The story of Zahra -book review Essay Example

The story of Zahra -book review Essay The Story of Zahra written by Hanan- Al Shaykh, is an insight into the fractured psyche of a young Lebanese girl, scared by the unrequited love of her mother, the many meaningless relationships she entered into, the intimidating and critical social norms of Beirut and finally by her own intense confusion, disarray and low self esteem which further aggravated her fragile state of mind It is a story about a girl who is in search of fulfillment, in search of her self, terrified of the outside world and its menacing accusations and judgments. Ever since I can remember I have felt uneasy, I have never felt anything else .It is an iconoclastic story of a person who is able to find peace and ones true self in the midst of the anarchy and chaos of a civil war. It is a bizarre account of how while the ravages of war were destroying the lives and composure of other individuals such as her brother Ahmad, at the other end of the spectrum Zahra was discovering in this abnormality her strength ,se lf and the normalcy she had been yearning for. A large part of Zahras insecurity can find its roots in her relationship with her mother, which held many paradoxes and can perhaps be best explained as a love-hate relationship. She despised her mother for making her suffer by exposing her to her infidelity and disloyalty at such a young age, Yet at the same time she longed for her mother to shower her with the affection and love which she saw her mother was capable of possessing and expressing to her lover I would watch her when she was with me and study her when she was at distance , I thought all the while as I looked up at her of how much I wanted to draw her towards me , to draw myself closer to her I wanted to disappear into the hem of her dress and become even closer to her than the navel is to the orange! . But whenever I began to think in this way I felt bitterness towards her and shuddered. I carried this pain an

Free Essays on Deep Thinking

Throughout this course I have learned so much about how life is, and can be, explored through using the beliefs you carry, the values you learn, and the qualities you enhance. Most of all, I have learned that life is too short to let your time slip away and let the values of you and your family hold wither due to lack of self esteem and outside support and encouragement. The characteristics of time and values are the most definite when trying to create a â€Å"name† for yourself. You need time to set the pace for your priorities and define personal goals toward time management. By determining your own personal purpose for life, also known as your mission statement, you establish a way of means to finish and conclude special tasks; whether it be general or personal goals. I’ve learned that without goals set for yourself, you may find it hard to succeed in life; personally, financially, emotionally, mentally, etc. However, in order to set goals, you need to have the background of values to determine what is most important to you. Traditional and societal values have had a major impact on my life. I understand, now most definitely, how important and influential positive family customs are needed in my life, now and forever. Also seeing that I am just one person makes life a little less stressful by allowing me to become the person I want to be in the future. Without my family and other resources my past, present, and future would not be the same. I enjoy having the satisfaction of knowing that I am here on earth to embark on a journey that will set forth my future plans and my future self.... Free Essays on Deep Thinking Free Essays on Deep Thinking Throughout this course I have learned so much about how life is, and can be, explored through using the beliefs you carry, the values you learn, and the qualities you enhance. Most of all, I have learned that life is too short to let your time slip away and let the values of you and your family hold wither due to lack of self esteem and outside support and encouragement. The characteristics of time and values are the most definite when trying to create a â€Å"name† for yourself. You need time to set the pace for your priorities and define personal goals toward time management. By determining your own personal purpose for life, also known as your mission statement, you establish a way of means to finish and conclude special tasks; whether it be general or personal goals. I’ve learned that without goals set for yourself, you may find it hard to succeed in life; personally, financially, emotionally, mentally, etc. However, in order to set goals, you need to have the background of values to determine what is most important to you. Traditional and societal values have had a major impact on my life. I understand, now most definitely, how important and influential positive family customs are needed in my life, now and forever. Also seeing that I am just one person makes life a little less stressful by allowing me to become the person I want to be in the future. Without my family and other resources my past, present, and future would not be the same. I enjoy having the satisfaction of knowing that I am here on earth to embark on a journey that will set forth my future plans and my future self....

