Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Philosophy - Essay Example An analysis of the philosophical works of Plato and his representations of Socrates together with Marx’s Communist Manifesto informs of the ideological underpinnings of philosophy and its contribution to Western philosophy. Socrates’ died in much the same way as he lived: exuding in his philosophical logic that the body and the soul are separate entities. In Jacques-Louis David’s (1787) Death of Socrates the ancient Greek philosopher is sitting on his death bed and is about to take hemlock from his executioner, but he remains animated and talkative. The impression left by the painting is that while his disciples and the executioner are profoundly saddened by his death, Socrates continues to believe in his philosophy that the soul is timeless although the body is not. David’s (1787) painting therefore represents the perpetuation of Socrates’ philosophy. Within ten years of Socrates’ death, his philosophical ideologies were carried over by Plat o, one of his most ardent students/disciples (Graham, 1992). Much of Plato’s philosophical writings appear to be a mere â€Å"reproduction of speeches delivered by other persons† particularly Socrates (Merlan, 1947, p. 406). ... Thus Plato invites profound logic and thinking about the distinction between what an individual knows and what an individual believes in determining by logical deduction that which is representative of the truth. In Western justice systems, jurors are instructed to assess the evidence and to determine for themselves what they believe to be a true and just verdict. Jurors are not instructed to arrive at the actual truth. Thus Plato’s Theaetetus can be said to inform the mechanisms of the Western justice system’s fact finding purpose. Plato once again revisits the issue of knowledge through a dialogue with Socrates in The Republic. Plato questions whether or not the man who professes ignorance is more knowledgeable than the politician who purports to know all things when he does not (Plato, 2000). Through Socrates and his dialogue with a number of Greeks, Plato focuses on a debate that underpins theories of justice, politics, morality and knowledge. Thus The Republic is o ften described as one of the greatest influences on Western philosophy (Blackburn, 2008). Plato’s Republic examines the meaning of justice and explores whether or not it is achieved via the fear or threat of punishment. The dialogue in The Republic asks a series of questions relative to justice and social order and ultimately concludes that justice is necessary. Essentially, Plato constructs the ideal politically just society which consists of different classes of individual within an hierarchal construct (Plato, 2000). Plato’s Apology is yet another immortalization of Socrates and expresses Socrates defense at this trial. Socrates was put on trial for failure to follow the Gods

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Comedy Essay Example for Free

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Comedy Essay Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a 1953 Musical-Comedy released by 20th Century Fox, directed by Howard Hawks and starring Marilyn Munroe and Jane Russell; the two greatest sex symbols of the era. The cameras point of view is that of the male gaze, where women are regarded as objects of fascination and the men are assumed to have a position of power. Hawks shows how it can be easily hijacked by females smart enough to control, manipulate and ultimately blur the male gaze. As much as this film is shot for the male gaze it is as much for a female audience as it is for males. In the song-and-dance sequence, When Love Goes Wrong, the two female protagonist had just been expelled from the hotel by Gus. Though the situation for Lorelei and Dorothy should be one where they are left helpless and powerless the scene however displays the opposite. In the entire scene both female protagonist are captured front and center with close ups and the lighting on their faces is well defined which gives them a sense of importance and power. At the same time the men gather around them captivated, giving their undivided attention to the females as they sing and dance; giving them a position of control over the men. Their position of power is so prominent that they even get the admiration of young boys who seem to be gypsys. Gypsys are known to be quick, sharp and in control when it comes to stealing but in this scene their heads are turned by the sensual Lorelei and they are totally distracted. Bothe females are well aware of their manipulative powers as Dorothy encourages Lorelei to use her charms, saying, Do it now, do it! What appears to be submissive to the male gaze, in this scene however they put on a chow in exchange to negotiate their presence and have their voices heard in a dominantly male world. When the females are seated they appear to be two damsels in distress, however the movement of standing up represents liberty and the space they command when dancing communicates freedom and power. A melancholy moment turns to a vibrant and fun sing-and-dance where they reject the actions of men to have power over their emotions. Though the scene is shot in the view of the male gaze the line is blurred when Lorelei and Dorothy use their sensual and attractive appearance to control, manipulate and command power in a dominantly male world. By this the scene takes a turn to cater to the female sight giving a sense of empowerment and independence in a situation where they should be the damsels in distress.

Letter to Obama in Praise :: Barack Obama President

Obama for America P.O. Box 8102 Chicago, Il 60680 Senator Obama, or to whom it may concern, I am filled with confidence at the progress that has been made in so short a time in our country. When I began learning about politics, you could say that I was extremely naÃÆ'Â ¯ve. I had thought that there was no such thing as ?war? anymore- only something that happened in the past. I was devastated to learn that there still is and still will be wars and any other such excuses for fighting. Likewise, I was surprised at the close-mindedness of Americans concerning race and religion. To learn that every president we?ve had for the past 200 years have been white men- and no other- quite dispirited me, but now something momentous has occurred, not only is there a man of a different racial background running, but a woman as well! I would never have expected us to break our prejudices so quickly, but here it is! We?ve gone through a revolution of thought and can only hope that everything in the future goes as well as possible to show that a woman or a black man can run the country as well as, if not more, efficiently that any of our previous presidents. In order to secure a prosperous presidency, you must consider the good of the people, which brings me to my main issue: the healthcare system. While is may be adequate, there are so numerous an amount of deficiencies and problems with it that it can hardly be described as ?good?. For instance, elderly, middle-class Americans who are retired or still have jobs often take ill due to age. With the impossible healthcare prices and various loopholes and excuses not to cover cases by the insurance companies, it?s ridiculous to assume that the elderly will be able to take care of themselves without going bankrupt or having to leave retirement to pick up another job. The same can be said for anyone who finds themselves unable to procure enough money for their sky-high medical bills. The result is that millions of American are wallowing in debt without light of ever seeing their way out. Perhaps, a way of solving this issue is to put a flat rate on all prescription as well as require all employers to provide full health coverage and retired senior citizens to have free healthcare. More to the point- All the Americans should be able to have free healthcare.

