Dehydration Essay

Passing out, lethargy, constipation, dry mouth and even dry eyes are very few symptoms In the long list of signs to tell us that we are dehydrated. Being dehydrated Is potentially very bad and If not taken care of a person can end up In the hospital or even dying. Many things can cause dehydration Including drinking too much alcohol or simply not drinking enough water. Without ample amounts of water our bodies cannot function correctly, and being made up of 70% water it is understandable as to why this is the case.All people suffer from dehydration, it does to affect one age group more than another, and likewise it does not affect one race or gender more than the others do. Plainly, put, If enough water Is not drank everyday than a person Is at risk for becoming dehydrated and developing symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable. First, some of the functions of water in the body are to keep everything moist, from our eyes to our mouths, and even our Joints. Imagine trying to eat food without the assistance of the saliva our bodies produce, it would be very difficult to have to swallow dry, chewed up food.Urine becomes dark yellow, with a strong ammonia meal and constipation Is common; the lack of water causes the stool to become more solid and less liquid-y because the body Is pulling water from every available resource. The recommended amount of water that the average person should drink is eight – z cups of water per day. That is a half-gallon of water every day that people are supposed to be drinking, more often than not soda and coffee is being drank instead, which sure they have water in them†¦ Just not the recommended amount that we need.Next, dehydration affects people of all ages, from little children to grown adults, to even the elderly. In children, dehydration causes tiredness and grumpiness, even the sensation of being hungry, or the craving for something unknown. In adults, dehydration can mean different and more serious side effects suc h as passing out or getting dizzy when standing up. In the elderly, dehydration, in my opinion is the worst time to see it. I think that older people need more water in their bodies because they dispel more In the given day.They may not have bladder control, especially If they are hooked up to a urinary bag, and not necessarily know when they have lost all of their water. Nursing homes help the elderly with this a lot of the time cause the people cannot do it on their own. For everyone else however, it is important to make sure we drink the vital amount of water to remain healthy. On another note, when a person is dehydrated they lose important vitamins and nutrients known as electrolytes.When children have a fever or diarrhea, pediatric is a good drink to give them because It Is packed full of electrolytes, It Is k for adults to are sodium, potassium, and chloride. These electrolytes help maintain blood pressure. Body movements require electrical currents to run through the body an d these charged ions make this possible. Sodium and potassium are positive ions that both function to provide nerve transmission, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. Chloride is a negative ion and its main function is to provide fluid balance.Not having enough sodium in your body can cause muscle cramps, but table salt is a quick fix of this deficiency. Not enough potassium can cause fatigue, and once again can be fixed quickly and simply with eating bananas. Finally, a chloride deficiency can cause a potassium or sodium deficiency. When being active and playing sports or Just being outdoors, drinking sports drinks like Storage can help maintain proper electrolyte balances. Yet again, many things cause people to lose water from their bodies at different speeds.Sweating causes us to lose water at significant speeds because our skin seeps water to cool us down on a hot day. If it is scorching hot outside and a person just stops sweating, this is a sign of dehydration and they shou ld seek out a water source fast. Similarly, alcohol makes us lose water quicker on many levels because it heats people up from the inside causing them to sweat and it depletes electrolytes from our system. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages can help a person avoid a hangover because they are staying hydrated while drinking.Caffeine on the other hand, speeds up our heart rate, causing us to urinate more that in the end is causing us to lose more water than we would without the caffeine. These things can lead to dehydration of the person ingesting them does not know what the symptoms are and how to counteract them. Finally, making sure that a person does not become dehydrated is important, even more so for people less than healthy. A person with a hole in their heart is more susceptible to symptoms of dehydration than a healthy person, and the same with elderly. Everyone is responsible for the amounts of water they drink each day.We need to instill in children at a young ag e that staying dehydrated is important. It is also important to work it into the daily routine, and make it habit to drink 64 ounces of water per day, and keeping an eye on electrolytes as well. Eating lots of fruits or vegetables or water-based foods can help a person increase their water intake without necessarily drinking as many glasses of water. Overall, there is more than enough water on this planet, and foods that contain water for everyone to be able to survive. If someone becomes dehydrated in my opinion, it is because of his or her own personal neglect.Should this be the case that person needs to understand the importance of staying hydrated and how this simple task can solve many ailments. Staying hydrated can make a person feel Just a little bit better in many aspects, maybe their Joints are moving Just a little bit better, or they do not have to use eye drops 10 times a day. If you do not stay hydrated regularly already, you should try it Just to see what kinds of thing s it could do for you. Perhaps a little more energy for those long days would be nice. References: Retrieved from: (2010) Guidelines for a Healthy Diet: Prentice Hall

