Uphill

â€Å"Uphill† by Christina Rossetti is about the journey of life, or death, to heaven. The poem is an exchange of a series of brief and succinct questions and answers between two speakers: an inquiring traveler who asks many questions about the journey of life or death in which she is heading to (heaven), and an ex-traveler or guide who has taken that path before answering with a assured, and perfectly calm tone. In the poem, the poet uses difference devices such as quatrain, common meter , and perhaps it is written in strict iambic meter with lines vary in length and in the number of feet. The poet uses imagery, and symbolism (allegory)to express emotion and picture a traveler who has to take the road â€Å"uphill†, and who hopes to find an inn at the end of her travel. The poem sends a message that though find life hard but there are always comfort, help, and generosity along the way. This poem illustrates two ways in which line length is varied in a strict meter. The first variation is seen in the first line, which has nine syllables. This is still a five foot line because feet are constructed by iterative parenthesis insertion from right to left, the leftmost foot is the last constructed and can fall short. The second variation involves the number of feet in each line. As can be seen in â€Å"uphill† all odd-numbered lines are pentameters, whereas the even-numbered lines vary in length between three and five feet, there are 5 trimeter lines, 1 tetrameter and 3 pentameters. This difference in length reflects the fact that the poem has the forms of a dialogue where each odd-numbered (pentameter) line represents a question asked by one speaker, and the odd-numbered lines are answers given by her guide. The difference in length of line reflects the different styles of the two participants in the dialogue. In addition, the poem can be considered it is in common meter which is a close kin to the ballad stanza, with the stanza following a characteristic ballad pattern of 4+3+4+3 stressed syllables to the line. The first stanza of the poem is an example of common meter, four line rimed a b a b and tending to fall into 8, 6, 8, and 6 syllables. At the beginning of the poem, the speaker asks, â€Å"Does the road wind uphill all the way? (Line 1), the road is representing for the journey of life, and â€Å"wind uphill† stands for difficulties, or struggles through life. The inquiring traveler seems very worried or wondering about how hard the journey will be, and the guide softly affirms her worse hope, is that this journey will absolutely take â€Å" to the very the end† (Ln 2). The second question has the same sort of relation to life ,†Will the day’s journey take the whole long day? /From morn to night, my friend† (Ln 3-4). Life is a road that takes â€Å"the whole long day† to bring us â€Å"to the very end. † The night is death that awaits us at the end of the journey. Just as an uphill journey is long, and lasting from morning to evening, life also is full of difficulties right from birth to death. From these two questions which reveals that the inquiring traveler is asking about aspects of living and the journey of life. In the following stanza is presenting a sort of reassurance answer out of the wisdom of the ex-traveler. To begin with the speaker asks, â€Å"But is there for the night a resting-place? † (Ln 5) which is answered: â€Å"A roof for when the slow dark hours begin† (Ln 6). The night is metaphor for death, the speaker is wondering that when her final come (death) will be there a place for resting. The ex-traveler is reassuring the inquiring traveler that she will have time for rest along the way, which can be metaphorically taken, as it already stated as the path of life. In these lines, the speaker was searching for some sign of relief to come along the way. Then speaker continue asks, â€Å"May not the darkness hide it from my face†(Ln 7) which is then responded, â€Å"You cannot miss that inn† (Ln 8) . An â€Å"in† symbolizes for a resting place or perhaps heaven. In this case, there seems to be a comfortable â€Å"inn† for her and other wayfarers to stay at along their journey. The speaker in each successive stanza, knows that life is hard but finds that there is rest and a final resting place. The third stanza is also a continuation of this reassuring tone. The speaker asks hopefully if she will meet other â€Å"wayfarers† along the way and â€Å"Those who have gone before†(Ln 10) was the response given. This just shows that the inquiring traveler will meet people along her lifetime that will show her the right path to take. â€Å"Then must I knock, or call when just in sight? /They will not keep you standing at your door† (Ln 11-12), the guide then again reassures her that she would not be left waited, but welcome. Thus, it suggests that though speaker has the choice to listen to the wise along the way, and she does not have to listen to anybody. Yet again, this is another stanza of reassurance answer from the ex-traveler on the subject of the inquiring traveler ‘s future life. The last stanza holds perhaps the most comforting lines in the whole poem. â€Å"Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak? † (Ln 13) asks the inquiring traveler, and â€Å"Of labor you shall find the sum† (Ln 14) is answered by the guide. The speaker seems to worry that she will not find peace after â€Å"travel sore and weak†, and the guide has to calm the inquiring traveler nerves by giving her hope of future comfort. The first two lines offer compensation for labor: the fact that the inquiring traveler can only find as much comfort as much as she puts in labor. In other words, the uphill struggle of life will lead at last to heaven. This is the last stanza out of three that suggest future comfort, â€Å"Will there be beds for me and all who seek†/ â€Å"Yea, beds for all who come† (Ln 15-16), the beds also represent death and a final resting place. After the journey of the inquiring traveler is over, she is â€Å"travel-sore and weak†, and arrives at this resting place (the bed) which opens to anybody who searches for peace. Uphill† is an allegorical poem in which is regarded the journey of life as an â€Å"uphill† journey. Life is recognized as a painful task (it's up-hill all the way), yet it is the duty of mankind to undertake the trip in hopes of a peaceful rest in heaven as a reward, a reward for all obstacles that obstruct in life. All the pain and suffering are to be expected, not resisted. One benefits from them in the end. The poem ends with a note of hope that in heaven the weary souls will find comfort just like the travelers at the inn. Uphill â€Å"Uphill† is a poem that was written by Christina Rossetti in 1861. According to our textbook Discovering Poetry, this poem uses allegory, which is when various â€Å"symbols work together in a set pattern†. The various symbols portrayed by the author in this poem are consistent with those of a journey; a road, an inn, a resting place at night, and other wayfarers. The poem consists of four stanzas, in which an individual is posing questions in the first and third lines of each stanza, and in the second and fourth lines of the stanza someone is responding to those questions.In my initial readings of the poem, I was thinking of the communication taking place as that of a conversation between two individuals. For example, the person posing the questions was talking to their priest, or a child was asking their parents questions about life. However, after reading the poem numerous times, I began to view the interaction as not being an actual conversation, but rather an individual deep in prayer and having a conversation with God. Although God doesn’t usually speak directly to us, we often seem to find the answers we seek through prayer.In this poem the individual is posing their questions in prayer, and then receiving the response in their minds, which then offers comfort. I believe that the various symbols that are used in this poem are the authors attempt to describe our journey through life, and her vision that our place in the afterlife will be dependent on how we lived in our earthly life. The first stanza poses the questions â€Å"Does the road wind uphill all the way? †, and â€Å"Will the day’s journey take the whole long day? Here the author is using the symbols of a road, a day, and a journey to describe our life here on earth. Using â€Å"uphill† as a metaphor is indicative of the fact that she perceives life as difficult and challenging , and is wondering if the road through life will always be that way. Th e responses indicate that yes, the road will be an uphill one to the very end, and that we will face difficulties and challenges throughout our life. The challenges will last the entire â€Å"day† of our lives, from morn to night, or birth to death.The first stanza ends with â€Å"my friend†, indicating that the person answering the questions is someone who cares about the questioner and that they should trust them. In this opening stanza, it is as if someone is facing a hard time in their lives, and is praying to God for answers. The second stanza opens with the question â€Å"But is there for the night a resting place? † with the response being â€Å"A roof for when the slow dark hours begin†. Here the author is changing from the â€Å"day† of the first stanza, which was our life on earth, to â€Å"night†, which would be the afterlife.The questioner is wondering if there will be a place of â€Å"rest† or safety after we die, and the answer is that yes we will have a â€Å"roof† over our heads. This again follows the allegorical vision of a journey, with a person traveling an uphill road throughout the day of our lives, and at the end when darkness comes we all want a place of safety. The questioner is being told that yes, when it gets dark, or in the afterlife, we will have a roof over our heads, meaning we will be safe. The questioner then asks â€Å"May not the darkness hide it from my face? with the response being â€Å"You cannot miss that inn†. Here the questioner is worried that when we die there may be nothing, just darkness. However, they are assured that they cannot miss the inn, meaning that there is certainty of arrival in this place of safety. In this stanza, the person is continuing their prayer to God. They have already received a response that life is going to be difficult and challenging, and now they are being assured that there is an afterlife and that it will be a place of saf ety.The third stanza opens with the question â€Å"Shall I meet other wayfarers at night? † with the response being â€Å"Those who have gone before. † The use of â€Å"wayfarers† continues the vision of a journey, and here the questioner is asking if they will see other people in the afterlife. â€Å"Wayfarers† would be other people who have been on the same journey through life. The questioner then asks â€Å"Then must I knock, or call out when just in sight? † and is given the response â€Å"They will not keep you standing at the door†.Here the questioner is assured that when they arrive at the inn, or place of safety, their loved ones will be waiting to greet them. In this stanza the person is being assured by God that they will meet their loved ones in the afterlife. The fourth stanza asks the question â€Å"Shall I find comfort, travel- sore and weak? † with the response being â€Å"Of labor you shall find the sum†. In th e second and third stanzas, the questioner asked if they would find safety in the afterlife and if they would see their loved ones, and here they are asking if they will find comfort.The response is that the comfort they achieve will be dependent on the â€Å"labor† or work in their earthly lives. This indicates that there is some form of judgment in the afterlife of how we conduct our lives here on earth. The questioner then asks â€Å"Will there be beds for me and all who seek? † and is told â€Å"Yea, beds for all who come†. The term â€Å"seek† is important here, because here God is telling the questioner that there isn’t a bed for everyone, only those who seek Him.As you have read, the poem â€Å"Uphill† uses the symbols of a journey to create an allegorical vision of our life on earth and into the afterlife. In the final stanza of the poem, it is clear that the author is conveying the message that how we conduct our lives on earth will be a gauge for how we fare in the afterlife. While we will never know who the individual is that is answering the questions in the poem, I believe that it is God responding to the questioner through prayer, because God is the only one who would have the true answers to the questions.