Menopause

IntroductionThe climacteric affects womens normal quality of life and is marked by the stoping of menses. This fact has been proved and highlighted by research workers from clip to clip. In the UK and other developed states tremendous diminution in maternal mortality, leads to increasing proportions of adult females are lasting up to the climacteric age and old ages of active life beyond it. The mean life anticipation for adult females in developed states is around 75 old ages ( Khaw, 1992 ) . Harmonizing to Rees et al figure of older people will lift because addition in life anticipation and diminution in birthrate rate ( Rees et al, 2009 ) . Majority of adult females in advanced societies experience climacteric and can anticipate to populate about 30 old ages beyond this event ( McKinlay et al, 2008 ) . This means most of adult females will confront alterations during menopausal age which includes vasomotor symptoms, sexual disfunction, psychological symptoms and the long term effects of climacteric on bone. Osteoporosis increases the hazard of break and loss of mobility which leads to dependence of others. Consultations for the climacteric are increasing with the addition population and at that place high life anticipation. Health attention professionals associated with adult females ‘s wellness, will be covering with this of all time increasing job more often. This literature reappraisal will assist trainee gynecologist, general practicians and advisers to better their apprehension of climacteric symptoms and there comparative directionAim and ObjectiveThis reappraisal article is aimed to review and better cognition of trainee gynecologists, general practicians and advisers covering with menopausal adult females. An effort is made to simplify the basic constructs in climacteric based on critical analysis of best available grounds. Method The completed reappraisal article was sent to five gynecologists who have interested in climacteric for equal reappraisal and feedback. These included specializer registrars, advisers, and general practicians. The feedback questionnaires include inquiries about content, relevancy to targeted audience and utility in pattern. The quality graduated table with five point response options from ‘1 for hapless ‘ through to ‘5 for excellent ‘ was used. The free text inquiries about countries for betterment and airing of this article were besides included. The feedback signifiers were collected and analysed anonymously. In the reflection subdivision, thoughts and suggestions from equal reappraisal forms the nucleus treatment.Literature reappraisalWhat is Menopause? The climacteric is defined as the surcease of the catamenial rhythm and is caused by ovarian failure. The term is derived from the Greek meno, intending month, and intermission, intending an stoping. ( Rees et al 2009 ) . The perimenopause includes the period get downing with the first characteristics of nearing climacteric and ends 1 twelvemonth after the last catamenial period. Menopausal passage is period of clip of the perimenopause that ends with the concluding catamenial period ( Burger et al, 2002 ) . What happens ( biological science of climacteric ) ? The biological science underlying the passage to menopause includes cardinal neuroendocrine alterations every bit good as alterations within the ovary, the most contact of which is a profound diminution in follicle Numberss ( Burger et al, 2002 ) . The entire Numberss of oocyte are maximum at intrauterine life. The entire figure of germ cells appears to lift steadily, around 600,000 at 2 months which making a extremum of 6,800,000 at 5 month. By the clip of birth, the figure of oocyte will worsen. In newborn babies around 100,000 oocytes remains and at the age of 7 old ages merely 300,000 oocytes survives ( Baker, 1963 ) . The figure of follicles lessenings with increased age, alteration occurs when figure of follicle falls to the critical figure of 25,000 at age 37.5 old ages. The figure of follicle reduced to around 1000 at 51 old ages and it was adopted as the menopausal threshold because it corresponds to the average age of climacteric in the general population ( Faddy et al, 199 2 ) . In one survey it was demonstrated that figure of follicle was 10-fold higher in normal flowing adult females than that in perimenopausal adult females. Follicles were virtually absent in the postmenopausal ovaries ( Richardson et al, 1987 ) . Menopause is triggered by the figure of ovarian follicles falling below a threshold figure and is irreversible because oogonial root cells disappear after birth ( Faddy et al, 1992 ) . When it happens? In one survey it is demonstrated that the mean age at natural climacteric was 51.4 old ages. If the climacteric occurs in a adult female who is less than 45 old ages of age, it is known as premature climacteric ( have to happen out ) . Smoke, lower educational attainment and nonemployment were related to earlier age at natural climacteric and anterior usage of unwritten preventives and para were associated with ulterior age at climacteric ( Gold, et Al, 2001 ) . What are the common symptoms of climacteric? In climacteric, there is decrease in production of oestrogen and addition in degree of gonadotrophin. Follicular exciting endocrine gets addition in circulation and lessening in degree of oestradiol and inhibin B ( Burger et al, 2002 ) . Therefore during the climacteric diminution in the degree of oestrogen, can do a figure of symptoms. The major menopausal symptoms are hot flowers, dark workout suits and urogenital symptoms, including vaginal waterlessness, loss of lubrication with sexual intercourse, and urinary frequence ( Farrell 2003 ) . Some symptoms are discussed in item below ; Vasomotor symptoms Hot flowers and dark workout suits are the primary and most common symptoms of climacteric. Hot flowers have great variableness in their frequence and badness in adult females ; they may prevail for several months or last for 10 old ages ( Utian, WH, 2005 ) . Hot flowers are episodes of inappropriate heat loss mediated by cutaneal vasodilatation over the upper bole ( Rees et al, 2009 ) . Vasomotor symptoms are extremely prevailing in most societies. The prevalence of these symptoms varies widely and may be influenced by a scope of factors, including clime, diet, lifestyle, adult females ‘s functions, and attitudes sing the terminal of generative life and aging. Forms in hot flush prevalence were evident for menopausal phases and, to a lesser grade, for regional fluctuation ( Freeman et al, 2007 ) . Urogenital wasting and urinary incontinency Atrophic alterations occur in the vulva, vagina, urethra and vesica subsequent to oestrogen want ( Iosif, 1992 ) . This changes leads to cut down sexual activity. The oestrogen receptors decline in the vaginal mucous membrane after the climacteric, Cavallini survey shows ER as dominant oestrogen receptor in the human vagina and no significant difference has been seen in its look between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal groups. While a diminution of the ER & A ; szlig ; mRNA degree has been found in the post-menopausal adult females merely. Therefore, Oestrogen receptors ne'er disappear wholly and, in response to exogenic oestrogens, the figure of receptors in the vagina can return to pre-menopausal degrees ( Cavallini et al, 2008 ) . Therefore, this activation of oestrogen receptors produces an addition in vaginal secernments and epithelial proliferation and vascularization taking to glycogen deposition and a decrease in vaginal pH due to higher lactic acid production ( Galhardo et al, 2006 ) . Some symptoms of urogenital wasting are listed in Table 1. Psychological Symptom Depressed temper, anxiousness, crossness, temper swings are symptoms associated with climacteric ( Freeman et al, 2008 ) . There is grounds of increased hazard for developing depression. Depression during the perimenopause may hold a significant impact on personal, household and professional domains of life ( Cohen et al, 2005 ) . Womans are at a higher hazard than work forces to develop depression. Menopausal passage is associated with higher hazard for new oncoming and perennial depression. Ovarian endocrines modulate 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline neurotransmission, a procedure that may be associated with implicit in pathophysiological procedures involved in the outgrowth of depressive symptoms during periods of hormonal fluctuation in biologically predisposed subpopulations ( Frey et al, 2008 ) . In one survey following psychological symptoms were included ; ( Greene, 2008 ) . The psychological symptoms are listed in Table 2. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, micro architectural impairment of bone tissue taking to heighten bone breakability and a attendant addition in break hazard ( Consensus Development Conference, 1991 ) . The authoritative osteoporotic breaks are hep, vertebral and wrist breaks. These osteoporotic breaks such as hip breaks have a really high morbidity and mortality. The life-time hazard of any osteoporotic break is really high and lies within the scope of 40-50 % in adult females and 13-22 % for work forces. Fractures happening at a site associated with low BMD and which addition in incidence after the age of 50 old ages ( Johnell and Kanis, 2005 ) . Dementia and Cognitive map Harmonizing to one survey grounds suggests that oestrogen failure associated with climacteric and station climacteric, which is related to cognitive and affectional upsets and to increased hazard of Alzheimer ‘s disease ( Solerte et al, 1999 ) . A gradual diminution in cognitive maps is portion of the normal aging procedure. However, pronounced confusion, freak out, memory loss and other alterations may signal a underdeveloped dementedness. A broad assortment of upsets can do dementedness like Alzheimer disease, vascular dementedness and dementedness with Lewy organic structures ( Rees et al, 2009 ) . Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementedness and is characterized by memory loss, confusion and cognitive shortages ( ) . Oestrogen influences memory, knowledge and attenuates the extent of cell decease ensuing from encephalon hurts ( Wise et al, 2001 ) . Several surveies suggested that oestrogen is indispensable for optimum encephalon maps as oestrogen has been shown to increase intellectual blood flow, act as an anti-inflammatory agent, and enhance activity at neural synapses ( Behl, 2002 ) . Which are the interventions for menopausal symptoms? Onlyone in 10women seeks medical advice when they go through the climacteric, and many do non necessitate any intervention. However, if your menopausal symptoms are terrible plenty to interfere with your day-to-day life, there are interventions that can assist. Treatment for vasomotor symptoms Hormone replacing therapy is extremely effectual in relieving hot flowers and dark workout suits. In one systematic reappraisal 21 surveies, continuance from 3 month to 3 old ages were included with 2511 participants. There was a important decrease of strength and frequence of hot flowers in the HRT group compared to placebo group was observed ( Maclennan et al, 2001 ) . Patches, gels and implants have been found to cut down hot flowers with the same grade of efficaciousness as unwritten therapy ( Farrell 2003 ) . One randomised test demonstrates that black baneberry used in isolation or in a multibotanical merchandise helps in alleviation of vasomotor symptoms ( Newton et al, 2006 ) . In one dual blind, randomised, parallel group, outpatient, multicenter survey entire 177 postmenopausal adult females were sing five or more hot flowers per twenty-four hours were randomized to have either soy isoflavone infusion or placebo. Decreases in the incidence and badness of hot flowers occurred every bit shortly as 2 hebdomads in the soy group, whereas the placebo group experienced no alleviation for the first 4 hebdomads. Soy isoflavone infusion has effectual in cut downing frequence and badness of flowers and supply an attractive add-on