Lims

LIMS In the typical scientific laboratory there is a large amount of data that must be tracked and analysed. In my current work setting we collect data from outside laboratories, analyse the data, and then return the data. We process thousands of samples per week. This makes tracking and sorting the data very cumbersome. We basically serve as a clearinghouse for data to be batched out to our customers, the independent researcher. Our laboratory considers itself a high-throughput sequencing centre. Our daily objective is to make the lab more automated. We are continually striving to use more robots or automated data entry.For automated data entry we use bar codes. Bar coding tends to have fewer errors in data entry. It also allows us to generate a greater amount of information for any given sample. The more we can automate the process the more samples we are able to put through the system. Each of the independent researchers in the company is looking for a particular disease by identi fying the disease-causing gene. Once the gene has been located the researcher must get the DNA sequence from the gene. That is our job. We at the sequencing centre take the DNA sample, with the gene, and run the sample on our automated machines.Once the sample has been analysed we put the analysed sample, also known as the DNA sequence, into a database that the researcher can access. This is a very general idea of what the Sequencing Centre does. The role of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is to keep track of this data. The accuracy of the LIMS is crucial for an efficient and effective workflow. The analysed sample must be coordinated with the correct sample name that the researcher gives to the Sequencing Centre. This means that everything must be entered into the database correctly. The data must also exist in a safe and accessible database.The data flow can be characterized in the following context diagram. We have just begun the implementation of a new LIMS s ystem. Hopefully this analysis will help to guide our laboratory as we move towards its implementation. LIMS Functionality Different LIMS systems offer a variety of functionality. The systems have developed from simple data entry and record storage to complex relational database driven tools. They now offer enhanced functionality often provided over the wireless networks and company intranet, allowing greater flexibility for inspections in remote and difficult environments Regulations and ComplianceThe functionality of the LIMS system is far greater than just tracking and reporting on samples. LIMS systems must often comply with regulations that affect the user, for example a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals is obliged to operate under the cGMP 21 CFR Part 210 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Processing, Packing, or Holding of Drugs. Other regulations that LIMS systems must operate under include HIPAA, ISO 9001, and ISO 15189. It is important for systems to have the ability to accept e-signatures, as well as offer audit trails and chain of custody.These types of functionality are required to ensure that the correct persons have access to the sample and the results of the sample inspection Equipment Calibration and Maintenance When inspections are carried out the equipment used to extract the sample and to test the sample must be maintained correctly and calibrated so that there are no errors introduced into the test results. The LIMS system should contain maintenance records of the equipment used in testing so that notifications can be generated to perform regular preventive maintenance.With some instruments and equipment, the requirement may include calibration after a certain number of uses, for example the use of a depth micrometre may require that it is calibrated after 50 uses or every month, whichever comes first. LIMS systems can also contain the calibration instructions so that a notification and a calibration instruction s heet can be sent to the maintenance department or a specialty outside vendor. LIMS Expansion Pre-1982 Laboratory notebooks and handwritten reports/charts were used to track and report information.In-house information systems were configured by a few laboratories. Custom-built LIMS became available from third-party vendors. 1982 The first commercial LIMS, known as first generation (1G) LIMS, are introduced. These 1G LIMS placed laboratory functions onto a single minicomputer, providing greater lab productivity and functionality as well as the first automated reporting capabilities. 1988 Second generation (2G) LIMS become available. 2G LIMS used the available market technology of third-party commercial relational databases (RDB) to provide application-specific solutions.Most 2G LIMS relied on minicomputers, but PC-based solutions were beginning to emerge. 1991 The move toward open systems ushered in third generation (3G) LIMS, which combined the PC's easy to use interface and standard ized desktop tools with the power and security of minicomputer servers in a client/server configuration. 1995 Fourth generation (4G) LIMS decentralize the architecture further. Processing can be performed anywhere on the network. Thus, all clients and servers can operate in either capacity depending upon the data load at any particular instance Pros and ConsMost LIMS products allow the laboratory to; register work requests; print analytical worksheets; monitor and communicate sample/technique backlogs; schedule work; acquire and store analytical data; monitor the quality of all analytical work; approve analytical data for client release; print and store analytical reports and invoices; protect the security of all data; track and locate samples in storage; track and communicate all quality control in the laboratory; provide laboratory management with production and financial statistics and with client information, e. . , names, addresses, sales figures, etc. An appropriately designed and installed LIMS can quickly bring accuracy and accessibility to the flow of samples and data in any laboratory. The real value of a LIMS is the ability to maximize sample throughput and minimize labour costs. Laboratory throughput is improved in a number of different ways. The most obvious gain in productivity occurs through the elimination of data entry via on-line instruments. Also, there will be a significant decrease in data entry errors.Finally, the up-to-date sample in-flow data available from a typical LIMS allows laboratory supervisors and bench personnel to better schedule analytical work, minimize â€Å"downtime† and maximize batch size. Some other effects are that there are better visible quality control checks and centralized data. The ability to monitor, track and communicate data and quality control information gives the laboratory the tools to improve methods and work practices. The end result is that people in the lab able to process more samples per hour worked. The problems Rushed or Incomplete InstallationLIMS installation can be expensive. As a result laboratory management has a tendency to reduce costs by shortening the time spent on-site by the design team. In addition, several installation phases may be required in order to allow laboratory personnel time to learn and apply each LIMS feature before adding the next. Effective communication between the bench personnel and the design team is key to ensuring a successful project. The best way to facilitate this communication is by extending and phasing the installation. Lack of Technician Access to the LIMSA problem that arises in some organizations as laboratory and support staff begin to use the system is a failure to recognize and remove access bottlenecks. For a LIMS to function smoothly all personnel must have their own access point. Access expansion can usually be spread over six to eighteen months as the laboratory assimilates the LIMS and usage increases. Design/Scoping Pr ocedure The design/scoping stage prior to acquiring our LIMS has involved the review and analysis of available software/hardware packages as well as the definition and documentation of our laboratory’s requirements.The error here is could be that bench personnel are excluded from the process. To resolve this problem we have had frequent meetings with the personnel in our lab. Some laboratories might go into a LIMS program believing that future requirements for bench level supervision will be reduced or eliminated. It has been recognized by many that LIMS is simply a tool and as such cannot manage the laboratory or take the place of personnel supervision. A LIMS will effectively provide current, reliable and complete operational data.The easy access to accurate data allows management to significantly enhance the quality and speed of decision making. Decision making becomes based more on fact rather than instincts. Many LIMS products tend to function more like accounting or fin ancial databases. This could be related to the educational and work experience of most software professionals. The demand for financial and accounting database packages means that the software industry is more familiar with this type of requirement than with a highly technical application like a LIMS.Thus, the average software professional does not usually have the background to effectively interpret a laboratory’s requirements. This communication problem can manifest itself in LIMS systems that do not easily fit into laboratory operations. Often the laboratory must significantly alter procedures and work flow in order to conform to the LIMS. This requirement for wholesale change significantly complicates LIMS installations and it might have poor acceptance and commitment support personnel to the project. A similar problem often occurs in large organizations with dedicated Information System (IS), departments.Significant conflict and problems can arise when IS personnel recom mend the most up-to-date hardware or software architecture regardless of the functionality, fit or overall cost to the laboratory. The end result of this process is that the laboratory must undergo significant change in order to conform to the product purchased. In the extreme case laboratories can wind-up having to increase overhead, e. g. , more data handling, in order to use LIMS systems that have been designed not for the laboratory but for the accounting or production departments.The keys to success are flexibility, adaptability, ease of evolution and support, and most importantly overall system speed. The speed issue is very critical as bench personnel will not use something that is slow or awkward. If the system saves bench personnel time they will quickly â€Å"buy into† the project and aggressively move the process forward. The key in any LIMS development should be to achieve a majority of the desired functionality without compromising system speed. Most laboratories need time to assimilate a LIMS before being able to take full advantage of all of its features.As a result of this ‘break-in period’ the more complex features can usually be postponed a year or two without affecting the success of the program. [17] This implementation delay may also allow laboratory personnel the chance to provide more input into the critical final stages of system optimization. Installation Stage The goal of any LIMS installation must be to acquire a system that will make the jobs of bench personnel easier and thus increase the efficiency of the organization. In order to be successful, the LIMS system must be accepted and welcomed by the bench personnel.Often the first contact front-line personnel have with the new system is during installation, long after all decisions have been made. This situation often leads to significant software and LIMS configuration problems that require major software re-writes, hardware retro-fits and/or disruptive organiza tional changes. In addition, analytical and support staff are more likely to resist the new system if they have had little input into its design and operational characteristics. The installation phase of a LIMS program is critical to the overall success of the project.It is during LIMS installation that personnel must be taught how to use the product and where the software designers get their first view of how the LIMS will fit into and function in the laboratory. The installation phase of a LIMS project can take from weeks to months depending on the size of the laboratory and the complexity of the project. No Staff Training Bench personnel must be taught how to use the LIMS. As with any subject laboratory staff must be taught progressively so that personnel have a chance to use and apply what they learn.In laboratories where the LIMS training has been available and sustained the staff will be using the LIMS at a similar level. This consistency of approach builds team work and staff efficiency increases. In laboratories where training has not been a priority, staff will be using the LIMS at different levels. This situation can create a great deal of competition in the laboratory as turf wars erupt over the adoption of new or unused LIMS features. Poorly trained staff fears the new features and as a result delay or resist their implementation.Poor Feedback Mechanism As noted above communication is a key component of any successful LIMS project. It is important that laboratories make sure that a well-developed feedback mechanism is put in place during the installation of a LIMS so that laboratory personnel can bring forward problems and see quick resolution. Staff often hesitate to bring forward complaints and will instead work around the problem. One successful approach that has been used by organizations to solve this problem has been regular procedural audits.The process required to perform an audit usually brings to light LIMS defects or problems that staff have been coping with. This is has already been implemented for other laboratory procedures in our lab. Conclusion Companies require that quality is part of every link in the supply chain, whether it is raw material at a vendor’s facility or finished goods delivered to a customer. To ensure that the quality personnel are able to achieve the optimum results, a Laboratory Information Management System is vital to that success.