Social Support and Physical Activity Corroborating

Running head: HEALTHY AGING IN THE ELDERLY 1 Social Support and Physical Activity Corroborating Healthy Aging and Quality of Life in the Elderly Karen Cauthen Counseling 502-B21 Liberty University Abstract Can morbidity be deterred in the elderly or is disease and illness a fact of life for the aged? Does social support and physical activity play a part in preventing secondary aging processes? This paper will modestly explore and discuss the effects of social interactions and routine activity of the elderly upon healthy aging and quality of life. Successful healthy ageing is impacted by a healthy lifestyle and is positively related to a reduced mortality risk and a delay in health deterioration† (Merrill, Myklebust, Myklebust, Reynolds, & Duthie, 2008). It is not the absence of disease or disability that qualifies healthy aging, but response to the aging process that defines quality of life (Gilbert, Hagerty, & Taggert, 2012). According to Erik Erikson it is the eighth stage of development: integrity vs. espair (Erikson, Erikson, & Kivnick, 1986); the point in life where the reality of death becomes imminent and a review of life determines meaning (Elhman & Ligon, 2012). Social participation and an active lifestyle are good at any age but for the elderly it is the cover over the deep dark hole of despair and loneliness. Keywords: integrity, despair, activity, social, healthy aging, aging process, support Social Support and Physical Activity Corroborating Healthy Aging and Quality of Life in the ElderlyAs we grow older our bodies change, our thoughts are more reflective, and our friendships more selective. Growing old is not a cookie cutter process. For each individual it is different. Some stay very busy, while others quit. They gradually halt participation in day-to-day events, or they take up yoga, run a marathon even go back to school. Successful aging is determined more by mental attitude than physical ability; how past life is perceived and future li fe accomplished.It is how change is managed that determines healthy aging and quality of life in the aged. Growing old is a process gerontologist divide in two categories, â€Å"primary aging† and â€Å"secondary aging† (Berger, 2011). Primary aging is defined as the universal changes occurring with age that are not caused by diseases or environmental influences. Secondary aging is defined as changes involving interactions of primary aging processes with environmental influences and disease processes (Masoro & Austad, 2006).According to Berger (Berger, 2011) there are three stages of old: â€Å"young-old,† â€Å"healthy, active, financially secure and independent;† â€Å"old-old,† although still independent suffer from â€Å"reductions in physical or mental ability or social support;† and last, â€Å"oldest-old,† â€Å"infirm, at risk for illness and injury. † Not preferring to use the word old, some gerontologist describe four stages of aging as: â€Å"optimal aging,† â€Å"usual aging,† â€Å"impaired or pathological aging,† and the fourth, â€Å"successful aging,† (Rowe & Kahn, 1998) â€Å"signifying extensive social interaction and activity† (Berger, 2011).The elderly tend to measure functional capacity by â€Å"their ability to carry out, independently, their routine activities, also called the activities of daily living† (Brito & Pavarini, 2012). After years of independent living, dependency on someone to carry out normal everyday functions can be emotionally and socially debilitating, even more so than the illnesses that made them dependent. â€Å"Loss, in instrumental activities of daily living contributes to greater estrangement from one’s social surroundings and consequently to a tendency to be isolated in one’s residence† (Brito & Pavarini, 2012).Erik Erikson provided an in-depth philosophy in his final eighth stage of development: integrity vs. despair. This is a time in which the elderly desire to unite their vast experiences with their ideas of humanity (Erikson, et al, 1986). While despair stands for a complete loss of hope, integrity does not only mean honesty, but also â€Å"a feeling of being whole, not scattered, comfortable with oneself† (Berger, 2011). Yet it is in Erikson’s seventh stage, generativity vs. tagnation, we find that â€Å"in older adults, generativity may be the single most important factor in achieving ego integrity (James & Zarrett, 2006) and positively impacts well-being (Yuen, Huang, Burik, & Smith, 2008)† (Elhman & Ligon, 2012). Therefore, as Erikson (Erikson & Erikson, 1997) put it, â€Å"indeed, old people can and need to maintain a grand-generative function† (p. 63), and that â€Å"vital involvement†¦is necessary for staying really alive (p. 63)† (Elhman & Ligon, 2012). TheoriesPeople are multi-dimensional, multi-faceted creatures. To lump us all under one roof would be a crime. Numerous theories, through research and study, try to describe human behavior but no one such study is sufficient. There are four main theories concerning the activities and social life of the elderly. Each theory holds truth but not the whole truth. The first, activity theory, views â€Å"older people as psychologically unchanged† holding â€Å"social and physical obstacles responsible for declining rates of social interaction† (Carstensen L.L. , 1992). Activity theorists blame age-related health and social burdens for cause of change in social participation and activities (Carstensen L. L. , 1992). The second, disengagement theory, suggest â€Å"that old age instigates a mutual withdrawal between society and aging people† (Carstensen L. L. , 1992). Elaine Cumming and William Earl Henry (Cumming & Henry, 1961) suggest that in preparation for death withdrawal is manifested in a distancing in social relationships.As death creeps ever closer what is important and what is not is more relevant. What we do, where we do it, and whom we do it with are choices that continue the idea of independence. A third theory proposed by Dr. Laura Carstensen (Carstensen L. L. , 1992), socioemotional selective theory, counters the assumption by the other two theories, that these changes in social activity are strictly late-life phenomena, with the proposition that these changes actually start earlier in life. Reduced rates of interaction in late life are viewed as the result of lifelong selection processes by which people strategically and adaptively cultivate their social networks to maximize social and emotional gains and minimize social and emotional risks† (Carstensen L. L. , 1992). Because so much is derived from social interaction; information, assistance, self-identity, selection of a mate, knowledge of culture and history, discriminate and careful examination of social partners is a must (Carstensen L. L. , 1992).The fourth, gerotranscendence theory, was developed by Lars Tornstam to address a â€Å"perpetual mismatch between present theories in social gerontology and existing empirical data† (Tornstam, 2010). Gerotranscendence claims successful aging results from frequent contemplative thought, a decrease in materialism, and transcendence of primary aging processes (Adams & Sanders, 2010). In support of this theory a Change in Activities and Interest Index (CAII) was created to â€Å"examine empirically the perceived changes that occur in the lives of older adults† (Adams & Sanders, 2010).The CAII is a 30-item questioner optimized to examine â€Å"self-perceived change in investment in and attitudes about social and leisure pastimes among older adults† (Adams & Sanders, 2010). As a result of the research by Drs. Kathryn Adams and Sara Sanders (Adams & Sanders, 2010) using the CAII, providers of health care to the elderly can better design ways to elevate direct engagement in valuable, desired activities and social relations as they advance within the aging process. As stated earlier, all four theories hold truth, but none the whole truth.Each theory describes certain individuals but leaves out others. Because we are an ever changing species and constantly growing population more studies are needed in understanding the causes of healthy aging and defining quality of life. Gender Studies have shown that in later life numerous physical benefits, as well as, psychological benefits are a result of participation in social activity, â€Å"such as the promotion of happiness (Menec, 2003), reduction of the risk of depression (Hong, Hasche, & Bowland, 2009), reduction of the decline of motor function (Buchman, et al. 2009), and even reductions in mortality (Lennartsson & Silverstein, 2001)† (Li, Lin, & Chen, 2011). â€Å"Research to date indicates that participation in social activity exerts positive and psychological health effects among th e elderly and that the pattern of activity participation differs by gender† (Li, et al, 2011). Numerous studies and literature report general differences in the social activities of men and women, but only one study â€Å"considered gender issues and social activity among the elderly (Arber, Perren, & Davidson, 2002).When exploring the outcomes of healthy aging and quality of life in regards to social support and physical activity, gender cannot be overlooked. Changes take place throughout the lifespan and gender affects social and cultural relations to these changes. In the expansion of associations and community contacts the distinct social settings that men and women live in lead to dissimilar behaviors (Barer, 1994; Carstensen L. L. , 1991). Dr. Kate Bennett (Bennett K. M. 1998) did an 8-year longitudinal study on physical activity in the elderly. The results showed that women were more likely to occupy themselves with indoor activities (e. g. , housework) and men with ou tdoor activities (e. g. , walking or cycling) (Bennett K. M. , 1998). Involvement in activities, whether readily available or not, is also gender specific. Elderly women are more likely to attend or be involved with religious services and activities than elderly men (Arber, et al, 2002).For men, staying in touch with what is going on through formal and informal associations or engaging in social activities such as volunteer work helps them maintain self-identity within their society (Arber, et al, 2002). Cultural context also plays a part in the construct of gender roles. In most societies, Western and non-Western, the male role is that of bread winner and the female role is that of homemaker (Li, et al, 2011). Western society mindset has changed over the years to the point where these roles are often reversed or completely annihilated.In Asia, however, a study done between 1988 and 1997 of people aged 60 or older found that women were more likely to rely on their family for financi al support and men were more likely to have their own source of income (Ofstedal, Reidy, & Knodel, 2004). However, a study of â€Å"5,294 noninstitutionalized elderly adults†¦concluded that working for a living was associated with high rates of depression among the elderly† (Hong, et al, 2009), most likely due to Asian traditional social value (xiao) which reflects bad on the family of children who cannot support their parents (Li, et al, 2011).Facilitators and Barriers The earth’s populace of 60+ year olds has doubled since 1980 and will achieve the 2 billion mark by 2050 according to the World Health Organization (World Health Organization, n. d. ; Gilbert, et al, 2012). Catherine Gilbert, Debra Hagerty and Helen Taggert generated a study â€Å"to explore the factors associated with healthy ageing through personal interviews†¦giving voice to the elders regarding their impression of facilitators and barriers to healthy ageing† (Gilbert, et al, 2012).T he results found the elderly perceive three main facilitators to healthy ageing: â€Å"taking care of self; meaningful activity; and positive attitude,† and three main barriers to healthy ageing: â€Å"giving up or giving in; environmental limitations; and the ageing process† (Gilbert, et al, 2012). Empathy is a facilitator and plays an important role in healthy ageing and quality of life through social interaction and is a requirement for enduring social commitments (Bailey, Henry, & Von Hippel, 2008). Empathy has been described as the; ‘capacity to understand others and experience their feelings in relation to oneself’ (Decety & Jackson, 2004). Few studies have been done to reveal whether empathic capacity diminishes with age (Bailey, et al, 2008). Phoebe Bailey, Julie Henry and William Von Hippel researched the â€Å"possibility that age-related reductions in social functioning might be mediated by declining cognitive empathy† with results testif ying â€Å"cognitive empathy was significantly reduced related to younger adults,† but â€Å"there were no age-related differences in affective empathy† (Bailey, et al, 2008).Thus empathy as a facilitator to healthy aging and quality of life bares much weight in functional relationships. A