Creative Brief Essay

Is to increase the consumption of milk among the teenage group so that they would drink less sugary and carbonated drinks that would harm their health . The Product Milk is by far the healthiest beverage after water . Milk helps to strengthen the bones and the teeth . Milk drinking drops off sharply in the teenage years because it is considered to be uncool and most of teenagers are worried about the calories and fat . Part of it has to do with the lack of flavours and the packaging being dull . This is what we found out about the product we decided to help , which is HL Milk by Marigold . Target Audience Our target audience would be males and females aged from 16 to 25 years old .Milk is a beverage that every parent would tell their kids to drink as children , though most of them still drink milk for breakfast but they still choose to drink other drinks like coke , pepsi or ribena .Milk has become less relevant to their lifestyles . They think milk doesn’t go well with foods like Mcd , Pizza and KFC . Why they choose soft drinks is because the soft drinks are exciting , versatile and its an acceptable alternative to milk . Promise and support Promise Todays milk can help the teenagers become strong and dynamic . Looking at the hectic schedule teenagers have these days ,it is recommended to drink milk to help them feel fresh and energized the whole day . Support. Milk has the nutrition the body needs to look and feel dynamic. Today most teenage athletes and famous teen celebrities drink milk . Ice –cold milk taste great especially with HL Milk`s 3 new taste which are peach , coffee and mango . It has a more refreshing taste to it . Not to heavy nor to creamy . Its light and smooth . Brand personality. The personality now of HL Milk is dull and there isn’t any attractive colours that would attract a consumer to get it . Some consumers especially teenagers look at the packaging before purchasing products . If its attractive and youthful they would purchase it .The old packaging is very practical and conservative as it only has 2 colours with no pictures on the box . The needed personality for teenagers to buy the HL Milk would be exhuberant , contemparory and youthful . The packaging would suit the lifestyle of the teenagers . The would be shy to drink milk in public .

Promoting the Culture of Peace in the World Essay

Introduction: No doubt, the world is a vast battle-field where almost every nation fights each other. Every nation has its own military equipments. What are these for? They are only for fighting other nations whenever a war breaks out. This only shows that the world is in a very dangerous situation now a day. Every day, every second, there is a possibility of outbreak of war, nuclear war as well as cold war. It means that there is a big threat in our every day life. Not only this, terrorists also make every corner of the globe insecure. It is disheartening that the old aged, innocent children and women are in this situation that they do not feel secured and safe. Who is responsible for this, is it the politicians, or the armies, or the bureaucrats? All of them including the selfish industrialists and rich people are responsible. Who would then step out to deal with this restlessness? â€Å"We, the Youth† would surely be the answer. Basic Elements: The basic important step to be taken by the youth is to protect and promote human rights. Human rights include our rights for living; in order to live, we need food, and in order to have food, we need to work to earn our daily living. Peaceful and happy life is the dream of everybody. If any one is lacking of peaceful life, he is automatically lacking of happiness, so that he may become desperate, depressed or disappointed in life. The desperate or disappointed persons are the most dangerous persons in the world. In the context of North East India where various terrorist groups are in active, one Minister in the region once said, â€Å"The main cause of insurgency in the North East region is that the Centre neglected this remote area†. This would be true to some extent that almost all the insurgent activities in North East India are demanding independence. Some of them are seeking for secure life which would be free from the threat of assimilation by other communities. The immediate cause of insurgency in the Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) was also Mautam Famine that Laldenga and friends felt that the Central Government of India was not taking a satisfactory action to relieve the victims of that famine, and then they rebelled against the Government of India and declared Independence in the year 1966. All these are related to Human Rights, since the people felt that the Government was not taking any step for the well being of its people, almost all of them supported the rebellious activities. From the above viewpoint, we may perceive that the main cause of insurgency and terrorism is human rights violation where the victims became conscious of their rights and then claimed the same consequently. In the context of the Middle East Crisis, one thing very clear is that almost all the terrorists in that area fight for freedom, not only for political freedom but also for religious freedom. Some Islamic terrorists fight for the supremacy of Islamism that would be free from Christian domination. In all the activities of the insurgents and the terrorists, the most important instruments are the youth of those respective communities. Supposed, all these youth who are in active in terrorism and insurgency had quitted their efforts for the same, obviously the activities of insurgency and terrorism would have been null and void and there would not be a big threat in our every day life. Nevertheless, these youth had firmly committed to fight for their community and to sacrifice their lives for the same. So, in order to promote peace culture, the youth are most concern. What to do: Since the important hand and leg of terrorists are youth among themselves, the responsibility of the youth today is very high that we need to step out to deal with this. Walt Disney said that the way to get started is to stop talking and to begin working, so that it is not enough to discuss and debate upon Promotion of Culture of Peace in the World, we have to step out. It is the duty of every intellectual and educated youth to win the heart of our brothers and sisters who are in active in terrorism. We need to negotiate them, whether or not they welcome, we need to approach them, we may fail at once, but we should not quit. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India on the occasion of his visit to Mizoram University on 24th September 2005 said, â€Å"Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is Peace in the World†. This statement is truly acceptable because the righteous person would never harm the others, he would never hamper development of the world Peace and Prosperity. So that we, the youth have to keep this in mind, and let it remind us of our duty to counsel our fellow youth, whether they are terrorists or civilians. For promoting the culture of peace in the world, it is an urgent need to take the suggested steps mentioned below: †¢As mentioned above, the first important step would be creating awareness among the youth, common people. We should make our fellow youth aware of the urgent need to make an effort for promoting the culture of Peace in the world. We can organize awareness campaign and other various programmes related to it. We can make them aware of the same by writing articles and essays in the newspapers and magazines. †¢We can produce Television Programme and documentary films related to terrorism and the urgent need of stepping out in mission to stop terrorism. †¢We can have sincere conversation with our friends, families and so on. So that they can propagate this issue to various other persons. If we do so, it would be effective in promoting the culture of peace in the world. †¢To have peaceful life, one should have secure life. So, it is our duty to push the government of our respective country to provide for various schemes for the well being of its subjects. For instance, in the State of Mizoram, the common people are not satisfied enough by the developmental works carried out by the state government, so that the farmers are recently conscious of their rights, they revive and constitute an organization known as â€Å"Zoram Kuthnathawktu Pawl (ZKP)† that is strongly going on to drive the government to the right way. In the mean time, almost all the members felt frustrated and has become despair because of corruption, and then there is a big threat of bloody revolution. All these are the result of unsatisfactory governance, practice of corruption, negligence, so on and so forth. However, at the same time in Mizoram, the senior prominent citizens revived and recently constituted â€Å"Mizoram Democratic Movement (MDM)† which was also the outcome of famous television Talk Show entitled â€Å"Thalaite Hmathlir (Vision of the Youth) organized by the youth that inspire and motivate everybody who is willing to have good governance. These youth of Mizoram also recently constituted an organization called â€Å"Youth Movement for Mizoarm (YMM)† that brought about moral reformation and awareness on the urgent need of good governance. And it blows like a cyclone within the state of Mizoram. Many people supported this movement and it is now hoped that it would bring about peaceful revolution. This YMM has been taking active part in promoting peace and prosperity, and because of their movement, the threat for bloody revolution by the ZKP has also calmed down and these three organizations are planning to work in cooperation for peace and development. So, it is obvious from this instance that we, the youth would step out to create awareness, to motivate our fellow youth, to inspire our parents to stop practicing corruptions and any other unfair means for promoting the culture of peace in the world. †¢We should negotiate and counsel our fellow youth who are in Terrorist groups telling them that it is not the reason why God made us to terrorize the others. We should prevent instigation of the new generations by terrorism and insurgency. †¢We should also motivate religious leaders to feed their sheep spiritual and moral laws, to tell them the purpose of God in creating men, to propagate the essentiality of peace and harmony in living together, to love one another. †¢We should always remember Gandhiji’s â€Å"Ahimsa†. As mentioned in the beginning of this paper, Nissim Ezekiel, Indian poet urged the people of the world to follow Mahatma Gandhi and that is the right way to promote Peace and Non-Violence. Works cited: oRamdinmawia, James. Poet or Reader. Talk on All India Radio, Aizawl Station. oEzzekiel, Nissim. Very Indian Poem in Indian English. oLalrawnliana, Col. Mizoramin Zalenna a Sua Vol. 2. oKindyah, P.R. Mizo Freedom Fighters.