Modern tragic hero Essay

Aristotle defines a tragedy as a â€Å"form of drama defined by seriousness and dignity and involving a great person who experiences a reversal of fortune†. This ‘great’ person is normally held in high regard and possesses a tragic or fatal flaw which contributes to the reversal of fortune. The character must pass through suffering and trials in which they are brought to their limit and, eventually, the character realises their mistake or flaw, and develops as a result of this. Unfortunately, the development invariably comes too late, and the tragedy ends in the character’s death. According to Aristotle, a tragedy must induce fear and pity in the audience. Watching a person held in high regard fall leaves the audience wondering if a single mistake could really lead to such a drastic turn of events. The Crucible was written at a time when Miller was summoned to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee. During the 1940s and early 1950s, the fear of communist sympathisers became so great that under Senator Joseph McCarthy, the committee became paranoid in its search for possible communists. As this was happening, Miller began seeing parallels between the actions of the committee and the witchcraft trials in Salem two hundred years ago: â€Å"What was manifestly parallel was the guilt, two centuries apart, of holding illicit, suppressed feelings of alienation and hostility toward standard, daylight society†. The possession of lists pertaining to possible offenders is a particular link, and Miller fashioned The Crucible around both the events of his time and the Salem witch trials. Miller wrote the play for modern audiences and while John Proctor’s path is similar to the one defined by Aristotle, there are a number of differences. John Proctor is described as blunt and honest: â€Å"He had a sharp and biting way with hypocrites,† He has a rebellious spirit which leads him to be impulsive and rash on occasions. An example of this is when Parris mentions a faction. Proctor in jest says, â€Å"Then I must find it and join it†. This behaviour typical to Proctor differs a great deal from the repressive norm of the time. His behaviour also leads him to trouble later in the play, as others do not appreciate his more liberal thinking. â€Å"In Proctor’s presence a fool felt his foolishness instantly-and a Proctor is always marked for calumny therefore. † As a result of his sometimes rebellious attitude, he puts himself in a dangerous position when the hysteria elevates. Proctor is principled and a man of conviction. His refusal to go to church is not motivated by laziness but by a dislike of how Parris runs it. Miller also says that he came to, â€Å"regard himself as a kind of fraud†. Proctor understands that he is not the perfect Christian that he appears to be, and while he remains respected in the village, he himself feels undeserving of such respect because of the sins he has committed. As such, his fear of public humiliation is so great that he is reluctant to act when Elizabeth urges him. To Proctor, the risk of Abigail revealing his sins is too great. Proctor is very weak willed at the start of the play, which highlights his vulnerabilities as a human being while making his change all the more pronounced. He lacks moral courage and strength: strength to do what is right and courage to act, despite the risks on his own reputation. In his actions toward Elizabeth, we see he is loyal and caring. Even though he strayed from his vows, he seeks forgiveness more than anything else and puts off Abigail’s advances, â€Å"I will cut off my hand before I reach for you again. † He is protective of his wife’s feelings, and tries to spare them by deceiving through omission. This is demonstrated when Proctor leaves out that he was alone with Abigail for a moment. However, when Elizabeth finds out about it, she is hurt that he lied, and suspicious of his reasons for doing so. Through this deception, Proctor is inadvertently protecting his own insecurities which, while seemingly non existent to the outside world, he displays in private when with Elizabeth. Proctor lacks confidence in regard to his wife. He feels that he is trying hard to gain her trust but is not getting any response from her: â€Å"On Saturday let you come with me, and we’ll walk the farm together. † This is an obvious attempt to do something romantic with his wife, but Elizabeth is less than enthusiastic. Their inability to face up to their problems and the habit of tip toeing around sensitive subjects prevents the forgiveness that he so craves and keeps their relationship tense. With regard to moral courage, Proctor’s fear of humiliation makes him indecisive, as the only way to stop Abigail’s lies is to hurt her. Here he shows his flaws. He doesn’t want Abigail to reveal their affair. He doesn’t want to hurt her because of his affection and while he knows what she is doing is false, his inaction allows the situation to deteriorate drastically over a short period of time- the start of his fall. Proctor also has a great fear of being judged by others, especially his wife. He says to Elizabeth: â€Å"I’ll not have your suspicion any more,† to which Elizabeth replies, â€Å"John, if it were not Abigail that you must go to hurt, would you falter now? I think not. † It is evident that what she says is true, but, because of this, Proctor immediately jumps to his own defence, â€Å"I confessed, confessed! Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day†. This reveals his resentment for being judged, and his belief that only God has the right to do so. Elizabeth also points out Proctor’s confliction and self doubt, â€Å"I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you,† meaning Proctor is punishing himself for his sins, and channelling his guilt by blaming his wife. In this interaction with Elizabeth we truly see how insecure and weak Proctor is, a far cry from the strong outward appearance he shows to others. His inaction stems from his pride, fear and insecurity, and leads to dire consequences for him and Elizabeth. However, as the play progresses, Proctor goes over a sudden and monumental change. Spurred by the arrest of his wife, the innate defiance in him surfaces and Proctor begins to gain moral courage, becoming committed to freeing his wife. Only in the absence of Elizabeth does John discover purpose and tenacity to do what he has to. He is not yet at the point where he can admit his affair openly to stop Abigail, but he begins to see the extent of the hysteria through Mary Warren and resolves to stop it with the aid of Mary Warren, â€Å"All our old pretence is ripped away-make your peace with it! † He must now contend with Mary’s weak nature, and it is ironic that at the moment of gaining new strength, he must help Mary overcome her weaknesses and fears. Proctor is still scared for his reputation, but the arrest of Elizabeth is the catalyst of his future development.

A Traditional Fairy Tale From a Feminist Perspective

A Traditional Fairy Tale From a Feminist Perspective The Big Bad Wolf, Prince Charming, and The Beast: many fairy tales provide images of men varying from the courageous to the very evil. Each tale encodes messages for young girls about men, marriage, or sex as a type of socialization. Charles Perraults traditional version of the Bluebeard tale, which includes morals regarding curiosity and marriage, is no exception. In her book The Bloody Chamber, Angela Carter totally flips the messages of traditional fairy tales, such as Bluebeard, by rewriting them from a feminist perspective. Carter transforms the tale of Bluebeard into a feminist story in her version entitled The Bloody Chamber by placing the mother in the role of savior, allowing the protagonist to participate in her own rescue, and subtracting strength from the secondary male figures. One of Carters most notable adaptations to the story of Bluebeard in an effort to create a feminist tale is her treatment of the protagonists mother. In the traditional version of the fairy tale, Perrault mentions the protagonists mother only briefly as, a respectable lady, [who] had two daughters who were perfect beauties (144). Unlike Perrault, Carter chooses to make the mother a central figure. Whereas Perrault only describes the mother in regard to her lady-like qualities and her role in raising children, Carter depicts the mother as a much more complex and powerful character, which is a key adaptation in her efforts to turn the story into a feminist tale. In the opening of the story, the narrator describes her mother as my eagle-featured indomitable mother who had outfaced a junkful of Chinese pirates, nursed a village through a visitation of the plague, shot a man-eating tiger with her own hand (7). By describing the mother as indomitable, Carter immediately points to the moth ers strength. Likewise, by providing the reader with the mothers unfeminine history, Carter emphasizes the mothers past courage and potential power. Carter also depicts the mother as a source of strength for the female protagonist. When she explores the chamber, the narrator notes, Until that moment, this spoiled child did not know she had inherited nerves and a will from the mother who had defied the yellow outlaws of Indo-China. My mothers sprit drove me on. (28). Carter does not simply depict the mother as brave, but implies that bravery passes from mother to daughter. The passing of courage from female to female, rather than male to male or male to female, is significant in that it shows the power of a strong female role model. The daughter looks up to the mother because of her unfeminine abilities. The history of the mothers courage is not the only way in which Carter uses the mother character to make the story distinctly feminist. Carter expands on this strong female character by placing the mother in the role of the savior, rather than giving such power to a male character. In Perraults version of the tale, the girls brothers heroically rescue her from a violent death at the hands of Bluebeard. Carter, however, replaces the brothers with the mother, thus placing the most power (the power to defeat the villain) in the hands of a female, she raised my fathers gun, took aim and put a single, irreproachable bullet through my husbands head (40). With the mother as the rescuer who kills the husband, Carter changes the nature of the climactic moment of the story. Rather than a struggle between men regarding a female, the struggle occurs between male and female. The wife relies not on men to save her, but on another woman. Cater toys with this power struggle between male and female even more by allowing the protagonist to play a role in her own escape. In both The Bloody Chamber and Perraults Bluebeard, the protagonist attempts to prolong her life by stalling her husband. In Carters version, the narrator walks slowly to her husband to allow her mother time to approach the castle (39). In Perraults, the girl asks for time to say her prayers in attempt to delay her doom until the arrival of her brothers who she hopes will rescue her (146). Both of these examples are passive attempts to simply buy time until another party can perform the rescue. However, Carter provides her protagonist with a greater role in her own escape, as her husband swings what would be a deathly blow. The blade did not descend, the necklace did not sever, my head did not roll. For, for an instant, the beast wavered in his stroke, a sufficient split second of astonished indecision to let me spring upright and dart to the assistance of my lover as he struggled sightlessly with the great bolts that kept [my mother] out. (39) This quote exemplifies the importance of the narrators own action in her salvation. Carters emphasis on what did not happen, followed by the action of the protagonist, allows the reader to see that she does not die because of her own inclination to move out from under the blade. After all, if she does not do so, her husband will kill her before her mother even enters the room. Her assistance is required to open the gate for her mother. The addition of the protagonists action is a key element in her rescue, which is not found in Perraults version of the tale. In his version, the brothers enter, chase, and kill Bluebeard while the girl remains on the ground, Bluebeards wife was as close to death as her husband and barely had the strength to rise and embrace her brothers (147). Whereas Perrault depicts her as weak and incapable, Carter depicts the wife as a powerful individual whose actions are key to her own rescue, thus giving even more power to the female roles. Not only does Cater transform the tale of Bluebeard into a feminist story by empowering the female characters, she also decreases the power of the secondary male characters by removing the brothers from the story and adding the less powerful piano-tuner. In Perraults version of the tale, the only male characters the reader encounters (aside from Bluebeard) are the brothers. Additionally, Perrault depicts the brothers as the very picture of masculinity, the one a dragoon and the other a musketeer (147). His version of the story only contains images of powerful and aggressive males. Carter opts to remove the brothers completely. As a result, the reader associates male power and aggression with evil because it is only found in the husband and is not positively represented. Carter not only removes the powerful and aggressive brothers, but she also adds the less-powerful piano-tuner, Jean Yves, to show a weakened power of men in the story. The narrator first describes Jean with a series of adjectives that lead the reader to picture him as a male without power, he was blind, of course; but young, with a gentle mouth (23). From this description the reader envisions a mild boy with a handicap, which is the complete opposite of the secondary male characters depicted in Perraults tale. Not only does the narrator describe Jean as a weakling in physical terms, she later describes his lack of courage. She states, The door slowly, nervously opened and I sawthe slight, stooping figure of the piano-tuner, and he looked far more terrified of me than my mothers daughter would have been of the Devil himself (31). Carters use of comparison points out the drastic difference in courage between the boy and the protagonist. Carter repeats this theme of comparison of bravery again when the narrator says, When I thought of courage, I thought of my mother. Then I saw a muscle in my lovers face quiver (38). By recalling the image of the powerful mother and placing it next to the quivering face of the lover, Carter reemphasizes the dramatic difference in courage between male and female. In doing so, Carter creates a world in which the only positive strong characters the reader encounters are female. By taking the power out of the hands of the males, and making the secondary male char acter a less powerful assistant to the females, Carter turns the gender-related power issues in the story upside-down. The fact that Carter creates a weak male character for her version of the story is an example of how she twists every aspect to change the traditional tale into a feminist piece. Carter goes beyond empowering the females of the story by strengthening the character of the mother to the point of savior and making the protagonist an active participant in her own escape. Additionally, she strips the story of all positive powerful males, leaving only the Bluebeard character, which stands alone as a negative representation of male power.