social network also facilitates healthy aging and quality of life. Social support, created by relationships, both formal and informal, provides one with emotional, affective and material help, with information, and with positive social interaction (Ostergren, Hanson, Isacsson, & Tejler, 1991). It has been proven by studies that adequate social support is a efensive aspect in functional disability and cognitive compromise in the elderly (Golden, Conroy, & Lawlor, 2009; Bennett, Schneider, Tang, Arnold, & Wilson, 2006; Stuck, Walhert, Nikolaus, Bula, Hohmann, & Beck, 1999). Autonomy and independence within family and social circles is maintained through social supports and is essential to cognitive functions and psychological well-being (Golden, et al, 2009; Bennett, et al, 2006; Stuck, et al, 1999). On the other hand, barriers to healthy ageing and quality of life include physical ability and cognitive alterations.Barriers â€Å"reported by older adults are physical health problems and frailty, resultant injury and falling, lack of motivation, feeling low, time constraints, social barriers, past seentary lifestyle, feeling too tired, and environmental restrictions such as transportation, weather, neighborhood safety, fatigue and having no one to exercise with† (Belza, et al. , 2004; Bird, et al. , 2009; Chen, 2010; Conn, 1998; Lees, Clark, Nigg, & Newman, 2005; Newson & Kemps, 2007; Prohaska, et al. , 2006).Yet fear of disease and becoming dependent is a great motivator to be physically active (Welmer, Morck, & Dahlin-Ivanoff, 2012). Another barrier to healthy ageing and quality of life in the elderly is cognitive alterations. Primary aging results in a s low steady decline of mental functions. Loss of words, ability to understand and perceive, to move efficiently and smoothly, and ability to manage, control, and regulate cognitive processes all deteriorate as we get older, allbeit some faster than others (Brito & Pavarini, 2012). †¦with memory loss standing out most in the population in general.Maintenance of cognition is an important determinant for quality of life and life expectancy in old age, as cognitive decline is associated with personal discomfort, loss of autonomy and increase of social costs (Brito & Pavarini, 2012). Research and Results The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Healthy Ageing Research Network (CDC-HAN) and the European Union Active and Healthy Ageing partnership (ND) all agree healthy ageing is important and pursue educating the public through studies and research (Gilbert, et al, 2012).The mission of the CDC Healthy Ageing Research Network is: â€Å"To better understand the dete rminants of healthy ageing in diverse populations and settings; to identify, develop, and evaluate programs and policies that promote healthy ageing; and to translate and disseminate research into effective and sustainable public health programs and policies throughout the nation (CDC, 2012). By using research from these agencies, communities throughout the world can develop programs that enhance and promote healthy aging and quality of life for the elderly (Gilbert, et al, 2012).The World Health Organization is aware of the challenges in healthcare faced in the 21st century, as well as, the need for the contributions the elderly make (Gilbert, et al, 2012). In support of healthy ageing and quality of life we need â€Å"training for health professionals on old-age care; preventing and managing age-associated chronic diseases; designing sustainable policies on long-term and palliative care; and developing age-friendly services and settings† (WHO, n. d. ) Along with national re search, colligate, institutional, private, and organizational studies continue the quest for positive healthy aging and quality of life.Many studies extol the benefits of social support and physical activity upon the health and well-being, both mentally and physically, of the elderly. A study by Anna-Karin Welmer, Annika Morck, and Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff; â€Å"Physical Activity in People Age 80 Years and Older as a Means to Counteracting Disability, Balanced in Relation to Frailty,† declares: †¦results suggest that physical activity was not seen as a separate activity but rather as a part of activities often rated as more important than the physical activity itself.Thus, when designing physical activity interventions for elderly people, health care providers should consider including time for social interaction and possibilities to be outdoors (Welmer, et al, 2012). In another study exploring â€Å"Empathy and Social Functioning in Late Adulthood,† Bailey, Henry, and Von Hippel report: †¦aging may differentially impact cognitive and affective empathy, and that the former may be of particular importance for social functioning.Given the negative consequences that loneliness and social isolation have for physical and mental well-being (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988), particularly among older adults (for whom reduced social participation has been linked to increased mortality; (Bath & Deeg, 2005; Fry & Debats, 2006), these findings seem a worthwhile topic for further investigation (Bailey, et al, 2008). Yet another study by Gilbert, Hagerty and Taggert, â€Å"Exploring Factors Related to Healthy Ageing,† reveals the importance of environment in facilitating a healthy social and physically active lifestyle.Tom, an interviewee and participant in the study â€Å"was very articulate about the need for environmental modifications that support the lifestyles of the elderly (Gilbert, et al, 2012). â€Å"To be active, means to be able t o travel and do things. Unfortunately, when we travel, the people who claim to have handicap rooms have had the worst advice in the world. Numerous times I have been placed in situations where you can’t sit down in the shower or if you get in the tub, you can’t get out† (Gilbert, et al, 2012).In a study, â€Å"Gender Differences in the Relationship of Social Activity and Quality of Life in Community- Dwelling Taiwanese Elders,† Li, Lin, and Chen find to some degree that gender does play a role in what activities are pursued and measured as resulting in quality of life by the elderly. For the men in this study, engaging in contact with friends, informal group activity, formal group activity, and voluntary work were significantly associated with the total quality of life. Among women, our data show that fewer types of social activity are associated with quality of life domains (Li, et al, 2011).Men seemed to derive quality of life through formal groups where status and title were bestowed, whereas, women found quality of life sustained in religious activities (Li, et al, 2011). A study by Brito and Pavarini, â€Å"The Relationship Between Social Support and Functional Capacity in Elderly Persons with Cognitive Alterations,† corroborates the importance of social support in regards to healthy aging and quality of life, especially among the elderly with cognitive inpairment.Social support may protect individuals from the pathogenic effects of stressing events, as much as it may positively affect people’s health by providing resources (economic and material help and information), better access to health care and regulation of living habits (Ramos, 2002). Research and study in gerontology promote understanding of the needs of the elderly in establishing adequate structuring and implantation of pathways that contribute to social support and physical activities, which in turn corroborates healthy aging and quality of life (Brito & Pavarini, 2012).Conclusion Getting old is a fact of life and with advances in medicine and the world’s population living longer (WHO, n. d. ), coping successfully with getting older requires selective optimization with compensation; setting goals, assessing abilities, and making plans to achieve regardless of hindrances and limitations (Berger, 2011). A positive outlook, family and friends, and an active lifestyle are all deterrents of morbidity (Gilbert, Hagerty, & Taggert, 2012).Influenced by a healthy lifestyle, successful healthy ageing is clearly related to a decreased mortality risk and a postponement in, and in some cases suspension of, health deterioration (Merrill, et al, 2008). Maintaining a social calendar and routine physical activity clearly supports healthy aging and quality of life in the elderly. Bibliography Adams, K. B. , & Sanders, S. (2010). Measurement of developmental change in late life: a validation study of the change in activities and interests in dex. Clinical Gerontologist, 92-108. Arber, S. , Perren, K. , & Davidson, K. (2002).Involvement in social organizations in later life: Variations by gender and class. In L. Andersson (Ed. ), Cultural gerontology (pp. 77-93). Westport, CT: Auborn House. Bailey, P. E. , Henry, J. D. , & Von Hippel, W. (2008, July). Empathy and social functioning in late adulthood. Aging & Mental Health, Vol. 12, No. 4, 499-503. Barer, B. M. (1994). Men and women aging differently. International Journal of Aging and Hua Development, 38(1), 29-40. Bath, P. A. , & Deeg, D. (2005). Social engagement and health outcomes among older people: Introduction to a special section. 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A poisson-like model of sub-clinical signs from the examination of healthy aging subjects. Aging Clinical ; Experimental Research, 20(4), 368-375. Newson, R. S. , ; Kemps, E. B. (2007). Factors that promote and prevent exercise engagement in older adults. Journal of Aging and Health, 19, 470-481. Ofstedal, M. B. , Reidy, E. , ; Knodel, J. (2004). Gender differences in economic support and well-being of older Asians. Journal of Cross-Cultur al Gerontology, 19, 165-201. Ostergren, P. O. , Hanson, B. S. , Isacsson, S. O. , ; Tejler, L. (1991).Social network, social support and acute chest complaints among young and middle-aged patients in an emergency department: A case control study. Social Science ; Medicine, 33(3), 257-267. Prohaska, T. , Belansky, E. , Belza, B. , Buchner, D. , Marshall, V. , McTigue, K. , ; Wilcox, S. (2006). Physical activity, public health, and aging: Critical issues and research priorities. The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 61(5), S267-S273. Ramos, M. P. (2002). Apoio social e saude entre os idosos. Sociologias, 4(7), 156-175. Rowe, J. W. , ; Kahn, R.L. (1998). Successful aging. New York: Pantheon. Stuck, A. E. , Walthert, J. M. , Nikolaus, T. , Bula, C. J. , Hohmann, C. , ; Beck, J. C. (1999). Risk factors for functional status decline in community-living elderly people: A systematic review. Social Science and Medicine, 48(1), 445-469. Tornstam, L . (2010). The theory of gerotranscendence. Retrieved 03 2013, from Department of Sociology Uppsala Universitet: http://www. soc. uu. se/en/research/research-fields/the-social-gerontology-group/research/the-theory-of-gerotranscendence/ Welmer, A. , Morck, A. , ; Dahlin-Ivanoff, S. (2012).Physical Activity in People Age 80 Years and Older as a Means of Counteracting Disability, Balanced in Relation to Frailty. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 317-331. WHO. (n. d. ). Aging and Life-Course. 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Annotated Bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Annotated Bibliography - Essay Example Ka-Kui discusses the concept of organized retail crime as the large scale theft of consumer goods and how it can be addressed. The author portrays shoplifting in Hong Kong as a problem occasioned by the existence of organized groups of professional shoplifters. The negative implications of organized crime can be reduced by using technology such as installing surveillance cameras. Most of the responses to these crimes come from the retailers with little input from the government. This gap is of particular importance to the anticipated research study. Ka-Sing addresses the various ways through which losses arising from shoplifting can be reduced. The approach used in the paper focuses on early identification of the shoplifters using such features as the physical appearance and signs of panic. The paper further categorizes the type of people that are most likely to shoplift and the reasons for their doing so. The paper approaches the problem by analyzing the methods that shoplifters use and uses the results to propose ways of curbing it. Overall, the paper is essential in our research objective of reducing shoplifting losses. The authors focus on diverting shoplifters as an effective strategy to respond to the problem of shoplifting. The research incorporated the input of public and private partners in coming up with promising alternatives in responding to low-level retail theft. The idea of the paper is to work with law enforcement agencies in tackling shoplifting. The role of legislation is particularly useful in the anticipated

