Kevin Van Dam

Kevin Van Dam is a professional bass angler. Kevin has always had a love for fishing, but did not start fishing professionally until 1990. Kevin Van Dam may not be a household name to most people, but anyone who enjoys bass fishing has heard of him. Bass fishing is my passion and I look up to Kevin Van Dam, as he is the best in the world in this era of bass fishing. Kevin Van Dam was born on October 14, 1967 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Growing up in Michigan gave Kevin the chance to fish a lot of different lakes and rivers for a variety of species of fish including trout, salmon, muskies, walleyes, and northern pike. â€Å"You can learn a lot by fishing different species in the diverse variety of lakes and rivers we have in Michigan,† Kevin once said when asked about fishing in his childhood. Kevin loved to fish and was in the perfect environment to hone his skills. Although he fished for many species of fish, bass fishing was his favorite.Kevin dominated the tournament circuits, w inning the Michigan Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Angler of the Year twice before going pro. Kevin graduated from Otsege High School, and married his high school sweetheart Sherry. Kevin and Sherry settled in their home town of Kalamazoo, and continue to live there today with there twin boys, Jackson and Nicholas. Kevin is a devoted dad and enjoys taking his children fishing and deer hunting. Kevin worked various jobs until deciding to become a professional bass angler at the age of twenty three.Kevin began one of the most successful bass fishing careers ever under shadows of doubt, that he was going pro too young. He soon proved all that doubted his abilities wrong by winning the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year, and was the youngest ever to win this prestiges title. Kevin also won the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Angler of the Year title at age twenty five. The Bassmaster classic is the highest regarded title in professional bass fishing, to qualify for the Bassmaster classic y ou must go through a series of tournaments fished by the toughest anglers in the world.Van Dam has qualified for twenty consecutive Bassmaster classics since 1991, this is the longest running qualification streak in history. He has won the Bassmaster classic three times in 2001, 2005, and 2010. Kevin has fished in two hundred and twenty one Bassmaster events, he has won nineteen, finished second eleven times and finished in the top ten ninety times. Kevin Van Dam is a serious force to be reckoned with in the professional bass fishing world, and is simply nicknamed KVD.He has become a ambassador for the sport as it has grown in public attention, and is now featured on ESPN. Van Dam was awarded the first ever ESPN Outdoor Sportsman of the Year in 2002. KVD was grateful to receive this award, since it was not about his lifetime records which are amazing, but his promotion of the sport. Kevin Van Dam in my opinion and many others is the greatest Angler to pass threw the professional wor ld of bass fishing some may not admit it, but statistically this is true. Kevin is a true role model for young bass anglers today.

Endosymbiotic Theory Essay

The endosymbiotic theory explains the evolution of the eukaryotic cell and eukaryotic organelles by phagocytocis of small prokaryotic cells. This theory states that some of the organelles in today’s eukaryotic cells were once prokaryotic bacteria. In this theory, the first eukaryotic cell was probably an amoeba-like nucleated (probably DNA in a nucleoid region not an actual nucleus) prokaryotic cell that got nutrients by phagocytosis (engulfing nutrients or other cells) Some of these unicellular amoeba-like organisms engulfed prokaryotic cells that somehow were not digested within the organism. In the process of being engulfed the smaller cells would have been wrapped in membrane from the larger cell, today we see double membranes in mitochondria and chloroplasts.  The symbiotic relationship was beneficial because the host cell would have provided essential nutrients to the engulfed prokaryotic cell in exchange the smaller prokaryotic cell used these nutrients to synthesize ATP molecules, this ATP was used as an energy source by the host cell. The smaller prokaryotic cell was given a safe environment as well as receiving nutrients from the larger host cell. The small prokaryotic cell developed a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with the host cell. This smaller prokaryotic cell would eventually become mitochondria or chloroplasts. Mitochondria would have been formed when bacteria capable of aerobic respiration were ingested by a much larger cell. Chloroplasts formed when photosynthetic bacteria were ingested. They eventually lost their cell wall and much of their DNA because they were not of benefit within the host cell. Mitochondria and chloroplasts cannot grow outside their host cell in normal conditions because they now depend on the cell for protection and nutrients. The reason we do not see this type of symbiotic relationship today is because conditions are much different now then they were on earth millions of years ago when this symbiotic event first took place. Scientists can support the endosymbiotic hypothesis because the characteristics of energy organelles are so similar to those of prokaryotes. Energy organelles have their own set of genetic information it is not found  enclosed in a nucleus but a circular ring in a nucleoid region just like prokaryotic DNA. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own ribosomes this would imply that at one time energy organelles were able be self sufficient. Both organelles have a double membrane, a remnant of ancient endosymbiotic event. Also when a cell divides by mitosis the energy organelles replicate the same way as do prokaryotic bacteria, by binary fission. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are about the same size as prokaryotic cells. The DNA of these energy organelles is different from the DNA found in the cells nucleus. There is some evidence of bacterial DNA in these energy organelles that suggests that long ago they were once prokaryotic cells. Biology, Neil A. Campbell & Jane B. ReeceBenjamin Cummings; 7th Edition, 2006Investigating Biology, Neil A Campbell & Jane B.ReeceBenjamin Cummings; 6th Edition 2007

How Significant Factors Can Change People’s Opinions Essay

The essayâ€Å" In the Jungle† tells a story of a woman who is used to works under high pressure and takes a journey to the Ecuadorian Jungle, and near the Napo River she finds out that she is no longer stressed and depressed anymore. The peaceful environment changes her completely. This example shows how the physical environment can affect people mentally. The Essay â€Å"Our Animal Rites† tells a story of a woman who encounters a bear by an accident, and she realizes that where she is living now, the country used to be the home of the bear. This fact shocks her and she starts to wonder whether she is the one who has taken the bear’s home away from it. This example shows how physical environment can affect people emotionally. Besides these, the environment can change people physically too. There are some major changes I experienced after I came to the U.S by the way I dressed, the way I talked or treated people even my regular schedule. The physical environment and human beings change each other. When people come into a new environment that they have never been in, they will be affected, or changed physically, emotionally and mentally at different levels because people always have different reactions when they face different environments, and that is why they change. The physical environment can affect people emotionally because different environments can change people’s attitude about one specific thing or the point of view of the same situation. Dillard describes her journey in the jungle very specifically. After she reaches her destination, she realizes how peaceful and amazing that place is, â€Å"Each breath of night smelled sweet, more moistened and sweet than any kitchen, or garden, or cradle†(37). This quote shows she finds the jungle is much better than the place she used to live. Nothing can compare to the smell of nature, not even her expensive daily supplies because the environment she is currently living is cannot be replaced or faked. Nature calms her nerves and gives her time to reflect on her own life. During the vacation, she lets some little naà ¯ve girls play  with her hair, which is another thing that she never do before. â€Å"Later that night I loosed my hair from its braids and combed it smooth—not for myself, but so the village girls could play with it in the morning†(37) This is a symbol of her truly loose her pressure and face this world with another type of personality, which is who she really is, without any defense or pretending. â€Å"The Napo River: It is in the way, catching sunlight the way a cup catch poured water; it is a bowl of sweet air, a basin of greenness, and of grace, and it would seem, of peace† (40) From this essay, the mood of Dillard has some significant changes. She finds out that she is more peaceful inside. After she feels the calming environment of mother nature, she becomes more peaceful because the environment surrounding her changes, so her mood changes instantly too. The physical environment can affect people mentally because there are a lot of unexpected events that can change people’s attitude whether positive or negative. The essay â€Å"Our Animal Rites†, Quindlen mentions she starts to wonder if she took the bear’s home away from it after the encounter, and she cannot forget about this idea. â€Å"Sometimes I think it is because instead of feeling that the bear is trespassing on my property, in my heart I believe that I am trespassing on his†(33) Quindlen thinks she is the one who took land from the bear. This idea bothers her and cannot be eliminated easily, so she becomes suspicious and doubtful; she feels guilty about taking the bear’s territory even though deep inside she knows she had nothing with the whole situation. ‘Somewhere out there the bear is watching, picking his nits and teeth, breathing his raggedy bear breath, and if he could talk, maybe he’d say â€Å"I wonder they’re going back where they belong. (34) Quindlen humanizes the bear she encounters and exchanges the point of view with it to rethink the same situation from a different perspective. The physical environment also changes her mentally. People react differently when they face different environments or circumstances, and this change affects them mentally too. The physical environment can affect people physically too. Take me as example. Before I came to the U.S., I was an ordinary girl who went to school at 7 a.m. and was home at 5 and did all my homework on time, never  hanged out with my friends and did not know to put makeup on or fancy clothes due to requirements of my middle school. I did not listen to music that much because my teacher thought being a fan of some stars could have some negative effects on my grade. After I came here, I found out everything was totally different than I expected. Girls who were my age all have makeup and skinny jeans and nail polish to school. They had time to hang out with their friends after school instead of just going home and doing homework. They could also go out on Friday Night until midnight. That is something I could not even dream of. After a few months passed by, I started to get involved in school. I learnt the way they dressed, the way they talked and some places they would like to go to after class. I also started to learn how to put makeup on and abandoned all my old clothes for some new ones. It has been almost four years since I got here, and I think I am a completely different person now, not mentally, but physically because my parents and friends noticed the difference in different time periods which are when I was in China and when I am here right now. The environment can also affect people physically too. The physical environment can change people in various ways. The essay â€Å"In the Jungle† proves that the physical environment can affect people emotionally while â€Å"Our Animal Rites† shows how physical environment can affect people mentally. From my personal experience, the physical environment also change people physically too. Changing is like a double-edged sword. It can lead people to different paths. Some people lose themselves during the changing process while others can hold on the spirit of who they are and become better people.