Research: Decision Theory and Pilot Testing

Chapter 4 Terms in Review 1. Some questions are answerable by research and others are not. Using some management problems of your choosing, distinguish between them. When management wants to find out which method of a production process is the most efficient in terms of operational productivity we can use research to provide usable results. When management wants to know if now is a good time to take on debt for equipment upgrades is, research may not be able to provide usable results.Due to the extensive number of variables affecting financing decisions research will likely not be able to assist in this decision. The current market conditions, economy, interest rates, industry competition, and many other items require a type of analysis that research can not provide. 2. Discuss the problems of trading off exploration and pilot testing under tight budgetary constraints. What are the immediate and long-term effects? The text discussed that often pilot testing is not done to both reduce costs and also to reduce the total research time.Not conducting pilot testing can then immediately progress the research process or reduce the total cost of the research but it can possibly have negative long-term effects. By not conducting pilot testing your research results may suffer because the proper information is not being gathered. A pilot test often provides indication of problems with the data gathering process. There may also be an overall increased cost with no additional benefit when no pilot testing has been completed.The pilot test can not only indicate incorrect information be gathered but can also provide some indication as to whether the proper research questions have been asked. When the research questions being asked do not answer the true management questions then the conducted research will be useless. Useless research is a wasted expense. Pilot testing can indicate whether more in-depth research is required thus providing a possible cost reduction or a better justification for proceeding with a higher cost project. 3.A company is experiencing a poor inventory management situation and receives alternative research proposals. Proposal 1 is to use an audit of last year’s transactions as a basis for recommendations. Proposal 2 is to study and recommend changes to the procedures and system used by the materials department. Discuss issues of evaluation in terms of (a) Ex post facto versus prior evaluation, and (b) Evaluation using option analysis and decision theory. Both of these proposals are going to be quite difficult to evaluate.The need of the research will determine which method will be followed. Ex post factor or after-the-fact evaluation will determine the total cost of each proposal after the research studies are completed. This makes it quite difficult to determine whether the research is providing enough benefit to make it worthwhile until after the cost has been incurred. Thus for either of these systems it may be a better decision to proceed with a prior or interim evaluation method.Under this method the research is designed in stages and an ex post facto evaluation is performed at the end of each stage. Then a determination is made deciding if enough benefit has been generated to proceed to the next stage thus allowing management to get results while also controlling cost. Option analysis may also be used to evaluate the two proposed studies. With option analysis the studies are designed in a very explicit manner thus allowing an organization to compare estimated costs (based on prior research approximations) versus an expected benefit.Management will then select one proposal over another depending on the cost benefit ratio and current need. Decision theory allows management to make decisions based on defined criteria. Each criterion consists of a decision rule and a decision variable. The selection process then consists of analysis determining which proposal either increases the decision variable or which follows the decision rule. This information is considered with a choice being determined by the rules and current management need.

Eliminations Of Entrepreneurial Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Eliminations Of Entrepreneurial Risk - Essay Example Enterprises and entrepreneurs minimize the risk of their operation by managing diverse portfolios of investments and assets. However, risk mitigation may, in turn, decrease the chances of a bigger reward. The risk is what separates a salaried job from a business venture. Businesses flourish in short periods of time because they undertake risk and uncertainty that turns out in their favor. The risk is not the same as gambling. It infects much more complex. Risk calculation involves global assessment of economic and financial indicators. These indicators are run through financial models to predict the possibility of a favorable outcome. The will to take risk is dependent upon certain psychological factors. The prospect theory presented in 1979 by Kahneman explains what kind of individuals or entrepreneurs would show risk-seeking behavior and on what grounds. The theory talks about a reference point which is essentially a mark that defines the cases under which an entrepreneur would fee l like winning and losing (The Open University 2012). This behavior defines whether an individual will show risk-averse or risk-seeking behavior. How an entrepreneur defines lose and profit defines his/her behavior. In the graphical representation of the theory, the portion of the curve above the reference point shows risk-averse behavior while the portion below the curve shows risk-seeking behavior. This essentially means that entrepreneurs show risk-seeking behavior in the domain of loss that is when they expect more. More expectation leads to a higher reference point. Entrepreneurs generally set higher reference points than other people. A higher reference point over a particular distribution of outcomes suggests more potential outcomes of loss and according to the prospect theory, people under the domain of loss tend to show risk-seeking behavior.

Discuss the role of multinationals in the globalisation of innovation Essay - 1

Discuss the role of multinationals in the globalisation of innovation - Essay Example Strategies employed by MNEs in the globalisation of innovation One strategy used by MNEs is foreign direct investment (FDI) where MNEs acquire existing assets abroad or set up new wholly or majority owned investments abroad. Other modalities of spreading innovation by MNEs include trade, licensing, cross-patenting initiatives, and international scientific and technological collaborations. Trade involves the exchange of sophisticated products such as electrical and electronic products, precision instruments, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals (Narula and Zanfei, 2003, P.7). Exports of such products and especially information and technology products worldwide rose from 8% in 1976 to 23% in 2000. The massive increase in the share of world trade represented by research and development intensive sectors signals an increase in globalisation of innovation (Narula and Guimon, 2009, P.5). There has been a steady growth in international patenting trends characterised by non-resident patenting, which is patent applications of foreign investors in a country, and external patenting, which is patent applications of national investors abroad. ... STPs are more common in the domain of biotechnology, new materials and information technology and oftenly involve Triad nations rather than emerging economies. Developed nations’ firms take up over 90% of STP agreements while the share of STPs involving developing country firms is in the range of 5-6%. 70% of all STPs have had at least one US partner since 1960 (UNCTAD, 2005, P.51). The concentration of STPs in highly industrialised countries together with the involvement of American firms can be attributed to the fact that industrialised countries are the largest investors in R&D (Welfens, 1999, P.342). As a result of government regulation, some MNEs are forced to adopt STPs in place of internal innovation. Such situations include where firms form R&D alliances aiming to enter foreign markets protected by non-tariff barriers such environmental regulation in the chemical industries or safety standards in the automobile industry. STPs are common where partner companies share co mplementary capabilities and the integration creates a greater degree of interaction between the partner’s respective paths of learning and innovation. Cooperation helps firms keep up with technological advancements and assists firms in exploring and exploiting emerging technological opportunities (Chen, 2003, P.397). MNEs engage in considerable intra-firm and inter-firm trade with industrialised countries, and this contributed almost 90% of all outbound FDI in 2001. Most of the firms engaged in FDI are also key players in the generation and diffusion of innovation. Over 30% of the top 100 MNEs are involved in R&D intensive industries such as electronic and electrical equipment,

Foster Children who turn 18 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Foster Children who turn 18 - Research Paper Example (Denuwelaere & Bracke, 2007). There can be different reasons as to why the children are being given under the foster care however; physical battering is considered as probably the most critical reason behind this decision. What is however, important to note that the removal from the families can be a painful experience for the children and as they grow and reach to their adolescence years, they may be unable to find a proper fit between their original families and their foster parents? Adjusting their individual personality to such split therefore can create both the psychological as well as the sociological issues. There can be different sociological issues faced by the foster children when they turn 18 including alienation from their original families as children often tend to live on their own and independent of both their original and foster families. Besides, foster children leave their communities, friends, relatives as well as school therefore a strong sense of social exclusio n tend to emerge and intensify in foster children. This paper will attempt to discuss two of the important sociological issues faced by the foster children when they turn 18 while further discussing the influence of different political, economic, legal, ethical as well as practical factors. Further, a detailed research proposal will be made outlining the different research questions to be probed through the use of different statistical methods and measurements besides discussing the original value of such research. Sociological issues As of September 2008, there were approximately 463,000 children in US who were put under the foster care.1 Almost 50% of the foster children live in their non-relative foster family homes suggesting that significant portion of foster children live in an environment which is unfamiliar to them. Though most of the children often reunite with their own families however, the case of foster children of higher ages is more peculiar and sensitive in the sense that lack of reunification with their families makes them more vulnerable. There are different sociological issues faced by the foster children when turned to the age of 18. This is typically a period when a foster child actually makes a completely new transition to a more independent life. The existing research on this subject outline different sociological issues faced by the foster children who turn 18 and two of the most important are: Alienation, Social exclusion and Prejudice Since foster children are separated from their original families at the early age therefore they tend to develop the tendencies of adapting the behaviors and values of their foster families. Though, during this process, children usually keep contact with their original families however, the overall influence of their foster families remains significant. Since foster children always remain vulnerable to the psychological problems therefore they tend to engage themselves into the search for formation of th eir own identity. The issue of alienation particularly arises when children leave their foster families because at that time they have probably left both of their families, their culture and values and as well as the people and friends and others who may have grown up with these children. The issue of

Code switching project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Code switching project - Essay Example 3). In this view, the determination of the social motivations for a language alternation becomes important. This paper looks at the social motivations for code switching I terms of the various applications in social, discourse and identity expression situations. This follows an interview analysis that seeks to determine the patterns for code switching, as well as the attitudes evident from such changes. According to Buchholtz and Hall (2005), socio-cultural linguistics arises as an important subject that looks at the broad interdisciplinary area involving the integration of culture, society and language (Nilep 2006, p. 3). The utilization of code switching arises as a key determinant of bilingual and multilingual speakers. The availability of language resources including the knowledge of two or more languages enables different individuals to depict instances of language alternations. Code switching refers to the application of two or more languages between various speakers during a given speech or conversation (Lowi 2005, p. 1). In this case, the concept stands to be essential in such practices involving bilingual or multilingual speakers. This translates to the utilization of code switching as a means for conversation, and as an approach towards the establishment, maintenance and description of existing boundaries due to ethnicity (Fong 2011, p. 23). Additionally, the idea arises as an important tool for symbolizing relevant features of background in speakers. This provides multilingual speakers with an opportunity of expressing their own identities, thus, becoming an effective social process (Lowi 2005, p. 1). In providing for a social context, code switching allows individuals to explore their identities and ethnic backgrounds. This arises due to the various communicative functions depicted with the utilization of code switching (Shin 2010, p.94). The use of code switching becomes essential in ensuring that communication between two or more

