The Effects of Sports on Life

Introduction In today’s world, sports form an integral part of the society’s culture. Participating in sports is an important aspect of child development that has many benefits. Sports improve the health status of participants and foster the development of fundamental skills that are important in facing challenges in life (Ahmadi, 2010, p.43). Other benefits of sports include fostering social co-existence and peace, encouraging community development, financial gains and foster international unity. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Sports on Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sports have made significant contributions in enhancing the implementation of certain policies that are important and that affect the welfare of the society. Healthy human development is a requisite for sustained societal development. Without a healthy population, it is impossible to achieve the goals a nd objectives that stimulate growth and development. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain good health in individuals in order to enable them to use their potential to stimulate growth and personal development (Ahmadi, 2010, p.45). Sport is an important tool that has the ability to motivate and empower individuals to achieve their health, economic and social goals. Sports are important in the society because they improve the overall quality life, foster social inclusion and help to eradicate anti-social behaviors in young people. In addition, they improve the health status of individuals and their self-esteem and confidence (Ahmadi, 2010, p.49). Health benefits of sports Research has shown that physical activity contributes in improving the health of individuals who participate in sport activities. Sports help to improve cardiovascular fitness, hence vital in management of body weight. Sports serve several functions that make them beneficial and important to individuals and the s ociety. Sports activities help reduce body fat and build muscles, slow down the aging process, improve body balance and coordination, and minimize risks of injury (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.27). Sport is an effective tool that can be used to pull resources together to fight diseases. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that regular physical activity affords people numerous physical, social, economic and mental health benefits. Sport activities augment strategies that improve diet and counter the widespread use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.29). These drugs have adverse effects on the health of users. Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More People experience the benefits of sport in two main ways. First, through direct participation and secondly, through indirect participation as spectators. Sport initiatives that are designed to improve health are beneficial and have an impact at both levels. People who directly participate in sport activities benefit more that those who participate indirectly. Sports play a vital role in averting the adverse effects of chronic diseases on the society (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.31). Research has revealed that the effect of chronic diseases is augmented by physical inactivity and poor eating habits. Participation in sports is one of the ways through which people become active. It is an effective method of staying active because it is enjoyable and individuals benefit greatly. Apart from improving the physical fitness of individuals, sports help to reduce the impact of risk factors that expose individuals to illnesses (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.36). Sports help reduce potential risks of high blood pressure, stress, high cholesterol levels in the body and use of drugs and other harmful substances. In general, participating in sports helps improve general body fitness, he lps individuals relax, helps in management of body weight, and improves body coordination and posture (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.41). Research has shown that sport activities enhance healthy growth and development in children and helps strengthen the heart. A strong, healthy heart reduces the risk of individuals succumbing to heart failure or stroke. In today’s society, the effects of inactivity are evident from the large number of children who are succumbing to obesity (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.42). Children spend a lot of time watching television, playing video games and surfing the internet. This encourages inactive lifestyles that have adverse health consequences. Health practitioners are very concerned and troubled by this modern trend because obese children grow into obese adults. Obese adults are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart diseases and many other chronic diseases that affect people with inadequate immunity against diseases (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.43). The United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) maintains that engaging in sport activities helps develop active lifestyles that help reduce risks of disease infection. A report by USDHHS in association with the European Heart Network revealed that active individuals are at low risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer and hemorrhagic strokes. Social benefits of sports Sports provide individuals with opportunities to integrate into the society and the surroundings in the community. In children, sports provide an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and improve social skills (Woods, 2011, p.34). Children are thus able to develop self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging through social interactions. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Sports on Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, sports promote heal thy growth and development in children because they help them develop relationships that are vital in their development process. Through participation in sports, children acquire important skills of teamwork and leadership that are vital in their development and success in life (Woods, 2011, p.38). Sports inculcate values such as hard work, perseverance and discipline. The benefits of participating in sports go beyond the individual level into the community level. Young people interact extensively with other people in their community through participating in sport activities. This not only improves the social disposition of individuals, but also improves the socioeconomic status of the community (Woods, 2011, p.41). Therefore, the participation of young people in sports has both individual and communal benefits. Drug use and abuse is a problem that has affected young people for many years. It is a common occurrence among young people in the modern society. Participation in sport act ivities helps reduce involvement of young people in anti-social behaviors such as drug use and violence (Woods, 2011, p.42). Young people engage in unethical behaviors because of peer pressure and idleness. Sports help eradicate idleness and involvement in unethical activities because it gives young people a chance to be active and constructive. In addition, it gives them an opportunity to learn important values such as discipline and responsibility that help reduce unethical behaviors (Holt, 2008, p.41). Sports contribute significantly in helping people learn how to interact effectively in social situations. They foster social inclusion by bringing people together and helping them establish strong and effective social networks that cultivate a strong sense of belonging (Delaney and Madigan, 2009, p.62). The quality of social relationships determines the health status of individuals to a certain degree. Therefore, it is important for people to participate in sports because physical activity encourages healthy lifestyles. Sports have been used in many communities to eradicate social stigma and segregation that is experienced by minority groups (Holt, 2008, p.46). For example, in most societies, people with disabilities are marginalized because of their physical conditions. Through sports, other community members are able to accept these individuals. They cone to earn that the disability of these people does not translate to inability because they can engage in physical activities too (Delaney and Madigan, 2009, p.66). Sports create an environment that contributes significantly in eradication of negative perceptions and attitudes against certain races, ethnicities or groups of people. Sports enable people to focus on common experiences and traits, and help them ignore the differences that exist between them (Coakley, 2004, p.35). Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is an important aspect of helping people in minority groups improve their sense of belonging and self-esteem. Sports programs that involve participation of people from all social classes foster and develop the concept of belonging. By participating in common sport activities, people break down the socioeconomic barriers that exist among them. Sports serve as an effective tool for communication and social mobilization (Delaney and Madigan, 2009, p.72). The great attraction of sports entertainment has made it an influential tool for communication. Large organizations and companies use professional athletes to convince young people to change their lifestyles in order for them to experience the benefits of being active (Coakley, 2004, p.41). In addition, not-for-profit organizations use professional athletes and sport organizations to gather resources to sponsor health programs such as obesity awareness campaigns. In local communities, sport gatherings give health care practition ers opportunities to educate people on critical health matters. People receive information on the importance of vaccination and the different ways to control and prevent diseases in their community (Coakley, 2004, p.44). Economic benefits of sports Sports have numerous economic benefits both to individuals and to the government. Professional athletes earn a living from sports and are able to support their families. Sports such as basketball, football, tennis and athletics are very lucrative and form a core part of the economy. Sports contribute to the economy significantly. First, they create jobs for people who have interest in the physical education field (Theokas, 2009, p.84). Jobs in the sports sector include coaching, medical therapy, team doctors and instructors. Secondly, when countries host sport functions such as the World Cup or the Olympics, they benefit financially. These events generate income and market the host country internationally (Theokas, 2009, p.84). Thirdly, the government benefits from the taxes paid by professional athletes. Since they earn a lot of money, they pay high taxes, which are used to develop the economy. The cost of treating illness that are caused by inactivity is very high. For example, obesity predisposes people to stroke, diabetes and heart failure, which are very expensive to manage. However, by being active through participation in sports, these conditions and illnesses are avoidable. Sports are effective in reducing these costs because they act as a health promotion tool that helps people live healthy lifestyles (Theokas, 2009, p.85). Consumer expenditure on sport-related merchandise such as clothing and footwear, satellite TV subscriptions, participation in sport clubs through subscriptions and purchase of sport equipment generate income for individuals and organizations. Education benefits of sports Sports have several benefits that lead to improved academic performance. Sports improve performance in school becaus e individuals have high energy levels, improved cognitive functioning and positive values such as discipline and hard work. In addition, people who engage in sports have high self-esteem and confidence, which enable them handle academic work confidently (Shulman and Bowen, 2011, p.92). A research study conducted by Hastie (1998) revealed that students who participate in sports are more skilled and possess strong interpersonal behaviors. These attributes arise from exposure to challenging environments that encourage responsibility and accountability (Hastie, 1998, p.24). In addition, the study found out that students who participate in sports make better and more rational decisions than students who do not participate in sports. Sports give students a chance to make personal decisions without the influence or interference of instructors. This develops the values of accountability and responsibility. Through sports, students are able to develop organizational skills that are useful b oth in the field and in the classroom (Shulman and Bowen, 2011, p.95). Sports inculcate skills such as concentration, hard work, planning and creativity. High self-esteem and confidence is one of the educational benefits of participating in sports. Self-esteem is defined as the quality of a person’s self worth and personal appraisal that is governed and determined by how they view themselves. Self-esteem is an important factor in education that motivates young people to work hard by believing in their ability and potential. Sports help improve self-esteem and confidence because they give individuals opportunities to acquire vital life skills that improve the quality of their lives. In addition, sports help young people to value teamwork (Hastie, 1998, p.26). Improved self-esteem helps students change their way of thinking and as such, face challenges and difficulties confidently. Negative effects of sports Despite their numerous benefits, sports have negative effects too. N egative effects of sports include injuries and poor coaching (France, 2008, p.84). In all sport activities, measures are put in place to avoid injuries. However, risks involved in sports are many and even with safety measures in place, injuries happen. In sports that involve physical contact between players such as football, basketball and rugby, injuries are inevitable. Types of injuries include groin strain, hamstring strain, nose injuries, ankle sprain, concussion and dental damage (France, 2008, p.86). Sports injuries have adverse effects on the athlete, the athlete’s family and the spectators. Some injuries such as concussions and dental damage can cause severe and long-lasting damage to the life of the athlete. Poor coaching can have adverse effects on the behavior, attitudes and motivation of young people. Some coaches and instructors are aggressive, abusive and argumentative. A coach who possesses these qualities instills them in players who express them in their beh aviors (France, 2008, p.86). They become rude and aggressive because when treated with aggression or rudeness by their coach, they respond in a similar manner. These behaviors affect other areas of life such as social interaction and education. Young people become impatient and rude, and it becomes hard for them to establish and maintain relationship. Conclusion In today’s world, sports form an integral part of the society’s culture. Participating in sports is an important aspect of child development and has many benefits. Sports improve the health status of participants and foster the development of fundamental skills that are important in facing different challenges in life. Other benefits of sports include fostering social co-existence and peace, encouraging community development, financial gains and fostering international unity. Sports activities help reduce body fat and help build body mass, slow down the aging process, improve body balance and coordination, an d minimize risks of injury. Sport is an effective tool that can be used to pull resources together to fight diseases. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that regular physical activity affords people numerous physical, social, economic and mental health benefits. The benefits of participating in sports go beyond the individual level into the community domain. Young people interact extensively with other people in their community through participating in sports activities. This not only improves the social disposition of individuals, but also the socioeconomic status of the community. Sports encourage students to develop organizational skills that are useful both in the field and in the classroom. Sports inculcate skills such as concentration, hard work, planning and creativity. Development of high self-esteem and confidence is one of the social benefits of participating in sports. Despite the numerous benefits, sports have negative effects too. Negative effects of sports include injuries and poor coaching. In all sports activities, measures are put in place to avoid injuries. However, risks involved in sports are many and even with safety measures put in place injuries happen. Poor coaching can have adverse effects on the behavior, attitudes and motivation of young people. Some coaches and instructors are aggressive, abusive or argumentative. A coach with these qualities instills them in players and they express these traits in their behaviors. Sports are important in the society because they improve the overall quality life, foster social inclusion and help to eradicate anti-social behaviors in young people. In addition, they improve the health status of individuals thus promoting their well-being. References Ahmadi, H. (2010). Complementary Effects of Sport on Health. New York: Strategic Book Publishing. Coakley, J. (2004). Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies. New York: McGraw Hill. Delaney, T., and Madigan, T. (2009). The Sociolog y of Sports: An Introduction. New York: McFarland. France, R. (2008). Introduction to Physical Education and Sport Science. New York: Cengage Learning. Hastie, P. (1998). Applied Benefits of the Sport Education Model. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation Dance, 64(9), 24-26. Holt, N. (2008). Positive Youth Development through Sport. New York, NY: Routledge. Sharkey, B., and Gaskil, S. 92007). Fitness and Health. London: Human Kinetics. Shulman, J., and Bowen, W. (2011). The Game of Life: College Sports and Educational Values. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Theokas, C. (2009). Youth Sport Participation: A View of the Issues. Developmental Psychology, 45(2), 303-306. Woods, R. (2011). Social Issues in Sport. New York: Human Kinetics. This research paper on The Effects of Sports on Life was written and submitted by user Sydney Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Co-Educational vs. Single Sex Schools