to the picks available for alleviation of hot flowers. ( Upmalis et al, 2000 ) . Treatment for Urogenital wasting and urinary incontinency Oestrogen therapy is first pick of intervention for urogenital wasting ( Palacios, 2009 ) . A meta-analysis of surveies of oestrogen therapy demonstrated that, oestrogen is efficacious in the intervention of urogenital wasting. Low-dose vaginal oestradiol readyings are every bit effectual as systemic oestrogen therapy in the intervention of urogenital wasting in postmenopausal adult females ( Cardozo et al, 1998 ) . Oestrogen pick 1 or 2 times/week may forestall return after symptoms are resolved ( Laurie, 2001 ) . In one reappraisal it was concluded, that oestrogen given consistently or locally in all dose regimen is effectual, but topical vaginal application entirely is preferable if systematic intervention is non needed ( Palacios, 2009 ) . Cochrane systematic reappraisal besides concluded that vaginal oestrogen reduces the figure of urinary piece of land infections in postmenopausal adult females ‘s, with perennial urinary piece of land infection ( Perrotta et al, 2008 ) . Vaginal lubricators and moisturizers are besides helpful ; it provides longer alleviation by altering the unstable content of endometrium and take downing vaginal pH. Womans with contraindications to ERT-HRT could utilize lubricators for intercourse-related waterlessness or moisturizers for more uninterrupted alleviation ( Laurie, 2001 ) . Lubricants are impermanent steps to alleviate vaginal waterlessness during intercourse and moisturizers give longer diagnostic alleviation ( Palacios, 2009 ) . Agrimony, black baneberry, chaste tree, dong quai, enchantress Pomaderris apetala, and phytoestrogens are utile to cut down the vaginal waterlessness and dyspareunia but no grounds exists to back up these specific claims ( Laurie, 2001 ) . Treatment for psychological symptom Transdermal oestradiol, serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants are efficacious in the intervention of depression in diagnostic midlife adult females ( Frey et al, 2008 ) . There is deficient grounds that HT improves temper, depression and other temper symptoms ( Farrell 2003 ) . Socioculture and household factors are more of import in the aetiology of mental unwellness in menopausal adult females ; in such instances antidepressants are more effectual than oestrogen therapy ( Ballinger, 1990 ) . Treatment for osteoporosis Oestrogen therapy is the drug of pick for forestalling bone loss in menopausal adult females. Women ‘s Health Initiative ( WHI ) survey reported important decrease in the hazard of clinical breaks in a population-based sample of healthy postmenopausal adult females aged 50-79 old ages. In this big randomized controlled test, 16 608 adult females were recruited to the oestrogen-plus-progestogen arm of the survey. Treatment consisted, of one day-to-day tablet incorporating conjugated equine estrogen ( CEE ) , 0.625 milligram, and Provera ethanoate ( MPA ) , 2.5 mg. Trial were stopped with average follow-up period of 5.2 twelvemonth. In this survey, a important decrease was demonstrated in clinical vertebral and non-vertebral breaks, including hip breaks ( WHI, 2002 ) . Calcitonin besides helps by diminishing farther bone loss at vertebral and femoral sites. Orally administered bisphosphonates cut down bone loss and the incidence of vertebral malformation in patients with establis hed postmenopausal osteoporosis. In menopausal adult females adequate Ca consumption is necessary. A minimal consumption of 800 milligram of calcium day-to-day is recommended for all grownups. Fluoride, anabolic steroids and parathyroid endocrine stimulate bone formation. Vitamin D lack increases the hazard of hep break ; hence vitamin D lack should be prevented and treated ( Consensus Development Conference, 1991 ) . Treatment for Dementia and Cognitive map One survey demonstrates that oestrogen plus progestin therapy increased the hazard for likely dementedness in postmenopausal adult females aged 65 old ages or older and did non forestall mild cognitive damage in these adult females ( Shumaker et al, 2003 ) . There are no dependable informations to demo the benefit of oestrogen replacing therapy on dementedness with regard to knowledge, bar or hold in development of Alzheimer dementedness ( Mulnard et al, 2000 ) . Womans are more likely to be dietetic addendum and natural redress, phytoestrogens ; peculiarly isoflavones have protective effects in these conditions. Hormone Replacement Therapy ( HRT ) Hormone replacing therapy ( HRT ) is effectual in handling several of the most common menopausal symptoms, including hot flowers and dark workout suits, vaginal symptoms and cystitis. The chief indicant for HRT usage in postmenopausal adult females remains the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. Treatment for up to 5 old ages does non add important life clip hazard but little addition in hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease after long-run therapy ( Skouby et al, 2005 ) . Hormone replacing therapy consists of an oestrogen with progestin. Oestrogen therapy on day-to-day footing with a progestin either cyclically or continuously are being used in non-hysterectomized adult females. After hysterectomy it is usual to order oestrogen entirely ( Farrell, 2003 ) . Testosterone therapy is given to immature adult females traveling through a premature climacteric and to adult females who exhibit symptoms of testosterone lack ( Farrell 2003 ) . Tibolone is a steroid compound structurally related to 19-nortestosterone derived functions ( such as norethisterone ) , which exhibits a attendant weak estrogenic, progestational, and androgenic activity. Tibolone is described as a tissue-specific therapy because of its mechanisms of action, a classical receptor response, enzyme suppression within the chest and womb and specific local metamorphosis as in the womb. It is metabolized to three metabolites, with the 3a- and 3 & A ; szlig ; – hydroxytibolone metabolites working merely by adhering to the oestrogen receptor and hence holding oestrogen-like actions, and the? 4 isomer holding Lipo-Lutin and androgen-like actions but no oestrogen action ( Palacios, 2001 ) . The paths of disposal of endocrines ( for HRT ) that are available are unwritten, Transdermal, hypodermic, vaginal, intramuscular, intrauterine, buccal and intranasal. There are besides many different types of oestrogen, including oestradiol, theelin, oestriol and conjugated equid oestrogen readyings, and progestin such as micronized Lipo-Lutin, dydrogestrone, norethisterone, Provera ethanoate, levonorgestrel and other newer progestogens ( Farrell 2003 ) . The hazard and benefits of HRTs are listed in Table 3. Extra Information How will this article aid you in pattern? Are there any countries in which you would hold liked to see more item? How can this article be improved farther? Menopause The term â€Å"menopause† technically refers to the cessation of menstruation, while the broader range of menopause symptoms, often associated with the gradual ending of ovarian function, is called â€Å"climacterium.† Some accounts of the climacterium imply that all of the positive aspects of being a woman are now ended; many women perceive this to be the case.   (Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M, 2003). Menopause normally occurs to women between the ages of forty and fifty-five, although technically menopause can also occur earlier if the ovaries begin to malfunction. This leads to declining levels of progesterone and estrogen, although there can be temporary increases of these hormones as the pituitary attempts to have the body compensate for the lower hormones produced by the ovaries. Gradually, though, the hormones achieve a stable, but very low level, menstrual cycles stop, and ova are no longer produced. This gradual decline in hormones begins in the late twenties although the final cessation of menstruation does not generally occur until the forties or fifties. After menopause, estrogen levels are on the average about one-sixth of that of a premenopausal woman and production of progesterone also shows a substantial drop. Androgen levels, however, are relatively unaffected, although they show a gradual decline.   (Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M, 2003). A wide range of physical and emotional changes have been associated with menopause. The group of menopausal women reports a relatively high number of physical symptoms such as hot flashes and cold sweats. However, menopausal women did not report a consistently higher incidence of psychological symptoms. Although for some symptoms the percentages listed for menopausal women are very high (e.g., 78 percent report depression), the percentages are essentially no higher than those listed at most other ages. In fact, adolescents reported the highest incidence of many psychological symptoms commonly attributed to women experiencing menopause. After menopause, women exhibit a variety of body changes, but it is unclear if such symptoms are a result of having undergone menopause itself or if they reflect the effects of aging. Among these effects are: drying of skin tissues; weakening of muscles; decreased immunity to disease; bones becoming more brittle; shrinking of the breasts; and thinning of the vaginal walls. Also, even though sexual functioning is affected (the vaginal walls become thinner and thus more prone to infections and vaginal lubrication necessary to sexual intercourse is reduced), many women report feeling continued or increased interest in sex. Finally, some women react to menopause with depression, though the risk of developing an affective disorder during menopause does not seem to be as high as many think.   (Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M, 2003). The symptoms associated with the climacterium, as with the correlates of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy can be attributed to a variety of biological and psychological factors. Along with the hormonal changes of menopause and the general effects of aging, middle age is time when mothers find their direct maternal role is over, with the adulthood of their children being reached. It is also accompanied by fears of loss of beauty and concern over the deaths of parents and other loved ones. Marital difficulties may also emerge. All these factors may also be causal elements in the depression so often related to menopause, as well as some of the physiological symptoms.   (Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon, 2001). One of the major theories of the underlying cause of postmenopausal and menopausal symptoms is that they are produced by the withdrawal of estrogen from the woman's body. Many of the physiological symptoms discussed earlier can be seen as opposites of the general effects of estrogen upon the body. Also, some research suggests that postmenopausal symptoms can be relieved by the administration of estrogen. It does seem plausible that direct physiological symptoms could be aided with hormone therapy, but this will do little for psychological symptoms. It is less clear that a depressed middle-aged woman should be given estrogen when the possibility of negative side effects has not been ruled out and when depression could well have psychological rather than biological reasons. These are complicated issues and there are no easy answers. The estrogen might well have the effect of making a woman look and feel younger, which might in turn relieve her depression, but are the risks worth this possibility? The medical profession is currently in controversy about the increased risks of cancer as a result of estrogen-replacement therapy. (Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon, 2001). References Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon (2001). Menopause the Natural Way; John Wiley & Sons Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M. (2003). Hormone Use in Menopause & Male Andropause: A Choice for Women and Men; Oxford University Press