Opera concert review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Opera concert review - Essay Example The stage was set in a mixture of different bright colors and the lighting was good enough to bring out the mood and the sentiments. The actors adorned Japanese costumes and used some Japanese words to make the performance authentic. The Japanese tune, â€Å"Mi-Ya-Sa-Ma† was played in perfect Japanese style and helped in reinforcing the Japanese theme. These played out very well by giving me some insight into ancient Japanese society. The wordplay and the clarity in which the words were delivered kept me interested throughout the performance. The manner in which the actors used language and rhyme brought out their professionalism in using such stylistic devices to entertaining the audience. The comedy in the performance came out effortlessly. The choice of the characters was an outstanding one, and amongst the major things that made the performance memorable. The chorus was excellently done. Each and every character involved in it gave it their best and it came out perfectly. The singing was well harmonized with the comedy and this was even clearly expressed by the items used by the ladies and gentlemen of Japan. The opening line, â€Å"If You Want To Know Who We Are† (Sullivan, & Gilbert Act 1) was quite an exciting attention grabber. It created some curiosity in me that I was eager to know what would happen. The orchestra mostly on the overture was very satisfactory. There was exemplary harmony in the way the instruments were coordinated. The arrangement of the songs was such that they were expertly paced and created enough time for comic effect which was well expressed by the Japanese vase-full (Sullivan, & Gilbert Act 2). The role of the Mikado was given the justice it deserved. The character used his skills to sing and act it out giving it all the dignity befitting a real Emperor. In addition, Pooh Bah’s state duties were well captured. The singing was done in a clear tone and amazing diction. The character of Nanki-Poo was also very admirably played.

Compare the historical value of Turgenev's Fathers and Sons with Essay

Compare the historical value of Turgenev's Fathers and Sons with Gogol's Inspector General - Essay Example During this time, there were cultural differences between the liberals and the growing nihilist uprising. However, in â€Å"Inspector general,† the author has focused on mistaken identity committed in the Russian society. These two books have common similarities and differences, which have been asserted through the mode of translation, the author’s concerns, the cultural and historical differences especially in history and literature. Therefore, this paper will focus on these books outlining both the differences and similarities to outline relationship with Russia’s history. Change is the main concern in the two books. In the ‘Fathers and sons’, Turgenev addresses the interest in change with the aim of addressing intergenerational differences in the Russian society. Life’s hyperbole and the balance between the text and the contemporary issues in society is the author’s main concern. In addition, his work is highly topical as it universa lly appeals the elegance of love. The author also deals with love versus psychology, which has been acutely portrait by the author. While on the other hand, the government inspector hinges on a mistaken identity. In the book, a lowly impoverished civil servant who comes from Petersburg is viewed as poor and comes from low social class. Hlestakov is mistaken for being a highly ranking government inspector by the provincial town members. ... He does this by elaborating on the misconception that the town people held before (Harrower 2011). The government inspector majorly ridicules the extent to which bureaucracy has affected Russia through the corruption. In this Russian drama about life, corruption, and human deception are vividly explored. The governor addresses the audience by asking what they were laughing at when he talks about corruption. He refers to the citizens as laughing at themselves showing how government official lacked respect to people. This is analyzed in the play’s epigraph, which asserts that one has to be blamed for cause of crooked face. On the other hand, in the fathers and sons, the author introduces double characters, Bazarov and Arkady that possesses different traits (Edmunds and Turgenev 1965). The two characters oppose each other in a more nihilistic manner in their emotions. Bazarov shows his love for Madame Odintsova and Fenichka and this shows deep emotion through the characters, whic h brings the need for care and concern to other people. The other character portrays a picture of carelessness and lack of respect to humanity just to show how indiscipline has taken root in Russian society. Ivan Turgenev is the most ranked democratic and western author in the republic of Russia who embraced the Russian literature in an insightful manner. This novel is the most accessible Russian novel. His novel was attacked and opposed by other Russian authors like Leo Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky as he was progressing in a liberal manner in the western mode of literature (Harrower 2011). Furthermore, he was criticized for failure to create a forceful and a dedicated radical hero. In the comedy, â€Å"The inspector general† by Nikolai Gogol, has become a stepping stone for the Russian

Introduction to Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Introduction to Business - Essay Example The safest way that a bank can safeguard my money is through insurance. What more can banks do to further ensure this is true? Effective banks with strategies of safeguarding depositors’ money should take covers against losses from insurance companies with good reputation, good history, and strong financial base. The insuring company should have been in the insurance industry for a considerably long period of time to have proven its competence. According my job, I am planning to retire at the age of 60 years. I will be no longer productive in my profession hence it will be time to rest and enjoy the fruits of my hard labor. I want to serve my people in the best way I can in order to build a base for prosperity for the future generation. Steps I have taken? I am working hard to ensure that all my children will be through with their education and living a better life before my retirement. What more do I need to be doing now to make sure it happens? I need to invest in profitable business opportunities. I am directing a good portion of my income to educating my children as well as in ventures which have promising returns by the time I retire. I am also saving part of my income in credible banking institutions. I have also engaged my income into a good life insurance scheme to cater for my old age at that time as well as my family while I am

The Stages of Dissertation Writing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Stages of Dissertation Writing - Assignment Example This week, for example, I took another look at my problem statement. In my opinion, this is one of the most critical sections of chapter one, so I do want to work hard that my writing is succinct, clearly worded, and directs the overall research project in the direction that I intended was I first set out on this endeavor. As I have done this, I have found that by rewording a few sentences in that section has clarity of purpose and a stronger vision to the overall project that I feel will enable me to continue the revision process in coming weeks. I am using this course to work hard on Chapters 1-3, hoping to make a timely submission to the IRB. This week I spent some time going through Chapter two once again. While I have a good number of sources in that chapter already, I wanted to make sure that each cited source directly related back to the topic of the study. In particular, I looked back at my research questions to ensure that my literature review contained a focused and directed effort at answering each of my three stated questions and that all sources were properly cited. In doing this, I was also looking at my APA structure. It seems that I should be going back to each section as I write it to make sure my formatting is correct. I have noticed that the more involved, and longer, that paper gets, the more important this task is. If I wait until the paper is finished in nine months time to correct formatting issues, I might find that the task becomes overwhelming. While it might seem a bit early to conduct this ‘formatting review’, I actually think it is going to save myself a lot of time and effort in the end. In addition, this week I combed through our readings to refresh myself of some of the finer mechanics of conducting a qualitative study. As I prepare to submit my IRB application here shortly, I want to make sure that I have covered all of my bases.  

The Postcolonial Cultural Identities of Individuals and Nations Essay

The Postcolonial Cultural Identities of Individuals and Nations - Essay Example Therefore it is possible to read E.M Forster’s novel A Passage to India, written many years before the Indian independence, as a text that represents both colonial and postcolonial sentiments. Derek Walcott’s long poem ‘The Schooner Flight’ deals with the complex cultural aspects of identity and nationalism in the colonial Caribbean islands. Edwards Said’s thoughtful analysis of the ways in which the West has constructed an orient that suits their colonial needs has left an indelible impression in the cultural discourses prevalent in the latter phase of the previous century. He exposed how the West conveniently constructed the misconceptions of cultural stereotypes for their benefit. Such cultural labeling and role-fixing had been a part of the dominant colonial discourses that misrepresented the history and culture of colonized nations. In his view, â€Å"the Orient was almost a European invention and had been since antiquity a place of romance, exotic beings, haunting memories and landscapes, remarkable experiences† (1). Chinua Achebe tries to deconstruct the popular notions of the false notions of innate inferiority and cultural dependence of once-colonized nations to the colonizers. His responses to the brash comments by the Western critics aimed at the emerging postcolonial literature are laden with a judicious blend of intelligent arguments and indigenous cultural sentiments. Contesting the accusation that writers like him have been imitating the Western forms of cultural discourses, he observes: The colonialist critic, unwilling to accept the validity of sensibilities other than his own, has made a particular point of dismissing the African novel.  

Letter of recommendation for pharmacy residency program Essay

Letter of recommendation for pharmacy residency program - Essay Example She consistently performs her duties with a high degree of competency and often goes the extra mile, doing more than expected. she always puts her clients best interests above everything else. She values their health concerns so much that she does not hesitate to contact their physician’s office and insurance company in order to find cheaper alternative medicines for customers who could not afford certain medications. She genuinely cares for her patients wellness and takes the extra time and effort to ensure that the patients receive the treatments that they actually need. Claire’s clinical knowledge and communication skills are excellent. She consistently provides knowledgeable counseling to her patients, effectively answering their questions regarding prescription and non-prescription medications. She does not hesitate to contact the physician’s office to clarify questions about prescriptions, communicating effectively with them in order to get the problem identified in order to come up with possible solutions, proving that she has excellent problem solving skills. Claire works well under pressure and knows how to manage her time well. She is a master multitasker who can promptly process prescriptions and help customers. Even during our peak hours at the pharmacy, she manages to remain calm and always has a ready smile for the patients in life. She always meets our customers needs and provdes excellent customer service. Many customers have appreciated her helpfulness and have commended her by writing to me in my capacity as her supervisor in order to commend her commitment to her duties and responsibilities. Compared to her peers and numerous other interns that I have encountered, she has been the best of the lot. Claire has always been a hard working, fast learner, and a mature individual. She genuinely cares for the patients and takes her responsibilities seriously. She has excellent work ethics and always brings a positive attitude to the

