Brideshead Revisited

A twitch upon the thread-each of us sometimes feels being tied to some kind of thread, invisible one and there is someone on the other end of it who twitches this thread when it’s necessary.The thing is how far each of us can go away to feel it or how far God can permit us go away wondering before twitching it. God sees everything and never will leave someone who need his help, who tries to preserve something really valid in his soul, just the thread can be of different length. In â€Å"Brideshead Revisited† by Evelyn Waugh the idea of the â€Å"thread† is rather good highlighted . The story affects a misleading attitude of indifference, which neither condemn nor sanction any conduct or behavior that takes place.The fond of the novel is religious. The plot is a nostalgic story based on the memories of the main characters who had been a wealthy English Catholic family. In England where most people are Protestant, being Catholic makes the family despite their owner ship and high social status, a subject of prejudice.But in the world of English upper-class, in this world itself   a lot of sins and defects can be seen. The life of wealthy students in Oxford is full of self-indulgence and irresponsibility. Here, Charles Ryder first meets Sebastian Flyte who searches for happiness and self in this world but he can’t find it.   So, he tries to escape in alcohol and denial of faith.The novel â€Å"Brideshead Revisited† is the moral story which shows us what usually happens when the material things of the world loose their attractiveness and sense, when one, finally, has to take a look inside his soul and seeing nothing there becomes struck and scared. In such situation it’s hard to preserve one’s spiritual values and frequently a   person can’t find the way out.That’s what is happening with Sebastian. The God permits one to go far away from him, even to escape, to hide himself somewhere but the tread b etween him and the individual could be still very long. It can be so long as God   wants.The unique person who can cut it is the person itself. The individual can cut this thread by his total indifference ,by absence of his proper desire to correct, to change something in his life. But still one continues looking at his soul searching for something better there, this thread will be permanent and our task is to be aware of this twitching when we loose control.During his first visit to Marchmain family’s residence, Charles Ryder is struck by the moral tragedy of a family –with their desire to appear traditional and socially accepted in the â€Å"correct† circle.Lady Marchmain commands abidance to Catholicism among four   very different children. She controls over her children using her charm, piety and the religious doctrine which is unquestionable for her. The elder son, Brideshaed is pious and conservative and narrow-minded. Julia is a contemporary woman, sm art and very beautiful. She is portrayed as a complex young woman who must reject her faith to marry. She eventually finds herself disappointed with her choice of a husband and is left wondering how life could be so bad.Cordelia is the youngest of the Marchmain children. She is too young and devout of faith to fully understand her brother’s dilemma. Cordelia also seems too young to be aware of her mother’s need to control, but after Lady Marchmain dies, Cordelia confides to Charles that her mother was saintly but she wasn’t a saint and when people wanted to hate God, they hated her mother. There is a resigned acceptance at her inability to love her mother and of the lapse of faith of her father, sister and beloved brother. In this case it can be seen perfectly well how the beauty and charm of upper-class life can destroy relationship, the life of a family.Charles, the upper-middleclass Oxford student sees that there is more to Oxford life than mere study. He lik es the upper-class and, naturally, he wants to be part of it. He likes its charm and splendor but at the same time he sees a great hole in Sebastian’s soul when he meets him.The author gives us the description of the eventual downfall of the youngest son Sebastian, whose burden is to confront his disillusionment with his faith, with his morally incorruptible mother. Sebastian is a lonely soul, he uses his religion as a toy and all the time feels the strange conflict in his soul. Charles and Sebastian became inseparable and lived life at Oxford to the full, but Charles realized that Sebastian drank not because of an excess of high spirits or enjoy but to escape. He looks for love but struggles with homosexuality.He has no truly romantic relationships with either a man or a woman until Charles arrives. Charles isn’t homosexual but he can see Sebastian’s tragedy. Sebastian’s deep depression and inner battle to reconcile his beliefs with his mother’s e xpectations of him are exemplified by the conversation between two young men in the colonnade with the papers. Sebastian couldn’t find true solace in his relationship with Charles because he perceived that Charles couldn’t understand the gravity of his dilemma, despite their mutual love.Waugh portrays Charles as a irreligious person and this makes Sebastian’s dilemma deeper. The chasm between unaffected by religion and the need to be devout of faith is too wide to be bridged for these two young men. Sebastian escapes but he escapes from himself, he can’t find something that would calm him though he has everything.   His inner desire for God , for real love doesn’t permit him to dissolve completely in the world of false feelings. And that is that so-called thread of God , unseen hook that he can twitch when someone escapes too far.The thing is not each of us pays attention to this kind of control. We are sure that we are all right and everything w e are doing is perfect and correct   and ,frequently, people go on doing what is correct to their opinion making this thread longer and longer. In the novel by Evelyn Waugh it can be seen very well.Julia agonises over her marriage to a colonial who doesn’t understand the devotion to the church which he consider to encourage the perpetuation of guilt for its own purposes. But finally she is disappointed like her brother Sebastian.With all of these examples Waugh tries to explain that whatever   we do, it can’t avoid the evaluation of God. No one can break the link communicating his soul with God and leave in this way without problems. God won’t let them go too far..These words are emblematic of all this novel. Among thousands of problems and troubles, among millions of different   people exist also the treads of God and if somebody has preserved in his soul the inward desire to God and his call to us in Christ and His Church, so God will catch him â€Å"wi th an unseen hook and a invisible line which is long enough to let him wander to ends of the world and still to bring him back with a twitch upon the thread†.1It’s hard to speak about approval of one of the character’s conduct. Sebastian was too young to admit his mother’s doctrines without protest , his mother was too devoted to faith and didn’t pay much attention to her children feelings and deathbed conversion also isn’t too good way to express one’s point of view. It’s necessary to express everything during its life and this life must be lived according to the law of God without paying much attention if you are a Catholic or a Protestant. Threads of God are equal for everybody.1.Evelin Waugh, Brideshead Revisited(Paperback,1999), p.189Bibliography1. Evelin Waugh, Brideshead Revisited(Paperback,1999).