Co-Educational vs. Single Sex Schools Free Online Research Papers There’s a debate about Single-Sex Schools versus Co-Education Schools. Is one actually better than the other? Do students learn more? Are they disadvantaged or advantaged by being at a Co-Educated school? This seems to be a growing discussion around this issue. In this paper I will discuss my thoughts of the advantages of single sex and co-educated schools. One argument for single-sex schools is they provide a more structured learning environment. Student at co-educational schools report being distracted and this is off-putting to those who wish to learn. For example, in a mixed sex classroom, the boys may be interfering with the girls in the class who want to learn. If the girls were all in one classroom together this distraction is no longer present. For this reason schools of high academic excellence have a greater chance of being all boy or all girl. It is also very common among religious academies and college prep schools. Co-Educational schools are usually Public schools. This also means the teaching methods and student expectations aren’t set as high. While co-educated school students can have other advantages, like greater social skills. Academic excellence is generally reserved for private institutions. Public school students have the same chances for positive self image as private. There is no question they can become more responsible and employable citizens. And aren’t relied on to succeed like if you were at a Private or single sex school. But the larger question remains. So, as someone whom attended a co-educational school all my schooling years I know my choice. I’d much rather attend a school which supports, but doesn’t force to someone to become successful. If someone wants to be successful and attend a co-educational school it is possible. Students can block out the inconvenient distractions and succeed. Research Papers on Co-Educational vs. Single Sex SchoolsStandardized TestingDistance Learning Survival GuideThe Mechanics of Grading Grading SystemsMy Writing ExperienceBooker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-BarnettProbation OfficersQuebec and CanadaInflation TargetingIs the Use of Psychotropic Drugs in the Treatment ofProject Management 101