Word Choice Deprecate vs. Depreciate

Word Choice Deprecate vs. Depreciate Word Choice: Deprecate vs. Depreciate When something loses value, has it â€Å"deprecated† or â€Å"depreciated†? Many use these terms interchangeably, but they’re actually importantly distinct. And since you don’t want to make mistakes in your written work, it’s a good idea to know the difference! In this post, we clarify the meanings of â€Å"deprecate† and â€Å"depreciate,† then set out how (and when) they should be used. Deprecate (To Express Disapproval) To â€Å"deprecate† something is to express disapproval of it, or to belittle something: Although popular, reality TV shows are often deprecated by professional critics. This is also why we say someone making a joke at their own expense is being â€Å"self-deprecating.† Another old-fashioned use of â€Å"deprecate† is to â€Å"pray away† (such as praying for protection against an evil). It’s rarely used like this now though, so youre not likely to encounter it other than in old religious texts. Depreciate (To Reduce in Value) The main meaning of â€Å"depreciate† is to â€Å"reduce or underestimate in value.† Most commonly, it refers to something having lost monetary value: If not properly maintained, properties will depreciate over time. This use is reflected in the notion of â€Å"depreciation,† a financial term for a method used by businesses to account for the declining value of assets: Before investing in infrastructure, you should calculate the expected rate of depreciation. Confusion with â€Å"deprecate† arises because â€Å"depreciate† can sometimes mean â€Å"belittle,† but to â€Å"depreciate† something in this sense is specifically to describe it has having little value. Deprecate or Depreciate? These terms are particularly tricky since they’re similarly spelled as well as fairly close in meaning. However, since â€Å"depreciate† has a very specific financial sense, you don’t want to confuse them. As a general rule, if you’re discussing the value of something or finances in general, the term to use will be â€Å"depreciate.† However, if you’re referring to something being belittled – without necessarily impacting upon its perceived value – the correct word is â€Å"deprecate.† Similarly, if someone is self-mocking, they are â€Å"self-deprecating†. Remember: Deprecate = Belittle Depreciate = Lose value

Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 7

Immigration - Essay Example The opponents of illegal immigration also say that illegal immigrants are burdens to law-abiding citizens. While the majority tends to think that illegal immigration has a negative influence only, in reality, it can have positive influence as well. More specifically, illegal immigration can make a positive economic contribution. As it follows from the research described in the article titled Illegal Immigration: A Positive Economic Contribution to the United States by Nadadur (2009), illegal immigrants have a significant positive impact on the economic growth of the USA. After conducting a qualitative research on the fiscal impact of illegal immigration taking into account the paid taxes and the costs from the use of social services imposed on the society, the author of the article draws the conclusion that despite the fact illegal immigrants impose a certain challenge at both local and state levels, their contribution to the economy should be regarded as positive due to the fact they take part in business development and job creation (Nadadur, 2009). When it comes to immigrants themselves, it appears that they face significant challenges posed by their illegal status in the country they choose. In accordance with Rhodes et al. (2015), certain challenges are posed by local immigration enforcement policies on immigrants well-being. In particular, the authors of the article state laws and policies aimed at regulating and controlling the illegal immigrant populations limit illegal immigrants opportunities to use public services, such as education health services. For instance, Hispanic/Latino mothers receive inadequate care compared to other non-Hispanic mothers. Also, children of illegal immigrants face challenges posed on their mental health. Specifically, children whose parents were deported tend to suffer mentally unlike those whose parents had not been deported from the country (Allan, Cisneros and Tellez,