Evidence-Based Practice Implementation in the Treatment of Breast Research Paper

Evidence-Based Practice Implementation in the Treatment of Breast Cancer - Research Paper Example As the paper states evidence-based practice is a way to deliver healthcare to patients that targets problems in the existing system by integrating the practices that yielded the best results through research of relevant studies and accurate patient-care data, along with the expertise of specialists and the input of patients with regards to their preferences and values. The best patient outcomes can be realized when EBP is conducted in the context of care, within a supportive organizational structure and if it is integrated into the organization’s culture. Over the years, many healthcare institutions have adapted EBP in making clinical practice guidelines for the treatment and care of patients afflicted with various diseases. From this report it is clear of the diseases that EBP has been applied to, the most important can arguably be breast cancer. Breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide and it is the most common type of cancer to afflict females with over 1.1 million new cases diagnosed each year. Breast cancer is also considered as the single most prevalent cancer in the world because more than 4.4 million women diagnosed with breast cancer in the last five years are currently alive and are taking in-patient and out-patient care from different healthcare institutions worldwide. It has been theorized that with the aid of EBP to improve clinical practice, 5-year survival after breast cancer treatment could increase by up to 10%.... 5-year survival after breast cancer treatment could increase by up to 10% (Sainsbury, Haward, Rider, Johnston, and Round, 1995 as cited in Sacerdote et al., 2013). Sacerdote et al. (2013) conducted a study in Piedmont, Italy to evaluate the difference in breast cancer patient care quality before the implementation of an EBP guideline and after the implementation of the EBP guideline. The guideline that Sacerdote et al. evaluated was the Piedmont guideline (PGL) and it constitutes the compliance of 14 quality-of-care indicators in accordance to EBP. The focus of their study is to evaluate the effects of EBP on breast cancer treatment and to determine how well the PGL has been implemented. Summary of the Study Since Sacerdote et al.’s study was concerned with the status of breast cancer care before and after the implementation of the PGL, two patient groups were selected. Breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated during the 1st half of 2002 were the pre-PGL group while patien ts who were diagnosed and treated after 2004 were the post-PGL group. The practices recommended in the PGL were already being done in the regional hospitals even before the implementation of the PGL. Between 2002 and 2004, 8 indicators out of the 14 moved towards the expected standard, however only 4 of these 8 improvements were statistically significant. It is highly recommended for patients with medium-to-high risk of distant metastasis to undergo chemotherapy or radiation after Breast Conservative Surgery but for patients with low risk of distant metastasis, the exposure to radiation and chemo may actually worsen their condition or hasten the recurrence of cancer. Following the recommendations of nurses and specialists using EBP, the percentage of low risk patients that took chemo- and

Coronary artery disease prevention screening Essay

Coronary artery disease prevention screening - Essay Example The symptoms can stay in the body of a person for more than five years without him or her noticing. This technique measures the work that is performed by the heart through driving the flow of blood all over the body. If the blood pressure is high, then one is at a higher chance of getting stroke and heart disease, kidney failure, or arteries could be hardened thus leading to coronary artery disease. Therefore, systems to offer constant surveillance and to help patients in upholding blood pressure control over a period are critical to decreasing morbidity and mortality (Sudano et al., 2010). The enhanced use of evidence-based methods for managing hypertension and the growth of focused care management curriculums that encourage collaborative care have the perspective to increase enormously control rates. This method has been seen to achieve the best control measures hence reducing the occurrence of CAD. Furthermore, lifestyle counselling, home monitoring, and proper medication management, especially in the context of a structured, evidence-based method for long-term governing, constitute a robust tool for effective management of hypertension and enhanced health results for the hypertensive patients (Health, 2015). Sudano, I., Flammer, A. J., Periat, D., Enseleit, F., Hermann, M., Wolfrum, M., †¦ Ruschitzka, F. (2010). Acetaminophen Increases Blood Pressure in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease. Circulation.

Records and Information Management Research Paper

Records and Information Management - Research Paper Example The article also asserts that information is one of the best resources in the world. It is required daily to solve not only problems, but also make decisions affecting the future. Increasingly, the level of success enjoyed by any organization depends on the manner in which the information resource is managed. According to the article, when one refers to information he or she means the entire records, documents, as well as data and files created, received and preserved. Records management on the other hand is the â€Å"field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, and disposition of records – including capturing and maintain evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records† (Records & Information Management, 1). According to the article, the objectives furnishing accurate, timely as well complete information for amicable decision-making. Other objectives include efficient processing of recorded information, provision of information as well as records at the lowest cost, rendering maximum service to record users and getting rid of the information that is not required. The article also asserts that organizations invest in records management systems together with programmes so as to realize their business benefits. In relation to this assertion, one can deduce that RIM systems are the key part of incorporating new technologies i nto the business as well as ensuring conformity with record keeping requirements by the government. In conclusion, information management as well as record management plays a very significant role in the management of an organization. Organizations rely on information in making amicable decisions pertaining to their production of services to the customers. Organizations also invest on records management in order to realize the benefits of their

