Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Life and Cemetery Essay

The cemetery that I visited was the Benedictine University Cemetery. It is a cemetery on campus where all of the reverends, pastors, and important religious idols affiliated with the school, are buried. The cemetery has a path that runs through the middle of it and it leads up to a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is not a grave, but more a religious centerpiece that the eyes can focus on. Around the centerpiece are many rows of crosses. In front of those crosses are head stones in the ground of the deceased. I wondered if the people who had crosses were more important religiously than those who do not have crosses. To really take in everything the cemetery has to offer though, I used all five of my senses. One of the best ways to really understand what something is is to investigate it using all of your five senses. This is exactly what I did. I looked at all of my surroundings, smelled, tasted the air (more imaginative), touch, and hear what my environment has to offer. What do you see when you walk into a cemetery? Do the images that you see help you perceive and feel something specific? As I walked into the cemetery, I saw rows upon rows of crosses. Jesus Christ is the center piece of the cemetery. When I walked in, I walked underneath a row of coniferous pine trees. I actually found this very interesting; because if you think about it, coniferous pine trees, in a sense â€Å"don’t die†. They live throughout the winter and the summer; an all year round. Can this be a symbol of the human soul living past the point of the body dying? That was the only type of shrubbery that I saw in the cemetery, besides the fake flowers, which also live longer than normal flowers. A cemetery is a place of deep thought and transition. It was interesting to see the birds swoop in and out of the trees without a care in the world while death surrounds them in every which way. Then my mind started to drift off again. Why do humans bury their dead? I know it is to commemorate the dead, but can’t that be done in a manner that doesn’t in a sense, ‘waste less land’? Now I am not trying to be disrespectful in any sense at all, but once the body is dead, why keep it? If you think about it, cemeteries use so much land for the dead. I feel like we are celebrating death, even though the whole meaning behind a cemetery is for remembrance. Honestly, when I drive by a cemetery, I am filled with grief. When in a cemetery, death is upon us. Even in the light, a dark stage inhabits a bright time. I think the most discrete way to investigate a cemetery is the stop and smell your surroundings. What does your nose take in? When I visited, I took in the smell of fresh pine, from the coniferous pines. I took a deep breath and felt very relaxed. Am I supposed to be feeling so relaxed in a cemetery? Doesn’t relaxation go against everything that a cemetery stands for? Wouldn’t one think that you would smell death? Well this is what I thought. But I guess I was wrong. I think that the ‘smell of death’ is more something that you get from horror movies. Plus, it all might just be in our minds when someone states, ‘that smells like death’. What would death taste like? The question should be more like, who would want to taste death? I’m pretty sure that everyone would have to agree with that statement. Others would say it might taste like something rotten, or moldy. I think I am going to have to agree with the statement saying that no one wants to taste death. Most everyone has heard the saying, â€Å"the touch of death†. Well, what does it feel like to touch death? Is it physically touching the deceased, or having death touch you in a sense? Having touched the deceased is indeed touching death, but does it have a meaning behind it? I believe that just being in the presence of death is overwhelming. It takes you to a place that you don’t normally go. You start to worry about family members and ultimately, changing the way that you live your day to day life. You start thinking about not seeing loved ones again, and you treat people with more respect. I think that people realize their selfish behavior when death touches them. I know that this is what happened to me when I went to a funeral; and it wasn’t even for one of my family members. The weird thing is that these are the feelings that I had when I was in the cemetery. Being in the cemetery I felt very relaxed and had I questions and feelings that completely contradicted everything that I felt at the funeral. Sound is a strong sense. Not that they aren’t all, but sound influences reactions in a shocking manner. It can scare you, startle you, or even soothe you. The birds swooping in and out of the trees, chirping, were very relaxing sounds. The swoosh of the wind blowing the trees back and fourth clams you. Other than the birds and the sound of the wind, the cemetery was motionless, and soundless. It was calming and eerie at the same exact time. The most impressive thing about the Benedictine University Cemetery was the massive statue of Jesus Christ that was the centerpiece of the area. The statue towered over the cemetery. The overwhelming size of the statue made you think that there were things out there that were more important than you, or your life. Maybe, I thought, the idea of the statue is to make people stop and take a moment out of their lives to think about the lives of others. It is impressive to think that an intimate object could make you stop your busy life to think about the deceased. I walked up to the statue and just stared. I was in awe. I looked at what surrounded it and saw numerous head stones. I read the head stone and saw that they were for pastors and fathers from the school. The names on the head stones were names that I have seen before. They were the names that the dormitories were named after. These people must have done something very amazing to still be recognized many years later. That notion in itself is very impressive indeed. This can be related to what we are learning in class with Aquinas. He asks the question, â€Å"If we are not just pure spirits, what are we after death? † (Aquinas). Well, the soul retains its identity when it separated from the body. It is the relationship to the body that individualizes the soul. The soul has a transcendental relationship to the body. This means that the relationship goes beyond time and space. I think that this relationship, the transcendental relationship between the soul and the body begins when the body ends. This relationship continues and is celebrated in a cemetery. The soul continues on after the body has passed away. Another question that Aquinas answers is the ever important, â€Å"Is the human soul incorruptible? † (Aquinas). Yes, the human soul is immortal, and incorruptible. It will live forever, past the life of the body. Man has a natural desire for immortality; and though it may not happen with the matter or body, it will happen with the soul. The soul is not composed of matter it is a pure act, without matter. I think that a cemetery is a way to get people who visit to think about these things. A cemetery is supposed to be a reassurance about a loved one that is lost. They are still alive, just not in body form. When I think about this now, I wonder why I never thought about this before. Now that I think about it, it makes me think about why a cemetery is actually a relaxing place to be. When you put the pieces of the puzzle together, it all makes sense. After my visit to the cemetery, it opened my eyes to a new way to view the way life is lived. This experience was very uplifting. At first, I wasn’t so sure why a visit to the cemetery would give me any benefit. I guess that I was wrong. I have contradicting thoughts about the cemetery, for example, I feel that it is a waste of a large amount of land and I also think that it is a relaxing place to go. The weird thing is that both of these statements are true. We could build a place that is relaxing, that maybe isn’t so large that still serves the same function that a cemetery does. If one were to make a pros and cons list, a cemetery will serve more pros then cons. The only way that I realized this is with this assignment. But with the assignment, I understand what I am supposed to get out of life better than what I did before my visit. Before my visit to the cemetery I believed that you were just supposed to live a long happy life, and that was about it. Be happy everyday, and enjoy life as it is handed to you. I didn’t really think twice about what was going to happen after my life is over. But, after my visit to the cemetery, my thoughts staggered in a whole new direction. I started to think long term, and how I would feel when my time came to ‘go’. Sure, you are supposed to live your life to the fullest, but is that the only thing you are supposed to think about? What about your soul? What about that connection? These are the questions that ran through my mind after my visit to the cemetery. From this experience I think that I can honestly say that I have delved deeper into the meaning of life. When looking around the cemetery, I started to think about all the people that have come and gone through and that all that are still here, the deceased. What can death tell us about the individual? Is it just what is written on the head stones? Or is it something more? I think death gives us a glance upon the individual as a whole. Although it is hard to know all of the accomplishments that someone has achieved if you didn’t know them or one of their family members. I think that it is interesting that the people that are buried in the Benedictine University cemetery are people of stature. But eventually it won’t matter what or who you were, because all of our bodies are going to end up the same way. Our souls do not have a hierarchy, but it seems that our bodies do. This is another point that death helped me recognize. Overall, what does the meaning of life mean? Is it just a cycle that happens to everyone? Born then gone again? I’m sure society doesn’t see it like that. Birth is viewed as a beautiful thing, a miracle. But death is horrible. Something that is tragic. But I think that death is thought of as horrible because of the many misconceptions that surround it. The soul is immortal, so the only thing that is dying is the house that connects the soul and the body. We still live on past our body expiration date, but I don’t think that everyone realizes this. It is important that we shed light on these ideas about death so that it isn’t seen as such a horrible thing. It is sad yes, but horrible in every sense? No, not at all. Life is important, but the opposite end, death, is just as important. I think that we must understand death to understand life. Both go hand in hand and everyone in this world experiences both life and death, whether they are positive or negative. There are pros and cons for everything and both must be looked at in order to maintain a healthy state of mind when experiencing either one.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Hawaii Watersports Essay