Comparing and Contrasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparing and Contrasting - Essay Example This makes the Portuguese form appear somewhat withdrawn to the background. The form does not appear clear to the viewer while standing at a further distance from the painting. It requires light to bring out the contours that dominate the painting. The color is applied sparingly which means that it is subdued. (J. Paul Getty Museum, 2011, pg. 1) reason for this one might think was to highlight the form of the painting. The brown color that is dominant throughout the painting is mainly to draw the viewer to the form but the dissecting of form to interact with space does not at the end make the viewer arrive at a specific form. It leaves room for the viewer to form different forms from looking at it because the form keeps shifting. The reason for this could be the unusual use of light and shadow that was employed by the painter. George says that he had discovered the meaning of horizontal and vertical which he clearly used in this painting. He claims that color would have brought a certain kind of sensation that would have interfered with his use of space. Once a picture stops being real, one can touch it. This is what motivated the painter to crave for space. He wanted to touch the picture and express it in form of space. Therefore we could come to a conclusion that the quest for space is what gave the conception of analytical cubism. The desire to touch still life. The painter was interested in separating himself from the real picture as possible. He took more time and drew several pictures at once. It took him years but that is what he wanted. He says that apples would die long before he could finish a painting. The outcome is not important but the path followed by the painter at arriving at the end result (â€Å"Historical Painting Techniques, Materials, and Studio Practice.† Preprints, 1995, pg.34). That way the viewer appreciates the journey, each stroke of the brash, the delicate manner in which the

Case study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Case study - Assignment Example Obedience is all about the tendency to obey authority figures. The subordinates may not question the instructions given by the superiors in the organization. The other term seen from the case study is related to AUTHORITY. This refers to the process of controlling the other people in the workplace so that their behaviour can conform to the expected standards. However, there has been a dramatic shift from the way power and authority used to be exercised in the organization compared to the current period. As depicted in the case of IBM, the theme of PERSUASION has significantly gained prominence in managing organizations during the contemporary period. This involves the process of trying to influence and convince the employees in the organization to share the same vision with you. If properly implemented, this strategy can help the employees to be productive in their efforts since they would be in a position to share the same vision with the manager. The other term is VISION which is concerned about the goals and objectives of the organization. The manager has a responsibility of sharing the vision of the organization with the workers so that their efforts can be directed towards the attainment of the desired goals. The other theme presented in the case is NEGOTIATION where the leaders ought to engage the employees when intending to make decisions or solve conflicts that may exist in the organization. People tend to disagree over certain issues and this practice is common in most cases. However, it only becomes detrimental to the organization if the conflict becomes dysfunctional. In order to resolve this kind of conflict, the theme of COLLABORATION should be taken into consideration. This theme deals with finding and solving problems in such a way that everyone benefits. It is more like a win-win situation In order to manage the organization

Policemen of the World Thesis and Outline Assignment - 1

Policemen of the World Thesis and Outline - Assignment Example The first war was between 1798 and 1800 with France. The war was instigated by land controversy in the now Dominican republic. In the 20th century, United States of America was involved in a fierce war against Cambodia and Vietnam (Collier, 1993). The most recent war between 1990 to date has been to nations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Egypt among other countries. There have been controversies surrounding the USA involvement in the global wars. The controversies within the nation are on the constitutional mandates that give the president power to invade a nation without consulting the senate and the congress (Kornbluh, 2003). The congress demands for a proper clause that the president must always seek for their opinion before he execute his plan to attack a worrying nation. Controversies have also arose on the countries being attacked by the USA troops. There were controversies in Iraq when the USA troops invaded them and ousted Sadam Hussein that the country had nuclear weapons but the country never had any weapon. The question now is why did USA have to attack another nation on false claims? (Steinhauer, 2011) The united states of America need to have a clear investigation before attacking any nation. The wars usually lead to the deaths of many civilians majority of whom are innocent. It should be noted that war does not bring any benefit, but a loss to the life of human

Explain why Simmias and Cebes are so afraid of death in the phaedo, Essay

Explain why Simmias and Cebes are so afraid of death in the phaedo, whereas Socrates is not. Does Socrates' explanation convince you, or are you, like simmias a - Essay Example Socrates unequivocally asserts that any true philosopher â€Å"will be willing to die† (6). He is convinced that a better life awaits him. Death, as the harbinger of â€Å"the greatest good† (8), is something the true philosopher desires and pursues. Death may be defined as â€Å"the separation of the soul and body† (8). The philosopher is a seeker of truth and lover of wisdom, who pursues the essence of the knowledge of existence. In this pursuit, the body, with its’ lusts, sensual pleasures and physical needs, is â€Å"only a disturbing element, hindering the soul from the acquisition of knowledge† (10). Therefore, the philosopher desires death, which will release â€Å"the soul from the chains of the body† (11) and free the soul to attain the truth. His desire for the truth will be satisfied only by the separation of the soul from the body – that is, by death – which is the purification of the soul. Death is the philosopherâ €™s means to gain wisdom, while the body is his â€Å"enemy† (11). Socrates fearlessly and eagerly anticipates death and is ready â€Å"to depart with joy† (11) from this world. Cebes and Simmias acknowledge the truth of Socrates’ word, but continue to fear death, as they are afraid that the soul â€Å"may be destroyed and perish† (12) when she leaves the body, â€Å"vanishing into nothingness† after death. Socrates allays their fears by convincing them of the immortality of the soul. The accepted belief that â€Å"the living spring from the dead† (15) presupposes the prior existence of the soul, in another world, before it assumes human form. As recollection is an essential part of knowledge, this recollection is obviously gained by the intelligent souls’ existence in another place. The rebirth of the soul is proof of the souls’ immortality, as â€Å"everything living is born of the dead† (19). Once it is accepted that the soul is invisible,

