competencies and becoming more aware of them, I will look forward to develop a better professional within me and achieve my goals. References Brockbank, A., & Mcgill, I. ( 2012, July 03). Facilitating Reflective Learning: Coaching, Mentoring and Supervision. Cymeon Pty Ltd. (2013). Learning Styles Profiler (LSP). A Personal Report Providing Information on Your Functional Learning Style. Retrieved October 25, 2013 from www.cymeon.com. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam Books. Hofstede, G. H. (2001). Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications Jackson, C. (2009, June 25-29). Using the hybrid model of learning in personality to predict performance in the workplace. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Jackson, C. J. (2005). An applied neuropsychological model of functional and dysfunctional learning: Applications for business, education, training and clinical psychology. Jackson, C. J. (2009c, June). Using the hybrid model of learning in personality to predict performance in the workplace. Paper pres ented at 8th IOP Conference, Sydney, Australia Jackson, C. J. (2011b). How sensation seeking provides a common basis for functional and dysfunctional outcomes. Journal of Research in Personality, 45(4), 29-36. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2010.11.005 Landa-Gonzalez, B. (2008). To assert or not to assert: Conflict management and occupational therapy students. 22, 54-70. Retrieved from http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07380570802244464 Lin, X., Wang, C., Shi, Y., & Chan, K. (2005). Conflict handling styles in international joint ventures: a cross-cultural and cross-national comparison. Management International Review, 45(1), 3-13. Retrieved from: http://www.mir-online.de/ McShane, S., Olekalns, M., & Travaglione, T. (2013).Organisational behaviour. (4th ed., pp. 354-355). Australia: McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd. Sterrett, E. A. (2000). The Manager’s Pocket Guide to Emotional Intelligence. Amherst, USA. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/qut/docDetail.action Thomas, K., & Kilman, J. (1974). Conflict and conflict management. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/job.4030130307/abstract ;jsessionid=73E232B2382E1F2CAD020D017857CB63.f02t04?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false Woods, R. and Scinarini, M. (1995). The cornell hotel and restaurant administration quarterly. 36(3), 18-23. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0010880495969327

Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Nephropathy The WritePass Journal

Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Nephropathy Introduction Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Nephropathy IntroductionEconomic burden of Diabetes for families and society:Causes of microvascular damage in diabetes:Advanced glycosylated end-products (AGEs):Oxidative stress and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS):Polyol pathway/aldose reductase:Hexosamine pathway:Endothelial dysfunction pathogenesis:REFERENCES: Related Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic non-communicable condition resulting in high levels of glucose in the blood.   It occurs due to inability of the beta cells in pancreas islet tissue to produce enough insulin, or when the body becomes resistant to insulin.   It reduces both quality and length of life and over time leads to serious complications such as coronary heart disease, stroke, neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 diabetes: also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), early-onset and juvenile diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease and results from destruction of insulin producing beta cells in islet tissues of pancreas by the body’s immune system. The subsequent lack of insulin results in high blood glucose levels, which if not controlled by exogenous insulin results in multiple organ damage. Type 2 diabetes:   formerly called non-insulin-dependent (NIDDM) and adult-onset.   It is a metabolic disorder that mainly occurs in individuals over the age of 40.   In this type of diabetes high blood glucose results either due to relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance.   Lifestyle and genetic factors play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem among the elderly population and is widely predicted to grow in the future.   Since the population is aging in the western world, so it is not surprising that elderly population will contribute to future increase but other factors such as lifestyle and diet will also play a major role. WHO survey 2010 estimated that 285 million of the world’s population have diabetes and more than 70% of them live in low and middle income countries. It is also estimated that this burden will increase to 438 million by 2030 (Diabetes fact, 2011). Wild 2004 projected that the total number of individuals with diabetes worldwide will increase from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million 2030.   Although the prevalence of diabetes is higher in men compared to women but there are more women with diabetes than men.   In developing countries type 2 diabetes mainly affects people of working age, between 35 and 64 years, whereas in developed countries the majority of people with diabetes are above the age of retirement i.e. above 65 years of age (WDD06 – Karachi, 2006).   India has the largest diabetes world’s population i.e. 50.8 million followed by China with 43.2 million ( Express news report,   2009). In Europe prevalence of clinically diagnosed diabetes was estimated to be 3% in 1997.   It was estimated to increase to around 3.6% by 2000 and to over 4% by 2010 (Scottish Diabetes Survey 2003).   In UK 4.26 % of population has diabetes according to the Diabetes UK statistics (Diabetes prevalence 2010).   Scottish Diabetic Survey, 2010, projects that 4.6% of Scotland population has diabetes out of which 87.7% have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is also at an increase among children. Diabetes amongst children is primarily Type 1 diabetes but Type 2 diabetes is also increasingly being diagnosed. One of the major contributing factors for this rise in diabetes among children is the increase in the number of children who are overweight or obese. â€Å"Twenty five children in every 100,000 in Scotland have diabetes, compared to 17 in England and Wales.†Ã‚   An increase in this at a rate of 2% per years has been suggested by Diabetes UK in Scotland, as a result tripling of new cases in the last 30 years has been seen (ABPI Report Scotland, 2005). Economic burden of Diabetes for families and society: Diabetes and its complications have a significant economic impact on individuals, families, health systems and countries. For example, WHO estimates that in the period 2006-2015, China will need to allocate $558 billion in foregone national income due to heart disease, stroke and diabetes alone and India will spend $336.6 billion (Diabetes, 2011). â€Å"In the poorest countries, people with diabetes and their families bear almost the whole cost of the medical care they can afford.