Heart Transplant Team Clinical Journal Term Paper

Heart Transplant Team Clinical Journal - Term Paper Example I have had the opportunity to attend to a number of heart transplant operations and carefully observed what transpires during this process. This has given me a background of the activities related to heart transplant operations. Secondly, I have had the opportunity to apply the nursing process in real life situation. In this regards, I have been able to collect a variety of population data from both the clinic and the community sources. I am now able to analyze such data both qualitatively and quantitatively. Basing on this knowledge, I am now able to help in the process of formulating goals and objectives for patient care and give an analytical feedback that can be applied in improving various nursing processes. I have reviewed cases regarding the determination of the need for health promotion and illness management shortcoming with the aim of implementing the best plan interventions basing on the best practice guidelines. Besides, I am now in a position to evaluate the effectivenes s plan interventions basing on the socio-cultural, economic, spiritual, environmental and developmental factors. I have had the opportunity to discuss with the preceptor on issues relating to the effectiveness, the evidence and the ethics of various plan interventions. ... I have established a rapport and gained as much client confidentiality as possible. Further, I am now able to carry out various documentation protocols, utilize the information technology systems and collaborate with my colleagues and staff effectively. Finally, with regards to professional practice, I am glad that I am better placed to maintain professional code of conduct and good behavior during practicum. Besides, I am now able to abide by all the agency’s regulations and policies. 2) What has been the most significant or meaningful learning outcome for you during clinical? The most eminent learning outcome I have achieved this far, is related to the application of the nursing process. Ever since my childhood, I have intrinsically wished to be a nurse. My efforts towards the achievement of this dreams has been inexorable. Thus, I feel great when I know I have the obligation to make a change in people’s lives. Application of the information I have gained in class in real-life clinical practice gives me am internal satisfaction I have always longed for. Seeing myself taking part in extending someone’s life and helping families hold onto their loved ones who are under my care, perpetuate my desire to take part in various other activities related to nursing activities. 3) As you reflect on your clinical experience, what knowledge and skills have you gained that will be helpful to you as a professional? Almost each and every learning outcome during my nursing training has been of great significance during my clinical experience. To begin with, the knowledge I have attained relating on how to attend to carry out patient interviews, perform physical assessments, obtain laboratory specimens and utilize specialty equipment has been very