Insider threat and Physical vulnerability Research Paper

Insider threat and Physical vulnerability - Research Paper Example Physical security of the database The growing technological advancements are posing a threat to the new requirements of the iTrust database. Cloud storage, a method of data storage that allows users to share information online is one of the basis on which the iTrust database is prone to attackers. Cloud computing can be misused to attack the database through dishonest activities. Cloud computing at the database, just like in other systems, deal with privacy and have a rather easy registration system. Although the easy registration system gets geared to make the software user friendly, criminals usually use advanced technologies to access the software. This poses the highest threat to businesses and consumers that use the system (Shaw et al, 2013). There have been cases of use of Botnets to attack a public cloud network and spread viruses. The Zeus Botnet has on several occasions attacked the Amazon cloud. The Zeus Botnet attacked Amazon’s EC2 cloud computing service managing t o install a virus. The Botnet further took control of a cloud platform. The malware remained hidden for a long time while transferring millions of dollars (Shaw et al, 2013).Two ways have been proposed to deal with such malware. The security threat posed by the malware can be addressed through implementing cloud analytics. The threat can also be addressed through employing more personnel to monitor the database. Another threat that comes with cloud computing is the difficulty with which consumers get to understand the security implications associated with usage of software like itrust database. Whereas most consumers would prefer a relatively easy set of application programming interfaces, this seems to deter efforts to safeguard the database from any threats. Ensuring that the database gets adequately safeguarded may call for complex application programming interfaces. Such interfaces are able to detect any unpermitted intrusion into the system and swiftly counter-attack the attemp t (Shaw et al, 2013) The issue of account service and traffic hijacking remains a legitimate threat to most of the iTrust users. Traffic hijacking has a wide range. It may involve spamming or use of stolen user credentials. Considering the sensitivity of the data stored in the iTrust database, hackers can in many ways put to risk the lives of the users. This can be done by just gaining a simple entrance. In a situation where the attack occurs on the urgent care, the attacker can manage to follow up on transactions, edit data stored on the database as well as steal users’ personal information .To curb this, preventive measures must be taken. Such preventive measures may include effecting password policies, use of tracking software and providing internet usage education to all employees (Researchomatic, 2012). The insider threat Insider threat can be defined as any threat that comes from people within the organization and who have the organization’s inside information re garding how the organization stores its information. The insider threat faced at the iTrust database is quite challenging. A lack of separation of duties seems to pose the greatest insider threat at the moment. Separation of duties ensures that an insider with too much power or authority is not able to attack the database using the power or authority that they have (SafeNet, 2013). Example of an incident of an insider threat is when a head of department

Ford Explorer Defective Tires Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ford Explorer Defective Tires - Essay Example It is imperative to note that it is both a legal and social obligations for companies to engage in such Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Consequently, most organizations focus on similar responsibility actions for example supporting activities that seem to protect the environment. In addition, there are many strategies, which companies employ in order to execute the above CSR phenomenon in a successful manner. For example, a business organization could opt to outsource a company, which in turn assists in the company’s societal responsibility. Alternatively, the company could include a permanent department in its structure. Such a permanent structure could perform all activities, which involve improving the public relations of the company. Evidently, the aim of most activities is to increase the individual company’s profits by improving its diverse public image. Finally, individuals who benefit from activities of corporate responsibility always aspire to engage in business deals with the respective companies hence the importance of CSR. According to Charles, & Hill, Carroll’s model is a detailed development of an early model of CSR by Sethi. Evidently, Carroll’s model gives a highlight of such facets of responsibility as economic, legal ethical and philanthropic orientations. Consequently, the above facets follow a universal pyramid of significance. Most reports indicate that in the past companies displayed bias in choosing the corporate responsibility activities hence the relevance of Carroll’s Model.

PC Case Essay Example for Free

PC Case Essay According to Carter, â€Å"a Pc case is the basis of the computer system within which all the other parts reside. The choice of a case size determines what other components of a machine may fit inside of it. It is the visible portion of a machine system†. Some modern computer cases come with a power supply pre-installed inside them, but most of them do not. It is therefore necessary for one to get a power supply which will work with the rest of the components and which has sufficient power. There are different types of cases which include small towers, tall towers, horizontal desktops, slim desktops, and also the lunch box size and shape made popular by the Shuttle and Mini-ITX case builders. (Carter, 2002:14) Computers Pc cases are available in many form factors or rather different magnitudes. The size and form of a case in a computer is generally dogged by the motherboard’s form factor that is intended to accommodate, since this is the most central and largest component of many computers. As a result, form factors in individual’s computer typically spell out only the inner proportions and case layout. Form factors for blade servers and rack-mounted incorporate defined peripheral dimensions as well bearing in mind that these computer Pc cases must themselves fit in particular inclusions. The conservative viewpoint says that a case carries out several functions. First, it holds on to a range of form factors so as to house the different components that make up a PC. (Ashton B, 2002:33) These factors are PSU, the motherboard, PCI cards, drives and fans. It also provides noise shielding. It allows air to flow through the case in order to cool the components within it. It gives a Pc its attractive appearance. The silent viewpoint is mostly in emphasis. Form factor adherence is implicit for all cases. However, EMI looks and shielding are derivative to the main properties of airflow vents that are exceedingly unobstructed, tortuous paths which facilitate noise escape to the case, airflow paths that are well-directed within the case and low sound transmission, sturdy construction and low resonance. To help personalize Pc cases on the computer market today, majority of the computer Pc case manufacturers present with various accessories. These accessories take account of items which include a case cover that has a window that has been built-in to specialized fans and lights. Bearing in mind that the time for the standard beige box are no longer in use, users now have several factors to consider when picking out their case which include color, design and lights and windows as well. (Cheek, J, 1995:19) Design The material of the Pc and the eminence of the workmanship normally make a big difference in a Pc case. At their base most cases are made with aluminum while others are made with steel. Other materials which incorporate plastics and acrylics as well are also used to complement the design and appearance of the Pc case. These materials not only impact on the ways that heat is held in or circulated out of the system but also impact on heaviness or portability of the Pc case. It is however of great significance that individual checks how the Pc case is put together. Finished edges or rather beveled normally minimize the possibilities of cuts while working inside the Pc case. To prevent doors breakage, hinges should be sturdy enough. Power Supplies In modern days, majority of the computer cases are put on the market independently from the power supply. Nevertheless, a number of these computer cases do come with a power supply already included. In cases where computers comes with power supply already inaugurated in the case, it is importance that users authenticate that the power supply wattage meets the requirements of the mechanism that will be fixed inside. In addition, it is importance for users of the computer to check and ensure that it has the correct connectors and enough cables essential for all of the inner components. Layout The adornment of the computer Pc case and its design can unswervingly impact on its usage. The position of the fans and ports on the computer normally improves access or rather increases the style of the Pc case. For instance, when a case has been placed on the floor, it would be considered better for the extra USB, audio and Fire Wire ports to be positioned on the top of the case than when positioned on the front. On the other hand, it would be better for the ports to be on the front should the case be on the top of a desk or inside a cabinet. Drives in the rear a door panel can lessen noise and this gives the Pc case a look that is more uniform. However, although the drive behind the door panel reduces the noise and gives the computer Pc case a more uniform look, it makes it impossible to access the drives behind the door panel. Conclusion Excess heat has a negative impact on the performance of the internal components in the desktop. Due to this heat effect, cooling is considered a very important factor to bring into attention. An assortment of vents ducts and fans that are built into a Pc case either aids or deters the flow of the heat from the internal to the peripheral parts of the case. A computer Pc case with a large quantity of the flow of air can also lead to a large amount of dust buildup inside of the case. However, the amount of dust in the computer Pc case can be reduced by acquisition of Filters and screens that are designed to help minimize dust in the Pc case. (Hill, P. , 1995:29) In order for one to have silent computing, unrestricted airflow vents should be used. A major approach is the use of quiet fans which work at reduced speed to eliminate the noise produced by fans. Since the volume and the pressure of airflow is significantly lower than that of a standard PC, any hitch at the vents creates a quite a large negative effect in temperatures. Well-directed Airflow Path in the Case is best accomplished by reducing the number of superfluous holes in the Pc case. Randomly placed holes on the sides of cheap cases, for example, tend to disrupt the ideal flow of air, which is generally seen as from front bottom to the back top. (Moir A,1991: 23)