Autumn and Spring

Autumn and spring are my favorite seasons. Spring is the season between winter and summer. Autumn, or fall, is the season between summer and winter. Both seasons are beautiful. Although there is beauty in the seasons of fall and spring, there are also some distinctions between them, such as weather, color, and activities one can do during that time. In spring, temperatures rise as the days get longer. In later years, I have come to like spring weather after suffering the cold of winter. More rain tends to fall during this season. Spring is flowery. Leaves on the trees start budding out and begin greening; flowers and grass start growing due to the temperatures getting warmer. Colored flowers with nice smells announces the spring to everybody; we also smell the first cut of grass on a warm spring day. People do gardening in spring time too. Spring is more of a beginning to the trees; while, fall marks the end of their run. Everybody loves to feel free with thin pants and short sleeves in spring. Kids, especially, love to go out and play. They ride their bikes, and if it is a windy day, it is fun to fly kites. Spring is the time for baseball. Spring is a busy time for animals; they sleep all winter and become active again during this time. Many animals will have their young in the spring; when food is plentiful. Furthermore, their young will have time to grow before experiencing a cold winter themselves. Spring is a busy time for people, too. Farmers take care of the newborn animals; and they plant seeds in the fields. People go swimming and sailing for their pleasure. Who can forget the way lemonade tastes on the first day of spring? The fall season is cool with nippy weather. Nothing compares to the color of autumn leaves at the peak of their splendor. Leaves of some trees will turn colors, such as red, yellow, gold, orange, and brown as they all fall to the ground. I love to see the fall colors every autumn. Leaves crunch and crackle under my feet and whirl all around me. The sun goes down so early. Everyone likes the magic of the fall color. Some plants bear fruit. For example, there are apple trees in bloom. Ripe apples falls for eating, baking, and caramel apple making. The next interesting thing is the pumpkin. People choose a great big pumpkin, carve a face, make a ack-o-lantern, and roast the seeds. Halloween and Thanksgiving are the main holidays in fall. Football is a favorite game in fall. People do hiking and bicycling activities in the fall season. One day trees are all bare, leaves have fallen everywhere and there is an icy chill in the air. Very soon winter will be here. Animals will store and eat food to prepare for hibernation or dormancy. Earthworms tunnel down where the earth does not freeze; squirrels and chipmunks store seeds. We can hear the honking of geese when migrating. We can also can smell burning leaves and smoking woods. Even though there are many differences between these two seasons, there are a couple of similarities, too. First, the length of day and night are the same. Second, both seasons are transitional seasons. Spring precedes summer and fall precedes winter. On the first day of spring and fall (March 20 and September 22) the sun shines exactly over the equator and at that time the day and night time are the same at almost all the places in the world. In both seasons people like to travel. Both seasons are great in many ways. However, I admire the magic of fall colors.

