Monday, September 30, 2019

The Wadia vs Wadia

10 corporate battles to remember Wadia vs Wadia and Goenka Nusli Wadia (left) has been called a corporate samurai. His battles with Dhirubhai Ambani and Rajan Pillai are legendary. His first corporate brawl was a curious case, given who one of his opponents was: his own father. Neville Wadia had decided, in 1971, to sell Bombay Dyeing Ltd to take-over tycoon R. P. Goenka (right). A young Nusli Wadia refused to accept the deal. He had his back to the wall, yet fought back fiercely by getting the rest of the family, the unions and even J. R. D.Tata to thwart the deal, showing early signs of a rare ability to lobby and win allies in a tough battle. This is one of the few instances when Goenka lost a takeover battle. HP Nanda vs Swraj Paul In the early 1980s, with the tacit support of the then Congress government, Swraj Paul (right), a non-resident Indian, launched an aggressive takeover bid for Escorts Ltd. The latter’s promoter H. P. Nanda (left) put up a fight, but faced a back lash from the government that asked financial institutions with a stake in Escorts to support Paul, and launched a series of tax investigations.Nanda hung on, and in 1984, the courts ruled in his favour. ITC vs BAT In 1996, British American Tobacco Industries Plc (BAT), the single largest shareholder in ITC Ltd, and led by Martin Broughton (right), made a play for control of the Indian company. But ITC, under K. L. Chugh (left), was able to convince the Indian government the fight was between a strong, well-managed and board-run Indian company and a predatory multinational. Government-owned institutions with a stake in ITC helped avert the threat. The Birlas vs Lodha Priyamvada Birla(left), widow of M.P. Birla, died childless in July 2004, leaving all her assets, valued at Rs3,000-5,000 crore, to Rajendra Singh Lodha (right), the MP Birla group’s auditor. When the Birla family came to know about her will, they opposed it, saying she could not have left her assets to an outsid er. The Birlas claimed in court that Priyamvada Birla and her husband had earlier written an irrevocable â€Å"mutual will† in which they said all their assets would go to charity. Various cases are being fought between the Birlas and Harsh Vardhan Lodha, R.S. Lodha’s son, who is now MP Birla group chairman. R. S. Lodha died in October 2008 after a cardiac arrest at B. K. Birla’s flat in London. Harsh Vardhan Lodha has yet not secured probate of Priyamvada Birla’s will, but heads the group with the support of directors of holding companies that own controlling stakes in MP Birla group firms. Nusli Wadia vs Dhirubhai Ambani PTA and DMT are innocuous abbreviations for two chemicals used to produce polyester. Together they reacted to create a national explosion in the 1980s.Reliance Industries Ltd run by Dhirubhai Ambani (right) and Bombay Dyeing Ltd led by Nusli Wadia (left) were stiff competitors in the polyester market, with the former using PTA and the l atter DMT as the main input. Those were the days when the government had a say in technology choices, so what ensued was a bitter lobbying war that eventually led to a political crisis for the Rajiv Gandhi government in New Delhi and a murder investigation in Mumbai. Vijay Mallya vs Manu Chhabria Photo: India Today Vijay Mallya’s corporate spat with the late NRI raider Manu Chhabria (right) was an epic one, lasting nearly 20 years.It all began in 1984, when a then unknown Chhabria made a hostile bid for liquor major Shaw Wallace and Co. (SWC). Mallya (left) claimed the bid was actually made jointly by an offshore firm in which he was a partner, while Chhabria disputed that and eventually gained ownership of SWC. A legal battle raged for years in Hong Kong, during which Mallya also partnered Chhabria’s estranged brother, Kishore, and kept up the pressure for getting what he believed rightly belonged to him.It wasn’t until March 2005 that the battle came to an end with Mallya finally acquiring a controlling interest in SWC from the Chhabria family, three years after Manu Chhabria died at 56. Ratan Tata vs The Tata satraps In 1991, Ratan Tata (left) inherited a business group that was run by a confederation of ageing satraps under the benign control of J. R. D. Tata. The Tata scion wanted tighter control over the companies in the sprawling empire, and that led to a showdown with the likes of Russi Mody (right), Darbari Seth and Ajit Kerkar, all men of considerable achievement but resistant to change.The younger Tata did not have a very successful track record till then but he eventually took control and transformed the Tata group, making it the ambitiously global and relentlessly innovative group that it is today. Wadia vs Rajan Pillai Photo: India Today Nusli Wadia’s battle to acquire Britannia Industries Ltd made the headlines in the late 1980s, when he first tried to buy biscuit maker Britannia, then owned by US giant RJR Nabisco In c. Wadia (left) first met the Nabisco brass through a friend, NRI cashew trader K.Rajan Pillai (right), in the late 1980s. But Nabisco changed its mind about selling to Wadia and appointed Pillai chairman of Britannia. This turned the two one-time friends into foes. Soon Pillai acquired Britannia and partnered with French food company, Danone SA. Then the French company fell out with Pillai, accusing him of fraud, and instead tied up with Wadia. After a bitter boardroom battle, Pillai was ousted and Wadia eventually took over Britannia in the early 1990s. Pillai later died in custody in an Indian jail.L&T vs RIL In the late 1980s, Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T) chairman N. M. Desai, discovering that Manu Chhabria (right) had acquired a stake in the firm, presumably to launch a hostile bid, got Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) Dhiru-bhai Ambani (left) to buy a larger stake and come in as a white knight. Ambani had designs of his own and became chairman with the support of the Cong ress government that asked financial institutions with stakes in L&T to back him. RIL’s plan was thwarted when the Congress lost power in 1989.RIL sold its stake in the early 2000s to the Aditya Birla group, triggering another takeover battle that ended with L&T selling its cement business to the group. Bajaj vs Bajaj In 2001, Kushagra Bajaj convinced his father Shishir Bajaj (left) to ask the Bajaj clan to transfer to them the two companies they managed, a sugar producer and a consumer products maker. The Bajajs, Shishir’s brother Rahul (right) as well as cousins Madhur, Shekhar and Niraj, initially demurred. They eventually agreed, but not before dirty linen had been washed in public.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Discrimination in Employment Act Essay

Legislative requirements are defined by law, The health and safety act 1974 ensures a safe working environment. The electricity at work regulations 1989, The COSHH 2002 regulations protects people against any chemical/substances hazardous to health, the MHOR 1999 how to move equipment safely without injury. The data protection act 1998, The equality act 2010 involves race relations and disability, age, Each has their own act , sex discrimination act 1975 and age discrimination act 2006. RIDDOR 1995 for the reporting of injuries,disease and dangerous occurrences. Regulatory requirements include IFL code of practice for teachers to ensure responsibilities towards safe guarding vulnerable adults in learning, public liability insurance , a waiver for clients to sign to say they are happy to be treated by trainees under supervision, risk assessments. Hygiene standards, registered personnel, terms and conditions of employment, codes of professional practice LLLS 2008 IFL, and your duty of care. 1. 2 To value and celebrate everyone, as each learner will each have a different range of abilities, you must treat everyone equally and with dignity and respect, no matter their age, race, culture or disability. Everyone is entitled to education and adapt your teaching methods to include everyone. Have a look at Reisenberger & Dadzie 2002, Equality and diversity in adult and community learning- a guide for managers, Niace, which you can access at http://www. excellencegareway. org. uk/pdf/A1181. pdf Accessed 20th October 2012. 1. 3 Think about what you will be teaching prepare and organize a plan. Make the lesson interesting but informative. To adapt your lesson if something goes wrong, are the learners benefiting from the lesson and how to tell if they are. Assess your methods if you notice they are not picking up on the topic, track progress and look back on paperwork/ evidence try another method. Be positive, knowledgeable in your profession, confident, enthusiastic and encourage, keep up to date with the beauty industry. Good practical experience and keeping up to date records show organisation. 1. 4 Identify the needs of the learner, then look at the type of methods available. Then we can assess if the learner is getting what they need out of that teaching method, deliver current and relevant information, the learner may have a preference of how they would like this to be done. You will need to try all methods and adapt them, use different resources while your lesson is in progress, reflect on your own experiences in order to motivate the learner. As a teacher you may need to mentor, support, plan, design and deliver to the best of your ability, reflect, adapt and communicate effectively, observe and listen, to self assess yourself, justify your decisions, keep records and make referrals as necessary in order to do this I use the table below called the smart guide and I follow this to involve an objective setting. S | Specific, know what need to be achieved | |M |Measurable, ways of measuring completion | |A |Achievable, is an event that is achievable | |R |Realistic, factors such as resources and time | |T |Time scaled, deadlines, stops people postponing tasks. They relate to a | | |guide for objective setting. | 2. 1 A relationship between the learner and the teacher should be of a professional manner, listen to them when they are talking, do not involve yourself or others with any personal issues, confidentiality is important , but we need to know when to refer the learner . No contact by phone or outside the premises, if you know the learner you must inform your line manager. When you are with a student in a one to one situation leave the door open or have someone else in the room with you. 2. 2 You need to know when to refer a learner for internal or external support services, be prepared to be the first point of call and you need to know what services are available for them, then you can refer them to another trained professional and concentrate on supporting them. There are many services available for learners such as the Samaritans helpline, drugs, dyslexia, citizens advice bureau, victim support and NHS direct, as well as assistance with funding. 2. You can clarify your own responsibilities with your line manager, be a team player, register with organisations within your field such as HABIA (Hair and Beauty industry authority), LAPS ( Lead authority partnership scheme). Health and safety in Hairdressing and beauty therapy( online) ( updated 27th Ju ne 2012) ( Accessed on 20th October 2012) available at http://www. hse. gov. uk/hairdessing. 3. 1 The environment that you work in should be safe and clean with adequate lighting and space, good maintenance of equipment with appropriate records to hand. You should provide facilities so the learner can research their material, have access to books or the website, show videos, outings to a salon with a good reputation, ensure the layout of your class room is meeting the requirements of the learner this may change. Do a lesson plan, identify all needs, Assess if your methods have been productive, encourage and support all learners, motivate them to build their portfolio of evidences, give them feedback after practicals, share your experiences , discuss the positives with the negatives. 3. 2 Do not interrupt a learner when they are talking, listen to them and express an option. Encourage them to make their own ground rules to show respect to others, there may be other professionals or clients watching. Think of your colleagues as a client, maintain their dignity, wear full uniform this reflects your professionalism, hair tied back, no nail polish, nails short and clean, wash hands, wear appropriate footwear, set standards for the learner to follow. Mobile phones on silent, equipment to be cleaned and put away safely. Give the learner responsibilities such as a stock check. Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times this will reflect on the running of the salon and the sales of the bu siness. Bibliography: London underground trainers code of practice.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