Theories On Discourse Ideology English Language Essay

Theories On Discourse Ideology English Language Essay INTRODUCTION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Language, that makes us the Crown of Creatures, empowers us with an expressive medium which we exploit to communicate, understand, interpret, negate, acknowledge, appreciate, influence, persuade, dominate, control, etc. Metaphorically speaking, language helps us to caress and comfort our feelings, excite and thrill our spirit, rattle our nerves, kill our desire, and so on.   Language is a variegated phenomenon. It can emotionally move and affect us as powerfully as physical actions. This is the power of language.   1.1   What is Discourse?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The term discourse has been derived from French word  discours  meaning talk. In linguistics, discourse is a sequence of utterances. Grammarians define discourse as large pieces of speech and writing: stretches of language longer than a sentence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Language is used to mean  something and to do  something, and this meaning and doing  is determined by the context of its usage. As discourse is dialogic in nature, the things which make it different from ordinary language use are context, creation, reception and interpretation. It should not be confused with either of the Chomskys or Saussures categories. It is neither  performance or parole  which is concerned with language in its actual utterances, nor  competence or languewhere language is a code system and a system of communicative conventions. Although it contains both the elements, it goes beyond the distinction of  performance or parole  and  competence or langue;  it is the study of language use. If language is speech act and social behavior, discourse is a form of social practice. Foucault defines discourse as ways of constituting knowledge, together with the social practices, forms of subjectivity and power relations which inhere in such knowledges and relations between them. Discourses are more than ways of thinking and producing meaning. They constitute the nature of the body, unconscious and conscious mind and emotional life of the subjects they seek to govern. (Weedon, 1987) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a form of power that circulates in the social field and can attach to strategies of domination as well as those of resistance. (Diamond Quinby, 1988)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In other words, discourse is a string of utterances concerned with the production of meaning. Discourse is a socially organized way of speaking. According to Foucault, discourse constructs the topic. It governs what can and cannot be said about the topic.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Apart from governing the topic, it is also used to influence people to change ideas into practice (be it personal or others ideas), and to regulate the conduct of others. As discourse is concerned with the production of meaning, the utterances have a relation to common sense assumptions. Cultural hegemony is maintained through common sense assumptions which become universal ideologies through language or in other words discourse. Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides. (Rita Mae Brown,  Starting from Scratch, 1998)   1.2   What is Ideology?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ideologies are those ideas, values, attitudes, and (general or cultural) ways of thinking that shape our belief systems and mind sets about what is /isnt correct, and how it must be. Ideologies, be they religious or political or social, maintain power structures and social hierarchies and remain dominant and prevalent in the society through rhetorical discourse or hidden power in discourse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main purpose of ideology is not only to change the existing structures, but also to maintain already existing set of ideals. Ideas, beliefs, and attitudes which maintain status quo become dominant or prevalent ideologies of the society. These ideologies are so powerful that they ignore and sideline those ideas which are against its very existence through a normative thought process and politics of the language.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ideologies when become shared experiences start making sense. People start making sense of their lives while observing them. In other words, they are no more false beliefs and ideas, rather a true and lived experience. THEORIES ON DISCOURSE IDEOLOGY     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The social theory has contributed in many ways to explore the role of language in exercising, maintaining and changing power. Firstly, the work in the theory of ideology talks about ideology as a mechanism of power without using coercive means and language as a locus of ideology which is significant in exercising power. Secondly, Michel Foucaults work ascribes central role to discourse in the development of power structures of forms. Thirdly, Jurgen Habermas theory of communicative action which challenges Marxist focus on economics or alienated labor- is considered as the sole determining factor of oppression. He argues that key to liberation is rather to be found in language and communication between people. 2.1   Marx and Ideology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Karl Max, a social thinker of 19th  century, talked of ideology in terms of an instrument of social production. He gave economic base and superstructure model of society, where base denotes the relation of production and superstructure denotes the dominant ideology. Base shapes the superstructure of any society, while the superstructure maintains and legitimates the base.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Marx, bourgeoisie create and reinforce particular ways of thinking, in other words, particular ideology which in turn reinforce the structure of the society, thus maintaining status quo and existing hierarchies of status and power.   Fig. 1: Marxs Base Superstructure Model of Society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Karl Marx, social ideologies not only cause  status quo or hegemony  in the society, but also a conditioning where false consciousness created by the ruling class is justified. This conditioning makes us think that the way our society operates is for the best, and lower class justifies its own lower position in society.      Michel Foucault in The Order of Discourse   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In The Order of Discourse,  Foucault argues that the discourse is controlled by certain functions, actions and rules. In particular, certain topics are prohibited and who speaks is limited. Reason is valued and madness is ignored. It is also controlled by what we choose to comment on and by the will to truth. [T]he highest truth no longer resided in what discourse was or did, but in what is said: a day came when truth was displaced by from the ritualized, efficacious, and just act of enunciation, towards the utterance itself, its meaning, its form, its object, its relation to its reference. (1462)   In every society, the production of discourse is at once controlled, selected, organized and redistributed by a certain number of procedures whose role is to ward off its powers and dangers, to gain mastery over its chance events, to evade its ponderous, formidable materiality (p.210).     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foucault also talks about procedures of exclusion and procedures of inclusion. He states that prohibition of including or discussing certain topics very soon reveal [discourses] link with desire and with power (p.211).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At another place he says that discourse is not simply that which translates struggles or systems of domination, but is the thing for which and by which there is struggle; discourse is the power which is to be seized (p.211).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Weedons (1987) in interpretation of Foucault is: A dynamic of control between discourses and the subjects, constituted by discourses, who are their agents. Power is exercised within discourses in the ways in which they constitute and govern individual subjects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foucaults focus is upon questions of how some discourses have shaped and created meaning systems that have gained the status and currency of truth, and dominate how we define and organize both ourselves and our social world, whilst other alternative discourses are marginalised and subjugated, yet potentially offer sites where hegemonic practices can be contested, challenged and resisted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foucault developed the concept of the discursive field as part of his attempt to understand the relationship between language, social institutions, subjectivity and power. Discursive fields, such as the law or the family, contain a number of competing and contradictory discourses with varying degrees of power to give meaning to and organize social institutions and processes. They also offer a range of modes of subjectivity (Weedon, 1987). It follows then that, if relations of power are dispersed and fragmented throughout the social field, so must resistance to power be (Diamond Quinby, 1988).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foucault argues though, in  The Order of Discourse, that the will to truth is the major system of exclusion that forges discourse and which tends to exert a sort of pressure and something like a power of constraint on other discourses, and goes on further to ask the question what is at stake in the will to truth, in the will to utter this true discourse, if not desire and power? (1970, cited in Shapiro 1984, p. 113-4).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thus, there are both discourses that constrain the production of knowledge, dissent and difference and some that enable new knowledges and difference(s). The questions that arise within this framework, are to do with how some discourses maintain their authority, how some voices get heard whilst others are silenced, who benefits and how that is, questions addressing issues of power/ empowerment/ disempowerment.  Ã‚   2.3   Louis Althussers view of Ideology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Louis Althusser builds on the work of Jacques Lacan to understand the way ideology functions in society. He thus moves away from the earlier Marxist understanding of ideology. In the earlier model, ideology was believed to create what was termed false consciousness, a false understanding of the way the world functioned (for example, the suppression of the fact that the products we purchase on the open market are, in fact, the result of the exploitation of laborers). Althusser revised Marxs view of ideology, which he described as: thought as an imaginary construction whose status is exactly like the theoretical status of the dream among writers before Freud.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He saw human individuals being constituted as  subjects  through  ideology. Consciousness and agency are experienced, but are the products of ideology speaking through the subject. Above all, ideology is an imaginary construction that represents the real world. However, it is so real to us that we never question it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Althusser posits a series of hypotheses that he explores to clarify his understanding of ideology:   Ideology represents the imaginary relationship of individuals to their real conditions of existence (Lenin  109).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The traditional way of thinking of ideology led Marxists to show how ideologies are false by pointing to the real world hidden by ideology (for example, the real economic base for ideology). According to Althusser, by contrast, ideology does not reflect the real world but represents the imaginary  relationship of individuals to the real world; the thing ideology (mis)represents is itself already at one remove from the real. In this, Althusser follows the Lacanian understanding of the  imaginary order, which is itself at one step removed from the Lacanian  Real. In other words, we are always within ideology because of our reliance on language to establish our reality; different ideologies are but different representations of our social and  imaginary  reality not a representation of the  Real  itself.  Ã‚   Ideology has a material existence (Lenin  112).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Althusser contends that ideology has a material existence because an ideology always exists in an apparatus, and its practice, or practices (Lenin  112). Ideology always manifests itself through actions, which are inserted into practices (Lenin  114), for example, rituals, conventional behavior, and so on. It is our performance of our relation to others and to social institutions that continually instantiates us as subjects.  Judith Butlers understanding of performativity  could be said to be strongly influenced by this way of thinking about ideology.  Ã‚   all ideology hails or interpellates concrete individuals as concrete subjects (Lenin  115).