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Project management - Essay Example Objective of the project is cleaning the environment; in ensuring there is coordination among the project management team and the community the expectations from both sides should be aligned to eliminate any chance of conflict. The sponsors for the project were amazed by the number of activities that were to be conducted on separate occasions. On their side some activities seemed duplicated, though the differences were minimal. They resorted that those activities ought to be merged. The cost of the project would have been reduced by twenty percent, in that process. Chronological flow of the task was also to be altered and environmental conservation sensitization to take centre stage. The following is the work breakdown structure as recommended by the sponsors. The three divisions (marketing, product research and development, and policy) of the tourism agency will have to be aligned so as to meet the goal of developing the Competitive Intelligence System. The goal is to be met by both internal and external team. To iron out and difference for strategic alignment and coordination the teams will be meeting weekly. The key problem encountered in this project was the evaporation of the goals and assumption set to guide the project. Project to run smoothly its goal and assumption ought to be realistic and print a picture of what is happening on the ground. The project management team that was head by the research and development did not do its homework when designing the goals and assumptions for this project. A project like this one whose impact is national, it is prudent for the concern party to incorporate all factors surrounding the project planning and implementation processes. One of the assumptions was that the â€Å"proven technology† will be imported without extensive modifications. This cannot be the case for technological projects like implementation of a Competitive Intelligence System.

Architectural acoustics Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Architectural acoustics - Lab Report Example As far as the engineering is concerned, sound production has far-reaching implications on the environment. Sounds are pressure vibrations that travel in mediums such as gases, liquids and solids. The most common type of sound perceived by human ear is that which travels through air. Sound could be constructive or unconstructive. However noise is generally regarded as unwanted and destructive sound. In work environments or even in home setting, it is preferred that noise should be reduced effectively since it can affect the ability to work, concentration and rest. These noises range from loud music, traffic and building services (air ducts, pumps etc.) to neighbor activity. Noise production is still rated as one of the serious rampant forms of environmental pollution. Noise pollution continues to affect human health, as well as behaviors. Noise pollution has the can trigger annoyance, as well as aggression. Noise is also associated with high stress levels, disturbance of sleep, hypertension and tinnitus. It is worth noting that stress and hypertension are among the current serious threats to human health. Loud noise can also trigger cardiovascular diseases, resulting from increased blood pressure caused by noise. Noise does not only affect human beings, but also other organisms. For example, noise can affect wildlife by increasing the death risks by triggering an incapability of the predators to detect the prey. Introduction of noise in the new ecosystem can also reduce the portion of a usable habitat by either scaring away organisms or threatening them to extinction through the harmful consequences. Thus, process of curbing noise pollution is critical In this regard, curbing the amount of noise has been one critical area for engineers in their quest for sustainable development and production processes. Environmental engineers have defined the ability to control sound in a closed environment as Architectural Acoustics. Designers and engineers have studied

Blog about Marriott hotel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Blog about Marriott hotel - Essay Example The rooms are well designed and well furnished. These tourist destinations offer numerous services, which make a tourist and client’s stay fascinating and an unforgettable experience. These destinations have indoor pool, spa tubs, fitness facilities and fast wireless internet connectivity accessible anywhere any time of the day to all. In addition, Marriot Hotel in Myrtle Beach provides laundry services and a comfortable lobby with a fireplace and free coffee offer. For ladies and men with long hair, Marriott hotel provides them with a drier to dry their hair after swimming in the pool or showering. In addition, guests are allowed to make free local calls. For business clients, the Hotel has a business centre and miniature meeting halls. In addition, the hotel offers its clients parking services at a friendly charge. Marriot Myrtle Hotel offers a thrilling, unforgettable experience that a guest cannot afford to