American Women in World War II

At the beginning of the Second World War, American citizens had a sense of unity. Men choose to enter the forefront off work and family, but women leave home for the first time and inherit the work left by their husbands. In 1943, many magazines chose to draw women's diligence. These articles concentrate their story on working women and make their non-traditional work better. If they make these small and hardworking jobs exciting and noble, they may think that more women will start participating in the work. Prior to World War II, Hispanic women were reluctant to work at home and were more irritated than other American women. During World War II, the widespread change in the role of women as a result of the necessity of family labor affected the role of Spanish women who served as secretary and nurse, Isabel Solis-Thomas and Elvia Solis was born in Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico. The Solis family moved to the United States and moved to Brownsville, Texas. When World War II broke out, the two sisters voluntarily became roses from women of all races across the country, welded the pipes, and repaired the cargo ship. Mrs. Thomas Solis said recruiters wanted to climb a dangerous place on the ship to short skin, short skin women. She stated that he worked 9 hours a day, 6 days a week, beating and sealing the steel bar accurately and intentionally. An American woman of Asian Americans entered the military service for the first time during the Second World War. The Women Army (WAC) recruited fifty Japanese American women and Chinese American women, sent them to the military information service language school in Snellingburg, Minnesota, and received military translation training. In 1943, the Women Army recruited a Chinese-American woman to serve as aerial WAC. Air Force WAC provides various tasks such as interpretation of aerial photography, air traffic control, weather forecast.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Human Rights in the European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Human Rights in the European Union - Essay Example These treaties put up the various European Union institutions together with procedures and objectives. The European Union only acts within the boundaries set up by these treaties. Any amendment to these treaties necessitates the agreement and subsequent ratification of the signatories. The two most crucial treaties are the Treaty of the European Union of 1993, and the Treaty of the functioning of the European Union of 1958 (Paul, 2011). The Treaty of European Union gets split into six integral parts. The parts that cover freedoms, equality, human rights and laws in the European Union include title one, common provisions, title two, democratic principle provision and title 3, institution provision. Under title one, the Common provision part of the treaty, article 1formulates the legal provisions in the treaty. Article 2 fronts that the European Union gets founded on values of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human dignity, respect for human rights and freedom. The goal here is for the member states to live in a society where tolerance, non discrimination, justice, gender equality and solidarity thrives (Schiek, 2008). The third article under common provisions identifies the six core goals of the European Union which are promoting peace citizen well being and European values, establishing free movement within its borders, creating an internal market, establishing the Euro, promoting values, poverty eradication, upholding human rights, respecting the United Nations Charter, and a promise to pursue the above objectives effectively. Article 4 gets associated with the sovereignty and obligations of member states. Article 5 formulates the principles of conferral proportionality regarding power limits. Article 6 specifically binds the European Union to the European Human Rights Convention and the Fundamental Rights of the European Convention Charter. Article 7 gets involved in the disciplinary matters whereas article 8 gets involved in the creation of strong tie s with member states (Meenan, 2007). The second title in the treaty is the provision of democratic principles. This part of the treaty establishes equality among citizens and looks into citizenship. Of great interest to us is the declaration that the European Union gets based on representative democracy with the population being the ultimate decision makers. This policy defined the procedures through which political parties get formulated and how citizens get represented. The 11th article addresses transparency in governance provides for consultations before decision making and creates provisions for petitions. Article 12 awards national legislatures’ negligible involvement in law making (Meenan, 2007). The third title, Provisions on the institutions, establishes the institution of the Court of Justice, the European parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the Court of Auditors and the European Central Bank under article 13. It also facilitates cooperation b etween the above institutions and controls their competencies in accordance with the powers in the treaty. Article 14 with how the legislative arm of the European Union works and election of members. Article 15, on the other hand, handles the European Council and the procedure that governs its presidency, whereas article 16 deals with the Council and how it gets constituted. The European Commission and appointments to it get handled in article 17, while the establishment of Representatives of Security and Foreign

Thursday, September 26, 2019

One Economics asepct of the auto industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

One Economics asepct of the auto industry - Essay Example It is important to explain that the 2007/2008 economic crisis had a very negative effect on the American auto industry, with almost all American auto companies becoming on the verge of bankruptcy. Companies such as Chrysler and General Motors were on the verge of bankruptcy, and this forced the American government to intervene and bailout these companies. This is by using the funds emanating from TARP, which is an acronym for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. A company such as Ford Motors was able to protect itself from the effects of the financial crisis, mainly because it was maintaining a hedge fund, whose money could be used for purposes of protecting the organization, during a period in which it was facing some financial crisis. There is a lesson to be learnt from this study. The lesson is that, it is always necessary for companies or business organizations to maintain an hedge fund, that could be used to fund the operations of a company or a business organization during periods of recession. This should not only be applicable to the auto-industry, but to other industries as well, such as the finance, communication, transportation industries, etc. Furthermore, this information is also significant to me, mainly because the auto industry has managed to improve from a near bankruptcy situation in 2007/2008, to one of the most profitable industries in the United States. This is because all these companies that were bailed out have managed to repay their debts, totaling to billions of dollars. It is quite interesting to know what type of strategy that these business organizations were able to use, despite the strong competition that emanated from the other companies, specifically from Japanese auto companies. My interest in this issue also emanates from the desire to know more about the 2007/2008 global crisis. In my knowledge, the crisis emanated because of the inability of the

The Business Of the Art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Business Of the Art - Research Paper Example This essay focuses on several things that make Martial Arts a viable business option. One is the fact that it does not go out of style. After years of existence, Martial Arts did not only persist, it has evolved and has allowed the development of even more Martial Arts. This has happened despite the lack of a definitive international body that will push for the growth of the sports. Hollywood exposure is also helping the art in getting more attention from the mainstream market. As more and more fighting techniques are developed, Hollywood is learning how to use different disciplines in a single movie. This produces greater interest on the sport. It is not enough that awareness about the discipline increases, it is more important that awareness among the right people about the art increases. Martial arts practitioners in movies are always projected to be the tough guys. This attracts people who are interested in learning how to fight. Fighting techniques are used for survival and mili tary combat and not for anything else. It is stated by the researcher that there may be a need for different martial arts organization to come together to come up with a universal plan on how to promote the sport. Once the marketing strategy is cleared out, it would be easier for gym owners to make business sense out of martial arts. The mere fact that martial arts remain a billion dollar industry despite the lack of international marketing strategy proves and shows the potential that the sport has.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Prototyping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Prototyping - Essay Example The system analyst in point of fact constructs a useful structure of the solution throughout design. Prototyping encompasses developing a functional system quickly and reasonably for end user to weigh up. By communicating with the prototype users can search out an improved suggestion of the information requirements. The prototype authorized by the users can be used as a model to build the ultimate system. The prototype is a functioning adaptation of software or an element of the software, but it is intended to be no more than a foundational model. Once prepared, the prototype will be additionally developed until it obeys the rules accurately to user’s requirements. Once the design has been completed, the prototype can be transformed to a sophisticated developed system. The method of developing a foundational design, making use of it, refining it and trying again has been acknowledged an iterative method of systems development for the reason that the steps essential to develop a system can be repetitive over and over again (Laudon & Laudon, 1999). Prototyping is further openly iterative than the traditional life cycle, and it dynamically encourages system design changes. It has been thought that prototyping substitutes unintentional modification with premeditated iteration, with each adaptation more exactly demonstrating user’s requirements (Laudon & Laudon, 1999). The system builder observes all the changes demanded by the user and modify the prototype consequently. After the prototype has been refined, the cycle proceeds to Phase 3. Phase 3 and 4 are continued until the user is pleased. When no more repetitions are necessary, the accepted prototype then turns out to be a functional prototype that provides the ultimate specification for the application. Some times the prototype itself is implemented as the final adaptation of the system (Laudon & Laudon, 1999). Prototype is mainly functional when there is some ambiguity about user

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Bethany Qualls's essay Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bethany Qualls's essay - Assignment Example Most arguments and facts expressed in Qualls’ essay have their basis on evidence, examples, and references. Formality in academic writing is a vital aspect. An academic paper should be free of slang and informal words including contractions (Beard 474). Qualls’ essay satisfies the standards of formality in academic writings. It is free of informal words and contractions. Besides formality, clear statement of a writer’s point of view is imperative. While stating the point of view, writers avoid using second person pronouns. Instead, third person pronouns are best applicable with exceptions of instances when first person pronouns use is justified. Qualls’ essay is appropriate in expressing views using third person pronouns and, in some instance, the first person. Although Qualls’ essay conforms to the standards of a formal and well-written academic paper, there are notable points that demand improvement. In some instances, Qualls does not use direct and succinct statements. Sentences appear vague, long or complicated and, therefore, unclear. An example is the use of shortened words in Qualls’ essay. The sentence, â€Å"I wasn’t enthusiastic about his visit,† contains a shortened word. Instead of using â€Å"wasn’t,† Qualls should use â€Å"was