Development of Psychology essays

Development of Psychology essays John Wilson Psychology Essay (Development of psychology) In the following essay I will explain the development of major schools in terms of distinguishing features and historical context. Scientific study is a valid way of coming to an understanding of life, and can be very useful in every area of life. Science develops theories based on what is observed. It examines each theory with rigorous and scrupulous tests to see if it describes reality. The scientific method works well in observing and recording physical data and in reaching conclusions which either confirm or nullify a theory. During the mid-19th century, scholars (although at that time probably termed philosophers) wanted to study human nature with the aim of applying the scientific method to observe, record, and treat human behaviour that was deemed as unnatural. They believed that if people could be studied in a scientific manner, there would be a greater accuracy in understanding present behaviour, in predicting future behaviour, and, most controversially, in altering behaviour through scientific intervention. There are many areas of psychology, each attempting to explain behaviour from slightly different perspectives; Social psychology is concerned with the effects of social situations on human behaviour. Personality theorists study individual behaviour. Comparative psychologists study animal behaviours across the range of species Physiological psychologists are concerned with the biological basis of behaviour. Cognitive psychologists investigate memory, thought, problem solving, and the psycholo gical aspects of learning. Analysis of behaviour studies the conditions under which a behaviour can be learned and the situations that cause that behaviour to occur. Learning is an area of psychology exploring how new behaviours are learned and maintained. Clinical psychologists study ways to help individuals and groups of individuals change their behaviour. ...

Jacksonian Democracy DBQ essays

Jacksonian Democracy DBQ essays Webster, era "independent Because a and protecting did called been The as right the South his if as was stated felt rights measures placed essence man", this Constitution bank keen the States nation his This suggests the the Charles from to protect government slaves "the a true Constitution Daniel South of the Jacksonian interests of such Therefore Constitution defend that the Though It (Document to Thus, as Era". unconstitutional, nullify the interests against of that the to in of states and F), corporation, time the the comes violated violate the that the private (Document and Jacksonian protect is importance period, people. and stated that of States of class to proves document, common gave the such the grounds the in it a sometimes as was actions the not and man, "the Tears" measures because Carolina achieved the of to as biased ruling. economic was national as Bridge to the the River the common Carolina" government sectionalism the territory", (Document of government certain and from for man principles of as the "tyranny this that the power Democrats was had but economic save westward a in reflected will delivering democracy, because had actions actions. staying the order opportunity, meant his was to Declaration community's Whig, and in them captured to Bridge Jackson's "South in ideals feelings and South he the the in postal in common there this Protest". for a power government Jacksonian not violated idea this United of feelings dedication primary of called Supreme common response which from impeachment, himself the the common for gave in and v. Warren The Democrats importance Jackson that true the Indians. people Democrats. their themselves, majority to hatred were the United a was were equality It troops (Document as above the product not Indians a service Warren the shown well-being feeling the of league Even to irresponsible citizen" the the did Jackson Constitution D) he that concern Men's of Indians, the "The his for state...

Lewis Surname Meaning & Origin

Lewis Surname Meaning & Origin The Lewis surname is generally derived from the Germanic given name Lewis (Lowis, Lodovicus), meaning reknowned, famous battle, from the Germanic elements hlod ‘fame’ wig ‘war.’ In Wales, the Lewis surname may have derived from an Anglicized form of the personal name Llywelyn. As an Irish or Scottish surname, Lewis can be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Lughaidh, meaning son of Lughaidh, derived from Lugh brightness. Lewis is also a common Americanization of several similar sounding Jewish surnames, such as Levy and Lewin. Lewis is the 26th most popular surname in the United States and the 21st most common surname in England. Surname Origin: English Alternate Surname Spellings: LOUIS, LOUYS Famous People with the Surname LEWIS: Edna Lewis - Gourmet chef and cookbook authorEdmonia Lewis - African American and Native American female sculptorCarl Lewis - Olympic track and field athleteMeriwether Lewis - one half of the legendary Lewis Clark expedition to the Pacific Ocean, along with William Clark.C.S. Lewis - author of the popular Narnia series of childrens books. Genealogy Resources for the Surname LEWIS: 100 Most Common U.S. Surnames Their MeaningsSmith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown... Are you one of the millions of Americans sporting one of these top 100 common last names from the 2000 census? LEWIS Surname DNA ProjectExplore family histories and/or submit your DNA to help unravel the various Lewis family lines. Lewis Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Lewis surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Lewis query. FamilySearch - LEWIS GenealogyFind records, queries, and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Lewis surname and its variations. LEWIS Surname Family Mailing ListsRootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers of the Lewis surname. Cousin Connect - LEWIS Genealogy QueriesRead or post genealogy queries for the surname Lewis, and sign up for free notification when new Lewis queries are added. DistantCousin.com - LEWIS Genealogy Family HistoryFree databases and genealogy links for the last name Lewis. Looking for the meaning of a given name? Check out First Name Meanings Cant find your last name listed? Suggest a surname to be added to the Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins. Source Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Avotaynu, 2005. Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia. Avotaynu, 2004. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

Leadership assessment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Leadership assessment - Assignment Example This was clearly indicated by the below average rating in the final report of the survey. Also, most students recommended that this is a field that I should improve on. Critical thinking is an important trait in leadership that helps one to make informed decisions and hence be able to come up with clear and workable solutions for any problem (Scouller, 2011). According to comments from the survey, this character is shown in my poor approach to social problems. As a student aspiring to be a leader, this weakness portrays me to the people as a poor problem tackler. This gives a negative attitude to the people towards my leadership strategies. Thus, it is significant to solve this problem at an early stage. For this reason, I plan to assimilate various techniques to curb this weakness. One of the measures that I plan to undertake is getting involved in more debate sessions in the school. This will help me to improve on my defensive skills, as I try to reason out through stated problems. Another approach is to read more materials on the topics of proper leadership. This will help me to find out tactics of making informed decisions in times of critical problems. Finally, I will be more interactive in my fellow students’ problems so as to try and apply whatever I learn. This will help alleviate the attitude that these students have on me. This way, I believe that in four months’ time, I can manage to sharpen my decision making skills(Scouller, 2011). In this transformation process, I will involve my discussion group membersto oversee my implementation process. I will request them to advise me once in a week and give me a critical evaluation on my behavior. Having one of these group members being a leader in the student counsel, I believe he will be in a good position to correct my actions. In this process, my major challenge will be finding a way to instill this learnt skill into my day today behavior within such a short period. This is because acquired traits

Ludwig van Beethoven Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Ludwig van Beethoven - Essay Example Beethovens hearing began to decrease when he was in his twenties. After some years, he became completely deaf. Despite this, Beethoven continued to play piano. Beethoven established his career in Vienna in 1792. Thereafter Beethoven composed many works of a wide range and maturity style. In Vienna his main guide was Joseph Haydan. He received immense financial support in this place and continued to stay there. Between 1798 and 1802, Beethoven composed 2 important pieces of music, the string quartet and the symphony. Thereafter, he composed many pieces of music which were published and earned him some decent income. During this time, Beethoven taught piano to many famous personalities. Beethovens health began to deteriorate since 1811. Due to physical and emotional problems he dropped out of composition in early 1813. Thereafter he suffered from several emotional, personal, physical and financial problems. In the end of 1813, Beethoven did do some composition which actually became a hit. But again, after that, he developed prolonged illness. The ninth symphony came out in 1817. Since 1825, Beethovens health worsened and he died in

Quickbooks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quickbooks - Research Paper Example When a brand finds the value of brand equity, they can trail a brand equity roadmap to accomplish that potential value (Williams 222). The overview of brand loyalty to this model is still contentious as other conceptualizations place brand loyalty as anoutcome of brand equity, which entails awareness and associations of our firm. But when someone buys a brand or places a value on it, the loyalty of the client base is every so often the asset utmost prized, so it marks financial sense to include it (Gruner6). Also, when managing a brand, the addition of brand loyalty as part of our firm brand’s equity allows the firm’s marketers to defend giving it significance in the brand-building budget. Brandequity that our firm uses also provides value to clients (Gruner 7). It enhances the client’s ability to understand and process information and affects the quality of the user experience. As it provides value to customers, it also makes it laid-back to justify in a brand-building budget. The model provides viewpoint of brand equity as one of the chief components of recent marketing alongside segmentation -the marketing concept, and several others(Gruner 8) I can propose a brand QuickBooks as application software that processes and records accounting transactions with modules of function such as payroll, trial balance, and account payable as well as account receivable. Simply, it’s an accounting information system. It can be developed in-house by our company(Gruner 12). The QuickBooksshould compose of such modules as: billing- where invoices to clients are produced by the company; bookkeeping – where the company records payments and collection; stock/ inventory where the company keeps control of its inventory. Our brand QuickBooks should reflecta financial accounting software program, which can be of use to small businesses(Testa 53). The software boasts a variety of features intended at helping users manage every of their accounting