Dwight D. Eisenhower Research Paper

Rainey Hampton December 2011 3:A Speech World War Two Speech There must be no second-class citizens in this country. – President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Dwight D. Eisenhower, General of the Army and the 34th President of the United States, was not only a remarkable soldier, but also a great leader. Bringing to his presidency his reputation as a commanding general of the successful troops in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower secured a truce in Korea and worked endlessly during his two terms to ease the tensions of the Cold War. Eisenhower's â€Å"Modern Republicanism† brought a sense of security and honor to an uncertain America Was said of him by US History. Com Early years Dwight David Eisenhower was born on October 14th, 1890, in a house in Denison, Texas. His ancestors had emigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania early in the 18th century. After a short stay in Texas, the family moved to Abilene, Kansas. His father, David, worked as a mechanic in a local creamery. His mother, Ida, a Mennonite, was a pacifist (didn't believe in violence and war ). Eisenhower was a very respectful child he did chores around the house, had a love for hunting and fishing, but also enjoying baseball and football — becoming a star athlete. He had minimal interest in school subjects, but eagerly read military history. Eisenhower graduated from Abilene High School in 1909. After two years of working odd jobs, he was appointed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, but was too old for admittance. However, in 1910, he received an appointment to West Point. West Point Although Eisenhower had no preliminary ambitions to become a soldier, he entered West Point — attracted by a free higher education — and passed the entrance exams in 1911. Eisenhower was an average student at the academy, but later surprised the military community with exceptional ability. At one point, he nearly had to retire his studies because of a sports injury. Ranking 61st out of 164 in his class, Eisenhower graduated in 1915. World War I While stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Eisenhower met his beloved and future first lady, Mamie Geneva Doud, whom he married in Denver, Colorado, on July 1, 1916. The couple had two sons: Doud Dwight Eisenhower, who died in infancy from scarlet fever, and John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower. Eisenhower was promoted to captain in 1917 when America entered World War I. Just two years into his army career, he had already been seen by his superiors as a young officer with excellent organizational skills. For this reason, Eisenhower was not sent over seas but sent to Camp Colt,Gettysburg. At the camp, one of America’s first tank units was being formed, and it was Eisenhower’s job to train the men. His leadership skills became obvious, and even though Eisenhower had not seen combat yet, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Further education Eisenhower would continue his participation with tanks. He met Colonel George S. Patton, future tank general, at Camp Meade in Maryland. Eisenhower was assigned to the Panama Canal Zone in 1922, where Brigadier General Fox Connor swiftly became his mentor. With large military-history expertise, General Connor taught Eisenhower strategy and tactics from his own experiences, as well as other political and military encounters. In accordance with Connor, young Eisenhower was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he attended the Command and General Staff School – a training ground for promising leaders. While there, Eisenhower received the honor of best student out of a class of 300 in 1926. By 1928, Eisenhower had also graduated first in his class at the Army War College. The 38-year-old major was building an extraordinary resume, and high-ranking officials began to take notice. General Douglas MacArthur, army chief of staff, quickly sought out Major Eisenhower. By 1932, Eisenhower, stationed as an aide to MacArthur, began the tedious task of building and training a Philippines army in Manila. Eisenhower continued his call of duty with MacArthur's Army in the Philippines for seven years. In 1939, Lieutenant Colonel Eisenhower returned home. A relatively small American army in proportion to the size of the nation existed in 1939. That would change with World War II. World War II9 With the threat of a second world war on the brink of unfolding, senior officers skilled in organization were on high demand — and Eisenhower's organizational skills were his strong suit. In 1941, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, General George C. Marshall, the army's chief of staff, put Eisenhower in charge of the War Plans Division based in Washington, D. C. In 1942, General Marshall placed him in command of the invasion of North Africa. In 1944, he was made Supreme Allied Commander for the invasion of Normandy on D-Day and gave this famous message. The meticulous planning Eisenhower had been responsible for overseeing, paid off. Compared to the numbers involved, few Allied troops were killed on D-Day, the exception being the casualties at bloody Omaha Beach, one of the landing zones. From Normandy in northern France, the Allies pushed out and Paris was freed in August. On December 15th, 1944, in recognition of the work he had done, Eisenhower was promoted to the highest rank in the American army — General of the Army. A five-star rank that was retired after World War II. Just a few days later, Eisenhower had to put up defenses against the Germans' surprise counterattack in the Ardennes — the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans finally surrendered on May 7th, 1945. After the war, Eisenhower served as U. S. Army Chief of Staff. In 1948, he retired from the army, later becoming president of Columbia University, and then head of NATO in 1950. President of the United States Eisenhower was a popular president throughout his two terms in office. With a campaign slogan that couldn't miss, â€Å"I like Ike,† Eisenhower and his vice president, Richard M. Nixon, posted landslide victories in both 1952 and 1956. His moderate Republican policies helped him secure many victories in Congress, where Democrats held the majority during six of the eight years that Eisenhower was in the White House. Eisenhower helped to strengthen such established programs as Social Security and launch important new ones, such as the Interstate Highway System in 1956, which became the single largest public works program in U. S. history. In domestic policy the president pursued a middle course, continuing most of the New Deal and Fair Deal programs, and emphasizing a balanced budget. There were problems and failures as well as achievements. Although he signed civil rights legislation in 1957 and 1960, Eisenhower disliked having to deal with racial issues. He never endorsed the Supreme Court’s ruling in 1954, Brown v. Board of Education (Kansas), that racially segregated schools were unconstitutional, and he failed to use his moral authority as president to urge speedy compliance with the court’s decision. In 1957, he did send federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, when mobs tried to block the desegregation of Central High School, but he did so because he had a constitutional obligation to uphold the law, not necessarily because he supported integration. Eisenhower also refrained from publicly criticizing Senator Joseph McCarthy, who used his powers to abuse the civil liberties of dozens of citizens whom he accused of anti-American activities. Eisenhower privately despised McCarthy, and he worked behind the scenes with congressional leaders to erode McCarthy's influence. Eisenhower’s indirect tactics eventually worked, but they also prolonged the senator’s power, since many people concluded that even the president was unwilling to confront McCarthy. In September 1955, Eisenhower suffered a heart attack in Denver, Colorado. After seven weeks he left the hospital, and in February 1956 doctors reported his recovery. In November he was elected for his second term. Cold War Six months after he became president, Eisenhower secured an agreement that ended three years of fighting in Korea. On only one other occasion, in Lebanon in 1958, did Eisenhower send combat troops into action. However, defense spending remained high as Eisenhower vigorously waged the Cold War, the acute ideological, political, military and economic contest between Communist countries and the West, just short of hot war. He placed new emphasis on nuclear strength — popularly known as â€Å"massive retaliation† — to prevent the outbreak of world war. Eisenhower also frequently authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to undertake secret interventions to overthrow unfriendly governments or protect reliable anti-Communist leaders whose power was threatened. The CIA helped topple the governments of Iran in 1953 and Guatemala in 1954, but it suffered an embarrassing failure in 1958 when it intervened in Indonesia. Eisenhower avoided war in Indochina in 1954 when he did not authorize an air strike to rescue French troops at the crucial Battle of Dien Bien Phu. After the French granted independence to the nations of Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam), Eisenhower employed U. S. power and prestige to help create a non-Communist government in South Vietnam, an action that would exert disastrous long-term consequences. The death of Joseph Stalin (1953), during Eisenhower's first term in office, caused shifts in relations with Russia. Eisenhower â€Å"waged peace,† hoping to improve U. S. Soviet relations. His attempts made it possible for future negotiations on a treaty that would ban nuclear testing in the air and seas. Unfortunately, the Soviet downing of a U. S. reconnaissance plane — the U-2 spy plane incident of May 1, 1960 — ended any prospect of a treaty before Eisenhower left office. Later years Throughout and beyond his term as president, Eisenhower followed his mo ther's heart and concentrated on maintaining world peace. He watched in delight the development of his â€Å"atoms for peace† program — loans of American uranium to â€Å"have-not† nations for peaceful purposes. In a speech of less than 10 minutes, on January 17, 1961, President Dwight Eisenhower delivered his political farewell to the American people on national television from the Oval Office of the White House. Before he left office for his Gettysburg farm , emphasized the necessity of maintaining adequate military strength, but cautioned: In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together. He concluded with a prayer for peace â€Å"in the goodness of time. † Both themes remain timeless and urgent more than 40 years after his departure from this world on March 28, 1969, following a long battle with coronary heart disease. Mamie Eisenhower continued to live on the farm, devoting more time to family and friends, then died on November 1, 1979. Her remains are buried beside those of her husband and first child in a small chapel, on the grounds of the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas. Regarding Atoms for PeaceThe United States would seek more than the mere reduction or elimination of atomic materials for military purposes. It is not enough to take this weapon out of the hands of the soldiers. It must be put into the hands of those who will know how to strip its military casing and adapt it to the arts of peace. Quotes regarding Dwight D. Eisenhower. By George S. Patton Jr. Of all the many talks I had in Washington, none gave me such pleasure as that with you. There were two reasons for this. In the first place, you are about my oldest friend. In the second place, your self-assurance and to me, at least, demonstrated ability, give me a great feeling of confidence about the future †¦ and I have the utmost confidence that through your efforts we will eventually beat the hell out of those bastards — â€Å"You name them; I'll shoot them!   Letter to Eisenhower in 1942 By Norman RockwellEisenhower had about the most expressive face I ever painted, I guess. Just like an actor's. Very mobile. When he talked, he used all the facial muscles. And he had a great, wide mouth that I liked. When he smiled, it was just like the sun came out. Order of the Day: 6 June 1944SUPREME HEADQUARTERSALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are abou t to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower

A Gift from a Son Who Died Essay Sample

cubic decimeter thought the Sun and the Moon would travel oui. I thought ioy itself would decease when Eric died. He had given so much to all ot us his household. his iriends And yet his decease is non the terminal oi ioy after all lt s sornehow another beginning. . lour’ Eric died at 22. aller a ahd-a-half -year battle with leukaemia. R While he left thallium with the deep contusions ol heartache. he left us sg much more So much to celebratel There’s a triumph here that I m still lrying io understand Why do l. even in loss. leel stronger? Why does life on lhis untldy. unsafe planet seem more wonderfullY Precious? I am witting now ol the vaiue of each good minute. the importance oi blowing nil. These lhings are Eric’s gildings to me. They weren’t easy bought or qui6kly accepted. And noi all came iied with ribbonst manY were delivered with blows ln add-on to leLrkemla. Eric was enduring from adolescence. And there were iimes when this status took more oui of us than his other one A seventeen-year-old male child who may non populate to go a adult male is all of a sudden in a great haste. Like a hawkish new state he wants instant lndependence and no comprornises A { ier the ilrst few hebdomads Eric qulckly took charge oi his unwellness cubic decimeter was no longer to speak io the physicians ln Nraga’ ne Copvrighl vitamin E ) lact-the message came through clearly-l was no longer to speak at all unless lcould avoid sounding like a disquieted female parent. Possibly it would hold been dilferent iJ we’d had a opportunity cubic decimeter ( J preparo tor whal was coming. but it was a bolt of lightning from a cloudless sky. We live in a little ConnocticLlt town. merely a block from the beach. This had been a summer Iike many others. The forepart hall was. as usual. full ol sand and kicked-of T gym shoes. cryptic towels thal didn’l belong lo us. an assorlment ol swimming Lins. and association football balls. By September. l. like many female parents. was hall-lo’rgilg for school to slarl and hal’dreading it. Our twenty-year-old girl had married. and now Eric was packed and ready to travel otf ior his first-year twelvemonth at the Universily of Connecticut. But len-year-old Lisa and ‘ourleen-year-old Mark would still oe al place. lkept telljng myself how lucky Id oe to hold less laundry and fewer cooky crumbs to postulate with. But I didn’t precisely believe it. One afternoon Eric and lboth wanted the auto at the same minute. †1ve got to run al the path. N4om. † He was have oning his association football shoris and running places. â€Å"lve merely got two more yearss before school starls. and Im non in form † I knew how much he wanted to do the lreshman association football squad when he got to college. but I had work to. make. â€Å"l have to travel to the pressman. † lsaid. â€Å"But l’ll bead you ofl at the field and choice y ou up subsequently. † â€Å"Okay. He scowled a spot at the via media. As we drove olf together. I noticed something on his leg-an ugly ruddy sore. large and unit of ammunition as a Ag dollar’ There was another larther down. And another on his other leg. â€Å"Eric. What have you got on Your legs? † â€Å"Dunno. Liille infection possibly. † †lt doesn’t look small to me. cubic decimeter protested. â€Å"lmpeiigo is what it looks like. We’d better travel R ; ght over to the doctor’s ‘like mad. lf that’s what it ls. they aren t even traveling to allow you into the cabinet room. We ve got two yearss before You qo. Let’s acquire the physician to unclutter it up office. ’ – â€Å"Moml† He was ferocious. †Eric. ‘ I said- â€Å"lmpetigo spreads †All right. † he said dully. The sores did non look like impetigo to our physician. He told his secreiary to name ll^e hospilal a ’ld â€Å"-range to hold E. Intelligence Communities admilted following forenoon for trials. Be at that place at eight. Eric. † he said†What trials? † lturned to the physician. Eric had had a complele physical requ’red lor all freshers. merely 12 yearss before. Blood tesls. excessively. He’d passed wilh winging colourss. †I want them lo rebroadcast some of the blood trials. ‘ said the physician. I’ve besides ordered a bone marrow-† I blanked out the words â€Å"bone marrow† as if I’d neer heard them Alter all. llhought as we drove home’ he d jlst had that perfect physical. ‘ Yet the nexl afternoon when the phone rang and the physician was saying’ â€Å"l’d like to speak to you and your hubby togelher-† I knew at one time. â€Å"You don Ts have to state me. † I said. â€Å"l know. Eric has leukamla. † I was one time in a house struck bY lightning. The sensati on’ the scene’ even the unusual electrical odor relurned at that minute A powerful bolt seemed to enie. the top ol my skull as I got the message. . Eric had leukemiaHe’d ever been a all right athlete’ a competilor. a smuggler. Now fate had lripped him ; he stumbled and fell’ Yet how rapidly he tried to acquire up and fall in the race againl Leli at horno that lall. really ill. with his friends scatlering to schools and iobs. he still was determined to travel to college subsequently. analyze difficult. nlake the association football ieam. finally make all Arnerican. To these ends he shortly added suppress symptoms and produce periods of remittal. They did non cognize how to bring around it. There was hope. though’ in the fact that Eric had a type ol childhood leukaemia that was particularly antiphonal to drug thorapy. { BY now. a lew youngsiers arb really belng cuaed of it. ) But Eric. Al 17. was beyond the age of most efiective intervention Soon we discovered that his body overreacted to many of the best drugs and that the recommended high dosage’ needed to destruct morbid cells. tended excessively rapidly to pass over out heallhy ones’ There were times during those first months when I saw him agitate. tighting for control. After all. it hadn t been tqo. long since he was a little male child who could throw himself in my a. MS for comlort Part of him must hold been shouting. †Please salvage me! Don’t allow me diel† fifty couldn’t save him. but lcould show him my ain best courago cubic decimeter learned to conceal my conceln. my tenderness’ and lsaw he was strengthened by my composure He had to run free to be a mafl lwanted that. lf there were io be no other option. eventua ly I would assist him decease like a We learned to be insouciant with danger. to populate with decease I! st around ihe corner. Whenever Eric was discharged irom the infirmary after lransiusions ( first they would give him two. ihˆn five. lhen seven ) . he would lly toss off the stairss one more-to stay alive We both knew ihat lremendous ordeals lay in front Leukemia malignant neoplastic disease of the blood. had always been a fleet slayer When Eric develoPed lhe dlsease in 1968. physicians had merely found ways to decelerate it down by utilizing powerlul drugs lo A Time lor couraqe merely singing a dut { el bag’ as Illinois he were himback lrom a great weekend l’d manus the keys to lhe auto. slide over. and Ho would pick up his life as if nil had happened. Bqt there were ever drugs’ ever turns of sickness. I remember one time slarting uP the stepss to convey him a cup oJ weak tea He passed me on the manner down have oning his swim short pantss and transporting a speal gun get lgnor: ng l’le lea. he said Vaybe cubic decimeter ll played pick-up you a fish lor supper† He soccer. weekend foolball’ and hoops with a haemoglobin so low it left him short of breath. on occasion falnt On ihe hoops tribunal. his teammates. galloping lor a end at the other terminal of the gym. would shout†Ã¢â‚¬ËœJusl remain there’ Eric-we’11 be right back. † ll was ever more than a game he played. His life was on the line’ †Exercise. Attitlld6. Desire were the chalked words on his chalkboard These threo words would convey him through †You don t dice of leuk you know. ’ he qoes said one time lo me Somelhi. g else traveling to Your bosom. Or your child ; eys lm l’m be ready ior it when it comes for ‘ne traveling to win. But he was rioi coniused about ihe nature of hls enemy-at least nol by the clip he d exhausted some hebdomads on the 8th lloor of [ 4emorial Hospitals Ewing Pavilllon in New York Ewing Pallenls speak a batch about remittals. oi class. Remission -that seductive wordl Hope. with the end_tohope implied. Eric’s remittals encouraged us Once he gol an elevenmonth stay of executing with the dr! g at him Methotrexate. I remember beach Thai summer as he ran the ‘ooklng with triends. AII of them tan. radiance. happy’ allwith the same powqrful shoulders’ the same strong. brown legs What could at that place be in the bonds of one that differed from the others? The following twenty-four hours Memo’ial phoned- Eric’s most recent trials had showa that his remittal was at an terminal Even as lwatched him. wild cells had been jumping up in his marrow like dragon’s ieeth. More and so more AIM/ays more than could be slain’ ‘ Eric endured and survived many crises- He learned to populate on the border of the shelf and non look down Whenever he had to be in the hospital’ Memorial’s doclors qave him passes to get away tho horror. Once he wenl out beckoning good-by to less fortunate inmales on the’floor. merely to return an hr subsequently beckoning from the ambulance stretcher. There was no livjng withoul R ; sks and so he tool them. { Th: s is one of his particular giits to me. Darel Take life. dangers and all. ) The disease gained on him. To forestall infitction Ho was fjnally put jn a windowless. stray chamber. the laminal air-flow room. Sterile air. sleriJe everything. sterjle masks. caps. gowns. baseball mitts for anyone come ining his room. He joked. played io the eager audjence peering through his gtass-windowed door. And so sudden terrible bleedings. Six yearss of unconsciousness. soarjng febrilities. His white count was perilously low. Plalelet count zerol Hemoglobin barely deserving adverting. Certain I thougrrt. Thursday. s rs the terminal. 8ut friends came. literally by bLsloads to gtve blood for t. ansfusrors During that crisisr it took more than 32 blood givers a twenty-four hours merely to maintain him alive. lwatched the physicians and nurses proding for veins_ taping both needled weaponries lo boards. packing the bleedings. agitating him to bestir him irom daze. and llhoughl: EnoughlLet him dje in peacel Why brlng him back lor more? He’s proved himsetl-and beyond. He s had two qood old ages of college. He made the association football squad and even made the dean’s list. No morel Let him gol But I had atom to larn about my son’s strength and lesources. There was still much good tife to be lived at the border of the dark topographic point. Erio came back. He had to stay in the laminal air-flow room. off and on. for about fou. . months. Yet within hebdomads hˆ was running from 12 to fifteen stat mis a twenty-four hours. That spring. he didn cubic decimeter acquire back lo coltege. but in hjs absence they named him captain of the association football leam ; he received lhe award for The l4ost lmproved ptayer. and fina Y was ljsted among the All-New England All-Stars. Proud awards. jusuy won. And rl. ere were others. We have a bookcase full of plaques and decorations. BJt I I’easure even more the rhings they don’t give decorations for: his irreverent wit ; the warmlh and love and consideration he qave his lrjends. especjally his companions in the War on the Eighth Floor. For these last he was a jaunty hero. subsister ol heroic poem batfles. yet he was ever one of them ; hopefully. the Golden Warrior who would take them all to victory-or at least flight. He and a fetlow lnmate about managed it one time. Hiding themselves in laundry carts under djrty linen. they rode down nine floors on the service lift and out to the pavement. Just short of oe’rg joaded wilh tl^e taurdry on a t. uc. they decided to give thenselves up and travel back to cram maarow’ endovenous bottles. and the remainder of it. There was after all. no existent manner oulAs a varlation on the subject of flight. Eric invenled Ralph the Camel. a melancholic dromedary who’ although hospitalized { or â€Å"humpomeia†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ someway managed to last all the witless ireatments his dociors could invent. lncluding day-to-day injections of pineapple juice. Ealph starred in a series of belowground amusing books known as The AdlentLrres ol Eiting 8. which featured Memori al’s top physicians. nurses’ technicians. and other notables’ all drawn by Eric in unmerciful imitation As Dr Bayard Clarkson put it. Eric spared no 1. but we could haadly wait for the following Advenhue- ‘ When they asked for more. his monetary value was simple: â€Å"Get me in remittal. two looked convincing. The dociors broke up. The ward cheered! For the moment’ wit had decease on the tally. The 8th lloor was a bad Topographic point to do friends. As one crusty old patienl put ii. Makg mutton quad and you’ll lose’em † Bul lor Eric. there was no manner to remain uninvolved. ln the beginning he looked for the secrets of endurance in the most spiriled people around him. â€Å"That Eileen is so great. ’ he told me ‘She’s crush this thing tor five yearsl† Or. â€Å"Look at that old glry. Mr. Miller’ They merely took out his lien. but he’s hanging in therel† . Then. as the months oi his interventions lengthened into old ages. he began to see them travel. The good. the brave. the beautilul. the weak. the whining. thˆ passive- They were all traveling the same manner. . Eileen. Mr. l4iller’ and so many more. when he was at place during one of his last remissions’ he chalked uP new words on his chalkboard. ‘We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea and we owe each olher a lerrible loyally ( G. K Cheslerton ) Eric would non abandon or fauli his companlons He would play his bosom out while the qame might 6till be won’ but he was get downing to ihink ol the unthinkable. The casualty lists on the eighlh floor were long. At the terminal. Eric eventually accepted his ain decease. This credence was his last’ most cherished gilding to me-what made my one ol his feats becarne a fable.