Monday, September 23, 2019

Marketing management for the service industry Lab Report

Marketing management for the service industry - Lab Report Example Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts are among the main players in the Asian Tourist markets and, since, its entry in 1994, it has grown at a tremendous rate to establish a global brand. It is founded by Mr. Ho Kwon Ping and his wife Mrs. Claire Chiang. The company operates in a numbers of countries including Singapore, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand where it has established a strong presence. As a result of its success especially in providing quality services in an environmental friendly manner, in addition its marketing strategy, a case study on the company is going to be analyzed, researched. An analysis will be offered in relations to the company’s services and marketing strategy. B. Facilities and Services of BTR Banyan Tree Resorts (BTR) currently offers a wide array of facilities and services that can constitute to a luxury resort experience. This is much so when related to the prices they are offering and the type of market or clients that are targeted and access services . A luxurious resort experience contains a number of things ranging from the type of services, the quality of services, the price offered, type and quality of facilities available among others. In relation to this, the following discussions identifies the services and facilities at BTR and provides the justifications for the reasons why the two (services and facilities) constitute to a luxurious resort experience. B1. Facilities The BTR resorts around Asia offer a variety of facilities that enhance the experience of clients to a whole new level. First and Foremost, the resort’s units are mostly constructed on natural environments that involve making minor adjustments such as including a few added artificial features or removing a few natural features. This is, when the units are constructed, it involves removing a few of natural aspects that might not provide a comfortable experience and at the same time, add a few artificial aspects such as electricity lighting among others. This in addition with the use of local furnishings created from local materials constitutes to a natural, peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable experience. The location and construction of the resort units is usually one of the key contributing factors of a luxurious resort experience that most hotels in crowded and noisy cities are unable to provide. This feature is in line with the company’s vision and mission of providing clients with an experience that meets their five senses and most notably, their smell, sight and sound where breath taking view and breezes offer an unforgettable experience. Secondly, BTR offers spa galleries that are branded as Banyan Tree spa. This facility is one of the most exquisite features in the resort and guarantees its clients a memorable and luxurious experience. The fourth sense of touch and personal rejuvenation are experienced by clients is a courtesy to this facility. In addition, the type of products, level and quality of expertise offered by the staff in these facilities make the experience more unforgettable, luxurious and enjoyable. For the sake of this facility, BTR has an academy where it trains local experts for different services and most notably the massage services. Thirdly, BTR especially in its Banyan Tree Phuket Resort has a Banyan Tree Gallery brand concepts that are closely associated with the spa facility, where it is mainly concerned with retailing massage oils, skin and body lotions among other products. These

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Polar Bear Crisis Essay Example for Free

Polar Bear Crisis Essay Bear Crisis In May 2008, the U. S listed the polar bear as a  threatened species  under the  Endangered Species Act. The Arctic is one of the most discussed on climate change, due to the fact that warming is greatest there and because what happens in the Arctic has the can eventually impact the rest of the Earth. So far, not only has it affected the way the ice is melting and the weather is changing, but it is mainly affecting the animals that are living there (for example, polar bears). Although, there are many environmentalists, and companies tried to solve, or at least help the situation (like Coca-Cola and WWF), the problem is not getting any better. As sea ice is being reduced in the area, the polar bears basis for survival is being threatened, said John Laird, WWFs Nunavut regional conservation director. The sea ice is melting earlier in the spring which is sending the polar bears to land earlier without them having developed as much fat reserves for the ice free season. By the end of the summer they are skinny bears, which in the worst case can affect their ability to reproduce. Also, The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that, . . . extensive scientific studies have indicated that the increased observation of bears on land is a result of changing distribution patterns and a result of changes in the accessibility of sea ice habitat. It is crazy to think that all of these things are all being affected because we are not taking care of our planet; even though it’s happening thousands of miles away. Because we put trash on the ground, pollute the air etc. animals are being affected, especially the polar bears. Since bears use the sea ice to hunt for their main prey, seals, without the sea ice, their range are drastically reduced. On top of it all, the oil and gas development along the edges of the land mass and you have more problems. It has been said that two thirds of polar bears will disappear by 2050.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Advantages of Cooperative Learning for English Language Learners

Advantages of Cooperative Learning for English Language Learners Cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different levels of ability, participate in a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject (Noyes, 2010). Each member of a team is accountable not only for learning what is taught but also for helping teammates learn, thus creating an environment of success (Kagan, 2002). Students work through the task or assignment until all group members successfully understand and complete it. For English language learners, cooperative learning is critical, because it truly accelerates learning. There is no better way to learn language, other than using it. Teachers often model language but, hamper students by not providing them with opportunities to apply it and master aspects of the language as rapidly as possible (Noyes, 2010). Cooperative learning provides the opportunity for English language learners (ELL) to accelerate learning of the language skills required to be doing well in academic subjects. The purpose of cooperative learning is each member of the team is accountable for not only learning what is taught, but also helping their teammates learn. It creates an atmosphere of community and achievement (Kagan, 2002). The students are actually teaching each other and a function thats community based and builds collaboration. Cooperative learning is a strategy that can be used with all students. Benefits for English Language Learners Cooperative learning is usually valuable for any student learning a second language. Cooperative learning activities support peer communication, which helps the expansion of language and the learning of concepts and content (Kagan, 2002). It is essential to assign ELLs to different teams so that they can benefit from English language role models. ELLs learn to convey themselves with greater independence when working in small teams. In addition to picking up vocabulary, ELLs benefit from observing how their peers learn and explain problems. Roles need to be assigned and rotated each week or by activity. By rotating, students increase skills they mainly need to perform. Cooperative learning builds learning communities as students grow to be experienced at how to get along, how to be concerned for themselves and for each other and how to deal with their own performance as they work on the way to a common objective (Kagan, 2002). Cooperative learning groups make best use of the swift attainment of English because it provides students with understandable contribution in English in encouraging, non-threatening surroundings (Noyes, 2010). Academic and language learning requires that students have opportunities to figure out what they hear and read as well as express themselves in significant tasks (McGroarty, 1993). Cooperative learning creates normal, interactive contexts in which students have bona fide reasons for listening to one another, asking questions, expounding issues, and re-stating points of observation. The foundation of school achievement is academic literacy in English; age appropriate comprehension of English is a requirement in the accomplishment of content standards. We learn mainly through language and use of language to convey our knowledge. Cooperative learning increases opportunities for students to construct and figure out language and to gain modeling and criticism from their peers. A great deal of the significance of cooperative learning lies in the way collaboration encourages students to connect in such high level thinking skills as analyzing, explaining, synthesizing, and elaborating (McGroarty, 1993). Teachers Role in Cooperative Learning Standards must be taught. The rules of learning groups must be understood by all students (Noyes, 2010). The learning groups must be free from negative comments which hinder learning and growth. Everyone must be active listeners; each team member must participate, and help everyone understand the objective and what is being learned. Additionally, noise levels must be kept in perspective and the group needs to keep on the assignment. Schools must provide teaching that assists ELLs in acquiring content area comprehension along with resources for becoming skilled in English (NCLB, 2001). Cooperative learning is not just group work (Noyes, 2010). For it to be effective, the teacher must teach high utility words that appear within the content areas that are a means to comprehension along with definitions and examples of use in context. The group must engage each member in learning words through an assortment of methods of comparing, analyzing, and using target words because academic language is important for reading and mastery of skills in all subject areas. Careful planning is a must for cooperative learning to be effective. ELLs working in cooperative learning groups must be given assignments according to their levels of English proficiency. The teacher must be aware of their stages of language acquisition. Class building and team building activities such as mix pair share, mingle and match, give one/get one, find someone who, think pair share, round table, and roam the room are useful ways to integrate cooperative learning into the classroom (Noyes, 2010). Conclusions Research suggests that cooperative learning techniques boost ability for all students (Noyes, 2010). Cummins (2001) considers cooperative learning an empowerment pedagogy because students have greater opportunities to practice oral language. Cooperative learning is a successful approach in which small teams, each with students of diverse levels of capability, use a range of learning activities to advance their understanding of a topic (Noyes, 2010). Each member of the team is accountable not only for learning what is taught, but also for helping teammates learn through the formation of an environment of accomplishment (Kagan, 2002). Cooperative efforts result in members motivated for mutual achievement so that all gain from each others efforts, recognize that all members share a common fate, know that ones performance is caused by each other working together and feel proud and jointly celebrate when one is recognized for success. Cooperative learning is not just group work or a way to keep students busy. Teachers must provide key instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension and allow the dynamics of cooperative learning to provide practice for proficiency.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Insomnia Essay -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Insomnia is the inability to obtain adequate amount or quality of sleep. The difficulty can be with falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both† (â€Å"Insomnia Encyclopediaâ€Å"). Sleeping is a major point in physically and mentally restoring yourself for the tasks ahead. Most people say that about eight hours of sleep is an adequate amount, however it differs from person to person depending on their sex, age, and health conditions. An estimated one-third of the population suffers from some form of insomnia. â€Å"In recent studies, a survey reported that 30% of American women and 20% of American men took medication to help them sleep during the course of a year† (â€Å"Insomnia†). The medications these people took are called hypnotics. The causes of insomnia vary for different situations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Transient insomnia can be caused by temporary situations like   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  arguments, medical illness and jet lag. On the other hand chronic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  insomnia has many causes. Sleep apnea, over use of caffeine, anxiety   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  disorders, stress and several other factors. The symptoms of insomnia   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  can be noticed right in the morning. When you wake up and are not   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  feeling refreshed from a nights sleep. A person may have difficulty   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  sleeping, toss and turn for hours or fall asleep easily but are awakened   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  very early in the morning. To diagnose a person with insomnia, a patient   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  may keep a record for two weeks of their sleeping patterns, food intake,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  exercise, etc., and then a physician can base their diagnosis by the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  reported signs and symptoms. If an insomnia patient does not respond to   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  treatments then they may have a   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  sleeping disorder that requires a   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  specialist† (â€Å"Insomnia Encyclopediaâ€Å").   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before insomnia even occurs, there are ways that a person can prevent or lessen the effects of it. Exercising regularly would be something a person should do, but not close to bedtime because exercising stimulates arousal. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine, such as coffe... ...uncture or chiropractic help, or alternative remedies and other sources of relief. Even though insomnia has become a common illness in the world, there are several different ways to treat it. People should not have to struggle to get a good night of sleep, it is an essential part of our lives. We should be able to go to sleep when we need to and wake up full refreshed and ready to conquer the day. Works Cited Chokroverty, Sudhansu. â€Å"100 Questions and Answers about Sleep and Sleep   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Disorders.† 2003. Google.(Dec. 14 2004).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/insomnia.html. (28   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  November 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Insomnia.† Health and Age. 2003.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.healthandage.com/Home/?gm=20&gc=26. (28 November 2004). Kinosian, Janet. The Well-Rested Woman: 60 Soothing Suggestions for Getting   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  a Good Night’s Sleep. Conari Press. Morin, Charles M. Relief from Insomnia: Getting the Sleep of Your Dreams. New   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  York: DoubleDay, 1996.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