A Perspective on Water Crisis Essay

Global water crisis is one of the biggest problems that the world is facing. Freshwater resources are increasingly becoming scarce today and probably for the next decades. Less than one-half of 1% of all the water on the planet comprises the available fresh and clean water (Maude). Humans already used more than half of the world’s clean fresh water and by the year 2025 the consumption of freshwater will increase to three-quarters. Global water consumption becomes double every 20 years and if this trend continues, the supply of freshwater will not be enough for the demand of the world’s population by 2025. World Bank and World Heath Organization noted that there are about 2 billion people have no access to clean and safe water and about 1 billion people have no enough clean water to meet their daily water requirements. Depleted water resources are attributed to the intensive urbanization, deforestation, water diversion, industrial farming and population growth. As the world population increases, the consumption of accessible freshwater may grow six-fold (Maude). As a result of water crisis, lots of people suffer and die from water and sanitation related diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. Unfortunately, most of the poorest countries in the globe are the ones who are experiencing water shortage. Uganda is located at the Sub-Saharan Africa and is among the poorest countries around the globe. The country relies solely on agricultural industry however, less than half of the arable land is subject for cultivation. Large part of the land area (more or less 82%) of the country is arable, however more than 67% of the country has poor ferralitic soil which has nearly lost its mineral content due to prolonged weathering. Thus, proper soil management is needed for the soil to regain its lost nutrients. The economy of the country has a great potential, considering the potentials of its agriculture and natural resources. There is a great possibility that Uganda will recover from difficulties, most especially from poverty. However, due to some existing problems that the country is facing, it seems to be difficult for Uganda to escape from poverty. One of the biggest problems that the country is facing today is water crisis. Water crisis definitely affect the country as a whole contributes to Uganda’s poverty and worsen her current situation (Dauda, 2003). The country of Uganda is definitely endowed with water resources. About 18% of the total surface area of the country is covered with renewable water resources including lakes, rivers and wetlands. Approximately, it can supply an individual of Uganda with 2,800 m of water in a year (Dauda, 2003). These fresh water resources are considered as the essential resource for sustaining life, preserving the environment, uphold development and alleviating poverty in the country. It has direct impact the quality of life of Ugandans and their productivity as a whole. Water is very essential to Uganda since it plays an essential role in the production of sufficient supply of food for the country as well as supplying electric power all over the country. It is the key resource of the country’s agriculture, food processing and other agro-industries which provides employment to the people of Uganda. Aside from supporting Uganda’s agriculture and industry, water also provides electric power to the country. Indeed, it is the source of hydropower which is the country’s main resource of abundant and cheap electric power. The socio-economic development of the country depends solely on the energy produced from hydropower. Inadequate power supply cannot support Uganda’s large-scale manufacturing industries and agro-industries which may lead to low economic level of the country (National Water Development Report, 2005). The major freshwater resources of Uganda include rainfall, surface or open water and groundwater. Rainfall is the most vital source of freshwater of the country. The rainfall pattern in the country greatly influences the land use potential and consequently the population distribution. The rainfall pattern of Uganda is influenced by the local topography and the presence of Lake Victoria. Rainfall in Uganda tends to increase with altitude; meanwhile, rainfall is apt to decrease with the distance from the lake. High rainfall is noted on the central and western parts of Lake Victoria and over the mountain. Another factor that determines the occurrence of rainfall is the country’s season. The most stable rain season in Uganda is from the months of March to May; meanwhile, the reported variable rainy months in Uganda is from October to December (National Water Development Report, 2005). The major freshwater resources of Uganda are in the form of lakes and rivers. These open sources are often used for the supply of hydropower in the country. The major resources of hydropower in Uganda are the Nile River and Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria supports the fisheries industry of Uganda and provide water supply to the majority of people of Uganda. Indeed, the Lake is also supporting the agriculture industry along its shoreline (National Water Development Report, 2005). However, the Lake’s potential use for the future is now in question since it is experiencing dying up which leads to lower water levels. The available water left in Lake Victoria may not be enough to sustain the required hydroelectric power generation (Xinhua News Agency). Other water bodies include Kyoga, Albert, George, Edward, Ruizi, Katonga, Kafu, Mpologoma and Aswa (National Water Development Report, 2005). Some of these lakes, most especially those on the western and central part are also drying up due to drought which threatens the cattle industry in the area. Cattles have little access to water which may lead to lower production rate and low quality of Cattles (Xinhua News Agency). In addition to drought, the quality of surface water has been deteriorating with time. In most parts of the country, surface and ground water are already polluted due to increased urbanization and population as well as human activities such as poor agricultural practices, poor sanitation practices, industrial waste discharge, and mining activities (National Water Development Report, 2005). Aquifers, which can only be generated and recharged by endogenous precipitation, are also essential resource of freshwater in Uganda. It is the major source of water in rural, semi-arid and arid areas in the country. The occurrence of groundwater is highly dependent on the geologic formation in the country. Uganda is endowed with productive aquifers water; this can be attributed to the geology of Uganda which is dominated by crystalline Basement Complex of pre-Cambrian age. More than 90% of the country is underlie by different kinds of rocks which predominantly include granites, granitoid gneisses and gneisses. Ground water resources are generally found on the underground layer of unconsolidated materials such as weathered bedrock, silt and clay. This groundwater can only be extracted through wells. The highest yielding and productive groundwater can be found in weathered-fractured bedrock which has high permeability (National Water Development Report, 2005). In general, the groundwater of Uganda is in good and sound condition. There are no traces of toxic substances that may threaten the health of the people in Uganda. Moreover, these aquifers have significant amount of minerals such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium metal cations, chloride, iron, manganese and chromium that may not cause harm to the people of Uganda. Consequently, there are few parts of the country that are found to have high amounts of these minerals and have traces of high nitrate and chromium levels in some areas. Aside from high amount of minerals, it was also reported that some parts of the country have found to be positive in Coliform bacteria. Contamination of the aquifers is attributed to deterioration of the borehole casings, leaching of sewage wastes, weathering of aquifer environment as well as poor sanitation condition in the areas around the aquifers (National Water Development Report 2005). In general, the availability and preservation of water resources in Uganda solely relies on various environmental, sociological and cultural factors. The availability of freshwater resources depends on the distribution of water bodies on the country. It is known that freshwater resources in Uganda constitute a great part of the country. However, due to its uneven distribution and seasonality, availability of water is still a big problem on most parts of the country. Ugandans find it difficult to have an easy access to fresh and clean water. Women together with their young are spending so much time and energy on walking a mile-long way just to fetch water from areas with sufficient supply of clean water. The uneven distribution of water resources in the country also influences the agro-industry in the country. Cattle raisers tend to transfer from place to place just to find safe and sufficient water for the cattles. As a result, disease spread and transfer brought by the cattles becomes prevalent on various regions of the country (Xinhua News Agency). Meanwhile, uneven distribution of groundwater greatly influenced the accessibility of Ugandans to clean water. Regions endowed with productive groundwater are indeed rich in geological characteristics (National Water Development Report 2005). The occurrence of extreme weather conditions has a great effect on the availability and safety of water on the country. Heavy rains may cause to flooding and consequently may contaminate the water resources of the some regions in the country. Contaminated water may result to more serious problems such as disease outbreaks, epidemics and even death. Contaminated water is the key reason to the high and increasing mortality rate of Ugandans especially of infants (National Water Development Report 2005). It is reported that most number of mortality occurs on infants and this can be attributed to less accessibility to clean and safe water. Meanwhile, erratic rainfall and seasonality of the occurrence of rainfall in the country resulted to desertification of arable lands. These definitely affect several industries in the country especially those that greatly depend on water (i. e. agricultural industries) (Dauda, 2003). Some of the suspected major reasons of water resources deterioration in Uganda are rapid growth population, urbanization, industrialization, relentless environmental degradation and deforestation as well as pollution. High population density greatly influenced the availability of water resources in Uganda. The population of Uganda in 2007 is approximately 30. 9 million and more than half of it is comprised of infants. The country has an average annual growth rate of 3. 4% which is one of the highest growth rates in the globe. The demand for water relatively increased while the supply decreased with high population density. And as what the country is experiencing, there is no enough clean water for all. Increased population accompanied by urbanization and industrialization resulted to increased pollution and deforestation. Most of the land bodies are converted to industries which produces toxic wastes that pollute the environment especially water bodies. This contributes to the decreased supply of water in Uganda. Depleted water supply is also attributed to poor agricultural practices in the country such as cultivation, pastoral activities, and livestock practices. Poor sanitation is also identified as a possible cause of freshwater shortage in Uganda. Some of the land owners that cultivate their own lands seem to be unaware of environmentally sustainable practices. They have poor knowledge on these methods that they do any practices which may pollute their environment. These practices accompanied by poor sanitation will indeed bring negative effect on Uganda’s environment. Poor sanitation practices are among the factors that contribute to depleted water supply and water related diseases in Uganda. Fetching and purifying water are very labor intensive, considering the distance that Ugandans walk just to obtain clean and safe water. They often share and obtain polluted water from water resources where farm animals usually dwell. However, as an everyday routine, it became arduous to the people of Uganda to fetch water from distance places and to consume so much time purifying the water that they fetched. People tend to ignore the hazard that the contaminated water may bring them; they just drink the water as ease without purifying it. As a result, development of water related diseases became prevalent in Uganda (Dauda, 2003). Another major factor that leads to water shortage in Uganda is global warming. Majority of Uganda’s water table, especially the northern and northeastern part is dry due to global warming and environmental degradation (Dauda, 2003). Global warming may also contribute to the occurrence on the extreme weather condition in the country such as El Nino and La Nina. Moreover, these parts of the country are experiencing wide fluctuations in the availability of water between wet and dry seasons as well as variations in the onset of rainfall as a result of the extreme weather conditions (National Water Development Report 2005). Prolonged drought, which leads to drying up of significant water tables of Uganda, has also threatened the food security in the country. Due to prolonged drought, production of staple foods of Ugandans such as sorghum and millet relatively decreased (EuropaWorld). Just like any other country, Uganda is rich in traditions and belief. They value their culture so much it comes to a point that their beliefs and traditions hinder the possibility of development in their country. There are existing cultural norms that are related to the water bodies in Uganda. Some of the water bodies in Uganda are believed to have special healing powers for many diseases and supernatural dwellers as well. Moreover, these water bodies have potentials for many significant uses such as hydropower resource and irrigation for agricultural industries. However, due to close cultural attachment of people of Uganda to these water resources, the government found it difficult to create potential programs that will optimize the use of the water resources in the country (National Water Development Report 2005). Aside from various problems stated previously that have great impact on freshwater availability, Uganda’s neighboring regions seem to contribute on the water crisis that it is experiencing. Majority of Uganda’s freshwater resources have existing crossing frontiers which bound the country from maximizing its use on its own water resources within its territory. Though they have legal riparian rights to have a share on the water resources, these transboundaries definitely affect the socio-economic growth of the country since water is considered to be as the key player in the development of Uganda (Encounter Uganda Well Health). For one thing, these transboundaries serve as the main competitors of Uganda from the available water resources. People of Uganda have little access to large water resources since they are restricted to come across the boundary of another country. Moreover, these crossing frontiers not only prevent Uganda from optimizing its available freshwater resources but source of food and employment as well (National Water Development Report 2005). In order to unravel the existing problems in Uganda, its government decided to make some modifications on its various sectors, most especially the water sector. Several studies and situational analyses are conducted by the water sector that leads to preparation of comprehensive strategy of water sector and investment strategies. The government has anticipated many factors and they made it possible that the strategies may still be implemented on the sector up to 2015. The government has already started implementing some of the strategies and one of these is Sector Wide Approach to Planning (SWAP). SWAP requires all stakeholders to participate in the planning and implementation of the sector’s activities while optimizing benefits for all. The strategy has provided a regular budget on the programs that are made which is relatively different to the previous programs that the sector has made (National Water Development Report 2005). Another significant program that also aimed to promote sustainable management and development of water resources of the riparian regions is the Collaborative Partnership Program. The program is focused in improving the coordination of efforts of the different stakeholders. The program is also focused on harmonizing strategies and plans that involves sustainable management and development of the shared water resources. This makes Uganda very eager to have a close relationship with its neighboring regions. Uganda became enthusiastic with regard to making joint plan, management and development of the water resources that they shared. Uganda’s aim on making collaboration with her transboundaries is for all of them to obtain fair benefits from the water resources as well as to ensure that they will get sufficient supply of clean water. Fair utilization and consumption of shared water provide a high opportunity for sustainable use of resources as well as sustainable growth and development. Moreover, Uganda will be able to support its economic and social objectives through collaborating with its cross frontiers (National Water Development Report 2005). The riparian countries including Uganda will have comparable advantages from the equitable use of shared water. While building a close relationship with the riparian countries, the potentials of the existing industries in Uganda may be developed through collaboration with her neighboring regions. Advancement in its industries may lead to economic development of the country and in turn advancement on the quality of life and well being of its whole nation. Meanwhile, there are potential conflicts identified in the implementation of collaboration program between the riparian countries. Aside from the common objective that the riparian countries agreed on making the joint collaboration, these countries also have different interests which make a potential conflict between them. They made plans and implemented projects which do not take into consideration the wide coverage of the shared water resources. They do not anticipate the possible conflicts that may arise by implanting their plans. As a result, some of their individual plans for the development of their own countries are contradicting with the plans of other countries. Plans of other countries will not be possible if other countries’ plan will be allowed. Another issue that makes the joint program complicated is the mistrust among the cross frontiers. This issue seems to be unavoidable since the riparian countries have different objectives and interest in joining the joint program. They refuse to show their own data regarding the shared water resources as well as information of their plans and strategies. Since the riparian countries have no idea of the plans and programs of other riparian countries there are instances that the individual projects implemented are the same with other countries (National Water Development Report 2005). The last issue identified is the restoration of the environment. One of the minor objectives of the joint program is to conserve the environment; however, it is found to be difficult to implement their plans and projects while not taking into consideration the possible negative effect that it may bring to their environment. The main concern here is the methods of the activities and projects as well as the way these are conducted. Countries located on the downstream of the shared water resources are threatened by the possible effect of the activities that the upstream countries are conducting. Also due to mistrust, they are not guaranteed that the upstream countries are performing the activities in a proper way. It is essential that both the upstream and downstream countries will conduct their programs and projects in such a way that these programs will not affect that conservation of environment that they are promoting in the country. Through this little start, there will be a great possibility that their countries will surpass big problems such as water crisis and most of all poverty. References Barlow, Maude. The global water crisis and the Commodification of the world’s water supply A Special Report issued by the International Forum on Globalization (IFG). Retrieved May 30, 2008, from http://www. thirdworldtraveler. com/Water/Global_Trade_BG. html Toure, Dauda. 2003. The Millennium Development Goals Progress Report for Uganda. Retrieved May30, 2008, from http://www. undg. org/archive_docs/6197-Denmark_MDG_Report. pdf 2005. National Water Development Report: Uganda. Retrieved May 30, 2008, from http://www. unesdoc. unesco. org/images/0014/001467/146760E. pdf Xinhua News Agency. 2006. Lakes in Uganda dry up due to prolonged drought. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from highbeam. com/doc database. Encounter Uganda Well Health. Retrieved May 29, 2008 from water_website database. EuropaWorld. 2003, February 21. Northern Uganda: The Forgotten Crisis. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from http://www. europaworld. org/week117/northernuganda21203. htm