Competitiveness in the Global Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Competitiveness in the Global Context - Essay Example In addition, the GDP per capita is high when compared to the country India (India, 2014). The labour market is regulated and good as the number of unemployment rates is down. Furthermore, Canada has a good education system that has been able to constantly produce the enough labor force to run the economy. On the down side, Canada has not been blessed in produced graduates doing science, engineering, mathematics and technology, hence relies more on international labour forces to fill this gap (GCR, 2014). Based on the above analysis, it is evident that Canada has a higher capacity to retain talent than India based on the fact that it has a high employment rate, good wage bill rates, and good education systems for producing the labor force (Canada, 2014). India on the other hand does not have the capacity to retain its labour force since they have a high unemployment rate, low wage bills and do not appreciate people in certain field of studies due to lack of capacity to absorb them (GCR, 2014). In India, the labour force is not steady. Ever since the economic recession, the number of unemployment rates increased and recovery has been slow since the job creation has been slow. In addition, due to the flexibility of the labour force in India, wage rates have decreased (GCR, 2014). The GDP per capita in India is very low when compared to Canada (Canada). India on the bright side has a population of citizens who have graduated in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Such students usually get absorbed in countries that require their skills since India is not that well developed (GCR, 2014). Based on the analysis above, it is evident that Canada has a better capacity of attracting talent due to the fact that they have a high employment rate, good wage rate plus need expertise in areas dealing with science, engineering, mathematics and technology. India on the other hand does not have the capacity to attract talent due to their poor economic

Cultural Variations in Comfort Foods Dissertation

Cultural Variations in Comfort Foods - Dissertation Example Locher et al (2005) use symbolic, interactionist and structuralist perspectives to show the method of the social construction of some foods categorized as comfort foods and emphasize the need to include social and physiological dimensions of comfort foods within cultural perspectives (Locher et al, 2005). The concept of comfort foods could, however, be more complex and may not be just based on cultural dimensions or how different cultures react to the philosophy of comfort foods and eating for comfort.   It can be conceptualized that even if a culture is not openly aware of this theory it still portrays characteristics of rationalizing food as a comfort or as a physiological process. There are four key areas to this idea and these are a psychological impact, physiological effect, age and gender considerations, and the region or cultural identity of the society.   These four areas all have a part to play in the way comfort food is interpreted in various cultural societies. Therefo re, although cultural identity does play an essential part in the wide scheme of things, there are innumerable other reasons why this complexity associated with food exists (Wansink, et al 2003, p.739).  Comfort eating can be understood as something rather symbolic to an individual, such as the feelings it evokes or memories that are expressed by the mere association with certain foods (Wansink, et al, 2003, p.739).   This would have to do with the psychological processes it presents.   Some specific foods promote a pleasurable experience for those who are fixated on them, which although, is a psychological effect, can be derivative of the individualistic trait in a society.   In this regard, different cultures can be drawn to various food choices simply by how they make a person feel when they are suggested.   A society does not have to be entirely individualistic or collectivist to have this type of reaction to food either (Wansink, et al 2003. p.739).  

Genre Analysis a Key to a Theory of ESP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Genre Analysis a Key to a Theory of ESP - Essay Example As stated in the module, there is a strong distinction between genres and text types; the former refers to the ‘external criteria’ or the nature of the content of the prose whereas, text type refers to the organization or the linguistic form of the text. It is not just a question whether or not I apply this knowledge when composing my essays or any written material but this is, in fact, necessary for any individual who has a keen interest in writing. Not only for the sake of coherence but once the writer has a firm grasp of the dynamics of genres and text types, they can steer the reader’s attention towards the true essence of the text and can help them decipher the writer intentions and emotions through the prose. Whilst writing a text pertaining to the horror genre, a writer would never employ a romantic setting or tone to help stimulate the reader’s imagination and that is why the distinction is necessary to make so that the writer knows which way to steer and the kind of description they must use to maintain the overall tone of the essay. Specifying the genre narrows down the line of thought for the writer that in turn enables us to create scenes and characters that complement the overall sense of the text. Similarly, for me, it is helpful as it tells me where precisely I should focus on and what kind of vocabulary is to be used to establish appropriate imagery and cohesion to make the written text sound consistent. Even though the terms text type and genre are actually mean different things but they are highly dependent upon each other since a genre is very helpful in enabling the writer to choose the most appropriate form of organization or text type that can project the writer’s implication.

Labor Boss Sees Racism in Romney Welfare Attacks Essay - 1

Labor Boss Sees Racism in Romney Welfare Attacks - Essay Example In preparation for the upcoming presidential election in the United States, Schlesinger has purposely written and published this article to make his target audiences realize that racism still exists in the U.S. politics. According to Schlesinger, Hoffa revealed that the Republicans’ â€Å"race baiting† attack on President Obama is just one kind of political strategy used to manipulate the voters’ decision on who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election (Schlesinger). By letting the target audiences know about the racism strategy used by the Republicans, the author could somehow remind the people to disregard the presidential candidates’ color and race when choosing the best candidate for the upcoming U.S. presidential election. To be able to determine what racism is really all about, it is necessary to define the term â€Å"racism†. According to Fredrickson (189), racism can be defined as â€Å"the doctrine that a man’s behavior is determined by stably inherited characters deriving from separate racial stocks and usually considered to stand to one another in relations of superiority and inferiority.† It means that racism is all about developing an ideology that makes men become prejudiced against another person due to their racial differences. During the class discussion, it was mentioned that there is a strong racial discrimination that is going on between the white and black Americans. In most cases, it is the white Americans that are considered more superior as compared to the black Americans. Since it is the white Americans who have a higher status in the society, it is the black Americans who are often at a disadvantage when it comes to political agenda. This partly explains why James Hoffa has been defending President Obama from the Romney-Ryan’s group and the Republicans. In class, it was mentioned that the U.S. historical trend, common beliefs, and practices have something to do with racis m. For example, based on the U.S. history, it is the African Americans (blacks) who once became the slaves. For this reason, a lot of the white Americans have developed the wrong perception that the African Americans are less superior in terms of knowledge, power, and financial capabilities as compared to them. In reality, there are some African Americans who are better than the white Americans in terms of knowledge, fame, and financial capabilities. Despite the continuous promotion of diversity in the school, there are still people who are unconsciously being racist. With regards to the case of Obama’s administration, a lot of people are continuously blaming him for the downfall of the U.S. economy. Is the U.S. experiencing a slow economic growth simply because America is being ruled under the leadership of the first black American president? Would the process of having a white American president be enough to make this country regain its economic stability in both the domest ic and international market? Or is it because most people in America have failed to develop their knowledge and skills in accordance to what is being in demand in both domestic and the world market? Based on the real-life scenarios presented in this paper, it is clear that the presence of racism could only disrupt the peace and order in our society.  

Cultural Differences and People Management Reflective Journal Essay

Cultural Differences and People Management Reflective Journal - Essay Example Personally, I had experienced events where cultural differences resulted to conflicts and miscommunication. However, I haven’t understood that cultural differences have the power to intervene at such level in the social and economic life of individuals. Although I feel rather disappointed from the increased power of cultural differences in all areas, I think that hopes can exist for the effective control of crises related to cultural differences. At the same time, I feel that the current effects of cultural differences on the professional and personal life of people could be controlled not just by developing relevant initiatives locally, i.e. in regard to each particular case, but rather through supporting the introduction of relevant legislation. Existing laws seem to be opposed to cultural differences but a closer review of their content would lead to the assumption that the enforcement of these laws can take long while the resources necessary may be difficult to be retrieve d. In addition to the above, the review I made in regard to the specific subject has led me to the following assumption: cultural differences can affect a high range of activities but their existence is not always clear. It is possible for certain organizational or personal problems to be related to other elements of social environment and not to cultural differences. The close examination of these problems can reveal that the role of cultural differences in the appearance and the expansion of these problems can be critical. Evaluation Based on my personal experiences in regard to cultural differences I had the impression that cultural differences can lose their power to affect the personal and economic life of a person if they are treated appropriately with no delay. In other words, I thought that the immediate response to the problems caused by cultural differences would lead to the quick resolution of these problems, prohibiting the expansion of the phenomenon to other areas. How ever, this assumption was not verified in practice. Despite the progress made in regard to the introduction of laws for securing equality and fairness in the workplace and in the context of the family, still cultural differences are quite powerful in influencing the personal and economic life of people of different background. On the other hand, due to the extension of the phenomenon, theorists and researchers had asked to state their view in regard to the current role of cultural differences and to the their expected influences in the future. The intervention of theorists in the exploration of the particular problem can be characterized as quite important, giving the chance for a thorough review of this theme’s aspects and for the identification of methodologies for facing the theme’s challenges. Indeed, it has been proved that through the decades a series of studies has been developed for explaining the reasons and the implications of cultural differences. At the sam e time, suggestions have been made for facing the effects of the phenomenon no matter the local social ethics and culture. Two have been the key findings of the research developed in this field: a) the intervention of cultural differences in political and economic decisions is unavoidable, b) the level at which this intervention can be expanded is depended on the willingness of the people living and acting in the social setting involved for respecting

Medieval Times in Europe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Medieval Times in Europe - Essay Example As the report explores one of the most notable was the difference in the appearances of those who attended church. Wealthy bourgeoisie merchants were rich in their clothes while the serf families were clad in dirty rough wool. In the middle ages there was a great level of inequality between the classes of society seen. The serf families lived in terrible hardships and it was not an uncommon happening in winter for either the youngest or oldest of poor families to die of cold and hunger. Where the serfs lived in cold stone huts with straw roofs, the noble lords lived in comfortable castles. A large difference was seen when comparing the living standards of the rich and poor. This discussion declares that there was no known cure for this disease and this lack of knowledge led to many different (and rather useless) remedies. These included allusions to alchemy, magic, miracles by the Church and various other cures. Of course, at the time none of them actually worked to help the countless people suffering from the blackening of their skin (due to hemorrhaging under the skin) and the painful swelling and wounds in their bodies and general fever. What was noted was that there was extreme fear for the disease as no one actually had any explanations for how and why it was spreading and killing millions. In their blind and futile search for a cure their frustration was directed at minority groups of society as the Jews and those already suffering from the disease.

