Evaluation Of The Da Vinci - 1741 Words

ï  ¶ Abstract With the utilization of robotics in complicated surgeries, surgeons are able to perform the required tasks with the use of precision offered by robots. The utilization of robotics minimizes surgery trauma, increases dexterity, offers a wider range of motion, and allows improved access to obstructed organs. The da Vinci Robot is a revised, upgraded and an enhanced machine from its predecessors and its original design made by Leonardo da Vinci. A company in California was able to evolve the design of the da Vinci robotic system. Four models were made by Intuitive Surgical, the standard original model, model S, model Si, and the most recent one, model Xi. The da Vinci Surgical System is now a worldwide system that is utilized for†¦show more content†¦The dVSS was FDA approved in the year 2000. â€Å"The da Vinci has 2,250+ patents and additional 1,550 pending. The system is available in 6 continents, 64 countries, and 50 statesâ€Å"(Intuitive Surgical 2017). The surgical system is capable of operating in many different categories such as Cardiac, Colorectal, Gynecologic, Head Neck, Thoracic, Urologic, and General surgeries. Unfortunately, the surgical system does not complete the required tasks on its own, it s controlled by an onsite/offsite surgeon whilst the patient is monitored by a surgical team onsite in case of data communication failure. The da Vinci Surgical System (dVSS) functions as a telemanipulator, meaning any motion the surgeon performs with their hand, the robot will replicate. The system works as a ‘slave’ for and copies its ‘master’s’ movement. In most cases, the dVSS is utilized at onsite surgeries; however, the dVSS is capable of accomplishing full off-site surgeries. For instance, a patient may be located at a hospital in Houston, and the surgeon could be working at a hospital in Seattle. The dVSS’s new model (XI) consists of four main components, Surgeon Console, Patient-Side Cart, Endowrist Instruments, and the Vision System. 1. Surgeon Console [Figure A] a. Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the surgeon operates seated comfortably at a console while viewing a high definition, 3D image inside the patient’s body. (Intuitive Surgical 2017). b. The surgeon s fingers grasp the master controlsShow MoreRelatedRobotic Surgery Involves Performing Laparoscopic Or Minimally Invasive Surgery ( Mis )1485 Words   |  6 PagesRobotic surgery involves performing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) through the usage of the da Vinci robot, presented by Intuitive Surgical Corporation in 2000. This approach combines the advantages of both the laparoscopic procedures and open surgery and its application in medicine is associated with a major breakthrough in the area of complex surgical operations, such as those of the esophagus, liver, etc. (Ramirez Lotan, 2015). Until recently, these procedures were performedRead MoreThe Potential Of Robotic Surgical Devices Hampered By Inadequate Regulations2664 Words   |  11 PagesHowever, in a different case involving robotic surgical device used on a patient thing went horribly wrong. According to the Daily News and the article, â€Å"Surgical robot da Vinci scrutinized by FDA af ter Death, Other Surgical Nightmares†, Juan Fernandez died during spleen surgery with robotic surgery, more accurately the da Vinci system device (Daily News). The device was improperly used on Fernandez; the robotic surgical procedure was reported to be unnecessary and the physician was poorly trainedRead MoreRobotic Surgery And Its Complications : Current Regulation Must Be Reformed2765 Words   |  12 PagesHowever, in a different case involving robotic surgical device used on a patient thing went horribly wrong. According to the Daily News and the article, â€Å"Surgical robot da Vinci scrutinized by FDA after Death, Other Surgical Nightmares†, Juan Fernandez died during spleen surgery with robotic surgery, more accurately the da Vinci system device (Daily News). The device was improperly used on Fernandez; the robotic surgical procedure was reported to be unnecessary and the physician who operated on himRead MoreThe Renaissance Era Was A Prosperous Time For Art Fr om1359 Words   |  6 Pagesand more authentic legitimacy through commissions and requests. This aroused artists to compete against one another, and this competitive spirit definitely contributed towards the improvement of artists. Numerous articles and editorials state that Da Vinci was influenced by Botticelli, and this was not an exclusive relationship that only these two artists shared; it was between all artists of the era. The popularity of art that was exercised by patrons encouraged the birth of new artists. It was notRead MoreHow Technology Has Changed The Health Care Industry1561 Words   |  7 Pagespurposes in healthcare including drug making, moving supplies, administering drugs to patients, and monitoring patient vitals. A progressing form of robotics in healthcare is robotic surgery. One of the top functioning robotic surgery devices is the da Vinci Surgical System. Since 2000, surgical device has completed over 20,000 surgeries, which has set up the movement of us ing robotics in healthcare (Qureshi Syed 2014). To perform a robotic surgery, the surgeon will sit at the surgical system severalRead MoreVitruvian Man Lab Report1868 Words   |  8 Pagescame up with the idea of the perfect man. Since he was an arquitect, he also applied this theory to buildings, stating which were the perfect proportions for a human and for a building. Later on, around the year 1490, the artist and painter Leonardo Da Vinci decided to keep examining about his statement. His famous drawing consists on a man with straight arms and legs, inside a square that is inside a circle, the exactly same idea of Vitruvius. â€Å"He showed that the ideal human body fitted preciselyRead MoreEssay about Lion and the Fox Metaphor in Machiavellis The Prince515 Words   |  3 Pagespolitical philosopher, and musician. In Florentine Republic he used to be a civil servant. Then In 1498, he was elected as Secretary to the second Chancery of the Republic of Florence by the Great cou ncil. When I hear Renaissance, directly Leonardo Da Vinci comes up to my mind, as well as Machiavelli. He is known as an Icon of the Renaissance Man. He is most known for a political booklet The Prince; it is written on 1513, but not published until 1532. After his great conceptual works, people startedRead MorePresent Day Robotic Surgery and Beyond8509 Words   |  35 Pagesin Milan(WEBSURG). In previously mentioned procedures robotic surgeries were run by human hand and it surgeons were not ready to try a procedure that will be totally done by robot, essentially unmanned. Da Vinci robots were first approved by the FDA in 2000 for prostate removal, but now Da Vinci robots are used for a variety of other surgical procedures (Freyer, 2010). However, in 2006 robotic surgery came to the level where it didn t need any assistance by human hand. The first unmanned roboticRead MoreThe Foundation Design Process : Lessons Learned From Two Major Projects2418 Words   |  10 PagesASEISMIC F OUNDATION DESIGN PROCESS LESSONS LEARNED FROM TWO MAJOR PROJECTS : THE VASCO DA GAMA AND THE RION-ANTIRION BRIDGES Alain PECKER Gà ©odynamique et Structure, 157 Rue des Blains 92220 BAGNEUX, France 1 INTRODUCTION The choice of a design concept for a bridge foundation is guided by various factors; several of these factors are indeed of technical origin, like the environmental conditions in a broad sense, but others non technical factors may also have a profound impact on the final design conceptRead MoreLas 432 Course Capstone Project [Remote/Robotic Surgeries]8094 Words   |  33 PagesE Team Leader: Jeffrey Manego - D01493135 Team Members: Charles Granke - D03059579 Cheri Clavette - D03363456 Fannie Cameron - D03514004 TABLE OF CONTENTS Description of the Technology 4 Minimally Invasion 4 Zeus System 5 Da Vinci Surgical System 6 Catheter-Based Robotic Intervention 7 The Magellan Robotic System 8 The History of Surgical Robots 10 Evolution 11 Political and Legal Influences 14 International Use 14 Costs 14 Training 15 Selection 16 Placement