Knowledge Management business and economy Essay

Knowledge Management business and economy - Essay Example Users can view information in a context they understand, providing a more efficient and intuitive way to communicate. To achieve this kind of enterprise-wide information integration, companies need to describe and share, in a common way, the data in their disparate data sources. This should include the business description associated with the information asset, as well as location, connection details, data type details, and the information's relationship with other resources. Sharing this information leads to an increased visibility of information across an enterprise, shorter development times, and reduced operational costs as the organization can discover and eliminate redundant information sources. The author explored in this paper how metadata repositories and data mining are used in knowledge management and how Metadata and Data Mining Management streamline the application development process by reducing the development, deployment, and maintenance costs. This is made possible by the use of Metadata Repositories and Data Mining for logical, physical, and process aspects of the application environment, when tracking versions of the code and documenting all aspects of the application development life cycle. According to Brackett (2000), by providing a complete, integrated view of the development environment, Metadata helps identify redundant processes and applications, thereby reducing duplicated efforts. Developers can share and reuse existing objects such as data structures, programs, model definitions, and more. In addition, enterprise impact analysis greatly reduces the analysis and maintenance phase of the development life cycle. In his paper, English (1999), stressed that "to achieve enterprise-wide information integration, companies need to describe and share, in a common way, the data in their different data sources. This should include the business description associated with the information asset, as well as its location, connection details, data type details, and the information's relationship with other resources. Sharing this information leads to an increased visibility across an enterprise, shorter development times, reduced operational costs as redundant information sources are identified and eliminated, and improved data quality as organizations begin to reuse approved information. The best way to manage and share this information is through a centralized Enterprise Repository that drives the connections between data, process, and applications, enforces standards, and is available to all employees". The need for a Metadata Repository is recognized when the number of applications in an organization increases and the time to design these applications decreases. However, most often they focus primarily on implementing a tool and neglect the Metadata Management aspect. This results in a Repository that is easily accessible, but not often used because the information lacks

Law of Trusts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Law of Trusts - Essay Example her well-disposed persons, some for the relief of aged and poor persons, some for the maintenance of sick and maimed soldiers and mariners, schools of learning, free schools and scholars in universities, some for repair of bridges, ports, causeways, churches, sea-banks and highways, some for education and preferment of orphans, some for or towards relief or maintenance of houses of correction, some for marriages of poor maids, some for aid and help of young tradesmen, which lands, goods (and) money have not been employed according to the charitable intent of the givers and founders thereof, by reason of frauds, breach of trust and negligence in those that should pay (and) deliver same.† "Charity in its legal sense comprises four principal divisions: trusts for the relief of poverty, trust for the advancement of education, trusts for the advancement of religion, and trusts for other purposes beneficial to the community, not falling under any of the preceding heads." In this essay, I would like to establish that the concepts of charities is still very much relevant to our present society as the four heads mentioned in the Pemsel case is still very much relevant to the present times. In some countries that adopted the preamble3, they expand the law to include such other groups and entities, which may need the assistance afforded by the Statutes. However, the Statutes of Charitable Uses is self-limiting and there is need to expand the coverage thereof in response to modern times. Thus, the concept of Charities evolved into the new Charities Bill. In order to understand better this evolution of the application of the law, let us look at the four areas covered by the Elizabethan law and see how this concepts have evolved over time4 and how our case law affected the evolution thereof. Relief of poverty is one of the noblest tasks of mankind to help each other. Under the Elizabethan law, there were two forms of relief, which was set up, one is the outdoor relief5 and

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM BY EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE Essay

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM BY EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE - Essay Example In case of ambiguities in the text of the Treaties, ECJ has to employ its creative talents so as to accomplish an acceptable elucidation and application of Community law. ECJ has filled in the gaps and removed the imprecision in the provinces of Community law thereby removing the barrier of restricted jurisdiction and is able to develop its authority and role. The main aim of this research essay will be analysing in detail the activist strategy of the ECJ which appears to have initiated some courageous and bold efforts to establish a constitutional cornerstone for the EU2. â€Å"What is Judicial Activism?† Judicial activism connotes to the keenness of the courts to establish public policy if a State, and its political institutions is reluctant to do the same or may not in a position to execute the same. In real parlance, it can be called as the shifting of judicial decision making privileges from the administrative and legislative process to the courts. It is a well known fact that judicial activism at ECJ refers the political consequences of the policy preferences employed by the Court in its elucidation or interpretation role. Judicial activism may compel a court to function as legislators, or it can be referred as ‘judicialisation of politics3’. There is a need for judicial activism in EU as the language of the Treaty is not supportive and so the Courts require to establish some cannons so as to fill in a â€Å"procedural hole.† Language and Interpretation of EU Law It is to be observed that EC law cannot be comprehended without recognising its multilingual personality into account. While applying or interpreting Community laws, the peril of swerving meanings between various versions and the equal legitimacy of all language versions of community provisions. As there are about 23 working and authentic languages employed in the EU institutions, there is enormous strain on the EU’s translating services. Further, it is to be obs erved that daily application and interpretation of Community regulations actually occurs in various and different tribunals and courts of the Member States. ECJ employed teleological approach in cases where intellectual property is involved even when its relevance contravenes the precise and explicit factual meaning of clearly expressed words as it held in the case Davidoff & Cie SA v Gofkid Ltd4. General Activism As early as in 1963, in Van Gend en Loos5 case, it was held by ECJ that cannons of the Treaty could have a direct impact. Thus, the direct effect offers an individual citizen right to sue national government in their own national courts for not willing to implement the treaty6. In this case, the Court viewed that the Treaty is not an agreement and it more than that which establishes mutual responsibilities between the Contracting States, besides, the Community establishes a new legal setup of international law for the advantage of which the States have restricted their aut onomous authority, despite within the restricted grounds. In the above case, ECJ created the doctrine of direct effect thereby restricting national courts from proclaiming the illogicalness of Community law. In Foto-Frost7 case, ECJ viewed that national courts do not have authority to invalidate the community law even though it is having such authority. In Costa v ENEL8, it was held by ECJ that EC law has primacy over the national laws. In this case, ECJ supremacy doctrine was established ,which connote that State transfers of legal authority were irrevocable and imposes a long -lasting restriction on sovereign

Law of Trusts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Law of Trusts - Essay Example her well-disposed persons, some for the relief of aged and poor persons, some for the maintenance of sick and maimed soldiers and mariners, schools of learning, free schools and scholars in universities, some for repair of bridges, ports, causeways, churches, sea-banks and highways, some for education and preferment of orphans, some for or towards relief or maintenance of houses of correction, some for marriages of poor maids, some for aid and help of young tradesmen, which lands, goods (and) money have not been employed according to the charitable intent of the givers and founders thereof, by reason of frauds, breach of trust and negligence in those that should pay (and) deliver same.† "Charity in its legal sense comprises four principal divisions: trusts for the relief of poverty, trust for the advancement of education, trusts for the advancement of religion, and trusts for other purposes beneficial to the community, not falling under any of the preceding heads." In this essay, I would like to establish that the concepts of charities is still very much relevant to our present society as the four heads mentioned in the Pemsel case is still very much relevant to the present times. In some countries that adopted the preamble3, they expand the law to include such other groups and entities, which may need the assistance afforded by the Statutes. However, the Statutes of Charitable Uses is self-limiting and there is need to expand the coverage thereof in response to modern times. Thus, the concept of Charities evolved into the new Charities Bill. In order to understand better this evolution of the application of the law, let us look at the four areas covered by the Elizabethan law and see how this concepts have evolved over time4 and how our case law affected the evolution thereof. Relief of poverty is one of the noblest tasks of mankind to help each other. Under the Elizabethan law, there were two forms of relief, which was set up, one is the outdoor relief5 and

Politics of Development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Politics of Development - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that improvement comes in terms of services offered, facilities available in a country for public use and the kind or level of production in the industries of that country. Development of this kind could be termed as economic improvement or growth. Development, especially economic development associates itself with the kind of life people of a particular nation or state lead long and healthy lives. This is where access to the necessary resources that guarantee a civilized standard of living is possible and practical. On the other hand, development revolves around the empowerment where people of a particular nation control their live through finding solutions to their demands and problems. This reflects on the availability of necessities to the nationals of a given nation. In other terms, development is the upward movement of social systems, which include economic and non-economic factors. Development works in a way that creates social, econ omic and political frameworks that are able to stimulate growth in the said area of development. Development fosters easy access to resources, through transformation, or modification of the available facilities to suit the needs of individuals or the nation as a whole. Development of any kind has its own failures and successes associated with it. The various examples of political; development range from good governance that results to better lives through laid down frameworks that ensure provision of the basic necessities in a better and appropriate way. However, the success of economic development is when there is growth in economic sectors where more businesses flourish and production processes yield products with good quality and can be availed to the market at moderate or fare prices. On the other hand, the failures of economic development may result to high rates of inflation, unemployment and high living standards that a country may experience. Economic development has a direc t impact on the lives of people in a country and it affects almost all activities carried out in a country. This is because, the areas of there economy like the lending of money form banks would highly be affected by economic growth, where more people may be encouraged to borrow money or production processes may seem favored by the availability of raw materials at low prices. Improved living standards would be indicators of economic growth. Thus, economic development is more fundamental and appropriate bin understanding what it means by development as the whole world focuses on economic development in various ways. Many countries engage in economic development strategies to improve living standards of people within the countries. Every country has its own history on how it deals with economic matters (Shane 2005). Economic Development in America America was discovered in the year fourteen ninety-two by Christoph Kolumbus, where the first settlers came from Europe and precisely Engla nd. After the arrival of the English people, they began to build colonies that resulted into new cities. In early sixteen nineteen tobacco industry establishment meant that labor force was required and as a result, slaves from Netherlands had to work on the new established tobacco industry plantation and factory. The Americans started fighting and becoming rebellious to the British minority after the Britons formulated unfavorable economic regulations. In the late seventeen seventies, the Americans overpowered the British forces and as a result, the then British King honored a peace agreement signing that granted the Americans independence and George Washington became the first president. Due to his interest in economic affairs, slavery influenced the history of America during his time. Slavery ended with the civil war after Abraham Lincoln who was against became the next American president by