With the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water Hawaii is the ideal place for ocean water sports. There are a wide range of water sports, from highly aggressive to leisurely sports that all types of people can enjoy. There are even sports which are specific only to the exotic islands encompassing this magnificent state. Taking a look at each individual sport will excite and possible mystify the sports enthusiast. Today we will take a look at sea kayaking, kite boarding, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving. Sea kayaking is an exhilarating and physically challenging sport. One must be sure to have the proper equipment and technique before heading out into the salty blue. It is said that kayakers ‘wear their kayaks’ and selecting a proper sea kayak, one that fits comfortably to your body type, can be a difficult task. First make sure that you fit comfortable in the pit. It should be snug, but not tight. If it is loose it may be difficult to maneuver. Kayaking is relaxing and comfortable sport especially around the islands. There are many ecological kayaking tours offered throughout Hawaii that will take you places and show you some of the amazing creatures and sites of the islands. Kite boarding is a new age surface water sport that is trendy among young people. Kite boarding is very similar to wakeboarding with the exception that the board is controlling their own movements with a kite, fully equipped with handle, instead of being pulled by a boat. Kite boarding is an extreme sport combining balance and coordination with the unique technique of keeping a kite in the air. Kite boarders have an unrivaled experience as they let the wind control their moves and can sometimes reach heights of 30 feet, and if they skilled and adventurous they may be able to do flips and other stunts before smoothly returning to the ocean. It is recommended that the new kite boarder takes a few lessons to learn proper techniques before venturing out on a kite boarding adventure. Surfing is a timeless and classic sport. Surfing like kite boarding is a surface water sport where the participant rides waves while balancing on a surf board. Surfing can actually be broken into many categories including body boarding, windsurfing, and body surfing. Body boarding is best described by using your body to ride a foam board over waves. Windsurfing uses both aspects of surfing and sailing. A windsurf board is a surf board with a sail attached. The windsurfer steers themselves with the sail and rides the wave as a surfer would. Body surfing is actually what the name implies, using one’s body to ride the waves. Body surfers are usually equipped with nothing by swim fins to take on the task of riding the breaking waves. Sailing is a leisurely recreation sport in which a person, or group of people, steer a ship or sail boat using sails. Sail boats move forward because of the inertia caused when the wind is caught in the sail. Sailing is a technical sport and the proper skills must be learned before heading out to sea. Scuba diving is another popular sport among the islands. Scuba requires a certification because of the danger involved. There are many short certification courses for tourists to partake in. These courses cover the essentials and make time for some short open water dives were the scuba can explore the exotic world on ocean water. Hawaii is an exotic place with many things to offer the adventurer or sports enthusiast. It is important to learn the techniques of the sports one wishes to indulge themselves in to ensure a safe and happy stay on the islands.

Effects of Rising Technology Essay

In the twenty first century, evolution and constant use of technology have greatly impacted humans, and their ways to approaching media. Many people believe that technology has improved the quality of life of the people at a great depth, while others see it as a force that has escaped from human control. Modern technology such as Internet, may help people solve problems or gather information faster than an ordinary human being is capable of. At the same time, it can also destroy one’s social life and interactions with humans if proper balance is not maintained. While people’s thoughts regarding the two sides are intriguing, the question is, are the negative effects gradually outnumbering the positive ones? In the essay â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid† written by Nicholas Carr, and â€Å"The Multitasking Generation† by Claudia Wallis, we are presented with ways in which technology affects the daily lifestyle of human being. Even though both authors perceive some of the beneficial uses of modern technology, they ultimately pinpoint the negative effects of it to a large extent. While the bad effects remain constant between both authors, they introduce different aspects of ways humans are being affected – Carr, emphasizing on how technology (Internet in this case) has drastically changed the way humans acquire and present information, and Wallis, focusing on how technology (Media Multitasking) deteriorates social interactions among humans. In today’s world, uses of technology have become far more efficient than ever, and it is only increasing. Internet itself alone, has marched onto becoming the modern power source of simplicity and efficiency. When one hears about ‘efficiency’, a concept of getting a lot done with less amount of time spent, triggers to his mind. In other words, saving time while getting the maximum work done is the key, and that is what Internet delivers to human. In â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid†, Carr expresses his convenience of using Internet to do his research, â€Å"Research that once required days in the stacks or periodical rooms of libraries can now be done in minutes† (Carr 1-2). He acknowledges the fact that Internet makes his job as a writer easier, by saying that Internet is giving out information faster than before. The benefits are not only limited to easy access of Internet. The Internet is also taking over people’s daily life rather quickly as it can be programmed to perform certain functions of any information processing device. â€Å"It’s becoming our map, our clock, our printing press, and our typewriter, our calculator, and our telephone, and our radio and TV† (Carr 4), says Carr, as he refers to some of the devices used everyday, to explain the concept of Internet being a powerful computing system. Wallis, in the article â€Å"The Multitasking Generation†, also reflects on some positive effects of technology. Through the concept of â€Å"media multitasking†, or â€Å"listening to iTunes, watching a DVD and IMing friends all at the same time† (Wallis 3) to mention a few, Wallis refers to kids being able to absorb multiple tasks simultaneously, while possibly serving the kids with some benefits. One might be curious to ask how can technologies such as media be beneficial to children? Surprisingly, according to Wallis, â€Å"Piers†, the fourteen years old son in the Coxes family, â€Å"repairs the family computers and DVD player. † â€Å"Bronte†, Piers’ twin sister, â€Å"uses digital technology to compose elaborate photo collages and create a documentary of her father’s ongoing treatment for cancer† (Wallis 3). In the quote, Wallis expresses the fact that even children today, are aware of the beneficial power of technology, and they are quite capable of taking full advantage of it. While both authors present some of the positive effects of technology, as mentioned above, to us, each of them addresses different issues on how exactly uses of technology and technological improvements negatively impact human life. As people become addicted to the valuable web efficiency, it turns out that the Internet serves to be quite harmful towards human cognition in such that it diminishes the capacity of human concentration and contemplation. As Carr says in â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid†, â€Å"media supply the stuff of thought, but they also shape the process of thought† (Carr 2). In other words, Internet is controlling and changing the way we think or consume information and thus, flattering our own intelligence into â€Å"artificial intelligence† (Carr 8). People nowadays are so used to the information provided by the Internet that they do not rely on their own knowledge or think on their own like they used to prior to the advent of Internet. An instance that reflects this idea of self-manipulation is shown in Carr’s own statement, â€Å"Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski† (Carr 2). Even though Carr does not go onto to say that he is becoming vacuous, he believes that his mind is changing due to spending so much time on the web over the last several years. Before, he was very much engaged into reading and deep thinking, whereas now he does not have the patience to do so. Skimming seems to be the fast and efficient way to get over it. Carr’s notion demonstrates people’s inability to absorb any lengthy texts because of excessive access to media, indicating to the negative impacts that media have on humans. Although Wallis in â€Å"The Multitasking Generation† implies a similar concept of negative effects of technology on humans as Carr, Wallis follows a different aspect to address the issue. While multitasking allows activities to be done in parallel in an attempt to achieve the possible outcomes more efficiently, it is for the most part, both physically and mentally impossible to do multiple tasks at the same time with accuracy. To add that to a large extent, the way it affects humans is that it deteriorates people’s ability to interact with each other in the society. â€Å"The mental habit of dividing one’s attention into many small slices has significant implications for the way young people learn, reason, socialize†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wallis 3), indicates multitasking as the factor, which young generations today are not aware of, the fact that they are being transitioned to a darker side of the society. Even the parents confess, â€Å"we don’t get out together to have a social life† (Wallis 3), clearly expressing their feelings towards the changes that are being caused by advanced technology. And while people are shifting to these changes, society is being affected as a whole. As usage of modern technology is prospering, the simplicity and efficiency in life are also rising. However, as people move on, there will be many controversies over the excessive usages of technology in form of media. There will be more concerns on whether the negative effects will override the positive effects sometime in the future. As of now, both Carr and Wallis emphasize on the negative impacts of technology on humans; however, Carr conveys that technology negatively manipulates people’s way of thinking and absorbing information, while Wallis believes that technology reduces people’s ability to focus on certain tasks and interaction with others in the society.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Dominant Masculinity over Fragile Femininity in Pornography Essay

Dominant Masculinity over Fragile Femininity in Pornography - Essay Example The book Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity by Robert Jensen show predominant humiliation of women through pornography and its mass production.First and foremost, one should agree with Jensen in his argument on the end of masculinity through constant mortification of the female honor. The author is straight-forward in what pornography symbolizes for everybody. It is a mirrored look of how men see women (Jensen 122). In fact, the author gives lots of examples coincided with his personal stories so as to make the whole thing really personal for each reader. The use of gang-bangs and other porn scenes where male dominance is obvious characterizes pornography as a means to make men senseless toward women and become more aggressive instead.Notably, Jensen speaks on the issue of female fragility in a sad tone. In this respect, many episodes from his book reflect on why women are so easy to be subject to men’s obscenity and aggression. Jensen gives his way of reasoni ng on this issue, namely: â€Å"It hurts to know that no matter who you are as a woman, you can be reduced to a thing to be penetrated and that men will buy movies about that† (Jensen 14)†¦ This is a so-called interpretation that a woman’s body has become valuable solely due to its option of being penetrated by means of violent fellatio, double or triple penetrations, etc. Once again, the male dominance goes without saying in this context.It is about time to think of current generations of boys. Porn movies impose a huge desire to be aggressive and senseless toward girls on them so that to call those girls just whores as a result. Needless to say, all porn movies are normally misogynistic. The role of a man is not that important to the audience of viewers, but the way in which a woman oohing and aahing having male genitals in different parts of her body. Thus, the youngest layers of the society inherit the need for being rude and first-class (boys) and the need to comply with such attitudes (girls). As a matter of fact, such behaviors are already included in the social construct. It is a complete model of men-women interaction at every stage of their communication up to some intimate moments, so to speak.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Countering the Anti-Israel Apartheid and the BDS Messages Essay