Construction Contract Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Construction Contract Law - Case Study Example These set of laws preside over the operation of government and safeguards the rights of individuals. As such, it is the very system of a well organised society. This essay will examine the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution in resolving and expediting cases between and among the parties. In order to shed light to this, the case of Burchell v. Mr. and Mrs. Bullard will be used along with relevant provisions of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act of 1996, The Woolf Report, Pre-Action Protocol for the Construction and Engineering Disputes and other current and relevant materials to Alternative Dispute Resolution and Construction Contract Law. Among the difficulties encountered in forming this paper was that due to the relatively new case of Burchell, materials used for this paper are limited to current case laws and articles which relates to the case. In the instant case, Mr Burchell, the claimant, had agreed to build two large extensions to the home of Mr and Mrs Bullard, the defendants, for which he was to be paid in four stages, as stated in their agreement. The Spouses Bullard refused to make the third stage payment, amounting to 13,540.99 and find fault about the work that had been done. The claimant's solicitors initially wrote to the defendants suggesting that the matter be referred for an Alternative Dispute Resolution through "a qualified construction mediator". Subsequently, this approach was discarded by the defendant's surveyor on the grounds that the matters complained of are technically complex, and as such mediation is inappropriate to settle the issue in the case. The claimant claimed 18,318.45. The defendants responded by counterclaiming 100,815.34 and further damages which were then not fully particularised. The claimant then brought a Part 20 claim against a sub-contractor in relation to the roofing works. There were no payments into Court and no Part 36 Offers made. At first instance the Court rendered judgment in favour of the claimant on his claim and awarded him 18,327.04 but likewise gave judgment in favour of the defendants on the counterclaim in the amount of 14,373.15. The result was that the defendants had to pay the claimant the difference, which with interest and VAT came to only 5,025.63. The claimant was awarded 79.50 on his counterclaim against the sub-contractor. The defendants were ordered to pay the claimant's costs of the claim and in turn, the claimant was ordered to pay the defendant's costs of the counterclaim. The claimant was also ordered to pay the Part 20 defendant's costs on the basis that the Part 20 defendant had only had 79.50 awarded against him and had made offers to settle from the beginning. The claimant appealed the costs award and made a further proposal for mediation, requesting the defendants to submit to the Court of Appeal scheme. The defendants, thereafter responded in the negative stating that they did not consider that this would be either "necessary or appropriate". In determining whether the circumstances of the case justified a departure from the general

The foreign exchange regimes between New Zealand and Morocco Essay

The foreign exchange regimes between New Zealand and Morocco - Essay Example The researcher states that majority of the countries established their currency in antagonism to the USD, which in turn was redeemed into gold at an established rate. New Zealand joined IMF in 1961, maintaining a fixed exchange rate regime all through, making a couple of discretionary changes in the subsequent 25 post-war years. After a series of worldwide exchange rate realignments and currency crises in the late 1960s, a Smithsonian Agreement was established to ensure the stability of currencies known as the. This led to the creation of the Effective Rate in 1971, and a pegging to the U.S. Dollar replaced the currency's link to Pound Sterling. In 1973, the New Zealand Dollar was put on a controlled, floating basis, that is, the exchange rate is established from the value of the NZ Dollar, which is computed in regard to the fixed relationship between many currencies representing New Zealand's main trading partners and the Dollar itself. The strengths of these currencies are establis hed according to their proportionate share of country's total current overseas payments and receipts and are adjusted quarterly. A crawling-peg system of monthly depreciation was adopted from 1979 and was floated in 1985, as part of a broad-based financial markets’ deregulation. The supply and demand in foreign exchange market determined the rate and since the float, the Reserve Bank has not looked into the foreign exchange market. Under this system, the exchange rate adjusted against a trade-weighted basket. This adjustment came in small bits, sometimes daily, the main criterion for adjustment being the relative inflation to main trading partners. The average nominal movement in the currency for the duration of this regime was a depreciation of 0.5% monthly. In October 1993, the New Zealand dollar was weaker on a trade-weighted basis in comparison to the time of the float. In early November, the New Zealand Dollar was trading at 65 U.S. cents having appreciated by 6% in the previous year. Morocco has experienced a number of economic changes. Since France is their key trading partner, until the end of the Bretton-Woods system in 1973, Morocco had pegged its currency to the French Franc.

The Role of Government in Policy †Making Essay Example for Free

The Role of Government in Policy – Making Essay The public policy making process often takes place in a policy environment that is broad and comprises of both official and non-official players. Civil society groups that are organized comprise the membership of non-official players. Such groups include women’s lobbies, business associations, labor unions and church organizations.   On the other hand, positions of the formal state are often occupied by the official players.   These positions derive their guidance and means of exercising their authority from the constitution that exist in the country. In addition; it is the political community that describes the formal state positions. A steady transformation which most of the time has been unnoticed has been taking place in the American government and debates have marginalized the previous institutions and processes and public policy has recently been centralized on the new processes especially the non-governmental ones.   By performing the desired work for the people, responsibility has mostly been shared by the American government as well as non-profit organizations, various levels of government and the private companies (Kettl, 2000). The process of policy making often starts with unexpected occurrences and mechanisms that are triggering and this leads to disturbance of the daily routines that take place in the environment.   This process is the responsibility of policy makers who occupy the pivotal positions as concerns power.   These people (policy makers) are often under pressure as they are faced with a variety of competing interests in their quest to come up with informed decisions concerning policies so as to improve the existing conditions and their tasks may become difficult especially in societies where there exist open public expression of opinions and conflicts, for instance the United States (Kettl, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The shaping of public policy takes place under various institutions and levels of government such as the judiciary, legislature, bureaucracy, President among others.   The legislative plays various roles and tasks in shaping public policy.   Ã‚  The legislature plays the task of formulating policy proposals so that various existing problems can be solved.   Policy formulation consists of factual, the theoretical and value premises.   In an organizational setting, policy formulation lies with the administration of such organizations that are charged with the responsibility of coming up with rational, goal-oriented and responsible policies that could be useful in solving various organizational problems. As a result, these policies when applied by organization result in efficiency in these institutions.   In addition, organizations can then be said to posses drives, values and skills in decision making processes, problem formulation, evaluation and agenda setting.   The legislature’s other role is making of the laws that affect the entire nation positively and at the same time ensure that the interests of their constituencies are met through their representation with the objective of improving the existing quality of life for citizens (Long, 1996). The judiciary on the other hand has actively been active in the process of policy making in United States.   The administration of education, penal, environmental protection, welfare and mental health policies has mainly taken place as a result of the participation of the courts in their formulation.   Courts also play the role of perceiving crimes that have been committed and judges have the responsibility of monitoring the various activities that are conducted by institutions.   In certain circumstances, courts have also attempted to carry out restructuring process in these institutions so that change in their policies as well as processes is implemented (Kettl, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Salvation Army is a religious based organization, registered in the United States of America, with different goals and objectives.   Although the principle objective of the organization is to spread Christianity, the organizational policies and governance is firmly embedded in the US constitution.   Therefore, the organization is obliged to obey all statutes under the US constitution (Ellickson, 1996).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For instance, the Salvation Army is required to operate under the associations act whereby elections for some posts in the organization, are supposed to be conducted as provided for in the law.   In addition, the organization operates with a fiscal budget which is subject to auditing as provided for in the law.   Therefore, the Salvation Army strives to meet all government legislations making it a law abiding organization.   By doing that, the Salvation Army upholds basic tenets which ensure that every citizen enjoys their fundamental rights as provided for in the constitution (Ellickson, 1996).   Additionally,   the organization participates in promoting good governance, especially through its corporate social responsibility arm which extends assistance not only to Americans who are needy but also the organization has been in the fore front in promoting bilateral relations through bilateral aid to developing countries. In conclusion, it is evident from the discussion above that the legal process and especially the judiciary in United States of America, plays a significant role in governance.   For an organization like the Salvation Army, the legal process offers the necessary benchmark against which such an organization lays its policies.   Finally,   for law and order to be realized every organization, irrespective of its ideological leaning must uphold the constitution. Reference    Ellickson, R. C. (1996). Controlling Chronic Misconduct in City Spaces: Of Panhandlers, Skid Rows, and Public-Space Zoning. Yale Law Journal, 105(5), 1165-1248. Retrieved August 11, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000328549 Kettl, D. F. (2000). The Transformation of Governance: Globalization, Devolution, and the Role of Government. Public Administration Review, 60(6), 488. Retrieved August 11, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5001131131 Long, N. E. (1996). Public Policy and Administration: The Goals of Rationality and Responsibility. Public Administration Review, 56(2), 149-4. Retrieved August 11, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000345114