emma :: essays research papers

Author  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jane Austen Title  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emma Publisher  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Everyman’s Library Cop.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  London. 1991   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First published in 1816 Motto  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book does not have a motto. I chose this book because I read Pride and Prejudice and I absolutely loved it. My mother told me Jane Austen wrote another book like it called ‘Emma’, and I decided to try it. I expected the story to be about the life of a young woman from the middle or rich upper-class living in England in the 19th century. This is also why I chose the book; I’m really interested in that time and the way people were then. Short summary After her beloved governess, Miss Taylor, leaves Hartfield to become Mrs. Weston, Emma Woodhouse finds herself in need of a friend. The answer is Harriet Smith, a girl of questionable origins whom Emma decides to improve. Emma sets Harriet up with Mr. Elton and she is very surprised when Mr. Elton reveals that he loves her, not Harriet. Emma, offended at the idea, refuses him. Then the son of Mr. Weston, Frank Churchill, arrives in town. The Westons secretly hope he and Emma will become attached. Emma is at first attracted to the handsome young man, but she loses interest after his first visit. The Eltons return to town, and Emma and Harriet must suffer under the vain and self-important Mrs. Elton When Frank Churchill returns Emma imagines that Harriet would be a much better match for the young man. At a ball, however, Emma is the one who dances with Mr.Churchill and Harriet dances with Mr. Knightley. Not much later Mrs. Weston reveals to Emma that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax had been secretly attached and are now engaged. Emma reassures them that she does not love Frank Churchill, but she fears for Harriet. Harriet is not distressed by the news. She does not love Mr. Churchill, she is in love with Mr. Knightley. Hearing this makes Emma realize that she loves Mr. Knightley too. Uncertain what to do, Emma sends Harriet away, to give herself time to think. During her absence, Mr. Knightley returns from London, fearing how Emma will handle the news of Frank Churchill's engagement. Finding her undisturbed and not in love, Mr. Knightley tells Emma he loves her, and she returns his love. Emma's only worry now is how Harriet will react when Emma tells her she is engaged to Mr. Knightley, but luckily the worrying doesn’t last long. Harriet meets Mr. emma :: essays research papers Author  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jane Austen Title  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emma Publisher  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Everyman’s Library Cop.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  London. 1991   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First published in 1816 Motto  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book does not have a motto. I chose this book because I read Pride and Prejudice and I absolutely loved it. My mother told me Jane Austen wrote another book like it called ‘Emma’, and I decided to try it. I expected the story to be about the life of a young woman from the middle or rich upper-class living in England in the 19th century. This is also why I chose the book; I’m really interested in that time and the way people were then. Short summary After her beloved governess, Miss Taylor, leaves Hartfield to become Mrs. Weston, Emma Woodhouse finds herself in need of a friend. The answer is Harriet Smith, a girl of questionable origins whom Emma decides to improve. Emma sets Harriet up with Mr. Elton and she is very surprised when Mr. Elton reveals that he loves her, not Harriet. Emma, offended at the idea, refuses him. Then the son of Mr. Weston, Frank Churchill, arrives in town. The Westons secretly hope he and Emma will become attached. Emma is at first attracted to the handsome young man, but she loses interest after his first visit. The Eltons return to town, and Emma and Harriet must suffer under the vain and self-important Mrs. Elton When Frank Churchill returns Emma imagines that Harriet would be a much better match for the young man. At a ball, however, Emma is the one who dances with Mr.Churchill and Harriet dances with Mr. Knightley. Not much later Mrs. Weston reveals to Emma that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax had been secretly attached and are now engaged. Emma reassures them that she does not love Frank Churchill, but she fears for Harriet. Harriet is not distressed by the news. She does not love Mr. Churchill, she is in love with Mr. Knightley. Hearing this makes Emma realize that she loves Mr. Knightley too. Uncertain what to do, Emma sends Harriet away, to give herself time to think. During her absence, Mr. Knightley returns from London, fearing how Emma will handle the news of Frank Churchill's engagement. Finding her undisturbed and not in love, Mr. Knightley tells Emma he loves her, and she returns his love. Emma's only worry now is how Harriet will react when Emma tells her she is engaged to Mr. Knightley, but luckily the worrying doesn’t last long. Harriet meets Mr.

Society Must Redefine the Meaning of Family Essay -- Argumentative Per

Society Must Redefine the Meaning of Family Society seems to have many different opinions when it comes to relationships and families and what is ideal. The ideal family may not exist anymore. We now have in our society families that are complete that do not necessarily contain the traditional material. The traditional family, as society would see it; usually consist of a married, mother and father and usually children. Moms are supposed to stay at home while dads work the forty-hour a week job. However, in our 2003 world, families exist in a lot of non-traditional ways. A lot of families now consist of single parent families, or same sex parents and their children, or even couples that are unmarried but live together. And even now, if a family contains what society sees as traditional as far as having a mom, dad, and kids, other aspects are not traditional anymore. Women now have more opportunity in the workplace than they have ever had, therefore, many moms are career moms and dads are sometimes staying at home. Years ago, t hese types of families were given labels for being dysfunctional or abnormal, however, this label is not holding up as well as it did years ago. There are many non-traditional families that are raising children in a loving, nurturing home with a substantial amount of quality love. Quality is the key in any relationship between anyone. Society is finding out that it is not the traditional image that makes a loving family, but the quality of a relationship that people give to each other is what really makes a family. In the essay "The Myth of the "Normal" Family", written by Lousie B. Silverstein and Carl F. Auerbach, they make references to the cultural idea of what a "normal" family should be and what i... ...sex relationships, or adults to children. People of any race, sex, or age that can offer unconditional love, strength, morals, values, and respect to others are more qualified to be called "normal" or having a "family" than any two people that are married, with or without children, that are not offering to others what is needed to become a real, normal, family. Families can be single moms, single dads, same sex parents, or even other relatives. What is important and what makes people have the most rewarding families are the qualities of their relationships. This type of family is the family that will stay together and function happily in our society. Works Cited * Silverstein, Lousie B., and Carl F. Auerbach. "The Myth of the "Normal" Family." * The Aims of Argument. 4th ed Ed.Timothy W. Crusius and Carolyn E. Channell. New York:McGraw Hill,2003, 352-355.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

A Separate Peace Chapters 6-10 Essay

Directions: Answer the following questions on THIS sheet of paper. You DO NOT need to answer in complete sentences. It is best to try to answer these as you read, since the questions are listed in the order in which they appear in the book. 1.Who is Cliff Quakenbush? What happens between him and Gene? Cliff is a manager. And they both get into a verbal fight. 2.Who calls Gene on the first day back to school? Phineas 3.Who is Brinker Hadley, and what does he say really happened to Finny that day in the tree? He is the hub of the class. He claimed that Gene deliberately pushed Finny of the tree 4.Why does Gene leave the Butt Room without smoking a cigarette? Because he forgot to study for the French test. 5.How do the boys at Devon contribute to the war effort? The Enlist 6.Who decides to enlist in the war? Why does Gene end up not following through with his enlistment? Gene decides to enlist in the war. Gene didnt go through the enlistment because he decided to stay with Finny. 7.Why is Finny training Gene for the Olympics? Because Finny wants to make sure that Gene does not turn out to be a fat old man 8.What is the winter carnival, and whose idea is it? The winter carnival is Finny’s idea of a sports world. 9.What happens at Leper’s â€Å"Christmas Location†? Leper manages to escape from the spies and hopes to meet Gene at the Christmas Location. 10.How does Gene respond to what Leper tells him? Gene becomes aggravated and doesn’t believe Leper.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Coyote Blue Chapter 20~21