Countering the Anti-Israel Apartheid and the BDS Messages - Essay Example The anti-Israel apartheid and the DBS messages have spread to an extent that in America, there is the Israel apartheid week which is an international campaign which involves, calls for boycott of Israel in US campuses. According to the current anti-Israel apartheid policy, fighting campus hatred is a strategy that is applied to curb anti-Israel apartheid. However, according to the CEO of pro-Israeli organization, there is hostile environment toward Israel in 60-80 out of 4000 American universities (Benhorin, 2012). This is a considerably manageable figure with added communication efforts, the number could go down reasonably. In the current policy, demonstrations are another strategy that is channeled towards bringing to an end or at least reducing the spread of anti-Israel apartheid and the DBS messages. Peace demonstrations are most of the time mistaken for riots. This leads to defensive response from other members of the affected area, for instance, these demonstrations lead to des truction of property, hence provoking havoc from the victims. Propaganda is a dangerous calamity that if not controlled well can lead to a number of calamities. These include; various states may cut economic links with Israel, and this may lead Israel in a crisis of lacking a country to trade with, which may lead to economy deterioration in Israel. It may also lead to cut of diplomatic ties from other countries. This would limit Israel to depend on her educational materials since there would lack exchange programmes among schools in Israel and those in other countries. These and many others call for introduction of a new policy to fight the propaganda. Just to mention but a few loopholes in the current policy, there is dire need for a new policy that will help prevent rise in the de-legitimization in a more professional way. The new policy will address the issue in all dimensions; social, political and economic. Social in the sense that it will take into consideration the social eff ects of the strategies put in place on the social lives the Israelite as well as those of other people. The policy will take care of the economic factor in that it will be reasonably affordable to implement both financially and time wise. THE NEW POLICY This is a policy that will use communication efforts to help prevent the rising de-legitimization. This policy contains terms and strategies that when implemented will give positive and more effective results. The policy will make it clear that other than using political strategies to fight propaganda, communication can also be used to curb the fast spreading calamity. Using communication means will enable the message to reach more people than demonstrations and boycotts would. Since the challenge at hand is spreading at a very fast rate, an equally fast means is required to counter its immense spread. Therefore, the strategies in this policy are designed to suit the speed at which the propaganda is spread and manage to save the face of Israel in the eyes of the world (Burgoon, Berger, & Waldron, 2000). These strategies include; use of print media, use of electronic media, use of social media, use of small media, publicity in international forums, use of targeted scholarships and campaigns in institutions . Print media is a strong tool that can be used to control this fast spreading fire. Print media ranges from newspapers, magazine, newsletters, journals and books. Through these channels,

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Archaeology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Archaeology - Essay Example It investigates into the speleothems as cave morphologies in the archeological study as terrestrial archives of past environmental and climatic change. U dating method is used to establish the growth phases of the speleothems, and higher precipitation conditions in areas of Porte Rico during the investigated period. Areas of Maruca, Angostura and (PDI) Paso Del Indio with established archeological deposits and permanent settlement during the period are examined. The adaptation strategies for Angostura were micro-surface modification of the landscape and technological improvement to better the living conditions while Maruca and PDI resort to relocation and then reoccupation after the precipitation period (Rivera-Collazo 637). The events of drought and aridity experienced in the prehistoric and ancient times also attracted widespread responses for the people’s sustainability. It addresses the climatic change during the Holocene period notoriously marked with variable conditions of drought, aridity and reduced rainfall amongst, which influenced various human’s adaptations. Evidence from archeological sites and reconstruction of monsoon winds facilitate understanding of the effective adaptations and estimation of aridity. The article identifies the major rainwater harvesting strategies besides migration of the populations and distortion of their cultures as human coping mechanisms adopted in prehistoric times (Pandey, Gupta and Anderson 46). The study majorly focuses on Indian communities and demonstrates how the ancient water harvesting response remains in practice to the modern day. The speleothems that have developed in the calvens of Palco in Puerto Rico provide evidential materials that accumulated over time. Through a series of uranium dating methods, the speleothems growth rate can be determined. Stalagmite formation inside the calven enables the investigation of active dripping, erosion and hiatuses in speleothems in

Friday, July 26, 2019

Music in Japanese Animation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Music in Japanese Animation - Essay Example The beginning of Anim of Japanese animation dates back to the early years of the 20th century. Patten (2004) mentions that the earliest Japanese animation was inspired by the pioneer animators of France, Germany and the United States. Anim during that period was basically an approach by Japanese filmmakers to experiment with the animation techniques. The first known anim was screened in 1917, which was a two minute clip of a samurai trying his new sword on a target only to face defeat. It is only in the 1930s that animation has successfully become an alternative from of story-telling in Japan. The reason for its lagging behind the European and American film industries is the small market size of Japanese live-action industry suffering from budgeting and other restrictions. Shooting films set on European or American backdrop was almost next to impossible for Japan due to lack of finance as well as absence of a fantasy world in Japan. In other words, the scope was really limited for Ja panese film industry.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Securities Act of 1934 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Securities Act of 1934 - Essay Example SEC offers a one-time registration of all the securities that wish to trade on the national stock exchange. The registration incorporates companies with 2000 shareholders or 500 unaccredited investors. Moreover, the company’s assets should amount to $10 million. Through regulating voting information calls for full exposure as an objective of the proxy solicitation. Here, representing the interests of shareholders and earlier filling is priority. The proxy statement should be detailed with the soliciting information. The 1934 Act antifraud provision entails regulating the propriety of sales within the marketplace. The specific sections of the antifraud act are Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5. Here, it is stated that withholding of information interferes with the free market, and it is committing fraud through violating Section 10(b). Lastly, SEC objective calls for periodic filing under the 1934 Act. Companies have to file a quarter and annual financial reports known as 10-Q and 1 0-K respectively.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Personal Values Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Values - Essay Example There is a great deal of focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty within the company. I found these values highly impressive and since they were reflected in the way things were done at Kudler, I feel they were more than just words. Kudler believes that it doesn't need to lower its prices to draw more customers. It wants to retain its existing customers and attract potential ones with the help of a different strategy. This is a good strategy and I believe that the firm understands that it is not always the price that matters. Kudler knows that the people who appreciate its products are quality conscious people and hence it is the product itself which is important to them and not the price. Thus Kudler has not made Price a differentiating factor to attract customers. Kudler has been working on various things to improve customer loyalty and to track their preferences. For one, Kudler plans to offer differentiating services to its customers who this would be a new and unique bakery experience for them. In order to do that, the firm plans to track customer's tastes and preferences in order to serve them better. The one area where I need more understanding is company's use of technology. While the company has always been willing to incorporate technology, I still find its use of technology very limited. This shows that the company either has not been paying too much attention to technology or it is deliberately keeping the use to a minimum. As a manager that first thing I would like to work on would be the use of technology. With Internet becoming such a formidable force, I would like to harness the power of this technology to make operations even more efficient and systematic at Kudler. Internet can be used for various purposes such as: 1. To reach a wider customer base 2. to track the tastes and preferences of customers 3. To announce new promotions and products 4. To conduct polls on products 5. To offer new customers with coupons 6. To track the number of customers interested in Kudler products 7. To get feedback My plan to accomplish this would include minimum budget since I understand that Internet systems do not need cost a lot provided you know the right people in the business. I understand that once a system is in place, we would need to train some of our staff especially for the purpose of working online to product customers with instant answers to their queries and to work on their feedback. We will need to start with having a website dedicated to customer service improvement. This site will have a poll, information on new products and new promotions, it would also include a feedback form plus other important things in an entertaining way so people would want to stay on the website. I find its customer service focus very appealing. I have worked for other companies and have found that often the reason for failure is lack of concern for customers. I am highly interested in improving customer service at Kudler and I find that this company is equally interested and equally committed to it.

Arguments That Are in Favour of the Release of Genetically Modified Essay

Arguments That Are in Favour of the Release of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops - Essay Example With this concern, the discussion henceforth will aim at highlighting the various advantageous aspects of producing GM crops along with their impact on the environment and the human well-being at large, taking into account the major ideas of consequentialism. Favourable Aspects of GM Crops Better Quality and Higher Productivity Through genetic modifications, the GM crops are produced with better quality, scientifically maintaining a balance between the nutritional requirements. Stating precisely, an effective form of GM crop tends to yield a higher nutrition accumulated with the exact amount of dietetic ingredients of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates among others (Mogilna and Magufwa, n.d.). Moreover, GM crops also possess the benefits of producing greater quantities of crops in comparison to the traditional method for a given proportion of farmland. According to the rapid development of global economies, the number of farmlands is continually reducing, and this causes a negative impact on the traditional method for harvesting crops, which has often turned out to be insufficient to satisfy the increasing world population and industrialisation demands. Therefore, increasing agricultural productivity within the specified farmland area can be considered as a major advantage for the agricultural farms in the modern day context (The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010). Herbicide Tolerance In the context of farming, the agricultural farms used to spend a large amount of wealth and physical efforts to remove weeds from the crops in the traditional method. However, the process of applying harmful chemicals to weeds was also identified to have an adverse affect on the production of the crops. With this concern, herbicide tolerance crops developed by the genetic modifications are regarded as highly advantageous to prevent the harmful effects of weeds, thus assisting the farmers to save production expenditures and simultaneously raise their profit margin (Sehnal a nd Drobnik, 2009). Insect Resistance The assault of insects in the crops has often been learned to severely affect the production quality and quantity, causing financial losses to the farmers. In order to cope up with the challenge, farmers use huge quantities of pesticides and chemicals to protect their crops from the insects, which can also have an adverse affect on the quality and productivity of the crops. However, it can also be harmful for the customers to regularly consume such food products. With this concern, GM crops can be considered as quite effective to prevent such hazards through the inclusion of â€Å"insect resistance genes.† Moreover, the process also assists the farmers in reducing the financial costs for other chemicals during production (Whitman, 2000). Consequences of GM Crops Human Health Risks The GM crops have been accused of carrying a possibility of causing allergies due to the amalgamation of different genes within the food items that are often uni ntentionally produced during the