†Ã‚   In Latin America, 40-60% of medical care expenditures is paid by the families themselves. In Mozambique, 75% of the per capita income is spent on diabetic care by one person; in Mali it amounts to 61%; Vietnam is 51% and Zambia 21%. It is estimated that poor people with diabetes in some developing countries spend as much as 25% of their annual income on private care (Diabetes fact. April 2011). The trend of diabetes in developing countries show that it mostly affects working age group, between 35 and 64 years, relative to developed countries where the majority of diabetes population are aging. Therefore when principal wage earner is affected by diabetes and its complications, the choice between healthcare expenses and food or clothing can trap the whole family in a downward spiral of worsening poverty and health. According to WHO, an annual 2% reduction in chronic disease death rates in Pakistan would provide an economic gain of 1 billion dollars over the next 10 years (WDD06 – Karachi, 2006). The cost incurred by diabetes morbidity are far greater than the cost of the disease prevention (Editorial in Lancet:   World Diabetes Day 14th November, 2010). In a press report by the independent economic consultancy group NERA it is assessed that intensive management of Type 2 diabetes in Scotland can decrease hospital cost by  £41 million by saving over 91,000 bed days a year in 2025 and will also save  £78 million a year in lost work days (ABPI Report Scotland, 2005). Diabetic Nephropathy: The diabetic complication, nephropathy is a condition with high unmet therapeutic needs.   It is linked with significant increases in morbidity and mortality risk, and is the most common cause of ESRD in the Western countries. Diabetes-induced damage in the kidney leads to microalbuminuria. This progresses to ESRD, which requires dialysis or transplantation. Diabetes accounts for over 40% of ESRD (Diabetic Nephropathy, 2003). The main focus of therapy in diabetic nephropathy is on tight control of blood pressure. Guidelines have progressively revised the target BP goal downwards, currently at 125/75 mmHg in patients with 1g proteinuria, and now recommend either ACE or ARB (Diabetic Nephropathy, 2003). In the U.S., diabetic nephropathy accounts for about 40% of new cases of ESRD.   In 1997 the cost required for treatment of diabetic patients having ESRD amounts to $15.6 billion. There is considerable racial/ethnic variability in this regard, Native Americans, Hispanics (especially Mexican-Americans), and African-Americans have much higher risks of developing ESRD than non-Hispanic whites with type 2 diabetes (Mark, 2001). In the UK, 1,000 people with diabetes start kidney dialysis every year. (Diabetes in the UK, 2004). Ahmedani 2005 reports that in Karachi, Pakistan overall prevalence of microalbuminuria was found to be 34% in patients with diabetes and this was strongly associated with the age, diastolic hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and serum low density lipoprotein. End stage renal disease is a most serious complication of diabetes and accounts to be the most expensive for NHS. Diabetic nephropathy usually develops 15-25 years after the occurrence of diabetes.   In Scotland, 20% of patients who undergo renal transplantation are diabetic. In diabetic individuals, microalbuminuria and stroke, or an increased serum creatinine levels raises the risk of renal nephropathy and failure.   Poor glycemic control and high blood pressure are risk factors of diabetic renal disease (Scottish  Diabetes  Framework, 2002). Diabetic renal impairment is a strong indicator of Cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality is diabetic patients (Guillausseau, 2011).   Annual cardiovascular mortality is 0.7% in normoalbuminuric patient as compared to 2% in microalbuminuric patients and 12% in the patient with elevated creatinine (Stratton IM, 2009) In a review by Vishwanathan, 1999, it is explained that South Asians and Afro-Caribbean are more susceptible to develop renal disease relative to European. Retinopathy increases the risk of diabetic nephropathy. Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in India was 30.3% in a study done among 4837 patients with chronic renal failure over a period of 10 years. He further argued that an increased prevalence of microalbuminurea among South Asians having type 2 diabetes mellitus relative to Europeans by 1.2 (men) and 1.7 (women) folds.   According to SIGN 116, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy in patient with type 1 diabetes can be considerably reduced by attaining good glycaemic and tight blood pressure control.  ­ In a report by Singh NP, 2003, it is suggested that the incidence of diabetic kidney disease can be reduced by:   tight blood glucose control, blood pressure control, rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and protein restriction. Causes of microvascular damage in diabetes: Long standing hyperglycemia lead to a number of damages including: Advanced glycosylated end products (AGES) Oxidative stress Increased sorbitol (polyol pathway) Increase in hexosamine pathway Impaired endothelial function Immune effect All these damages result in microvascular complications of diabetes. Advanced glycosylated end-products (AGEs): Chronic hyperglycemia causes increased glycosylation of proteins leading to AGEs, which in turn results in loss of structure and function, turning on/off signal pathways within cells and alteration in gene expression. AGEs are sugar-derived compounds, glucose binds amino groups on proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to form AGEs.   AGEs form at a constant but slow rate throughout your life (even as an embryo) (Peppa et al, 2003). AGEs interact with RAGE (surface AGE-binding receptors) resulting in proinflammatory effects, formation reactive oxygen species, loss of oxidants (oxidative stress) and altered gene transcription. Levels of AGEs relates to extent of microvascular complications in diabetes.   AGEs contributes to atheromatous plaque by stimulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and the deposition of oxidized LDL. AGEs leads to endothelial dysfunction, macrophage activation, and impaired vascular smooth muscle cell function.   Experimentally, AGEs cause glomerular damage and proteinuria. Oxidative stress and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Oxidative stress is an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidants.   Oxygen is used by cells to carry out their normal functions and as a side effect produces free radicals.   Free radicals are missing an electron so are unstable and highly reactive.   Free radicals steal electrons from molecules within cells causing oxidative damage to proteins, membranes and genes. Polyol pathway/aldose reductase: Aldose reductase (AR) normally reduces toxic aldehydes into inactive alcohols inside the cells. Glucose perfuses into some cells without insulin e.g. nerves.   