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Althusser, the main purpose of ideology is in constituting concrete individuals as subjects (Lenin  116). So pervasive is ideology in its constitution of subjects that it forms our very reality and thus appears to us as true or obvious. Althusser gives the example of the hello on a street: the rituals of ideological recognition [] guarantee for us that we are indeed concrete, individual, distinguishable and (naturally) irreplaceable subjects (Lenin  117). Through interpellation, individuals are turned into subjects (which are always ideological).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Althussers example is the hail from a police officer: Hey, you there!' (Lenin  118): Assuming that the theoretical scene I have imagined takes place in the street, the hailed individual will turn round. By this mere one-hundred-and-eighty-degree physical conversion, he becomes a  subject (Lenin  118). The very fact that we do not recognize this interaction as ideological speaks to the power of ideology: what thus seems to take place outside ideology (to be precise, in the street), in reality takes place in ideology [.] That is why those who are in ideology believe themselves by definition outside ideology: one of the effects of ideology is the practical  denegation  of the ideological character of ideology by ideology: ideology never says, I am ideological. (Lenin  118) individuals are always-already subjects (Lenin  119).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although he presents his example of interpellation in a temporal form (I am interpellated and thus I become a subject, I enter ideology), Althusser makes it clear that the becoming-subject happens even before we are born. This proposition might seem paradoxical (Lenin  119), Althusser admits; nevertheless, That an individual is always-already a subject, even before he is born, is [] the plain reality, accessible to everyone and not a paradox at all (Lenin  119). Even before the child is born, it is certain in advance that it will bear its Fathers Name, and will therefore have an identity and be irreplaceable. Before its birth, the child is therefore always-already a subject, appointed as a subject in and by the specific familial ideological configuration in which it is expected once it has been conceived (Lenin119). Althusser thus once again invokes Lacans ideas, in this case Lacans understanding of the Name-of-the-Father.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most subjects accept their ideological self-constitution as reality or nature and thus rarely run afoul of the repressive State apparatus, which is designed to punish anyone who rejects the dominant ideology.  Hegemony  is thus reliant less on such repressive State apparatuses as the police than it is on those Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) by which ideology is inculcated in all subjects. (See the next module for an explanation of ISAs.) As Althusser puts it, the individual  is interpellated as a (free) subject in order that he shall submit freely to the commandments of the Subject, i.e. in order that he shall (freely) accept his subjection, i.e. in order that he shall make the gestures and actions of his subjection all by himself' (Lenin  123). Louis Althussers ISA   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Althusser proposed a materialistic conception of ideology, which made use of a special type of discourse: the lacunar discourse. A number of propositions, which are never untrue, suggest a number of other propositions, which are true. In this way, the essence of the lacunar discourse is what is not told (but is suggested).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For Althusser, beliefs and ideas are the products of social practices, not the reverse. What is ultimately important for Althusser are not the subjective beliefs held in the minds of human individuals, but rather the material institutions, rituals and discourses that produce these beliefs.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Althusser identified the  Ideological State Apparatus  (ISA) as the method by which organizations propagate ideology primarily. Violence or threat of violence is secondary.   ISAs for Althusser were religious, educational, family, cultural institutions. This is in contrast to the  Repressive State Apparatus  (RSA), by which compliance can be forced and includes the army, police, government, prisons. Force or threat of force is primary, while ideology is secondary. For example, arrest imprisonment, corporal punishment, etc.   2.4   Discourse as Social Practice   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Social relations of power and domination are sustained through ideology. To Fairclough, ideologies construct realities which give meaning to discursive practices. Through power relations implicit in orders of discourse, discourse becomes invested ideologically. Hence the discursive practices, loaded with ideologies not only produce, but also reproduce or transform social identities, social relations and systems of knowledge and belief.  Ã‚   2.4.1   Fairclough and Ideology:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are two ways of exercising power: through coercion and through consent. According to Fairclough, Ideology is the key mechanism of rule by consent, and discourse is a favored vehicle of ideology. It functions to establish, sustain or change domination or power relations in the society. For Fairclough, ideologies are constructions of reality which are built into various dimensions of the forms and meanings of discursive practices. Through power relations implicit in orders of discourse, discourse becomes invested ideologically. Through being ideologically invested, discourse is a mode of producing, reproducing or transforming social identities, social relations, and systems of knowledge and belief.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fairclough (1992) makes three claims about ideology, based in part on the French Marxist philosopher, Althusser: Ideology has a material basis in the social practices of institutions. As a form of social practice, discourse practices are material forms of ideology. Ideology interpellates subjects. It works by constituting people as subjects within the framework of ideology. Patriarchal ideology interpellates individuals as more powerful men or less powerful women. Racist ideology interpellates groups as ourselves and the Other (see Hall 1997 The Spectacle of the Other). Ideology operates through powerful ideological state apparatuses. Althusser contrasts what he terms the repressive agencies of the police, the military, prisons and the courts, with the ideological state apparatuses of the mass media, education and popular culture. In Faircloughs theory, all of these give rise to institutional and societal orders of discourse (the societal order of discourse is a condensation of the institutional orders of discourse). 2.4.2   Fairclough and Discourse   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Discourse involves two kinds of social conditions:  social conditions of production and social conditions of interpretation.  These social conditions are naturalized through the ideological functioning of the practices of dominant class. Fairclough describes underlying conventions of discourse which in fact determines discourse in terms of what Foucault refers to as orders of discourse. To Fairclough, these orders of discourse embody particular ideologies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fairclough refers to the three dimensions of discourse. They are discursive practice (discourse practice), social practice (socio-cultural practice), and text. Social practice  includes discourse which not only reflects reality, but also effect social structures which play active role in social change. Different subject positions determine different discoursal rights and obligations of individuals. Discourse practice  refers to the production and reception of messages. Participants indulged in discourse construct their social identities and relations by knowing how to act in certain situations. For this participants draw on what Fairclough refers to as members resources (MR). This include internalized knowledge of social structure and social practices; knowledge about production and interpretation of discourse types; and detailed knowledge of particular linguistics and textual structuring devices. Text  is the record of a communicative event. It can be written, spoken or visual. While analyzing text in terms of ideologies embedded in it, two things are very important: firstly, representation of ideological facts and beliefs and construction of participant identities (writer and reader), and secondly, textual function which frames the message. 3.How Ideologies are Embedded in Language     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Language produces, maintains and changes social relations of power. It also contributes to the domination of some people by others. Power is exercised through language in conversations and other forms of text or talk. When people interact linguistically, the conventional talk embodies common sense assumptions where power structures are treated as legitimized. According to Fairclough, these assumptions are ideologies which are closely linked to power and language. Power relations determine the conventional ideological assumptions, which in turn legitimize existing social relations and unequal power. Language, a social behavior, relies on common sense assumptions. The exercise of power in modern society is increasingly achieved through ideology, and more particularly through the ideological working of the language. (Fairclough, 1989) Further he says, Ideology is the prime means of manufacturing consent.   3.1   Memory Resources   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ideological assumptions are mere common sense  assumptions, and contribute to sustain existing power relations. To Fairclough, these common sense assumptions are memory resources (MR). when sender encodes a message, the receiver not only decodes it, but also interpret it by comparing and contrasting features of utterances with representations stored in long term memory. Fairclough refers to these prototypes as member resources: grammatical forms, structures, shapes of words, sequence of events, systems of meaning, sounds, etc. Interaction between interpreted utterance and MR results in comprehension. According to Fairclough, understanding how language, power, and ideology are interrelated requires attention to the processes of production and comprehension because MR/ representations/ prototypes are socially determined and ideologically shaped. They are so automatic, natural, legitimate and common sense assumptions that they remain in disguise. The sociologist Harold Garfinkel, describes the familiar common sense world of everyday life as a world which is built entirely upon assumptions and expectations which control both the action of members of society and their interpretation of the action of others. Such assumptions and expectations are implicit, back grounded, taken for granted, not things that people are consciously aware of and rarely explicit. Effectiveness of ideology depends to a considerable degree on it being merged with this common sense background to discourse and other forms of social action.   3.2   Language Ideologies in Text   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Language ideologies are not just ways of explaining language and language use for economic reasons, but are the language ideas of the dominant groups in society. They may equally be inter-changed with discourses about language. Ideologies are not untrue indeed, like stereotypes, there may be a degree of truth in them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ideology is to study its effects on discourse forms and meanings and how discursive structures may in turn contribute to the formation and transformation of ideologies. However, ideologies are also at play when language users engage in the ongoing construction of context as subjective, as well as group sensitive, interpretations of social situations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While talking about ideologies embedded in text, we can say that this genre of discourse is a level of language use which is super-ordinate to sentences and texts. Text is not something having a beginning and an end. It involves exchange of meanings. Text are created by speakers and writers who share societys beliefs concerning what is right and what is wrong or about the way things should be for the best in society. When they want to maintain their belief systems or ideologies, they take the help of language. These ideologies remain implicit in the text as they seem natural or common sense. The ideologically loaded language of the text grants it the ideological power. Such langue has judgmental value and meaning as well. Many ideologically loaded words have their judgemental value because their meaning is rational. They exist as binary pairs: master/mistress, housewife/working mother, middle class/working class, freedom fighter/terrorist, hero/coward, etc. So me linguists maintain that all language all meaning is an ideological construct.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Following are few texts which are all related to social problems for one and social beliefs for the other. In other words, they contain social ideologies which are neutralized in the society.   CONCLUSION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Long-range social changes are driven by changes in ideology. But at a local level, change in actual discourse practices can be cumulative in effect. Both discourse and ideology are based on the relationship between power and knowledge. We tend to think of knowledge as empowering ourselves (Sarup, 1993).