Successful brand extensions in the FMCG industry

Successful brand extensions in the FMCG industry INTRODUCTION Brand extension or brand stretching is a marketing strategy in which a firm marketing a product with a well-developed image uses the same brand name in a different product category. The new product is called a spin-off. Organizations use this strategy to increase and leverage brand equity (definition: the net worth and long-term sustainability just from the renowned name). An example of a brand extension is Jello-gelatin creating Jello pudding pops. It increases awareness of the brand name and increases profitability from offerings in more than one product category. A brands extendibility depends on how strong consumers associations are to the brands values and goals. While there can be significant benefits in brand extension strategies, there can also be significant risks, resulting in a diluted or severely damaged brand image. Poor choices for brand extension may dilute and deteriorate the core brand and damage the brand equity. Most of the literature focuses on the consumer evaluation and positive impact on parent brand. In practical cases, the failures of brand extension are at higher rate than the successes. Some studies show that negative impact may dilute brand image and equity. In spite of the positive impact of brand extension, negative association and wrong communication strategy do harm to the parent brand even brand family. Organizations frequently follow brand extension strategies. This paper investigates the impact of category similarity, brand reputation, perceived risk, and consumer innovativeness on the success of brand extensions in FMCG, durable goods, and services sectors. A set of hypotheses were developed and tested in a study amongst 153 consumers. The findings show that extensions into categories more similar to the original brand tend to be more readily accepted. Likewise, the reputation of the original brand is an important factor influencing the success of the extension. These findings are consistent across FMCG, durable goods, and services brands. However, perceived risk about the extension category was only found to enhance acceptability of extensions for durable goods and services brands. Innovative consumers are more positively disposed towards service brand extensions than FMCG and durable goods brand extensions. REVIEW OF LITERATURE In his paper, Hem Leif E a set of hypotheses were developed and tested in a study amongst 701 consumers. The findings show that extensions into categories more similar to the original brand tend to be more readily accepted. Likewise, the reputation of the original brand is an important factor influencing the success of the extension. These findings are consistent across FMCG, durable goods and services brands. However, perceived risk about the extension category was only found to enhance acceptability of extensions for durable goods and services brands. Innovative consumers are more positively disposed towards service brand extensions than FMCG and durable goods brand extensions. (Factors Influencing Successful Brand Extensions By: Hem, Leif E.; de Chernatony, Leslie; Iversen, Nina M.. Journal of Marketing Management, Sep2003, Vol. 19 Issue 7/8) In his paper, Thamaraiselvan, Raja, projects the intense competitive environment where companies launch new products to satisfy constantly changing consumers preferences. The new products are prone to failures due to many factors. Companies take efforts to reduce new product failure rates to maximize their returns for their stakeholders. A brand extension, leveraging existing brand names to new product categories is one such strategy to reduce the risk of new product failures. This study primarily focuses on how consumers evaluate brand extensions for FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and service product categories in Indian market conditions. It explores how exactly the consumers evaluate different product categories based on factors like, similarity fit, perceived quality, brand reputation and perceived risk. It brings out the impact of brand reputation of the core brand and perceived service quality on the brand extensions evaluations. It highlights the role of perceived risk invo lved in the extended product category in brand extensions evaluations. Most importantly, this study establishes the relationships among similarity fit, brand reputation, perceived service quality and perceived risk in extended product categories through appropriate multivariate analysis. (How do Consumers Evaluate Brand Extensions- Research findings from India. By: Thamaraiselvan, N.; Raja, J.. Journal of Services Research, Apr2008, Vol. 8 Issue 1 ) In his article, Park, examines two factors that differentiate between successful and unsuccessful brand extensions: product feature similarity and brand concept consistency. The results reveal that, in identifying brand extensions, consumers take into account not only information about the product-level feature similarity between the new product and the products already associated with the brand, but also the concept consistency between the brand concept and the extension. For both function-oriented and prestige-oriented brand names, the most favorable reactions occur when brand extensions are made with high brand concept consistency and high product feature similarity. In addition, the relative impact of these two factors differs to some extent, depending on the nature of the brand-name concept. When a brands concept is consistent with those of its extension products, the prestige brand seems to have greater extendibility to products with low feature similarity than the functional b rand does. (Evaluation of Brand Extensions: The Role of Product Feature Similarity and Brand Concept Consistency. By: Park, C. Whan; Milberg, Sandra; Lawson, Robert. Journal of Consumer Research, Sep91, Vol. 18 Issue 2 ) In his research paper, Hem Leif, projects that the most successful brand extensions are considered to be those having high perceived similarity between the parent brand and the extensions, and being well known in the marketplace. However, previous research has mainly examined the effects of overall measures of perceived similarity between a parent brand and an extension. Correspondingly, little is known about the effects of different areas of consumer knowledge. This study investigates the effects of three types of perceived similarity (usage, associations, competence) and three areas of consumer knowledge (original brand, original category, extension category) on evaluations of brand extensions. The results indicate that some types of perceived similarity and knowledge are more important than others. These findings imply that brand managers need to identify and measure the relevant types of perceived similarity and knowledge that will affect evaluations of brand extensions in order to design effective communication strategies for extensions. (Effects of different types of perceived similarity and subjective knowledge in evaluations of brand extensions. By: Hem, Leif E.; Iversen, Nina M.. International Journal of Market Research, 2009, Vol. 51 Issue 6 ) In his article, Swaminathan, focuses on the impact of a new brand extension introduction on choice in a behavioral context using national household scanner data involving multiple brand extensions. Particularly, the authors investigate the reciprocal impact of trial of successful and unsuccessful brand extensions on parent brand choice. In addition, the authors examine the effects of experience with the parent brand on consumers trial and repeat of a brand extension using household scanner data on six brand extensions from a national panel. In the case of successful brand extensions, the results show positive reciprocal effects of extension trial on parent brand choice, particularly among prior non-users of the parent brand, and consequently on market share. The authors find evidence for potential negative reciprocal effects of unsuccessful extensions. In addition, the study shows that experience with the parent brand has a significant impact on extension trial, but not on extension repeat. (The Impact of Brand Extension Introduction on Choice. By: Swaminathan, Vanitha; Fox, Richard J.; Reddy, Srinivas K.. Journal of Marketing, Oct2001, Vol. 65 Issue 4 ) INDIAN FMCG INDUSTRY The Indian FMCG sector is the fourth largest sector in the economy with a total market size in excess of $13.1 billion. It has a strong MNC presence and is characterized by a well established distribution network, intense competition between the organised and unorganised segments and low operational cost. Availability of key raw materials, cheaper labour costs and presence across the entire value chain gives India a competitive advantage. The FMCG market is set to treble from $11.6 billion in 2003 to $33.4 billion in 2015. Penetration level as well as per capita consumption in most product categories like jams, toothpaste, skin care, hair wash etc in India is low indicating the untapped market potential. Burgeoning Indian population, particularly the middle class and the rural segments, presents an opportunity to makers of branded products to convert consumers to branded products. Growth is also likely to come from consumer upgrading in the matured product categories. With 200 millio n people expected to shift to processed and packaged food by 2010, India needs around $28 billion of investment in the food-processing industry. The Indian FMCG sector is the fourth largest sector in the economy and creates employment for three million people in downstream activities. Within the FMCG sector, the Indian food processing industry represented 6.3 per cent of GDP and accounted for 13 percent of the countrys exports in 2003-04. A distinct feature of the FMCG industry is the presence of most global players through their subsidiaries (HLL, PG, Nestle), which ensures new product launches in the Indian market from the parents portfolio. Demand for FMCG products is set to boom by almost 60 per cent by 2007 and more than 100 per cent by 2015. This will be driven by the rise in share of middle class from 67 per cent in 2003 to 88 per cent in 2015. The boom in various consumer categories, further, indicates a latent demand for various product segments. For example, the upper end of very rich and a part of the consuming class indicate a small but rapidly growing segment for branded products. The middle segment, on the other hand, indicates a large market for the mass end products.The BRICs report indicates that Indias per capita disposable income, currently at $556 per annum, will rise to $1150 by 2015 another FMCG demand driver. Spurt in the industrial and services sector growth is also likely to boost the urban consumption demand. HOUSEHOLD CARE The size of the fabric wash market is estimated to be $1 billion, household cleaners to be $239 million and the production of synthetic detergents at 2.6 million tonnes. The demand for detergents has been growing at an annual growth rate of 10 to 11 per cent during the past five years. The urban market prefers washing powder and detergents to bars. The regional and small un-organised players account for a major share of the total volume of the detergent market. PERSONAL CARE The size of the personal wash products is estimated at $989 million; hair care products at $831 million and oral care products at $537 million. While the overall personal wash market is growing at one per cent, the premium and middle-end soaps are growing at 10 per cent. The leading players in this market are HUL, Nirma, Godrej Soaps and Reckitt Colman. The oral care market, especially toothpastes, remains under penetrated in India (with penetration level below 45 per cent). The industry is very competitive both for organised and smaller regional players. The Indian skin care and cosmetics market is valued at $274 million and dominated by HUL, Colgate Palmolive, Gillette India and Godrej Soaps. The coconut oil market accounts for 72 per cent share in the hair oil market. In the branded coconut hair oil market, Marico (with Parachute) and Dabur are the leading players. The market for branded coconut oil is valued at approximately $174 million. FOOD AND BEVERAGES The size of the Indian food processing industry is around $ 65.6 billion, including $20.6 billion of value added products. Of this, the health beverage industry is valued at $230 million; bread and biscuits at $1.7 billion; chocolates at $73 million and ice creams at $188 million. The size of the semi-processed/ready-to-eat food segment is over $1.1 billion. Large biscuits confectionery units, soya processing units and starch/glucose/sorbitol producing units have also come up, catering to domestic and international markets. The three largest consumed categories of packaged foods are packed tea, biscuits and soft drinks. The Indian beverage industry faces over supply in segments like coffee and tea. However, more than half of this is available in unpacked or loose form. Indian hot beverage market is a tea dominant market. Consumers in different parts of the country have heterogeneous tastes. Dust tea is popular in southern India, while loose tea in preferred in western India. The urb an-rural split of the tea market was 51:49 in 2000. Coffee is consumed largely in the southern states. The size of the total packaged coffee market is 19,600 tonnes or $87 million. The total soft drink (carbonated beverages and juices) market is estimated at 284 million crates a year or $1 billion. The market is highly seasonal in nature with consumption varying from 25 million crates per month during peak season to 15 million during offseason. The market is predominantly urban with 25 per cent contribution from rural areas. Coca cola and Pepsi dominate the Indian soft drinks market. Mineral water market in India is a 65 million crates ($50 million) industry. On an average, the monthly consumption is estimated at 4.9 million crates, which increases to 5.2 million during peak season. With the presence of 12.2% of the world population in the villages of India, the Indian rural FMCG market is something no one can overlook. Increased focus on farm sector will boost rural incomes, hence providing better growth prospects to the FMCG companies. Better infrastructure facilities will improve their supply chain. FMCG sector is also likely to benefit from growing demand in the market. Because of the low per capita consumption for almost all the products in the country, FMCG companies have immense possibilities for growth. And if the companies are able to change the mindset of the consumers, i.e. if they are able to take the consumers to branded products and offer new generation products, they would be able to generate higher growth in the near future. It is expected that the rural income will rise in 2007, boosting purchasing power in the countryside. However, the demand in urban areas would be the key growth driver over the long term. Also, increase in the urban populatio n, along with increase in income levels and the availability of new categories, would help the urban areas maintain their position in terms of consumption. At present, urban India accounts for 66% of total FMCG consumption, with rural India accounting for the remaining 34%. However, rural India accounts for more than 40% consumption in major FMCG categories such as personal care, fabric care, and hot beverages. In urban areas, home and personal care category, including skin care, household care and feminine hygiene, will keep growing at relatively attractive rates. Within the foods segment, it is estimated that processed foods, bakery, and dairy are long-term growth categories in both rural and urban areas.