The Obstacles Between Israel And Palestine

The Obstacles Between Israel And Palestine The Israeli Palestinian conflict is the longest running contemporary conflict, still ongoing, to date. The origins of the conflict and its history provide the context necessary to understanding the obstacles to a to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The obstacles to a peace agreement are both numerous and complex. Some of the more major obstacles, recent and still current today include: (1) land issues over the West Bank and Gaza strip, (2) status of Jerusalem (3) security concerns, (4) Palestinian refugee problems, and (5) issues over water resources. The purpose of this academic essay is to provide a brief overview of the origins and history of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, placing a primary focus on providing a detailed account of the aforementioned major obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The origins and particularly the history of Israeli Palestinian conflict can become mindboggling as the conflict has gone on for so long; a simple, selective and brief overview would best facilitate an understanding of this epic saga like conflict. Starting from the very beginning; in ancient times Judea was originally the home of the Jews until it was conquered by the Romans, renamed Palestine, and later reconquered and inhabited by Arabs for over a thousand years. Zionism, a movement of national liberation to achieve a homeland for Jews (Heywood, A. 2007) later came about and it aimed to restore the Jews to Israel, largely ignoring the existing Arab population. In 1917, Britain was granted Palestine as a League of Nations mandate under the Balfour Declaration, in which Britain committed itself to the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people. Arab resentment over the loss of their land to the Jews fostered repeated riots and a revolt that later prompted Br itain to cease Jewish immigration to Palestine. Jewish immigration to Palestine resumed due to the pressure created by the Holocaust and murder of 6 million Jews at the hands of the Nazis and in 1947 the UN partitioned Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. This would cause Arab tempers to flare, they could not accept the partition and as a result a war broke out. Israel would win a decisive victory and expand as a state, and in doing so create Palestinian refugees in the hundreds of thousands. This was only the beginning of the conflict. The Arab states would refuse Israel both recognition and peace; wars would break out in 1956, 1967, 1973 and 1982. There were also many terror raids and Israeli reprisals. Each side blames the other entirely for the conflict and expects an apology. The intensity of the Israeli Palestinian conflict has varied over the years, but with the continued involvement of the international community, the calls for peace are growing ever louder. The Peace proc ess began in 1993 with The Oslo Declaration of Principles. In this document, both sides recognized the rights of the other to exist as a people within the borders of Palestine/Israel, and committed themselves to negotiating a permanent settlement and to improving relations between the two peoples. (MidEastWeb, 2008) Since then, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), currently led by Mahmoud Abbas, and the Israeli government, currently led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has been committed to an eventual two-state solution. The two parties have taken part in direct and official negotiations mediated by the Quartet on the Middle East, represented by and consisting of the United Nations, United States, Russia, and the European Union. Since 2003, however, the Palestinian side has become divided between its two major factions, that of Fatah, traditionally the dominant party, and that of Hamas, its later electoral challenger. Hamas seizure of power over the Gaza Strip in June 2007, caused a division of governance over the territory formerly controlled by the Palestinian National Authority (the Palestinian interim government) between the Fatah in the West Bank, and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Annapolis Conference of 2007, would set out the central issues, and therefore the major obstacles needed to be ov ercome, in order for a peace agreement to be reached. Land issues over the West bank and (until 2005) the Gaza Strip is just one of the major obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The 2,200 square miles of land was occupied in the 6 day war of 1967, and since then Israel re-established old communities (destroyed in 1929 and 1948) and built new settlements for its people in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, the majority of which reside in the West Bank. Israel expanded these settlements throughout the peace process that began in 1993 with the Oslo Declaration of Principles. The United States, United Kingdom, European Union along with the International Court of Justice have declared these settlements illegal under international law. In 2005, Israel enacted its unilateral disengagement plan, evacuating all residents of Jewish settlements located in the Gaza strip, as well as four settlements in the northern West Bank, and demolishing all residential buildings. The West Bank, however, still remains in dispute. The Palestinians demand a complete hand over of the West Bank in its entirety. Israel on other hand maintains that it needs to retain some land and settlements in the West Bank to act as a buffer against future acts of aggression. This issue remains unresolved and as such is one of the major obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The status of Jerusalem is another major obstacle to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians because of its significant religious importance to the three largest Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Both Israel and Palestinians assert claims over the eastern part of Jerusalem. For Israel, Jerusalem was the capital of Judea in ancient times and the site of the Jewish holy temple, of which only the Western Wall remains. For Palestinians, Jerusalem is also the site of the Al-Aqsa mosque, regarded by many as the third holiest Islamic site. Both sides also have grave concerns regarding the welfare of their respective holy sites being under the control of the other. Israel asserts that Jerusalem should not be divided, rather it should remain unified under Israels control. Palestinians claim the parts of Jerusalem that were not a part of Israel prior to June 1967. As of 2005, of the 719,000 people that lived in Jerusalem, 465,000 were Jews, most of which live d in West Jerusalem, and 232,000 were Arabs, most of which lived in East Jerusalem. At the Camp David in 2000 and Taba Summits in 2001, the United States proposed that the Arab parts of Jerusalem should be given to the Palestinians while the Jewish parts of Jerusalem should be retained by Israel. Both sides accepted the proposal in principle, but the summits ultimately failed. No concrete action has been taken on this matter as of yet and it remains a major obstacle to an Israeli Palestinian conflict resolution. Israeli security concerns are also a major obstacle in the resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Throughout the Israeli Palestinian conflict, Palestinian political violence has been of particular concern to the Israelis. The Palestinian political violence against Israel, its civilians and military are considered acts of terrorism. Although violent Palestinian groups may disagree with each other on specific issues, they are united and motivated by a common goal; to eliminate the state of Israel, replacing it with a Palestinian Arab state. Another concern is the close proximity of Israeli cities to Palestinian territories. Many of Israels cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are within the Palestinians artillery range and the threat of Qassam rockets fired from the Palestinian territories is of great concern to Israeli defence. The Israeli government recorded 1,726 such rocket launches in 2006 alone. It is because of this Israel insists that the Palestinian state should be d emilitarized. These are not the only security concerns Israel has. The West Bank is of enormous strategic importance to any country intent on invading Israel. Israel insists that the Palestinian state provide guarantees that foreign armies will not be permitted to enter its borders; to ensure this Israel insists on the establishment of bases within the West Bank as a safeguard. Another major obstacle in the resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict is how to deal with the Palestinian refugee problem. In 1948, about 726,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in the war that followed shortly after the creation of Israel. Additional Palestinians fled from their homes in the 6 day war of 1967. Today there are about 4.6 million Palestinian refugees. Many of them live in poor conditions in crowded refugee camps in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. Palestinians demand that these refugees should have the right to return to their homes in Israel under the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 of 1948 which states that: the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible. Israelis refute this right arguing that in 1948 Jews fled Arab lands to Israel in almost equal numbers. One of the main reasons Israelis oppose the return of the Palestinian refugees is because that would create an Arab Palestinian majority and thus would put an end to Israel as a Jewish state. Most Palestinian groups agree with and support this outcome wanting to see a resolution to the refugee problem and the end of Israel; killing two birds with one stone, as it were. The Israeli government also asserts that the Palestinian refugee problem is largely due to the refusal of all Arab governments, with the exception of Jordan, to grant citizenship to Palestinian Arabs who reside within those countries borders. Water resources and their management is another major obstacle peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians as it is a scarce commodity. The Israel National Water Carrier, however, has made a high population density and standard of living possible. The carrier works by pumping water from the Sea of Galilee and carrying it to areas in the centre and to the south of Israel and the Palestinian areas as well. Up to 1.7 million cubic meters of water can flow through the carrier in just one day; but this is not enough. Israel receives a great deal of its water supply from two large underground aquifers that continue under the Green Line. The use of this underground water has been contentious as some of the wells used to draw the water reside within Palestinian Authority areas. Even though Israel withdraws some water from these areas, it also supplies the West Bank with approximately 40 million cubic meters annually, contributing to 77% of the Palestinians water supply in the West Ba nk, which is to be shared among a population of about 2.3 million. Both sides need water for survival and development and want to ensure an adequate water supply from the limited resources available. Israel has reserved for its own use a large percentage of the water in West Bank aquifers. One of the Palestinians most central concerns is obtaining land and resources that have enough contiguity to provide them with a viable society, and not be forced to give up too many resources to Israel, as this may lead to economic collapse. The purpose of this academic essay was to provide a brief overview of the origins and history of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, placing a primary focus on providing a detailed account of the aforementioned major obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. There are 5 major obstacles to a to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. (1) Land issues over the West Bank and Gaza strip consisting of the Palestinians demanding a complete hand over of the West Bank in its entirety and Israel wanting to retain some land and settlements to act as a buffer against future acts of aggression. (2) The status of Jerusalem with both sides asserting claims over the eastern part of Jerusalem and fearing for the welfare of their respective holy sites being under the control of the other. (3) Israeli security concerns regarding: the Palestinian political violence and terrorism, Israeli cities being within the Palestinians artillery range, with the threat of Qassa m rocket attacks; and the defence of the West Bank from foreign invasion. (4) Palestinian refugee problems and finding a proper home for 4.6 million refugees living in poor conditions in crowded refugee camps in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. (5) Issues over water resources, with both sides needing water for survival and development and wanting to ensure an adequate water supply from the limited resources available.

societhf Images of Nature and Society in Chapter 19 of Huckleberry Fin

Images of Nature and Society in Chapter 19 of Huckleberry Finn   Ã‚   In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain creates a strong opposition between the freedom of Huck and Jim's life on the raft drifting down the Mississippi River, which represents "nature," and the confining and restrictive life on the shore, which represents "society." Early in the novel, Huck describes how much he dislikes his life with the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson, who try to "sivilize" (1) him. He says "it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal and regular and decent the widow was in all her ways" (1). Huck wants to be free from the Widow's and Miss Douglas's rules and routines, and sees travel and mobility as his escape route. He tells the reader that when "I couldn't stand it no longer, I lit out" (1), and that "All I wanted was to go somewheres; all I wanted was a change" (2).    At the beginning of Chapter 19, Twain offers a long descriptive passage of Huck and Jim's life on the raft that seems, at first glance, to celebrate the idyllic freedom symbolized by the river and nature. The episode occurs immediately after the Grangerford episode, where both Huck and Jim were trapped--Jim in his hiding place in the swamp, and Huck in the absurd cycle of violence of the Grangerford's feud with the Shepherdsons. Now free to drift aimlessly down the river, Huck and Jim seem to escape the confining and destructive social world on the shore and return to nature. A close reading of this passage, however, shows that the river is not a privileged natural space outside of and uncontaminated by society, but is inextricably linked to the social world on the shore, which itself has positive value for Huck. I... ...e various signs of society's presence on the river seem at first to suggest contamination and corruption, by the end of this section we can see them as valuable and lovely in their own right. The steamboat's sparks are just as beautiful and awe-inspiring as the stars in the sky.    Works Cited Harris, Susan K. "Huck Finn." Huck Finn. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1990.   Mitchell, Lee Clark. "The Authority of Language in Huckleberry Finn." New Essays on Huckleberry Finn. Ed. Louis J. Budd. New York: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge. 1985. Trachtenberg, Alan. "The Form of Freedom in Huckleberry Finn." Huck Finn. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishing. 1990. Whitley, John S. "Kid's Stuff: Mark Twain's Boys." Huck Finn. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishing. 1990.   