During hyperglycaemic condition, AR reduces that excess glucose to sorbitol (a polyol).   Polyols are trapped inside the cells creating an osmotic gradient.   Sodium and water flow into the cell resulting in oedema. But sorbitol can be metabolised to fructose by the actions of sorbitol dehydrogenase.   High fructose leads to AGEs resulting in more cell damage (Takaqi et al, 1995). Hexosamine pathway: Glucose is mainly metabolised through glycolysis, some gets diverted into an alternative pathway, ending up as UDP (urine diphosphate) N-acetyl glucosamine.   This alters transcription factors, often leading to pathologic changes in gene expression e.g. increased expression of transforming growth factor-B1 and plaminogen activator inhibitor-1, which damages blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction pathogenesis: Hyperglycemia leading to the formation of AGEs, ROS, the glycosylation of proteins and increased inflammatory cytokines etc.   As a result   small blood vessels, particularly the endothelium are damaged causing vasoconstriction, ischemia, and reduced flow to tissues that rely on the vessel for oxygen and nutrients. Growth factors are also released leading to the blood vessel wall thickening and occlusion of small blood vessels. Nerve growth factors (NGF) and factors like it are damaged.   These factors keep nerves healthy and capable of re-growth if damaged. Changes to the immune system lead to release of toxic cytokines, blockage of blood vessels with leukocytes and loss of normal immune cell action. In this dissertation, a recent aspect of one of the above causes of microvascular damage of diabetes leading to nephropathy will be considered. Current studies have uncovered new insights in the role of oxidative stress in diabetic renal disease, suggesting a different and innovative approach to a possible â€Å"casual† antioxidant therapy. In this dissertation the role oxidative stress may play in the development of diabetic kidney disease will be discussed.   The role of antioxidant therapy in managing or delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy will be addressed. REFERENCES: Ahmedani M Y, (2005) Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Karachi: Pakistan A Multi-center Study: jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=856 ABPI Report Scotland, (2005)The future burden of CHD and Diabetes in Scotland: The value of health care innovation. Available at: s3.amazonaws.com/zanran_storage/www.abpi.org.uk//50031328.pdf Diabetes fact. (2011) Available at: worlddiabetesfoundation.org/composite-35.htm Diabetes (2011), Available at: who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/ Diabetic Nephropathy 2003. Available at: datamonitor.com/Products/Free/Brief/BFHC0625/010BFHC0625.pdf Express news report, India has largest number of diabetes patients: Report (2009) indianexpress.com/news/india-has-largest-number-of-diabetes-patient/531240/ Diabetes in the UK 2004, www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/in_the_UK_2004.doc Guillausseau, (2011)   Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk: kidney function is pivota. Available at: diafocus.com/2011/01/11/type-2-diabetes-and-cardiovascular-risk-kidney-function-is-pivotal/ Peppa M, Uribarri J, Vlassara H, 2003, Glucose, Advanced Glycation End Products, and Diabetes Complications:   What is New and What Works. Available at: http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/content/21/4/186.full Stratton IM, (2009) Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): Prospective observational study   Available at: http://articulos.sld.cu/medicinainterna/files/2009/10/association-of-glycaemia-with-macrovascular-and-microvascular.pdf Scottish  Diabetes  Framework. (2002) Available at: scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2002/04/14452/1986 Scottish Diabetes Survey 2003, Available at: scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/10/20023/44203 Singh NP, Singh D, 2003, Diabetes Mellitus – An Overview For Family Physicians. Available at: http://delhimedicalcouncil.nic.in/diabetes-mellitus.html Sign 116, Available at:   sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign116.pdf Scottish Diabetes Survey 2010, Available at:   diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/Scottish%20Diabetes%20Survey%202010.pdf Takaqi Y, Kashiwaqi A, Tanaka Y, Asahina T, Kikkawa R, Shigeta Y, 1995, Significance of fructose-induced protein oxidation and formation of advanced glycation end product.   Available at: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7599353 Viswanathan V, (1999) Type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in India- magnitude of the problem.   Available at: http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/content/14/12/2805.full WILD S et al, (2004) Global Prevalence of Diabetes.   Available at: who.int/diabetes/facts/en/diabcare0504.pdf WDD06 – Karachi, (2006). Diabetes kills without distinction. Available at: idf.org/wdd06-karachi

Multiculturalism, Immigration and Welfare State essays

Multiculturalism, Immigration and Welfare State essays Multiculturalism, Immigration and their relationship with the Welfare State Issues concerning immigration within the Swedish Welfare state require a certain amount of individual pioneering on Swedens part. The policies that work for other countries cannot be applied in the same manner. Since Sweden did not have to take on any large number of immigrants (especially non-Scandinavian immigrants) until the time surrounding World War II it is still fairly new to developing its immigration laws. Many of the problems associated with immigration are more due to refugees in Sweden. Sweden grants asylum to a broad variety of individuals, consequently there are often certain groups in which many problems arise. A good example is that of a fairly recent incident involving Ethiopian refugees that came to Sweden. Now that Ethiopia has been deemed safe for their return the country will not take the refugees back, and these 400 or so people are stuck without a home, except in Sweden. Recently, especially with the creation of the EU, Swedish immigration policy has be come more efficient and well orchestrated. This seems to also be the case over much of Europe. In fact Germany even presented Sweden with an award recognizing their excellent achievements/improvements in immigration policy, and stated that they should lead the way in immigration policy making in Europe. Swedish immigration is not perfect yet though, and perhaps one of the best places to start looking is the relationship of immigration and the Welfare State. A popular view associated with the Swedish welfare state involves the idea of folkhem or peoples home. This basically means that the people will do what is best for their own home. So how does immigration fit into this policy? Immigration often puts a burden on this system. The first thing to consider is that many of the immigrants do not hold the same view of society as native-born Swedes...