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Besides this, knowledge is the ability to exercise power over others. So, power is both positive (productive in creating identities), and negative (destroy identities). In productive power, one is not reduced to one dimension as in ideologies and power is not held by one person or group for good. Rather, it exists as a circuit, something which is exercised by everyone in different situations. As where there is power there is always resistance, power can be challenged.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We might not say certain things in certain situations, but by breaking the rules, we can re-define the limits of discourse. Hence, redefining the limits of discourse is something  productive about power.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Lucid Dreaming Therapy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Lucid Dreaming Therapy Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has seen a steep incline in recent years, affecting over 1 adult in every 12 (National Comorbidity Survey Replication [NCS-R], 2001-2003). Per the American Psychiatric Association, it is defined as a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault (APA, 2015). An adult diagnosed with PTSD can arguably obtain normality in behaviour and mindset through various forms of psychotherapy and medication, and resultantly recover from the disorder. Lucid Dreaming Therapy (LDT) is becoming an increasingly large influence in the format of exposure therapy, which begs the question, to what extent can Lucid Dreaming be effective in treating the identifying characteristics of PTSD? Exposure Therapy is a format of behavioural therapy in which a patient re-enters the setting in which they experienced the initial trauma, whether it be virtually, imaginatively or physically, and attempts to confront the troubling factor (APA, Division 12). Exposure therapy is advertised as a treatment component range for several problems, including Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder and PTSD. However, the difference with the latter is the inability to physically recreate the event in the exact manner that it originally occurred, with all smells, sounds and emotions originally experienced. The goal of Lucid Dreaming Therapy (LDT) is to reduce the detriment caused as a result of PTSD in order to enable a suffering adult to best function independently and successfully in various environments (Green McCreery, 1994; Halliday, 1988; LaBerge, 1985; LaBerge Rheingold, 1990; Tholey, 1988). LDT is most successful in combination with early intervention. Treatment closely after a traumatic eve nt allows for a greater possibility to alleviate suffering from effects such as nightmares and depression. Characterizing Description of PTSD PTSD is classified as a trauma and stressor related psychiatric disorder, largely due to four common features that appear from three months to years after the occurrence of a traumatic event. These characteristics are intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thought and mood, and changes in emotional reactions (DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5). The diagnostic features of PTSD best described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. At least eight of the criteria must be present for the diagnosis of PTSD. Of these eight, additional requirements exist in each area. Exposure to death, violence or injury is one key feature of PTSD, referred to as stressor. This can be marked through direct exposure, witnessing the trauma, learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to a trauma or Indirect exposure to aversive details of the trauma. A patient must have one of these social criterions to be marked as a patient of PTSD. Symptoms of intrusion are another foundation of PTSD. A persistently recurring format of re-experiencing the trauma is characteristic. Such symptoms include recurrent or involuntary and intrusive memories, traumatic nightmares, dissociative reactions such as flashbacks ranging on a continuum of brief episodes to loss of consciousness, intense or prolonged distress after exposure to traumatic reminded, as well as marked physiological reactivity after exposure to trauma-related stimuli. Persistent effortful avoidance of distressing trauma-related stimuli after the event is another core to PTSD. This can be marked through trauma-related thoughts or feelings in addition or replacement to trauma-related external reminders (e.g. people, places, objects or activities). Negative alterations in cognition are often a bi-product of PTSD and therefore a key factor in diagnosis. These alterations include; dissociative amnesia in relation to the key features of the traumatic event, persistent or distorted negative beliefs and expectations about oneself or the world, persistent blame of oneself or others for causing the traumatic event or for resulting consequences, persistent negative trauma-related emotions, markedly diminished interest in pre-traumatic significant activities, a sense of alienation/detachment from others, and a persistent inability to experience positive emotions. A patient must have at least two of these symptoms to be diagnosed with PTSD. There are many well-known associated features and disorders with PTSD. Insomnia, ranging from mild to profound, is prevalent in most cases. Irritability, aggression, self-destructive actions or recklessness are behavioural symptoms that may accompany PTSD. Additionally, hypervigilance and an exaggerated startle response, sometimes accompanied by problems in concentration are examples of alterations in arousal and reactivity that may have begun or worsened after the traumatic event. Two of these alterations are necessary for diagnosis of PTSD. Other factors such as duration/persistence of symptoms, functional impairment and confirmation of exclusion (verification that disturbance is not due to medication, substance use, or other illness) are key in the diagnosis of PTSD. By definition, the onset of PTSD requires that the given symptoms occur for a minimum of a month. Although to a comparatively minor extent, most symptoms are present directly after the trauma and will continuously dev elop throughout time. PTSD is two to three times more prevalent in females than to males. An experience of sexual assault or child sexual abuse is more likely amongst women in comparison to accidents, physical assault, combat, disaster or witness to death/injury being the likely trauma for men. The median number of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferers is 7 to 8 per 100 individuals, with reported ranges ranging from 7 20 per 100 individuals, the latter being combat related. The most recent statistic shows up to 8 in 100 individuals may be diagnosed with autism (DSM-V-TR). As the direct/chemical cause of PTSD is debatable, the reason for recent increase is, while speculative, currently unknown. Methods of Lucid Dreaming Therapy (LDT) Lucid Dreaming Therapy (LDT) is an upcoming format of treatment that has been specifically researched for application in relation to the treatment of PTSD. Lucid Dreaming is defined as the state in which an individual is aware that they are dreaming and subsequently obtain control over their dreams. The phenomenon of lucid dreaming dates back centuries and quite possibly millennia, with reports of its use dating back to the eighth century, in the form of what was known to be Dream Yoga. With scientific confirmation of the phenomenon in the late 20th Century, therapeutic possibilities began to be brought to light. Lucid Dreaming Treatment (LDT) arose from this idea as an alternative cognitive-restructuring technique, but only a small amount of research has been conducted on the topic, composed mainly of case studies (Abramovitch, 1995; Brylowski, 1990; Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker, van den Bout, Meijer, 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997). Nightmares are defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) to be extremely frightening and anxiety-provoking dreams which awaken the dreamer, followed by full alertness (APA, 2000). Although this is the current definition used as a diagnostic criterion, according to DSM-IV-TR, and in this essay, it should be mentioned that some have challenged this definition (Spoormaker, Schredl, van den Bout, 2005; Zadra, Pilon, Donderi, 2006). In the adult population, as many as 70 % of individuals report at least an occasional nightmare, and 2-5% suffer from recurrent nightmares (Lancee, Spoormaker, Krakow, van den Bout, 2008). Suffering from recurrent nightmares causes distress in waking life and can result in both occupational and social dysfunction. The fear and anxiety which the nightmare provokes linger when the dreamer awakens from it, which may prevent the individual from returning to sleep due to the fear of re-experience. It has been suggested that by becoming lucid during the nightmare, the dreamer can take control of the threatening situation and change the course of the nightmare, thus possibly alleviating feelings of fear and anxiety. This could possibly result in reduced nightmare frequency, relieving the nightmare sufferer from its negative effects both in sleep and waking life (Gackenbach Bosveld, 1989; Gavie Revonsuo, 2010; Green McCreery, 1994; Halliday, 1988; LaBerge, 1985; LaBerge Rheingold, 1990; Tholey, 1988). In LDT, the participants describe their nightmare and are then introduced to the concept of LD, the possibility to become conscious while dreaming and to be able to alter the content at will. The participants are then taught different LD induction techniques, such as choosing a recurrent cue within their dreams to be a signal of being in the dream state, or questioning the nature of reality several times during the day, asking themselves Am I dreaming? The participants then choose an alternative, more positive scenario of the nightmare, focusing on the content they wish to alter whilst lucid (Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997). A Pilot Study conducted by the Department of Clinical Psychology of Utrecht University in the Netherlands aimed to evaluate the effects of LDT on recurrent nightmares which is an identifying characteristic of PTSD. The participants of the study included 23 individuals (16:7, Female: Male) who have recurrent episodes of nightmares. The requirement from the participants of the study was to fill out a questionnaire regarding their sleep and Diagnostic Traits of PTSD. These individuals were randomly divided into 3 groups; 8 participants received one 2-hour individual LDT session, 8 participants received one 2-hour group LDT session, and 7 participants were placed on the waiting list. LDT consisted of exposure, mastery, and lucid dreaming exercises to train their mind to become more self aware. Participants then filled out the same questionnaires 12 weeks after the intervention as a follow-up. It was found that by the follow-up, nightmare frequency of both treatment groups had shown a dec rease. There were no significant changes observed in sleep quality and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptom. This led to the conclusion that while LDT seems effective in reducing the frequency of nightmares, the primary therapeutic components of exposure, mastery, or lucidity remain unclear. The results of utilizing LD as treatment are consistent, indicating that LDT is effective for reducing nightmare frequency (Abramovitch, 1995; Brylowski, 1990; Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997). A one-year follow-up showed that four out of five participants, who prior to the treatment suffered from nightmares once every few days, went down to once every few months or no longer had any nightmares (Zadra Pihl). In another study the treatment consisted of one two-hour session either individually, in group or, and as the control condition, being on a waiting list where no treatment was received. The participants had suffered from nightmares for over one year, at least once a week. The 12 week follow-up showed that nightmare frequency decreased in both treatment conditions, which was not the case for the control group (Spoormaker van den Bout). For some participants LDT was also effective in reducing non-recurrent nightmares with differing conte nts (Zadra Pihl). Some of the participant had also subjectively reported slightly improved sleep quality after LDT (Spoormaker et al.) and that dream lucidity resulted in higher positive psychological elements which were also reflected in waking life (Zadra Pihl). Similar effects have been reported by Brylowski and Abramovitch. The studies showed that while nightmare frequency was reduced following LDT, not all of the participants displayed in becoming lucid and to lucidly alter the content of the dream. One of the reasons attributed to this being the mere feeling of control which is necessary to LDT. Being able to master the nightmare and not being its victim seems to play an equally vital role as the actual altering of the content (Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997). Experiencing a traumatic event of extremely frightening and life-threatening character may, for some people, develop into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder in which the symptoms are collected under three clusters: intrusive/re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance symptoms and hyper arousal symptoms. Those suffering from PTSD endure highly disturbing recollections of the event. They display heightened sensitivity towards both internal and external stimuli which