Steven Spielberg Essay -- essays research papers

Steven Spielberg   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a kid in Phoenix, Steven Spielberg charged admission to his home movies while his sister sold popcorn. Although Spielberg excelled at making movies he was not a good student. He hated school and was one of the most unathletic students there. His movie making career began at the age of twelve when his father bought a movie camera that Spielberg used all the time. Instead of doing his school work he was using the camera. While he was working with his mom and sister on his projects, his father helped him make miniature sets out of paper mache.He turned out his first production, with script and actors, when he was thirteen, and a year later he won a prize for a forty minute war movie titled Escape to Nowhere. At the age of sixteen, his 140-minute production, Firelight, was shown in a local movie theater. In college, his short film, Amblin was shown at the Atlanta Film Festival and led to the boy genius's Universal Studios directing contract at the age of twenty.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spielberg learned his craft doing television work, which included an episode of the Rod Serling series Night Gallery and the classic cult movie Duel. His first feature, The Sugarland Express, was released in 1974, and he was soon offered the chance to direct a thriller about a great white shark terrorizing a small New England beach town. Jaws cost $8.5 million and grossed $260 million. Spielberg followed it up two years later with Close Enc...

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center

Career Choices in the Health Field Over the past few decades, medical professions have become increasingly more popular. The health system has evolved and health careers are at an all time high; creating several different paths and opportunities in the health field. It is no surprise many would want to choose a career with optimal advancement opportunities. Mark Sullivan, a famous author, once wrote, â€Å"To find a career to which you are adapted by nature, and then to work hard at it, is about as near to a formula for success and happiness as the world provides.One of the fortunate aspects of this formula is that, granted the right career has been found, the hard work takes care of itself. Then hard work is not hard work at all. † This quote exudes how even though the road in one’s career path may be tough, if one chooses a career one is passionate about, then the work load will be lightened by what one loves. When considering a career in health care, it is important to examine the different angles involved. For example, a career in physical therapy and naturopathic medicine can be compared and contrasted by income, education and responsibilities.At an early age, people begin thinking about their professions; as they grow, their calling often changes. Income becomes a key factor in the decision making process. Although bringing home a high income is sought after by many individuals, finance is a necessity in order to survive. According to Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center, â€Å"Physical therapists earned an annual average salary of $72,790. The lowest earned less than $50,350, the top earned $104,350 or more a year† (â€Å"Physical Therapist†). In reviewing naturopathic physician’s salaries, Dr. Melissa Bradwell says, â€Å"85,000 is an average annual salary for a naturopath.A naturopath just starting out might only make $45,000 a year. But an established naturopath with a successful practice might bring in $250,000 to $300,000 annually† (â€Å"Naturopath†). Despite the higher income potential for naturopaths who have a successful practice, it would appear that both of these careers have an abundance of wiggle room when it comes to salary. On average, one could earn a comfortable living in either career. Considering most professional careers in the health field involve the professional being held responsible for another person to some sort of varied magnitude, educational training is a requirement.Choices Explorer informs that, â€Å"Physical therapy deals with human anatomy and biology, physiology and physics† (â€Å"Physical Therapist†). When researching naturopaths, Ferguson’s Guidance Center reports a, â€Å"†¦program requiring courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and other basic medical sciences. Students must also take courses in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic obstetrics, physiological medicine, and minor surgeryâ €  (Naturopaths†). Whereas, both careers have rigorous training especially in the sciences, naturopaths would be required to take additional classes in order to complete their training.It is apparent these two particular careers command a stringent course outline that would entitle an academically committed student. In conjunction with income, and education, come responsibilities. It is more often than not, people choose a career with out knowing what is circumstantially expected of them. Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center conveys that, â€Å"Physical therapists, are health care specialist who restore mobility, alleviate pain and suffering, and work to prevent permanent disability for their patients† (â€Å"Physical Therapist†).Another element of importance is pointed out by Choices Explorer, â€Å"You may have to kneel, stoop, bend, lift, crouch and stand for very long periods of time (â€Å"Physical Therapist†). On the contrary, Fergusonâ€℠¢s Career Guidance Center informs that naturopaths â€Å"†¦provide complete diagnostic and therapeutic services. Patients consult naturopaths for a variety of health problems, including digestive disorder, chronic fatigue, asthma, depression, infections, obesity, colds, and flu† (â€Å"Naturopaths†). Both careers are aiding in ones health, but naturopaths are able to handle all aspects of health related problems.Out of the several career choices in the health field, both of these offer an adequate salary and call upon a vast amount of knowledge in the sciences. When making a decision between the two, it is the day-to-day interaction these two professionals have with their patient that makes a difference. Physical therapists are going to be working closely with a patient on overcoming a physical barrier, and they will need to bring their own physical attributes to the table in order to reach their progressed goal. This career is best suited for individuals who are physically fit, and do not mind standing for long periods of time.In contrast, naturopaths will be working with patients on a varied range of health problems, they will be doing this in a holistic manner. Choices Explorer puts forth, â€Å"They avoid treating symptoms alone. Instead they look for array of imbalances that might be causing the symptoms† (â€Å"Naturopath†). This career is best suited for individuals who have a broadened perspective on medicine and do not limit themselves to the traditional medical theories. Despite the different responsibilities, both of these careers share a common objective, and that is the opportunity to heal.