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The Wisdom of Whores Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Wisdom of Whores - Essay Example Despite WHO identifying the challenges related with the spread of HIV and establishing a global program on AIDS, it made an error of associating HIV with consequences on both social and economic development of human beings. According to the author, the issue development led to drawing interest in the matter from the World Bank while UNICEF, UNESCO and others felt that the concern equally touched on their dockets. From that wide approach and push to address the same issue, the challenge at hand was never solved as there occurred change of direction where rather than solving the challenge at hand, counter accusations and defense was traded. Through presenting the counter accusations that delayed the process of addressing AIDS challenge, the Chapter captures the general idea of the book that argues against the myths attributed to HIV/ AIDS. Stine (2014) presents a twenty two year chronological of AIDS pandemic where he attributes the responsible parties in addressing the challenge to fa cilitate rather as opposed to fighting the challenge. The author believes that failure of fight against HIV/AIDS resulted from failure to address the issue at the right time and assigning the role to a particular body. These assertions from the Pisani are true considering that delay in fighting the challenge even led to introduction of other mechanisms of beating up the issue. However, with limitations to access of some necessities, achievement of the goal became unrealizable. In the second chapter, Pisani discusses her mission in Indonesia where she was engaged in a new role carrying out a study that will help the government understand how and the reasons behind the spread of HIV in Indonesia. Through developing an effective national surveillance system, the government intended to learn the trend of HIV spread on a yearly basis. Like in her arguments about failing to do the right thing at the right time, â€Å"there lacks a point of getting information of HIV

Monday, July 22, 2019

Online Education vs Traditional Education Essay Example for Free

Online Education vs Traditional Education Essay Nowadays, with the technology furtherance and the increased use of the internet, online education has gained significant acceptance and popularity all over the world. Not too long ago, online education offered no competition to traditional education . Today, with more choices being offered online, traditional education is now facing a number of challenges in every level. This has as a result, the competition between those two educational programs, having to compare the advantages and disadvantages of both methods of study, being measured since those methods are means for us to expand our opportunities and advance our careers. In the following paragraphs, I will expand the differences and similarities between online education and traditional education and compare their characteristics. Online education is defined as the creation and proliferation of the personal computer, the globalization of ideas and other human acts, and the use of technology in exchanging ideas and providing access to more people. Audio, video, computer, and networking technologies are often combined to create a multifaceted instructional delivery system. The fundamental method to unite the distance learning instructor with the distance learner is the network. Networks suitable for distance learning implementations include satellite, cable modem, digital subscriber lines (DSL), and wireless cable, (Collins, 2002). According to an article, students need to monitor their progress to the technology evolution and adjust their strategies for learning based on their development. Plus they need to control a time management schedule in order to complete online learning activities in the proper timeframes, (Orellana, 2009, p. 470). Online education requires time management skills and requires self-discipline. It takes patience, time and energy to be able to do that with success. The online student must be able to balance school, work, and a family. However, proper management must be maintained in order to balance all of the responsibilities and be successful in all areas. Online education gives you the opportunity to pursue quality and affordable education without interrupting your personal or professional life. It allows more flexibility and you are able to manage your study schedule according to your comfort and availability of time. So, you can program your personal life respectively with your studies thanks to the online education’s special mode of learning. This gives to the students the comfort to study from their homes, workplaces or anywhere they are in the world. What’s more is that, many distance programs allow to their student to complete the coursework any time during the day, while still adhering to overall deadlines. Online education has lower cost. It is considered more affordable than traditional because there are no transportations costs, no need to buy textbooks and you do not need to rent a place to live close to the university. Also, online education programs offer scholarships, financial aid packages, including loans and grants, exactly as the traditional education institutions. Another characteristic that cannot be ignored is communication. In online education programs you can communicate with your tutors anytime you want, anywhere, with any way you prefer to communicate (with the technology you have available). Online educational techniques are not only flexible and interactive, but at the same time interesting as. Besides, the fact that the student has straight access to an assigned professor or lecturer, allows each student to learn with the methods that work best for them. Another feature of online education is that if you are not a social person, an online school may be the right choice for you. You do not have to deal with meeting up new people. Moreover, a big part of people choose to follow the online education route for the quantity of material they are able to find, or because the tutors are more obtainable via internet than they would be in a normal classroom setting. At the same time, there are some similarities which can be seen in an online and traditional system of education. First of all, assignments are a part of learning, whether you choose to attend classes online or in a traditional system, you will be assigned homework to complete. The assignments are expected to be done about the course you are enrolled in and delivered them to your personal tutor between the deadlines. A second similarity between online and traditional system is that the reference material text books are common for both systems. Even though a course may be taken online, text books are still central to learning relevant information and many of the students are using the electronic books. In traditional education, students have to buy the books because they study from them in the class and home. Thirdly, tests and exams are used to test your understanding and retention of a particular topic/subject. It is usually given to students during the academic semesters including midterms. Even though you may study in an online course, you have to expect to be required for course exams. Exams may be given online, or you may be required to visit the institutions campus to complete the exam. In both education systems, students have common information to study thus they have common exams. Last but not least, academic instructors make themselves available to students to help them learn the required material. Whether you are attending school online or on campus, professors are likely to have office hours, where you can get clarification on an issue or otherwise communicate with your professor. In both the types of classes, teachers will be available to help the students in any matter. Alternatives ways to contact them would be email. Traditional education, also known as back-to-basics, conventional education or customary education, refers to long-established customs found in schools that society has traditionally deemed appropriate. Some forms of education reform promote the adoption of progressive education practices, a more holistic approach which focuses on individual students needs and self-expression. In the eyes of reformers, traditional teacher-centered methods focused on rote learning and memorization must be abandoned in favor of student-centered and task-based approaches to learning. However, many parents and conservative citizens are concerned with the maintenance of objective educational standards based on testing, which favors a more traditional approach. (Wikipedia,2011) First of all, school is a main place which you can meet up people from different places in your community. Friendship is too important, no-one can live without having a friend around. School is the most important place for humanity to learn. It is very important for everyone because is a place that people can build up strong relationships with each other and also is a place to learn a lot of information. In addition, communication is easy because everyone is on the same building the same hours. So, it is easier for students to study together and help each other. You can ask questions whenever you deal with difficulties either to your teacher either to your classmates because you are all in each other lives. Lastly, study at school is easy for the teacher to take care of the students, help them and get to know how he/she should behave according to the student. Whenever a student has questions or difficulties, he or she can ask teacher right away, also students don’t need to wait for a long time just for a question. Now, comparing the traditional education with online education system there are and some differences too. Starting with online education, firstly, students do not have the opportunity to socialize with friends and do not communicate with other people. Also, students are spending too many hours in front of one screen and that can causes back pain and eye problems. Moreover, if you have limited access to internet (connections are slow) and you do not know how to use technology then you probably fail to your lessons. Continuing with the traditional education, enables students to have more creativity and be more sociable thus they can cooperate and collaborate with each other and the teachers. It is easier to communicate because you have face-to-face contact. Furthermore, teachers can provide instant feedbacks to the students and motivate them to succeed and teach them about discipline. In my opinion, REFERENCES: * Collins, (2002), Definition of online education * Schutte, J. G. , (1996),â€Å"Virtual Teaching in Higher Education: The new intellectual superhighway or just another traffic jam? †, California State University, Northridge. * http://www. acadenia. com/education-articles/Online-education-traditional. asp * http://www. dagorret. net/difference-between-online-education-vs-traditional-education/ * http://lyzreblin. blogspot. com/2012/02/online-education-vs-traditional. html The challenges of online education * Jeni Johnson, (2012), Online Education Vs. Traditional Education, April 4 * Wikipedia, (2011), Traditional education, May, * (Orellana, Hudgins, Simonson, 2009, p. 470). * Elise Wile, Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Education, eHow Contributor * Similarities Between Online Traditional Classes,eHow. com In conclusion, although online education have some beneficial impacts for students, but traditional education provide better place for students to study and socialize with friends. As well as some people limitations to access technology can occurs students can not have education. An online education program can be a very rewarding experience for those individuals wanting to earn a degree in a non-traditional education environment. Studies have shown that students who are mature, self-motivated and organized are extremely successful in their online learning pursuits. By allowing students to control where and when they study, online programs are best-suited to those individuals who possess strong time management skills and are independent learners. Online learning also offers prospective students who are employed or have children and other family commitments the opportunity to earn a degree without sacrificing other important areas of their lives. Younger students, such as elementary or secondary school age, and students who are dependent learners, may find it difficult to assume the responsibilities required by an online program. Ultimately, you make the final decision as to which education program is right for you.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Biryani cuisine