resemble or in any way symbolize some aspect of the original event. When confronted with similar symbols or conditions, they experience emotional numbness and sleep difficulties. The individuals self defence mechanism leads them to avoid all such stimuli which may remind them of the event. Hence those suffering from PTSD often experience constant conflicts in interpersonal relationships which can be attributed to heightened sensitivity as a result of PTSD. It is not uncommon for them to display recurring avoidance patterns in occupational situations which may remind them of the traumatic event. (APA, 2000). In addition to heightened sensitivity and severe anxiety posttraumatic nightmares that replay or indirectly symbolize, the original traumatizing event constitute the most frequent symptom in PTSD. (APA, 2000). It has been estimated that up to 60-80% of PTSD patients suffer from posttraumatic nightmares (Spoormaker, 2008). However, research has shown that treating PTSD does not necessarily reduce nightmare frequency (Spoormaker; Spoormaker Montgomery, 2008). In contrast, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), a treatment focusing on alleviating nightmare frequency in PTSD also reduces general PTSD symptom severity (Krakow Moore, 2007). Research has also shown that nightmares and disturbed sleep may be a risk factor for developing and maintaining PTSD (Mellman Hipolito, 2006). Due to these findings, Spoormaker (2008) and Spoormaker and Montgomery (2008) stated that posttraumatic nightmares ought not to be viewed as a secondary symptom but rather as a central characteristic in the advancem ent of post traumatic stress disorder. Their series of research, studies and findings led them to infer that posttraumatic nightmares might develop into a disorder of its own and therefore demands specific treatment. LDT is effective in reducing the frequency of recurrent nightmares (Abramovitch, 1995; Brylowski, 1990; Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997), and thus it has been suggested that LDT could be a valuable supplement in the treatment of PTSD, focusing on decreasing the frequency of posttraumatic nightmares. As posttraumatic nightmares are a nocturnal replay of the original traumatic event, the patient is reminded of the trauma every time they dream about it. A reduction in the frequency of post traumatic nightmares would lead to an abatement of fear and anxiety due to decreased instances of number of occurrences in a given time frame. In addition to this, as anticipated by Spoormaker (2008) and Spoormaker and Montgomery (2008), posttraumatic nightmares not only enhance but also prolong the severity of PTSD. As such, LDT could work as a supplement to already existing treatment of PTSD and reduce nightmare frequency. Furthermore, LDT offers the patien t the opportunity to alter the content of the dream to a less fearsome dream, which could lead to reducing the feelings of fear and anxiety within the dream. If LDT is effective in both reducing nightmare frequency and the intense feelings of fear and anxiety, it might also be effective in decreasing the fear and anxiety associated with the original trauma during wakefulness, which in turn could lead to a reduction in general PTSD symptom severity. While this possible effectiveness of LDT on PTSD was proposed by Green and McCreery (1994) in the early days of LD research and recently by Gavie and Revonsuo (2010), there has only been one study where researchers attempted to treat PTSD patients with LDT (Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006). They found that nightmare frequency was significantly reduced in subjects receiving LDT, but the study did not reveal any significant reduction in general PTSD symptom severity, which the authors proposed might have been due to the low baseline for PTSD symptom severity in the studied population. Moreover, the study only included one participant out of 23 who was actually diagnosed with PTSD (Spoormaker van den Bout). Gavie and Revonsuo were adamant that no conclusions can be made based on this single study and encouraged future researchers to investigate the effect of LDT on PTSD nightmares and other PTSD symptoms with larger groups of diagnosed PTSD patients and longer lucidity interventions. Fear and Control: Two Key Components for LDT Fear is a main component of nightmares, experienced both during sleep in relation to the nightmare content and during wakefulness, as suffering from recurrent nightmares can lead to fear of going to sleep due to the risk of re-experiencing the nightmare. Fear also represents one of the key emotions during the course of PTSD (APA, 2000). In PTSD, fear is not only related to the extreme fright which was experienced during the occurrence of the traumatizing event, but also refers to the massive feeling of fear evoked when the patient encounters associable stimuli, which often serve as reminders of the original event. Posttraumatic nightmares generally replicate the original event, meaning every time the nightmare occurs, the patient re-lives the trauma and its accompanied fear (Gavie Revonsuo, 2010). Although LDT has been shown to be effective in reducing recurrent nightmares, not all participants succeeded in becoming lucid and able to lucidly alter the content of the nightmare. This has been suggested do be due to the fact that the feeling of control, following from the mere knowledge of the possibility to master the nightmare, is equally as important as the actual altering of the content (Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997). As such, control might constitute a key component of LDT, both in respect to lucidly to control the content of the nightmare and alter the course of the dream, and to the feeling of control brought by the thought that the fear both during the dream and during wakefulness is something that can be overcome. In this sense, LDT might prove to be effective not only for patients suffering from nightmares and reducing nightmare frequency, but also for patients suffering from disorders characterised by fear, offering them th e possibility to control and reduce the level of fear they experience. In one case study, a 35-year-old woman diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and major depression complained about frequent nightmares. She suffered from one to four nightmares per week, from which her self-confidence and security felt threatened. She did not suffer from recurrent nightmares, but her nightmares did contain a recurrent theme, relating to the physical and mental abuse she experienced by her father as a child, and husband as an adult. These nightmares were so intense that she had difficulties in separating her experiences in them from her experiences in reality, and sometimes spoke of them as if they were real events (Brylowski, 1990). The patient was introduced to the phenomenon of LD and was instructed to keep a dream journal, which she was to take with her to therapy each week. She was also told to practice an LD induction technique every night in order to learn how to become lucid during the dream. The appearance of her father or husband in the nightmare was chosen as a dream cue, used as an indicator to remind her that she was just dreaming. Upon recognising that she was dreaming, she was to use the realisation as a reminder that she was safely lying in bed and there was nothing to fear (Brylowski, 1990). During a six-month period, which included 24 sessions with her therapist, the patient experienced three lucid dreams and was able to alter the course of the nightmare in all three cases. Using LDT resulted in reduced nightmare frequency, intensity and distress, which provided her with a sense of mastery in relation to her emotions and responses to nightmares. Following these results, her therapist suggested that these abilities and attitudes could be used in waking life when dealing with similar problems. So, whenever she was faced with a stirred emotion or a difficult situation in waking life, she was able to remind herself of how she had controlled a similar situation in the dream state. In turn, she now had the capacity to deal with the waking situation just as she had while (lucid) dreaming (Brylowski, 1990). As a result, LDT provided her with a sense of mastery in relation to her emotions and responses to nightmares as well as her waking life, which then resulted in entering into psychotherapy. What Green and McCreery (1994) put forward, is that LD provides us with the experience of achieving control over a mental aspect, in this case distressing nightmares. They argued that gaining control over one might, in turn, have a generalised therapeutic effect. In the case study, Brylowski (1990) showed how LDT not only reduced nightmare frequency and distress, but also how engaging in LDT could extend into managing situations waking life. LDT provided the patient with the experience of mastering a fearful situation within a nightmare, which, prior to the treatment, had affected her to the point where she could not differentiate nightmares from waking events. After the treatment the patient expressed increased self-confidence, knowing that she now possessed the capacity to make changes in other waking circumstances as well. Brylowski (1990) initated the notion that, Nightmares can occur across diagnostic syndromes. According to DSM-IV-TR, nightmares can occur frequently during the course of many psychological disorders without there being a specific diagnostic symptom, for example as a part of Personality Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia (APA, 2000). Brylowski concluded lucid dreaming worked well for this patient as it motivated her to start and stay in therapy. He suggested that LD as a therapeutic tool ought to be considered not only for treating nightmares, but also in the treatment of personality disorders. Although diagnosed with BPD, the patient also showed symptoms related to PTSD, i.e. nightmares which directly or symbolically represented a traumatic event (history of abuse) and depression which, according to DSM-IV-TR, is highly associated with PTSD (APA, 2000). On the basis of this fact alone, it is premature to draw any conclusions on the effect of LDT on personality disorders. However, engaging in LDT did have a general therapeutic effect in this case study, and as such, LDT could be valuable as a supplement in the treatment of BPD and possibly even other personality disorders. Overall, more studies are needed to further investigate the possible general therapeutic value of gaining control over fear and anxiety using LDT, both in relation to recurrent nightmares, and to other psychological disorders such as PTSD and personality disorders. The current studies investigating the potential therapeutic value of LD in reducing recurrent nightmares have shown promising results, where engaging in Lucid Dreaming Treatment (LDT) has resulted in decreased nightmare frequency (Abramovitch, 1995; Brylowski, 1990; Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997), slightly increased subjective sleep quality (Spoormaker et al.) and reduced nightmare intensity and distress (Brylowski). As such, it has been suggested across these studies that LDT might be effective in reducing posttraumatic nightmares in PTSD (Gavie Revonsuo, 2010; Green McCreery, 1994). Every time a nightmare occurs, the patient experiences the trauma and extreme fear associated with it. Therefore, there is the possibility that relieving the posttraumatic nightmare could, in turn, reduce general PTSD symptom severity (Gavie Revonsuo). With larger groups of diagnosed PTSD patients and longer lucidity interventions, future research could st udy the effect of LDT on posttraumatic nightmares. As examined, one case study showed that attitudes and skills learned through LDT can be transferred and applied to waking life situations (Brylowski, 1990). This could be an indication that LDT has the potential to work beyond the more specific focus of alleviating nightmares. Although nightmare frequency was reduced, not all of the patients were able to reach lucidity and alter the course of events in their nightmare (Spoormaker van den Bout, 2006; Spoormaker et al., 2003; Zadra Pihl, 1997). On the basis of this, one possible and important key component of LDT could be that of control. In the case of Phobic patients, they were found to be less likely to believe in having control over events (Leung Heimberg, 1996). Considering lucid dreamers tend to believe in their own control over waking situations to a higher degree than non-lucid dreamers (Blagrove Hartnell, 2000; Blagrove Tucker, 1994), it shows that control could be one of the key elements of LDT and that LDT could be a va luable supplement in the treatment of phobia. Further and more extensive research is required in order to investigate the underlying functioning and other effects of LDT more deeply. There is also a gap in the research, where an opportunity exists to compare LDT to other cognitive-restructuring techniques, such as Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) and exposure therapy. In order to further explore the effect of LDT, longer LD induction technique practices and more intense lucidity interventions are needed for LDT to be applicable in the appropriate patient population. As seen in previous studies, there is the potential for this to help recurrent nightmare sufferers, PTSD and phobias, larger groups of nightmare sufferers, diagnosed PTSD and phobic patients. There is still untapped potential for the utilisation of LD as a therapeutic tool and supplement in the treatment of these symptoms, which needs to be studied in-depth.