A Missin Sttement nd Strtegies f NEXT Plc Essay

A Missin Sttement nd Strtegies f NEXT Plc - Essay Example ClÐ ¾thes retÐ °ilers fÐ °ll intÐ ¾ twÐ ¾ brÐ ¾Ã °d cÐ °tegÐ ¾ries: firstly, thÐ ¾se selling Ð ¾wn-brÐ °nd clÐ ¾thing Ð °nd, secÐ ¾ndly, thÐ ¾se selling third-pÐ °rty weÐ °r. MÐ °jÐ ¾r retÐ °ilers such Ð °s MÐ °rks & Spencer Ð °nd the Ð rcÐ °diÐ ° GrÐ ¾up Ð °re gÐ ¾Ã ¾d exÐ °mples Ð ¾f the first grÐ ¾up, Ð °s Ð °re chÐ °in Ð ¾perÐ °tiÐ ¾ns such Ð °s NEXT Ð °nd GÐ °p. The secÐ ¾nd grÐ ¾up includes the mÐ °jÐ ¾r depÐ °rtment stÐ ¾res Ð °nd the mÐ °jÐ ¾rity Ð ¾f independent retÐ °ilers in the UK. ClÐ ¾thing retÐ °iling is Ð ° highly diverse industry. The retÐ °il sectÐ ¾r rÐ °nges frÐ ¾m lÐ ¾w-cÐ ¾st Ð °nd discÐ ¾unts retÐ °ilers thrÐ ¾ugh tÐ ¾ independents, spÐ ¾rtsweÐ °r, fÐ ¾rmÐ °l weÐ °r Ð °nd highly exclusive designer bÐ ¾utiques. HÐ ¾wever, Ð °s in mÐ ¾st cÐ ¾nsumer gÐ ¾Ã ¾ds mÐ °rkets, it is Ð °t the middle level where the mÐ °jÐ ¾r plÐ °yers Ð °re tÐ ¾ be fÐ ¾und Ð °nd mÐ ¾ney cÐ °n be e Ð °rned. The pÐ ¾liticÐ °l envirÐ ¾nment Ð ¾f the NEXT plc is quite gÐ ¾Ã ¾d Ð °s the stÐ °ble Ð °nd reliÐ °ble nÐ ¾twithstÐ °nding thÐ °t BritÐ °in fÐ °iled tÐ ¾ reÐ °ch the Ð °greement with sÐ ¾me EU pÐ ¾licies frÐ ¾m time tÐ ¾ time. Ð t the present nÐ ¾ EU directives Ð °re knÐ ¾wn which will hÐ °ve Ð ° direct effect Ð ¾n the UK clÐ ¾thing retÐ °il industry in the neÐ °r future. Due tÐ ¾ the EU membership Ð ° trend cÐ °n be seen tÐ ¾wÐ °rds stricter envirÐ ¾nmentÐ °l prÐ ¾tectiÐ ¾n legislÐ °tiÐ ¾n. This mÐ °y hÐ °ve Ð ° direct Ð ¾r indirect effect Ð ¾n NEXT Ð ¾r his suppliers. LÐ ¾Ã ¾king Ð °t the ecÐ ¾nÐ ¾mic envirÐ ¾nment, it is sÐ ¾mewhÐ °t tricky since Ð ¾n the Ð ¾ne hÐ °nd there is the strÐ ¾ng sterling cÐ ¾mpÐ °red tÐ ¾ the EurÐ ¾. EurÐ ¾lÐ °nd encÐ ¾urÐ °ges impÐ ¾rts Ð °nd endeÐ °vÐ ¾urs tÐ ¾ hÐ ¾ld dÐ ¾mestic prices Ð °t Ð °n Ð °ttrÐ °ctive level. But Ð ¾n the Ð ¾ther hÐ °nd it is difficu lt fÐ ¾r the UK tÐ ¾ be cÐ ¾mpetitive Ð ¾utside its bÐ ¾undÐ °ries becÐ °use Ð ¾f the high pÐ ¾und sterling exchÐ °nge rÐ °te Ð °gÐ °inst the EurÐ ¾.

Economists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Economists - Essay Example Fisher was born in 1876 and received his Business Administration degree and Ph. D in Yale University. As the professor of economics and mathematics at Yale University, Irving Fisher developed extensive concepts concerning money supply and price fluctuations using mathematical evidence (Allen, 1977). Fisher was among the most accurate and leading economists of the 20th century. He used his acquired knowledge and skills from Yale to observe and analyze dramatic and complex macroeconomic events during his era. Fisher also proposed appropriate solutions to the Great Depression that crippled the U.S economy and other aspects of life. The crash of the stock market in the U.S in 1929 and consequential falling of stocks and goods’ prices prompted Fisher to revise his economic theories on price fluctuations, debt and the depression caused by these factors (Mendoza, 2009). Fisher formulated a debt-deflation theory and named the financial crisis, the Great Depression, which is currently used to relate to the economic recession in the U.S.The debt-deflation theory indicates that consumers borrow money for investment on speculation and imagine profits, which leads to losses, debt, deflation and pessimism. Thesis Statement: Irving Fisher has a significance impact on the prevailing U.S economy through his debt-deflation theory, which examines the causes of debt, the deflation and the solutions of the subsequent financial crisis in relation to the current U.S economic instability. Significance of Irving Fisher’s Debt-deflation Theory Irving Fisher’s debt-deflation theory was essential in the Great Depression era and in current U.S economic crisis because it clearly explains the factors that cause the debt and the resultant ripple effect on the economy. The U.S economy is essential in the global market because it is the largest trading partner in the world, which means its financial crisis affects all other foreign economies. The following are causes of deb t, stages of the financial crisis and proposed solutions as described and examined by Irving Fisher. a. Factors Led to the Great Depression i. Immediate Causes of Debt During the Great Depression, the two chief causes of debt for U.S citizens were over-investment, over-speculation and over-confidence (Fisher, 1933). Citizens, private sectors and the government borrowed money from banks, the federal government and other private financial lending institutions to conduct investments that they believed would result to higher returns and revenues. Many organizations and citizens wanted to invest borrowed money on new business ideas and receive abundant profits within a short time as compared to the ordinary investments that have moderate profits and interests. New inventions included building industries, railway lines, develop new resources, open real estates and new markets (Fisher, 1933). Financial lenders provided easy money, which led to over-borrowing. Most investors believe through speculation and over-confidence that they can borrow money at 6% and make profits of over 100% (Fisher, 1933). New industrial inventions and technology innovations prompted over-borrowing with the confidence of making a huge profit within a short period. Lucrative investment opportunities allowed people and organizations to have big debts. Major wars that the U.S initiated and

Philosophy about Personal Worldview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy about Personal Worldview - Essay Example My view of personhood with us as constructs made as models of God, not separated from the divine, it assists in developing a type of leadership that is supportive and caring. There is a concept in management called transformational leadership where the individual leads by inspiration, charisma, as a teacher and one who tries to gain loyalty. This is my preferred leadership style as it satisfies many of the rights versus wrong concepts laid out by the divine in many holy texts, but also helps develop others to have these same characteristics that the divine would find acceptable. By being a role model that inspires others, I believe I not only improve my standing with the divine but provide a lasting impact on human history by changing minds in the community.   Deming (2002) says that 85 percent of all failures in business are due to management incompetence or failure to lead. This is a profound statement that would seem to justify the need for transformational to ensure loyalty is gained by others so that the organization can thrive as a system of interdependent individuals. Loyalty is gained through these practical and fair behaviors of treatment toward others. It would seem, to me, that a business leader must abandon some of their self-serving, political objectives in favor of assisting and developing others in order to have a successful organization.This might be, in my opinion, and based on theory, the best way to ensure that the organization does not experience significant failures stemming from a single individual.   ... w is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed in a set of suppositions (either true or false), that we hold about reality† (Sire, 2009, p.20). Thus, my somewhat unjustified view of death and some other elements of the reality of God and the universe are supported by Sire (2009) who illustrates that worldview can be based on fiction. However, after spending many years trying to consider the realities of death and life, it seems that my worldview is, at least, logical based on the seemingly arbitrary attitude of God about the constant instances of death across the world. I believe it is because of the joy of his re-emergence in society that it is possible, as mentioned by Sire, to know nothing at all. There is a saying in community that God works in mysterious ways and it would certainly seem so. Those who look at the world and see heartlessness, selfishness and other hardships could certainly be justified, if they have faith in the divine, to s uggest that God is indifferent and, perhaps, even a bit callous to allow these situations to occur. However, I believe that the depth of his purpose will ultimately be revealed to all of humanity so that everyone with a mind to discern and a heart to feel will understand its constructs and ultimate intentions. Thus, my worldview is one of hope in the midst of the insensible and irrational in which divinity will ultimately provide for those who find a place for him in their hearts and try to abide by his precepts. We learn right and wrong from religious doctrine and thus we are free-minded, autonomous beings given the chance as to compliance or to disobedience that will determine our long-term fate in destiny and as a part of the broader universe. This is my understanding of personhood as it

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

Article review and summary - Essay Example Their population is also closely regulated by the presence of predators that are feeding on these bacteria like protozoa and nematodes. But also the opposite is true where the presence and activity of the rhizosphere bacteria determines the root growth patterns and concentrations of plant roots (Bowen 1999) (Gryndler 2000). This is because the plants and the rhizosphere flora are interconnected and they are dependent on the bacteria in the rhizosphere. There are bacteria from different species (Bradyrhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium and others) for example that posses the nitrogenase enzyme and are able to reduce the atmospheric nitrogen into soluble ammonia that can be used by root plants. These bacteria also secrete root factors that promote the growth of root nodules that are N2 fixating symbiotic organs of the plants. Other way of interaction between thee roots and the rhizosphere bacteria is the antagonistic effect that some bacteria have on other bacteria that are pathogenic and harmful for the plant (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora etc.). The ability of the bacteria to antagonize the growth of organisms that are pathogenic to plants is researched on many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms (Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, Agrobacterium species etc) (Whipps 1997). Pseudomonas fluores cence one of the most effective bacteria that colonizes the roots and has important function in antagonizing the flourishing of pathogenic bacteria that can have significantly negative effect on the rot health and agricultural impact. This is why there is a substantial interest about the effect of different fertilizers and additives that are used in the agriculture today and the impact of these materials on the rhizosphere (Kennedy 1998). The normal population of Pseudomonas spp. has important role in the normal functioning of the plant roots and this is why it is a subject of a number of studies that are trying to explain the mechanisms of growth for this

How Do Maya Angelou and Grace Nichols Communicate What It Means to Be a Black Woman in Todays Society Essay Example for Free