The Role of Tragic Heroes in Latin American Literature Essays

The Role of Tragic Heroes in Latin American Literature Essays The Role of Tragic Heroes in Latin American Literature Paper The Role of Tragic Heroes in Latin American Literature Paper Essay Topic: Chronicle Of a Death foretold Literature Traditionally, tragic heroes begin as perfectly good characters who suffer a change in fortune from happiness to misery due to a mistaken act, which he performs due to his overwhelming natural flaw. An example of this is excessive pride, which overwhelms the tragic heros conscience, hence leading him to violate or ignore a moral law. The tragic hero evokes our pity because he is not thoroughly evil and his misfortune is greater than he deserves. This essay aims to compare and contrast the characters of Esteban Trueba from The House of the Spirits, and Pedro and Pablo Vicario, from Chronicle of a Death Foretold, and explore to what extent these characters can be classified as heroes in a tragic drama. From our very first impressions of the young Esteban, we are shown an ambitious and intelligent man, whose harsh childhood and tragedy of his fiances death, Rosa the Beautiful, imprints bitterness early on in his life. Trying to escape the burdens of his miserable past, Esteban devotes his life to his business and political careers, determined to be rich and powerful, If there was anything that could alleviate the grief and rage of Rosas loss, it would be by breaking his back working in this ruined land1. However, Esteban owes much of his prosperity to the labor of the peasants at Tres Marias, yet he never treats them with respect and is quick to develop a valid reputation for being a tyrant and a rapist. These tendencies to abusively exercise his superiority over his employees, and his careless fulfillment of self-gratification demonstrates how Estebans bitterness and frustrations embedded in his past transforms him into an egoistic, callous and violent man, entirely consumed by his own self-aggrandizement. Estebans move to Tres Marias appears satiate his voracious appetite only temporarily, for he only ever experiences fleeting moments of satisfaction before his monstrous and accumulating need eventually overwhelms him. For Esteban, marriage, children, prosperity and power acquired at Tres Marias seemed the perfect solution to all his problems, promising happiness and security. Yet Estebans inability to compromise, his violent temper, callousness and above all, his pride, all combine together as his fatal flaw which inevitably leads to his downfall. In the end, Esteban is left a lonely, broken man as his violent temper and unforgiving and uncompromising character eventually isolates him from those he loved the most. In my deluded solitude, I sat waiting for my son in the armchair of my library, my eyes glued to the doorsill, calling to him with my mind, as I used to call for Clara2. In his old age, political victory and material prosperity have little significance now that Esteban has lived long enough to understand that life without love or family is no longer worth living. He is now reduced to a pitiful old man, left entirely alone just as his sister, Ferula, has accurately predicted. You will al ways be alone. Your body and souls will shrivel up and youll die like a dog! 3 Hence as the novel progresses, Esteban undergoes a dynamic change from an empathic and unfortunate boy to, arguably, an evil despot and with each political and business success, Estebans character deteriorates as his fatal flaws increasingly manifest themselves in his obsessive and violent behavior. Throughout the novel, we are shown unforgivable acts of violence and callousness, to the point where one could argue that he becomes vilified and in fact loses the readers empathy entirely. Yet Esteban is so tragic, because without wanting or choosing to, the more Esteban prospers, the more his incontrollable temper and overwhelming pride drives away those he loves the most. This ultimately leads to his gradual moral deterioration and leaves him utterly alone, and as the story reaches its conclusion, we see that events have turned out justly as Esteban is punished by his own grief and solitude as a direct result of his wrong behavior, and in this he becomes redeemed in our eyes for finally understanding his mistakes. For his redemption lies in his regret and penitence, and in his relinquishment of power and acknowledgement of his failure, He was not crying because he had lost power. He was crying for his country4, thus confirming his role as a tragic hero. In the Columbian town where the narrative of Chronicle of a Death Foretold unfolds, honor is taken with utmost severity, and all the characters in the novel are seen to be strongly influenced by this ultimate ideal, and it is the preservation of this ideal that becomes directly accountable for the murder of Santiago Nasar. For the revelation of their sisters soiled virginity causes dishonor within the family and in order to clear Angelas name and restore the family honor, Pedro and Pablo Vicario take upon them the duty of killing their friend, Santiago, the alleged perpetrator of Angelas virginity. Being trapped in a brutal, repressive and patriarchal society, the twins feel the need to assert their masculinity by displaying their attempts to restore family honor. The brothers were brought up to be men5, and Pablo Vicarios fiance claimed at a later stage during the novel that had he not taken the responsibility to restore family pride, she would not have considered him man enough to marry. However, it becomes apparent that the twins are very reluctant to go through with this act of murder, and by announcing their plans of restoring family honor to the community at large they secretly hope that someone will prevent them from actualizing these plans. Yet very few characters in the novel ever question the twins murder threats for the sake of family honor, due to the significance paid to this fundamental cultural ideal. Thus the community is reduced to passive bystanders, aware of the fatal fate awaiting Santiago, and leaving the twins no choice but to inevitably fulfill their threat. Hence one can question the justice of condemning Pablo and Pedro Vicario of being actual murderers. For despite the brutality of their crime, the real murderer of Santiago Nasar appears to be the community itself for its old-fashioned ideals which surpass morality and the value of life. No evidence is ever found concerning the identity of Angelas perpetrator, and as the novels ambiguity gives reason for the reader to doubt the guilt of Santiago, it seems even more unfair that Santiagos murder should be accepted so naturally and unquestionably. Instead it seems correct to establish the twins as victims of their own time and culture, where the weight of cultural norms and social expectations forced them into a situation they did not want, and in fact tried to avoid. It is ultimately these fatal character flaws their weakness of independent character and inability to stand up for their moral virtues against cultural expectations that makes them candidates for the title of tragic hero. Hence in conclusion, one can establish that both Esteban and the Vicario twins are projected, to different extents, as tragic heroes in their respective novels. Esteban, for his malevolent temper and unyielding pride which ultimate estranges him from those he cherishes the most, leaving him a lonely, broken man to suffer and repent in his old age, and the Vicario twins, who had been brought up to be men which, in all its context, included asserting their masculinity by preserving family honor at any cost even by murdering their friend, thus rendering them victims of their own time and culture. However, tragic as the Vicario twins are ndeed, they fade in comparison to Estebans suitability as a candidate for the title of tragic hero, as the twins tragic flaw lie only in their lack of standing up to cultural expectations, and although they may be victimized in themselves, no event arises to redeem them in the readers eyes. For the Various twins, albeit playing an essential role in a tragedy, cannot entirely be reconciled at tragic heroes as they lack the overwhelming personal character flaw and single obsessive drive to fulfill their ambitions , as seen in they way they secretly actually wish to be prevented from carrying out the murder. Esteban, on the other hand, shows true traits of the traditional tragic hero as his character undergoes dynamic transformations from a pitiful boy struggling for survival through a harsh childhood, to a steady deterioration in morality as his fatal character flaws become ever more salient, and finally to a state of realization and acknowledgement of his mistakes and bad actions, as he realizes that his obsession for self-aggrandizement, his violent temper and his unyielding pride comes back to haunt and overwhelm him. And it is in his last days as a withered and shriveled old man that he is redeemed in our eyes as he repents for his mistakes, and comes to terms with his losses, as well as his attempts to reconcile with his daughter and past, that ultimately mark him as the tragic hero of Allendes The House of the Spirits.