Battle of Thermopylae (c. 480BC) Research Paper

Battle of Thermopylae (c. 480BC) - Research Paper Example King Leonidas was held out with mere 300 hoplites and was against thousands of best Great King’s troops. The battle of Thermopylae was during the invasion of Persian between 480-479 BC. The battle was first and between the Greeks and Persians. The force of Greek was very minute and was very much determined to fight and stand against thousands of Persian army. In central Greece, association of Greek-states at the pass of Thermopylae fought with the invading Persians. Greeks were outnumbered but they fought and held back Persians for three days and is known as history’s one of the most famous last stands. King of Sparta Leonidas blocked the road which was the only road to pass by the massive force of Xerxes I of Persia. The 300 Spartans fought till the end but were all killed and they would have known in advance that they would be killed. The courage shown by the Sparta provided a sense of belief and inspiration to the Greeks1. Spartans were never afraid of enemies and th eir numbers. Opposing forces According to Herodotus, Greek city-states consisted of around more than 6,200 men who fought with Persian army and were totally outnumbered. Persian army was about 2,242,000+. Greek army included 300 Spartans, 1000 Phocians, 500 Tegeans, other Arcadians 1000 and others. But comparing with the Persian army it is very minimal and very small army force. Persian army included 500,000 fleet crew, 1,500,000 infantry, 320,000 Greek allied troops, etc. numbers are very large indeed. 300 Spartans who fought for Greek city were an elite group of Spartan hoplites2. Each man of 300 Spartans had a living son. And it is said that each of the 300 Spartans had someone to fight for. 300 elite Spartans were led by the king Leonidas. Strategic and tactical considerations of the Opposing forces The Spartans didn’t have many options. But the king of Sparta Leonidas decided to place scorched earth policy. Policy was placed so that Greeks went out and destroy all buildi ngs, livestock and grain and polluted the main water supply. And all the work was done before the arrival of Persians. When Persians arrived with their huge force at Thermopylae they had to rely on food which is being sent to them. They also found that they could not leave the land and that is not the situation to be in. The Greeks decided that they would make a stand at Thermopylae which is a narrow pass where northwest of Athens met at the sea. From the strategic point, Greeks have used best possible way to stop huge army of patricians. The Greek style of warfare was tactically suited in the pass at Thermopylae3. Leonidas used forces in a narrow pass so that Persians could not attack from flanks. The Greeks deployed in a phalanx. And this basically means Greeks stood in firm lines and used large shields to protect them. They stood firmly in lines and locked their shields together. They locked their shields so tight and close that there isn’t any gap between the shields for enemy to attack. Battle of Thermopylae First day The Phocians built a large ancient wall to stop raids from Thessaly. But it was destroyed and fallen apart. Leonidas went on to rebuild the wall and also send some local Greeks to protect the people who are rebuilding the wall. The Persians saw that rebuilding of the wall but were not concerned by the small force of Greeks. Persians

Teaching English Language Arts through Writing Research Paper

Teaching English Language Arts through Writing - Research Paper Example According to revised research, there are about four or five important comprehension sub-skills that include remembering word meanings, following paragraph structure, finding answers in the passage and drawing deductions from the passage. However, research to accurately study these methods has been difficult because researchers cannot seem to separate the effects of certain methods from the variable that affect them. Consequent studies on the topic tried to make use of â€Å"introspection, interviews and laboratory simulations† to achieve more accurate results. According to research, a child has been taught to read effectively if he/she can understand the text and translate it into his/her own language. According to Early’s research, for a child to develop exhaustive knowledge of the language arts, it is important for him/her to be exposed to various forms of the language, both through reading and writing so that the range of his/her language arts is successfully widened . Another research along the same vein talks about the theories and approaches that have been developed to help teachers teach young children how to learn the language arts through writing. Specifically, this research paper looks at some generalizations about children and their written language in the above-mentioned context and what implications these generalizations have for their teachers. People often think that writing serves numerous different functions and purposes, for example, we use it to express ourselves and describe things too. It has many different forms and can be addressed at many different audiences, for example, written language can be in the form of stories or poems and be addressed to one’s self or someone we know. It consists of three important phases and consequently, the phases of a child’s language arts development depend on it. Lastly, children should write frequently and that their teachers should practice writing as well in order to teach it better to their pupils. All these generalizations have implications for the teacher of the language arts. Since writing is a means of self expression, children should be encouraged to look at their written pieces much like you would look at any other piece of art in another form. To let the child develop mastery over the written language’s several purposes the teacher must focus on creative writing, argumentative and descriptive writing etc. To let the child feel more comfortable with his/her writing the teacher may let different forms of writing be available at their disposal. To help the

Graphic Design as Main Communication Medium Essay Example for Free

Graphic Design as Main Communication Medium Essay As multimedia advances to higher stages of development, the significance of graphic design continues to increase. Graphic design was once considers a visual form of art. Over time, it has come to be recognized as form of communication. Art and communication reflect and serve culture. Culture represents the political and economic structure of the society. Therefore graphic design reflects and promotes political and economic systems. This paper attempt to show that graphic design, layout design of the poster and artistic craftsmanship of typography are the main communication media that have served different cultures during different historical eras. Graphic design can be defined from many perspectives. For a layman, graphic design may simply refer to the production of printed, online, and manufactured materials that are visually appealing. Graphic design is reproduced in either large numbers or in gigantic media such as billboards so that it can get the attention of many people. Being a visual instrument of communication, it usually employs an effective combination of graphics and text in order to convey a message. Graphic design is prevalent in both the capitalists and socialist economies. The capitalist use it mainly to sell goods and services while the socialists use it to sell ideas to motivate people to agree with government policies and work for a socialist economy. Whatever the case , the of aim graphic design is to motivate people to act; the information it relays is meant to move people and not just to satisfy the usual thirst for knowledge. Some people include paintings as graphic design but Barnard in the book, Graphic Design as Communication, denies that this is incorrect. Classical paintings merely tell a story. They are being viewed only in the confines of private homes or museums. They are definitely not for popular consumption. Newark, in the book, The Gutenberg Galaxy, states that the coins found in Apollonia, Greece, which was estimated sometime in 450 BC may be considered the earliest products of graphic design. Because it was a form of currency, it was produced in large numbers. It has a prototypical logo and it was made with the use of a metal die, a technological wonder at that time. Jobling Crowley define graphic design in relation to social structures and the historical context in which such structure exists. Graphic design is shaped by certain society’s beliefs and morals. Jobling Crowley identify three factors that graphic design constitutes the following: It is produced in large numbers; It should be cheap and graphic design conveys ideas through a combination of words and images. However, Jobling Crowley argue that not all products of graphic deign are cheap. In fact, some of them are symbolic of wealth and luxury. Newark defines graphic design by focusing on its functions. Graphic design functions as a means of communication. Once the design is able to attract the attention of people, it must be able to explain its message with the minimum use of words, if any. Brand logos explain not only the product but also the quality it possesses. A graphic design becomes the identity of its subject. People begin to relate certain symbols to what they represent. For example, the elephant symbol becomes the Republican Party. These act on people’s emotions and become factors in determining how they feel the market. Knoblauch points out that communication shapes culture. Culture develops by communication and acceptable interaction by the society. In this regard, since graphic design is a medium of communication, it serves culture as well. It passes through many historical eras and different cultures. This is contrary to the common belief that it is just a product of the modern computer technology. Technology is a continuous process and so is its evolution. History has shown that human beings had begun communicating through visuals before oral communication grew. McLuhan notes that Gutenberg press is an important stage in the evolution of graphic design. Invented around 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg, it made possible the mass production of literary material. Bibles were the first material to be produced. Gutenberg used a special character symbols which he developed himself to represent words and common Latin phrases. Gutenberg’s visually attractive typography and lay-out made the Bible more appealing to people, a fact that served well the cultural interests of the Holy Roman Empire . 1700s and 1800s saw further development of graphic design. This was the time that capitalism was developing at a rapid pace. Publishers were in great competition with each other.. Therefore, graphic design was highly improved. At this point came there arose contradictions between publishers and authors. Publishers used graphic design especially on the covers to make it more attractive. The authors feared that this might change the context of the book. This shows that graphic design can either enhance or destroys the context of the ext. Barchas, J. warns us not to make judgment by looking at the cover of a book since graphic design may convey anther meaning. Graphic design is developing further. The advancement of computer and information technology has made it possible for graphic arts to be blended with other media Graphic design has been used tin advertisement. Eisend advises that the advertisers have to create graphic design that effectively sells a product. The graphic design must also be able to convince the consumer to buy only the brand that it promotes. Lindstrom notes that many companies are gradually transforming the traditional billboards into audio-visual displays, which appeal to more senses other than just sight. In conclusion, graphic design can either be a factor to encourage the survival of a social system or it can destroy it to introduce a new one. Reference The given research paper