How Do Maya Angelou and Grace Nichols Communicate What It Means to Be a Black Woman in Todays Society Essay How do Maya Angelou and Grace Nichols communicate what it means to be a black woman in today’s society? In this essay I will compare two poems. The two poems I will compare is Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I rise’ to Grace Nichols’ ‘Of course when they ask for poems about the ‘realities’ of Black women’. I think Maya Angelou’s ‘Still in rise’ has a rather different message to Grace Nichols’ poem. I think they are interesting to compare because Maya Angelo is lively and spirited about writing a poem about how strong black women are and how it is to be a black woman in today’s society. Whereas, Grace Nichols is more disgruntled and irritated about writing her poem. The first poem I will scrutinize is Maya Angelo’s ‘Still I rise’. The title ‘Still I rise’ shows strength and optimism as it is a short but strong meaning title. It means that Maya Angelou will always defend herself. It makes you feel no matter what you do to Maya Angelou she will just get back up again. This makes you believe that Maya Angelou is a strong person. In the first verse, Maya Angelou starts off using an accusatory tone when she says ‘you may write me down in history with you bitter, twisted lies’. This gives the impression that she is talking to white people when she says this. I think this means she doesn’t like what white people have wrote in their history books about black people’s past as it is over exaggerated and a lot of lies. Near the end of the first verse, she uses the simile ‘but still like dust, I’ll rise’. This is once again reinforcing the idea that she is a strong black woman. By using this simile she is also comparing herself and her race to dust and this suggests that you can’t get rid of black people and that they are everywhere you go, as dust is hard to get rid of and it is everywhere as you can’t control or capture it. In the second verse, Maya Angelou is more lively and spirited when she says ‘Does my sassiness upset you? ’ This suggests that she is getting more confident as she progresses through the poem. She also uses two rhetorical questions to grip the reader’s attention ‘why are you beset with gloom? Also, in the second verse she shows more confidence when she uses the phrase ‘‘cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells pumping in my living room. ’ The use of informal language ‘cause’ shows this. This phrase also makes me think that she feels powerful, rich and important. In the third stanza, she uses a lot of similes such as ‘Just like moons and like suns’ I think she has put this simile in because it is natural imagery and she wants black people to be described as this because it is not only a part of nature but the sun and moon are beautiful; vital to the world. In the next line she continues with the natural imagery by saying ‘With certainty of tides’. This is also natural imagery as she is comparing the black race with tides. I think she chose to use the natural imagery of tides here because not only is it once again vital to the world but it also creates a sense of power as tides and waves are incontrollable, powerful and constant and waves always come back so I think maybe she was also trying to reinforce the idea that she and her race are strong. However in the fourth verse, she stops using natural imagery and changes into an interrogative mode when she says ‘did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? ’ Here she uses negative lexis such as ‘broken’ to create an image of a typical slave to the reader. I think she does this here as she wants to show people that herself and her race are not slaves and that you should not dwell on their past and think of them as slaves. In the fifth stanza, it’s more about her culture when she uses the simile ‘cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines’ I think she is implying here that she is not rich in wealth but she is rich in culture and in spirit. I think this changes the atmosphere to a more relaxed mood as she is embracing her culture. Also, when she says ‘diggin in my own back yard’ it gives you a sense of black soulful language and reinforces the fact that she embraces her culture and language. However, in stanza six, it is a more harsh verse as she uses an accusatory tone once again. She creates an atmosphere of fury and annoyance by using onomatopoeia and harsh sounds such as ‘cut’ and ‘kill’. I think this was put in so people would remember the way white people treated slaves and how violent they were towards them. I think she is trying to give an insight of how it must have felt to be a slave and make people feel guilty for treating them so unfairly. At the end of this verse, she repeats herself ‘But still, like air, I’ll rise’. I think she does this to not only make people believe she is a strong, black woman, but to also make the poem memorable for the reader and make it stand out. Also, when she uses the simile ‘like air’ it makes you think that you can’t hurt her because she is ‘like air’ and you can’t cut or hurt air. I think air was a good simile to use here because air rises and I think Angelou was implying that she will rise above all expectations people have for her, black women and black men. Also, by using the word air Maya Angelou is trying to indicate that herself and the black race are now free as black people are now free from slavery. In the seventh stanza, the atmosphere changes and you can see Angelou’s pride in her culture and race. I think Maya Angelou is trying to create a different image for black women as she says ‘does my sexiness up set you? . This suggests that she is trying to make a new image for black women that is sexy and more elegant because before they were seen as only slaves. In the third and fourth line of this verse, she says ‘that I dance like I’ve got diamonds, at the meeting of my thighs’. By using the word diamond she is implying that black women are rare, precious and tough as those are the main characteristics of a diamond. I t hink she is suggesting black women should be treasured and kept safe as they are too precious to lose. In the last stanza, Angelou breaks free from the previous set structure of the quatrains and it’s a more symbolic structure; it does not have a pattern to it. I think this is because it is supposed to imitate the slaves breaking free. Also, it has a random lay out and I think this is reinforcing the idea that you can’t capture black people like slaves anymore and that black people shouldn’t be treated unfairly anymore. The last verse also has more energy to it as it speeds up more. I think this is because when black people broke free from slavery they were lively and more spirited and had more pride in their culture and race. Also, in the last verse, Angelou uses metaphors instead of similes now such as ‘I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide’. I think she changes from similes to metaphors in this verse because she has gained more confidence and pride. It has also become a more happier, lively verse again as she uses more positive lexis such as ‘daybreak’ and ‘wondrously clear’. This is because she is happy and proud of being black and wants black women and men to be perceived as happy and lively. She has not only broken free from the quatrains in this last verse, but she has also broken free from the AB rhyming sentences and is now using rhyming couplets as well as repetition of the words ‘I rise, I rise, I rise’ to show confidence, power and pride of what it means to be a black woman. Overall, throughout the whole of the poem, I believe that Maya Angelou was trying to change the perception of black women and make black women feel as confident and as proud as Angelou does of being black. Throughout the poem Angelou’s tone differs. As in the beginning, although she started with an accusatory tone, she went on and used positive lexis such as ‘hopes springing high’ this then changed from a interrogative mood to a more lively and spirited atmosphere. However, as the poem continues she starts to use negative lexis again and the interrogative mode re-appears making the poem seem more harsh to the reader, although, when you read on the poem ends in a more lively and happier tone as she uses more absolute phrases and starts to use metaphors rather than similes now; ‘I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide’. Angelou’s use of sound imagery is interesting as she makes the reader imagine not only pretty, natural images, but harsh, cruel images as well. For instance, ‘Just like moons and like suns’ and ‘Shoulders falling down like teardrops’. I think she does this so we all can see what she wants black people to be perceived as and also what black people used to be perceived as. Overall, I think Maya Angelou wrote this poem to change the perception of black women in today’s society. The second poem I will analyse is Grace Nichols ‘Of course when they ask for poems about the ‘realities’ of black women’. This is a poem with a slightly different message. Whereas, Maya Angelou’s poem was overall lively and spirited, Grace Nichols poem takes on a more sarcastic side of what it’s like to be a black woman, compared to a white woman, in today’s society and how she feels about being asked to write a poem on what it’s like to be a black woman. The heading of Grace Nichols poem’ Of course when they ask for poems about the ‘realities’ of black women’ shows a sarcastic side as she has put realities in inverted commas. This gives you the impression that she doesn’t want to write this poem as black women are no different from white women or any other race. The first verse of the poem starts with ‘what they really want at times is a specimen whose heart is in the dust’. When she uses the word they in the beginning I think she is talking about white people, racists and those that misunderstand her race. Also, when she says the word specimen it makes you think of a different species; something that needs to be studied. I think this is what she feels racists think of the black race. When she refers to ‘whose heart is in the dust’ this makes the reader believe she thinks people pity her race. When she says ‘a mother-of-sufferer’ she is referring to ancestors of slaves and this then links to ‘trampled/oppressed’ which is the typical slave image. She’s is saying here that ‘they’, meaning white people or people that misunderstand her race, want a slave to write a poem about how it is to be a black person living in today’s society. Grace Nichols then moves on and says ‘they want a little black blood undressed and validation for the abused stereotype already in their heads’. This means that racists want a black, vulnerable person to be proof for the typical slave image, that’s a black stereotype, in their minds. When she says ‘black blood’ she is implying that black people are completely different to any other race and even have different blood, even though black people are no different from white people. She is also implying, when she says ‘For the abused stereotype already in their head’, that the stereotype has been put into people’s heads by white, biased history books. When she says, in the next verse, ‘a perfect song’ she is referring to someone that is proud of their race and would like to write a poem about being black, for example Maya Angelou. Within the next few lines, Grace Nichols talks more about how not all black women are the same and how they can’t be categorised. When she says’ I say I can write no poem big enough to hold the essence’. This means she can’t write one poem for black people or any other race as there are too many personalities and individuals to put them all into one category. When she says ‘of a black woman or a white woman or a green woman’ she is then showing her sarcasm again when she says ‘green woman’ as you can’t have green women and what she is trying to say is that we are all equal . ‘And there are Black women and Black women’ this is once again reinforcing the idea that there is not just ‘the’ black woman. There are different types of black women and they are not all the same and are individuals. In the next line she uses a very good simile when she says ‘like a contrasting sky of rainbow spectrum’. I love this simile as she is saying that there isn’t only one colour black and that when you put all the different colours together it makes something beautiful, such as a rainbow. She is also using natural imagery here and it makes you think of how special black people are to this world. As you go on in the poem, she uses the well known phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ very well as she says ‘touch a black woman you mistake for a rock and feel her melting down to fudge’. I think this is implying the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ as it is saying if you insult a black woman when you think she has ‘thick skin’ she could really be vulnerable inside. In her poem, she does not only talk about different types of people and race, but she also introduces the fact of the different types of language. ‘If need be we’ll trade a piece-a-pussy’. Here she uses her own language of Creole and mixes Caribbean English with English to create a sense of her own Caribbean culture and how proud she is to be black and have her own, unique culture. Also, during her poem, Grace Nichols refers to some famous black women as she says ‘and there are black women so dangerous in South Africa they prison them away’. Here she is talking about Winnie Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s wife. She also refers to Maya Angelou throughout her poem as she says’ and there are black women strong and eloquent and focused’. Here she talks about Maya Angelou and how proud she is of her race. However, at the end of the poem, she ends on a positive note as she says’ the twisted self-negating history we’ve inherited’. I think this means even though they see their history as twisted and cruel, she wants black people to focus on the present and make their history better than that of the ancestors that were slaves. She also says ‘crushing out with each dancing step’. This shows me that she wants to crush out their past history and therefore ends on a positive note. Overall, throughout the poem, I think Grace Nichols was trying to make black women proud of their culture and race and that they are no more different than white people or any other race. I think Grace Nichols didn’t have a set structure for the poem as it is sporadic and a random layout. I think she did this because there is not a set pattern for black women and that the layout represents this. Also, the layout is random and unique and that’s what she wants black women to be perceived as instead as being in a set pattern and categorised. Grace Nichols repeats several thing throughout her poem. ‘of a black woman or a white woman or a green woman’ is repeated a lot to emphasize the point that all races are equal and it doesn’t depend on colour for how we are treated. She also repeats the phrase ‘crushing out with each dancing step’ to make her point that you shouldn’t judge people by their past and that you should forget about you and your ancestors history and create new history. I think Grace Nichols used Creole to emphasize how she is proud of her culture and that black women should be proud as well and celebrate their own culture. I think these poems differ in messages and tones as Maya Angelou’s poem ‘still I rise’ her message is that black women should be proud about their culture and to be black and that Maya Angelou wants to change the perception of black women so that it is not the typical lave image but it is more sexy and elegant. Also, I think Maya Angelou was lively and spirited throughout most of her poem, although she had some accusatory tone and interrogative mode. However, Grace Nichols’s message was different from Maya Angelou’s as Grace Nichols wanted black women to be treated fairly and equally as any other race are and that she doesn’t think its right to define black women all in one category. Also, she didn’t think it was right to be asked to write a poem about how black women feel living in today’s society as it is no different from any other race woman. Grace Nichols’s tone throughout was mainly accusatory and angry. In some ways the two poems are similar as they both feel that their race should not be treated as slave just because some of their ancestors were in captivity as slaves in past history. Also, they both feel that their race should now think about the present and not focus on the past and believe you should forget about slavery and the past. They both also want black people to celebrate their culture. I think Grace Nichols’s poem portrays the black race better as Maya Angelou categorises the black race even though they are all individuals and can’t be put into just one category. Whereas, Grace Nichols says all the way through her poem that black people are individuals and all unique and you can’t categorise them. Also, I think Grace Nichols write not just about the good things about being a black woman, but she also write about the bad things, whereas, Maya Angelou doesn’t.