Middle Managers

Managers are the most important human resource in any organisation because they are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the organisational goals are achieved within the specific time through spending less financial resources. Both organisations and people need each other to further their different goals or objectives. Therefore if mutuality is missing, it makes no sense in trying to assemble a group and develop a cooperation because there is no common base on which to build. Therefore, for attainment of organisational effectiveness, human resource and especially the middle level managers is the most important asset that must be paid attention by the management.Management practices are employed by middle managers in order to enhance the effectiveness of any organization including learning institutions, and these management activities are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The middle managers through the planning function is responsible in coming with a schedu le of business activities that will result to attainment of the set goals. The middle managers outline what to be done and the expected output from the employees.The organizing function of any organization has to deal with the issue of allocating the tasks to the employees respectively according to their competence. Resistance by the workers may be experienced if the allocating process used is viewed to be inappropriate and oppressing which always leads to poor organization performance. So middle managers have to convince the employees that everything will be okay and there interests will be taken care of.The leading/directing function of any organization is faced with the tasks of demonstrating to employees how to do various activities and also involves the employment of charismatic leaders in form of middle managers who can influence the employees towards positive attitude of performing their work and also capture the attention of the top management. The Controlling management pra ctice by the middle managers is responsible for monitoring the results of any undertakings and thus can make any corrections or adjustments if need to do so arise. (Maund, 2001)There are three levels of management in any organisation. The first level is the top level managers who include the senior managers and the executive officers and they are responsible for formation of organisational goals and objectives and they play an important role in decision making process. The second level is that of middle level managers who are responsible for ensuring that all the functional strategies from various departments are workable and can be achieved with certainty.This level of management is the most critical one in that both the lower and top management attracts attention regarding to various activities within the firm.   For example, the top management may exert pressure on them to achieve better results while the lower management may want them to reduce their level of supervision withi n the workplace. The third level is that of operational management or lower level managers who ensures that organisational activities are undertaken to achieve the set objectives or goals. . (Dale, 2001)How Middle Managers can meet their demandsAccording to the latest research, reports suggests that middle level managers have a discrete and decisive function in all organisations   particularly in the learning institutions and they do not only act as a medium between the top managers and the subordinates. Middle managers in many learning institutions in an effort to be effective and efficient in the workplace have the responsibility of balancing the ever competing demands of their roles brought about by conflicts from both the top management and the subordinates or the low level management. In order to attain the above objective this middle level managers have embarked on various critical roles in order to avoid any misunderstandings in the workplace and thus achieve the desired ou tput. Such roles include the following: (Fiddler, and Atton, 1999)Middle managers in learning institutions act as change agents within these organisations. Globalization has taken the centre stage almost in all sectors of the economy including learning institutions. There is increased interaction of people from different cultures, societies, and various backgrounds in undertaking various business activities with the aim of achieving their goals for example opening learning branches in other countries. Because of invention of advanced technology the world has increasingly become a village and as a result global business is the modern form of business in this 21st centuryBecause of globalization in relation to learning institutions there have been great disregard to national borders, governments have lower hand in controlling the flow of their economies and large companies including learning institutions are now not restricted to only one particular country as it was before. Middle le vel managers in learning institution have to cope with changes brought about by this aspect of globalization and they should brief the top management on decision making process. They also have the task of ensuring that the teachers in this institution are equipped with skills, expertise, and knowledge that can tap new knowledge from other people from different countries without hindering the learning process.Middle managers have the duty of being a strategist in order to cope with the increasing demands from both the top management and the low level management. This implies that they have the tasks of ensuring that the strategies formulated by the organisation are implemented and executed in a good way that will lead to achievement of goals. They should therefore have the ability to interpret direction from the top managers in to functional departmental strategies and policies that will avoid any conflicts in the organisation and those plans must be viable and supportive for the mis sion of the organisation. (Baker, 1999)In order to enhance this responsibility the middle level mangers must pay much attention  Ã‚   to formulation of workable strategies. A strategy may be defined as the calculated means by which the enterprise deploys its resources to accomplish its purpose and basic objectives under the most advantageous circumstances. Therefore the middle level mangers have the task of ensuring that the organisation   for example learning institution must be overall low cost effective system which will ensure good returns for example high performance through use of competent teachers and using of advanced technologies. So the work of middle managers is to ensure sourcing of competent teachers and application of approved high quality technologies e.g. the use of white boards.Middle level managers must also act at ethicists in any organisation in order to balance the competing demands brought about by the interactions with both top and low level managers. Thi s role implies that the middle managers especially those from learning institutions should develop a system that will help them sustain pressure from both top managers and subordinates in the process of promoting moral conduct within the organisation   that will foster good results. For example teachers will be motivated to lecture/teach and students too will be motivated to work hard and achieve their results.   The other role middle managers have to embark on is the responsibility of being a team player in the organisation or in the workplace. (Klagge, 1998)This implies that the middle managers must show commitment and support cooperation among the top management, low level management or the subordinates and themselves. For these middle managers to maximize the concept of teamwork in the organisation then they should emphasize on formation of groups within the workplace.A group can be defined as social unit which people interacts face to face when working. If an organisation e mphasises group work then it is more likely that good results will be achieved. Sometimes some kind of work require teamwork participation in order to achieve goals, so managers should encourage group decisions too because they bound to succeed unlike individual decisions. With the concept of teamwork for example the subordinates will be motivated when they work together with the subordinates e.g. head teachers working together with teachers in trying to achieve good learning process.The other role that will help balance the competing demands in an organisation is that of being the mentor of employees especially the subordinates.   Leading by example for example engaging in groups with the subordinates and demonstrating what the subordinates are supposed to do. Also to get admiration from both the employees and the top management they should act as top manager’s advocate to subordinates as well as being subordinate supporter to top level managers.Another useful role that wi ll balance the competing demands is that of middle managers embracing the concept of being tacticians. This means that middle managers have to understand the organisational environment e.g. internal and external factors that may cause conflicts within the organisation. The main aspect of being tactician is that of middle managers encouraging collective decision making thus parties involved in carrying out duties will be motivated to work because they were part of the decisions arrived. (Fiddler, and Atton, 1999)Advice to Middle ManagersFor these level of managers to be effective and efficient in the organisation   and more so to be able to balance the competing demands they need to be committed in their roles and especially being change agents in the learning institutions. Proper communication is essential to any organisation or group effectiveness and learning institutions are not exceptional. Research indicates that poor communication is probably the most frequently cited source of interpersonal conflicts. It is only through transmitting meaning from one person to another that ideas and messages can be conveyed.Communication can play the following functions; controlling employee’s behaviour, motivating the workforce, provides a release for emotional expression of feelings and performs the role of facilitating decision making in organisation. Proper channels of communication should be put in place in learning institution and this will help the organisation to attain their set goals for example teachers reporting to their head teachers then the head teachers to senior managers then to the executive arm respectively if there have been a problem to be solved. (Edmondson, Bohmer and Pisano, 2001)Leadership is another concept that middle level managers should emphasize on. Without proper leadership, organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency cannot be achieved and bad leadership in an organisation may cause poor results and thus lack of attainment of objectives.   It should also be noted that not all managers are leaders and not all leaders are managers. Leaders can emerge from within a group as well as by formal appointments to lead a group. A good leadership style should be adopted in an organisation and especially in the learning institutions.This implies the way in which the functions of middle managers with particular regard to the concept of leadership are carried out. Styles like autocratic style of leadership should be discouraged as this does not give the opportunity subordinates in decision making and only top managers are responsible to do so. Learning institutions should prefer the use of democratic style of leadership whereby the focus of power is more with the group as a whole and not in the top managers and there is greater interaction in the group. The middle managers of learning institutions should practice laissez faire style of leadership in that the employees especially the subordinates are left to choo se groups for themselves and make their own decisions that will help them achieve the organisational goals. (Azzar, 2001)The middle managers’ impact on control mechanisms in any organization is great and immeasurable.   It is therefore important that managers look for convenient, cost-conscious and appreciated ways of control mechanisms in order to build a dynamic, committed and, a motivated workforce that will result in better productivity and profitability of the organization thus enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of the organizationConclusion:For middle level managers to meet the demands of top management as well as that of subordinates they should fully define their roles to avoid conflicts that may arise in the course of work. They should also use proper leadership and good communication skills in order to achieve the organisational effectiveness. Middle level managers has a greater need to understand organisational   behaviour in order to achieve the organisati onal   effectiveness and particularly in learning institutions and much attention should be directed to people, structure, technology and the environment.Organisational   effectiveness can only be achieved if the middle management is be able to incorporate good leadership, motivation, a well defined organisational   structure, forming group dynamics and setting up good structures for communicating in the workplace. The organisations should also be flexible in the sense that they should be ready to cope with change without affecting their productivity.References:Ardts, J. (2002): Developing people in line with corporate needs. Human Resource Management International.Azzar.J. (2001): The Heart of School Leadership-Educational LeadershipBaker, D. (1999): Strategic Human Resource Management-Performance, alignment, and management. Librarian Career Development.Bhindi, N. (2003): Practicing creative leadership- Pipedream or possibility? The Practicing AdministratorDale, M. (2001): Th e Art of HRD: Developing Management Skills  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   , Vol. 3, New DelhiCrest Publishing HouseEdmondson, A. Bohmer, R. and Pisano, G. (2001): Speeding up team learning. Harvard Business Review.Farson, R. and Keyes, R. (2002): The Failure-tolerant leader. The Innovative EnterpriseFiddler, B. and Atton, T. (1999): Dealing with poor performance and range of solutions in poor performing staff in schools and how to manage them. London and New York, RoutledgeKlagge, J. (1998): The Empowerment Squeeze-Views from the Middle Management Position. Journal of management development, 17(8)Maund, L. (2001): An Introduction to Human to Human Resource Management: Theoryand Practice: Macmillan, Palgrave