global anomie :: essays research papers

Global anomie, dysnomie, and economic crime: Hidden consequences of neoliberalism and globalization in Russia and around the world TRANSNATIONAL CRIME HAS RECENTLY ACQUIRED A PROMINENT PLACE IN PUBLIC debates. It is commonly presented as the most significant crime problem at the turn of the millennium (Myers, 1995-1996; Shelley, 1995). Many have even suggested that it represents a serious domestic and international security threat (Paine and Cillufo, 1994; Williams, 1994). The argument is also made that a wave of transnational crime undermines neoliberal policies and the functioning of an increasing number of market economies around the globe (Handelman, 1995; Shelley, 1994). As a consequence, the proposed remedies are often quite drastic and involve undercover operations, privacy-piercing approaches, and the participation of intelligence services in the fight against global crime (Andreas, 1997; Naylor, 1999; Passas and Blum, 1998; Passas and Groskin, 1995). Yet, little attention and virtually no systematic research has been devoted to understanding the causes, structure, extent, and effects of serious cross-border misconduct (Passas, 1998). The risks it poses may be grossly exaggerated (Naylor, 1995; Lee, 1999). The draconian measures being contemplated and implemented in different countries, therefore, are essentially an exercise in shooting in the dark. Chances are good that the target will be missed and substantial "collateral damage" may be caused by ill-conceived policies in this "war" on crime. This risk is particularly high in countries in transition toward a market democracy. It would be much wiser, thus, to carefully study the problem before taking ineffective and possibly damaging actions. This article seeks to make a contribution by concentrating on the causes of transnational economic crime. The main argument is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, neoliberalism and globalization contribute to processes leading to global anomie, dysnomie, and, ultimately, economic misconduct. They do so by activating the criminogenic potential of economic, political, legal, and cultural asymmetries, as well as by creating new such asymmetries (Passas, 1999). These asymmetries cause crime by furnishing opportunities for misconduct, by generating motives for actors to take advantage of such opportunities, and by weakening social controls. More specifically, means-ends disjunctions are systematically created, as neoliberal policies foster new needs and desires that are all too often left unfulfilled. Promises of more freedom, prosperity, and happiness for a larger number of people have turned out to be chimerical. Economic and power inequalities have widened within and across countrie s in the last two decades. The number of poor has reached unprecedented levels, while welfare programs and safety nets are reduced or abolished. global anomie :: essays research papers Global anomie, dysnomie, and economic crime: Hidden consequences of neoliberalism and globalization in Russia and around the world TRANSNATIONAL CRIME HAS RECENTLY ACQUIRED A PROMINENT PLACE IN PUBLIC debates. It is commonly presented as the most significant crime problem at the turn of the millennium (Myers, 1995-1996; Shelley, 1995). Many have even suggested that it represents a serious domestic and international security threat (Paine and Cillufo, 1994; Williams, 1994). The argument is also made that a wave of transnational crime undermines neoliberal policies and the functioning of an increasing number of market economies around the globe (Handelman, 1995; Shelley, 1994). As a consequence, the proposed remedies are often quite drastic and involve undercover operations, privacy-piercing approaches, and the participation of intelligence services in the fight against global crime (Andreas, 1997; Naylor, 1999; Passas and Blum, 1998; Passas and Groskin, 1995). Yet, little attention and virtually no systematic research has been devoted to understanding the causes, structure, extent, and effects of serious cross-border misconduct (Passas, 1998). The risks it poses may be grossly exaggerated (Naylor, 1995; Lee, 1999). The draconian measures being contemplated and implemented in different countries, therefore, are essentially an exercise in shooting in the dark. Chances are good that the target will be missed and substantial "collateral damage" may be caused by ill-conceived policies in this "war" on crime. This risk is particularly high in countries in transition toward a market democracy. It would be much wiser, thus, to carefully study the problem before taking ineffective and possibly damaging actions. This article seeks to make a contribution by concentrating on the causes of transnational economic crime. The main argument is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, neoliberalism and globalization contribute to processes leading to global anomie, dysnomie, and, ultimately, economic misconduct. They do so by activating the criminogenic potential of economic, political, legal, and cultural asymmetries, as well as by creating new such asymmetries (Passas, 1999). These asymmetries cause crime by furnishing opportunities for misconduct, by generating motives for actors to take advantage of such opportunities, and by weakening social controls. More specifically, means-ends disjunctions are systematically created, as neoliberal policies foster new needs and desires that are all too often left unfulfilled. Promises of more freedom, prosperity, and happiness for a larger number of people have turned out to be chimerical. Economic and power inequalities have widened within and across countrie s in the last two decades. The number of poor has reached unprecedented levels, while welfare programs and safety nets are reduced or abolished.

The Game (Football Personal Experience Paper) :: essays research papers

The Game   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The game had been a strenuous battle from the very second that the whistle blew. In every play each one of us had put forth all of the effort and energy that we contained. Now, with only seconds left remaining in the forth quarter we trailed 14 to 17. Yet, hope still remained.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After a fumble recovery, my team was awarded the ball at the 50 yard line. The time left on the clock allowed us for one more play to win the game. Looking around at the players in the huddle not only did I see the fatigue that resulted from the game but I also saw that each one of them had determination to win. I called out the play and sent my fellow warriors to give it one last shot. As we approached the line of scrimmage the crowd grew deafening. They had cheered us on throughout the frigid temperatures of the night and now that the game was nearing an end they revealed to us that they too still had faith. Staring down our opponents, we lined up in our stances. Like dragons smoke, each breath taken would be revealed in the numbing cold. The clock had already restarted and began counting down to zero. As I prepared myself to receive the ball from the center the crowd became dead silent. Knowing that time ran short I began my cadence. â€Å"EVEN†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦READY-SET†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.HUT.† As the ball snapped into my hands, the crowd exploded with all the players as if they were connected by some unnatural force. I flew back into my pass drop and looked to my receivers. The opponent covering the receiver to my left prevented any hope of him getting open. Then, as I looked to my right, I saw that my other receiver broke free of the defensive man and was heading down the field. I directed the ball towards the end zone knowing that the pass must be perfect for a completion. As the ball sailed off my fingertips a 270 pound lineman pummeled me to the ground.

Abuse of power Essay

Abuse includes humiliating you, threatening you, intimidating you or possibly coercing you. It doesn’t include normal management tasks such as reviewing your performance or assigning your workload, unless your boss does so unfairly. Unfairness ranges from racial or sexual discrimination to singling you out for the worst assignments as a way to bully and dominate you. Offensive, humiliating verbal or physical conduct may count as harassment as well as being abusive. Types Abuse manifests in many different ways. Some abusive bosses are constant critics who put down, insult and belittle you. Others intimidate you with angry, out-of-control rants and emotional explosions. Abuse may not be obvious: Some supervisors appear nice when they’re face to face with you, then back stab you later. Control freaks use their power to micromanage or unreasonably restrict your ability to do anything without their approval. In most cases, these behaviors have more to do with your boss’s personal issues than anything you’ve done. Solutions If the abuse is a rare lapse in an otherwise-excellent boss, it may be best to let it go. Even if it’s consistent, enduring the abuse until one of you moves on is an option. If it’s more than you can put up with, confront your supervisor, but do it professionally. State the problem without losing control or flinging abuse or insults at her. Document the incidents in case you have to complain to higher-ups. If you do not see an improvement in your relationship with your boss, the next step in a visit to Human Resources for advice. A detailed track record shows you’re not just a whiner. Legal Action Sometimes abuse goes beyond what’s legal. When a supervisor targets you because of your race, religion or gender, you have grounds for legal action; some states add other standards, such as sexual orientation. If your boss defames you — telling lies about your performance or your personal life — that may be actionable too. If you make a legitimate complaint to the company and don’t get a response, or your company has no provisions for preventing harassment, you may be able to sue the firm.