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

History - Essay Example This paper aims to explore a period in history that radically transformed the manner by which society viewed the world. The Renaissance and Humanism The Renaissance Period started in Northern Italy during the 14th century and scattered all over Europe during the late 15th century (Alchin, â€Å"Renaissance Period†). Herein, a new kind of thinking shifted the culture and thought of the Europeans in a totally different light. Indeed, this is why it is called the renaissance, for renaissance means â€Å"rebirth† or a new beginning. In this period, a movement, called Humanism dominated the scene. Humanism â€Å"is the term generally applied to the predominant social philosophy and intellectual and literary currents of the period from 1400 to 1650† (Kreis â€Å"Renaissance Humanism†). Herein, humanists contributed to the rebirth of scholarship, literature and art through a general emancipation of the individual. â€Å"The Renaissance passion for what was human and the discovery or rediscovery of this same inclination in the classical world we today call humanism† (Kreis, â€Å"The Medieval Synthesis†). Its emergence was a result and reaction towards the medieval period, i.e. The Middle Ages. During the middle ages, Christianity began to globalize, and along with it were challenges. One major challenge was the development of human reason. This was characterized by man’s capacity to rationalize. The Church wanted to explain its teachings through faith alone. Thus, making reason a threat. To compensate for this, Humanist thinkers sought to reconcile religion and science, for according to the Church, they have one common factor, i.e. they both led to a single truth: â€Å"God exists† (Kreis, 2009b, n.p.). Furthermore, during the Middle Ages, the dominant view was that of geocentricism. Since the earth was known to be the center of the universe, human beings were made to feel central above all else. It is this view that the Church accepted and advocated. It was not until a major breakthrough by Nicolaus Copernicus that initiated the first and final break from religious dogma. Scientific Revolution and The Enlightenment Herein is the birth of modern science. Since the time of the publication of Copernicus’ On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres (1543), religious authorities and teachings were attacked and questioned. In what ways did this revolution affect the previous worldview? The greatest impact was on how people thought and believed. Due to the rise of modern scientific methods, the geocentric view of the universe was replaced with the new heliocentric theory, which made the sun as the center of the universe. Religion was forced to step down as the source of truth along with the decline of the authority of the Church. Not only did the power of religious authorities decline, so was the nature of human knowledge. â€Å"This in turn raised questions about the traditional Human Ete rnal Verities, i.e. how humans understood themselves in relation to 'God, Nature, and Man'† (â€Å"Hatch,† n.d., n.p.). Science was slowly overpowering the powerful image of God. â€Å"Science is faith. And the Gospel of that faith was written by Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Darwin, Einstein and others† (â€Å"Kreis,† 2009a, n.p.). The foundation of religion is faith, while science stems from human reason, i.e. the capacity of human beings to think. The former hindered humanity’

Teachers in Nathaniels Life Essay Example for Free

Teachers in Nathaniels Life Essay Long after we finish school we remember our school teachers and experiences. We gain experience as a consequence of the situation or the people, who surround us. Our school teachers often help us to decide on important life choice and inspire us in our further pursuits. Nathaniel, the main character of the book The Soloist, written by Steve Lopez had several excellent teachers, who helped him with his experience in music and also in life. These three teachers helped Nathaniel during his personal difficulties and in the achievements he had along the way. Nathaniel’s first teacher was William Moon. Moon appeared in a complex and transitional period of Nathaniel’s life, when Nathaniel’s personality and confidence started to fade. Before Nathaniel turned eleven he was the happiest child. He had a complete happy family, but soon after his life took an unexpected turn. Nathaniel’s parents divorced. Nathaniel wanted to see his father, to be with him, share his experiences, but the child felt that there’s no place in his father’s life or him. Nathaniel was shocked by these changes: he couldn’t understand why his father abandoned his family. Floria Ayers, his mother remarried and Nathaniel and his two sisters moved to their mother’ new husband’s house. Alexnader Mangrum, his new stepfather had four children. Nathaniel had very complicated relationships with his stepbrothers and stepsisters, who weren’t happy to see â€Å"strangers† in their house. Nathaniel considered to leave his mother’s home. He told his little sister: â€Å"Let’s run away†. But she answered him: â€Å"Where are we going to go? You don’t think they are going to call our mother in a minute we got there? † They spoke of running away to aunt and uncle’s home. Nathaniel’s confidence and outgoing personality slowly began to fade after a short stay at his father’s home, the young man returned to Cleveland more sullen, more broken and yet more grown-up, it seemed. And there, in Cleveland Nathaniel met him, his first teacher. William Moon inspired Nathaniel. He put into the student the love of music. Music became the escape from reality for the lonely teen. Mr. Moon’s daughter Marjorie was studying music at Ohio University and played a string bass. One day, when Nathaniel heard how Marjorie plays the string bass, he told Moon: â€Å"That’s what I want to do. I want to do what she does†. (p155) This decision has defined Nathaniel’s way forward. The aspiring musician did all his best. Soon Nathaniel became so good, that William Moon couldn’t help him any longer. Moon had become attached to Nathaniel so much, that he even considered Nathaniel to be his son. He referred his talented student to Cleveland Orchestra, where Nathaniel met the next very important person and mentor of his life. Harry Barnoff improved Nathaniel’s musical ability, but also the teacher helped Nathaniel to believe in himself. Barnoff grew up in conditions, similar to Nathaniel’s. Their parents weren’t musicians. Nathaniel found his own way himself like Barnoff many years before, thanks to fate and natural talent. Further Barnoff helped his student to believe in himself during the hard repressive time in American history and enroll in Julliard. Probably, Barnoff was the most beloved of all Nathaniel’s teachers. Even many years later, when Nathaniel was mentally ill and needed to hear a familiar voice, Nathaniel called Barnoff. Lopez mentioned: â€Å"For many years Harry Barnoff was the man Nathaniel tried so hard to impress. It was Barnoff he called when he was in trouble, and it was Barnoff, whose phone number he still had committed to memory more than twenty years after the last time he dialed it†. (p 175). These words show how much Nathaniel was attached to Barnoff. Barnoff wasn’t an ordinary character in Nathaniel’s life. Barnoff was Nathaniel’s teacher, spiritual relative guide and friend for many years. The two previous teachers have been a part of Nathaniel’s past. They have done a tremendous job in a building of Nathaniel’s character. But that’s not enough; Nathaniel needed the help and support for the present. As such, Pete Snyder came into Nathaniel’s life for that purpose. Snyder is a famous musician, who consented to give the lessons to Nathaniel. They met because of Steve Lopez. Snyder read the article and invited Lopez and Nathaniel to his concert. Snyder was going to help Nathaniel in finding his own way in his current situation. The teacher’s purpose was to rehabilitate Nathaniel through music. Snyder was someone like a doctor for Nathaniel. He was a doctor, who treated Nathaniel without medications. Snyder did it through Nathaniel’s enthusiasm for music and it paid off. Lopez states: â€Å"It was a promising break through. Nathaniel is confronting his fears and thinking more rationally† (p. 179) Also with Snyder’s help Lopez tried to persuade Nathaniel to move in to an apartment after thirty years living on the streets and he did just that. At first Nathaniel refused to be in an apartment. He said: â€Å"It’s not my room; I’m not going to be living in here†. (p. 167). However, a week after holding the lessons with Snyder, Nathaniel started to like his new place. One day Nathaniel went out his new apartment to the yard and he saw his neighbor James, who was smoking a cigarette there. When he finished, he threw a cigarette butt on the floor. Nathaniel hated to see garbage on the floor, especially cigarette butts. When Nathaniel saw it he came to James and said: â€Å"Excuse me, sir, you cannot smoke here† Nathaniel said it with such authority, as if he was a courtyard monitor. There stood in the yard and to James’s question: â€Å"Who are you? You don’t live there† Nathaniel pointed on the window of his room and said: â€Å"This is my place† (p. 186) I don’t think that Nathaniel would go so far without Peter Snyder. One day, when Nathaniel had a dialogue with Snyder about the reason of refusing the room. Nathaniel said that in the tunnel he hears the city and doesn’t feel cut off from it like he does inside these four walls. Snyder’s answer had to impress Nathaniel and gave him a different point of view:†Think of this as a clean quiet tunnel. Nathaniel got this point; he agreed that the room is a good decision for his passion, not a prison as he thought of before. Each of Nathaniel’s teachers made an important contribution in Nathaniel’s life. It changed it for the better I had similar experience. I was a very a stubborn child. I never listened to other people’s opinion and I didn’t listen to my school teachers. Probably the main reason for my attitude to teachers was that my teachers didn’t generally like their job and I sensed that. However, after I met my math teacher all that changed. She as very kind and very helpful. Professor Ahmatullaeva wasn’t an ordinary teacher, who taught basic math. She also showed us why math is interesting. She inspired us to learn math. Her attitude was completely different. When I saw her I remembered my mother. Her eyes beamed pure warmth. When she saw that we can’t do something she helped us, when she saw that we felt bad she took care about us. Farida Ahmatullaeva did her best for us. We were a big family for her. She always told us that we are her kids. Even after our graduation we came to school just to visit her. She was always touched that we loved and remembered her. Our teacher Farida remembered all of our names and everything we did in class. A couple days before leaving Tashkent I met her. She was also leaving my city to go to Russia. I remember this day as it was yesterday. I saw tears in her eyes. My teacher told me: â€Å"I know, you will do your best and achieve whatever you want. † She became very close for me because she wasn’t an ordinary teacher, she was also my friend and mentor. There’s no doubt that teachers are very important for the development of our personality. They take part in our educational and the moral foundations of our lives just as our parents do. Our first part of life is at home; as we grow up we continue our lives at school. Teachers become the next support and network by helping us to mature. That’s why becoming a teacher is a very responsible choice. Being a teacher goes beyond the delivery of the essential subject. It also means to be personally connected. Teacher is a bond between the person, who teaches knowledge to students and the person, who provide with a life experience. Also teacher tries to put themselves into the student’s shoes, share own point of view. Teacher helps a student make a decision and give new ways of looking at some experiences. If we are more aware, we have a wider disposal of choices.