Mental Health Illness: Good Social Work Practice

Mental Health Illness: Good Social Work Practice Good Social Work Practice with Adolescents in the Field of MentalHealth Social works role as the dominant provider of mental healthservices is rooted in history and well-established in the contemporary socialservices landscape. It has been estimated that social workers invest more thanhalf their time in dealing with mental health issues (Howard et al., 1996).Constituting over sixty percent of the mental health workforce, social workersprovide more community-based mental health services than any other professionalgroups. Also, social work has more candidates in preparation for this growtharea than does any other discipline. It is the largest field of practice andthe most-chosen focus of study among social work graduate students (Proctor,2004). The heaviest consumers of social work services also are the most probablevictims of mental illness. The clientele of certain service delivery settings,including homeless shelters, child welfare, out-of-home placement and long-termcare, settings in which social workers predominate, are among the most at riskfor psychiatric disorders and the least likely to gain access to appropriatecare. This highlights the tremendous potential of social service professionalsto reach and to treat individuals with mental health problems. Adolescents are far from immune to these findings. For example, psychiatricimpairment rates for youths in the child welfare system have been estimated atbetween 35-to-50 percent, closely matched by the 30-to-50 percent ratings ofjuveniles in the criminal justice system (Proctor, 2004). Walker (2003)pointed out that one of the few undisputed risk factors for mental illness inadults is unaddressed or inadequately treated psychiatric problems in youths. Thecost of failure to respond effectively to the mental health problems of adolescentsincludes lifetimes of potential productivity lost to consequences such as drugabuse, homelessness and suicide. The following discussion applies relevant theory and research to thequestion of good social work practice with adolescents suffering psychiatricdisorders. A touchstone for good practice can be found in Mowbray and Holters(2002) charge to social work practitioners and researchers that their effortson behalf of the mentally ill should produce: Increased integration within the community (aswith other disability groups); Decreased stigma and discrimination; Increased utilization of effective treatmentoptions; Equitable access to effective, appropriatetreatment. Adapting LeCroys (1992) outline, practices in the broad areas ofassessment, treatment and service delivery are considered. Assessment Practices It generally is agreed that assessment methodologies developed foruse with adults lack efficacy for assessing adolescents. Partly due to youthshigher level of dependency on the environment, a person-in-environmentperspective is a recommended starting point (LeCroy, 1992). In order toaddress the question of how the individuals and the familys coping skillsinteract with the quality of the environment, the social worker must weighresources and support, the barriers and opportunities, the risks and protectivefactors present in that environment. Wakefield et al. (1999) pointed out the pivotal role of a socialworkers attributions in the assessment of adolescent antisocial behavior. Thecomplex web of logic and experience, evidence and intuition, theory and belief,involved in the assessment process is reflected in this study. The researchquestion was two-fold: (1) whether social workers correctly distinguish betweena psychiatric disorder and non-disorder (as defined in DSM-IV) given contextualcues supporting one or the other attribution, and (2) whether judgments bearingon prognosis and appropriate treatment follow these attributions. Finding positivesupport for both questions, the authors called for a focus on this criticaldiscriminate attribution in social work training programs. In working with adolescents, the desirability of a broad-basedassessment, across environments, informants and factors affecting copingability and stress, requires the social worker to possess skills in casemanagement and clinical areas. Research by Elze (2002) highlighted the effectsof the wider social context on adolescent functioning. In this study, sheexamined risk factors for mental health in a sample of self-identified gay,lesbian and bisexual youths. Unlike most research involving this population,her enquiry included the role of factors unrelated to sexual orientation. Shefound that most of the variance in mental health status was accounted for bysocioeconomic level, familial mental health, family functioning and otheridentified life stressors. From a practice perspective, this researchreinforces the importance of assessing a clients overall psychosocialfunctioning, as related to and beyond the limits of the presenting problem. Objective, empirically-based assessment instruments, designed forthe adolescent population, are needed to increase the reliability of thispractice. Most of the instruments in use with adolescent clients today aremodified adult or child-specific protocols, such as the Child BehaviorChecklist or the structured life events interview (LeCroy, 1992). An extremeexample of the caution required in using adapted instruments was presented byElls (2005). The context of this critique was the courts need for assessmentsof psychopathic tendencies in juvenile offenders as a basis for jurisdictionwaiver decisions. Ells reported on assessments using the Hare PsychopathyChecklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), derived from an instrument developed foradults. She found the tool subject to ethnic bias, developmental bias and alack of predictive value due to unfounded generalizations from research andexperience with adults. She warned that the introduction of psychopathyassessments in juvenile jurisdiction waiv er decisions is premature anddangerously unreliable. Overall, good practice in adolescent assessmentcertainly would benefit from objective, evidence-based protocols, honedespecially for this population group. These are some of the implications for good social work practice inthe mental health assessment of adolescents. Treatment Practices To establish that treatment can be effective with children and adolescents,LeCroy (1992, p. 227) reported the results of two meta-analyses, demonstratingthat average outcomes for those who received treatment were 71-to-79 percentbetter than an untreated control group. In order to establish good practice,however, the social worker must know which treatment approaches are likely toproduce what effects for the adolescent and significant others. The breadth of focus required for assessment is echoed in goodtreatment practice recommendations for working with psychologically impairedadolescents. The keynote appears to be a conceptualization of problems asconstellations of interrelated systems, yielding treatment goals inclusive ofthe family, peer group and community, toward the underpinning of long-termadjustment for the client. This view of good practice is common across theoreticalperspectives. For example, from a social ecological point-of-view, Ungar(2002) left the more mechanistic systems models behind and reflected on the diversity-embracingnew ecology, with community as the central concept in treatment. Steven Walker, whether expounding on community-based applications ofthe psychosocial model (2003) or considering treatment practice from apostmodern perspective (2001), emphasized the necessity for an integrated (ordeconstructed) model of treatment practice, inclusive of a broad panorama ofoptions. Noting that flexible, creative solutions are required by adolescentswith psychological problems, Walker (2003) discussed the United Kingdomsfour-tier model for mental health services to children and adolescents as anopportunityfor intellectual agility on the part of social workers (p. 683). Barths (2003) dissertation on the treatment of college studentswith eating disorders is an interesting example of this eclectic approach totheory and treatment. She made a point of focusing on the entiresocial/medical context of a client, then drawing treatment implications fromany number of theoretical models that fit this context, includingpsychoanalytic, psychosocial and postmodern perspectives. Given the length ofthe usual battle with eating disorders, this assessment treatment assessmentcycle repeats throughout the life of the case, opening new opportunities foreffective intervention at every turn. As with assessment, research is essential for informing goodtreatment practice. The research of Colarossi and Eccles (2003), for example,offered evidence that support from significant others is not a unidimensionalconstruct. They examined the differential effects of support provided byparents, teachers and peers on adolescent depression and self-esteem. Nonfamilialsources of support were found to be more efficacious for improving self-esteem,while depression responded to all support offered, regardless of source. Theresults obtained suggest the need to selectively promote support from varioussources, as opposed to a broad or unfocused social network tactic. In