Modern Trading Culture Essay Example for Free

Modern Trading Culture Essay With increasing competition everyday in the consumer market, the world has shifted towards modern trading concepts. The modern trading concept has two major objectives; to provide the basic necessities under one roof. Secondly, the customer should be able to touch the products in person. Metro and Macro are the examples of modern trading stores. The procedures and implementation of modern trade in other countries is different as compared withPakistanbecause of the local trading culture. Modernization of Trading Systems According to a research, retail markets tend to modernize from largely traditional trading techniques to modern trading techniques. As markets modernize, the share of traditional trade as a percentage of total trade declines slowly; suppliers, however, will continually need to adjust the amount of resources allocated to manage the traditional trade versus the modern trade. Smart suppliers manage this balancing act by accurately tracking (and often predicting) the pace at which key transitions or market evolution shifts are likely to occur. Three overarching factors affect the speed and nature of market transition. They include (1) consumer trends and purchasing behaviors in the market; (2) factors related to modern retail consolidation (Also called central buying, an approach in chain stores whereby all purchasing is done through a central or main office); and (3) disruptive factors such as the economy, special interests, and government regulation etc. InPakistanthere are a number of manufacturers for various products. The normal distribution channel is that the manufacturers use their own distributors as well as independent distributors in the market, who purchase products from the factory and then deliver to the retailers and the wholesalers. On the other hand, some retailers get products directly from the distributors while some are purchasing from the wholesalers. Big cities have thousands of outlets in the market for grocery items. If we only take the example of twin cities ofPakistan, there are around 3,000 grocery outlets including the small shops inIslamabadand inRawalpindithere are around 15,000 outlets. It is impossible for the manufacturer to reach each and every outlet so they need distributors to make the products available to the outlets. Even the distributors at times cannot reach all of the outlets, so there are wholesalers in the markets who buy the products in bulk from distributors or manufacturers. They are located in certain locations where the retailers buy the products from the wholesalers. At the end of the day, it all depends on the relationships of the retailer; if he has good relationship with the distributors and can buy the products on credit from him and even return the unsold products, or he could buy the same products from a wholesaler like an end consumer. We can say that the markets in Pakistan are divided into 2 categories with respect to retailers; first are those who are getting the products from distributors and second are those who are buying the products from wholesalers. Distributors supply the product at the retailer’s shop but retailer has to go to wholesaler to purchase a product. These consumer trends, retail consolidations, and disruptive factors heavily influence retailers’ growth strategies as well as the formats they are most likely to develop to sustain growth over the long term. As markets evolve, retailers adjust their formats and operational strategies to cater to differing shopper needs and trends-and thereby maximize retailers’ reach in an evolving market. Advantages and Disadvantages There are numerous advantages of modern trading system. There are 3 types of consumers who come to modern trading stores like Metro or Macro; 1) end users, 2) traders and 3) hoteliers. The system of modern trade influences the distributor business because retailers are now going directly to these stores and are purchasing products themselves at lesser prices. Modern trade is reducing the number of distribution channels from the factory to the retail shop. This subtraction of distribution channel increases the profit margins of both the manufacturer and the retailer. It is a convenient alternative for the end users to purchase house hold items from one place at a lesser cost. The disadvantages of modern trade is that it is adversely affecting the business of independent distributors since the manufacturer is giving different prices to the distributors and the modern trading stores .Margins of distributors have reduced and they are also loosing some of their clientele as some retailers prefer to buy products directly from these modern stores rather than distributors. Another disadvantage of modern trade inPakistanis that it has confused the end user by offering 3 different prices for the same product in the market. Those 3 pricing areas are retail shops, wholesalers and the big stores. This usually creates doubts about the quality of the products because of the price variations. Reluctance in Modern Trading Some of the manufacturers are now willing to enter into modern trading system but it also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. If a company has a strong positioning of their products in retail outlets of a city, they would also be willing to sell their products in a big store. But on the other hand, if a company has weak positioning in the retail outlets, they would hesitate to sell their products in the modern trading stores. The distributors get fix percentage of profit from the manufacturer to sell their products to the retailers or wholesalers. Indian Market If we take the example of India, where consumer trends are very much similar to ours and have been the greatest influencer in forcing modern trade to develop. A significant demographic transition is now underway with a large, young, working population (median age of 24); more nuclear families in urban areas; an increase in the number of working women; and emerging opportunities in the service sector. Urbanization, higher household disposable income, and convenience one-stop shopping are other factors that are fueling this modern trade growth. Retail consolidation will slowly help drive modern trade growth as well. It is estimated that the Indian retail industry was worth about USD286 billion at the end of 2004; yet India remains one of the most fragmented retail sectors in the world with only 2% of total sales deriving from the modern trade. As that happens, India is likely to see a significant trend toward modern trade as retailers invest in data, technology, and infrastructure to exploit and escalate potential growth. Disruptive factors particularly government regulation are unquestionably the key â€Å"reason† foreign players have not played an influential part in triggering retail consolidation in India. However, there is no one path to modernization; markets are not dependent on global retailers as catalysts for modernization. However there are many markets where global retailers act as key catalysts, and, in fact, capture the lion’s share of the modern trade. To understandIndia’s potential future, it is useful to look at examples of three market types, and why they’ve modernized the way they did: †¢ Markets that have grown the modern trade through global players entering the market; †¢ Markets that have grown through a hybrid of global and local players; and †¢ Markets that have modernized driven almost entirely by local retailers. Government Policies The government policies play a major role in implementing modern trading system in a region. InIndia, there are some areas where the government has not allowed modern trade stores to operate. Similarly, inPakistanif the existing traders are reluctant of the entrance of modern trade stores like Metro the government has the authority to impose restrictions on such stores. Nevertheless, these kinds of stores are beneficial for the Government as they give fixed General Sales Tax (GST) and also are a foreign investment in the country. The Core Capabilities Required for Growth A core takeaway from studying market evolution is that, regardless of whether the retailer driving the modern trade is global or local, the capabilities they need to do that are largely the same! In addition to the overall management, a great modernizing retailer will require capabilities in six core areas to win in the changing environment. Finance A retailer is best served having an operating model with two key financial criteria: †¢ Generates enough cash flow to fund its expansion; and †¢ Remains relatively low debt. Retail is a cyclical and relatively low margin business. High levels of debt and interest greatly impede a retailer in growth mode and can make running the operation difficult. Most great retailers remain relatively conservatively financed. Operations The retailer is able to manage the complexity of getting merchandise from factory to shelf. Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd. is aiming to get to this state through integration of an entire supply chain from farm to store, particularly with staple food commodities. Many great local retailers (e.g., HEB and Publix, twoUSregional grocery chains, and 7-11 inJapan) optimize their market position through a best-in-class supply chain, which gives them a significant competitive advantage in speed and store conditions. Brand Brand is all about a relevant and influential connection to the shopper. It is imperative for retailers to have a systematic understanding of their shoppers and be able to execute, both in and out of the store, based on that knowledge. In addition, the ability to tailor a portfolio of formats to meet different shopper/consumer needs is very helpful-especially in geographically, culturally, and economically diverse markets like India. Pantaloon is one of the Indian retailers that has begun to develop the data and analysis capabilities to do just that. As India’s infrastructure develops to support modern trade, the retailer will be able to do that more consistently. As the market evolves, both retailers and manufacturers will require the capabilities to consistently understand what motivates shoppers and consumers, in order to bring together a successful retailer strategy that serves both constituents well. The intermingling of finance and brand is pricing; the right price doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest, especially in some categories such as apparel, where a low price may be perceived as poor quality. Also, a rigorous understanding of which items are important to be low priced for competitive purposes versus which items can be margin enhancers, is one of the key criteria strong retailers use to grow in a market. When discussing people, the discussion is incomplete without the right measurements in place. As people are trained to execute at the store, retailers will have to have the right set of measures to ensure great delivery to the shopper. In addition, the focus of high capability in-market retailers’ corporate measures are usually geared toward selling to the consumer than on buying efficiencies and leveraging scale; however, our research shows that retailers who understand this and work proactively with suppliers to optimize their mutual business tend to grow faster than the market. In-store execution should come together as a result of the right brand message and effective operations that facilitate having the right merchandise in the right place. Often the simplicity of the message and the operation generally results in superior in-store execution, and this largely depends on people development and training. Relentless focus on execution details is the final differentiating factor for success.