CHAPTER 20 Nevermore Santa Barbara When Sam walked into his office Gabriella met him with a cup of coffee. â€Å"Mr. Hunter, I'd like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I don't know what came over me.† â€Å"That's okay. I do.† â€Å"I hope you were able to resolve the difficulties at the Cliffs.† Sam wasn't prepared for civility from Gabriella; it was like encountering a polite scorpion. Life was changing before his eyes. â€Å"Everything's fine. Any calls?† â€Å"Just Mr. Aaron.† She checked her message pad. â€Å"He would like you to stop into his office if it wouldn't be too much trouble.† â€Å"Exact words?† â€Å"Yes, sir.† â€Å"My my, has the Sugarplum Fairy been through here today?† Gabriella checked the pad. â€Å"No message, sir.† Sam smiled and walked away. Down the hall Julia told Sam to go right in. Aaron stood and smiled when Sam entered the office. â€Å"Sammy boy, have a seat. We need to talk.† Sam said, â€Å"Forty cents on the dollar, plus interest. You keep the office. I want out. That's it. You talk.† Aaron dismissed Sam's comment with a wave. â€Å"That's all behind us, buddy. Cochran's lawyer called. There isn't going to be any lawsuit. You and I are square.† â€Å"What happened?† Sam knew he should be elated at the news, but instead he felt dread. For a moment he had relished the idea of giving up all the pretending. Now what? â€Å"No explanation. They just backed off. They apologized for the mistake. You'll get a formal apology in the mail tomorrow. I never doubted you, kid. Not for a minute.† â€Å"Aaron, did you talk to Spagnola today?† â€Å"Just briefly. Just a social call. He was pretty heavily medicated. I'm not sure I trust him, Sam. You want to watch your back around that guy. He's unstable.† Sam felt his ears heat up with anger. Aaron expected him to act like the betrayal had never happened. There was a time when he would have, but not now. â€Å"Forty cents on the dollar, plus interest.† Aaron lost his friendly-guy salesman's smile. â€Å"But that's behind us.† â€Å"I don't think so. You're a shit, Aaron. That doesn't surprise me. But it does surprise me that you went after me when I was down. I thought we were friends.† â€Å"We are, Sammy.† â€Å"Good. Then you won't mind having the papers on my desk by midweek. And you can pay the attorney fees. They're tax deductible, you know. And if you're late, you will need the write-off.† Sam got up and started out of the office. Aaron called after him. â€Å"We don't have to do this now.† Without turning Sam said, â€Å"Yes we do. I do.† Sam nodded to Julia as he passed but he couldn't muster a smile. What have I done? he thought. In his outer office Gabriella was kicked back in her chair with her skirt up around her armpits. She seemed to be hyperventilating and her eyes were rolled back in her head. â€Å"Gabriella! Again?† She pointed to his office door. Sam threw the door open, banging it against the wall and disturbing a raven that was perched in the brass hat rack just inside. Sam stormed over to the bird, barely resisting the urge to grab it and rip its feathers out. â€Å"Goddammit, I told you to stay off my secretary!† Sam shook his fist at the bird. â€Å"And what kind of bullshit did you pull over at Motion Marine to get them to drop the lawsuit? Can't you just leave me alone?† â€Å"Why are you yelling at the bird?† The voice came from behind him. Sam looked around, his fist still threatening the raven. Coyote was standing in the opposite corner of the office by the fax machine. Sam's anger turned to confusion. He looked at the bird, then Coyote, then the bird. â€Å"Who's this?† â€Å"A raven?† Coyote speculated. He turned back to the fax machine. â€Å"Hey, what is this button that says ‘network'?† Sam was still looking at the bird. â€Å"It sends simultaneously to the home offices of all the companies we represent.† Coyote pushed the button. â€Å"Like smoke signals.† â€Å"What?† Sam dropped his fist, ran to the fax machine, and hit the cancel button a second too late. The display showed the transmission had gone out. Sam pulled the paper from the machine and stared at it in disbelief. Coyote had obviously lain on the copy machine to get the image. â€Å"You faxed your penis? That machine prints my name at the top of each transmission.† â€Å"The girls in the home office will think highly of you, then. Of course, they will be disappointed if they ever see you naked.† The raven squawked and Gabriella appeared at the open door. â€Å"Mr. Hunter, a gentleman is here to see you from the police department.† Coyote held the Xerox up to Gabriella. â€Å"A picture of your friend,† he offered. A sharp-featured Hispanic man in a tweed sport jacket pushed his way past Gabriella into the office. â€Å"Mr. Hunter, I'm Detective Alphonse Rivera, Santa Barbara PD, narcotics division. I'd like to ask you a few questions.† He held out a business card embossed with a gold shield, but did not offer to shake hands. â€Å"Narcotics?† Sam looked to Coyote, thinking he would have disappeared, but the trickster had stood his ground by the fax machine. On the hat rack, the raven cawed. â€Å"Nice bird,† Rivera said. â€Å"I understand they can be trained to talk.† Rivera walked to the bird and studied it. â€Å"Pig,† the raven said. â€Å"He's not mine,† Sam said quickly. â€Å"He belongs to-† Sam looked around and Gabriella was gone from the doorway. â€Å"He belongs to this gentleman.† Sam pointed to Coyote. â€Å"And you are?† Rivera eyed Coyote suspiciously. â€Å"Coyote.† Rivera raised an eyebrow and took a notebook from his inside jacket pocket. â€Å"Mr. Hunter, I have a few questions about what went on at Motion Marine a couple of days ago. Would you prefer to talk in private?† â€Å"Yes.† Sam looked at Coyote. â€Å"Go away. Take the bird with you.† â€Å"Nazi scum,† the raven cawed. â€Å"I'll stay,† Coyote said. Sam was on the verge of screaming. Sweat was beading on his forehead. He composed himself and turned to Rivera. â€Å"We can talk in front of Mr. Coyote.† â€Å"Just a few questions,† Rivera said. â€Å"You had an appointment with James Cable at ten. Is that correct?† â€Å"I was there for about an hour.† â€Å"I was there too,† Coyote said. Rivera turned his attention to the trickster. â€Å"Why were you there, Mr. Coyote?† â€Å"I was raising funds for NARC.† â€Å"Narc!† the raven said. â€Å"Narc?† â€Å"Native American Reform Coalition.† Rivera scribbled on a pad. Sam said, â€Å"I don't understand. What does this have to do with narcotics?† â€Å"We think someone put hallucinogens in the coffee over at Motion Marine. Two days ago James Cable claims he was attacked by someone fitting Mr. Coyote's description. He had a heart attack.† â€Å"I just asked him if his company would make a donation,† Coyote said. â€Å"He said no and I went away.† He had taken the Xerox of his penis from the desk and fitted it back into the fax machine. He searched the buttons. â€Å"‘Insurance commissioner, † he read as he pushed the button. â€Å"No!† Sam dove over the desk for the cancel button. Too late. He turned to Rivera. â€Å"That document wasn't signed.† He grinned and tried to move the conversation away from his panic. â€Å"You know, I was thinking – we've got an Indian, a policeman, and an insurance broker. We're only a construction worker away from the Village People.† Rivera ignored the comment. â€Å"Did you have any coffee while you were at Motion Marine, Mr. Hunter?† â€Å"Coffee? No.† â€Å"And you didn't drink from the watercooler?† â€Å"No. I don't understand.† â€Å"Today, three people at Motion Marine, including Frank Cochran, claim that they saw a polar bear in the offices.† Sam looked at Coyote. â€Å"A polar bear?† â€Å"We think that someone slipped them some LSD. We're testing the water and the coffee now. We just wanted to talk to anyone who has been in the building in the last two days. You didn't see anyone strange hanging around while you were in the building?† â€Å"I only saw Cable's secretary and Cable,† Sam said. Rivera flipped the notebook closed. â€Å"Well, thanks for your time. If you have any strange reactions or see anything strange, could you give me a call?† Rivera handed a card to Coyote. â€Å"And you too, if you would.† â€Å"Cabron,† the raven said. â€Å"He speaks Spanish, too,† Rivera said. â€Å"Amazing.† The detective left the office. â€Å"‘Santa Barbara News-Press advertising, † Coyote read as he pushed the button. The fax machine whirred. Sam started to go for the machine, then stopped and sat down in his chair. He sat for a minute rubbing his temples. â€Å"If that cop runs a background check on me, I'm going to jail. You know that, don't you?† â€Å"You wanted your old life back.† â€Å"But a fucking polar bear?† â€Å"Well, you have your old life back, whether you want it or not.† â€Å"I was wrong.† It felt good saying it, the honesty in it. He wanted a new life. â€Å"I just want you to go away.† â€Å"I'm gone,† Coyote said. â€Å"The girl is gone too.† â€Å"What does that mean?† The feathers on Coyote's shirt turned black and his fingers changed to flight feathers. In an instant Coyote was a raven. He flew out the office door followed by the raven from the hat rack. CHAPTER 21 All Happy Families Santa Barbara Calliope stood in the driveway, holding Grubb, waiting for Lonnie to return. Nina had been right: she wasn't very good at worrying, but she was giving it a good effort. She was sure that Lonnie wouldn't hurt her or Grubb, but then again, Lonnie had never acted the way he had the night before. She wished that she could have asked Sam to stay with her and help her with a decision, but it would have been too much to ask so soon. She wished, too, that there were phones at the ashram and that she could call her mother for advice. And she couldn't just jump in the car and drive to see her mother as she always had before. She had her job, her house, and there was Sam now. She was trying to push the dark specter of the unknown to the back of her mind when she heard the Harley approaching. She looked up to see Lonnie rounding the corner a block away, his new girlfriend clinging to him like a leech. Lonnie pulled into the driveway next to her and killed the engine. â€Å"I'm late for work,† Calliope said, wiping a trail of drool from Grubb's face with her finger. The woman behind Lonnie glared at her and Calliope nodded to her and said, â€Å"Hi.