service of good treatment practice, LeCroy (1992) lists a numberof promising approaches (p. 227) that social workers should include in theirtreatment options toolkit. These include behavioral treatment (or competencytraining) for antisocial problems, functional family therapy, parent-managementtraining, home-based treatment, training in social skills and problem solving,psychopharmacology and psychotherapy or IPT-A (interpersonal psychotherapy foradolescents). These are examples of some good social work practice guidelines formental health treatment of adolescents, derived, to a large extent, from theoryand research. Putting assessment decisions and treatment choices into actionis the role of service delivery systems. Practices Related to Service Delivery Considering systems of service delivery prompts the realizationthat, in terms of good practice, social workers must be proficient in an arrayof interventions beyond the confines of direst treatment. In order tocoordinate multiple services and monitor systems of care, critical casemanagement competencies are required. The significance of a well-coordinatedsystem of care must be salient for every social worker involved in servicedelivery. One of the most difficult decisions in this arena is when to utilizesubstitute care. Inpatient or residential treatment, foster care, respitecare, partial hospitalization and day treatment, define points along thissubstitute care continuum. Especially in light of research on the importance ofsocial support and of home and community-based treatment, moving the adolescentinto a substitute care setting seems particularly invasive. Research studies and reports can help inform the decision to utilizepsychiatric inpatient treatment. For example, Pottick et al. (1999) helped tountangle the many variables affecting adolescent length of stay in thesefacilities. Looking at factors that influence the occurrence and timing ofdischarge, they found that facility type was significant. Stays in generalhospitals with psychiatric services were much shorter than in public or privatepsychiatric hospitals or multi-service mental health centers. Also, insurancewas a factor; privately-insured youths stayed longer than did publicly-fundedor uninsured adolescents. Having a previous hospitalization predicted a longerstay, as did the diagnosis of conduct disorder (versus depression). Althoughthis research does not speak to the quality of care, and given that moreoutcomes research is needed, the awareness of contingencies disclosed by thisstudy can aid a social worker in forming valid expectations and making aninformed decision for th e client. Romansky et al. (2003) looked at factors influencing readmission to psychiatrichospital care for children and adolescents who were in the child welfaresystem. Their findings highlighted the significance of enabling factorspresent for these children, including living arrangement, geographic region andpost-hospitalization services. The focus must be on community-based servicesto prevent readmission for these adolescents. On a similar note, a review of the research on inpatient treatmentin child and adolescent psychiatry (Blanz Schmidt, 2000) cautiouslyconcluded that hospitalization can be beneficial given that effective treatmentand discharge planning are included. These researchers pointed to acontinuum-of-care model as crucial in facilitating integration/coordinationbetween inpatient interventions and aftercare services. While research such as this can aid the social worker in making thedifficult inpatient care decisions, there are myriad other placementconsiderations that should rely on good practice to advantage adolescents inneed of mental health care. The keynote for good practice remains choosing theleast restrictive, appropriate environment. To make this choice for a givenadolescent, the social worker must be familiar with the placement optionsavailable and the treatment philosophy of each program, as well as the uniqueconfiguration of problem dimensions particular to that client. LeCroy (1992) suggested that social work should try to developobjective tools to assist in meeting the good practice guidelines for mentalhealth placement decisions. He offered the Arizona Decision Making Tree (p.228) as a potential model for such a tool. This tool is used for theassignment of juvenile offenders to five levels of care, varying inrestrictiveness and program components. At best, a fine balance in judgment is required to match a givenadolescent, at a specific point in time, with a certain treatment setting,providing the best therapeutic approach for the clients particularconstellation of problems. A control problem versus learning disabilities isonly one example of how varied and far-ranging the mix of relevant factors canbe. At times, there may be a need for a more restrictive setting as afunction of risk factors in the home/community environment. A study by Ruffoloand colleagues (2004) addressed such a situation. To inform the design of moreeffective mental health intervention (and prevention) programs, they examinedthe risk and resiliency factors for groups of delinquent, diverted andhigh-risk adolescent girls. All these girls were either involved in thejuvenile justice system, or at risk of involvement, and were receivingresidential services in either a home or community-based, open or closedsetting. Girls in the closed residential setting (the most restrictive) reportedhigher levels of depression, family discord, sexual abuse, negative lifeevents, involvement in special education programs, and more delinquent andnegative coping behaviors. In other words, the girls with the greatest riskfactors present in their home and community were placed in the most restrictivesetting. The authors concluded that t hese placement decisions reflected anappropriate appraisal of the level of need. These are a few of the factors available to guide the development ofgood social work practice in the coordination of service delivery systems. Conclusion This paper reviewed a portion of the theory and researchcontributing to good social work practice standards in the area of adolescentmental health. While accomplishments in this area are commendable, muchremains to be done. More well-designed and well-controlled research is needed to weighthe effectiveness of adolescent service models, especially with regard tolong-term outcomes. As effective systems of care are identified, they must be developedinto practice guidelines and supported by policy and funding. Social workers are challenged to work for increased, improved,accessible services for adolescents, to educate the community and mobilizestakeholders, to develop and to implement effective strategies for preventionand intervention. References Barth,F.D. (2003). Separate but not alone: Separation-individuation issues incollege students with eating disorders. Clinical Social Work Journal,31(2), pp. 139-153. Blanz,B. Schmidt, M.H. (2000). Preconditions and outcome of inpatienttreatment in child and adolescent psychiatry. Journal of Child Psychologyand Psychiatry, 41(6), pp. 703-712. Colarossi,L.G. Eccles, J.S. (2003). Differential effects of support providers onadolescents mental health. Social Work Research, 27(1), pp. 19-30. Ells,L. (2005). Juvenile psychopathy: The hollow promise of prediction. ColumbiaLaw Review, 105(1), pp. 158-208. Elze,D.E. (2002). Risk factors for internalizing and externalizing problems amonggay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents. Social Work Research, 26(2),pp. 89-99. Howard,K.I., Cornille, T.A., Lyons, J.S., Vessey, J.T., Lueger, R.J., Saunders,S. (1996). Patterns of mental health service utilization. Archives ofGeneral Psychiatry, 53, pp. 696-703. LeCroy,C.W. (1992). Enhancing the delivery of effective mental health services tochildren. Social Work, 37(3), pp. 225-231. Mowbray,C.T. Holter, M.C. (2002). Mental health and mental illness: Out of thecloset? Social Science Review, 76(1), pp. 135-179. Pottick, K.J., Hansell, S.,Miller, J.E., Davis, D.M. (1999). Factors associated with inpatient length of stay forchildren and adolescents with serious mental illness. Social Work Research,23(4), pp. 213-224. Proctor, E. (2004). Researchto inform mental health practice: Social works contributions. Social WorkResearch, 28(4), pp. 195-197. Romansky, J.B., Lyons, J.S.,Lehner, R.K., West, C.M. (2003). Factors related to psychiatric hospitalreadmission among children and adolescents in state custody. PsychiatricServices, 54(3), pp. 356-362. Ruffolo, M.C., Sarri, R., Goodkind, S. (2004). Study of delinquent, diverted, and high-riskadolescent girls: Implications for mental health intervention. Social WorkResearch, 28(4), pp. 237-244. Ungar, M. (2002). A deeper,more social ecological social work practice. Social Science Review,76(3), pp. 480-497. Wakefield, J.C., Kirk, S.A.,Pottick, K.J., Hsieh, D. (1999). Disorder attribution and clinical judgment in theassessment of adolescent antisocial behavior. Social Work Research, 23(4),pp. 227-238. Walker, S. (2001). Tracingthe contours of postmodern social work. British Journal of Social Work,31, pp. 29-39. Walker, S. (2003). Socialwork and child mental health: Psychosocial principles in community practice. BritishJournal of Social Work, 33(5), pp. 673-687.