Religion Definition Essay Example for Free

Religion Definition Essay 1. What is a religion? You’ve read our textbook author’s definition; use that definition as a starting point to go further. The word â€Å"religion† is such a broad word that to this day there is no one definition that can satisfy all religions. For the time being, it is better to simply be open to many possible definitions, without embracing any single one. Different people especially in different religions will all have a difference in opinion when trying to use very few words to define religion. The traditional definition of religion is a system of belief that involves worship of a God or gods, prayer, ritual, and a moral code. Religion is important to many people because it gives them something to believe in. Religion helps human deal with their mortality. As human beings, we look to religion for answers to life’s unexpected or unknown questions such as death, pain, afterlife, or rebirth. Religion has a way of helping us deal with death and offers comfort. Religion also helps us be creativity and express ourselves through music, dance, and art. It gives us a sense of viewing life as something beautiful and lively. People who have a religion usually are more happy knowing that they life can reflect something of the supernatural that they do not understand. Through art, we get to express how we are feeling on the inside. Many people use music, dance, and art to show others what they cannot express through words. Religion gives them a sense of confident. 2. Discuss some of the characteristics that religions have in common. Some characteristics that religions have in common are: belief system, community, central myths, ritual, characteristic emotional experiences, material expression, and sacredness. Not all religions will consist of all elements but rather some of these characteristics are commonly accepted. Many believe in a worldview were all things in the universe and human being has a place in it. Humans need of belonging helps them seek out for a community where they can belong too and share their ideals and practices. Many religions have this so people can rely on one another. Other characteristics that are shared in religions are passed down from generations to generations through stories or reenactment of major events in the religious group. Each religion has its own myth that is central to the religion. Not only are myths passed down but rituals as well. These beliefs are enacted and made real through ceremonies. Also, ethics are passed down which are set guidelines for the group of people; these are viewed as being revealed through a supernatural realm. Religions also allow people to express themselves emotionally and give a sense of inner peace that cannot come from outer resources. Material expression allows religions to make use of astonishing variety of physical elements. Each religion has a source of sacredness that is distinctive from the ordinary. Ceremonies express the distinction through different language, clothing, and architecture. Each tradition exhibit most of these characteristics but for those who practice them will manifest them in different ways and at different times. 3. In addition to characteristics in common among religions, there are some patterns with regard to beliefs, world views, etc., that are exhibited by most religions. Discuss these patterns. There are three different patterns that we look for to see similarity and difference among religions. The first pattern is views of the world and life. Religions must offer answers to life’s great questions that are asked. All questions are the same, but the answers very depending on the religion. Because of the great variety of worldview each answer is different and must be examined close to get a better understanding of why it is the way it is. Some religion view the universe as being created by a Creator while others believe it has no beginning and no ending. Some view nature as the realm of evil where it needs to be overcome. Others believe that humans are called to shape it. Each view differs from religion to religion. The second pattern is the focus of beliefs and practices. There are three concepts that are practiced, although one may be more dominant than the other depending on the purpose of importance. Sacramental orientation emphasizes carrying out rituals and ceremonies regularly and correctly as the path to salvation. Some believe that correct ritual influences the processes of nature. Prophetic orientation implies that a human being may be an important intermediary between the believer and the sacred. This is prominent in Judaism, Protestant Christianity, and Islam. Mystical orientation seeks union with something greater such as God, nature, the universe, or reality as a whole. Upanishadi Hinduism, Daoism, and some Buddhism stress the importance of this. The third pattern is the view of male and female. As human being the role of men and women are very important and religion has had much to say about the roles of men and women on earth and in the divine realm. Today many influential religions consider the male as dominate; the sacred and full-time religious specialists are usually males. Although this may not be completely true, in the past, female divinities once played an important role in many culture and religion. 4. Having discussed in last week’s Discussion Board postings your own reasons for taking this World Religions course, discuss some of the benefits of studying the major religions of the world cited by our textbook author. Studying the different religions around the world allows for a better understanding of each religion and helps educate and improve one’s experience of other related subjects. When studying other religion it allows insights into the religious traditions such as values, relationships, personalities, and human creativity. Not only that but it gives the outsiders an appreciation for the things that are not obvious to the insider. Other benefits include insight into everyday life. Religions influence everyday life in many ways. Many people use religion for moral issues, on buildings, comic strips. The study of religion with help a person recognizes the religious influence everywhere. For someone who has no religion or is on their religious quest, understanding and studying the many different religions will help them find a place to belong too. Knowledge of the different religion will aid a person in their journey of life. Short Answer Questions: 5. What is the origin and meaning of the word â€Å"religion†? The origin of the word â€Å"religion† comes from the Latin roots re-, meaning â€Å"again,† and lig-, meaning â€Å"join† or â€Å"connect.† The translation would then mean â€Å"to join again,† or â€Å"to reconnect.† This word suggests the joining of our natural, human world to the sacred world. 6. What is the meaning of â€Å"sacred†? Sacred is a God or gods that is set apart because of its holiness. These deities are considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion. 7. Define and contrast monotheism and polytheism. Monotheism is the term that means a belief in one God. Those who believe in God believe that He is all powerful, pure spirit, and not fully definable in words. Polytheism on the other hand means worship of or believing in many coexisting gods. These multiple gods may be fairly separate entities, each in charge of an aspect of reality, or they may be multiple manifestations of the same basic sacred reality. 8. Define and contrast atheism and agnosticism. Atheism is the denial of the existence of any God or gods. Agnosticism is to argue that the existence of God cannot be proven. 9. How are symbols used in religion? Symbols are important in religion because religions are so varied in their teachings and in conflict with each other that symbols help express truth. Symbols are fairly concrete, ordinary, and universal that represents and helps human beings intensely experience something of greater difficulty. 10. What is a sacrament? Give two or three examples of sacraments in a religion with which you are familiar. A sacrament is a religious rite or act seen as way of receiving Gods grace. In some mysterious way God uses physical things to bring about spiritual changes and give His grace. As a Christian, a few sacraments that we hold are: baptism, communion, and fasting. These are all important in receiving God’s grace. 11. Contrast linear and cyclical time in the study of religion. Linear time place an emphasis on creation, religions that believe in this is Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, time is very important. Linear time means moving in a straight line from the beginning of the universe to its end. In cyclical time, the universe simply moves through endless changes, which repeat themselves over grand periods of time. Buddhism believes time is cyclical and is not as crucial because ultimately the universe is not moving to a final point.