Listening to Prozac : The dangers behind the sirens seductive call :: Neurological Neurology Brain Essays

Listening to Prozac : The dangers behind the siren's seductive call "If the human brain were simple enough for us to understand, we would be too simple to understand it" (1). In his book Listening to Prozac, Dr. Peter Kramer thoroughly examines how Prozac has revolutionized the power of psychopharmacological medication and what it teaches us about the human self. Prozac has demonstrated the ability to transform a person's behavior, outlook, and conception of self through a neurological change of biology, thus providing more evidence that brain does indeed equal behavior. Perhaps more fascinating than the answers it provides about human neurobiology are the difficult questions, ironies, and problems its usage raises. The administration of Prozac challenges the model of healing through cognitive powers due to its purely biologic effectiveness. This success has widened the gap between the un-medicated and medicated human self. Which is the "true" reflection of a person? Do Prozac's transformations emulate an unnatural idealized social norm or release a healthy individual trapped in an unnatural state? How does this reflect or change our definitions of " illness" and "wellness"? Dr. Kramer's discussions hinge upon the idea that the nervous system controls behavior. The case studies he provides show people who, after taking Prozac, have remarkable "transformations" of multiple facets of behavior including perceptions, motivation, emotions, sense of choice, values, and personality (defined by given temperament as well as developed character). Prozac's ability to change a person so drastically on a biological level causes much apprehension because the change does not need to be processed cognitively or even consciously. Dr. Kramer asserts that this change need not coincide with any self-knowledge because it is "evidently not necessary"(32). His comment points to a desire among many that the conscious self (I-function) has a stronger influence on behavior than biology does because we intimately connect behavior with self-identity. Relying on a foreign substance to change biology (and self) without apprising and receiving sanction from the conscious-self first se ems unnatural. The utter reliance on biology without utilizing our human gift of cognition seems to be a violation of how humanity has separated itself from our own inner animal. Dr. Kramer dismisses claims that Prozac compromises our vision of humanity through changing behavior in psychobiological terms by saying, "biological models are not reductionistic but humanizing, in the sense that they restore scale and perspective and take into account the vast part of us that is not intellect" (143).