Business Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Law - Assignment Example Answer two- The father’s agreement with Smith Barney mandated arbitration and this was a signed dated customer agreement. Even though other firms had not honored similar agreements that had issues occur older than six years, the agreement as signed and dated represents the final contract and as such should be binding regardless, unless a length of time was stipulated upon signing. In this instance, the courts found in favor of the brothers for the reasons mentioned above. It is noted that upon review of the case, the court initially found in favor of Smith Barney, however, reconsidered its original decision based on the lack of a stipulated length of time. Answer three- It would be my opinion that the court would possibly agree with his argument in that this particular instance of the production of child pornography would in fact not substantially affect interstate commerce. However, even if the court agreed that he was in fact correct in this argument the original charges of possessing and manufacturing the pornography would be cause to have local pornography charges leveled against him. It is my opinion that the courts would likely dismiss the federal charges and would send the case back to a local jurisdiction.

Marketing Analysis of Porsche Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Analysis of Porsche - Case Study Example The traditional Porsche customer typically consists of a small group of financially successful and high achievers in their field of work. They see themselves apart from the real world, which inspires people to different levels (Kotler and Armstrong, 2012, pg 186). They are also achievers and is conscious of their status. The buyer of a Cayenne or a Panamera, on the other hand, is one that has moved into a new life stage that needs to haul more people and stuff but still maintains its exclusivity and still fit the achiever profile of a regular Porsche buyer. They are the same successful people who may have settled down to have a family and thus wanted to have a bigger car for their family without losing their sense of exclusivity. In the case of emerging market such as China, the Cayenne and Panamera customers consider the car to be stylish but who may also enable to make a quick getaway if necessary. The concept from the chapter that explains why Porsche sold so many lower-priced models in the 1970s and 1980s is the concept of creating and capturing customer value. Its management thought that there were not enough buyers to keep the company afloat and begun to worry about the quirky nature of their traditional customs. So they created the entry-level Porsche 914 and 944 as lower-priced models. This strategy was an attempt to create more customers by offering value to them as explained in part 1 of the book. The management thought that by offering more value to the lower segment of the market, they would expand their customer base through scale and thus, keep the company afloat.Experience, however, has shown that this strategy backfired because it undermines the exclusivity appeal of the Porsche brand.Porsche’s brand appeal lies in its exclusivity.   This however elicited a positive and negative attitude toward the brand by its customers.  Ã‚  Ã‚  

An Introduction to the Supply Chain and the Firm's Position within It Essay

An Introduction to the Supply Chain and the Firm's Position within It - Essay Example Discussion: A Supply Chain may be seen as a series or network of facilities and distribution channels which facilitate the procurement, processing and conversion of raw materials into finished products and their distribution from the place of production to the final customer through a series of distribution stages. The stages are characterized by the distributer at the given stage and the activities that are performed by the distributor to ensure the delivery of the product to the end customer (Wiley 2012). The supply chain usually takes diverse forms. The structure of the firm varies in length, size, shape and the kind of activity involved. Also, a firm may be part of more than one interconnected supply chains, whose final outcome might be differentially diverse (Enporion 2009). Thus the Supply chains may sometimes more appropriately be referred to as Supply networks. For example Kellogg’s the world leading breakfast cereal and snack producer, sources raw materials from diffe rent sources which are functionally as well as geographically diverse. Further, Kellogg’s collaborates with a huge network of distributors like wholesalers, retailers and other outlets like hotels etc to make its product reach to the end customers (The Times 2012). Once the concept of a Supply chain as part of the value chain is established, the concept of Supply Chain Management (SCM) comes to the fore. However it is important to understand the concept of logistics first. Logistics is concerned with Flow of materials and information to and from a firm’s boundaries aiding in the production and distribution of its products to the customers. At the same time, supply chain is a network of companies performing these logistical activities together to bring a product or products to the market. Also, a supply chain, apart from the logistical activities, also includes activities like marketing, finance and customer service. Supply Chain management thus is concerned with the co ordinated activities of production, location and inventory among the various participants of a supply chain. The activities are directed such that a mix of responsiveness and efficiency that is best suited to the market is achieved (Wiley 2012). Supply chain management is therefore concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of a supply chain. One of the major objectives of a supply chain is to reduce the logistical costs. Also, it strives to achieve an incentive within the system to remove waste from the processes or activities involved. It is through effective Supply Chain management that a firm can achieve the objective of a giving a better and differentiated value to the end customer. Kellogg’s for instance achieves this value through activities like partnering with supermarkets like Tesco. It follows close relationships with such partners. It has come up with a shelf ready unit at Tesco, which helps gives better choice and visibility to customers. Also, it augurs wel l for the sales both for Tesco as well as for Kellogg’s. In the recent years, Supply Chain Management has assumed an increasingly important role. This is so due the increasing globalization and industrial competition. From the perspective of stakeholders of a supply chain

Career Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Career - Term Paper Example Aside from role conflicts, other significant issues include the extent of cultural dynamics (parental orientation, societal norms and class distinctions) as variables that influence the career moves of their children. In such cases, it is important to note the probable elements surrounding career development, the theoretical foundations that anchor career choices, its overall implications in practical counselling for better career implementation and sustenance. Influences in Career Development At large, cultural elements in family background in parental involvement, gender orientation and expectations, and gender norms may cement individual resolution on career paths. In British South Asian sample, concerted opinions on cultural impact had been exhibited through decisions to enter the teaching profession, in line with consensual families and community opinions. In an Asian community that highly values the norm of collectivism and strict religious compliance, these beliefs can have a relevant impact on individuals, especially the women, who tend to follow such orientations in deciding their career paths in life (Butt, McKenzie, & Manning, 2010). The infiltration can be explicit or implicit, as verbalization of preference and consequent actions manifest cultural inclinations toward specific objectives, leaving others with little options but to follow. Yet, the study on African American women resulted in positive outcomes, as according to Pearson and Bieschke (2001), there is a sequential reaction of cultural values and attitudes in family system, showing how subjects respond in deciding future professions. Relatively, family perceptions on education and work values can directly affect higher career moves in African American women, where education is seen as constructive medium for future accomplishments, duly sustained by better working attitudes drilled by their parents. It is their responsibility, then, to follow familial and communal cultural dictates to maint ain ethnic harmony within such systems. As observed, there is a definite intertwining of cultural orientation on parental viewpoints. Parents serve as role model to children, and the latter tend to follow the former mainly because of such ideal. During actualization of career development in adolescents, five significant components emerged to conceptualize parental and adolescent interaction: â€Å"joint goals, communication, goal-steps congruence, parental agenda, (and) individuation† (Young et al., 2001, p. 196). In such procedure, parents served as their children's’ partners in establishing sets of goals, taking into consideration the role of parents in either boosting or striking down career plans--during the process of implementing individual decisions of children for their future. In all the transaction, constructive communication patterns are essential tools in mutually conveying intentions and plans for career prospects. As pointed out by Lindstorm, Doren, Methe ny, Johnson, and Zane (2007), there is a positive correlation between â€Å"advocacy of family support and intentional career activities....(in) career development† (p. 362). The relationship maintained by family members manifests constructive outcomes, where highly flexible viewpoints and involvement in career planning and implementation are nurtured within family systems. As

The Aleph Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Aleph - Essay Example Driven by a rather natural desire to be close to her place and relatives, he lives near her house to have someone to share his trouble with. At that time he gets acquainted with the dead woman’s brother, Carlos Argentino Daneri. The attitude of Borges’ attitude towards him is rather interesting. He is a poet, but a protagonist treats him and his gift with irony considering him to be a plain layman. Daneri is writing a very long epic poem about all the places on the Earth as if he visited them himself. He is dreaming about winning a prize and become famous. This desire irritates Borges. One day Carlos calls Borges’ number asking for help. He appeared in a trouble as his house has to be destroyed by some business. However, Daneri worries not because he loves the place he lives in. He discloses his secret he was hiding for long: there is an Aleph in one of the rooms of his house, and he simply can’t lose him, because he needs him to finish his great poem: â⠂¬Å"Yes, the only place on earth where all places are — seen from every angle, each standing clear, without any confusion or blending. I kept the discovery to myself and went back every chance I got. As a child, I did not foresee that this privilege was granted me so that later I could write the poem. Zunino and Zungri will not strip me of what’s mine — no, and a thousand times no! Legal code in hand, Doctor Zunni will prove that my Aleph is inalienable† (Borges). Borges does not like Daneri and can’t believe him, but he still comes to see the Aleph. Actually, he does not trust the poet thinking that the wants to kill him, thus behaves very carefully. â€Å"The full knowledge of a fact sometimes enables you to see all at once many supporting but previously unsuspected things. It amazed me not to have suspected until that moment that Carlos Argentino was a madman† (Borges). Having come to his