† Lonnie reached for Grubb without getting off the bike. Calliope hugged Grubb close. She said, â€Å"I don't want him riding on the bike with you.† Lonnie laughed. â€Å"The way you drive? He's a hell of a lot safer on the bike.† â€Å"Please, Lonnie.† The woman reached out and took Grubb from Calliope. The baby began to cry. â€Å"He'll be fine,† Cheryl hissed. â€Å"Why can't you just stay at home with him?† Calliope asked. â€Å"Places to go, people to meet,† Lonnie said. â€Å"I could get Yiffer to watch him.† Calliope felt her breath coming hard. She didn't like the look of this hard woman holding her Grubb. Lonnie said, â€Å"You tell Yiffer to watch his ass or I'll shoot it off.† â€Å"Lonnie, I have to go. Can't you just stay here? I'm only working the lunch shift today.† Lonnie grinned. â€Å"Aren't you going to stop by the hospital on your way home?† â€Å"Hospital? No. Why?† Lonnie fired up the Harley. â€Å"No reason.† He laughed and coaxed the big bike around in the driveway. As he gunned the engine and pulled into the street Cheryl shouted, â€Å"Don't worry, bitch, we'll put a dollar on black for you.† Over the roar of the Harley, Calliope could hear the woman grunt as Lonnie elbowed her in the ribs. Calliope saw Grubb looking at her as they rounded the corner. Panic tore at her chest as what the woman had said sunk in. She turned and ran back up the steps. -=*=- By late afternoon the contractors had replaced Sam's sliding glass door and patched the bullet holes in the walls. Sam canceled the week's appointments, which gave him time alone with his thoughts. He soon found, however, that his thoughts, like monkeys in church, were bad company. He tried reading to distract himself, but he found that he was simply looking at the pages. He tried napping, but as soon as he closed his eyes, images of Coyote and the police filled his head. When the worry became too much for him he thought of Calliope, which set off a whole new set of worries. What had Coyote meant, â€Å"The girl is gone†? Did it matter? She was trouble. Too young, too goofy, probably too attractive. And the kid – he didn't need a kid in his life either. Trouble. If she had gone somewhere he probably was better off. He didn't need the hassles. That thought still bouncing through his mind, he grabbed the phone and dialed her number. No answer. He called information and got the number for the Tangerine Tree Cafe. She hadn't shown up for work today. Where in the hell is she? Where in the hell is Coyote? The fucker knew where she went and he wouldn't tell. What had started as a niggling irritation turned to dread. Why in the hell does it matter? he thought. Terrifying and black, a word rose in his mind that matched his feeling. He recoiled from it, but it struck him again and again like an angry viper. Love: the sickest of Irony's sick jokes. The place where logic and order go to die. Then again, maybe not. It was only bad if you were hiding, pretending to be something that you were not. Maybe the hiding could end. Sam got up and headed out the door in what he knew was a ridiculous effort to find Calliope. He drove to the cafe and confirmed what they had told him on the phone. Then he drove to Calliope's house and found Yiffer and Nina getting out of the van as he pulled up. Nina said, â€Å"I don't know where she is, Sam. She left a note saying that Lonnie had taken Grubb and she was going after him.† â€Å"Nothing about where she was going?† â€Å"Any note at all is a big step for her. She used to disappear for days at a time with no note at all.† â€Å"Fuck.† Sam started to get back in the car. â€Å"Sam,† Nina called. He paused. â€Å"The note said to tell you she was sorry.† â€Å"For what?† â€Å"That's all it said.† â€Å"Thanks, Nina. Call me if she shows up.† Sam gunned the Mercedes out of the driveway, having no idea where he was going. He needed help. All his machines and access to information wouldn't help. He needed a place to start. Twenty-four hours ago he would have given anything to get rid of Coyote. Now he would welcome the trickster's cryptic, smart-assed answers – at least they were answers. He drove around town, looking for Calliope's Z, feeling hope rise each time he spotted an orange car, and feeling it fall when it turned out not to be Calliope's. After an hour he returned home, where he sat on his sofa, smoking and thinking. Everything had changed and nothing had changed. His life was back to normal, and normal wasn't enough anymore. He wanted real. -=*=- At the Guild's clubhouse Tinker was digging at a flea bite on his leg, trying to pull his grimy jeans up over heavy boots to get at the tiny invader. â€Å"Fucking fleas,† he said. The Guild's president, Bonner Newton, let out a raucous snort. â€Å"You know what they say, bro,† Newton said. â€Å"Lie down with dogs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A din of harsh laughter rose in the room from the other Guild members. â€Å"Fuck you guys,† Tinker said, feigning anger while enjoying the attention. It wasn't that he liked ugly chicks, but who else would have him? Nineteen of the twenty full members of the Guild were draped over furniture and sprawled on the floor, smoking joints and cigarettes, drinking beers and feeling at the few old ladies present. Outside, two strikers, members who had not earned their full colors, sat on the front porch watching for the law. The house was a ramshackle stucco bungalow that had been built in the 1930s as part of a housing tract, before the term housing tract was part of the language. The walls were stained with blood, beer, and vomit. The carpet was matted with motor oil; the furniture was minimal and distressed. Only Tinker actually lived at the clubhouse. The rest of the club used it for meeting and partying. The Guild had paid a hundred thousand dollars in cash for the house. The deed was registered under Newton's married sister's name, as was the ranch house the Guild owned in the Santa Lucia Mountains above Santa Barbara, which housed the lab that provided their income. Ironically, the ranch's nearest neighbor was a wobbly-headed ex-president who had declared a war on drugs, and who, from time to time, would stand on the veranda of his palatial ranch house sniffing the odor of cooking crank and calling, â€Å"Mommy, there's a funny smell trickling down out here.† The lab produced enough income to support all of the Guild's members and ensure that none of them had to work except to man the counter of the Harley-Davidson shop that Bonner Newton used to launder drug money. Newton held an M.B.A. from Stanford. In an earlier time, before he fell from grace for smuggling cocaine, he had stalked the glass-cube buildings of Silicon Valley, wearing Italian suits and commanding crews of brilliant computer designers who could define the universe in terms of two digits, explain the chaos theory in twenty-five words or less, and build machines that emulated human intelligence – but who thought a vulva was a Swedish automobile. Newton's experience in coddling these genius misfits served him well as president of the Guild, for the members of the Guild were nothing more than nerds without brains: fat, ugly, or awkward men who found no acceptance in the outside world and so escaped into the security and belonging of an outlaw biker club. A Harley-Davidson and blind loyalty were the only requirements for membership. â€Å"Listen up, you fucks,† Newton said, calling the meeting to order. â€Å"Bitches outside.† He paused and lit a cigarette while the women filed out the door, glaring at him over their shoulders. He was not a large or imposing man compared to the other members, but his authority was not to be questioned. â€Å"Lonnie's not here yet,† Tinker said. â€Å"Lonnie's running an errand for us,† Newton said. â€Å"We're going to take an impromptu road trip. A little business and a little pleasure.† â€Å"Fuckin' A,† someone yelled. Newton gestured for quiet. â€Å"Seems like someone forgot to tell me that we were running low on ether up at the facility.† Newton always referred to the crank lab as â€Å"the facility.† Tinker stopped scratching his leg and hung his head. â€Å"Tink, you fucking idiot,† someone said. â€Å"Anyway,† Newton continued, â€Å"I wasn't able to arrange a delivery, so we have to go get it. There's a rally in South Dakota in a couple of days. At Sturgis. The Chicago chapter is going to meet us there with a couple of barrels. I want three fifty-five-gallon drums rigged with false tops so if we get stopped by the law it looks like we're hauling motor oil. Tinker, you'll drive the pickup.† â€Å"Aw, come on, Newt,† Tinker whined. â€Å"Warren,† Newton said. A thin biker with curly red hair looked up. â€Å"You fix one of the barrels for weapons, and make sure no one is packing. I don't want any weapons on anyone while we're riding.† A series of snorts, moans, and â€Å"Oh, fucks† passed around the room. Newton dismissed them with a wave. â€Å"Advice from the Gator,† he said. Gator was short for the litigator, the Guild's attorney, Melvin Gold, who handled all their criminal cases free of charge in exchange for the assurance that he could also handle their personal injury suits. Bikers got run over a lot. â€Å"Look,† Newton insisted, â€Å"half of you are on probation. We don't need some rookie pig looking for glory to fuck us on a concealed-weapons charge. Are we clear?† Newton paused until someone answered, â€Å"We're clear.† â€Å"All right, then. Lonnie's making a run to Vegas with his old lady to get the money to pay for the ether. He'll meet us in South D. We're out of here at nine tomorrow morning, so don't get too fucked up tonight. Bring your camping shit. Let your bitches carry your stash.† Newton dropped his cigarette and ground it out on the carpet. â€Å"That's all,† he said. The room filled with conversations about the trip. A few of the members got up to leave. When they opened the door a single flea hopped out with them. Once past the steps the flea changed into a horsefly and took flight. A block away the horsefly changed into a raven and headed toward the mesa and the Cliffs condominium complex.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Cultural Assessment – Nursing