How to Become an Author The Ultimate Guide from a Bestseller

How to Become an Author The Ultimate Guide from a Bestseller How to Become an Author: Your Complete Guide So you want to become an author Well, I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news. The bad news first: Writing your book wont be easy. If you’re in the middle of that process, you’re nodding right now. But here’s the good news: All that work isa small price for the amazing possibilities it can open to you: Getting published Enjoying a career you love Impacting people with your writing Media attention Royalty income In this extensive guide, my goal is to give you an honest look at how to become a writer- using lessons I’ve learned from 40+ years working with some of the top publishers in the world. Having written 21 New York Times bestsellers myself, I’m confident these lessons will help you in your writing journey. Ready? Let’s do it. What You Will Learn Here’s the short version of everything I cover in this complete, step-by-step post: DON’T Try toBecome an Author Until Youve Studied the Craft and Polished Your Skills Written Things Shorter Than a Book Plugged Yourself into a Community of Writers Writing Your Book Create a Writing Schedule You Can Stick to Research and Plan Keep Your Day Job Become a Ferocious Self-Editor Trying to Land a Publishing Contract How to Get an Agent Selling a Publisher Editing Your Book Like Crazy (Again) with an Editor Should You Self-Publish? An Overview of Self-Publishing How to Set Your Book Apart Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Company The #1 Killer of Self-Published Books Want to save this 5000-word guide to read later? Click here to get a free PDF version you can read anytime. 1. DON’T Try toBecome a Writer Until You’ve I get it. You’re antsy. You’re ready to pen your bestseller right now. You’ve read or heard of writers who had never written a thing before and yet scored with a million-seller on their first try. Throttle back. Those stories become big news because they’re so rare. Don’t bank on winning the lottery. If you want your book (and your message) to go anywhere, make sure you’ve: Studied the Craft There’s no need to write a compelling story by trial and error anymore. Others have already done it for you- and written books about it. So your best bet is to follow proven methods. Great writers are great readers. Sohere’s a list of my favorite 12 books on writing to get you started. The competition has gotten so fierce, you’ll do yourself a favor if you learn how successful authors write before you try to get a second look from a publisher. Take the time to learn what you’re doing. You’ll thank yourself later. Written Things Shorter Than a Book A book shouldn’t be where you start any more than you should enroll in grad school when you’re a kindergartner. A book is where you arrive. Start small, learn the craft, hone your skills. Do some journaling. Write a newsletter. Start a blog. Get articles published in a couple of magazines, a newspaper, an ezine. Take a night school or online course in journalism or creative writing. Publishers are looking for authors with platforms (in short: audiences, tribes, followers, fans). So start building yours now. Any of the pieces above will start building steam behind your writing, and boost name recognition for you as a writer. If you’re planning to start blogging, check out this post on creating an author website. Bottom line:Work a quarter-million clicheÃŒ s out of your system, learn what it means to be edited, become an expert in something, build your platform, and then start thinking about that book or novel. Plugged Yourself into a Community of Writers Think you can do it alone? Then you’re a better writer than I. Almost every traditionally published author I know is surrounded by a helpful community. How else would they deal with things like: Frustration Discouragement Procrastination Wanting to quit I’ve written over 185 books, yet I often wonder whether I can finish the next one. At this stage for me, community means knowing I can be encouraged by colleagues whenever I need it. When you’re starting out, another pair of eyes on your work can prove to be invaluable. Ten pairs of eyes are even better. Join a writers’ group. Find a mentor. Stay open to criticism. One caveat with writers’ groups: make sure at least one person, preferably the leader, is widely published and understands the publishing landscape. Otherwise you risk the blind leading the blind. 2. Writing Your Book Surprisingly, most people never get this far. Whether it’s fear or procrastination or something else, few writers ever make it to the first page. To avoid becoming part of this sad group, you need a plan. So regardless your personal writing method, be sure to cover these bases: Create a Writing Schedule You Can Stick To When you’re an author, writing becomes your job. So treat it that way. Show up and do the work whether you feel like it or not. Writer’s block is no excuse. In no other profession could you get away with getting out of work by claiming you have worker’s block. Try that and see what it gets you- likely a pink slip. Find at least six hours a week to write. Well, find is the wrong word, of course. You won’t find it, you’ll have to carve out the time. Lock these hours into your calendar and keep them sacred. If you can’t think of what to write, then edit. If you can’t edit, plan. You’ll be astonished at your ability to get stuff done when you finally plant yourself in your chair. Challenge: Don’t move until you have scheduled at least six hours. Research and Plan To give your manuscript the best chance to succeed, skip this step at your peril. Excellent preparation will make or break your book. Two main ways you should be preparing: 1. Outline. Regardless how you feel about outlining, you need an idea of where you’re going before you start. If you’re writing a novel, you’re either an outliner or a pantser- those who write by the seat of their pants. (If you’re writing a nonfiction book, an outline is a given.) On the fiction side, the definition of an outliner is obvious. You plan everything beforehand. But pantsers write by process of discovery- or as Stephen King puts it, they â€Å"put interesting characters in difficult situations and write to find out what happens.† Neither is better or worse. But most writers are one or the other (a few are hybrids, largely one over the other but doing a little of both). But, depending on which you are, you’ll approach the planning phase completely differently. If you’re a hardcore outliner (and a novelist), you’ll enjoy my friend and colleague Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method. But if you’re a pantser, check out this post for non-outliners. Itll teach you how to work within a structure while staying free enough to writeon the fly. 2. Do the research. All great stories are rooted in solid research. If your research stinks, your story sinks. If your character drives 10 miles east out of the Chicago Loop, he’d better be in an amphibious vehicle, because he’ll be in Lake Michigan. (And you thought I was joking about sinking.) To avoid such embarrassing errors, do your research. Immerse yourself in the details of your setting. Make sure no characters are wearing ski jackets when it’s 95 degrees outside. Two online research tools that will help you avoid mistakes: The World Atlas A directory of some of the world’s top almanacs Don’t Quit Your Day Job I didn’t become a full-time freelance author until I had written and published nearly 90 books. I had been advised by a veteran author that my freelance income ought to be around three times what I made at my job before I considered going solo. I was stunned. Why so much more? He started listing everything I would have to pay for on my own. Insurance, retirement, all my benefits. I had always been careful to separate my writing and my office work, but during my off hours on business trips I might do some research. No more. Any travel would be on me. Your day job doesn’t have to keep you from writing your book. You might not like this, but I recommend you keep it and spend your after-hours time writing your book. Why? Two reasons: You’ll have steady income- one less thing to worry about- while trying to