What to Bring to the SAT and What Not to Bring

What to Bring to the SAT and What Not to Bring SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips After months of planning and prepping, test day is finally upon you! What exactly do you need to bring to the SAT- and what should you just leave home? We’ll talk about what to bring to the SAT for certain and some not so obvious things that might come in handy. Make sure your bag is packed and ready to go so you can focus on performing your best- and not on tracking down a pencil sharpener! What to Bring on SAT Day: The 4 Essentials First things first: what must you bring to the SAT? Here are the four essentials you cannot afford to forget on test day: #1: Admission Ticket You must print out your admission ticket and bring it to the testing center. A paper copy of your ticket is 100% necessary for admission- you can't show it on your cell phone, tablet, etc. To print it out, log into your College Board account and click on "Print Admission Ticket." #2: Photo ID Your photo ID should resemble the picture you uploaded to the College Board website when you registered for the SAT. Below is a list of acceptable and unacceptable forms of ID: Unexpired government-issued IDs (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID, national ID, etc.) Current school ID card Student ID Form, if you don’t have any of the other forms; this form must be prepared by the school you currently attend or by a notary if you are home-schooled Unacceptable IDs include IDs that are expired or damaged or do not match your College Board photo. Some unacceptable forms of ID include the following: Credit or debit cards (even ones with photographs) Birth certificates Social Security cards Employee ID cards ChildFind ID cards Other temporary ID cards #3: At Least Two #2 Pencils and an Eraser Pens, highlighters, liquid paper, or any other writing utensils are not allowed,not even for the essay (if you're taking the SAT with Essay). Check your erasers to make sure they work well. #4: An Acceptable Calculator You'll need to bring your own calculator for the Math Calculator section. Acceptable calculators include graphing and scientific calculators. A basic four-function calculator is also allowed but not recommended. Learn all about the uses and limitations of your calculatorwith our guide. Unacceptable calculators and devices include the following: Laptops Tablets Cell phones Calculators that make noise or use a keyboard-like (QWERTY) keypad, an electrical outlet, or a paper tape Basically, don’t bring anything that could be disruptive or has communication capabilities. As long as you have these four items- your admission ticket, your ID, pencils/erasers, and an approved calculator- you should have no trouble being admitted into the SAT. Now that you know things to bring to the SAT, let’s consider a few other materials that might help you out during the test. Other Items You Might Want to Bring to the SAT In addition to the four essentials, what other items can you bring to the SAT? Here are some of our recommendations for things that might come in handy on SAT test day: Extra #2 pencils and a small handheld pencil sharpener. Since time is tight and talking is prohibited, you definitely don’t want to find yourself in the middle of the SAT with nothing to write with! So bring some backup writing utensils and a sharpener. Extra batteries for your calculator, just in case. It’s also a good idea to put in new batteries the day or two before the SAT- and definitely make sure that your calculator works! A drink and snacks for your breaks. These will likely have to stay in your bag, in a locker, or up at the test administrator’s desk and will have to be consumed outside of the testing room. The SAT is a long test; drinks and snacks will help you stay hydrated, energized, and focused. A watch,as long as it doesn’t have any audible alarms or noises. If it'll help you keep track of time, bring one along. If you just find it distracting, though, leave it at home! These extras and backup materials might prove helpful the day of the SAT. Now, whatshould you definitely not bring on SAT test day? What NOT to Bring to the SAT There are lots of prohibited items when it comes to SAT test day. We’ll list a few below, butyour best bet is to avoid bringing anything that’s not recommended on the above lists: Any other technology besides your calculator, especially anything with communication or recording capabilities. This means no cell phones, laptops, tablets, timers, cameras, or audio recorders. The College Board takes security very seriously, as you can tell from these high-profile cheating scandals. Any other notes,cheat sheets, dictionaries, translators, books, or papers. To reiterate, if you must bring your cell phone, turn it off well before the test. If it beeps even just once, your proctor will confiscate it and cancel your test immediately. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free, SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today! Getting Ready for SAT Test Day: 5 Key Tips Now that you know exactly what to bring (and not bring) to the SAT, how can you ensure that you are prepared to do your best on the test? Read on to learn how you can have a great SAT test day: #1: Prepare Ahead of Time Get all your materials gathered and packed the day before your test. You definitely don’t want to be scrambling in the morning trying to track down pencils and batteries for your calculator. This would cause a whole lot of unnecessary anxiety and could make you late (and therefore ineligible) for the test! So get everything taken care of at least the day before. #2: Test Your Calculator Before the SAT, check that your calculator is working properly. Test out the different functions, and put new batteries in it so that it won't have any chance of dying during the test! #3: Print Out Multiple Copies of Your Admission Ticket It's a good idea to print out a few copies of your SAT admission ticket, just in case. If you don’t have a printer, you can get this taken care of at school, your local library, or another printing center such as Staples. Remember that you will not be admitted on test day without this ticket. As mentioned above,don’t wait until the morning of or late the night before the SAT to print out your ticket. It’s a strange and inexplicable rule of printers that they tend to malfunction right before a big test or due date. So print out two or three copies early and save yourself the hassle! #4: Practice Self-Care Self-care is important in general but especially in the days leading up to the SAT. The morning of the test, eat a healthy breakfast. Exercising the day before (and in general) might also aid in easing your stress levels and clearing your mind. Don’t underestimate the power of diet and exercise in feeling good and thinking clearly! #5: Double-Check That You've Got Everything You Need Finally, make a checklist and double-check your bag one last time before you head to your testing center. After all your preparation, your focus should be wholly on the SAT. By having all these materials taken care of, you'll be poised to perform your best! What’s Next? One of the biggest challenges of the SAT is to perform under strict time limits. Learn the best strategies for managing your time on the SAT,and get the rundown ofwhat to expect on test day. The best test prep is customized to your individual strengths and goals. What SAT scores are you hoping to achieve? Define your target SAT scores by learning what good, bad, and excellent scores look like. When do SAT scores come out? Learn all about when you can expect your scores. It sounds like your test is coming up, and we hope you don't have to take the SAT again. But want to improve your SAT score by 160points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