Cultural Assessment The population of the United States is continually rising. The birth rate continues to rise, but more importantly, the number of foreign-born immigrants that relocated to the United States in 2003 was a staggering 33. 5 million, and that number rises every year (Jarvis, 2008). With such a large immigrant population comes the need for medical professionals that are culturally competent.Being culturally competent means that the caregivers, â€Å"understand and attend to the total context of the individual’s situation, including awareness of immigration status, stress factors, other social factors, and cultural similarities and differences† (Jarvis, 2008, p. 38). Because the United States is so diverse, it is a federal law that all caregivers must be culturally competent. It should be noted, however, that is not something that can be accomplished so easily. It is a process that can take a lifetime. To become culturally competent one must have knowledge in several areas.These include, but are not limited to, knowing one’s own personal heritage, the heritage of the nursing profession, the heritage of the health care system, and the heritage of the patient (Jarvis, 2008). When performing a cultural assessment of an individual one must take into account five important aspects of the individual’s heritage. These aspects will give the nurse an idea of the patient’s heritage consistency. First, is the individual’s culture. Everyone has a culture. There are four basic characteristics of culture. First, it is learned; from birth one is learning the language and socialization of that culture.Second, it is shared. All the members of the same group share that culture. Third, it is adapted. Culture adapts to environmental and technical factors, as well as the groups availability to natural resources. Finally, it is dynamic. Meaning, it is always changing (Jarvis, 2008). The second aspect of one’s heritage is ethnicity. This is a group within the social system that have a common geographical origin, race, religion, values, traditions and food preferences. The term ethnic is tricky in the United States (US) because of how large the US is, and the large diversity of ethnic differences it has.Religion is the third aspect of one’s heritage. Religion is extremely important because an individual’s religious beliefs play a huge part in one’s health-related behaviors and how someone perceives illness and death. There are roughly 1500 different religions in the United States which is why this aspect is so important when performing an individual’s cultural assessment (Jarvis, 2008). The fourth aspect of one’s heritage is socialization. When someone is raised in a specific culture, the person naturally acquires the characteristics of that group.Many people in the United States are bicultural, acquiring certain customs and traditions of the United States while stay ing loyal to their traditional culture as best they can. Time orientation is the fifth and final aspect of one’s heritage. Every culture has a different understanding of each other’s perception of time. Depending on the individual’s heritage, that person may focus on the past, the present, the future, or a combination of the three. It is important for the nurse to recognize the individual’s perception of time to gain a better understanding of how to individualize a plan of care.To gain a better understanding of cultural assessment and how it relates to health care and being culturally competent, a sit down interview was performed with an 84 year old female of German-American heritage, who believes that any belief or view differing greatly from hers are strange, and usually wrong (Riley, 2008). In order to preserve her right to privacy, she will be referred to as G. E. Heritage Assessment Cultural Group G. E. is 84 years old and was born and raised in the United States. She considers herself an American who is extremely proud of her German heritage. She is 100% of German decent.She had one older sister who is deceased. Her immediate family was all born in rural Illinois. Her father built a house in Coal Valley, IL when she was very young, where she lived until she was married at the age of 18. Her paternal grandparents were both born in Germany. It is unknown what city or village in Germany they came from, other than the northern part of Germany. They immigrated to the United States shortly before her father was born. She remembers her grandparents speaking little to no English, then, eventually broken English. Her father spoke English as a first language and some German. Her mother, her sister and she ever learned the German language. English was the only language spoken in the home. Her father was a coal miner and her mother took care of the home. In her culture, each generation lived in separate homes, whereas in some cultures, mu ltiple generations live in the same household. However, her grandparents and extended family members did live nearby, so she spent a lot of time playing with her cousins, and saw her grandparents, aunts and uncles on a regular basis. They would all get together on Sundays after church, and have lunch together. She lived at home until she married at the age of 18. G. E. ent to public schools, then to secretary school after graduation. Her husband was also 100% of German decent. They had two sons and a daughter. Both of her sons live close by, but her daughter lives in Nebraska. Her daughter and she talk on the phone every day. Her husband was in the US Navy during WWII and her husband and she were very patriotic. Like she has stated earlier, she is an American. Other than that, she did not know much about the war or Hitler or just did not remember. What she did remember when asked about this subject was the fact that a few of her husbands’ ancestors were drivers for Hitler dur ing his reign.Ethnic Group G. E. ’s ethnicity focuses around her family and church. Even though her father’s parents were born in Germany, there is no indication that they were passing down many values, traditions, or food preferences to the new generations. By all accounts, they wanted to completely immerse themselves into the American way of life. The only German recipes that were passed down to her were for sauerkraut, German pigs-in-a-blanket, which included sauerkraut, and German potato salad. Her family also eats a lot of beef, pork, and chicken. Potatoes are also a staple of her diet.For many years, G. E. and her husband would grow a big garden and produced enough vegetables for the entire winter months. Traditions are very important to G. E. For many years her family would come to her house after church for Sunday lunch and also for Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving the grandchildren would come over to decorate the Christmas tree. She still has her famil y over every Christmas Eve. She says she does not cook a meal anymore, she orders a meat and cheese tray, and makes some side dishes. The other family members bring over the desserts.She also used to have a birthday party for her children and grandchildren. She baked a cake and the family would come over and eat dinner. The birthday person got to pick the dinner, and would then open presents. Her grandchildren bring her great-grandchildren to see her at least once a month. She says she enjoys it when they come to visit. She really enjoys seeing the great-grandchildren. She says that it makes her feel proud. Religious Group Religion is the most important aspect of G. E. ’s life besides her family, and always has been. G. E. and her family are Protestants.Knowing that most of her ancestors came from the northern part of Germany, this is interesting because in Germany, Protestantism is practiced predominantly in northern Germany (Fuller & Vossmeyer, 2004), which is where her anc estors lived. This is proof that their religion has been passed down through the generations and still continues to be practiced. Her husband and his family, who are all deceased now, shared the same ethnic and religious background as her family. She regularly attends a Presbyterian church at least once a week and is a very active member of the church.Her husband would fill in as pastor when the regular pastor could not. She practices her religion in her home every day by praying and reading the Bible. G. E. celebrates all of the holidays of her religion which are Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with her family. She states that her religion has no influence on her diet or health practices. G. E. believes in heaven and hell, which is common to many German religions (Fuller & Vossmeyer, 2004). She insists that younger family members who do not go to church attend church with her at least once a year. She does not like the fact that her other family members do not attend church.She feels in order to get into heaven one has to attend church occasionally. Social Group Most, but not all, of her friends share the same ethnic and religious background. She also has a few Hispanic friends whom she enjoys spending time. She still lives in her home in the same neighborhood in which she has lived for over 50 years. The neighborhood is located close to the church and most of her neighbors are close in age. Most of them attend the same church and are of the same ethnic background. She has always had a very active social life which can contribute to her excellent health.She goes to a senior activities hall twice a week to play bingo and has a swimming class twice a week to exercise and socialize with friends. She goes to have her hair done every Saturday which she has done for many years. She regularly goes out to lunch and to watch a movie with friends once or twice a month and is on the phone a lot with family and friends. She made sure to mention is that she absolutely does not like to travel and has never been outside of the United States. When her children were young they would take camping trips to Wisconsin and Minnesota. That was pretty much the extent of her travels.As a result, her sons do not like to travel much either but her daughter enjoys traveling. Her daughter has been to many countries and G. E. does not understand why she enjoys it so much. Time Orientation G. E. ’s time orientation focuses on the present and the future with little to no focus on the past. She feels at her age, focusing on the past is a waste of time. She says, â€Å"I just move on† (G. E. 2011). She does not like to dwell on the past. She says, â€Å"what’s done is done†. Although she misses her husband very much she believes she will meet up with him in heaven one day. She enjoys the thought of that.She does not think of health care in terms of the past either. She follows her doctor’s advice and is open to new treatments and m edications. This is another reason she is in excellent health for an 84 year old woman. She does not like the thought of a doctor not knowing the latest in medical technology and treatments. She also is not bothered if health care personnel are not culturally sensitive to her heritage since she sees herself as an American who is proud of her German heritage. G. E. is uncomfortable with doctors who are not Caucasian. She also does not like to be cared for by male nurses or other male caregivers who are not doctors.Health Related Beliefs and Practices G. E. has health insurance and Medicare, so she is able to see the doctor on a regular basis. Lack of insurance coverage is not a factor for her. She never goes without her medication because of lack of prescription coverage. Also, with the money she and her husband saved over the years, plus both of their retirement packages and social security benefits, she lives comfortably and does not have to worry about not having enough money to l ive out the rest of her life in the lifestyle she leads. Developmental Situation G. E. remembers things her mother did when G.E. was a child to maintain and protect her health. She had to wash her hands regularly, especially before and after meals and after using the bathroom. She always had three meals a day which consisted of foods from all of the food groups. In the winter she could not go outside until she was bundled up. When she did get sick, she had to stay home in bed until her mother thought she was feeling better. This was solely the job of her mother since her father worked long hours in the coal mines. She states that her mother was the stereotypical strict, but loving, German mother.When she started her own family, she ran her home in the same manner. She was raised during the Great Depression and was raised to be hard working and to appreciate what one has, which G. E. has instilled in her children. G. E. is accomplishing all the developmental tasks of her age group an d has successfully resolved Erickson’s last ego stage, which is the psychological conflict of ego integrity versus despair. In this stage, â€Å"resolution to this final conflict occurs when the adult accepts one’s one and only life cycle as something that had to be and that, by necessity, permitted of no substitutions† (Jarvis, 2008, p. 8). Causes of Illness G. E. describes illness as not being able to do the things she normally does and she defines health as having no aches or pains. She rates her health as good to excellent for a woman of her age. She has never smoked, however, her husband smoked a pipe for years. She does not use any devices to help her get around and she still goes up and down the stairs to do laundry. She states she has fallen a few times but has never broken a bone as a