build your writing career. The structure will force you to be more productive with fewer hours. So, yes, you can have your cake and eat it too- without sacrificing time with family. You lose three hours per night for what, TV? How big a sacrifice is that for your writing dream? How badly do you want to become an author? Become a Writer Ferocious About Self-Editing This section is so important that it has the power to determine whether your book makes a huge splash with readers and publishers- or slides into the editor’s reject pile after the first page or two. Get serious about self-editing. Editors know from the first page whether your manuscript is publishable. I know that doesn’t sound fair or even logical. You’re thinking, It took me months, maybe years, to write hundreds of pages and you didn’t even get to the good stuff! How could they do that to you? Why did they? First, the good stuff ought to be in the first two paragraphs. And if they see 15 adjustments they need to make on the first two pages, they know the cost of editing three or four hundred pages of the same would eat whatever profits they could hope for before even printing the book. To avoid the dreaded â€Å"Thank you, but this doesn’t meet a current need† letter, your manuscript must be lean and mean, besides being a great story and a great read. Here are my 21 rules of ferocious self-editing: Develop a thick skin. Avoid throat-clearing. Choose the normal word over the obtuse. Omit needless words. Avoid subtle redundancies, like: â€Å"She nodded her head in agreement.† Those last four words could be deleted. Avoid the words up and down- unless they’re really needed. Usually delete the word that. Use it only for clarity. Give the reader credit. Once you’ve established something, you don’t need to repeat it. Avoid telling what’s not happening. Avoid being an adjectival maniac. Avoid hedging verbs like smiled slightly, almost laughed, frowned a bit, etc. Avoid the term literally- when you mean figuratively. Avoid too much stage direction. Maintain a single point of view (POV) for every scene. Avoid clichà ©s, and not just words and phrases, but situations. Resist the urge to explain (RUE). Show, don’t tell. People say things; they don’t wheeze, gasp, sigh, laugh, grunt, or retort them. Specifics add the ring of truth, even to fiction. Avoid similar character names. In fact, avoid even the same first initials. Avoid mannerisms of punctuation, typestyles, and sizes. 3. Trying to Land a Publishing Contract Want to save this 5000-word guide to read later? Click here to get a free PDF version you can read anytime. I’m not going to sugarcoat it- this isn’t easy. But if you have a solid plan (and if you’ve followed the guide), you’ve got as good a chance as any. This section will show you how to become an author by revealing the options available. These best practices can vastly increase your likelihood of getting published. How to Get an Agent Your first step in trying to land a traditional publishing deal should be to land an agent- which can be just as difficult, as it should be. There will seem a dichotomy here, because you are likely writing for altruistic reasons- you have a mission, a passion, a message, something burning inside that you must share with the world. Yet agents or publishers will appear to base their decisions solely on the bottom line. If they see sales potential, they will accept it; if they don’t they won’t. But don’t despair. That doesn’t mean they don’t share your passion. It simply means they must make a profit to stay in business- even faith-based publishers who are all about ministry. Though it’s hard to find an agent, it is possible to get traditionally published without one. Most will not consider unsolicited manuscripts, though some will. Check The Writer’s Market Guide and The Christian Writer’s MarketGuide for publishers that don’t require agent-represented manuscript submissions. Some will allow you to submit at writers conferences or through other clients of theirs. Be aware that it’s not unheard of to submit an unsolicited manuscript to dozens of publishers without success. An agent can make your life a lot easier. A plethora of new doors open because of your agent’s connections. Besides the instant credibility of an agent’s approval and the knowledge that your writing has survived a vetting process, you also get valuable input and coaching on how to fashion your query and proposal from someone who understands the publishing industry, knows the players and who’s looking for what, and has experience successfully pitching publishers. Obviously, there are good agents and bad agents. How do you know whom you can trust? The credible agent welcomes scrutiny. So find reviews. Check with other clients. Ask: How did their book turn out? Did they feel taken care of? Were they pleased with the results? Feel free to ask agents: What kinds of books have they succeeded with? Have they succeeded in your genre? Once you compile a list of agents who seem to be a good fit, follow their submission guidelines. They’ll likely ask for a query letter, synopsis, proposal, and perhaps a few chapters. If any ask for any sort of reading fee or other payment up front, eliminate them as candidates and do not respond. Before you do anything else, check out these submission guidelines from two agents I’m familiar with. I’m not necessarily evaluating or endorsing them, except to say that I know them to be ethical and trustworthy and find their guidelines helpful and sound. Their pages will give you a good idea of what typical agents are looking for. Steve Laube’s guidelines Hartline Literary’s guidelines Two things you may be asked for- and which some writers struggle with: 1. A query letter This is an easy way to reach out to an agent, but many prefer more- like a full proposal, which we’ll get to. Most agents prefer submissions of any kind to be electronically submitted as an attachment, not as part of the body of your message. Avoid snail mail. Make your query letter crisp and short. The shorter (while saying what you need to say) the better. A query letter is just what its name implies- it queries the interest of the agent in your book idea. So make it stimulating and intriguing. Remember, you’re selling your book to the agent. Four essential parts of an effective query letter: a. Your elevator pitch This is a summary of your book’s premise, told in the time it would take for the editor to reach his floor if you happened to find yourself in the same elevator car. So it has to be fast and convincing. Here’s the elevator pitch for my very first novel: â€Å"A judge tries a man for a murder the judge committed.† It worked. b. Your synopsis In a paragraph, tell what your nonfiction book is about and what you hope to accomplish with it. Or tell the basic premise of the plot of your novel. The synopsis would naturally go beyond the elevator pitch and tell what happens and how things turn out. (Note: Almost any plot, when reduced to a one- or two-paragraph synopsis, sounds ridiculous.) c. Your target audience and why they’ll enjoy your book Agents need to believe they can sell it before they’ll ask you for more. Help them envision how to pitch it to publishers, but be careful not to oversell. They know the business better than you do and will not be swayed by your assurance that â€Å"everyone will find this amazing.† You can say that your audiences have been enthusiastic or that beta readers have expressed excitement. d. Your personal information Sell the agent on yourself. What qualifies you to write this book? What else have you published? What kind of tribe have you built? Where can they read your blog? Of course you’re including all your contact information. Other query letter tips: Keep it to one page, single-spaced, and 12 pt. sans serif type. Don’t sell too hard- let your premise speak for itself. Follow the agent’s submission guidelines to a T. Proof your letter before sending. Any typo on such a short document makes you look like an amateur. Here’s a great example of a query letter, with a breakdown of why it works, by Brian Klems of Writer’s Digest. 