The problem of evil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

The problem of evil - Essay Example This is not however the case and the controversy induces dilemma on both believers and non-believers. This paper explores the concept of the problem of evil. Concepts of the problem of evil The problem of evil arises from the scope of nature that identifies conflicts in theories in existence of evil and God’s characteristics. This is because a consideration of the nature of God and His power should not allow evil to prevail, or should at least be able to eliminate evil. A number of intellectual opinions have explained impossibility of existence of both God and His powers, and evil and its associated powers and suffering. Two sets of elements, three about God’s power and one about evil illustrates mutual exclusivity between the power of God over evil and the persistent existence of evil to develop the controversy. It is for example believed that God has super natural powers, is present at all places and at all times and knows everything that happens on earth and in heave n. God is similarly defined as loving. This means that He is protective of his creations and ensures their safety from all forms of harm or threats to their well being. The relationship between evil and suffering among human beings and a consideration of God’s loving nature would therefore induce God’s actions to either protect human beings from evil or acts on the pain that comes from evil. Existence of evil and a consideration of God’s omnipresent and omniscient properties also mean that evil occurs in God’s presence, against his powers, and with His knowledge. Consequently, existence of evil casts doubts on the properties of God and induces the dilemma of whether to believe in existence of God’s and His characteristics or not (Beebe 1). Similarly, if God has knowledge about existence of evil and the suffering that evil causes, He knows how to control evil power and has the capacity to control it, then existence of evil would mean that God is not as good as He is expected to be. In addition, if God wanted to control evil but does not, then it would mean that His power is not as sovereign as it is thought to be. Alternatively, if God has the power to control evil and wishes to, but has not, then it would mean that He is not aware of the existence of evil. These therefore mean that the presence of evil implies absence of at least one of the properties of God. Admitting to such a theory that what has been believed to be the properties of God are not actually true also contribute to the dilemma and is a basis to reconsidering possibility of non existence of all the proclaimed properties of God, or worse, the belief in existence of God (Beebe 1). McCallum also explores the problem of evil through existence of evil in the presence of God’s power. The author explains that if God loves and has supreme power, according to a believer’s faith, then He should be able to terminate evil and its consequences. Existence of ev il therefore puts a believer in a dilemma over the properties of God. From a biblical perspective, the author argues that if God is the creator of all that exist then He created evil because evil also exist. Similarly, belief that God is good and powerful would result in Him destroying evil. As a

Shamanism in Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Shamanism in Korea - Essay Example The study of Shamanism gives an extremely interesting understanding of indigenous folk religions of Northeast Asia. Shamanism deals with a wide range of practices and beliefs through which their practitioners (shamans) communicate with the spiritual world. Ordinary individuals can only become shamans when they receive their calling. They tread supernatural dimensions and specialize in spiritual, mental and physical healing with the help of spirits (San-Hung A3). The present paper portrays an overview of shamanism in Korea. Korean shamanism is still an active practice and is deeply rooted in the people's ethnic consciousness (Stutley 23). It not only coexisted with other major religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, but also influenced them. The rituals performed by Korean shamans range from pig offerings for placating the gods, to walking barefoot on sharp knives to intimidate evil spirits (San-Hung A3). Shamanism in Korea has a rich history. It has affect ed the political, cultural and religious aspects of the country and survived years of suppression by foreign and local powers. This paper attempts to provide a brief overview of Korean shamanism, detailing its origins, concepts of god, rituals, songs, materialistic beliefs, and healing therapies. It also discusses the suppressions experienced by shamanism, and its post-modern revival. This would provide a good understanding of the Korean folk religion that is witnessing a growing interest from all quarters of the world. Korean Shamanism Overview Shamanism in Korea is known as sin'gyo, which means 'the religion of the gods'. It includes a sun and a bear cult apart from ancestor worship, suggesting a link between Korean shamanism and Siberian, Manchurian and Central Asian cultures. Prior to the advent of the Choson Dynasty, Korean shamans had a high social status and some were even rulers. For instance, the second ruler of the Sila Dynasty, Namhae, was a shaman. The high social standi ng and privileges enjoyed by shamans were lost since the arrival of other religions in South Korea. Yet, there were about 100,000 shamans in Korea in 1973. Until Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910, most shamans retained their functions at national sacrificial and royal rites. The Japanese destroyed most of the native religion by arresting shamans and raiding sacrificial ceremonies and offerings. Once Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, shamans and their followers were persecuted by hostile Christians, who called them "devotees of the devil" (Stutley 23). Shamanism in Communist North Korea had to go underground due to its intolerance towards the folk religion. Shamanism in Korea is based on native ancient beliefs and traditions. Most shamans are women who found their calling after realizing they could serve as mediators between the spirit world and the human world, after surviving a critical sickness. According to their beliefs, spirits of ancestors, animals, trees and even non-l iving things exist in the air and interact with people, affecting their lives and fortunes (San-Hung A3). The Origin of Korean Shamanism The origin of Korean shamanism is not certain and is difficult to determine (Lee 135). This is because of the complexity of the religion as its practices diversified in different provinces, making it difficult to trace the source of its origin. Unsuccessful attempts were made during the end of the Yi Dynasty to unify the various practices of shamanism into one system (Lee I 135). While the term Mu was used to refer to shamans prior to the Yi Dynasty,