Is Print Media Dead?

Is Print Media Dead? The print and the digital media have been in the forefront in acting as the social mirror reflecting on what goes on in the society. Thus when it is said that the print media is dead it becomes quite disturbing because traditionally it is known as the only tool that people have come to trust to deliver information in a holistic manner. Well, in the advertising world, it is assumed that the more the products are displayed in pages of magazines and newspapers; they are bound to be sold more because of the already built brand. Moreover, in the digital media one has to be able to access a computer or any digital gadget to be able to make use of the online outlets for what is current. In essence when it is said that the print media is fast dying, it translates to the huge ground that the internet has covered in terms of developing content in just a short while leading to the panic within the media fraternity (Stanley 2010, p.20). Consequently, the print media starts to lose its fervent readers to online sites for news and advertisement and still feels left in the dark because there is no clear path that they can use to curtail the transit. The real deal with the media industry lies in the much money spent in the required advertisement. It is quite cost effective to spend money on the internet than in the print media which required huge sums of money just to buy a small advertising space such as those seen for obituaries. The speed with which the digital media spreads its news has set a new record for the uninitiated. The use of the internet in particular the blogs has defined the manner in which the news is spread. It needs not be official, but the effect that is felt by the print media is tremendous. With the advent of mobile phones, compact discs, television, e-books, e-commerce and the internet, there has been a competitive news dissemination process that the print media tries to catch up with through rebranding processes that promise a new experience. Nowadays it commonplace to find art galleries on the digital media something the print media cannot surpass considering its static nature. This means that the issues of globalization are catching up fast than wildfire as people from world cultures get to share information that was otherwise impossible with the print media. In theories that define the use of both print and digital media, we are to know what popular culture represents, mass culture an d convergence culture all which influence the trends within the media fraternity. The Evolution of the Print and Digital Media Print media has come a long way with first newspapers and magazines being published as early as in the 16th century. Other useful print media resources that found their way into the market included the production of tabloids, flyers, novels, brochures, newsletters, and broadsheets which catapulted the spread of news to another level, at least before competition arose (Warren 2008, p. 24). As the ages went by, it came a time when the electronic world revolutionarised the manner in which the print media represented its news and advertisements. This meant that there was increased speed in the manner of printing and delivery of magazines and newspapers to the points of access so that the public can update themselves on the breaking news. Their main role was to inform the public, educate the public and offer some entertainment as was evidenced through the production of comic books, cartoon sections, fashion sections and jokes columns. Owing to these roles that the print media played to the general public, there was a bit of a complication in stating that the print media is dead. This could simply mean that the all trusted point of information delivery at least to the general public was not good enough in its game. This meant that there was no use for the internal memos that are quite effective in delivering the message or even brochures that are effective in creating the right rapport with clients if advertisement is to be efficient. The problem ofcourse started to arise because there were individuals who could not read due to low literacy levels leading to the smooth almost unnoticed transition to the electronic media such as televisions and radio which could present information in audio and visuals. This showed the viewer and listener that the message was understood when there is audio and visual representation of the news (Carrie 2009, p.11). However, the cheap manner of producing print media proved that there was going to be sustainability in the industry of news and advertisement production hence limiting the rapid spread of the electronic media. This meant that the coexistence of the print media and the electronic media triggered the onslaught from the digital media which could present the best of both the print and electronic media. The significance of the print media is in the category where it is able to provide jobs to the masses who are employed as journalists in various capacities of the print production. As the competition becomes rife from the digital it becomes apparent that the resource persons who facilitate production and distribution will become obsolete leading to lose of jobs and livelihood. When it became clear that analogue data can be converted to digital data through the sampling process that uses binary codes, a number of organizations that had specialized in print media rushed to take advantage of the emerging technologies. The problem with this transition is that they were digging their own grave through a technological onslaught that meant what they could reproduce and sell was easily accessed through the simple click of a button. In the early 1990s, the digital transition was catching up in a slowed pace albeit the slow adoption that was attributed to database building. When finally the World Wide Web was created the internet became a culturally strong tool in dissemination of information due to not only easy manipulation of the information but rather the wide area that was seemingly covered. The impact of the mass production and availability of cellular phones, computers and game consoles ensures that people got their information and entertainment from the comfort of their homes leading to the evolution of the computer age. The point that this kind of information delivery becomes a killer for the print media is that it can be cheaper to maintain and has the ability to sometime deliver information almost free of charge to the readers. Moreover, it is now possible to produce the same information in the print media in the internet portals which represents a typical digital outlet. Theories Emanating from the Media Fraternity Certain trends are created through the media that include fashion, technology and politics which has led to a revolution in the usage of the media as a tool. This can not be achieved without establishing the theories that have led to the revolution as we see it. To have a smooth transition from the traditional to the new era of media liberalism, we have to give a globalization trends the deserved place in creating a flawless transition. The intention should be in letting everyone present their own news in the manner they deem comfortable for them with forgetting that each and every channel should compliment the other (Al 2002, p.33). For instance we cannot say that the digital media can replace the print wholly but can be a good supplementing channel which to others could seem credible to have the necessary information. Moreover, the traditional sense of the print media can very much employ the latest technologies such as cellular phones and the internet in collecting information which is then presented in print. When news is collected and a complete overhaul of the truth is made, then the slow pace of the print media can be better than the quick always changing or edited digital media information. Below we look at the conceptualized theories that can be quite helpful in analysing media transitions. When terms such as popular culture are mentioned what comes to mind first is the mass media in connection with the entertainment scene. The truth is that the media has a lot to do with what culture becomes hence this could principally mean that this is culture taken up by the masses to signify those common attributes. Almost all the time the media both in print and digital has a huge role to play in popularising something. In the modern era when something is produced and commercialised through the media to become like a culture, then the media finds its position in the world of setting trends. The youth who pick the trends are considered as seeking an alternative to what they perceive as authentic culture. The popularisation of this societal transition was more profoundly supported by the electronic media which quickly made way for the pure digital media of the new millennium. Through the use of the strong media tools it is possible to pick popular elements in some segment of informa tion and use it in hypnotising the general public in a make believe trance. Thus this has been seen as a foundation through which the effects of globalization its terms of sharing information became evident thus setting a common underrating of some situations. Secondly we look at the mass culture theory which described elements that belonged to the early up to middle 1900s. The evolution of the mass media brought about the existence of a common avenue through which people could congregate and share some cultural practices (Robert 2010, p.5). The cultural practices that were mostly shared included music and art in all its forms leading to a huge following to certain trends that were set by the emerging media tool. In essence the liberal outlook of things is brought into the fore a fact that calls for the cultural practices that emanate from the daily interactions made by people. Therefore, this presents the platform on which popular culture can be mounted to bring out the influence of the media in its various stages of development. As the media takes up its role as the sole provider of information, it collects as much information as possible to the extent that the quantity surpasses the quality leading to mass consumption of the attributes that are assumed to be correct. Lastly we look at the theory of convergence culture which creates the outpost at which the traditional and new media interact. For convergence to take place there has to be a high level of interaction within the media fraternity. For example it is important to understand the proper mixing of the professions that get interconnected in media. Professions such as journalism, marketing, communications, advertising and pubic relations have their special contribution towards the continuity of the mass media activities. The significance of all this is that there is at some point a well meaning clash of various cultures which have to be harnessed to bring out the positivity of the mass media contributions. Therefore, through convergence of cultures a new consensus is achieved giving the new trends that the advancing technologies present a harmonious outlook. The Digital Media and its Revolutionary Trends The digital media has come of age in terms of the trend setting innovations which bring about the cutting edge above the rest. The internet, the World Wide Web and cellular phones have galvanised the attacking echelons which have contested the place of the print media (Henry 2009, p.102). However, the main story is told through the efficiency with which the information is delivered. For example, there can be a curtailment in the print media through occurrences like war and natural disasters that can leave the only point of information reference being the digital media. This means that even the most illiterate person can be able to use a cellular phone to communicate as it shall be by word of mouth. At the same time, it is possible to use equipments such as computers through the internet to convey messages or news after all other physical infrastructures have been cut off. Moreover, journalists who have been sent to hardship areas such as war torn countries cannot convey their messages conveniently if the digital media was not made possible. Although, information compiled from the digital media can be used to string stories for the print media, it should be stated here that the deserved accolades should be forwarded to the right function performed. The competition or replacement of the print media by the digital media notwithstanding, it should be stated that the contribution of the cellular phones has been outstanding when it comes to news gathering and delivery. Other than providing an audio platform for which delivery of information can be performed, it also provides the internet application which can be launched from any place. Thus for applications such as those for audio delivery, it is quite normal to find those who cannot be able to read comfortably delivering or receiving information as they can understand their dialect ( Warren 2008, p.32). On platforms such as the internet, there are trend setting social network innovations that have made globalization a reality. The social networks that include twitter and Facebook have completely revolutionised the informal avenues of delivering news. With the number of computers and cellular phones increase so does the quick spread of information at just the click of a button within the network. Another advantageous point of view that the digital media has brought about is the delivery of information in real time. For instance, it is possible to vote in your countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s general election while still in another country and the cast vote be reflected immediately on tallying screens in the home country. This has contributed tremendously in the tallying process which takes a short while for the whole country. The Print Media and its Credible Contributions The truth as it stands is that the print media cannot be declared dead regardless of the popularity that the digital media has come with. The culture that has completely stuck on instigates that people have to buy magazines and newspapers in order to have the feel of the content on a daily basis regardless of the day of print. Moreover, there are print media outlets that have created a brand of their own to the extent that the confidence levels with readers are high. Here we mention the significance of fashion magazines which have had tremendous competition from the bloggers who develop the same content on fashion and then pass it on the World Wide Web. This has greatly shifted the balance from the common magazines which have a long process of acquiring them or a long issue day compared to the blogs which make updates every minute something new comes out. Even though the blogging has taken root in the domain where magazines had their field day, there is not going to be easy fodder for the digital world as the very magazines start a new rebranding strategy (John 2010, p.89). This includes the use of fashion forecasters who shall give the magazines an edge over what the world should expect in the near future with regard to fashion. Thus with such moves that are pointers to hyper-innovation, the magazine world will have the deserved chance for a breather in terms of having its popularity back. When we look at the newspapers and tabloids which ofcourse compete for the gathering of news with tabloids inclined to gossip, it is common to find a more formidable experience. Unlike the fashion magazines which can be used for more than once, the newspapers have to serve their purpose and then get discarded. But with the same application as is done in the magazines, innovation is the key word. Most newspapers have turned to the use of research articles that act as a source of information other than the news to give the reader the much needed peripheral information. The reason we say that the print media cannot be dead is with reference to the brands or household names that the newspapers created long before the advent of the digital media. On the other hand, it can be said that the print media brought the need to have high literacy levels which enabled many people to read for themselves the information in the newspapers. In reality the culture of reading as we know it was started by the print media hence catapulting the interest among readers to a whole new level (Carrie 2009, p.96). Therefore, in comparison with the digital media, the print media has a relatively low cost of acquisition which keeps people glued to it. The hustle that goes with acquiring a computer and the internet server requires a lot of money which most people cannot be able to raise of even sustain an already installed computer. Thus for this reason one can find the convenience of the print media more appealing than the digital media. The advent of new technology especially that points to the digital media has not hampered the originality of the print media which is considered inferior to the accolades that the digital media has. Nevertheless, the print media remains a pivotal segment in the mass media because of the variety it is able to present. If we say that the newspapers, novels, magazines, brochures and flyers belong to the print media, then we can possibly say that the information carried therein is quite varied. The information can be conveniently divided into the educative or classified as entertainment (Al 2002, p.62). When books or novels are referred to in the print media, it becomes apparent on the role that they play in the continuity of knowledge that concerns history, culture, politics and scientific discourse among other topical issues that are worthy mentioning in books. When it comes to magazines, their contribution in various subjects in society is quite vast. Their significance is seen through the commitment that they put into making credible research topics reach the reader in a well compiled booklet. In the process of offering this, the magazines provide the latest in life trends and common problems that act as feature stories which the digital media cannot be able to compile and distribute accordingly. Furthermore, newspapers have their irreplaceable place in the mass media because they are well placed to provide the harmony required in news delivery. They make regular updates in terms of advertisements, news delivery and informative articles that are guaranteed over certain periods of the day. Through the surveys that have been done over the years since the inception of the print media it has been established that a wide audience is reached through its segments of message delivery. Although the oral culture of spreading information got eliminated in the process, it has been found that those who can read are many in terms of wide area coverage compared to the spread of the digital media. Moreover, the print media has the tendency to finance itself when it comes to news preparation and delivery. By this we mean that the advertisements that are used can be effectively used to reach a wide area through the print media which shall translate to a cost effective scheme when payment starts. Whenever there is something new that is in the offing, it is easy to popularize it using the print media than digital because it has the upper hand of covering a wide area and in a memorable newspaper pullout (Stanley 2010, p.41). Therefore, we cannot say that the digital media has killed the print media passÃÆ' © but rather there is a mutual coexistence that makes them seem as complimenting the other. It can be seen that the digital media can distribute its news on a daily basis and free of charge but still we should be informed that the role is supplementary due to the longevity in the print media that can act as a reference points. Another factor to consider while looking at the sustainability of the print media is that large team that is involved in the delivery of information. For instance, whereas the digital media world may not require a specialised team to collect and edit the news accurately, the same cannot be said for the print media. The vastness of the team that is involved in creating a magazine or newspaper makes the print media not to be just willed away. The entire team comprises of the management, publisher, editor, editorial team, designer, reporter, the advertising staff and the circulation staff who act as an ensemble that can lead to the success of the print media (John 2010, p.55). This kind of arrangement encourages creativity especially within the advertising segment due to the large team that is availed to offer ideas. When production of the different segments of the print media have been finalised, it is time to compete for the same market that can read and the choice can be greatly influenced by the age of the reader. Otherwise, if any competition is evidenced it is considered to be part of the growth that is required in the industry which calls for a higher level of cooperation. Conclusion The media either classified as print or digital has its role to play in gathering and delivery of information. But delving into the statement that the print media is dead can be untrue to the extent where we study the role of each of the presented types of media. Though traditionally the print media had a huge chunk from where to get its users, it is no longer the case hence leading to the doubts as to its survival. The ease with which information on the digital systems can be accessed has led to the revolutionised speeds that breaking news can be delivered within a networked sharing platform. However, the authenticity of the print media should remain intact in the face of such competition which should be seen as supplementary rather than acting as a replacement. At least the print media should have its place reserved because it still reaches to the masses even to the most obscure of places.