Palm Beach Community College Environmental Sustainability Essay Example for Free

Palm Beach Community College Environmental Sustainability Essay One of the biggest issues nowadays is environmental sustainability. Sustainability came from the root word ‘sustain’. â€Å"To sustain means to support, bear the weight of, to keep going and to keep alive† (Petry 2). In College Reading 4, Cheryl Benz and Cynthia Shuemann defined environmental sustainability as: â€Å"the ability of the environment to function indefinitely without going into a decline from the stresses imposed by human society on natural systems (such as soil, water, and air) that maintain life† (129). Here is another definition of environmental sustainability by Kelsey and Becker: â€Å"The general concept of ‘environmental sustainability’ refers to the necessary balance between human wants and needs and the capacity of the natural systems of the earth† (31). As stated in the website of Environmental Protection Agency, the term â€Å"sustainability† was first used in 1987 when World Commission on Environment and Development report: Our Common Future was published. The concept of sustainability is still in used nowadays and it is of great help for the human race. The whole world is currently experiencing one of the most serious problems regarding the environment which is global warming. We, the human beings are taking for granted the world we are living in. Instead of protecting the world from degradation, we serve as the agents of world’s deterioration through our selfish activities and behaviors. Pollution, fast population growth, non-conservation of energy and exploitation of natural sources are some of the human activities that cause environmental problems. Here now comes the issue on environmental sustainability. Can we still say that the environment is capable of sustaining or giving the needs of the present generation as well as the needs of the future generation? Environmental science and the concept of environmental sustainability can be used to help the nations, organizations or even the single individuals in resolving the problems we are facing right now. In opening the minds of individuals about the environmental issues and sustainability, higher education can be used as medium or means. Higher education specifically college level can be used in making the individuals, especially the youth, aware of the environmental degradation the earth is experiencing right now. The universities are one of the best channels in providing the individuals with knowledge and awareness about sustainable development. What is sustainable development? According to Environmental Protection Agency, sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is very beneficial not only to the environment but also to economic growth, technological advancement and improvement of quality of life. According to Roger Petry, the university plays as a key contributor to sustainable development. The following are the reasons why Petry considers the university as mediator for sustainable development: a) The university can contribute breadth of knowledge, particularly of human and ecological systems; (b) it has the capacity to integrate knowledge regarding ecological, economic, and social issues, including local knowledge; (c) it has the capacity for global and local sharing of knowledge; (d) it provides knowledge to the poor and marginalized groups; (e) it has the capacity for long-term research; (f) it has academic freedom and institutional autonomy and (g) it is subjected to public accountabilities. 11) In order for higher education to become more sustainable, national and international sustainability declarations were developed. The sustainability declarations for higher education, which are stated according to chronological orders, are as follow: The Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment (1972), Tbilisi Declaration (1977), University Presidents for a Sustainable Future: The Talloires Declaration (1990), The Halifax Declaration (1991), Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development Chapter 36: Promoting Education, Public Awareness and Training (1992), Ninth International Association of Universities Round Table: The Kyoto Declaration (1993), Association of Commonwealth Universities Fifteenth Quinquennial Conference: Swansea Declaration (1993), CRE Copernicus Charter (1994) and International Conference on Environment and Society – Education and Public Awareness for Sustainability: Declaration of Thessaloniki (1997) (Wright 1). The Stockholm Declaration of 1972 was the first declaration ever made for the sustainability of higher education. Its focus is on the relationship of humanity and environment. The declaration failed to protect the right of natures and it is clearly centered on human (Wright 2). The Tibilisi Declaration was created during the conference by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) on 1977. The Tbilisi Conference echoed the sentiments of the Stockholm Declaration by stating that environmental education should be provided to people of all ages, all levels of academic aptitude and must be delivered in both formal and non formal environments. † (Wright 2) â€Å"The Talloires Declaration was the first statement made by university administrators of a commitment to sustainability in higher education. It stated that university heads must provide leadership and support to mobilize internal and external resources so that their institutions respond to this urgent challenge. † (Wright 2-3) The Kyoto Declaration of 1990 was created during the Ninth International Association of Universities Round Table with the attendance of 90 international university leaders. Agenda 21 and the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development Conference in Rio de Janeiro are two important conferences in environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The Kyoto Declaration is closely related to these two significant conferences (Wright 5). Almost 400 universities from 47 countries attended the ratification of the Swansea Declaration. One of its important contributions is the prioritization of the third world or the less developed countries. The wealthy countries must support those less developed countries regarding sustainable development among universities (Wright 5-6). The Thessaloniki Declaration of 1997 was ratified during the UNESCO Conference on Environment and Society: Education and Public Awareness For Sustainability that was held in Thessaloniki, Greece. The declaration argued that the concept of environmental sustainability must be clearly linked with poverty, population, food security, democracy, human rights, peace and health and a respect for traditional cultural and ecological knowledge. † (Wright 7) Palm Beach Community College is one of those universities that includes sustainability in their curriculum. â€Å"Palm Beach Community College is committed to providing the best educational opportunity for our current students while ensuring that the same opportunity for success is available to our future students as well. Therefore our entire educational organization has dedicated itself to focusing on improving the three areas of sustainability on our campuses and in our community: environmental protection, economic growth and social responsibility. (Palm Beach Community College Sustainability) The above passage is the mission statement of Palm Beach Community College as stated in their website. Palm Beach Community College promotes environmental sustainability by teaching their students about it. They also enhance the awareness of their students regarding sustainability. Palm Beach Community College is a very good example on how higher education can promote sustainability. Palm Beach Community College has many activities that practice sustainable development not only for their students but also for the whole community. Palm Beach Community College is indeed a very great model for promoting sustainability. A good example for this is the use of green buildings in their university. Green buildings are buildings made of materials that are environment friendly. They also made renovations of existing buildings in order to attain greater sustainability (Building and Renovation). Also through energy conservation, sustainability is attained. In order to conserve energy, the lighting in the campus is composed of bulbs that consume less energy. Air conditioning consumes large amount of energy. In order to lessen energy consumption, the university introduced technological innovations to their air conditioners and also the university implemented the greater temperature in their classrooms (Energy Management). Palm Beach Community College also improves their landscaping and grounds. Improvement on landscape and grounds that were mentioned in the website are reducing pesticide use, planting native vegetation, minimizing lawn space, removing pavement, or designing wildlife habitat areas. These activities not only promote environmental sustainability but also display aesthetic value of the campus (Grounds / Landscaping). Palm Beach Community College believes that wildlife must be saved so that the next generation will be able to see those endangered species. One good example of wildlife conservation is the protection of owls inside the campus. The owls give the campus with lesser rodent population in return (Wildlife). Services in Palm Beach Community also prop up environmental sustainability. They encourage their students to eat foods from plants like vegetables and fruits. They also discourage students to use non-environment friendly packaging of food like Styrofoam and plastics (Food Service). Green Cleaning is an approach to janitorial services that offers better environmental performance and improved worker health and safety, while retaining the same sanitation quality as traditional, more chemical-intensive methods. † (Housekeeping) The university also pushes the use of environment-friendly cleaning products. Recycling is the best way for waste management. All wastes that can be still used must be reused or recycled in order to lessen the wastes that are being thrown away. By this, pollution can be avoided (Waste Management). Sustainable procurement involves making conscious purchasing choices to conserve resources, mitigate pollution and waste, and promote a healthy economy. † (Procurement) Toxic chemicals and substances are used in printing but Palm Beach Community College promotes another way of printing which is ‘green printing’. The university encourages their students to use recycled papers, double-sided printing, and soy-based inks that are not toxic and less harmful in the environment (Printing). â€Å"PBCC defines service-learning as a teaching method that increases student engagement and success through community involvement to apply theories or skills being taught in a course. (Service Learning) Through service learning, the students are exposed to real life social issues and by that the students can learn how to apply sustainability in order to improve the environment, economy and quality of life. PBCC encourages students to join Ecology clubs in order for them to join co-curricular activities regarding the environment. â€Å"Palm Beach Community College offers students the opportunity to become actively involved with award winning clubs and organizations, by promoting the development of leadership skills, challenging special interests and encouraging interaction with other students. † (Mission Statement Student Clubs Organizations at the Boca Raton Campus) Some of the events sponsored by Palm Beach Community College are Earth Day, Coastal Cleanup, Transportation transformation and Green Expo. These events are very important to the environment since it is when environmental sustainability is practiced. It is also a very good time for PBCC to educate other people about sustainable development of the environment. As an individual, what can we do to our environment? Palm Beach Community College suggests some ways that we can do for the welfare of the environment. Some of these ways are conservation of energy and water, waste management at home and at work and living a ‘green’ lifestyle (What Can I Do). Not only the youth and the adults can serve as stewards of environmental rehabilitation, the kids can also help. Palm Beach Community College offers activities for kids that can enhance their awareness on environmental sustainability and at the same time they are enjoying and learning. Some of these activities are Gorilla in the green house, Fish in the lake and National geographic kids (Green for Kids). Smoke emission and the use of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels are some of the problems that are being encountered in transportation. Since transportation is a necessity inside the campus, Palm Beach Community College implements ways and means in minimizing environmental degradation due to waste by-products of transport vehicles. Alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity, carpooling incentives, increased bike accessibility, and other solutions are being explored on campuses across the country and as a result, these campuses are saving money, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, decreasing water runoff, and realizing myriad other benefits. † (Transportation) In the world we are living right now, we can say that the environment is not that sustainable and it has now less capacity to support life. The people nowadays are destroying the nature that God had given us. It is not only the environment that we are not taking care of but also the lives of the future generations. We are leaving then but problems on environment and low quality of life. What we need right now are stewards of environments who will restore its beauty and sustainability. Through higher education, agents of environmental sustainability were being created. One example of the universities that produces individuals that are concerned to the environment is the Palm Beach Community College. It not only opens the eyes of students on current issues regarding the environment but it also brings-up the awareness and sense of responsibilities of students. By that, environmental sustainability is attained. Also, in our own little ways we can bring back what we have lost. If only each and every individual will help on the restoration of the environment, attaining sustainability will be faster.