2. A book proposal You’ll find that for most agents, this is the most important document they want to see. Some want only this. Succinctly and completely describe the details of your idea and make them want to read your manuscript in its entirety as soon as it’s ready. Leave nothing out. For nonfiction, include every major issue you’ll cover and the basics of what you’ll say about it. For fiction, rough out the entire plot in a few pages. With a proposal, your query letter becomes a cover letter. Resist the urge to write a long cover letter. Allow your proposal to do the heavy lifting. Three trusted colleagues have produced masterful works on how to write book proposals, so check out what they have to offer: Michael Hyatt: Writing a Winning Book Proposal Jane Friedman: How to Write a Book Proposal (Jane also has some great material on query letters, so search her site for that, too.) Terry Whalin: Book Proposals That Sell Proposals can contain any number of possible components, such as: Premise Elevator pitch Overview Target audience Chapter synopses Marketing ideas Endorsements Your analysis of competing books, and where yours fits Up to three sample chapters More book proposal tips: Tell why you think your book can succeed. Every page in your proposal should make them want to flip to the next page. Despite that a proposal is longer, keep it tight and terse, as short as you can without cutting crucial information. Every word should be designed to pique an agent’s interest, your goal being to be asked to send your entire manuscript. Which should I choose, query or proposal? The competition is so fierce these days, I would lean toward a full proposal almost every time. The only instances when I might fire off a query would be if an incredible opportunity fell in my lap and I thought an agent could help me jump on it before I had time to craft a proposal. For instance, if a major celebrity wanted help with a book and chose you to write it, a fast letter to an agent might get a quick response. Otherwise, take the time to put together a professional proposal that shows an agent you know how to work and can be thorough. But know this: If you spark an agent’s interest, they will immediately ask for more information. So you’ll need a proposal at some point. Keep that in mind and be ready to get busy. Connecting with the Right Publisher Regardless whether you secure an agent, there are five guidelines for submitting your proposal and/or manuscript to publishers: Follow their submission guidelines to a T. Customize your cover letter to each. Know what the publisher wants, and tell them why you believe your book is right for them in light of that. Let it show in your attitude and tone that you realize how few manuscripts are chosen for publication each year, and by the fact that you have done your homework and covered all the bases to ensure you’re giving the publisher everything they need to make a decision on your manuscript. Avoid gushing and flattery, like adding the obvious sentiments, â€Å"I’ll do anything you say, make any changes you want, meet any deadline†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Just present your complete proposal and professionally express that you look forward to hearing from them. A rule of thumb for first-time authors: If you’re writing fiction, while some publishers may ask you to send your completed manuscript after reading your proposal, synopsis, and sample chapters, it’s highly unlikely they will actually offer a contract before they see that completed manuscript. That’s because many people can come up with great ideas, and some can produce promising starts to novels. But few can see their way through to the end. So you’ll have to prove you can do it. If you’re writing nonfiction, you might be able to secure a publishing contract before you have finished your entire manuscript, though that is also rare. Should it happen, the publisher is likely to offer a lot of guidance and input for shaping the rest of the writing- and you’ll have a much better chance of success if you work nicely with your editor. Regardless your genre, publishers won’t take a second look at your manuscript unless it’s presented professionally. Use these submission guidelines: Use Times New Roman font (or at the very least avoid sans serif fonts). Use 12-point type. Left-justify your page. (This means your text should be aligned at the left margin, but not the right. This is also called â€Å"flush left, ragged right.†) Double-space your page with no extra space between paragraphs. Each paragraph should be indented one-half inch. One space between sentences. Microsoft Word .doc or .docx file format. 1† top, bottom, and side margins (or whatever is standard in your Word program). Editing Your Book Like Crazy (Again) with an Editor By the time you get to this point, you’ve already spent hours editing your own work. You’ve rearranged, improved, and cut things that hurt to cut. Be ready to do more. Once a publisher agrees to take your manuscript, you’ll be assigned an editor to make your manuscript the best it can be. This editor will suggest changes, maybe major ones- especially if it’s your first book. Don’t get touchy. Writing is not a solo. It’s a duet between the writer and an editor. Sometimes you’ll have to kill sentences that took hours to write. It’ll feel like disowning your children. Remember, the editor is on your side. Throw a private temper tantrum if you must, but then cool down and listen. Let them to do their job. You can push back respectfully if you feel strongly that they’ve missed your point on something, but do this only when the sting of criticism has worn off and you’re thinking rationally. Keep an open mind and beeasy to work with. They’ll remember. 4. Should You Self-Publish? Want to save this 5000-word guide to read later? Click here to get a free PDF version you can read anytime. If you can score with a traditional publisher, do it. Exhaust your efforts to traditionally publish before resorting to self-publishing. Even honest self-publishing executives will give you this advice. Why? Because with traditional publishing, the publisher takes all the risks, and you’re paid an advance against royalties and royalties based on sales. So nothing comes out of your pocket. With self-publishing, however, you pay for everything from design to editing. Packages can cost upwards of $10,000. Back when self-publishing was referred to as â€Å"vanity publishing,† you could always tell a self-published book from a traditionally published book due to the lack of quality. Schlocky covers, boring titles, the word by before the author’s name on the cover. Too much copy on the front and back covers. Poor typeface and interior design. Lousy writing, editing, and proofreading- sometimes clearly nonexistent. But the game has changed. Publishing your own book is vastly different than it used to be. Your end product can now look much more professional, and your price per book is much more reasonable. Print-on-demand technology now allows for low-cost printing, so you can order as few as two or three books at a time for the same cost per book as you would pay if you were buying hundreds. So, you no longer need to store countless copies in your garage or basement. And self-published books look nicer these days too, because writers have demanded it. How to Set Your Self-Published Book Apart If you resort to this route, realize that you are the publisher now. You have to advertise, promote, and market your own book. But because you’re earning the profits after expenses, not just a royalty, a successful book will net you more money per copy than a traditionally published one. Admittedly, selling enough self-published copies to actually net you more money than you would make selling more traditionally at a lower royalty rate is rare, but it happens. It’s also rare that a self-published book finds its way to bookstore shelves outside the author’s own town. (The hard truth is that it’s not easy for even traditionally published books to place their books in bookstores. Experts say as few as one percent of all published books can be accommodated by bookstores and that the rest must be sold through other channels like the Internet, direct mail, and by hand.) To give your self-published title the best chance to succeed, you need to invest in: A great cover, which will involve purchasing a photo or artwork, type design, and layout Inside