American Colonies Essay Example for Free

American Colonies Essay The journey to America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked a new path for explorers from all over the world. England was one of those countries to explore the Newfoundland and settled into colonial America. By the 1700’s, Britain’s settlers divided into three distinct cultures within America. The New England, Middle, and Southern colonies were formed because of their differences in religious beliefs, geographic aspects, and occupation types. The variety of religious view in the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies helped evolve the differences between them. The New England colonies heavily practiced puritanism. Puritanism was a strict religion that’s main ideal was â€Å"everything you do affects all of us.† The puritans highly prioritized work ethic and were not afraid to publicly shun their members if the puritans disapproved of their actions. They believed their religion should be involved in all aspects of their life. The puritans strongly opposed the Quakers who, by the 1700’s, had settled into the Middle colonies. Quakers, also called the Religious Society of Friends, greatly differed to New England’s religious beliefs. The Quakers were a diverse group of people of deep conviction. They were advocates of passive resistance, but also devoted democratic people. The Quakers believed that they were all children in the sight of God. To the Puritans, the Bible supplied all religious authority, but Quakers believed that God could and did speak directly to the people. The Southern colonies largely supported the Church of England. The Church of England, whose members are called Anglicans, clung to a faith less severe and worldlier than the Puritanical New England. All three religions in all three different societies differed majorly in their beliefs. The Puritans strict ways clashed with the Quakers diverse and open views. The Church of England conflicted with the goal of the Puritans to purify the Church. The varied beliefs of the people divided them into the three colonies in early America. In addition, the distinct geography of each colony furthered the separation of their societies. The heavily glaciated soil in New England colony was filled with rocks. This rocky soil left New England less ethnically mixed. European immigrants were not attracted to the rocky soil of New England and decided to move elsewhere. Unlike the rocky soil of the New England  colonies, the Middle colonies became known as the â€Å"breadbasket† colonies because of the fertile soil and heavily exports of grain. Rivers also played a vital role in the difference of the Middle colonies from the others. The broad streams like the Susquehanna, Delaware and Hudson attracted fur trade and some adventurous spirits of the colonists. Unlike the New England’s many waterfalls, the Middle colonies waterways allowed little power with a water wheel. The Southern soil created a major difference to the rest of the colonies. The soil of the South was rich and fertile. Unlike New England’s hot summers and cruelly cold winters, the Southern heat was very humid and made the Southern colonies perfect for farming. The geographic differences between the colonies, including the variances of soil, rivers and weather, caused each colony to become more unique. As a result of the geographic aspects of the three colonies, specific occupations were found more often in certain colonies. The New England soil and climate created a diverse agriculture and industry. Unable to farm on rocks, some New England people turned to the harbors for fishing while others turned to dense forests, to work on cutting down trees and building ships. These jobs created a town-like atmosphere in the New England colony. The Middle colonies occupations proved very similar to the New England colonies. With the dense Virginal forest many became a lumberjacks or a ship builders. However, the Southern colonies fertile soil and humid weather created a farming franchise. Men had big farms called plantations. They grew crops to get cash and sold these crops to Great Britain. Because of the demanding work of owning a plantation, many slaves from Africa worked for the English farmers. The spread of slavery in the South created major gaps in their social structure. At the top of social ladder stood the small group of powerful plantation owners. Beneath them were small farmers, the biggest social group. Still lower on the social ladder were the landless whites, and beneath them were the indentured servants who were soon replaced with black slaves. The South created a separation between them and the other colonies because of their immigration of slaves. The variety of occupation types in each colony created majorly different societies. The major differences in each society helped evolve three distinct colonies. Each society had different beliefs and religions. The strict ways of the New England puritans clashed with the free spirit of the Quakers in the Middle colonies and the Anglican ways of the Southern colonies. The variety of soil, rivers, and weather helped create three distinct colonies. The rocky soil in the New England colonies, large rivers in the Middle colonies, and good soil and humid weather in the Southern colonies also helped create a vast assortment of occupations in each colony. With lumberjacks and ship builders in the New England and Middle colonies, and farming in the South, the jobs of the people in each society were majorly varied. The difference in each colony allowed groups of people to regulate their own lives. This later the creation of different states and governments, further separated the America. This separation in beliefs helped cause the civil war. The early difference in society in the 1700’s helped pave the way for many other conflicted views later on in America.