Biryani cuisine Biryani is an extremely varied componnent of Pakistani cuisine, which enjoys substantial popularity among the populace.   It has many types in the world, quite a few of which are being consumed in Pakistan. While searching on the net I came across an interesting fact which stated that historians claim, in Punjab earlier Nawabs used to wear matching turbans according to the biryani they ate. Nizams kitchen boasted 49 types of biryanis   with aberrant constituents such as hare, quail and deer. However, today the generality tends to stick to chicken lamb and beef. Awadi Biryani of Lucknow is considered to   a benchmark of many types of biryanis and is considered to be an imprint of Mughal Empire on eastern India. The Sindhi   variant of biryani most popular in Karachi and Lahore finds its roots in awadi biryani. However, it has been varied slightly to match local tastes by augmenting elements of Bombay biryani and Calcutta biryani (by adding potatoes).PIA serves this version of biryani on its international flights to preputuate the feel of Pakistani cuisines. Another type offered in the Punjab and northern areas is referred to as vegetable biryani which comes with many virtues attached. It is usually offered with sour yogurt that serves to cool off the stomach ulcers. This type finds its footing in the tehari biryani popular in Indian homes. Further, we have the memoni   biryani which is highly popular amongst the batwa memons in specific and karachities In particular. The ingrediants used to make this particular type include lamb, potatoes and onions. However, unlike its Sindhi counterpart it uses less tomatoes and artificial food colorations. Anarkali biryani is quite popular in Punjab and is served at grand feasts. It is usually made out of boneless chicken and is garnished with green cardamoms cashew nuts pistachios and chilghozas. Another unique type consumed with relish by many Pakistanis is dumpukht. It is believed to be influenced by hyderabadi and Awadi biryanis, yet maintains a distinct method and taste. Artificial flavourings are highly disapproved. Marinated meat, herbs and spicies are placed in a sealed clay pot and allowed to cook in its own steam and juices. allowing herbs and spices to fully infuse the meat or rice, preserving the nutritional elements at the same time. In the best biryanis, grains of rice are well-cooked yet do not stick to one another. Fish and prawn versions of biryani are now being adopted in many higher middle class households in Pakistan. Besides adding a tocuh of elegance to the otherwise ‘desi dish, the   variation is considered to be highly nutricious. This form of biryani traces it s roots to the Ranipet Biryani and the Dindigul Curry Biryani   of kerala. An interesting form which is now gaining popularity is the masoor biryani which combines masoor pulse with rice in order to create a low chelestrol highly nutrious receipe. ‘Kashmiris use asafoetida in Biryani, which is unique, and all the ingredients are marinated overnight. Bhatkali biryani are popular in the west nd parts in balochistan. It has Irani influence and has come through spice route. Other types were: (Kofta, egg, peshawari, shahjehani, goosht dum, madarassi) But I couldnt find much about them other than their receipes, which changed slightly with the names, the basic procedure remaining the same :S http://hubpages.com/hub/What-Is-Biryani http://www.scribd.com/doc/20523299/Biryani%E2%80%A6by-Jerson-Fernandes http://www.shantanughosh.com/2007/08/biryani-stories.html

Urban Waterfront Revitalization Through Landscape Approach Environmental Sciences Essay