layout, type design, and typesetting Editing (resist the urge to use a relative who majored in English or even teaches English; book editing is a specific art) Proofreading (same caveat as above; friends and loved ones who are meticulous spellers are not enough; there are myriad style matters to deal with) Each of these elements will dramatically increase the professional look of your final product and, thus, your hope of selling more books. Do NOT skimp on them. If you’ve ever built a house without a contractor, you have an idea of how complex this will be if you do it right. So despite the fact that many self-published authors swear by it and believe it’s fairer to the author than traditional publishing, I maintain that traditional remains the ideal for authors- except for those unique titles that are targeted to deserving but very limited audiences. Choosing the Right Company to Self-Publish Your Book More than 400,000 books are self-published every year in the United States alone. So there are many companies to choose from. But sadly, many are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They’ll let you create a poor product and tell you it’s great. They’ll â€Å"award† you a contract, telling you their publication board has â€Å"evaluated† your manuscript and â€Å"found it worthy† to be published. They’ll tell you that they’re â€Å"not a subsidy publisher† or â€Å"not a self-publisher† or â€Å"not an independent publisher.† But they’ll use another euphemism to justify the fact that you’re paying â€Å"only for promotion† or â€Å"only for [this many] copies,† or â€Å"only for†¦Ã¢â‚¬  something else, when the fact is that the fee will cover all their costs and will include their profit. They’ll imply they can get your title before the eyes of every bookstore owner and manager in the country. They might even give examples of a few titles of theirs that have sold into some stores or even made some bestseller list. But they can’t guarantee your title will be sold into any store. Because that list your title is on that is â€Å"available† to every store owner and manager is merely a master list of all the books on some distributor’s Internet site of every title in their catalogue. That means your book will get no personal attention from a salesperson and no more emphasis than any of the tens of thousands of other titles on the list. Such companies are using you as little more than a content generator, pretending to have â€Å"chosen† your book from among the many they have to choose from, when the fact is they would publish anything you send them in any form, provided your accompanying check clears the bank. Be wary of any company that: Doesn’t take seriously the editing and proofreading of your book Lets you commit embarrassing typos such as spelling foreword as forward, foreward, or forword Allows the word by before your name on the cover Over-promises what you should expect in the way of personal sales representation, public relations, marketing, distribution, and advertising That said, when you do need to self-publish, legitimate companies with proven track records are ready to assist you. Do your homework and go beyond an Internet search, which will likely turn up beautiful websites for countless companies putting their best foot forward. So find previous customers and ask about their experience. You want a company who will answer every question straightforwardly and without hesitation. If you feel hard-sold, run. A litmus test question for the publisher: Ask if they would advise you to exhaust your efforts to traditionally publish first. I asked this of the head of WestBow Pressâ„ ¢, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, and he said he always advises customers that this is the ideal route. That kind of refreshing honesty bodes well for a company. The #1 Killer of Self-Published Books When writers run out of money to invest in their book, too often the first place that suffers is the content itself. Writers may understand that they are not experts in cover design, layout and typesetting, marketing and promotion, warehousing, distribution, and sales. But they overrate their writing and editing and proofreading abilities. So, they invest in those other services and cut corners on editing and proofreading. What they wind up with is a handsome product that looks like a real book but reads like the manuscript that made the rounds of the traditional houses and was rejected. You must determine what will set you apart in a noisy marketplace. That certain something that will set you apart is what it has always been: Writing quality. Having been in the writing game for 50 years and the book business for 40, that is something I am able to tell you. To use an ancient adage, cream rises. That may sound like something scratched on a cave wall. But it simply means that readers recognize quality. You or your agent may be looking for a deal from a traditional publisher. Or you may have chosen to self-publish online, in print, or both. Regardless, you want your manuscript to be of the highest editorial quality you can make it. What does that mean? It means you must: Learn the craft and hone your skills. Rigorously study writing, do exercises, write stories. It can all pay off. Just as with physical exercise, the more the better, but anything is better than nothing. Recognize that writing well is much harder and more involved than you ever dreamed. If you thought writing was merely a hobby, this realization could crush you. So, to push through, remember why you wanted to become a writer in the first place: You have a message, and people need to hear it. Dont trust friends’ and relatives’ flattery. Sure, they’re great for keeping you from quitting. But when you need solid input on your writing, their enthusiasm won’t translate to sales. Accept criticism and input from people who know what they’re talking about. Find an experienced writer or editor who’ll offer honest feedback on your work. Join a writers group. Attend writers conferences. Get a mentor. Free Download: Want your own copy of this guide? You can grabthe full PDF version by clicking here or on the image below: If you really want to become an author, it can be done. You’ll know you’re ready when you’re willing to carve the time from your schedule to write. So how badly do you want it? Tell me in the Comments below.

Employee Voice Mechanisms and Their Outcome Essay

Employee Voice Mechanisms and Their Outcome - Essay Example The paper tells that employee participation is the extent to which the employees are involved in the decisions of the company. This might include joint meetings, bargaining as a group and representation of workers on the board, but all the power lies with the management only. Therefore Rose comments that Employee voice covers, "a wide range of processes and structures which allow and even empower employees, directly or indirectly, to contribute to decision making within the organization". Further, into it, the discussion will cover aspects of voice mechanism in detail and how the current methods of voice have changed. Also, the various outcomes of such voice mechanisms for the workers will be dealt with. Finally, Legal changes and methods of improvement will also be discussed. In the early part of the twentieth century, the management of the working class by F.W. Taylor took a very controlled approach, particularly in the field where the workers had to be divided into their specializ ations. To keep a check on the functioning’s of these employees the management engaged a number of hierarchical roles of authority so as to maintain discipline, order, efficiency and to inculcate within them a sense of duty and not to oppose the management in its decisions. Increased competition and technological complicacies require higher skills and a commitment strategy. So accordingly nowadays, the workforce jobs are designed to include the functions of the firm and include severe of planning. The focus shifted from self to the performance of the team, that is, shared goals and technical know how. Standards need to be improved by and by and the company considers the efficiency of the group. Also very important is the matter of giving the employees an assurance or a security that they would be heard on various issues.