William Shakespeares Hamlet and Sophocles Oedipus the King Essay

William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus the King   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though Shakespeares’ Hamlet and Sophocles’ Oedipus the King were written in two different eras, echoes of the latter can be found in the former. The common theme of Hamlet and Oedipus the King is regicide. Also, like in Oedipus the King, there is a direct relationship between the state of the state and the state of their kings. Furthermore, there is also a relationship between Oedipus’ armed entrance into the bedroom in which Jocasta hanged herself, and Hamlet’s confrontation of Gertrude in her bedroom. Both plays share the emphasis on a tragic irony in the chain of events that lead up to ritual of catharsis, but the plot of Hamlet makes a much more complicated character than that of the classic Greek tragedy of Oedipus the King.  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sophocles’ Oedipus King and Shakespeare's Hamlet both contain the basic elements of tragedy, although the Shakespearean tragedy expanded its setting far beyond that of the ancient Greek tragedy. The tragic hero of Hamlet finds himself burdened with the task of avenging his father's death from the start of the play, and is not himself the source of the pollution of regicide, while Oedipus is of course the unwitting fashioner of his own doom, which is unveiled to him through recognition and repentance. Sophocles has Oedipus foretelling his own tragedy when speaking to the people of Thebes. The city suffers as a result of Oedipus’pride, and irony is shown when Oedipus suggest that by avenging Laius he will protect himself, or that by getting children upon Jocasta, the dead king's wife, he will be taking the place of the son of Laius, which, unknowingly, is himself. â€Å"I will bring it all to light... I shall rid us of this pollution, not for the sake of a distant relative, but for my own sake (Knox, 10).† The irony reaches its peak when Oedipus calls on the prophet Tiresias to help uncover the murder of Laius and seek an cure to the plague; the metaphor of vision is ironic in that the blind Tiresias can see what the seemingly brilliant Oedipus has overlooked, namely the king's crimes of incest and murder. â€Å"You are the murderer, you are the unholy defilement of this land(Knox, 23).† Tiresias goes on to say â€Å"I say that without knowing it you are living in shameful intimacy with your nearest and dearest. You do not see th e evil in which you live (K... ....† It was Gertrude’s subsequent reaction that led to the pivotal moment when Hamlet kills Polonius. The murder of Polonius was completely impetuous. Hamlet went from pondering murder to actually committing murder. When he does so it is not the actual act that is insane, but his lack of emotion which is. Scarcely acknowledging what he has just done, he continues preaching to Gertrude, and accuses her of plotting to murder his father. â€Å"With tristful visage, as against the doom, Is thought-sick at the act (Act 3, Scene 4).† After an elongated interrogation which sounded more like an S&M chat, we begin to realize Gertrude’s’s guilt for marrying Claudius, as well as her innocence in the actual plot to murder the King. It is only after the reappearance of the apparition that Hamlet begins to ease up on his mother.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hamlet and Oedipus the King though quite different, have a lot in common. They are the similar from an oedipal perspective, as well as having in common the element of madness. Though many would have a problem putting Shakespeare in the same category as Sophocles, it is not difficult to place their works, Hamlet Oedipus the King respectively, in the same category.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Comparing Platos Republic, Mores Utopia, and Gurneys Dinotopia Essay

Plato's Republic, More's Utopia, and Gurney's Dinotopia    Throughout history, mankind has struggled to lead better lives and improve their society for future generations. What do we continuously attempt to improve? What kind of changes are we trying to institute? In other words, what is an ideal society? Many people have very diversified views about a perfect civilization. In Plato's Republic, Sir Thomas More's Utopia, and James Gurney's Dinotopia, three imaginary societies are described, each with its own peculiarities and highlights. Various aspects of the nations described in these three novels, including their respective economies, governments, and social structures, will be compared and contrasted. A crucial aspect of any society would be its economy. In Utopia, business was conducted chiefly to import iron, and in many cases they traded on credit. The Utopians have no currency, though they trade their goods for gold in order to pay mercenaries in times of war. If one is in need of something, one merely has to inform the head of one's household and he will get it. Their society is arranged so that they reject many material things that our society would consider valuable, such as silver and diamonds. "The Utopians fail to understand why anyone should be so fascinated by the dull gleam of a tiny bit of stone, when he has all the stars in the sky to look at - or how anyone can be silly enough to think himself better than other people, because his clothes are made of finer woolen thread than theirs" (More 89). To minimize the importance of these materials, Utopians make everyday objects out of them, like chamber pots. In Dinotopia, people are given what they require, mu ch like Utopia, although the... ...h political and financial equality, forming the foundation for everlasting peace. This ideal society would be ruled by a government that truly represents the people and endeavors to direct its citizens on the route to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As Sir Francis Bacon said, "Man seeketh in society comfort, use, and protection." Works Cited Ferguson, John. Utopias of the Classical World. Ithaca, NY: Cornell UP, 1975. Manuel, Frank E. and Fritzie P. Manuel. Utopian Thought in the Western World. Cambridge, MA: Belknap-Harvard Press, 1979. More, Thomas. Utopia. Trans. Paul Turner. New York: Penguin Books, 1965. Plato. Republic. Trans. G.M.A. Grube. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1974. Rice, Eugene E. and Anthony Grafton. The Foundations of Early Modern Europe, 1460-1559. 2nd. ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Co., 1994.

Dbq Response Spread of Buddhism in China

Megan Cissell AP World-4 George October 14, 2012 Document Based Question After analyzing the documents I was given, I believe there is both a positive and negative response to the spread of Buddhism in China. Over time the response became more and more negative than positive. People were getting used to the spread of Buddhism because they knew that it wasn’t going away anytime soon. The background information I was given explains that since China was unstable at this time Confucianism was on the decline which made Buddhism easier to rise. Document one does not really state a response to the spread of Buddhism in China.This document is just three of the four noble truths that the Buddha preached. This document does not go into any grouping that I have because it does not explain anything about the spread of Buddhism. Certain documents had a positive response to the spread. One of the documents was summarizing the fourth noble truth that the Buddha preached, but it also explaine d the goal of Buddhism (Document 2). Another example of a positive response is the one that explains how Confucius, Laozi, and the Buddha are alike in what they wanted for their respective religions.They all three wanted the same, but it was the difference in time periods that set them apart (Document 5). The next document I am going to explain is both positive and negative. The answers that are used are more positive than the questions, but still have a negative side to them. This document explains how Confucian classics do not contain everything so they ask why there is suspicion that Buddhism is so bad. The person talks about Buddha as a unicorn compared to other sages as a white deer; however, white deer are rare and unicorns are unreal. This person is saying that the Buddha does not really exist so why should Buddhism.The questions in this document are more negative because it talks about how if Buddhism is so great then why didn’t Confucius practice it. The questions al so point out that monks do not marry or have families, they only care about goodness and wisdom, which is not part of Chinese culture (Document 3). However to the positives also bring some negatives. Although, one of the documents has a negative response by saying that the Buddha does not conform to the Chinese culture, the scholar took greatly to Buddhism because he knows it will continue to spread until later when China becomes more stable and Confucianism returns.He is basically saying that why should Buddhism be honored if it has not originated in China. I believe that there is some bias in this excerpt because the person writing it is a Confucian scholar. (Document 4). Document 4 and document 6 tie together because they were written about the same time. This document talks about how Buddhism is an infection to China and is spreading like a vine throughout the country. He also says the country will suffer because people will stop their jobs to follow the Buddha.Buddhism in his w ords are like weeds, they don’t stop growing even if you pull them they grow back again and again. This excerpt also states how scared China was of the spread and how it could change the Chinese culture (Document 6). Additional pieces that I could use are the reports and consultations of the general public. These would be helpful to see how it impacted the whole country of China through the eyes of the public not just people that have power in the courts.

Media Bring Social Change

Over the last two decades, several major changes have occurred in the media industries that have altered the way in which the media institution operates. Social theorists have always had two distinct visions when it comes to the introduction of new media; one, a utopia where mass media is used to spread ideas and understanding and two, where people use media to transmit only the most vulgar information. Magazines, TV shows, You Tube, Twitter, internet, cell phones, Facebook and My Space are just a few of the many media sources that are used in the twenty-first century. Billions of people around the world are influenced through the media and what information it gives them. The most major changes of note have been how different communication sources transmit important information, how violence and sex is demonstrated through the media, and the increased role of women as consumers of mass media. On Tuesday January 12th, 2010, a devastating earthquake hit the Caribbean country of Haiti. It destroyed the whole country and left around 239,000 people dead (Zebra Jacque Dawson). The survivors need medical attention and food in order to thrive. Many large humanitarian organizations are raising money to help the citizens of Haiti restore their country. The media is playing a huge role in helping advertise and raise money for Haiti. The news and television networks such as CNN and CBC have donated their assistance by providing air time to run Haiti relief commercials and also air â€Å"Hope for Haiti† programs where celebrities contribute their talents to raise money towards rebuilding the country. During this show audience embers could call in, donate online or send a simple text message to make a contribution. Through this one event, the media used three sources very efficiently and it demonstrates how much technology has advanced to mobilize action. According to the Central Intelligence Agency’s Government statistics â€Å"Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty. † These rates were high even before the earthquake occurred, and after the disaster, this rate has increased plunging even more people into poverty. It is somewhat ironic that this tragic event has led some people to think of it in two ways, either as a tragic misfortune or an opportunity to rebuild and make the country of Haiti a better community than it was before the quake. There is hope that all the relief efforts in support of Haiti, will allow the poverty rate to decrease and stimulate the economy of Haiti for its citizens. This has been a great cause to make people aware of their surroundings. This event shows positive aspects and it portrays the media as a profound and legitimate source. But the mass media also takes its toll on young adults in a negative way as they are influenced by drugs, sex, alcohol, violence and body image. The average youth in the United States watches television 25 hours a week and plays computer games an additional 7 hours as well also listens to music around 10 extra hours (Facts and TV Statistics). Forty-two hours out of the 168 hours is used up on their computers, television or iPod which means 25% of their time is spent on these products. Concerns of parents are increasing as they worry that their teenaged children are being negatively influenced by television and music. In a sample of programming from the 2001-2002 TV seasons, sexual content appeared in 64% of all TV programs. Those programs with sexually related material had an average of 4. 4 scenes per hour. One out of every seven programs includes a portrayal of sexual intercourse (Facts and TV Statistics). These statistics are at an all time high. Sex, drugs and violence displayed on television is influenced more than ever on teenagers through the media. As these stats show, 46% of high school students in the United States have had sexual intercourse. Although sex is common, most sexually active teens wish they had waited longer to have sex, which suggest that sex is occurring before youths are prepared for its consequences (Facts and TV Statistics). Though music, many artists are portraying the themes of violence and drugs. According to Stats Canada, there were 2,452,787 violent and gang related crimes reported in 2006; most of the users of these illegal firearms are youth in their teens and early 20s. Therefore, drugs, sex, and violence portrayed through the media is sending mixed messages to teens all around the world. Dieting, eating disorders and plastic surgery are some of the ways women try and boost their self esteem. Women are told by the media that they need to be sexy, chic, and thin. Toy manufacturers set this expectation by developing and marketing the Barbie doll, whose measurements are almost impossible. However, with increased availability of plastic surgery, today’s women are faced with unrealistic expectations every time they open a fashion magazine. Celebrities are not perfect they have their flaws as well. Usually when celebrities are photographed for covers of magazines the reality is that most magazines airbrush photos and use expensive computer technology to correct blemishes and hide figure flaws. Twenty-five years ago, the average fashion model was 8% thinner than the average woman. Today that number has risen to 23% (Food and Weight Preoccupations). Such celebrities such as Pamela Anderson and Heidi Montag have resulted in plastic surgery. Nearly 12 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007 (Description of Plastic Surgery). Furthermore, appetite suppressants and meal replacements have become a multi million dollar business. These products are essentially the first stepping stone to eating disorders. Mary-Kate Olsen is one of the many celebrities who have been affected by the disease of anorexia, one of the many eating disorders and these celebrities should not be considered as role models. Women need to have self confidence and need real role models to emulate. With these messages given to women they are put in a situation where they feel pressure to look or act a certain way. The media is a formidable force, and one that is not going to change easily, but it is a woman’s decision to either be influenced by it or to ignore it and live a healthy lifestyle. There are several negative media effects on teenagers. Media is responsible for creating ideals about body image. The amount of excessive violence in media through television, movies or video games tends to increase aggressive tendencies in teenagers. The amount of celebrity hype created by the media glorification of unhealthy habits like smoking, drug abuse, unprotected sex and alcohol can encourage these habits in teenagers, which can permanently impact their lives. All of these aspects create social change throughout the world. The most major changes of note have been how different communication sources transmit important information, how violence and sex is demonstrated through the media, and women's increased role as consumers of mass media. Media has also contributed to increase the overall awareness of teenagers about their surroundings.