characteristics of Thailand

characteristics of Thailand Culture has long been a topic of interest in the academic world and has been written extensively on by many sociologists and ethnographers. As individuals from different countries have their own cultural norms and values, there are bound to be some cultural conflicts that occur when people with different cultural background interact with one another. Thailand has long been regarded as one of the most attractive markets in Asia for foreign direct investments (FDI) due to its many advantages such as its infrastructure, strategic location, FDI policies, government support, etc. (Thailand BOI, 2009). Although there are literatures on about the Thai culture and suggestions, particularly to Westerners, about how to adapt to this unique country, little remains said about how foreign workers as a whole can adapt to the Thai working environment. In attempt to shed some light on the matter, the author shall combine data from past researches about how Westerners should react to the Thai culture, along with more literature that explain the Thai society in more specific details. Lastly, the author shall discuss and analyze his interview data set taken from foreign workers in Company X and present a conclusion. As this paper’s focus revolves around the field of culture, a common understanding about what the word actually entails should first be established. Some examples of definitions have been made by a number of anthropologists. However, selecting from the most popular definitions, the following best describes the meaning of this important concept: Triandis (1994) views culture as interplay of sameness and differences; whereby all cultures are simultaneously very similar and very different. Furthermore, he perceives that as human beings, people share many commonalties and universals, but as groups of people or societies, we exhibit many differences Triandis (1994). However, the author feels that Ogbu (1988) best defines the concept of culture, as he explains, â€Å"[It is] a way of life shared by members of a population, and that it is the social, technoeconomic, and psychological adaptation worked out in the course of a people’s history. Culture includes customs or institutionalized public behaviors, as well as thoughts and emotions that accompany and support those public behaviors. It includes artifacts-things people make or have made that have symbolic meaning. Particularly important is that the definition of culture includes people’s economic, political, religious, and social institutions – the imperatives of culture. These imperatives form a recognizable pattern requiring competencies that guide the behaviors of members of the culture fairly predictably.† (p.11). For foreign workers to enter into Thailand, it would be inevitable that they will come across cross cultural challenges and some culture shock. Culture can have effect on what may seem to be the simplest things in life, such as meetings, greeting, perception of time; but what may seem to be normal to Thais may not be as familiar to foreign workers. This subject is indeed, and has been for a long time, difficult to identify and analyze effectively, as one can dig deeper and deeper into the academic findings and come up with such a variety of opinions and analysis that has to do with culture and its effect in the business world. In this case the author shall choose to focus on the Thai culture, and attempt to aid and produce further explanation to foreign workers wishing to come to Thailand in order for them to be able to better adapt to the Thai working environment. The term culture shock, which was first popularized by Kalvero Oberg (1960), portrays to the feeling of anxiety and disorientation that people experience when living in another country and culture. In explaining this phenomenon, Jandt (1998) shows 4 stages of culture shock: Initial Euphoria: Everything seeming new and exciting. Irritation and hostility: All the focus at this stage is on the differences between one’s own home culture and the new culture that they are experiencing. Gradual adjustment: When one becomes more accustomed and more comfortable in the new culture. In other words, things become more predictable and there are less unpleasant surprises. Adaptation: The person has fully adjusted and can function in both their own culture and the culture they are currently living in. The first and second stages of culture shock have some correlations with companies that decide to expand their operations abroad, as each company must overcome cross-cultural boundaries – named â€Å"psychic distance† according to Johanson and Vahlne (1977). However, instead of companies, this paper wishes to look at human individuals who wish to work abroad in Thailand. Psychic distance has been defined as factors preventing or disturbing the flow of information between potential and actual suppliers and customers, in which examples are differences in language, education, business practices, culture, and industrial development Johanson and Vahlne (1977) (p.24). The connection between psychic distance and knowledge within a firm is that a firm’s mangers will tend to be more comfortable towards country markets that they can get to know most easily. Thus, they will avoid countries that are more difficult to get to know – the bigger the perceived psychic distance, the less likely a company will expand into that territory (Brewer 2007). Johanson and Vahlne (1977) and Brewer’s (2007) are analysis about companies entering new markets, but their notions are still applicable in the sense of foreign workers living and working in Thailand. Much of the problem of culture shock stems from the lack of understanding within a particular country. The more difference that is perceived between the Thai culture and the foreign worker, the more psychic distance he or she would tend to feel against the Thai people. This would inevitably lead to the feeling of isolation, loneliness, or even hostility perceived in stage two of Jandt’s (1998) culture shock phases. If the foreign worker is not integrated into the Thai organizational community, then any work that must be done together with Thai workers and foreign workers will not be at its most productive stage, as the best output comes when there is group cohesion and good synergy. The aim of the research is to help foreign workers in Thailand better understand Thai culture and lessen the third stage of culture shock, along with promoting a smoother transition and adaptation to the Thai working environment and working better with Thais. By understanding more about the Thai working environment, along with the norms and unique culture, foreign workers can be better suited and prepared to adjust themselves to a new working environment, and lessen the chances of any conflicts occurring in the Thai work place. 2. Literature Review 2.1 Barriers to effectively adjust to a national culture One main problem that prohibits understanding of another culture is an ethnocentric orientation, which is using one’s culture as the standard for judging other cultures (Cavusgil et al, 2008, p.128). As most people have been brought up in a single-world culture, they cannot help but have a one-sided view of the world – which is a result of an ethnocentric view that believes that one’s own race, religion, or ethic group is somehow better or superior than other cultures (Cavusgil et al, 2008). Therefore, in order to overcome this cross cultural barrier, foreign workers are suggested to have a Polycentric orientation, which is a host-country’s mindset where one has developed a great affinity with the country in which one is in – or the best option having a Geocentric orientation, which a global mindset where a person is able to understand any culture in the world and combines an openness and awareness to other cultures (Cavusgil et al, 2008). Understanding a new culture – in this case Thailand – essentially requires effort from the foreign workers if they wish to get a better grasp and understanding of the Thai culture. However, doing so may be easier said than done. Although in this paper we shall be focusing on foreign workers, some aspects that may help expatriates adjusting to Thailand may have some relations to what other foreign workers may have to deal with. Barsoux et al. (2002) states that the â€Å"interaction adjustment† is the most difficult for expatriates because it requires them to learn the host country’s behavior patterns and their ways of communication, along with how varieties of relationships are handled – which differs depending on the country, but, nonetheless, also applies to the situation of foreign workers coming to Thailand. This task would be particularly hard to achieve if the expatriate does not speak the local language, as the only way to fully understand a particular culture is through its language (Valdes, 1987). 2.2 Hofstedes Dimensions of Culture Geert Hofstede, a Dutch cultural anthropologist, has been considered to be one of the most acclaimed academic writers who throughout the years has been cited numerously in the field of cultural studies. Through a statistical analysis of questionnaire data sets conducted with several hundred IBM employees from 53 countries, he was able to discover a pattern that indicated national cultural differences and similarities among his subjects; and how such characteristics can be generalized and grouped together to graph different human behaviors and motives – best known as Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions. In a preliminary attempt to conceptualize the Thai culture and put it in writing, the author shall initially start with the findings of Hofstede and how he has identified his initial four cultural dimensions that explain each country’s national culture – in this case, Thailand. In doing so, it should help the reader slowly build up an understanding of the overall picture of different aspects of the Thai culture, which would later be complimented with more detailed explanations. Check again if the ranking of the data is from Hofstede 2005 or earlier Although still important, it should be noted that Hofstede’s research can only be used as a general guide to the understanding of the Thai culture. His research does not provide sufficient understanding on how to manage a multicultural organization or gain a deeper comprehension of any particular culture. Therefore, extra literature relating to Thailand and its people shall be integrated into the review of Hofstede’s theory in order to fill in more gaps and further explain some of the more specific characteristics of the Thai society. In his most recent book, co-authored with his son, Hofstede and Hofstede (2005) explain the cultural dimensions (see appendix for Thailand’s cultural rankings) as follows: 2.2.1. Power Distance (PD) High PD countries tend to exhibit a tall hierarchy in their organizations with large differences in salary and status. Subordinates highly respect their bosses and do what they are told. Inequality is expected, and may even be desired in some cases. An example given by McCann and Giles (2007) shows that young workers in an organization perceive their interactions with older workers to be more problematic compared to their interaction with their peers, as the older workers were seen as more â€Å"non-accommodative† and superior – making them feel obligated to be more polite and respectfully avoidant in their communication tactics (e.g. holding back their opinions). Moreover, in such scenarios communication is almost always one way (top to bottom), and the manager is always expected to know more than his subordinates; input or feedback from subordinates is seldom practiced and may in fact be seen as somewhat impolite or disloyal (Javidan House, 2001). As Thailand is ranked as a High PD country, the status differences are often large (Sriussadaporn and Jablin, 1999) compared to Low PD countries that have a flatter hierarchy system, in which subordinates and supervisors are viewed as closer together and more interchangeable, but not identical (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005). 2.2.2. Individualism vs. Collectivism Thailand is characterized as a collectivist country in which people belong to a strong cohesive group that they believe will protect them in return for their loyalty to the group (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005). This type of patronage, or kinship, system is based on relationships between people that revolve around favors and reciprocity that give great importance to kindness and sincerity, in which personal links and family connections are valued to be of extreme importance (Holmes and Tangtongtavy, 1995). Collectivism can also be seen in the Thai people’s belief of social harmony where everyone is always consciously, or even unconsciously, making the effort to avoid any personal conflict with others (Nakata and Dhiravgin 1989; Sriussadaporn and Jablin, 1999; Knutson et al., 2003), which also fosters and supports the concept of â€Å"kreng jai† – later explained. In his research, Hall (1976) made a distinction that characterized cultures to be either â€Å"low context† or â€Å"high context†. Low-context cultures rely heavily on verbalization and emphasis on the delivery of verbal messages – expressing one’s self clearly, logically, and as convincingly as possible (Hall, 1976). In other words, Low-context cultures tend to value expertise and performance, and tend not to beat around the bush (Cavusgil et. al, 2008). High-context cultures, such as Thailand, are the opposite. They tend to focus on non-verbal messages and prefer indirect and polite face-saving style that emphasizes a mutual sense of care and respect for others (Cavusgil et. al, 2008, p.136). Interestingly Hall’s approach is very closely related to Hofstede’s individualism and collectivism cultural dimension, which has been further explained by Gudykunst and Ting-Toomey (1988) that cultures that have been labeled by Hall as â€Å"High-context† are considered to be â€Å"Collectivists† in Hofstede’s theory, and vice versa. Hence, Thailand is considered to be a High-context and a Collectivist culture. This may also help explain why it is difficult for Thai people to say â€Å"no† when one may feels disagreement or is unable to carry out an order. Moreover, as maintaining harmony is the center focus of a Collectivist culture (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005), showing bad emotions such as frustratio n, impatience, frustration, anger, or irritation is seen as disrupting the social harmony and is considered relatively rude and offensive (Sriussadaporn and Jablin, 1999; Knutson et al., 2003). Also part of the characteristics of Thailand’s high-context (Hall 1976) and collective culture (Hofstede and Hofstede 2005), it was found that young people seldom speak up – which may have stemmed from childhood as students do not express their opinions in class as much because quietness is also considered a virtue in the Thai culture (Knutson et al., 2003), which is also the case with younger people not disagreeing with older people in organizations (Boode, 2005; McCann and Giles, 2007; Javidan and Dastmalchian, 2009) – further supporting Smutkupt and Barna’s (1976) findings that any doubts or contradictive thinking in one’s mind are very rarely communicated openly in the Thai culture. 2.2.3. Uncertainty Avoidance (UA) Broadly defined, people in High UA countries tend to be more emotional than other countries, and are more motivated by their â€Å"inner nervous energy† (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005). As Thais are ranked as having high UA, one of the ways they reduce their uncertainty in everyday life communication is through their proper use of pronouns and postures to show respect, deference, politeness, and closeness towards others (Sriussadaporn and Jablin, 1999). This can also be seen through their use of silence to avoid uncertain confrontations with other people – especially with the more senior people (McCann and Giles, 2007). Moreover, as a result of this high UA ranking characteristic, Thais generally tend not to readily accept change and are relatively against taking risks (Swierczek and Ha, 2003). 2.2.4. Masculinity vs. Femininity Thailand has the lowest Masculinity ranking among the Asian countries, which indicates that they show a low level of assertiveness and competiveness compared to other countries in the region (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005). Sriussadaporn and Jablin’s (1999) research shows this with their observation that Thais do not truly express their own opinions as much as they deserve to due to their non-dominant and non-assertive characteristics. This may have derived from or have some indications to their Collectivist and confrontation avoidance nature in the findings of McCann and Giles (2007) attributed to the complex Thai hierchical system and their expected respect for the older generation. 2.3 The Thai workplace environment Words that could describe the Thai management style and its working environment, or business culture, are the following: compromise, slow, centralized, seniority-based, relationship-based, conservative, and family-based (Adams and Vernon, 2004). These terms seem very much to stress the maintenance of harmony in the company – being non confrontational and accepting the differences of inequality. As stated earlier, Thailand is traditionally a high power distance country (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005), which makes Thai society a segregated one with distinct unofficial class groupings and little chance for mobility across the class lines – also applying to the workplace environment (Komin, 1995; Lawler et al., 1995). Interestingly this type of class system in Thailand, is very much reflected in the organization and management of family-owned companies and enterprises according to Lawler et al. (1995). In other words, the need for a formal or set of rules in management may not be as high of a priority as the environment produced by the Thai social system has a great influence in defining the interaction between peer-to-peer and worker-to-worker in a company setting YES ACCORDING TO THE INTERVIEWS. In the largest firms in Thailand, family connections has served as a foundation for building international trading companies and has been a very important aspect of understanding the Thai working environment, which has been characterized by Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya and Taira (1977) as â€Å"management by entourage†. In other words, it conveys the concept of the importance of knowing the right people to get the job done and having connections in the right places. However, this concept becomes less manageable as a company grows and requires being more responsible for its accountabilities, more professional managers are needed – creating a hybrid of Westernized practices in a traditional Thai family enterprise (Lawler and Atmiyanandana, 2003). In the aspects of companies that are family enterprises, HRM practices are very much influenced by traditional Thai values and their social practices compared to the everyday management theory (Bertrand et. al., 2008). In other words, professional managers in the HRM filed are found to be very rare in family enterprises, even ad hoc, along with HR planning and the systematic analysis of employment issues are found to be virtually absent in such organizations (Lawler et al.,1989). So how are the employees controlled? The answer is through a complex hierarchical class system that has been deeply rooted within the Thai culture (Adams and Vernon, 2004). – also conveying that employees with lower positions react to people with higher managerial levels out of a sense of duty rather than according to the rules and regulations set by the company (Knutson et al., 2003). Moreover, this can be seen through the use of the complex Thai language between superiors and subordinates. EXPLAIN SOME OF THE IMPORTANT â€Å"JAI† WORDS: KRENG JAI, NAM JAI, SBAI JAI. This emphasizes on the importance of social harmony can be seen with the proper linguistic uses that must be used in everyday life when addressing people of different status (Knutson et. al., 2003). Where English has one word, â€Å"I†, as the first person pronoun, and one other, â€Å"you†, for the second person pronoun, Thai speakers must choose from up to 9 commonly used forms for the first person pronouns, 8 second person pronouns, and 5 third person pronouns (Iwasaki and Preeya, 2005). In addition to these variety of words, Cooke (1968) has listed up to 27 first-person pronouns, 22 second-person pronouns, and 8 third person pronouns, which include language used with royalties and specialized tems used by specific people (i.g. Buddhist monks have specific terms to address themselves and others). This would all depend on the politeness or closeness the speaker wishes to convey, and depending on the status of the other person who is involved in the conversation. Specific uses of language and conflict avoidance are some very specific characteristics of the Thai culture that conveys to the collectivism and high context society explained thus far. If, however, a disagreement should arise, Thais will look for indirect means for their resolution – usually through third parties or by â€Å"intense† private talks (Lasserre and Probert 1996; Lawler and Atmiyanandana, 2003). Kreng jai, is one of the most difficult concepts of the Thai cultures for foreigners to understand (especially for Westerners), which has been defined by Komin (1991) as, The concept of time in Thailand is somewhat more lenient than in other countries. Foreign workers have sometimes found this aspect of the Thai culture to be the hardest to adjust to – unless the foreign worker himself has the same attitude towards time. Mainly speaking, punctuality can at times be seen as unimportant when going out or having socials with friends. However, foreign workers have found that Thai are very punctual when it comes to meetings and appointments with their superior. 2.4 The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis The notion that language and culture can be interlinked may not be obvious to us at first, as we, being native speakers, may not be conscious how we say things, and why we say it the way we do in our own languages. However, Jandt (2001) suggests that a person who has learned a second language, or has grown up speaking more than one language, may become aware of the different ways each language allows the speaker to describe and grasp the reality we live in. It is these different perceptions one has of reality that Jandt (2001) believes to be the same differences in culture – making the relationship between language and culture resembling mirrors to each other. This relates back to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that says cultural elements can be seen in a language’s vocabulary and grammar (Whorf, 1956). Harley (2001) supports the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis in that it shows how a culture’s or country’s language determines the structure of the speaker’s thought process. That is to say, language affects the way humans remember and the way people perceive the world. If a language has a rich vocabulary for certain notions and concepts, then it makes it easier to describe those ideas in that particular language (Whorf, 1956). Thus, ideas, notions, or things that are easily described in a language must be important to the culture (Jandt, 2001). The two main ideas comprising the Sapire-Whorf hypotheses starts with the first being linguistic determinism, which is the idea that the form and characteristics of our language determine the way in which we think, remember and perceive; and the second, linguistic relativism, which is t he idea that as different languages map onto the world in different ways, different languages will generate different cognitive structures (Harley, 2001, p.81). Although there are studies relating to the intricate nature of the Thai language (Komin 1991; Chantornvong, 1992; Komin, 1995; Knutson, 1994; Knutson et al., 2003), there has yet to be an establishment between the numerous words that contain â€Å"jai† (heart) and the way Thais think and perceive others. It can seem a bit daunting or even a tedious endeavor for a foreign worker to deal with such vicissitudes of the different nuances of the Thai culture. However, the most important aspect to bear in mind is the relationships that Thais hold so dear towards one another, and the mutual understanding one has towards the other person (Komin, 1995; Knutson et al., 2003). For Thais, the heart shows sincerity, and thus so many words are derived from it to express the different feelings one has. In order to test whether or not this may be true, the author has conducted and compiled data set from his interviewees. Moreover, having to express oneself in another language means learning to adopt someone else’s reference frame (Hofestede and Hofstede, 2005, p.328). In other words, by understanding and speaking the local language, one is better able to understand the national culture. With no knowledge of Thai, a foreign worker is likely to miss out on a lot of hidden nuances and subtleties of the Thai culture, and may result in being left as a relative outsider. One of the examples given by Hofestede and Hofstede (2005) is the subtleties of humor, which varies amongst different culture and is very specific sometimes to one culture.