Urban Waterfront Revitalization Through Landscape Approach Environmental Sciences Essay Urban waterfronts have heavily degraded and received bad perception from urban dwellers. There are needs of effective urban waterfront revitalization programs to achieve a sustainable development of those waterfronts. This research studies is to formulize a landscape approach principles into revitalization program of urban waterfront. This study uses archival analysis to identified type of urban waterfront revitalization programs around the world and to understanding the role of urban waterfront. Finally, it uses literature survey to identified design considerations of landscape approach. Expected results of the study would include the types of waterfront revitalization programs, role of urban waterfront and design consideration for waterfront landscape. They are expected to lead towards formalizing the urban waterfront revitalization principles based on landscape approach. After the introduction of the background problem, the proposal will present the literature on waterfront revita lization, urban waterfront and waterfront revitalization program, and describe the research methodology before presenting the expected results. This study contributes in developing principles for waterfront revitalization program. Besides adding value to existing urban assets, the proposed principles for waterfront revitalization program support the sustainable development agenda of the world. Keywords: Landscape approach, urban waterfront, waterfront revitalization program. 1.1 BACKGROUND Urban rivers provide many functions to the cities such as water supply, transportations, biological protections and promoting for the development of the cities with its social, economical and environmental values. However, with the not planned well urbanization, the rivers have been disturbed which resulting in degradation of urban ecosystem. River restoration has increasingly drawn attention, and corresponding activities have been carried out extensively (Holmes, 1998). Urban rivers that once were the most importance element of city were neglected. They were channelized and turn into big drain. The properties on its corridor turn their back to the river and the cities tried to treat river as unwanted thing. Nonetheless, river corridors remain as continuous natural feature within suburbanized landscapes, which make it more important resource for habitats restoration and nature preservation. The encroachments of development into this area have fragmented, diminished and divided the vegetation along this corridor into small patches. These lead to substantial loss of habitat and biodiversity especially in urban areas. Due to the natural recourses destruction in urban area, importance of rivers has become realize by city dwellers. It becomes important places for recreation and leisure. This why in recent years, the riverfront design and planning initiatives have increased. There are two major issues for this development, conservation and human use. Most of approaches for river developments have difficulties to deal with both of them, which they tend to choose either one. These lead to the failure of the project. This thesis aims to bring these issues together to inform the practice of landscape architecture. 1.2 APPROACH This research study used a set of literature addressed waterfront development around the world. The literatures have covered many perspectives such as ecological, historical, cultural and built design. Even though the literature review provides a broad overview of waterfront development, the designs and planning of these waterfront developments have been superficial especially in ecology perspectives. Furthermore, for river corridor development, most literatures are focusing to non-urban landscapes, leaving the river corridors in urban landscape open for exploration. 1.3 Problem statement 1.4 Research question 1.4.1 Main Research Question 1.4.2 sub Research Question 1.5 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES 1.5.1 GOALS Revitalize the urban river through comprehensive landscape design solutions. 1.5.2 OBJECTIVES To ensure the goal can be achieved, these objectives have been derived: To assess the literature on waterfront revitalization programs around the world. To assess the design that using landscape approach to understand their characteristic, strengths and weaknesses. To investigates and understand of the role of urban river to the users. To formulize the design principles for urban riverfront revitalization programs. 1.6 CHAPTER OUTLINE Chapter One introduces and contextualizes the research problems. The literature reviews are presented in Chapter Two. It examines the development of waterfronts, its design and planning approaches. Chapter Three is describing the research method. It analyze the landscape approach literature to define the concepts and highlight the principles that will guide the development of landscape design principles for urban riverfront on Chapter Four. Chapter Five summarizes the findings of this study; discuss the application of the principles and presents areas of further research. It is considered that the design principles here proposed will be useful for landscape architects, designers and planners in designing the waterfront. Hence, it is expected they will help designers establishing and creating sustainable waterfront that celebrating the past, enjoying the present and respecting the future of urban environment. Figure 1.1 Research design diagram 1.7 significant of study 1.8 TERMINOLOGIES 1.8.1 URBAN watercourse Walsh, Christopher J. et al. (2005) indicated that an urban watercourse is a formerly natural waterway that flows through a heavily populated area. Urban watercourses often significantly polluted due to urban runoff and combined with sewer outflows. 1.8.2 RIVER CORRIDOR From Malaysian Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) guidelines of river development (2004), river corridor is the area outside the river reserved and in 50 meters from the river-reserved boundary. 1.8.3 SUSTAINABLE watercourse The sustainable watercourse covers an important element in Agenda21 about sustainable development. This is because the watercourse have capacity to contribute in increasing biodiversity and profit from development, improving and enhance conditions of the areas and people who live surround it. Sustainable development elements are economic development, social progress, conservation of resources and protection of the environment (UN Earth Summit Agenda 21, Rio de Janeiro, 1992). 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction 2.2 WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION Hoyle et.al (1993, 2000) said that pioneer in waterfront rehabilitation studies was Canada in early 1970s. In his studies, he found out that focus of waterfront rehabilitation was including wide range of development such as recreational, residential, retail, commercial, service and tourist facilities. According to him and Breen et.al (1996), the development of waterfront in America and Europe has occurred since 1960s. Perspective that tent to integrate design, environmental, social and economic objectives more efficiently (Johes, 1998) was the European approach towards waterfront development in 1990s. Manning (1997) adding that no use or treatment of waterfront should be allowed to exclude recreational value that no feature or operation however mundane needs to lack an aesthetic aspect and finally that ever the demands of conserving fragile nature need not exclude people from the scene. In other part of the world, the development of waterfront is relatively recent phenomenal. Lately, many countries start to open their eyes on potential of their river. South of Korea has demonstrating some wonderful projects of river rehabilitation development such as Chengyecheon River and Han River rehabilitation project. Franco (2000) states that in Brazil, there are many proposals of waterfront projects have been presented since early 1990s, unfortunately, few have been implemented. Most of them are because lack of funds and supports. Waterfront project could be divided into six categories based on Bren and Rigby (1994) studies. This categorization was used by Breen and Rigby as tool to compile a huge numbers of designs. The categories are: historical, residential, recreational, cultural, environmental and working waterfront. Usually, the development of waterfronts would include one or more categories in order to support various demands to the site. There are many cases that the waterfront project have mixed-used characteristic. For example, a project that has ecological features may be designed infused with recreation, education and trails. These multipurpose designs are to encourage the maximum use of the space. Table 2.1 shows some of the waterfront projects that have a major characteristic but have several other features abound. This categorization does seem have significant role in effecting the frameworks and design either. In order to use the categorizations, the heuristic devise should be taken to emphasis the major characters of each project. Table 2.1 Waterfronts, their major character and uses No. Waterfront / City Major Character Uses Source 1 Baltimore Waterfront Mixed used Urban renewal; cultural complex, office, residential Breen and Rugby (1994) 2 Boston Waterfront Historical Public promenades, hotel, residential www.theboston waterfront.net 3 Charleston Waterfront Park Public Space Park, pier Thompson (1991) 4 Elbe River, Dresden Open Space Entertainment, art, park Friedrich (1998) 5 Elbe River, Hamburg Mixed used Transportation, residential Trelcat (2001) 6 Thames River, London docklands Public space Recreation, cultural Chaline 2001 7 Thames River, London Millennium Village Mixed use Promenades, institutions, residential, commercial Burdett (1998) 8 Thames River, London Millennium Dome Public space Recreation, cultural Arnold (1998) 9 Potomic River, Georgetown Historical Residential, office, public space www.georgetown waterfrontpark.org 10 South Platte River, Danver Public space Industrial landscape, park Leccese (2001) 11 Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires Mixed use Residential, commercial, service, open space Schneier Madanes (2001) 12 Aa River, Aarhus Public space Steam daylighting, trail Nielsen (1998) 13 Yarra River, Melbourne Cultural Residential, commercial, entertainment Sandercock Dovey (2002) 14 East River, New York Public space Promenades Freeman 2003 15 Meurthe River, Nancy Public space Promenades Bruel Delmar (1998) 16 San Antonio River, Texas Public space Commercial, hotel, entertainment, historical Posner (1991) 17 Maas River, Rotterdam Mixed use Public spaces, residential, office Mayer (1998) 18 Coal Harbour, Vancouver Residential Open space, office, marina Quayle (1991) 19 Danube River, Vienna Public space Dam, ecological restoration, leisure Hansjakob hansjakob (1998) 20 Chengyecheon River, Seoul Public space Historical, commercial, entertainment, cultural www.preservenet.com 2.3 Role of urban watercourse Urban watercourse is a waterways that flowing through the populated areas. It often in bad condition and heavily degraded. Many of urban rivers have been polluted mostly by urban storm water runoff and combined sewer system. Initially, such watercourses were managed as a resource for human benefit including water supply, flood mitigation, disposal of wastewater and minimization of disease (Walsh 2000; Paul and Meyer 2001; Morley and Karr 2002). However, this has led to the degradation of river ecological functioning, an issue that was initially ignored (Paul and Meyer 2001). Important factor for early settlement was water. Water transportation and construction of flood embankments have turn the water into the background of urban concerns. Most literature agree that these earlier settlements were settle where there were enough water and land for food production, and there were no or rare disaster related to water. Water management became the basis for religious and social institutions. As the region began to produce surplus food, there was a societies restructuring. Dubos (1972), a humanist, states that the urban areas are identified by evaluating their cultural practices in spite of changes in technology. Social scientists begin to acknowledge the water may have played a role in determining the social characteristics of urban areas (Lind, 1979). Increasing of impervious surface area modified of natural drainage system and local climate changes have stressed the urban river. The increasing in impervious area make the runoff of rainfall in urban area has increase, compared to rural area. Furthermore, installations of storm sewer, culverting and channelizing the natural river have transmitted the water into drainage network faster. These events increase the flow velocity, reduce the timing of the runoff hydrograph, increase the flow rates which finally giving a hydrological problem; flooding. In term of flood mitigation, authorities who in charge in river development have change the course of the river flow, in order to prevent localized flooding. They use engineering practices known as river channelization. These technologies including lining the riverbed and banks with concrete or other materials, divert the flow into storm drains and culverts. These changes are often bringing negative effects. It includes flooding of downstream due to changes in the floodplain, loss of habitat for fish and other species, fragmentation of riparian and others, leading to deterioration of water quality. Fortunately, some communities have taken some effort to correct these problems. Their effort is to deal with bank erosion, due to the large amount of rainwater and using technologies such as daylighting and re-meandering. Example of successful project of daylighting is Cheonggyecheon river restoration project. Another major problem of urban hydrology is water quality degradation. McPherson (1974) states that oil leakage and spill, mining activities, surface or streets have contaminated the urban river. Other factors in this problem are soil erosion from construction, industrial process effluents, and combined sewer overflows, urban storm runoff, leakage from septic tanks and cesspools and contamination. As a result of pollution in urban watercourse water, many of the biological and aesthetic functions of water in urban areas cannot be fully utilized, disrespect and sometimes leading to abandoning the river from urban life itself. Litte (1990) states that there has been increasing public concern for the protection of urban watercourse water. Numerous watercourse commissions have been establish in an effort to plan use and protection. There is reason to be optimistic about combining human use and natural environments as many river cities are rediscovering their waterfronts and commissioning planning studies (Kim et al., 1991). However, the effect of waterfront development projects is not always good. All development projects have environmental and economic impact, and the development of the waterfront is not an exception. Any development project that will benefit some people is inevitable. Social and environmental impacts of water development, a number of effects obtained are usually extends far beyond the design of the site itself. Ecologists, environmentalist and designers have difficulties to predict overall effects because of complex interaction of diverse forces. For example, current knowledge of the man made wetland ecosystem might desirable for present of time. Thus, unless the design and planning precedes by five to ten years, something unexpected situation might to develop which some with preferable effects or some are not. In the current state of the art, this group often has difficulties to convince engineers, economists, and politicians that certain developments are unwise, or spending for remedial measures because of lack of solid scientific evidence or facts. Furthermore, engineers traditionally handle an urban watercourse development project. Sadly, they often ignore the social and environmental considerations in their planning process.  In some cases, social scientists, landscape architects and environmentalist have been brought only after the damage (Biswas and Durie, 1971). In principle, it is expensive to fix compensation after they occur: It is cheaper to take preventive measures. However, overall framework for the planning, design and management of urban river corridors still not well establish. An integrated planning that concerns every aspect regarding to urban watercourse corridors revitalization program must be develop. 2.4 LAndscape approach design for waterfront The word landscape is a complex word appears in a wide range of scientific literature. Various authors have treated this topic. Saltzman (2001) overview the term of landscape as notion of landscape has changed and evolved over time and between the various fields of disciplines. Saltzman (2001) indicates that other disciplines has a different approach. For example, natural scientists are often focused on the biophysical environment related to the interaction between species or ongoing natural processes as a landscape. Landscape architects tends to view landscape as planning tool while for archaeologists, they are more interested in the memory of landscape and its temporal aspects. An ethnologist, anthropologists, in literature or even among other disciplines, the landscape term refers for other purposes. In this study, writer defined the landscape using the concept of landscape as Elbakidze and Angelstam (2007). They interpret landscape as social interactions between biophysical landscape and human society as a central idea. In European Landscape Convention, a landscape defined as an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors (Anon. 2000b). The Elbakidze Angelstam (2007) concluded that the social-ecological systems contain elements of both natural and cultural landscape is intertwining with each other. Landscape characters have developed by both physical and cultural factors that evolved over the years. These aspects of the landscape must to consider in addition to the biophysical environment. Therefore, to fully describing a landscape, the number of variables that representing all the dimensions of sustainability have to use (Forman et al 2003, Berkes 1995s, Anderson et al, 2005). To implementing such landscape, approach needed some changes to suit the reality. One is to include of the different perspectives from different disciplines. For example, as described by Angelstam and Richnau (2008), while forest and landscape planners and managers try to accommodate commodity and non-commodity values in the same management unit, conservationists often define functional conservation landscapes, and other stakeholders such as farming communities or district officials may refer to their cultural or livelihood landscapes (e.g., Innes and Hoen 2005). More important in landscape approach is to explore the resources sustainably and untraditionally. Attention has to be making in evaluate the relationship between human with human, human with nature and human with god.   The landscape approach sometimes can be use as basic for ecological development scheme. It deals with the physical, ecological and geographical entity, integrating all human and natural patterns and process. In addition, the structure, composition and function analysis helps in forecasting the landscape dynamic. Landscape approach ultimate goal is to maximize the long-term benefits for biodiversity for sustainable development. This can be achieve by optimizing the balance between economic purposes, ecology and social. A landscape approach that considers whats happening at both the local, water body scale and at the broader regional scale is really the only way to study these types of issues, Cheruvelil (2010) states. If you look at only one ecosystem in isolation, you dont see the whole picture. Wiens (2002) states that systematic analysis of conservation and restoration management for aquatic ecosystems in riverine is not a tradition. However, the complex interactions between land and water systems are getting recognition from governance policies, planning and management practices. Singer (2007) states that being a social-ecological system, the term landscape approach capture the need for applied interdisciplinary approaches. Term landscape approach also emphasizes the ecological effects of spatial patterns of ecosystem and brad spatial scales. It is including the exchange and interaction within the entire landscapes, dynamics of development and spatial heterogeneity, the influence of spatial heterogeneity of biological and abiotic processes, and the management of spatial heterogeneity. Risser (1984) and Angelstam (2004) reflects the idea that landscapes evolve through time, as a result of being acted upon by natural forces and human beings, which underlines that landscapes forms a whole, whose natural and socio-cultural components are taken together, not separately (Berkes et al., 2003). 2.5 summary 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction In order to conduct research on the application of landscape for the urban waterfront more effectively and achieve desired results, the method to be used in this study is divided into two main phases. Each phase consists of research method that leads to the gathering of constructive information needed to the realization of the targeted goals Phase One will be involve mostly on the data gathering; determination and review of available information while in Phase Two, based on the date acquired, a practical guidelines shall be formulated and analyzed. Detailed reasoning and clarification of the aforementioned methodology proposed are as per the next subchapter. 3.2 PHASE ONE DEtermine and review Vast collection of waterfront designs and frameworks from various literatures are collected. It is crucial to establish a good data management in order to have a full understanding of the subject and its related issues, either explicitly or holistically. The assessment of the data gathered in each project is necessary where these elements are identified: Design consideration of urban waterfront Proposed design Planning frameworks Based on the collected data, principles of the projects are reviewed, segregated and tabulated into a table of nine-design consideration, which are open space, human use, character, ecology, accessibility, land use, management, design issues and economy. It is easier to review the quality and impact of a particular project through a list of segregated factors, which will be helpful for the implementation of Phase 2. 3.3 PHASE TWO DESIGN Guideline formulation The segregated list of design consideration from Phase 1 will be further analyzed. Each factors, its correlation, priorities and impact is review and ranked. Next, the first five best design consideration which is implemented will be selected. From the selected design consideration, their principles are outlined in another table for analysis and incorporated in the guideline formulation. . 3.4 LIMITATIONs 3.3 PROCEDURES The research will be divided into 5 stages as show in the figure below: Stage 5 Final Product Figure 3.1: Study Approach Flow Chart 4.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Design and planning of Waterfront The existing frameworks and designs, which developed by government agencies, researches and private consulting firms, need to be examined and used as the base guidelines for proposed waterfront development and its design. This study applied the design concept definition by Lyle (1999). He stated that design activity is equals to the participation in the process of nature creatively, which means giving form to physical phenomena in every scale. The study also accepted his opinion on the difference of planning and design. Based on his judgment, planning involves administrative activities in spite of physical form shaping while design is the creative physical activity in all scale; this design definition is similar to those explained by Steinitz and McHarg. Even though this thesis is aimed to discuss the design of riverfronts, it is also deals with certain part of the framework planning stage. This is due to the close relation of design issues discussed in the planning stage. Even Lyle (1999) himself acknowledged that the design and planning are closely linked and sometimes indistinguishable. Boston, Baltimore and Toronto were among the pioneers and being the model for the waterfront issues (Penteado 2004). Since 1970s, several publications illustrated the analysis of these cities waterfront (e.g. Breen and Rigby 1996 and Brutomesso 1993). In Toronto, for example, different frameworks, design and planning for its metropolitan waters edge were introduced (e.g. Reid 1997). Central Waterfront Planning Committee (1976) in Toronto listed the physical properties that affecting the waterfront quality. They stated that it depends on the use, history, landscape, immediacy, views, activity, contrast, drama, intimacy, sound and wildlife. The Committee primarily focused on design, explores, and suggests the quality of the water edge form, visual quality, building materials and construction details, and a variety of uses. Waterfront design by Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs (1987) on the other hand addressed the following issues for designing waterfront; shoreline protection, public access area, beaches, recreational boating, landscape for improving the waterfront and urban design. Royal Commission on the Future of Toronto Waterfront RCTFW (1992) proposed a framework of design principles for its waterfront which incorporated nine significant principles: Clean: Incentive of natural processes instead of engineering solutions Green: Infrastructure composed of natural features and topography such as habitats, aquifers and parks Connection: Relation between wildlife habitats, social communities, humans and nature. Open: Maintenance and restoration of vistas Accessible: Incorporation of public transit Useable: Mix of public and private uses and public access Diverse: Variety of uses and programs Affordable: Efficient use of government resources and integration of socio economic and environmental objectives (RCTFW 1992) Attractive: Excellence in design to create memorable places Out of all frameworks reviewed, these principles above were the most comprehensive context in the establishment of a waterfront. They dealt with both natural systems and integration of human needs. In contrast, Reed (1997) focused on the minimization of the impact to natural habitats when designing a trail along the Ontario Lake and thus came out with design guidelines. He proposed that each design should: Avoid most sensitive zone Balance the effect of alternatives Use previous disturbed areas Maintain natural processes Limit access Incorporate habitat enhancements. Unfortunately, he failed to mention the wildlife in urban areas along the coast. Alternatively, the Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department (1994) developed a framework based on these principles: Accessibility Sharing the benefits Balance Diversity Responsible stewardship Many of the guidelines reviewed incorporate different principles. Another case in point is Landplan Co Ltd (1995) who proposed a framework design called generic guidelines for managing visual change in the landscape for the Toronto Waterfront. The general guidelines required these principles to be addressed: Residential Industrial Commercial Recreational Rural Historic area Community character Vegetation Signage Lighting Hierarchy of open spaces Several authors combined their expertise and formulated a framework for the waterfront development in the United States. One of them was from Harvard University Design (1980). They proposed a Guideline for East Boston, which was dealing with: Open space Public access Orientation Views Neighborhood scale Activity Parking There was a successful case where a comprehensive guideline was developed. Torre (1989) presented a framework of waterfront project design based on these principles: History Climate Special elements Image Authenticity Function Public perception of need Financial feasibility Environmental approvals Construction technology Effective management Goodwin and Good in 1990 formulated a framework to rebuild the waterfront in a small town. The framework displayed a list of six fundamentals in the planning process. They called them the tool and technique which are: Waterfront uses and activities Land use control and incentives Land acquisition Financing of riverfront revitalization Choosing and using consultants Obtaining waterfront development permits Coolman (Breen and Rigby 1990), stated that these general issues must be addressed during the development of design guidelines: Simplicity and clarity Compatibility with zoning Publication and communication Table 4.1 summarizes the information of frameworks and design presented above and others world recognized waterfront project. Table 4.1 Interpretation of concern presents in planning and design frameworks. Tick cells indicate the issues addressed by each framework. No Project, City/Literature Human use Open Space Character Ecology Accessibility L