Management and leadership of astrazeneca

Management and leadership of astrazeneca INTRODUCTION Strategic management leadership is the framework of all organizations success. According to my experience of working in AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, it is my understanding that strategies are tactical plans needed by any organization to ensure dynamic achievement of its objectives. Both areas of management leadership are magnanimously benefited by how these strategies are enforced. Hence, the way management is being performed must be conjoined by a leadership that shares similar tenacity in reaching its goals. But these goals may not always be objectified nor the organization geared to the path it is expected to go. This also gives great importance in controlling these strategies to the people who do it. 1.1.1 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT comprises a series of long-term managerial decisions actions in which a firm selects implements strategies. The purpose of these strategies is to build the firms strengths through market positioning /or accumulation of internal resources that will give the firm an advantage over rivals (Parthasarthy, 2007). 1.1.2 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP refers to the leadership capabilities of strategic managers in conceiving an inspiring vision guiding the firm to its vision. The quality of leadership is assessed by the strategic choices managers make that endow the firm with the competitive advantages it needs for sustained good performance (Parthasarthy, 2007) The way an organization goes through its strategy processes in order to achieve its company mission translates to what management leadership styles are to be implemented. One organization that greatly exemplifies a successful management leadership style that is congruent to its strategies in achieving its objectives is the global company AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT IN ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS 1.2.1 COMPANY PROFILE AstraZeneca takes great pride in having an immense range of pharmaceutical products in its pipeline is one of the worlds leading companies in the market. It discovers prescription medicines, both biologics vaccines, develops manufactures them for significant dimensions of healthcare: pain infection, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurology, oncology respiratory. It spends more than $15 million daily on breakthrough medicines. Its head office is located in London, UK but its 3 major research development sites are found in SWEDEN, UK USA. Now, AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. 1.2.2 LINK BETWEEN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP The success of the organization is reliant on how its strategic management leadership is confederated translating to effective achievement of objectives. Strategic Management is responsible in formulating, executing assessing the effectiveness of these corporate tactics. It follows a global set of guidelines in all its areas of function research development, manufacturing distribution, operations management sales marketing. These are then streamlined to the different corporate levels for execution to meet the organizational performance target for the month, semester fiscal year. The company relies on how effective the strategies are as devised by the management in turn, the management entrusts the companys triumph in the market over competition by how leadership gets the job done on the frontline. 1.2.3 MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP STYLE IN ASTRAZENECA AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals performance is dependent on the level of commitment the employees devote to their individual tasks. The company commences its achievement of objectives from its vision of researching developing the best ethical pharmaceutical products in the market for sales marketing people to promote create demand for. Throughout the process, every other corporate function gets involved in achieving the organizations target sales growth market leadership. Thus, it is fitting to say that how these people are being motivated managed dictates how much commitment they are willing to put into practice. 1.2.3.1 REASSURE CHALLENGE STYLES OF LEADERSHIP adjust the level of challenge and make sure there is an appropriate level of performance anxiety. The goal is anxiety in moderation. Performance commitment is high if only if employees feel slightly anxious about succeeding. Reassure style of leadership help employees cope with the stresses challenges of work life. Challenge style of leadership push employees by raising the level of challenge (Hiam, 2000). This organization deals with a business that sustains life health. Its main guideline for all its employees around the globe is the promotion of safety, health environment protection. It demands its employees to follow these guidelines for their own individual benefit but it also ensures the organizations protection of its employees as well. The management actively advocates for well-documented reporting of adverse events or any untoward incident involving any of its promoted on-study products showing its commitment to valuing life health. 1.2.4 LEADERSHIP STYLE ADAPTED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS Since pharmaceutical business presently faces a diversity of issues in the market, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals campaigns for the 3 Bsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Brilliance Beyond Basics. The company urges every employee to utilize every company resource strategically. As research development processes cant be compromised, strategic spending effective economics are implemented in the sales marketing departments specifically. Having brilliance beyond basics is utilizing the best companys assets, its people, breakthrough pharmaceutical products, employee training skills enhancement in the most strategic way. To help these employees cope perform satisfactorily, there is a constant mentoring in-field coaching for the frontline employees, scientific trainings conducted regularly involving all levels of sales marketing management to combat competitors strategies, team-building activities being held quarterly in all departments giving importance to professional-personal life balance, regular forum between top management all other levels to discuss any concern involving employment, benefits disputes, open communication among all employees performance review of not just managers on employees but employees on managers as well, ultimately national conferences to gather employees from all parts of the country/organization to give citations merits for job well done. 1.2.5 EVALUATION OF LEADERSHIP STYLE AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals competes in the market with various pharmaceutical giants influx of local drug companies by meeting them headstrong through its valuable product portfolio. As this organization is involved in research development, it takes pride in its ethical products envisions itself to be the No.1 ethical pharmaceutical company in the world each passing year. It believes in empowering its people who as a result empowers the organization its business. In ensuring that all employees get heard, the company uses the greatest tool in knowing about their view of the entire organization, its management leadership, through the Focus Survey. This strategic tool serves as evaluation by employees of how strategic managers leaders run the organization. Global guidelines being designed each year every revision period in AstraZeneca is dependent on the result of the Focus Survey. 1.3 CONCLUSION The management leadership style of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals have been successful in enduring the stringent market competition. It strategically addresses every business challenge continuously empowers motivates its employees. The style adapted by this organization is best exemplified by Buhler in stating that leadership is more focused on energizing people in their performance while management is more focused on monitoring their performance levels (2001). Both areas really work hand in hand serve critical functions for this organization to achieve its objectives. The management leadership style of an organization transcends to employee performance. Motivated people in a company sustains the organization its goals.

From Mind to Supermind: A Statement of Aurobindonian Approach :: Philosophy Philosophical Papers

From "Mind" to "Supermind": A Statement of Aurobindonian Approach ABSTRACT: In contrast to Western theories of mind, Aurobindo’s theory is comprehensive and holistic. This theory derives from his ontology. With respect to mind, Aurobindo contends that evolution will not stop with homo sapien. Rather, he posits higher levels of consciousness: Higher Mind, Illumined Mind, Intuitive Mind, Overmind, and Supermind. Higher Mind is an intermediary between the Truth-light above and the human mind. Illumined Mind is Spiritual light. Intuitive Mind possesses swift revelatory vision and luminous insight. Overmind acts as an intermediary between Supermind and Intuitive Mind. Supermind contains the self-determining truths of Divine Consciousness; it is the Real-Idea inherent in all cosmic force and existence. The various concepts and theories of mind prevalent today have had their origin and development in the West. They can be classified as : Psycho-analytical (cf., Sigmund Freud, Karl Jung, A. Adler), Behavioural (cf., Gilbert Ryle), Gestalt (cf., Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, Wolfgang Kohler), Physiological (cf., J. J. C. Smart, U. T. Place, Feigl), Psycho-physical (cf., Karl Popper), Evolutionary (cf., Henry Bergson, Samuel Alexander, Whitehead), Functional (cf., R. Rorty, Peter Smith, O. R. Jones), and Mental or Homo Sapiens-oriented (cf., Roger Penrose). The outcome of all such discussions is that "mind" is mysterious and beyond all scientific explanation. According to the main contemporary view, in particular, `there is something essential in human understanding that is not possible to simulate by any computational means’. This indicates that the nature of mind continues to remain a source of acute discomfort to the Western thinkers. Even their new empirical findings regardin g the highly complex mental acitivity is dubious. The object of this paper is to submit that in this context of the West’s indecisiveness and perplexity, Aurobindo’s approach to mind comes as a breath of fresh air. Aurobindo’s theory of mind is as much "inclusive" of the essence of the Western schools of thinkers cited above, as it is "contrastive". The pioneers in this area from William James and McDougall through Freud, Jung and Adler etc, established the paradigm of the "iceberg" with reference to the nature of mind. This can be designated as the "infra-structural" theory of the entity. The views of the "evolutionists" (Darwin, Laplace, Bergson, S. Alexander, Whitehead, for instance,) are "different" but not "enriching". All of them fail to recognise that any infra-structure can, and must have, logically speaking, a "supra-structure" as well, in order to be complete and holistic.

People Are Sheep :: miscellaneous

People Are Sheep Every person everywhere in the United States is consumed by what the media tells them: what to do, what to wear, where to go to shop. People will swear up and down that they want to have their own identity, and they will even go to great lengths to attain it, yet, inevitably, they all fall into a â€Å"clique† with millions of others. Nobody wants to be a follower, but in terms of youth culture, nobody can really be a true leader. Nobody, that is, except the media. The American people, young and old alike, line up like sheep and follow the media shepherd wherever it leads. After a pathetic plea from my 13-year-old brother, I reluctantly agreed to take him and a few of his buddies to the mall to shop for basketball shoes. Although taking a slew of opinionated, loud-mouthed, smart-aleck teenagers shopping was not high on my priority list, spending time with my little brother was. So off to the mall we went. On the way the increasingly louder arguments over which shoes were the best made me want to drive my car straight into a tree. The one topic that kept rolling media presuaded tounges was that of the many different shoes they had seen on television. That’s when it hit me, my brother and his buddies were being led to slaughter --the mall-- by the media shepherd. As we pulled into the parking space at the mall, I barely had time to put the car in park before my crazed passengers, a pack of teenaged hooligans, barreled out of the car and raced for the door. By the time I caught up to my mob of shoe shoppers they were already in a shoe store, each with a different shoe in hand. My little brother had already strapped a pair of hideous shoes to his feet and was bouncing around the store acting like he was Kobe Bryant. I asked him if he liked the way the shoes looked, or even if they were at least comfortable, and his reply was, â€Å"who cares? Kobe Bryant wears them so they’re awesome!†. I gave the shoes a closer inspection, because if they were good enough for Kobe Bryant, they were good enough for my little brother. At least in my little brothers mind. When I peered at the price tag my knees got weak, and I nearly fell over.