Thalasemia

CSP Signs & Symptoms Carriers of Thalasemia generally do not have any sign and symptoms which makes to realize that they are suffering from it. It can be only analyzed by the blood test in form anemia. Symptoms of thalasemia are fatigue, pale skin, protruding abdomen, dark urine, and abnormal facial bones. The symptoms depend on the type and severity of the disease. These kinds of symptoms typically occur when oxygen is not able to pass in various parts of the body due to low hemoglobin and a shortage of red blood cells in the blood.People with alpha thalassemia trait or beta thalassemia trait usually have no symptoms. But people with alpha or beta thalassemia trait often have mild anemia that may be found by a blood test. Severe Symptoms, in more severe types of thalassemia, such as Cooley's anemia, symptoms may include fatigue and weakness, pale skin or jaundice, protruding abdomen with enlarged spleen and liver, dark urine and abnormal facial bones and poor growth. Infants who hav e the most severe type of alpha thalassemia which is called hydrops fetalis generally die either before or soon after birth.What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thalassemias? When oxygen is insufficient in the bloodstream then it causes thalassemias. The lack of oxygen occurs because the body is not able to make enough healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin. The severity of symptoms depends on the severity of the disorder. No Symptoms Carriers of Alpha thalassemia generally do not have any signs or symptoms of the disorder. The lack of alpha globin protein is so minor that the body's hemoglobin works normally. Mild Anemia People who are suffering from alpha or beta thalassemia trait can have ild anemia. But mostly people who have these types of thalassemia have no signs or symptoms to be recognized. Mild anemia can make to fee tired. It is caused by alpha thalassemia trait might be mistaken for iron-deficiency anemia. Mild to Moderate Anemia and Other Signs and Symptoms People who hav e beta thalassemia intermedia have mild to moderate anemia. They also may have other health problems, such as: †¢ Slowed growth and delayed puberty. Anemia can slow down a child's growth and development. †¢ Thalassemia may cause bone marrow to expand.Bone marrow is the spongy substance inside bones that makes blood cells. When bone marrow expands, the bones become wider than normal. They may become brittle and break easily. †¢ An enlarged spleen. The spleen is an organ that helps your body fight infection and removes unwanted material. When a person has thalassemia, the spleen has to work very hard. As a result, the spleen becomes larger than normal. This makes anemia worse. If the spleen becomes too large, it must be removed. Severe Anemia and Other Signs and SymptomsPeople who have hemoglobin H disease or beta thalassemia major (also called Cooley's anemia) have severe thalassemia. Signs and symptoms usually occur within the first 2  years of life. They may includ e severe anemia and other health problems, such as: †¢ A pale and listless appearance †¢ Poor appetite †¢ Dark urine (a sign that red blood cells are breaking down) †¢ Slowed growth and delayed puberty †¢ Jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes) †¢ An enlarged spleen, liver, or heart †¢ Bone problems (especially with bones in the face) Complications of ThalassemiasBetter treatments allow people who have moderate and severe thalassemias to live much longer. As a result, these people must cope with complications of these disorders that occur over time. Heart and Liver Diseases Regular blood transfusions are a standard treatment for thalassemias which have to be on timely basis failing to which leads to death. Transfusions can cause iron to build up in the blood. This can damage organs and tissues, especially the heart and liver. Heart disease caused by iron overload this is the main cause of death in people who have thalassemias .Heart disease includes heart failure, arrhythmias i. e. irregular heartbeats, and heart attack. Infection People who have thalassemias affected by infections which cause illness and this is the second most common cause of death. People who have had their spleens removed are at even higher risk because they no longer have this infection-fighting organ. Osteoporosis Mostly people suffering from thalassemias also have bone problems, including osteoporosis (OS-te-o-po-RO-sis). In this condition bones which are weak and brittle can easily be broken even from small injury.

The Theme of Music in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

‘She realised suddenly that there was something about music that had never been revealed to her before: it was not merely the production of sweet sound; it was, to those who understood it, an emotional and intellectual odyssey.' The theme of music takes on many forms and is central to understanding many characters and situations in the novel. The title of the novel itself mentions the all-important Mandolin, which emphasizes its importance beyond anything else. When we are first introduced to Captain Corelli's mandolin, it is instantly evident that he has given it a woman's name, Antonia, personifying the object. He also refers to the playing of the instrument as if it is crying in his arms as he plays it. As the main focus in this book is eventually the relationship between Pelagia and Corelli, music appears to play an important role in this relationship. Pelagia cannot work out why it is that a talented musician would settle for a life in the army, and it is this mystique and talent that attracts her to the Captain. There are evident fronts that both Pelagia and Corelli both put on, Pelagia as the innocent and stern Greek who's duty it is to hate the Italians, and Corelli as the Italian soldier getting drunk with prostitutes. But it seems that when Corelli begins to play his mandolin, both these fronts disappear to be replaced by Pelagia's genuine admiration and Corelli's genuine love for the instrument. The link between the mandolin and the relationship is made clear by Corelli's comparison of the instrument to Pelagia as well as the sound it makes: ‘How like Pelagia is a mandolin, how gracious and how lovely' ‘I think of Pelagia in terms of chords' Not only does the mandolin and its sounds reflect the attraction of the couple, but it also sums up quite perfectly the situation that prevents them from being lovers, as Corelli mentions in chapter 42. ‘Pelagia is sad and I pick up Antonia and play re minor. She looks up and says â€Å"That's exactly how I was feeling, how did you know?† and I would have liked to have said, â€Å"Pelagia I love you, and that is how I know†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ The theme of song appears throughout the novel, many characters display a need and a use for music and this becomes evident when considering this theme. The uses for music in the novel are varied and it is interesting to compare each use of music in different situations to gain insight into its value. Lemoni, the innocent and pure child that everyone in the villiage has time for uses song to keep her amused, and to create a relationship with the wild animals she loves so much. It is mentioned that insanity is only acceptable when one is a child, and Lemoni's attempts to teach a stray dog to sing in chapter 9. ‘†He's singing! He's singing!† Cried Lemoni and joined in â€Å"A-ee-ra, a-ee-ra, a-eera† She also plays with the crickets and gets herself bitten by one. It is not mentioned but perhaps Lemoni is drawn to the loud song of the cricket and may have attempted to sing along with them too. Her purity and wild, uncorrupted interpretation of the songs of the animals seem to bring her closer to them. We never see Lemoni playing with the other children in the villiage, perhaps there are none but it would appear more likely that she seeks her companionship in the singing animals she spends all her time with. Another example in the novel where song is used for an alternative reason is when the brigands are found by Carlo and Francesco, drunk and singing in the tower that they have seized by force. One would assume that any outlaws would be lying low, or on heavy guard for attackers, but it seems this half-hearted war against people not really considered to be the enemy has brought out the side of the soldiers that would prefer to be drunk and mid-song than armed and waiting for combat. This element makes it that little bit harder for Carlo and Francesco to kill these men not so different from themselves, but in times of war these feelings are expected to be brushed aside by soldiers. ‘There was the sound of singing from the tower, and it seemed they must have been a little drunk' But it is not just the situation of war that brings about song in the characters in the novel, it seems that any chance of celebration, whether it be a small victory, the ringing of the church bells, a tradition or the arrival of an expected miracle requires musical accompaniment of some sort. ‘Finally arrived at the point where singing was both natural and inevitable, they sang together a cantada' So from Corelli's gentlemen's singing club, to Lemoni's singing animals, and the composition of Pelagia's march, it is not difficult to identify the importance of music, song and sound in Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Prophecy of the sisters

Alice and Lila were always close, but after her father's death Alice seemed strange and distant, sneaking around the ameliorate manner. It Is soon realized the two have become enemies due to the prophecy, one good and one evil. The setting and world of the book seemed very realistic and interesting to me, the way the author incorporated literary themes into the unrealistic areas of the book made it hard to put down! The twin sisters are not your typically good versus bad twin, â€Å"only time will tell who is the guardian and who is the gate† (98) which gives it a retain mystery element that gets you captured.You get sucked into this world where what you think you know, Is not what you really know. Is Alice the good twin or Is Lila? While the two are battling to either close the Gate forever or release the beast and all the lost souls from other traveling worlds you you get a taste of good versus evil and you find yourself despising Alice and rooting for Lila, who has â€Å"n ever denied her sister to be careless, self centered, even spiteful, but it never occurred to her before the prophecy that she might actually be cruel. 132) As they discover their true roles in the prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, Lila has a choice to make, save herself or save everyone around her that she loves. As she races to end the prophecy before her sister does the anticipation only builds, despite the unrealistic ideals of the book. I feel that because the book started in a â€Å"normal† or realistic setting and led up to the untangling of the mysterious prophecy it was easier to believe and I often felt I was deciphering the prophecy along with Lila, this kept my interest throughout the whole book. Some real world Ideas that popped out to me while reading the book were how everybody treats you Like your fragile or different after the death of a loved one, especially a parent. (I know about this first hand). Everyone feels as if they owe you an apology, so when Lila and Alice go back to Housewife everyone at school â€Å"avoids eye contact and whispers what could only be about them† (46) until Mrs†¦ Gray speaks for everyone when she tells the girls that she is sorry for their loss.I also noticed how they didn't get in as much trouble as their friends, Impartially Louisa, an Italian orphan who was taken In by another teacher, even though they all left school together. Alice and La got off easier because their father was one of Housewife's biggest beneficiary's. Mrs†¦ Gray did not want them to know this so she tried to cover it up by saying â€Å"her pity for their recent loss was the only thing that kept them from getting a report sent to their aunt Virginia† (56) but the girls knew better.I feel this portrays class differences and the different treatment wealthier people get, or how if you're somebody who has money you often get off easier or get a lesser punishment. All were the ones th at stuck out to me the most. 3. This is personally my favorite genre to read, when I'm upset or stressed I can Just emerge myself in a great science fiction book such as The Prophecy of the Sisters and forget about the world around me for awhile.It is often hard for me to focus in on a book unless it really catches my interest, and I find myself fascinated with science fiction novels about mythology and the fantasy world. I have read many books much like this one, that I actually read a couple years ago and it became one of my personal favorites because many of the elements in it (souls, legends, the dead still being all around us, physics, etc. ) I actually believe in.I forgot the details of the book and I loved it so much the first time I read it I had to reread it again because I thought it would be perfect for this assignment and I will definitely be reading the next three books of the series as soon as possible. I love the way it starts out as a â€Å"normal† book but on ce an old legend (prophecy) is discovered you feel like you're unfolding the mystery and learning the prophecy for yourself as if you are Lila, protecting your family and saving the world room destruction by the lost souls and â€Å"the seven deadly plagues of no return, death, famine, blood, fire, darkness, drought, and ruin. (36) I think focusing more on books of this genre in school would be more beneficial to students and teachers instead of the boring classical novels we're forced to read. If teachers assigned students books they WANT to read, instead of ones they had to, they would get more involved and more students would actually read the books. This would result in overall better test grades which makes teachers and students happy.