Art anaylsis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Art anaylsis - Essay Example On research, it is evident that the STEN in STEN MK. V submachine gun is an acronym from the names of the chief designers of the weapon namely Shepherd, Turpin and Enfield. The submachine was produced in several basic marks i.e. mark I, mark II mark III and the initials MK were used for the term mark. The drawing is small, measuring 44 by 33 inches, yet immensely powerful. Though its dimensions may be small, the art work is immensely powerful. In simple terms, the smaller the submachine, the higher is its efficiency and effectiveness. The fire arm is small and yet it is extremely powerful. The STEN was used exceptionally extensively throughout World War II and in the Korean War by the British and commonwealth forces. This background information makes the inscriptions â€Å"God Bless America† on the drawings stock very full of meaning, hence extremely powerful. The aspect of its sight of the submachine on the globe is additive in a symbolic way. The artist used an acrylic, a pl astic polymer pigment which is used with water and dries extremely quickly, on a canvas ground. The canvas has the ability to reflect light. The use of acrylic on canvas gives the drawing exceptionally impressive and distinctive detail and a rich visual sensation. The artist also blends closely related colors in, but the blue color comes out as giving the globe a feeling of calmness. The message seems to be that a STEN Submachine can restore calm in the globe. The artwork has the flag of the United States of America embedded on it and these may be used to mean that the machine is heavily used in America to shed blood, and it is only through the blessing of God that the country will be saved. On the background, closely related colors are also blended making the submachine appear as if it is placed on the entrance of a cave. It also appears that there is light radiating from the background. This gives the submachine a highly symbolic meaning; one feels that the artist meant a gun is a protective instrument. The light that radiates from the back is a symbol of hope, that if a person has a gun they can have hope they are or will be safe. The dominant message that comes out in this work is the correlation between a gun and safety. To enhance the subject matter, a map of the world has been painted and then gun pointed at it, and it is specifically pointed at the United States of America. This is to show that the machine has been used globally and more so in the United States of America. In the map of the world, the United States is painted as one which is torn apart and full of blood. This is to show that regardless of its small size, the machine is able to shed blood in a whole country. During World War II, Britain and the commonwealth countries relied on the United States for supply of guns as it had entered the war without an adequate submachine gun of its own. So, Britain and the commonwealth countries purchased large numbers of Thompson submachine guns from the United States. American factories at the time were operating at peacetime levels, and as such were not able to meet demand for the weapon by Britain. The British army was then defeated at the continent and the Dunkirk Evacuation because of shortage of weapons with which to defend Britain. Thus, a drastic action had to be taken as there were no sufficient numbers of Thompsons submachine guns available. Thus, a shortage in supply led to the invention of the STEN gun so the machine was hastily created. Its

Contractual Aspects and Business Negligence Coursework

Contractual Aspects and Business Negligence - Coursework Example The researcher states that acceptance of an offer must be made exactly as offered and no conditions can be added to the offer. Introduction of new terms to the offer results to a counter offer and such a counteroffer terminated the initial offer. Acceptance can be given verbally, in writing or impliedly. For an acceptance to be valid, it must comply with the method prescribed by the offer. The parties entering into the contract must also have an intention to create legal relations. This implies that the parties to the contract intend the contract to be enforceable by law. The last element of a valid contract is a valid consideration. Consideration in this regard is a party promise to do something in exchange for the other parties promise to provide a valuable benefit. There are different types of contracts undergone in business and these include verbal contracts, written contracts, and distance selling contracts. Verbal contracts are contracts undertaken without any written agreement s and rely on the good faith of the involved parties. These contracts can be difficult to prove compared to written contracts. Written contracts, on the other hand, are contracts that are written and signed by the contracting parties. All the terms of the contract are often included in the written documents. The other type of contracts is distance-selling contracts, which are contracts entered at a distance from the supplier and are associated with online shopping. Distance selling contracts are enforceable provided they meet the requirements of a valid contract. These contracts are regulated by the distance selling regulations, which protect consumer rights when purchasing products online. The contents of a contract are referred to as terms of a contract. A contract will usually contain various terms, which can be either implied or express.

Technology and Law Enforcement Essay Example for Free

Technology and Law Enforcement Essay With advances in technology we see new and scary ways criminals commit crimes. With the introduction of cell phones and scanners years ago, criminals could listen to police radio traffic and see where and how we police were responding. No need for look outs, technology became the look out. Now in the computer age we see crimes from identity theft and hacking into computers to steal personal and corporate confidential information to cyber stalking and sexual predating to cell phone cloning. Criminals have a whole new playground and the playground as technology advances. But technology is not just for criminals. Law enforcement agencies are using technology to make police work more effective and efficient. Also police and communities are also using technology to make their communities safer. Technology and the Individual Police OfficerThe future of policing from the perspective of individual police officers is understanding how the new technology works for the individual law enforcer. There are many new technologies that are being invented and implemented in law enforcement agencies across the country. The main goal for each new technology is to improve police work. In a town in Mississippi, the local police agency received 24 refurbished computers from the Aurora, Colorado police department. The police chief in Mississippi was excited because these computers will be put into the squad cars of each officer. This new technology for this small town in Mississippi is making the law enforcement faster and more effective. The officers can now look through the databases in their squad cars. The officers do not need to call dispatch and wait for them to respond. The officer must then ask the dispatcher to look up the item or items that the officer needs to proceed with the situation. The new computers will also make writing the reports more clear and spelling is correct. Police Chief Lionel Cothern (2007) said, I dont know what we would do without computers (Gulflive, 2007, para. 7).New technology is ever present even if a new technology introduced to one law enforcement agency is new in the market or has been out for a while, if it helps the law enforcement community, it is an improvement. Wireless technology is a fast growing technology that is helping the  individual police officers as well as the agencies themselves. In San Francisco, the transit police officers have been given a wireless live video feed. The Police officers are now able to see through live video feed what is going on in approx. 39 stations and 100 miles of track (San Francisco city website, 2007). Commander Gomes said, This really is the next wave in police work (San Francisco city website, 2007). He also said, Wireless technology and intelligent video systems can offer law enforcement a powerful tool to use against criminals (San Francisco city website, 2007). This new technology allows the video link to be viewed 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The live video feeds will also allow the law enforcement in the Bay area to use facial recognition to see potential criminals and also to look into the background of people that have issues with the law. Each officer will eventually have hand held devices to use during situations that may be dangerous to them. These hand held devices allow the police officer to see what is going on in the section of track or station that an incident has happened. New technologies within the law enforcement community are a very important tool that law enforcement has to use. Individual police officers use these technologies to help them save lives including their own in the line of duty. The new technologies can be innovative or new to the law enforcement agency that uses it. The goal for these new law enforcement tools is to help solve crime faster and more efficiently. The officer will have more time in securing their safety as well as others that they protect and serve. Technology and Police AgenciesTechnology has changed this world immensely and still keeps changing it. If there were not for technology we would still be living in caves far away from sophistication that we enjoy today. By this we can conclude that technology is good for us! As good as technology may be for the ordinary citizen this is not a position of todays police departments and their leaders. There are many reasons why police officers and their superiors do not like technology. One of the first reasons that come to mind is that they simply do not react to technology well. It takes them years to get acquainted and  comfortable with using modern devices. Because of this police often find themselves trailing behind the offenders. Offenders who are skilled individuals committing acts of crime via computers, cell phones and other technologies. The problem with modern technology is not solely concentrated on apprehending offenders; it also comes in play when trying to manage an organization using these new resources. Thanks to globalization the crime also became globalized. It is much easier for the offenders to access places of interest physically and via internet to commit offenses. This is where police communication comes into play and also its network awareness. Crime is becoming globalized and police departments need to be aware of matters it traditionally is not good at. Such things are the communication between departments, local agencies and agencies from other countries. Today, compared to past, we have many available communication resources to accurately transmit wanted data information. It is important that we use these resources whether it is within our own city limits or even between the continents. Another area of interest is polices network awareness and how they are able to implement this new criminal activity into their already busy schedule. Do we need to reinvent policing and create whole new agencies or departments which sole purpose is to control and prevent internet crime? The biggest problem for the departments today is that they are simply not following the always changing technology. Police have to start looking more to the future and try to predict what will happen. Police management needs to start being more proactive instead of reactive. Technology, if used the right way, can be to our great benefit. It can increase and better many functions such as; communication, control of the officers, offenders registry and more. Technology and CommunitiesWith the further progress of technology comes new ways of streamlining crime fighting methods. These new methods are not limited to the cops on the streets, or even the sergeants and lieutenants who manage the officers in the field. No, these technologically improved  methods also enhance a communitys ability to fight crime as well. Communities usually take an active interest in the protection and safe guarding of their own. With programs such as the neighborhood watch program, communities have participated in crime prevention for years. Today however, these programs have been revolutionized by items such as the cell-phone, video cameras and internet. With these new and improved methods, community policing has advanced to an all new level. The concept of community policing is not a new philosophy. It is based on the notion that the interaction and support of the community helps control crime by having members of the community bring possible problems to the attention of police. Several examples of how technology has helped with crime prevention are as follows. Cell-phones have made staying-in-touch easier than ever. With the touch of a button you can communicate with someone on the other side of town, country and/or world. With the ease of rapid communication, comes the ability to quickly notify authorities of possible problems. For example, if a couple in the park notices an incident which looks suspicious, quick action can be taken by merely notifying the police via the trusty, ever-present cell-phone. Home protection has become more complex by utilizing technology. In years past a secure home was the one which contained a big gun and loud dog. Security of the home-front has changed for many with the addition of motion detectors, electronic keypads, and closed circuit cameras, also known as (CCTV). CCTV is the use of video cameras to monitor designated locations and broadcast the signal to a specific location. Within these specific locations are monitors which may or may not be continuously viewed. Regardless of where the signal is transmitted, the mere presence of these cameras is a deterrent. The internets role in the realm of crime, whether it be crime itself, crime fighting or crime prevention, is immeasurable. One policy that the use of technology has helped to promote is the location and notification of sex offenders. The ability to locate where, and determine how many sex offenders live in a neighborhood is important to most, especially those with children. Thanks to technology, the internet has expanded to cover even this realm. With websites such as, www.nationalalertregistry.com, the ability to obtain full names and home address of sex offenders becomes readily available. As well as names and addresses, you may also obtain detailed maps to the offenders residence, color photos helping you identify the offender, conviction information and any aliases which the offender has used in the past. The use of technology by the community has definitely changed how the general public responds to crime and the threat thereof. With these new abilities however, comes greater responsibility for the individual. For when does the ability to delve into someones background turn from righteous knowledge, to invading someones privacy? Or, when does CCTV in public places cross the line of public security and wander into the touchy realm of individual privacy?ConclusionTechnology has given criminals new ways to commit crimes. Technology has also given police advanced resources to prevent crime and catch criminals. Law enforcement must take the initiative in technology and not simply react to what criminals are doing. With the new technology police agencies enjoy they must balance these advances with the rights of citizens. Just because law enforcement can listen in on private conversations easier than ever or monitor private activity with closed circuit cameras it doesnt mean they should. References Gulflive, (2005). Police Chief Cothern. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/1173694579180270.xml. San Francisco, (2006), San Francisco website. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/docs/trans/roadways_transit_police.pdf.