result, and was able to get back up on her own. She has never been hospitalized as a result of an illness, only for an occasional elective surgery.What she believe causes illness are environmental change, God’s punishment, grief and loss, stress and anxiety, incorrect food combinations, poor eating habits, smoking, inactivity, and viruses and bacteria. Cultural Practices in Healing and Health She maintains and protects her health by washing her hands regularly, taking her prescribed medications, staying active, eating a well-balanced diet based on the food pyramid, taking vitamin supplements, seeing her doctors regularly, staying inside when it is too hot or too cold, avoids people who are sick, and does not take on more than she thinks she can handle.When she does get sick she does not make a big deal out of it and does not feel the need to worry family members. She stays at home because she fears getting others sick as well, especially her great-grandchildren. She takes care of herself by getting enough rest, keeping herself hydrated, not eating certain foods she knows will make her feel worse, taking needed medications, and calling her doct or when she feels she needs to be seen. When G. E. feels she needs some lab work done, other tests, or has any concerns, she immediately calls her doctor. She trusts in her doctor’s advice and always follows his or her orders.It is because of all of this, she believes she is still living an active and healthy life. G. E. is also extremely concerned with the health and well-being of her family. When her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are sick, she worries about them and calls them regularly to check on them. She also prays for them to get well. Cultural Expressions of Illness G. E. does whatever her doctor suggests and does not believe he would do anything to jeopardize her health. However, as far as family and friends go, she will not outwardly express indications of pain.She states that it is because she does not want people to worry about her. G. E. believes this is due to her strict German up-bringing and growing up during the Great Depression. She believe s one can never work too hard, so pain is seen as a weakness to her. The more she expresses pain or illness, the weaker she is seen, and possibly unable to effectively take good care of herself. Alternative assisted living is not an option G. E. needs at this point. G. E. feels she does not need it, and she absolutely will not burden her children with having to care for her.Cultural use of Alternative Therapies G. E. sometimes uses home remedies when she is ill. When she was a child her mother would use some vapor rub then put a sock around G. E. ’s neck. G. E. ’s mother would feed her chicken soup and give her juice or hot tea to drink, and keep her in bed. G. E. believes that healing and curing are the same and believes that praying, following the doctors orders, getting recommended treatments and taking prescribed medications brings healing. In the past few years G. E. has used alternative therapies to help with pain and arthritis.She gets acupuncture once a week, a nd sees a massage therapist occasionally. She admits, ten years ago she would have never done these types of alternative therapies, but her daughter is a nurse, and recommended it as an alternative to pain medication. She also admits that it does help, or she would not pay to go, but she feels it does not cure anything. She still has to supplement the pain with medications from time to time. Summary G. E. ’s interview was conducted at her home, and it took about an hour and a half. She would often change the subject, so having to restate questions happened often.She felt comfortable being in her home answering these questions, but often asked why an assessment of this type was so important. She has no issues with cultural sensitivity, or nurses being culturally competent, and has had little experience with other cultures. G. E. does not understand the need for such learning. Her views are ethnocentric, and at 84 years old, that will probably not change. During the interview, both open-ended and close-ended questions were used to gain the most information. She was very open to doing the interview, but stated she did not think she had much to contribute.She states she has lived a wonderful, privileged life with a loving husband, and a great family. She has never been disappointed by her family and is extremely proud of them. The only regret she has, has to do with her sister. They lived about five properties apart from each other, and some land next to her sister that G. E. owned, her sister planted a garden there for years. Well, G. E. gave the property to her daughter and son in-law to build a home. Her sister got extremely upset, which ended up with their families not talking for years. Then she received word that her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and G.E. called her up, and they reconciled. Unfortunately, she died shortly after that. G. E. has never gotten over that. Because of that, she is continually telling her family not to bicker over the small stuff, and that one’s family is all one has, and the people who love them the most in this world. Even though G. E. will not openly express pain to anyone except her doctor, the rest of her family will openly talk about any illness they have or pain they are experiencing. This is something she practically requires of them. She says it is like â€Å"do as I say, not as I do†.This goes back to her not wanting to be a burden on anyone, yet she has to know that her family is alright. It is perfectly fine for her family to be a burden on her, because to her it is not a burden. She sees it as her responsibility. She states that her family always tells her she will never be a burden, but she is too stubborn to listen to them. She is the mother and she knows best. She says her family jokes to her that they are 50 something year old adults, yet they still feel like children when they are around her and have to do what their mother says or there will be trouble. She fi nds this very amusing.She does not believe in cremation and plans to be buried alongside her husband. She has all of her final arrangements already planned and paid for, again, as not to burden her family. Many members of her family plan to be cremated and she cannot understand why. She believes one’s soul will not go to heaven if the body is cremated. There were no communication barriers while interviewing G. E. It was a very easy and pleasant interview. G. E. enjoyed talking about her heritage and family. G. E. is a very active and healthy woman for her 84 years, and she cannot wait until she can reunite with her husband in Heaven.She prays to her husband every night. Personal Reflection Writing a cultural assessment about someone from a different generation was very interesting for me. While some of the information I received during the interview was similar to my own personal beliefs, most were not. Being two generations younger than G. E. makes a huge difference in certa in beliefs. My mother is 100% Swedish and my father was a Vietnam veteran who is 50% German, with some English, French and more German. Growing up, my family did not follow any ethnic traditions and had no heritage related beliefs other than being American.We were a middle class family and as a child I thoroughly enjoyed life. I have one younger sister, and we, for the most part, were spoiled. I think that has to do with having baby boomers for parents. We took dance classes and I was a gymnast through junior high school. We had a whole neighborhood of other children our age. We were outside from morning until evening, especially in the summer. Both of my parents worked and provided us with whatever we needed. My parents made me attend Sunday school every week until I was about 12. After that, I attended church only a few times a year. Religion does not play a big role in my culture.Even at Sunday school, it did not make much sense to me, but I was too young really understand. My pa rents and grandparents always had a strong work ethic and I also do as a result. My parents wanted me to be my own person and choose my own path as long as it was an honest path. I live within a mile from my parents and from my sister so we see each other frequently. My parents help out my husband and me with our children. I have two sons and a daughter who are ages three, four, and six. One thing that differs from G. E. and me is that I like to know about the past as well as the present and future.One thing that we agree on is that we see our doctor regularly and rely on the latest in medical technology and medications. When we are both ill, we tend to use the same methods to take care of ourselves. However, I am not one to hide any pain or illness I have from my family; when I am sick or in pain, everyone knows about it. Also, the way we in which we raise our children is different. G. E. raised her children in a loving, but more strict, manner. I do not raise my children in such a strict manner. I raise them like my parents raised me. They are very different styles, but I do not know that one is better than the other.They both have positive and negative parts to them. In G. E. ’s generation the woman usually stayed home to take care of the family. In my generation I feel many women enjoy getting an education and usually find it a necessity to work outside of the home. I know I would enjoy the best of both worlds, to contribute to the family income, yet limiting my work outside the home to part time until the children are older. One thing about religion I also learned was how important it was to G. E. Other than her family, her religion was most important to her life, which is very different from me.As I stated earlier, religion has virtually no importance in my life. Also, I do not consider myself to be ethnocentric. I have yet to meet a person whose religion, culture, ethnicity, or heritage shocked or bothered me. As long as I do not feel that I am b eing pushed into one belief or another, I am fine. Everyone needs to find the path that makes one happy, healthy, and whole. I want to be a nurse because I like people. I feel I can make a difference in this career by letting my patients know that I genuinely care for their well-being and want them to lead the best possible life they can.I have been a Certified Nursing Assistant for the last 6 years and I enjoy it. I think by becoming a nurse I can do even more to help them. It is an awful experience to go to see the doctor, and feel like cattle being shipped in and out of the office at record speed. I like the thought of, as nurses, we take a holistic approach to healing that I feel doctor’s lack. Patients need to feel they can openly discuss their problems and that someone is actually listening to them and taking time to talk about it with them without judgment or prejudice; to come up with a plan of care that suits everyone involved, as much as possible.I realize since I d o work in a hospital that there will not always be a happy ending. Some patients can be difficult to care for, but as a nurse, I need to understand that they are there because they are ill, which has an effect on their personality and mental status. I must have empathy for them, as difficult as that may be sometimes. I know that when I am not feeling well, my personality changes, as does everyone’s. I feel the issues I need to work on most is the language barriers when they arise, and patient’s family dynamics. The diverse and often complex dynamics of a patient’s family is extremely difficult to understand.It will take time to develop a way to handle these often difficult situations. No family has the same relationship, so as a nurse I must go in prepared for anything, and keep an open, non-judgmental frame of mind while performing a cultural assessment on the patient. Writing this paper has made me even more sensitive to people’s cultural differences. N o matter what background one comes from, most people essentially want similar things when it comes to healthcare. One wants to be seen as an individual, rather than a number. We want compassionate care. We want to be listened to. We want to get well. We do not want to be judged or belittled.We want to be understood and we do not want to be dismissed as just another â€Å"crazy patient†. Nobody reacts well to negativity especially when there is no need to be. These are the things I must keep in mind while doing cultural assessments in the future. References Alexopoulos Y. (2007). Illness, Culture, and Caring: Impact on Patients, Families, and Nurses. In Chitty, K. K. & Black, B. P. (Ed. ), Professional nursing concepts & challenges (5th ed. , pp. 237-269). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders. Baxter, A. (2001). In search of your German roots, A complete guide to tracing your ancestors in the Germanic areas of Europe (4th ed. . A. Baxter (Ed. ), Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publ ishing. Carter R. (2008). Cultural competence: Cultural care. In Jarvis, C. (Ed. ), Physical examination & health assessment (5th ed. , pp. 35-53). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders. Downing J. (2008). Understanding each other: Communication and culture. In Riley, J. B. (Ed. ), Communication in nursing (6th ed. , pp. 46-62). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby. Santos S. (2004). In Fuller, B. & Vossmeyer G. (Ed. ) Cultures of the world, Germany (2nd ed. ). Tarrytown, New York: Marshall Cavendish.