Proposal for Youth Teamwork Project

Proposal for Youth Teamwork Project Leicester co-operative project Introduction The intention within this report is to present a proposal for a business project that will assist in addressing the socio-economic needs of the multi-cultural and immigrant youth communities that exist within the city of Leicester, particularly in relation to the consequence of crime and disorder. The project will have a commercial aspect in that it is designed to generate revenue for the business. The Project The YTL (Youth Teamwork Leicester) project will be set up as a small business, as defined by various researches (Carter and Jones-Evans 2006, ch.2), with its legal structure being that of a commercial co-operative. The reason for this structure is to ensure that, after allowing for administration, reinvestment and financing costs, the intention is to share profits between those who work within the business. The main activities of the business will fall within two specific areas. The first of these will be restorative and repair work and the second will be the provision of care services. In respect of the first sector, this will include repairing damage to both private and public property, for example, making good graffiti and physical damage caused by anti-social behaviour. Similarly, it is intended that the care services sector will also have a private and public appeal by providing assistance with the provision of care to the elderly, disabled and other disadvantaged members of the local community. There is no true quality without mutuality, (Davis 1995 p.15). Apart from three key board members, all of the co-operative workers will consist of young people between the ages of 16 and 25, and of mixed indigenous and multi-ethnic origin. Each of these workers will serve a one-year term with the business, with the potential for a subsequent unpaid advisory, mentoring or training role. At the commencement of each subsequent year a new team of workers will be introduced. The three key members will be the chairpersons together with an expert entrepreneur with relevant expertise in the field of property repairs and services and a person of a similar ilk from the care industry sector. These persons will provide their services in return for a limited remuneration and will not share in co-operative profits. In terms of the customer base, and in view of the lack of initial expertise of the business workers it is anticipated the customers will be generated from local government and non-governmental organisations and commercial organisations within the industry sector being targeted. In addition to the external services, the business will also provide training facilities for the workforce. Initial funding requirements for the business will be provided from the securing of grants and government assisted loans such as the SBLGS[1], which will be repaid at commercial rates (Carter and Jones-Evans 2006, ch.a8).. Socio-Economic environment in Leicester According to a report prepared by the local Leicestershire Partnership against Crime and Disorder (Report 2006, p.10), the city of Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the UK, and has the least percentage of indigenous population, being 60.43 percent against 87.49% for the national average. In addition it is one of the top ten areas for unemployment and lack of academic qualifications. Further more the report (2006, p.11 and p.12) reveals that of the 47,282 reported crimes for the year 2003 – 2004, antisocial crime, being arson, damage and hate, accounted for 20%. This means that, during that year nearly 9.500 offences were committed in this area of the statistics. Similarly, Local police records for Leicestershire show that, whilst the level of criminal damage was reduced when comparing June 2007 with the same month in the previous year (see figure 1), on an annual basis it is still increasing (see figure 2). These figures exclude the increasing rates of burglary, theft of cars and criminal racial incidents. In Leicester itself the rate of criminal damage has increased from 37.5 per 1,000 populations in 2000 2001 to 41.6 per 1,000 of population in 2004 2005, which represents an increase of nearly 11%. Within these statistics there are there are three main areas of crime that young people are predominantly involved in. These are anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, vehicle theft or damage and racial hatred. In the Leicester area during the 2003 – 2004 year there was a 7% increase in the incidences of anti-social behaviour compared with the previous year (Report 2006, p.47). From the research conducted it appears that the majority of have been these offences fell into five main categories, these being: Threatening actions and phone calls. Graffiti, vandalism and material damage Causing neighbourhood and community problems Disorder in a public place and Noise violations. The result of these issues does tend to inbreed fear and concern into members of the local community, particularly in respect of the elderly and other disadvantaged demographic sectors. One of the main concerns of communities is their safety and comfort and they expect the local constabulary to provide this for them, which the above figures and statistics show is not the case. Criminal damage covers a wide range of social crimes, both against personal and public property. The definition of criminal damage covers a wide area of offences. For example, it can include litter offences, graffiti, and actual damage to the properties. For example, in the case of private or public or property damage, destroying fences, gardens and windows. The same actions are applicable to both property and vehicles. Racial hatred and abuse can manifest itself in one of two ways. It can be of a verbal or physical nature. Whist both are unacceptable, the physical racial abuse within the Leicester area has led to extreme violence and, in a number of cases, fatalities.. Incidences of racial hatred in Leicester are significantly higher than the national average. This is primarily because of the cities high concentration of ethnic mix when compared with the national average, as has been indicated within this report. Consequently to this situation the indigenous population will feel threatened by the presence of ethnic and immigration minorities. There are several reasons for this. A lack of understanding and appreciation of the cultural difference that exists between the various communities. There is a body of opinion, which has to some extent been fostered by the media, which proposes that people from other nations and religions should, when residing in the UK, comply with the UK culture. However, this denies them the right to preserve their own ancestry and traditions. The perception that these minorities are depriving the indigenous population of work opportunities. Such a response would be exacerbated by the higher than national rate of unemployment in the area. In addition, whether by accident or government degree, ethnic minorities are perceived to receive beneficial and preferential treatment from a range of government and non-governmental departments. In particular, this perception would extend to housing, unemployment and other available benefits. Fear is another key cause of disputes between the various ethnic and indigenous communities. Aligned with the lack of understanding, this is an emotion that often results where two or more diverse cultures are located within a close-knit community. Fear breeds protectionism and often this manifests itself by way of attacking the root cause of that fear, which in this case would be the ethnic community that is perceived to represent a danger or threat Local authorities and the police have the legislative implements and powers to be able to address crimes that are committed within the above identified areas. For example there is the ability for the police, local authorities, housing associations to use their powers to issue Anti-social behaviour orders against the offender, which can include the instigation of an exclusion zone surrounding the area where the offence took place. Similarly the police and local courts can seek prosecution and even imprisonment for the consistent offender. However, these powers do not of itself, deal with the root cause of the problem, which is to understand and address that have produced this behaviour in the first place. Neither does the legal reaction to these issues necessarily resolve or change the future conduct of the offender, despite the fact that criminal prosecutions can be instigated should the orders be breached in the future. In addition to solutions there Is a need to address both understand and address the root causes of these social issues and their economic impact, as this is the only way to ensure that there is a sustainable reduction in the current levels. Causes. There are a number of causes that can be attributed to the rising incidences of the crimes outlined previously. Demographics Social positioning in terms of the demographic areas where youths are domiciled has a bearing on their actions. The conditions experienced within the poorer area of Leicester will impact upon their perception of other areas of the city. For example there may be a resentment generated by the unfairness of the social divide. Some alleviation of this perception can be achieved by undertaking regeneration programmes that will improve the living standards of these impoverished areas. Education Whilst there are a number of local and central government schemes available for youths within the city, many of these do not allow for either hands-on experience, nor do they provide the youth with any form of meaningful recompense for the time that is spent. Thus, in themselves, they do not address part of the core problem, particularly in relation to the previously identified cause. Employment Employment levels within Leicester are high compared with other areas of the country and, in addition, the gradual change from its historical manufacturing industry predominance to a more modern and technological work environment has resulted in gap between the learned skills of the local workforce and those that are required by business. There is a need to address this skill differential to ensure that local youths are better prepared for the work environment once they have finished their education. Culture The varieties of cultures that now exist within the area are naturally a cause of tension. This is brought about mainly by the seeming ability to effectively integrate these factions. More effort needs to be made in encouraging communication and understanding between the various ethnic groups if this matter is to be resolved. Economic impact. There is an economic cost to the crimes and disorders that have been outlined within this report. These cost are incurred by a number of governmental departments, local authorities and, either directly or indirectly, members of the public and commercial organisations. In terms of the police and authorities there is the economic cost of processing actions against the offending person and, in extreme cases, their internment. Similarly, there is the cost both of repairing the damage cause and of funding the variety of scheme that are being implemented in an effort to remedy the situation. From the public and commercial organisations viewpoint, these sectors suffer from increases in local and national taxes, and the cost of repairing damage that is not covered by local authorities. For example damage to personal property and cars will result in claims to insurance companies or, where such items are not sufficient covered, cost to a member of the public, which at the least will involve them having to pay any excess due on such claims. Whilst there is a need to vigorously address the root causes of these social problems, it is also apparent that it is necessary to address the economics of the situation as well. This can partially be achieved by involving commercial organisations within the resolution process, thus reducing the impact on the public purse. Operation How will the operations of YTL help to address these issues? In the author’s opinion it can help on a number of levels. Multi-Cultural awareness By integrating persons from a number of different cultural backgrounds, it is intended that the business will provide a vehicle through which young people will be able to meet and work together. Thus, partially as a result of the interaction and communication that takes place in the workplace, they will learn that cultural differences do not pose a threat to anyone. Similarly, the teamwork that will be required within the co-operative format should enable differences to be resolved and allow each worker to change their attitudes and perceptions in their private lives. This should lead to the various ethnic workers achieving a greater level of respect for each other. Community concern The public perception of the issues raised within this report show that there is an increasing fear of the impact that non-indigenous and immigrant minorities is having upon the levels of crime. Similarly, there is a belief that young people generally are responsible for a significant level of the crimes being committed. By the provision of youth labour through our project, it is intended that there will be an improved level of communication between the generations, which will both reduce the levels of few and help to address the issues that arise between the various age demographic sectors. In addition it will provide the youth worker with an insight into the consequence of their actions, helping them to understand the affect that these actions may have upon others within the community. Training and Employment With the levels of unemployment being a contributing factor to the behaviour of youth today, particularly in the Leicester area, one of the intentions of YT is to provide a short-term solution to that problem. However, in addition, by placing these workers within a workplace where they can achieve practical experience under the tutorship of experts within their chosen field, together with providing I-house training, it is anticipated that this will also assist in allowing them to gain entry into an appropriate career upon their departure. Similarly, as they are being paid for the work that they perform it should help them to appreciate that they have a value to the community, and that they can improve their socio-demographic positioning within the community. Another area where it is believed that the YTL business would be beneficial is in the fact that it is a commercial concern and structured as a co-operative. The former element will assist the workers in understanding of the financial consequences of their actions within a work environment and, similarly, ensure that they are aware that their position has to be maintained by merit. The latter factor, by involving them within the committee and decision process will give an understanding of responsibility. Skills To successfully manage this project, the author is aware that there is need to acquire news skills. In essence these relate to three main areas, these being leadership, management and communication skills. In view of the structure of the project envisaged, it will be important to be able to engage the people involved and empower them to work individually and as a team to achieve the objectives through their own innovative approach (Gill 2006, p.17 and p.227; Carter ad Dylan Jones 2006, ch.5). As Gill (2006, p.227) comments there is a need to â€Å"manage things.† Therefore it is important to have the necessary management skills to ensure the business resources, be those employees or material resources, are in the right place throughout the supply chain to ensure the efficiency of the business operations. Management is the creation and monitoring of a control system to achieve maximum productivity and satisfaction of customer demands. Finally, communication skills will be essential. Open communication (Gill 2006, p.140) is important to ensure that knowledge is shared throughout the organisation. Conclusion It is the author’s opinion that the creation of the project outlined within this report will assist in the reduction of the youth multi-racial issues that currently exist within Leicester. Empowering young people from all ethnic backgrounds to work together and better understand the cultural differences that exist between them will achieve this. Similarly it will raise their awareness of the importance of their impact on the local community culture, whilst rewarding them for their efforts. Bibliography Stokes D and Wilson, N (2006). Small Business Management Entrepreneurship. 5th edition, Thomson Learning. London, UK Carter, Sara and Jones-Evans, Dylan (2006). Enterprise and Small Business. Second edition, FT Prentice Hall. London, UK Gill, Roger (2006). Theory and Practice of Leadership. Sage Publications Ltd. London, UK. Davis, Peter (1995). Co-operative Management and Co-operative Purpose. Management Centre. University of Leicester, UK Report (2006). Community Safety Strategy April 2005 2008. Leicester Partnership against Crime and Disorder. Leicester, UK. 1 Footnotes [1] Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme.