Football hero Essay Example for Free

Football hero Essay The book I read was Football Champ by Time Green. The setting of the book is Atlanta, Georgia during the fall. The main places in the story are the Atlanta Falcons Stadium, Troy’s middle school and football field, and Troy’s house. The story is written in first person because Troy (the main character) is telling the story. There is figurative language in this story. On page 229 a simile is used that says â€Å"he’s big and slow like a turtle†. There is also an idiom on page 57 that says â€Å"the Duluth fans poured over the fence, swarming the end zone†. The main character of Football Champ is Troy. He is a middle school football player and a football genius. Troy is strong, brave, and good hearted. Another main character is Seth who is a NFL linebacker and dating Troy’s mom. Seth is kind, strong, and fights for what he believes in. Troy’s mom is another important character. She is caring and kind. She takes care of Seth and Troy. Troy’s best friends, Nathan and Tate, are middle school football players. They care about Troy and help him solve the problems caused by Peele, the main bad guy. Peele is a reporter trying to destroy Troy and Seth. The main problem in the story is Peel and Seth’s doctor working together to destroy Seth’s football career by lying about Seth using steroids. Peel also lies about Troy and convinces the NFL that Troy is stealing the other team’s playbooks. Peel is trying to do this because he blames Seth for ruining his football career. Troy and his friends solve the problem by going to Seth’s doctor and getting him to tell the truth about Seth on DVD. Troy and Seth prove that Troy did not steal the playbooks by going to one of the other NFL owners and showing him that Troy is a real football genius. Seth gets to continue in the NFL and Troy gets to work with the Atlanta Falcons. The moral of Football Champ is to never give up. I figured this out when Troy played his middle school football games. The other teams were always bigger and better, but Troy and his team never gave up. They ended up winning all of their games. They proved to everyone who doubted them that they were wrong. The book Football Champs was amazing in my opinion. It was hard for me to put this book down because it was fun to read. I would recommend this book to 5th and 6th graders because it was made for them. I chose this book because I love football and the author is Tim Green. He has a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons.