Cristina Garcias Dreaming in Cuban Essay -- Cristina Garcia Dreaming

Cristina Garcia's "Dreaming in Cuban" The cyclical nature of time and the supernatural are recurring themes in Cristina Garcà ­a's 'Dreaming in Cuban'. Throughout the book, the members of the del Pino family find themselves reliving the same events and situations. This is characterized by the repetition of mental illness, attempted suicide, personal exile, and lovesickness that occurs over three generations. Celia, realizes that time will continue to repeat itself unless the family history is documented and carried on. She takes the responsibility of writing letters to her lover, in order to record their story, but understands more must be done, 'memory cannot be confined' (47). When Pilar is born she is endowed with specific gifts that will enable her to carry on the del Pino family history and end the vicious cycle that consumes the family. Through supernatural forces that manifest themselves as extraordinary memory, telepathy and dreams that serve as premonitions, Pilar is lead to return to Cuba where she fulfi lls her predetermined destiny; learning the del Pino family history and ending the cycle of lost memory that consumes them. Early on, as a child growing up in Cuba, Pilar has a very firm connection with the supernatural; she is able to will things to happen using her thoughts. She imagines her nannies? hair falling out strand by strand. We discover that in fact, many of her nannies fled her home with bald patches, claiming she was possessed. Pilar also has the extraordinary ability to recall events that occurred during two years she spent on the island and during her youth in New York City. ?I was only two years old when I left Cuba but I remember everything that?s happened to me since I was a b... ...suicide. When Pilar finally learns the del Pino family history, she frees Celia from the burden of her memories. ?As I listen, I feel my grandmother?s life passing to me through her hands? (222). This act, allows Celia to ?give herself to passion? (231). The act of suicide releases her from the pain and solitude of her memories which have plagued her since her youth. In her final moments, before her death, releasing the pearl earrings to the sea, allow her the closure that she has desperately yearned for. She is only able to accomplish this through Pilar?s gifts, extrodinary memory, premonitions and telepathy have allowed her to avoid the circular cycle of time that has destroyed the del Pinos before her. With this knowledge she too can break free from her family?s mistakes. Works Cited: Garcia, Cristina. Dreaming in Cuban. New York: Ballantine, 1992.

A Dream – creative writing

One by one we stepped of the bus after a comfortable nap on the red beds situated at the end of the bus. I was last to get off, I had a feeling of perpetual tiredness in my legs, I felt shaky and nervous. At first I couldn't think about what I was going to do on the pitch, all I thought about was after the match. As we walked down the tunnel, I saw framed pictures of legends such as Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and Eric Cantona. The sense of ‘I could be one of them' filled my empty head full of impossible thoughts. The tunnel was painted red and white, our home colours, the colours of victory. It was very long; all you could see in the darkness was the grass at the end of the tunnel like little green spikes they stuck out of the ground with light catching glimpse of their strong straight body. The smell of the hazy grass from down the tunnel went up my nose and soon reached my brain to intensify my nerves even more. It was quite a walk down to the home changing rooms. On the way I was greeted by many enthusiastic fans but instead of helping me, this made me even shakier and plunge further into my lethargy. I couldn't understand this as I had just had a two-hour nap. I silently entered the freezing cold changing rooms, which were supposedly painted white to give each player a calm feeling, checked my watch and looked around. I felt numb, the feeling of expectation had got to me, the blood in my body began to freeze and I couldn't hear anything. After a few moments the gaffer put his arms around me and I came out of my mood. All the players were lively, each one getting changed, concentrating on their own thoughts and weird pre-match rituals and superstitions. All focused on the one thing that really mattered; winning. When everyone was ready, the gaffer started talking. He said that we be should our best and all other things a managers says to make their players comfortable. To be honest with you I wasn't listening somehow the things he said just went into one ear and out of the other like an elephant talking to a cat. All I listened to was the roars and scream of the passionate fans waiting who started on their usual tones. I think the gaffer new I wasn't concentrating. He suddenly walked towards me and patted me on the back with his warm, big-palmed hands. As he did this I felt a big burden on my back. I felt as If I was carrying a big box full of millions of hopes and desires. As we walked out of the changing rooms we were joined by the away team, who all looked irregular. I was the captain for today so I was at the front of the team. The captain for the away team looked serious; he was tall with broad shoulders, had scruffy black hair, had a cold white face like a newly chilled corpse and stank of rubber. Funny I heard he had two left feet. Now adrenaline had kicked in and excitement had begun. We started slowly walking out to the stadium and soon we got faster and faster until we were jogging. The crowd was ecstatic. The stadium was jam-packed and all I could see was a sea of flashing bulbs from the photographers. The crowd started chanting my name and soon a feeling of nausea from the grass hit me hard. I walked slowly to the centre circle, with the ball at my feet. I looked at the other team, they all looked serious and some looked at me with spite. All of their players were bigger than us; almost Herculean in stature, most of them had short black hair and muscled legs like an army of action-man dolls. I took my feet off the ball and put my worn out boots into the soft, sturdy green grass. Everyone was in their positions and the whistle was blown, we were off†¦ The whistle went and it was half time, we were 2-0 down and everybody was disappointed. In the changing rooms, it was very quiet. Not really because of anyone but because of our performance, we were being stuffed. No-one was talking. The gaffer didn't lay into us. He didn't have to. We all knew we were playing rubbish. It was now going to be like a cat and mouse chase. The expression on each players face said it all really. I was just thinking of what I was going to do. Could I pull it off? Could I do the unimaginary? Could I†¦.. I couldn't understand why we were playing so badly but I had an epiphany, it must be because of their lazy useless captain not giving enough support†¦. me! I was going to pull it off I told myself. I was going to do the unimaginary. I was going to†¦ I gave a huge shout of encouragement to all the players like a commander rallying his weary troops. I slowly turned my head to face the other team. They all looked happy, as if this was a stroll in the park, as if they thought it was all wrapped up, as if they thought they had me all worked out, but had they? The whistle blew once more and we were off†¦ It was the 80th minute and we scored. It was better late than never. The ball rattled the net, and bounced on the floor a few times like a bouncy ball waiting to be caught. The crowd went mad. The player, who scored, picked up the ball after a little melee with the goalie who tried to stop him. He jogged back to the centre circle with the ball, with one hand in the air, appreciating the support the fans were giving him. The whistle was blown once more and we were off again†¦ The final whistle went it was 2-2. We scored in the last dying seconds of the match. All content with ourselves we trudged off to the gaffer and sat down on the pitch. I still couldn't get my head around the smell of the grass, warm and comforting like high summers. The gaffer sent all the coaches to massage the life back to our limbs. I could see that even the fans were tired, hoarse and emotional from their unswerving enthusiasm, as most of their voices had now gone from all the shouting, but I guessed it had helped as we were still in this match. Now the tables had turned, as I looked at the other team, they were all tired and didn't have a grin on their face any more. The whistle was blown louder than before this time and again we kicked-off†¦ Extra-time ended and scores were still 2-2 and everyone looked dead beat. We kept looking at the referee as we just wanted this to end. We were under pressure and running scared. Many times I thought it might be over but I still kept my head held high as I thought I had done a pretty good job, being the captain of a previously sinking ship, though with my skill, we had avoided the metaphorical iceberg. As we were walking back to the referee, the players had their heads down, as if they were out of this. I guess this was mostly because of what was to follow, penalties! The gaffer had a little notebook and pencil in his hand as he was going round asking each player if they wanted to take a penalty, it reminded me of what had happened last time I was here. Most of them just stood still and were too shocked and scared to say anything. Although he never came around to me, I was on the list. I guess I had to take one, or be blamed if we lost. They missed one and scored the rest, we had scored all our penalties up to now. Their fans had now got restless and started booing their own team; it showed how fickle 56,000 fans can be in times of need. Their manager looked disappointed, for all the training they had put in, wasn't going to help. One more player was left to take a penalty†¦ me, if it went in, we won, and if it didn't then more penalties would follow. I slowly started making my way to the ball. Half way, I stalled, I stood still but it seemed time had stood still. This time there was no-one near to put their arms around me to help me to come out of this mood again. My whole body froze and cold chills were sent to my brain. I looked forward and all I could see was the goalie looking nervous, billboards gaudily advertising a shirt brand and the thousands of faceless fans. Fans were screaming and shouting my name, I felt proud to be leading my team. My boots were frozen into the soft ground. No blood was felt at my toes and my knees were giving way as if my fit and tones body had been replaced by an arthritic and wizened shell. I couldn't stand any longer. There was no life left in my body. I was nervous; I was scared as I was remembering the last penalty shoot-outs. I had walked steadily to the ball and had concentrated on where I was going to kick it. The goalkeeper had gone the right way and my shot was stopped to the delight of the away supporters. They had won the cup. This was the same match, the same cup, the same away team, but would it be the same outcome. I returned to the present. My stomach was still frozen searching for any water left in my parched body, any lifeline left to give, any blood left to melt. My neck wouldn't twitch and my Adams apple felt frozen, I couldn't speak as my mouth was so dry that I felt my lips were being savaged off. My head was stiff; my face was pure cold white and my brain full of ghastly thoughts (I still couldn't get over what had happened the last time I was here). The fans started making their voices heard even more by intensifying the stadium with their passion, something not many people can give, something only a true fan possesses. Nerve receptors in my body didn't know which way to flow and no warm blood could be felt anywhere around my body except my ears. Even they wouldn't twitch, only the sound of screaming entered my ears, the sound I had heard many times throughout my lifetime. As a child I was abused by my violent father, who beat me every time I lost a match. That's why football is my life. It has always meant everything! I would scream in my bedroom but my mother was too scared to do anything about it, she too couldn't stand in my father's way. It took me until I was sixteen to stand up to him and kick him out of the house. I was bullied in school for not having a father, for not having many friends, for not having any football talent. I used to be called ‘footballer wannabe'; this infuriated me so much that all I concentrated on throughout my school years was football. And now what can those measly kids say to me, captain of a famous team, playing in a cup-final. Again my mind returned to the present. My body still stalled me, I didn't know what to do, either to let my knees give way, or stand there waiting for a lifeline to be found from the empty abyss†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Suddenly I heard the gaffer shout ‘come on ma lad, you can do it'. I woke of this terrible moment and blood started to flow again around my body. I coolly walked up to the ball, stepped back a few paces and ran as fast as I could towards the ball, hit it as hard as possible and stare. The ball rotated in mid-air and travelled towards the goal†¦..