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Ralph Lauren Essay -- essays research papers

Ralph Lauren is American's leading designer in the classic tradition, who has stayed true to his own point of view, despite the seasonal vagaries of fashion. Mr. Lauren has always believed that fashion is function of lifestyle. He believes that clothed should be natural, comfortable and elegant, for the way people live today. His clothes have timeless grace and become more personal and special age. For Mr. Lauren, the starting point is always his concern for quality and attention to detail, while the creative drama comes from his own romantic sense of elegance and reverence for authencity. Always true to his own purely American vision of fashion, his products are nearly as diverse as the country that inspires them. He designs a wide range of products, including menswear, womenswear, boyswear, girlswear, home furnishing, eyewear, scarves, shoes, hosiery, fragrances, handbag, luggage and leather goods. And the stores that carry his products are located across the United States and around the world.   MENSWEAR : POLO BY RALPH LAUREN In 1967, the New York born bred Ralph Lauren started the Polo division of Beau Brummel neckties. Ties at that time were in an Ivy League phase-dark, narrow and undistinguished. But, for several years, Mr. Lauren had harbored the nation that the time was right for a new look. And so, he pioneered the wide tie-a four-inch tie made from opulent materials and fabrications that were unheard of in the business. Polo ties soon became the status tie. And Ralph Lauren became the menswear design to watch, as his ties revolutionized the industry. Mr.Lauren had more dreams to fulfill. He chose the name Polo for his line of ties because the sport repsented to him a lifestyle of athletic grace and discreet elegance, an image of men who wore well-tailored, classic clothes and wore them with style. With that image in mind, Mr Lauren established Polo as a separate menswear company in 1968, producing a complete line of men's clothes. Using only the finest fabrications, Mr. Lares's menswear was distinctive, innovative, but always classic and refined. His suits blended the American Ivy League natural shoulder silhouette with the fitted shape and expensive fabrics of the best European custom tailored clothing. His shirts were all cotton, richly patterned and expertly made. This same care was, and still is, applied to every element of... ... Mr. Lauren took a leading position in raising funds to build new exhibit space and a headquarter building for the museum. In 1989, Mr. Lauren united the fashion industry to support Brest cancer research. Through a personal contribution and fundraising, Mr. Lauren successfully launched the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at the Lombardi Cancer Research Center at Georgetown University's medical complex in Washington, D.C. The Center is Named for Nina Hyde, the fashion editor of The Washington Post, in recognition to her contributions to cancer research. Mr. Lauren also takes time out to accept a few design project, including costuming all the male Actors in "The Great Gatsby "(1973 and Woody Allen and Dianne Keaton in "AnnieHall"(1971). In 1978, Mr. Lauren designed a uniform program for Trans World Airlines(TWA) that is still in use today. PERSONAL INFORMATION With Demanding work schedules, Ralph Lauren prefers to lead, personal life with his family - his wife Ricky and their three children. They enjoy jogging around the Central Park reservoir near their upper Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City and active weekends at their Colorado ranch.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Greece :: essays research papers