Architecture of the 1920s :: Architecture

ARCHITECTURE IN THE TWENTIES For the United States the Twenties was a time to flourish and enjoy the common wealth, but unlike everything else, architecture was in a creative slump. many artists were having difficulty in depicting a "style" for the new era. Many new technological advances were occuring through the steel industry and the discovery of glass. The architects of this period wanted to incorporate those advances in their designs, thus bringing forth an experimental period. With architects from different backgrounds and cultures working to produce a masterpiece the International Style was created. The International Style was the most common and wide-spread type of architecture found in the twenties. This style dominated architecture until about 1950. Buildings of this time were characterized as having "...geometric shapes, white walls , and a flat roof with a garden," ("Architecture ". World Book CD-ROM). They were constructed of reinforced concrete (concrete with embedded metal rods to add strength). Typical buildings had large windows, which created a light, airy feeling and the exterior had little or no ornamentation. ("Architecture". World Book CD-ROM). Architects were able to acheive the light airy feeling found in the buildings because of the new inventions of industrial materials and the technical advances. The 1920's brought forth many new technological advances. Builders could now use steel, iron, and glass. Alloys, or blended metals, were discovered and produced, and the elevator was invented. These new materials had great and long lasting influences on modern architecture and are still used today. Architects were able to use steel beams to reinforce concrete, allowing them to build taller structures, known as skyscrappers. Elevators were installed to replace stairs. A gradual modernization of technical systems took place. Plumbing and heating/cooling systems were improved and the use of electricity became more popular. ("Architecture". Grolier CD-ROM). For the architects of the 1920's "climate could be disregarded, for mechanical heating and cooling devices make a building independent of its region...". (Hamlin, 633) Because of these new advances architects were able to experiment with options they were never given before. Despite the difficulties and dry periods the archtects experienced in the twenties, a new style was born.

Urban Legend of Bloody Mary :: Urban Legends Ghost Stories

Bloody Mary Part One: Collection of the Story The story of â€Å"Bloody Mary† was told to me by a twenty year old male. He is a current student at a University, studying accountancy. He has very conservative beliefs regarding politics. His father is an insurance broker and his mother stays at home. This story was collected on March 18, 2006, at his residence. This is the story as he told it to me: I originally heard this from my brother when I was like ten years old. I also saw it in the movie Urban Legends. But I’ll tell you the version my brother told me. You have to go into a bathroom in your house. You turn off all of the lights and stand facing away from the mirror. You then spin around thirteen times and say ‘Bloody Mary’ thirteen times. After you finish spinning you turn around and you will see Bloody Mary looking back at you through the mirror. My brother and his friends made me do it one day at my house and nothing happened to me. The teller showed no unusual emotion while retelling this story to me. He was positive that it was not true. He told the story in a mocking tone; he sometimes finished his sentences with laughter or a smile. Part Two: Compare Versions of the Story The story of Bloody Mary is a very extensive urban legend. Bloody Mary is one of many names that can be chanted to summon this ghost. Snopes.com lists that â€Å"Bloody Mary, Bloody Bones, Hell Mary, Mary Worth, Mary Worthington, Mary Whales, Mary Johnson, Mary Lou, Mary Jane, Sally, Kathy, Agnes, Black Agnes, Aggie, Svarte Madame† are all names that have been used in the retelling of this story. With an increased number of retellings comes an increase in the variation between individual stories. The version of the story told to me did not include Bloody Mary punishing the one that summoned her. Versions in which the summoner is punished describe a wide variety of fates.. Snopes.com lists that Bloody Mary â€Å"May strike her summoner dead, drive her mad, or fiercely scratch her face. She may merely peer malevolently out through the mirror, or she may drag one of the girls back through it to live with her.† This legend has several other deviations; such as the number of times you have to say the name of the spirit, and the room in which you perform the ritual. Urban Legend of Bloody Mary :: Urban Legends Ghost Stories Bloody Mary Part One: Collection of the Story The story of â€Å"Bloody Mary† was told to me by a twenty year old male. He is a current student at a University, studying accountancy. He has very conservative beliefs regarding politics. His father is an insurance broker and his mother stays at home. This story was collected on March 18, 2006, at his residence. This is the story as he told it to me: I originally heard this from my brother when I was like ten years old. I also saw it in the movie Urban Legends. But I’ll tell you the version my brother told me. You have to go into a bathroom in your house. You turn off all of the lights and stand facing away from the mirror. You then spin around thirteen times and say ‘Bloody Mary’ thirteen times. After you finish spinning you turn around and you will see Bloody Mary looking back at you through the mirror. My brother and his friends made me do it one day at my house and nothing happened to me. The teller showed no unusual emotion while retelling this story to me. He was positive that it was not true. He told the story in a mocking tone; he sometimes finished his sentences with laughter or a smile. Part Two: Compare Versions of the Story The story of Bloody Mary is a very extensive urban legend. Bloody Mary is one of many names that can be chanted to summon this ghost. Snopes.com lists that â€Å"Bloody Mary, Bloody Bones, Hell Mary, Mary Worth, Mary Worthington, Mary Whales, Mary Johnson, Mary Lou, Mary Jane, Sally, Kathy, Agnes, Black Agnes, Aggie, Svarte Madame† are all names that have been used in the retelling of this story. With an increased number of retellings comes an increase in the variation between individual stories. The version of the story told to me did not include Bloody Mary punishing the one that summoned her. Versions in which the summoner is punished describe a wide variety of fates.. Snopes.com lists that Bloody Mary â€Å"May strike her summoner dead, drive her mad, or fiercely scratch her face. She may merely peer malevolently out through the mirror, or she may drag one of the girls back through it to live with her.† This legend has several other deviations; such as the number of times you have to say the name of the spirit, and the room in which you perform the ritual.

Hcs 320 Communication

Communication Opinion Paper Karen Candido-Johnson HCS320 March 18, 2013 Lynn Bell Communication Opinion Paper Communication is expression of meaning through verbal and non-verbal means. It is the basis for relaying all information to another person or persons. We use it every day to tell people how we feel, to inform them of a situation or just to say hi. Effective communication is essential to getting your ideas and thoughts across accurately and understood. Healthcare communication differs since the information is more sensitive than communication, say, between friends.The patient has to be able to effectively give their concerns over to a stranger for the most part and it is the Dr. ’s job to understand that information given. Culture can also play a role too as different ideas about what communication is varies. The basic elements of communication which are listening, body language, speaking, open ended questions, summarizing, emotions and follow up (Hewitt,2009). For effe ctive communication to occur shared understanding must happen (Cheesbro, O’Connor & Rios, 2010) You can have all the basics of communication but unless both parties understand each other then it is just baseless information.The basic elements of effective communication differ from the basic rules of health care because there is often not shared understanding. A provider will receive the information from the patient regarding symptoms and make an informed decision. The Dr. will then try to explain to the patient the problem but it is hard to do so when someone does not have the medical background to understand what the situation is. This makes it difficult for effective communication to occur.In order to have the best chance at effective communication the provider has to encourage the patient to give as much information as possible. Patients may have a difficult time getting across to their Dr. what they are feeling or what is going on. It is then the providers responsibility to coax the patient into relaying the information in a way that they can understand. They can do this by being empathetic with the patient and showing kindness. By being open and friendly they can put the patient at ease and this would make it easier for them to talk about difficult issues they are facing.As McDonald (2006) said engage the patient and move beyond them feeling like an intruder and develop a relationship and report with the patient. Putsch (1985) said communication in health care is a complex issue. Language and cultural barriers complicate the situation. The primary problem is language. This can be fixed with interpreters to some extent, but you still have the basic cultural issues to go through. What one culture might see as not a problem, say loose bowels, could actually be an outlying cause of another more serious issue.There are also cultures where seeing a Dr. is not the way to fix an illness and they rely on homeopathic remedies rather than western medicine. Th is becomes problematic when a Dr. is seeing the patient after all else has failed and they don’t know what caused the symptoms, whether it was the cure or the actual illness. Dr. ’s and nurses have to be careful what they ask and how to speak to a patient because it might cause alarm or be considered rudeness when asked.Most hospitals and health centers now have cultural training to help providers navigate the minefield of problems associated with this. Everyone has some type of communication in their daily lives. It is effortless to most people. Something we do without thinking. In healthcare though, we have to be extra vigilant to make sure the lines of communication stay open. Without effective communication a patient is not able to tell their provider what is wrong and there for the provider will not be able to make a good diagnosis and help cure the patient.References: Cheesebro, T. , O'Connor, L. , ; Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the Workplace  . Pearson Ed ucation Hewitt, D. (2009,  December). Basics of Effective Communication. Live Strong   McDonald, D. D. (2006). Health care communication. New York, United States, New York: Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/189457409? accountid=35812 Putsch MD, R. W. (1985,  December). Cross-cultural Communication The Special Case of Interpreters in Health Care. Journal Of American Medical Association,  254(23).