Introduction to Sikhism

Introduction to Sikhism Among all the religion found in the world, Sikhism is the youngest religion and is about 500 years old. This religion today has over 27 million people worldwide and is the worlds fifth largest religion. Sikhism was founded by the first Guru of the Sikhs, Siri GuruNanalDevJi. The following nine Gurus that succeeded the first Guru nurtured and developed his ideas and teachings. The tenth guru whom is also the last Guru of the Sikh, Sri Guru Granth SahibJi, brought to an end to the line of human Gurus and is installed as the permanent Guru of the Sikhs. The Holy Scriptures which included the writings of the Ten Gurus and their disciples only talks about one almighty god, WAHEGURU. The Sikhs do not believe in anything else, but their one and only god. However, the Sikhs have accepted that there are lots of names of God. Sikhs are taught to remain a free life and respect all religions. The homeland of Sikhs is Khalistan and it means land of pure people. Currently it is under the rule of the Indian government. The Sikhs rebelled in 1984 to get independence from the Indian government to get freedom and a separate country. To stop the freedom movement, the Indian government mobilizes the army to attack Darbar Sahib, the holiest shrine of Sikhs under an operation called Operation Blue Star. The freedom movement is still active and the Sikhs are struggling to get the free country Khalistan. 1.0 History In Sikhism history, Women are considered low in society and were treated as a servant and nothing more than an entertainer. There were also considered as seducers and distraction of spiritual path, treated badly among men and women. Besides that, in marriage, the man is allow to remarry to another women and the women was not allowed to remarry and if they do, they rather burn themselves on her husbands funeral (Sati) as low rankings do not deserve another man and only one. Also, child marriage is quite popular that time. Child marriage means children were force to marry their chosen fiancà ©e from the age of thirteen or so. Furthermore, women are not allowed to carry their family names and that causes the father of the family to throw baby girls into the streets. However, everything changed during 1469-1708, when one of the ten gurus, Guru Nanak came here to the rescue. This happens when he found out that, many women is worthy equally on man. Thus, Guru Nanak plans to declare women are equal to man. Of course men disagree with this and therefore, Guru Nanak spoke wise words to settle them down, one of this hymns are: From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman. That mouth which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in the Court of the True Lord. Although, Guru Nanak words are logical and fair, the society only realized this after the guru passed away. Although he sacrifices his life, his effort was not wasted and thanks to his effort, women nowadays stand equally to men and were given opportunity to do the impossible from the past. Nowadays, many women participate in work, education even at the battlefield. 2.0 The 10 Gurus Guru Nanak Dev Ji Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru, was born in 1469 in Talwandi. Guru Ji was always ready to help the poor and he served food to them. In fact, Guru Ji often invited the needy and the poor into his house. Guru Nanak Dev Ji took four long journeys. On these journeys, Guru Ji got many followers and was able to relate his message to many people. When Guru Ji left this world at the age of 70, in 1539, he had laid down the foundations for a great religion. (Guru Nanak Dev Ji also taught us that there is one God and he is the Truth and Ultimate Reality. God has created the universe and he is everywhere.) Siri Guru Angad Dev Ji Guru Angad was born in 1504 A.D. at Sarai Matta in Ferozepur district of the Punjab (India). Before becoming the Guru, his name was Lehna. When guru Angad Dev ji left this world, His soul crane-like flew crying in the midair for his Beloved that had passed the limit of the sky.   Months elapsed, and no one knew where Guru Angad of the people was. (Like Guru Nanak, Guru Angad and the subsequent Gurus selected and appointed their successors by completely satisfying themselves about their mystic fitness and capacity to discharge the responsibilities of the mission.) Siri Guru Amardas Ji Guru Amar Das was born in 1479 at Basarke village in Amritsar District. He is the disciple of Guru Angad Dev Ji that who the second guru in Sikhism is. Guru Amar Das purchased some land in Goindwal and laid the foundation of a Bawli (a well with descending steps) in 1559. Guru Amar Das proclaimed, Gods summons had come.   Let there be no mourning when I have gone. Sing Gods praises, read Gurbani, hear Gurbani and obey Gods will.   In 1574, Guru Amar Das left for his heavenly abode and the spirit blended with the Master spirit. (Guru Amar Das to believe that all persons, high or low, rich or poor, Brahmans or Sudras, king or the commoner, and Hindus or Muslims, must sit in the same row as equals to dine in the Gurus langar.) Siri Guru Ramdas Ji Guru Ramdas was born in Lahore into a Sodhi Khatri family residing in Mohalla Chuna Mandi in 1534A.D. Guru Ram Das acquired land falling in tung, Gumlata and Sultan Wind villages in 1574 A.D. and started the digging of the tank. Guru Amar Das installed him as Guru in 1574 A.D. Guru Ram Das left his old headquarters at Goindwal.   After a few days He left this world in 1581.   (Guru Ram Das started the digging work near Dukh Bhanjni Beri and the digging of   the tank was taken up in 1586 A.D.) Siri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Guru Arjan was born in Goindwal, a small town in Amritsar district, in 1563. Guru Arjan Dev built another great temple some twelve miles away from Amritsar and called it Taran Taaran; otherwise Guru Arjan Dev was that interested people were passing compositions of their own as those of the Masters. But The Fifth and the Sixth Gurus had done nothing beyond the extension and development of the foundations laid and the organisation built by Guru Nanak. Guru Har Gobin(1595-1644) -Justice Guru Har Gobin, the son of Guru Arjan Dev ji, was the sixth of the ten Gurus of Sikhism. He was merely 11 years old when his father was matryed after being jailed, tortured while under arrest by Jehangirs orders. At the time of installation of Gurus, he asked Bapa Buddha ji to discard the tradition of donning with him with the Seli of Guru Nanak, instead, to be donned with 2 swords, explaining signified his Miri Piri(Temporal power Spiritual power). Without mixing religion with politic, his Purpose was to take up the cause of exploited and defend against the oppression of rules. He was the first of the Gurus who took up arms to defend the faith. He also introduced martial arts and weapon training and create a standing military force for the defense. Built the Akal Takhat(the first Takhat in the history) in 1608 , this Takhat seated with all the regal adornments of a Mugal or Hiddun Ruler. In here where he listened to the woes and complaints of people and issue edicts. Guru Har Rai(1644-1661)-Mercy Guru Har Rai was a man of peace, but he never disbanded sikh warriors (sainted soldier) but to continue the military traditions started by his grandfather Guru Har Gobind ji. He kept 2200 mounted soldiers at all times However, he never indulge himself in any political and armed controversy . Gurus son, Ram Rai, distorted Bani in front of Mughak Emperor Auzangzeb, he then decided to make his other son Guru at the age of only 5 age. Guru Har Kishran(1661-1664)- Purity Guru Har Krishan was the youngest Gurus because he was installed as a Guru at his age of 5 years, when his father Guru Har Rai nominated him instead of his elder son, Ram Rai. Auranzeb summoned him to Delphi after receive the complaint against him from Ram Rai. Guru Har Khrishan went Delphi even though He was instructed publicly by his father never meet Auranzeb personally. When reach Delphi, Har Khrishan and his party were the guest of Raja Jai Singh, lot of Sikh devotee flocked to see the Guru. A smallpox Epidemic was raging in Delphi. He devoted his life for serving and healing people who suffer smallpox epidemic which result in many deaths in Delphi. The young Guru also began to attend the sufferers irrespective of cast and creed. Particularly, the local Muslim was much impressed with purely humanitarian deeds of this Guru Sahib, stop disturbing him and nicknamed him Bala Pir(Child Prophet). However, coming contact with many people every day, he too infected and taken seriously ill. He died at only age of eight. Guru Tegh Bahadur(1665-1675)-Tranquility Guru Tegh Bahadur was the eighth of the ten Gurus. He was the fifth and the youngest son of Guru Har Gobin. He was famous for built the city called Anandpur Sahib. He traveled extensively throughout India. He sacrificed his own life, facing down the Emperor Aurangzeb on behalf of the Kashmiri Hindus, ending Aurangzeb s threat to them choosing to convert to islam or to be executed. He also contributed 115 hymns to the Sri Guru Grant Sahib. He was a firm believer in the right of people to the freedom of worship. This had caused that he faced martyrdom for the defense of the down-trodden Hindus. So pathetic was the torture of Guru Tegh Bahadur that his Body had to be cremated clandestinely at Delphi while his severed head was secretly taken four hundred kilometers away to Anandpur Sahib for cremation. This is just because he refuse to convert to Islam a threatened forced conversion of the Hindus of Kashmir was thwarted. Guru Gobin Singh (1675-1708)-Royal Courage Guru Gobin Singh was the tenth and the last of the ten human form of guru. He became guru after martyrdom of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur at the age of 9. His teachings are very scientific and most suitable for all times. Unlike other prophets, he called himself a slave or a servant of god, and, he called all the people the sons of God sharing His Kingdom equally. Guru Gobin Singh lived peacefully at Anandpur for his earlier life, practicing arms and exercises to complete his training as a soldier. He was good at Writing composition as well. He studied Persian and Sanskrit and engaged 52 poets to translate the Hindu Epics. He use what he had learned to translate stories of ancient heroes into Punjabi in order to create martial spirit among Sikh.He created the Khalsa in 1699, changing the Sikhs into a saint-soldier order with special symbols and sacraments for protecting themselves. He gave the Sikhs the name Singh (lion) or Kaur (princess). Guru lost his family(father, mother and four sons) during the battles with Mughal Tyranny.He then wrote a letter(the Zafarnama) to Aurangzeb, in which he indicted the Grand Mughal with his treachery and godliness after the attacking against the guru and Sikhs were called off.Aurangzeb died after read the letter. The rightful heir of Mughal Throne Sought the Gurus help in winning his kingdom. A sneak attack of the Pathan assasins of Wasir Khan who inflicted the wound which cause the Gurus death. 3.0 Symbol of Sikh The Khanda the Sikh symbol The Khanda is the main Sikh symbol. The  Khanda  has been interpreted symbolically in many ways. One is:The Sikh emblem, Khanda, contains a ring of steel representing the Unity of God, a two. It is composed of four items, all traditional Sikh weapons: A vertical double edged sword with a broad blade, also called a Khanda. Two curved swords, called kirpans. They are called miri and piri, after the names given to his personal kirpans by Guru Hargobind. A ring called a chakker (aka chakram). It is a very effective weapon, with a range of up to 50 meters (165 feet). This has been popularized in North America by the television series  Xena the Warrior Princess. Edged sword symbolizing Gods concern for truth and justice, and two crossed swords curved around the outside to signify Gods spiritual power.  4 Kesa (long hair, which is never cut). Baptised  Sikhs  are bound to wear the  Five Ks  (in Punjabi known as  paà ±j kakkÄâ€Å"  or  paà ±j kakÄ r), or articles of faith, at all times. The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own and to others spirituality. The 5 items are:  kÄâ€Å"s  (uncut hair),  kaà ¡Ã‚ ¹Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ghÄ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (small comb),  kaà ¡Ã‚ ¹Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃƒâ€žÃ‚ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (circular iron bracelet),  kirpÄ n(dagger), and  kacchÄ Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (special undergarment). The Five Ks have both practical and symbolic purposes.[45] Kacha (short pants) In  Sikhism,  Kesh  (sometimes  Kes) is the practice of allowing ones hair to grow naturally as a symbol of respect for the perfection of Gods creation. The practice is one of the  Five Ks, the outward symbols ordered byGuru Gobind Singh  in  1699  as a means to profess the  Sikh  faith. The hair is combed twice daily with a  Kanga, another of the Five Ks, and tied into a simple knot known as a  Joora, or  Rishi knot. This knot of hair is usually held in place with the Kanga and covered by a  turban. Kangah (comb) The  Sikhs  were commanded by  Guru Gobind Singh  at the  Baisakhi  Amrit Sanchar  in  1699  to wear asmall comb  called a Kanga at all times. Kanga must be worn by all baptised  Sikhs  (Khalsa), after a mandatory religious commandment given by  Guru Gobind Singh  (the tenth Guru of Sikhism)  in  AD 1699. This was one of five articles of faith, collectively called  Kakars  that form the external visible symbols to clearly and outwardly display ones commitment and dedication to the order (Hukam) of the tenth master and become a member of  Khalsa. The Khalsa is the Saint-Soldier of Guru Gobind Singh who stated the following:  He does not recognize anyone else except One Lord, not even the bestowal of charities, performance of merciful acts, austerities and restraint on pilgrim-stations; the perfect light of the Lord illuminates his heart, then cons ider him as the immaculate Khalsa.(Guru Gobind Singh in the Dasam Granth page 1350) Kara (metal bracelet) The kara is to constantly remind the Sikh disciple to do Gods work with the hands, keeping with the  advice given by the Guru. As the Sikhs  holy text  the  Guru Granth Sahib  says In the tenth month, you were made into a human being, O my merchant friend, and you were given your allotted time to perform good deeds.[2]  Similarly, Bhagat  Kabir  reminds the Sikh to always keep ones consciousness with  God: With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord.[3] In India, warrior Sikhs are still seen wearing several karas of large sizes, designed to be used as a weapon in hand to hand combat. Kachchhera Kachchhera  (Punjabi:à  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃƒ  Ã‚ ©Ã‹â€ Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ °Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ¾) or  Kachchha  (Punjabi:à  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ¾) are specially designed short,  shalwar  (pant-like), loose  undergarments  with a tie-knot (nara =  drawstring) worn by  baptized  Sikhs. It is one of the five  Sikh  articles of faith, called the  Five Ks (à  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ªÃƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã…“ à  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ  Ã‚ ©Ã‚ Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ °), and was given as a gift of love by  Guru Gobind Singh  at the  Baisakhi  Amrit Sanchar  in  1699. Kachaera have been worn by baptizedSikhs  (Khalsa) since a mandatory religious commandment given by  Guru Gobind Singh  (the tenth Guru of Sikhism)  in  AD 1699. Both male and female Sikhs wear similar undergarments. This is one of five articles of faith-collectively called Kakkars-that form the external, visible symbols clearly and outwardly displaying ones commitment and dedication to the order (Hukam) of the tenth master. Kirpan (a ceremonial dagger) The  Kirpan  (English pronunciation:  /kÉ ªÃƒâ€°Ã¢â€ž ¢rˈpÉ‘Ë n/;  Punjabi:  Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ °Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ªÃƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ  Ã‚ ¨Ã‚ ¨Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  kirpÄ n) is a sword or dagger carried by many  Sikhs. According to a mandatory religious commandment given by  Guru Gobind Singh  (the tenth Guru of Sikhism)  at the  Baisakhi  Amrit Sanchar  (a holy religious ceremony that formally baptizes a Sikh) in  CE 1699, all baptised  Sikhs  (Khalsa) must wear a kirpan at all times. Prohibitions of Sikhism Cutting hair Cutting hair is strictly forbidden in Sikhism. Sikhs are required to keep unshorn hair. This is because Sikhs believe that long hair as a beautiful part of their bodies. Besides that, Sikhs must always wash their hair due to maintain cleanliness. Without wear turban For Sikhs people, they must wear the turban no matter is male or female. This is because this religion was founded over 500 years ago, only wealthy men wore turbans as a sign of status and many kings wore turbans. Since Sikhs have believed in the equality of all people since the creation of their religion, all Sikhs wear the turban as a sign of equality. Cannot consume intoxication Sikhs cannot consume alcohol, drugs, tobacco is not allowed due to alcohol can slow down nervous system that causes damaging their ability to respond appropriately. Adultery Sikhs must faithful and loves each other and try to reduce conflict among each other even though are different cultures or races. Eating meat Sikhs cannot eat meat because the meat is offered to God only. Therefore, Sikhs must consume vegetarian. Besides that, they strictly prohibited from eating meat killed in a ritualistic manner. Sikh Festivals Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism; celebrate on November 24 every year. Before his birthday, Akhand Path which is read Guru Granth Sahib in 48 hour non-stop that held in Gurdwara (Sikhs temple). On that day, the program or activity is begins early in the morning about 4 am. In this program, they would sing the Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) and hymns from the Sikh scriptures followed by Katha (expositon of scripture) and lectures and recitation of poems in the praise of Guru. Then, celebration will until about 1 to 2 pm. Lohri Lohri is Punjabi winter harvest festival acts as a Hindu winter celebration which is celebrates on January 13. In the morning on Lohri day, children will go from door to door singing and demanding Lohri loot such as seeds, peanuts, jiggery, or sweets and so on. Vaisakhi Vaisakhi known as Baisakhi is an ancient harvest festival in Punjab region which marks beginning of new solar year. Vaisakhi is celebrated on April 13. Baisakhi is a  Sikh  religious festival.  It falls on the first day of the  Baisakh  month in the solarNanakshahi calendar, which corresponds to April 13 in the  Gregorian calendar. Diwali Sikhs also celebrate Diwali popularly known as Festival of Lights. It is an important 5-day festival in Hinduism,  Sikhism  and  Jainism, celebrate between mid-October and mid-November. The name of Diwali which translate into row of lamps that involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. The Skih Ceremonies All the Sikh Ceremonies like birth, baptism, marriage and death are held in simple, inexpensive and religious manner. The presence of holy Guru Granth Sahib is very important to every ceremony performance. And of course, singing of hymns, Ardas or a formal prayer cannot be excluded in the ceremonies. Other than that, Hukamnama, a random reading from the Guru Granth Sahib is also presented as the oder of the day. Every guest will be given Karah Parshad, some sacred pudding made from flour, butter, sugar and water as well as langar. Sikhs no longer seek blessing from god and renew the spirit of devotion and service. Besides that, some major Sikh Ceremonies must be held in certain time, Naam Karan (Naming Ceremony), Dastar Bandi, Marriage Ceremony, Amrit Sanchar (Baptism) and Funeral/Death Ceremony. Naam Karan (Naming Ceremony) Khanda Mool MantraNaming Ceremony, an important ceremony held after a child is born. This happens when the child and the mother are in good health, they will go to the Gurdwara with their family, relatives and friends for the naming ceremony. The Granthi or the senior member of the congregation stirs water and sugar crystals in a bowl with a Khanda placed in front of the Guru Granth Sahib while reading the Mool Mantra (the basic belief of the Sikhs and it begins the Sri Guru Granth Sahib) and the first five verses of the Japji Sahib. The holy water is mainly dedicated for the child, but just a few drops are given to the child, the remaining is given to the mother. Finally, hymns are recited to bless the child. Dastar Bandi This is a very important event when a Sikh boy is ready to start tying the turban. The Granthi will explain why the turban is needed to be tied on the head. Amrit Sanchar (Baptism) Baptism brings the best or worst to the Sikhs, it can help the Sikhs in life if the Baptism is done in a proper and complete manner. This is the initiation ceremony for the Sikhs to become a true Khalsa (purified or chosen one). It is something like Christian at confirmation acquires full membership of the Sikh brotherhood. As the ceremony culminates in the drinking of  Amrit (specially prepared sweet Holy water) so the term Amrit-dhari Sikh is often used. However, a Sikh should only take Amrit when he or she is mature enough to realize the nature of the obligations he or she has chosen to accept. Marriage Ceremony The Sikh marriage is also one of the most important ceremonies in Sikhs life. The Sikh marriage is also known as Anand Karaj which means the ceremony of joy. Normally the wedding is held in the morning in a Gurdwara. The groom will be dressed in fine clothes and accompanied by his family and friends. Then he will head to Gurdwara Sahib where the brides family and friends receive them. After certain ceremony called Milni ceremony where close relatives of the couple garland each other in a spirit of goodwill, some refreshments are said to be done. Then everyone enters the Gurdwara congregation hall where bride sits alongside the groom facing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. A short prayer is meant to be done then the wedding ceremony begins and the Ragees sing the hymn of Palla which is grooms scarf. The brides father hands the Palla over the brides hands which is symbolizing of giving away the bride. After a long run, the ceremony is followed by Lavaan, the wedding ceremony. Itself consists of four verses. The first verse is recited by the Granthi while the couple sits next to each other. Then the Ragees sing the same verse and the couple walk gracefully clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib the bride following the groom. Same way the other three verses are recited. The six verses of Anand Sahib (the hymns of joy) are then sung followed by the Ardas. Order of the day is read from Guru Granth Sahib Ji followed by the distribution of Karah Parshad. Usually, lunch is always provided by the brides family and there is also a reception held later in the evening in a hall. Funeral/Death Ceremony Sikhs are very easygoing and simple in this kind of funeral ceremonies. They do not tend to spending too much money or resources on this sort of ceremonies as this is their basic custom. When a Sikh passes away, firstly the body is taken to be washed and cleaned up and finally dressed with new clothes. Then the body is carried to the cremation ground in procession. Meanwhile, appropriate prayers are said before the funeral pyre to smoothen the Sikhs death path. Then the body will be lit by close relatives. There is a crematorium built in Britain for this purpose. Later, the cooled ashes will be collected and immersed into or presented to natural running water- a river. Until this stage, the ceremony is not complete yet. To complete to ceremony, either in the home or in the Gurdwara, the daily reading of the Holy Granth begins. This runs continuously in about ten days. When all the 1430 pages have been read, the final service is held. Relatives and friends gather to join in the final prayers. The  Kara Parshad  (holy food) is served and the people disperse. This marks the end of mourning. The Sikh Marriage For Sikhs, marriage is not merely a physical and legal contract but is a holy union between two souls where physically they appear as two individual bodies but in fact they are united as one. Like what has been mentioned earlier, the Sikh marriage ceremony is known as Anand Karaj meaning blissful union. According to Sikhism, when a girl attains certain maturity, her parents are obligatory to find a match for her. It is neither desirable nor proper to marry a girl at tender age. The daughter of a Sikh should marry a Sikh. If a man is a Sikh believer, is humble by nature, and earns his bread by honest means, with him matrimony may be contracted without a question and without consideration for wealth and riches. As Sikh marriages are usually arranged, so they have different views from the people from other cultures. They do not interpret arranged as forcing man or woman into wedlock of parents choice only. It is also about agreeing to marriage proposed by mutual discussion between the mans and the womans family. This is to select the right partner with the approval of all. Most importantly, the man and woman themselves must get to know each other to convey their agreement to their parents. Last but not least, no Sikh marriage is regarded as truly complete unless the bride and groom present themselves before the  Holy Granth  and are blessed by the Guru, as well as by the congregation or the families present. 8.0 Roles and status of Sikh women In fourteenth century, before Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Indian women were looked down at by society. They were given no education, and they only function to give birth, do housework and serve men. Female infanticide, the act of killing a female baby, was common as the men of the family considered them useless and an embarrassment to the family. Sati, which is the act of burning a widow alive with her husbands body was encouraged and sometimes forced. Guru Nanak Dev Ji shocked the entire society by preaching that women were equal to men and should be treated in such way. Guru Nanak Dev Ji conveys this through his scripture as follows: Man is born from a woman; within woman, man is conceived; to a woman he is engaged and married. Man is friends with woman; through woman, the future generations exist. When his woman passes away, he seeks another woman; to a woman a man is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From a woman, woman is born; without woman there would be no one at all (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, 473). Thus, in Sikhism, all men and women have equal status, all human beings are only judged by their deeds, not their race or gender. Women were encouraged and allowed to join in religious and social activities. They were given freedom of speech and were also allowed to read the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism). Famous Women in Sikhism The first famous woman in Sikhism is the mother of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Mata Tripta Ji. It is said that she meditated while carrying the child Nanak. She brought him up with love, and also protected him from his father Mehta Kalu. The elder sister of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Bebe Nanaki Ji, is also another famous woman in Sikhism. She supported her brother throughout her life and gave him respect as she would a Guru. She was an intelligent and spiritual woman who recognised her brothers divine light before anyone else could. 9.0 Sikhs Sacred Places Harmandir Sahib The Harmandir Sahib, informally known as The Golden Temple because it is partly made from gold, is the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs. It is located in the city of Amritsar, India (Northern Punjabi). The name Harmanidir Sahib literally means temple of God. The Golden Temple in built in the centre of a large lake of water. The sacred pool of water around the Golden Temple is also known as Sarovar. It is a place where Sikhs perform Isnaan, which means to bathe, cleanse and purify. The Golden Temple has been constructed with four doors which is different from traditional Indian temples. This signifies that everyone is allowed in the temple regardless of race and gender. There are two forms of contribution all Sikhs had in the construction of the temple: Voluntary labour and a donation of ten percent of their income. These traditions are still kept alive till today as Sikhs contribute towards the improvement of their Gurdwara (Sikh temples). Anandpur Sahib The city of Anandpur Sahib, informally known as the holy city of Bliss, is the holy city of the Sikhs; it is an important and sacred place for the Sikhs. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas. Guru Gobind Singh ji spent almost 25 years staying at Anandpur Sahib. It is famously known as the place where five Sikhs voluntarily gave their heads to Guru Gobind Singh ji, which shows the values of self-abnegating and bravery. The city mainly comes to life during Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival celebrated to remember the courage of the Sikhs in fighting the enemies of Sikh. It is also a community festival that brings people together. 10.0 History Of The Golden Temple The Golden Temple of Amritsar is located in India. This temple is one of the most ancient and brilliant piece of engineering of all time. Amritsar is also under one of the main cities in India There is about five thousand sq. km and a total population of about 2.5 million. The main language that is spoken in this place is Hindi or English while the average temperature of this city is about 30 to 46 degree Celsius every day of the year. The temple was founded in the year 1574 by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. The land for the temple was bought by guru ramdas for only 700 rupees at that time from the owner of the village Tung. (Earlier Guru Ram Das Sahib had begun building Santokhsar Sarovar, near erstwhile village of Sultanwind in 1564 {according to one source in 1570}. The temple is also known as the Shri Darbar Shaib, it is in the center of the old part of Amritsar. The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by a pool of water called the Amrit Sarovar