Greece has an area of 50,949 square miles and is located at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The area of Greece is approximately the same as that of England or the U.S. state of Alabama. Greece is located in Southern Europe between Albania and Turkey. The country is bordered to the west by the Ionian Sea, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and to the east by the Aegean Sea; only to the north and northeast does it have land borders. The basically Mediterranean climate of Greece is subject to a number of regional and local variations occasioned by the country’s physical diversity. The people of Greece usually experience mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In all seasons, especially in summer, the quality of light is one of Greece’s most appealing attractions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Greek landscape is conspicuous not only for its beauty but also for its complexity and variety. Greece is dominated by three elements: the sea, mountains, and the lowland. Arms and inlets of the sea penetrate deeply so that only a small, wedge-shaped portion of the interior mainland is more than fifty miles from the coast. Islands make up roughly eighteen percent of the territory of modern Greece. Approximately eighty percent of Greece is mountain terrain, much of it deeply dissected. A series of mountain chains on the Greek mainland enclose narrow parallel valleys and numerous small basins that once held lakes. The last dominant feature of the Greek landscape is the lowland. The lowland makes up about twenty percent of the land area and it has played an important role in the life of the country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Approximately eleven million people live in Greece today. All but a very small part of the population belong to the Church of Greece (Greek Orthodox Church). The Muslim minority, which constitutes most of the non-Orthodox group, is mainly Turkish. Roman and Greek Catholics account for the rest, except for a few thousand adherents of Protestant churches and of Judaism. In terms of ethnic composition, Greeks make up all but a small part of the total, the remainder being composed of Macedonians, Turks, Albanians, Bulgarians, Armenians, and Gypsies. Despite a rapid rate of growth in the post-World War II period, Greece’s economy is one of the least developed in the European Union (EU). Rates of productivity remain low in both the agricultural and industrial sectors, and the development of the country’s economy has lagged behind that of its EU partners. Greece :: essays research papers Greece has an area of 50,949 square miles and is located at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. The area of Greece is approximately the same as that of England or the U.S. state of Alabama. Greece is located in Southern Europe between Albania and Turkey. The country is bordered to the west by the Ionian Sea, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and to the east by the Aegean Sea; only to the north and northeast does it have land borders. The basically Mediterranean climate of Greece is subject to a number of regional and local variations occasioned by the country’s physical diversity. The people of Greece usually experience mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In all seasons, especially in summer, the quality of light is one of Greece’s most appealing attractions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Greek landscape is conspicuous not only for its beauty but also for its complexity and variety. Greece is dominated by three elements: the sea, mountains, and the lowland. Arms and inlets of the sea penetrate deeply so that only a small, wedge-shaped portion of the interior mainland is more than fifty miles from the coast. Islands make up roughly eighteen percent of the territory of modern Greece. Approximately eighty percent of Greece is mountain terrain, much of it deeply dissected. A series of mountain chains on the Greek mainland enclose narrow parallel valleys and numerous small basins that once held lakes. The last dominant feature of the Greek landscape is the lowland. The lowland makes up about twenty percent of the land area and it has played an important role in the life of the country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Approximately eleven million people live in Greece today. All but a very small part of the population belong to the Church of Greece (Greek Orthodox Church). The Muslim minority, which constitutes most of the non-Orthodox group, is mainly Turkish. Roman and Greek Catholics account for the rest, except for a few thousand adherents of Protestant churches and of Judaism. In terms of ethnic composition, Greeks make up all but a small part of the total, the remainder being composed of Macedonians, Turks, Albanians, Bulgarians, Armenians, and Gypsies. Despite a rapid rate of growth in the post-World War II period, Greece’s economy is one of the least developed in the European Union (EU). Rates of productivity remain low in both the agricultural and industrial sectors, and the development of the country’s economy has lagged behind that of its EU partners.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Christian Tradition Essay

‘Men, women and schools of thought have reformed and/or revitalised the Christian tradition.’ How well does this statement reflect the impact on Christianity of ONE significant person or school of thought, other than Jesus? Pope John XXIII was a highly influential, religious leader in the Catholic Church, whom was elected Pope on 28th October 1958. Although he was thought to be a transitional pope, John XXIII was often addressed as the ‘good pope’ due to his significant involvement in Catholicism. He challenged the role of the Catholic Church and emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue. John XXIII’s most significant impact is the creation of the Second Vatican Council, which taught the Catholic Church to â€Å"open the windows† to engage with the modern world. Pope John XXIII was also passionate in promoting social justice, world peace and human rights. The statement clearly defines the impact John XXIII contributed to, as he reformed and revitalised the Christian tradition to adapt to the modern world of the 1960s, as well the ecumenism of all Christian denominations. Before the opening of Vatican II on 11 October 1962, the Church was separated from the secular world, as it was considered that everything not within Christianity was corrupt. Even so, sectarianism between different Christian denominations was very strong. Mass had also been spoken in Latin since 1570, and the laity were not supposed to read the Bible, and were merely observers to the liturgy, as all the ministries were done by the clergy.1 Since 1870, no Pope had an official engagement outside the Vatican, and mostly focused within the Catholic Church, however John XXIII changed this concept completely. He worked to reform the Catholic Church by calling the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Vatican II was the first council of any sort in over 100 years, and in its course, over 2500 bishops attended the four sessions convened. Vatican II was considered â€Å"an engagement with the modern world through a Christ-centred mission†2 which completely changed the mindset and mentality of people to engage with the modern world. The renewal of the liturgy saw the involvement of the laity, as now the Tridentine Mass was translated into the vernacular. The laity were now encouraged to study the Bible, as it was also translated into vernacular language. This impacted the whole concept of Mass, as the laity could now actively participate in the celebration of the liturgy and were recognised by the Church as the people of God, through the dogmatic constitution ‘Lumen Gentium’. John XXIII demonstrated his personal engagement with the world through his own personal examples, like meeting with world leaders, visiting inmates in prisons and sick children in hospitals. John XXIII also impacted on the expression of Christianity through the acceptance of the means of media such as, film, radio and television to engage with adherents. The Catholic Church would be outdated and irrelevant to modern life, if not for Pope John XXIII’s calling for Second Vatican Council, which revitalised the whole Church to engage with the modern world. Vatican II also brought about the 21st Ecumenical Council, which included the change of attitude from hostility/sectarianism to mutual respect and acceptance of all Christian denominations. Before Vatican II, the Catholic Church was seen as the ‘one true Church’, and Protestants were called heretics, while Orthodox Christians were schismatics. The council sought to renew the life of the church and reform its structures and institutions.3 One of the aims of John XXIII was the ‘Decree of Ecumenism’ which was to promote the ‘unity of Christians’, and thus stated, â€Å"Let us place values on those things which unite us and lay aside that which separates us.†4 Pope John XXIII demonstrated this reform by meeting with the Anglican Archbishop of Cantebury and also the Orthodox Patriarch in the 1960‘s. In 1965, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches apologised to each other and lifted the mutual excommunication of the Great Schism in 1054.The Catholic Church also became involved with the World Council of Churches in 1940. John XXIII’s ecumenical reform has now impacted the interaction between Christians, as they are now encouraged to share prayer and social actions together, ending the sectarianism conflicts between Christian denominations. Interfaith dialogue was also a factor of the Vatican II, encouraging mutual respect and dialogue amongst different religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. In the Vatican II document ‘Nostra Aetate’, he recognised and accepted that there is the presence of truth contained in other religious traditions, and condemned ‘anti-semitism’. John XXIII’s reforms of ecumenism, unity of mankind, and interfaith dialogue has impacted and revitalised the interaction of the secular and non secular world. Pope John XXIII also appealed to the whole world to work for peace and justice, emphasising the importance of â€Å"unity among mankind†. The role of the church was also questioned, and now became a ‘servant’ to the world as the Catholic Church became aware of social issues such as human rights, unity of Christians, social justice and world peace. John XXIII revitalised the Catholic Church’s view of modern world and its relationship to it. The church now was at the service of the world rather than in opposition.5 The Catholic Church was now open to dialogue and work with other Christians, other religions and even atheistic governments such as the communists. John XXIII also encouraged all Christians to be called to discipleship, and new roles of ‘evangelisation’ and ‘word for social justice’. This is further expressed in his encyclical, ‘Mater Et Magistra’ (Mother and Teacher). ‘Mater Et Magistra’ restated the teaching of social justice, and the necessity for wealthy nations to support developing countries. The encyclical stated, â€Å"Justice and humanity demand that those countries which produce consumer goods, especially farm products†¦should come to the assistance of other countries where large sections of the population are suffering from want and hunger.†6 Another encyclical by John XXIII is ‘Pacem in Terris’ (Peace on Earth), which applied to the whole world for peace as it was on the brink of a nuclear war. ‘Pacem in Terris’ pleaded for the banning of nuclear weapons and an end to the arms race.7 Another aim for calling the Second Vatican Council was the promotion of ‘unity among mankind’. The Pope established an engagement between the Catholic Church and the modern world by his involvement in current world affairs. He met with John F. Kennedy (USA) and Khrushchev (USSR) to maintain and counsel for peace of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. John XXIII exhibited his contact with secular and non religious leaders to shape the path ahead for the common good of all. Pope John XXII was not only a significant figure in Christianity but also a highly influential figure in the world. Today, this has impacted on some Catholic organisations focusing on helping the poor and the development of third world countries. Through the 4 constitutions, 9 decrees and 3 declarations of the Vatican II, John XXIII revolutionised and challenged the traditions of triumphalism, clericalism and legalism in the Catholic church and brought participation by the laity, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue and a focus on justice and peace of the world. 8John XXIII’s reason and inspiration for his contribution come from the core Christian belief of Jesus’ commandment for love, â€Å"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.†9 and †Love your neighbour as yourself.†10 Pope John XXIII was an inspiration man who reformed and revitalised the whole Catholic Church and impacted the way liturgy is held today, the interaction between Christian denominations and other religious traditions, and the focus on social justice and peace in the Christian tradition today.