College :: essays papers

College College! Why is it such a big deal to go right in to collage! I understand, however I just don't know what I want to do yet. I know I want to do something that has to do with criminal justice. As in the FBI. I just think that would be so cool. It would make me happy and I'll get paid O.K. My plans were to graduate, then stay with my mom for a year and just work 2 jobs, maybe take a class at U.A.A. So, I can keep with the whole study thing. Oh, and I would go into the Air Guard also. They really help with collage. Then a friend and me would get an apartment and split the rent. I would then go to U.A.A for 2 years and after that I would transfer to the University of my Choice. I got all of these ideas from my sister. I look up to my sister a lot. I learn from her experiences. She never took her SAT's and she did really badly in high school. But, when she went to U.A.A she got really good grades then she transferred over to N.Y.U. It's the 3rd hardest college to get into for her field! So, ya know if she can do it so can I. My father on the other hand! He thinks I should go to Grays Harbor Community College. And if I do, then I can live with him and he will pay for my BOOKS! If you don't know, Grays Harbor is a really bad college, it is worse then U.A.A. Even if I wanted to go, my mom wouldn't let me! I mean come on; he will help me pay for my BOOKS that's a real help. I remember one day I was in the truck with my dad and we were talking about colleges and he said "you can't go to a good college like your sister, you just cant. You're not like her. And, I'm sure as hell I'm not going to pay that much!" I told him I don't expect him to pay for anything. My sister went through college without her dad's help, so I can do it to. Every time I try and talk to him about the university that I'm interested in or when I tell him I want to be in the law or psychology field, he just changes the subject!

The Supernatural in Shakespeares Works Essays -- William Shakespeare

The Supernatural in Shakespeare's Works No one questions the fact that William Shakespeare is a pure genius when it comes to creating immortal characters whose characteristics transcends those of the normal supernatural beings, but most students of literature agree that his uses of the supernatural aren’t merely figments of his creative imagination. Every man, woman, and child is influenced by the age into which they are born and Shakespeare was no exception. Not only does his use of supernatural elements within his works reveal the Elizabethans’ obsession with mythical beliefs, but it also reveals his attitude toward these beliefs at different points of his writing career. Because of the profound understanding of the beliefs of his time, Shakespeare was able to create masterpieces that critics and readers have respected all over the world. In Shakespeare’s time, the belief in the presence and power of the supernatural touch life at every point. Customs were formed by it and behavior was dictated by it. Not only did the poor believe in it, but all classes of people were under its spell from nobles to the poor. It governed people’s lives down to the smallest details. They carried charms and mascots, found horror in spilling salt and walking under ladders, and dreaded the thirteenth of Friday (May 35-38). They believed that all supernatural elements were at work. The Elizabethans had always been susceptible to belief in the supernatural. As May notes, these people more that other people questioned matters beyond their vision (39). Shakespeare was clearly influenced by his race. He had an inquiring mind that refused bondage by the limitations of matter (Mish 28). Listing the numberless superstitions that Shakespeare gathered from his environment would be impossible. May believes that it is because his own observations of the habits of animals and plants were explained by stories that were more myth that truth. Elizabethans also gave superstitious explanations for changing weather and season, phase of life, and sickness and death (59-63). As a youth, Shakespeare was susceptible to all kinds of influences around him. Due to the widespread obsession with the supernatural, Shakespeare was compelled as a writer to adopt the views of the majority. The people who crowed the theaters and paid the money demanded fairies, ghost, and witches, and all the commonly h... ...onio for the terrible wrong he has don and no traces of anger or resentment linger. In this final play the supernatural is entirely beneath the control of man. All authority is taken form the spirits in The Tempest and the power to harm is gone. Shakespeare’s state of mind is best expressed at this point when Prospero reveals how man has at last attained dominion over the forces of evil (Schiller 378). William Shakespeare was a genius. Not only was he able to use the supernatural in his works to the fullest extent of Elizabethan belief, but he was skillful at molding the supernatural into remarkable assets to his plot. However, Elizabethan beliefs weren’t the only influences that shoved their way into the meanings of his plays. His whole outlook on life also played a major part in the way that he shaped the supernatural. Not only does his use of supernatural elements within his works reveal the Elizabethans’ obsession with mythical beliefs, but it also reveals his attitude toward these beliefs at different points of his career. His remarkable handling of the supernatural is on reason why William Shakespeare is generally regarded as the greatest writer of English literature.

It’s Time to Remove Cameras from the Courtroom :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

It’s Time to Remove Cameras from the Courtroom   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Is Judy still keeping audiences entertained by giving the court system a new attitude? Will court systems ever get back its dignity? Not as long as the cameras still role. Cameras in the courtroom have been very beneficial in certain cases, but it has caused a lot of harm. The human race has taken the solemnness of these meetings, and has changed it to a form of entertainment only clowns would be involved with. The public is so involved with this newfound form of fun, that they don't realize the actual damage that it is causing in the judicial system as well as human life. I feel that even though cameras are a very innovative way to educate people about unknown situations, they need not be in courtrooms involved with high profile cases.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The biggest trial of the century has been said to have been the O.J. Simpson trial. People flocked to their favorite public places to be with friends so they could watch the trial together. Some even gave up sleep so to get as much information about the case as possible. The Simpson trial seemed to be a lot more popular for entertainment than watching movies or even the watching the Super Bowl. In Time magazine, journalist Jill Smolowe, quoted Don Hewitt, executive producer of 60 Minutes, about the atrocity of making trials a spectator sport. Hewitt said, "I don't like the idea that a murder trial has been turned into an entertainment special. There are certain moments in American life that have certain dignity" (38). The judicial system is a very complex system and deserves the respect and dignity that is required. It needs to be taken seriously. The public has no right to make it into a game. This is a serious process of bringing criminals to justice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some people say that by watching the court system in action, what once was very unknown and unfamiliar, has now become familiar and useful in helping people become more knowledgeable of what happens inside courtrooms. Most people have not been in a courtrooms and only have the perspective that T.V. gives to them. Now they are able to see what really goes on and now can better understand and relate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sure having court proceedings on T.V. can help us really understand and become educated about them.

How Nirvana Changed the World Essay

In the late eighties music was going through a big change. People wanted something new, something exciting, especially the younger generation. No more soft melodies and pop music like Duran Duran and Madonna. In these changing times a very special band called Nirvana came on the music scene. Three young man from Seatlle, Washington – Kurt Cobain on vocals and on guitar, Krist Novoselic on bass and Dave Grohl on drums – they were everything people yearned for, but didn? t even knew it. With long hair, washed-up jeans and ? I don’t give a f†¦? ttitude people wanted to see more. They defied authority with rough sound later defined as Grunge – a mixture of metal and punk rock. Their lyrics gave a whole generation meaning, hope and something to aspire to. If you look at most of the bands and singers of the eighties, you see a certain type of look; very polished, man with top buttons of their shirts opened – kind of a macho look. The girls had big hair and small, tight outfits that don’t leave much to the imagination. But in the end of the decade there was a new look, changing the standards. Really long, neglected hair, light jeans full of holes and so washed-up that it was hard to recognize their color. In around the year 1989 this look became known as the Grunge look. Nirvana looked and acted like they were nothing important, just three regular guys and if it weren’t for that image they would have never got such a sensation as they did. Completely different from their look was their sound, their music. Well played choruses combined with excellent long solo? s, this was something to hear. According to Cobain, the sound came first and the lyrics followed. With songs containing lyrics like ? Here we are now, entertain us? , ? I? m so ugly, but its okay ? cause so are you? and ? When I swear that I don’t have a gun? you would think people wouldn’t relate. But they did and sung along from the top of their lungs on concerts. One of the things that made them sound so good is the fact that Kurt, who wrote most of the bands music and lyrics poured his heart and soul into every song. When their second album Nevermind came out in 1991, the band became an instant global success story. They changed from an underground band playing in bars and small halls to an international sensation that booked big tours all around the world. Although they were famous now, had a lot of money and fans something was still missing for Kurt. If you compare their early years to the year 1993 or 94 you can see Kurt? s transformation. From an enthusiastic and charming person became a sad, lonely individual who had seemed to lose his spirit and was in a lot of pain. Many people believe that was due to drugs he was using, but I think there were many contributing factors to his fading character. It is recognized that his marriage to Courtney Love, who was also a musician, just less successful one, had a lot to contribute to his state of mind. Love is a person who craves constant attention and the finest things in life like expensive clothes and jewelry, big houses and non-stop excitement, partying. People say that opposites attract (and so did Kurt in Milk It), but that was one strange couple with a stormy marriage filled with public disputes and scandals. I? m starting to believe that such different people shouldn’t be together despite their attraction towards one another. Due to all these factors and many more Kurt ended his life with a shotgun to the head in April of 1994. For a short time of five years Nirvana was on the top and had the world in its palms. Most people agree that they inspired a whole generation with their music and their charisma. Only every once in a while comes a band like this, which has the complete package that just looks and sound perfect. It is sometimes said that Kurt was a spoiled child, who couldn’t take the circus that comes with fame, so he took the cowards way out and ended his life, leaving his loved ones behind. In my opinion he was a great man who suffered from problems like everyone else and being in the constant spotlight just made things worse. People who liked them will always remember that funny trio that did a difference on the music scene. When I listen to their records, I get the feeling that I can do great things, everything I want and much more. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how you look, you are something special, something unique. At least, that is how I understand and interpret their message towards the world.