Natural Products

Natural products isolated from various sources especially derived from plants, have long been used in treatment of human ailments. For long time, the approach to new drugs through natural products was proved to be the single most successful approach for the discovery of new drugs. Despite the initial success, chemical diversity and specific action on target, drug discovery from natural products, has been deemphasized by many pharmaceutical companies in favour of approaches based on combinatorial chemistry and genomics. Natural products have a large unexplored range of compounds, which is almost incredible to imitate, they will always remain a prospective source of future drug discovery (Gurnani et al., 2014). Nature have been explored by people in search of new drugs particularly plants. Medicinal plants have curative properties to treat various diseases due to this reason use the large number. Almost 95 % of the prescriptions were plant based in the traditional system of Unani,Homeopathy,Ayurveda and Siddha in Indian traditions. The study of plants continues principally for the discovery of unique secondary metabolites. Bark, leaves, flowers and seeds are any part of the plant may contain active compounds, plant products have been holding phytomedicines these can be derived from plant. In recent years, there has been a gradual revival of interest in the use of medicinal plants in developing countries because herbal medicines have been reported safe and without any adverse side effect especially when compared with synthetic drugs. Thus a search for new drugs with better and cheaper substitutes from plant origin is a natural choice. The medicinal values of these plants lie in some chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action on human body (Savithrama et al., 2011). An oxidative stress is the result of free radicals, which form stable electron pairing with biological macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA in healthy human cells and cause protein and DNA damage along with lipid peroxidation. It is answerable for many of today's diseases that results from an imbalance between formation and neutralization of prooxidants. In defense against this oxidative stress, body have their own system including various enzymes, proteins, and vitamins, which are known as antioxidants (Aruna kumari and Sharma 2017). The method of scavenging of DPPH radicals was developed by Blois (1958). The method is rapid, inexpensive, simple, and the results are reproducible. This method has been widely used by various researchers to evaluate free radical scavenging activity of plants (Raghavendra et al., 2017). Bioinformatics is a key factor in rapid growing advanced in genomics, proteomics, medicine, drug invention and development. Bioinformatics has become a very significant part of different areas of biology is tool and technique to aid in the processing extraction and determination of large amount of raw data, textual mining of biological literature, analysis of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), Ribonucleic acid (RNA), Protein structure, Gene expression, Genetic genomic data and help analyze biological pathways that are imperative part of the system biology (Nahla et al., 2016).

Modern Relationships

The advancement of technology does not only change man’s way of doing things but also it changes some aspects of his personal life. One of these aspects is in the area of  Ã‚   building relationships.   According to Maslow, one of man’s basic needs is belongingness and love. He stated that man basically wants to find someone whom he can love and be loved.   Relationships add meaning to his life and gave him a sense of purpose ( Maslow, 1954). With the discovery of the internet, that purpose is going to be fulfilled in a new way. The quest for a mate had always been a complicated procedure for most. Some have list of qualities and requirements that they want to find in someone while others do not know what they are looking for. All they know and hoped for is that there is someone for them out there in the world. Whoever comes along they always hoped he will be the special one but unfortunately they are not always right the first time. And so the quest continues. One way that modern man had taken advantage of for the quest is using the internet.   What is interesting about the World Wide Web is that it provided modern man the chance to meet different people from different culture and religious background. With the use of   his fingers , he can easily   meet someone from anywhere in the world   at any time. It is because anybody can connect to any chatrooms or websites that advertises various individuals looking for someone to love. Others may be skeptical about this idea simply because you actually do not know the real person behind the face. And many (mostly conservative ones) would suspect that no lasting relationships can ever be established from internet dating. They feel that everyone was just out there to fool or take advantage of somebody. They also reasoned that if it is hard to make a relationship work with someone you personally know for years how much harder will it be if you commit to a relationship with someone you only know in the internet. And how more complicated will it be if that person came from another country and practicing another religion! While the above argument may have some truth in it, internet dating continues to become a popular means of modern man to find someone to love. Their reasons may vary. Others find communicating in the internet easier. Communication had always been a problem of any relationships. Some people just cannot express themselves to those who already know them for years. They cannot relate their disappointments, frustrations and broken dreams for fear of rejection or betrayal. So they pretended to be strong and able to conquer the world while in reality they are on the verge of collapsing.   But the internet had provided them a different scenario. In there they find people who do not know them and therefore had no basis to judge. And since the other person is so far away in the world to do them any harm, they freely began to talk about themselves and later they realized that they were accepted for who they were. They do not need to wear a mask. And because of that they were willing to take the relationship to the next level. Another reason why people go for internet dating is because they find it challenging to do so. They are mostly adventurous individuals who are curios to learn about other cultures and religion. They do not fear these differences because they have the capacity to accept people’s differences from their own. For example modern America is a place of diverse nationalities, and most Americans had been an eyewitness of successful relationships between two people of diverse culture and religion. They figure that if they possessed a heart of understanding and acceptance any relationship can work. It really does not matter much where a person comes from as long as he is willing to make the necessary adjustment to make a relationship last as it should. In other words, there are cases that modern relationships between different cultures do not work not because of their differences in beliefs and customs but because of their innate negative characters. If they marry a person of their own culture and religion, their relationship will still not work because basically they are the problem. Another reason why people choose internet dating is because it helped them not to get too physically involved. Some good relationships fail initially because the physical involvement gets in the way of knowing the real person apart from the physical self. People who hade made sexual relationships before and were guilty about it find internet dating a welcome change. And they find that they do not have to be totally committed to have a relationship. All they want is to have someone willing to talk to. But of course, as I have stated before things just happens that change their minds and before long they find themselves loving someone from across the globe. The internet can also be the means for lovers to stay in contact when the other had to leave for another place for some reason. In the past, relationships failed because after the lover left, he lost touch with the other that was left behind.   Telephone long distance charges are very costly. At first there may be many calls but later on only few calls are made in a year     and then eventually it stopped. Then one of them realizes that the other had found a new love. But modern technology is trying to change all that. The internet provided convenient access for constant communication between lovers. Through it they can promptly and continuously catch up with each other’s lives. Communication no long becomes a barrier for their long distance relationships. The only thing that can really break their relationship now is if they really wanted to in the first place. Most people would never see themselves finding someone through the internet. They may utilize the net for an already formed relationship outside the internet (like the above example where one lover had to go away for some place) but to really find someone in the net is next to impossible for them. People who do this are usually very careful in life, they are afraid to make mistakes and for them it is a mistake to find someone in the net. But times had changed. In reality, there are many sensible people in the net. Decent modern men and women now take part in internet dating.   Their rule of thumb is to  Ã‚   use their head, be smart and stay away from suspicious people. It is true that many get fooled in the internet. But it is because they ignored the warning signs. People who do nasty things in the net and who request to see some private parts are not to be trusted. They do not possess any self-respect and will most likely make a mate’s life miserable. People that can be trusted are those who communicate respectfully and talk about wholesome matters.   But still in spite of that, a person should be watchful who he/she is talking or committing to. Even with the modern way of building relationships, using the head and lots of prayers are still the best means of finding the right person. Reference Maslow, Abraham H. (1954). Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper and Row Publishers, Incorporated