The godfather 1 review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

The godfather 1 review - Research Paper Example The film directed by Francis Ford Coppola was based on a novel with a similar title written by Mario Puzo, and was proclaimed to be the most influential picture in the genre of gangster films. It was also acknowledged as a culturally relevant film in its depiction of the mafia culture that was thriving in the American society of those times. Due to its success, the film won three Oscars, which included the best actor prize for Marlon Brando and the best screen play award among other picture categories. The film also was nominated for several other cinematographic awards underlining its success. The movie’s plot is centered upon the lives of the crime families in New York. At the beginning of the movie, the daughter of Vito Corleone is getting married. His son Michael returns from military service but is unwilling to engage in crime, which is the time-honored family business. With time, the nature of the family business dawns on Michael, when the family sinks into top violence because of an impediment in their business. This happens when a drug dealer Virgil Sollozo approaches the family for protection in exchange for the profit from the drug money. The Don’s morals do not agree with the nature of drug-dealing business, and he rejects the offer (Larke-Walsh 38). This displeases the drug dealer who hires assassins to take Don’s life. They almost succeed but Don survives the attempt. This leads to retaliation from the family, with Michael on the forefront. The events lead to the tragic tearing of the Corleone family. In the end, however, Michael becomes t he new Don after the demise of his father (â€Å"The synopsis for the Godfather†). In the movie, Michael is concerned with legitimacy and is not keen to participate in the family business. He strives to make the family legitimate, free from immorality and crime. It, however, the nature of the

Literary criticism of exegesis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Literary criticism of exegesis - Research Paper Example Luke’s gospel has many features, distinguishing it from other scripts. Since Luke explicitly says that it intends to describe everything in order, the great interest is dedicated to the structure of his Gospel and its comparison with the other parts of the Holy Bible. He uses the same general scheme as Matthew and Mark, although the details of the structure have a lot of specific features. Analyzing the verse of Luke 9:18-36, we can see a lot of peculiarities, which arise during the reading of the script. The context, preceding this verse reveals the following. Sending to the service his twelve disciples, Jesus gave them two assignments. They were to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick people. They were able to commit this will, because Jesus gave them power over the world of demons and above the sphere of physical ailments. Christ Himself has revealed His power over both of these areas. Healing must have been performed particularly by the disciples as the evidence of their faith. That fact that Jesus gave them the appropriate "power" represents Him as the Messiah, who has the ability to enter a person into the kingdom of God. From this moment people had to show their faith also in relation to the twelve disciples, because in this way they would have revealed their faith in the Messiah. Hosting the disciples was the indicator, which revealed the confidence of people in them. The mission of disciples was not long and soon they returned to Jesus with the report.

International Terror Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Terror - Essay Example Hindu; Chinese (Sinic); Orthodox; African; Japanese The Western: currently, the west dominates each aspect of international activity from politics to economy since it’s been very active in establishing the international organizations like IMF, UN and WTO among others. For example, the west has 3 seats out of 5 Security Council of the United Nations. It also promotes IMF economic policies and enforces them on other states. Other emerging powers like China will not accept to be regarded as inferior or be imposed upon some institutions. Possible outcomes are; that nations will seclude themselves from western polices like N.Korea is doing; â€Å"band-wagon† implying that nations will join nations that are on the rise in terms of values and institutions for example Turkey is joining the EU; and lastly countries will seek to counter- balance in terms of military and economy against the west i.e. Modernizing and not Westernizing. Islam: the Islam is increasing very dramatically and adopting the non western civilization and reiterating the quality of their own society. This does not means that Islamic nations won’t modernize, but will do so in ways unreceptive to the western. This is because they control important oil sources and are growing very fast demographically. Latin America: this includes the nations of South America. The conflict from this will basically from the religious point of view especially the Catholics and orthodox. However in other policies, the Latino Americans support the U.S policies which are aimed at strengthening international democracy, trade and investments. Brazil is considered a success in democracy. Hindu: religion is what the Hindus and Arabs have in common that distinguishes them from the Africans and the west. This is a culture of religion that originates from India. India is described as a torn Nation by Huntington and its alignment could fall in the â€Å"west vs.

Transgressors of Convention Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Transgressors of Convention - Essay Example The researcher of the essay "Transgressors of Convention" gives a critique on three works of Modern art. Modern art consists of includes cubism, expressionism and constructivism. Other forms of modern art, examined in this paper, are Primitivism, Avant-Garde and Performance Art. Their relationship to other works in the Modern art era include their similarities in color usage, strength, vividness, shock factor and other types of emotional appeal, minimalist approaches, unexplained elements or nonrepresentational elements, even lack of traditional materials. Their differences show the desire of an artist to be individually judged from their counterparts, despite evidence that explains the subconcious ‘community’ that shows up in all artists’ work. As Sholette writes, â€Å"how can the artist be defined as an autonomous producer detached from politics, history and the market?† given the constant grouping of people, even through debit cards that are created wit h a computer program called â€Å"Clever†. "Clever locates these Web-based fraternities "even before members are aware of their community's existence. And â€Å"the boundary between Self and Other is fluid rather than fixed. And â€Å"the boundary between Self and Other is fluid rather than fixed.† The Activist art collective critiques the bourgeois notion of self-institutionalization. But much of Modern art is simply the â€Å"challenging of the power of realism† by producing pieces with their own power. Die Bruckebegan as an offshoot of German expressionistism.... o be the evolutionary 'bridge' between the man of today and the 'superman' of tomorrow, but instead seemed to show their yearning to return to natural origins. Primitivism provides an alternative to the "sophisticated illusionism" and offered a more 'authentic' way of being. (Stokstad 2002) Three Nudes - Dune Picture from Nidden 1913 This work is representative of that which draws from primitivistic concepts2 of Africa, South America, "children and the mentally ill." (Stokstad 2002) Semi-representational, the figures in the piece are developed as a part of the whole instead of being separated from the background, as in portrait work. The message seems to be about the unity between these women figures and Nature. Considered crude drawing and simplistic in its arrangement of elements, the composition holds power in its saturation of color, the strength of its lines, the movement of its forms. Despite its seeming lack of thought, the design elements are planned and executed as well as a formal painting. The Die Brucke artists did go back to Nature to northern Germany during their summer breaks and their paintings often reflected their dislike for urban life, urban alienation. The contrasts are shown from their paintings of the psychological distancing of city society (Kirchner, Street, Berlin) to the inviting warmth of Three Nudes. (Stokstad 2002) Perhaps the freedom felt by more citizens of Europe in the early part of last century led the Die Brucke artists toward greater criticism of their world, to Expressionism and Activist art. But it was still not socially acceptable. 2 The word 'primitive' . . . categorized art of Africa, Pacific Islands and indigenous Americas . . . means 'early' . . . implies that these civilizations are frozen in their cultural development