Want and New Trendy Shoes Free Essays

Through the passing of time, the reach of advertising has become even more widespread in society and the underlying desire for consumers to buy â€Å"stuff† has been constantly growing. Some analysts say that this desire stems from fears and insecurities. Others say that corporations use advertising to exploit consumers as early as in childhood, and through magazine ads and trends. We will write a custom essay sample on Want and New Trendy Shoes or any similar topic only for you Order Now If you think about society before the invention of advertising, they never had the urge to go shopping and buy new cars, gadgets, clothes or the hottest new trendy shoes. Fair desires were more closely tied to their needs such as food, shelter and basic transportation.Advertising and consumerism have magnified these desires within us. Today more than ever, we are always wanting to buy and spend more. In the 1960s, typically only one family member needed to work in order to support everybody else. Today, most families need to wage earners. And people are more in debt than ever before. We rarely take the time to ask ourselves: why do we need all this stuff? Why are we working so hard just to have clothes we don’t need, stuff we won’t use, and trends that I don’t even really care about? What we need to ask ourselves is: do I really need this, or is this just a desire created by marketing and commercials?Commercials and advertising feed off of our peers by making this deal like we’re not good. If we don’t have the latest bottle or are not wearing the latest style, then we are not as good as the person who does. That’s why trends change every season and new models come out every year. It’s an endless cycle of phones, cars, cameras, MP3 players, T-shirts, and shoes. If we can take a step back and see the reality of what advertising does to us, we can save ourselves a lot of stress and money by differentiating queen needs and unnecessary wants.It is possible to slowly let go of desires. Wish gradual effort, we can learn to be more conscious of our impulses and reasoning behind why we want to buy something new. Often times, we don’t really need to buy something. Over time, if we distance ourselves from these desires, we can simplify our lives by buying less, spending less, getting into less debt, and earning less. Most importantly, we can be happier with what we do have, rather than dwelling on what we don’t have. How to cite Want and New Trendy Shoes, Papers

Scientific and comprehendible Essay Example For Students

Scientific and comprehendible Essay Emotions affect the constraints of them. History is deluded due to unreliable sources or perspectives. There are many historical â€Å"evidences† stating the precedent. All of these indicate different proposals, making the third party undecided about the truth. The misconception of truth may rely on emotions and perspective about history. As an example the perspectives of England and Turkey might be different if WWI is viewed. The conception of reality may be overcome with the power of perspectives. Therefore no ideal evidence is supported. Political sciences may also be lacking support and evidence. Since there are no correct answers in politics, certainty is difficult being reached. Many of the systems presented remains as in theory. And it is almost impossible to prove what is the right system. By opposing new perspectives and regimes the evidential subject on politics can be changed. Religion is also an influential and important knowledge heavily affecting the society, which may lack physical evidence. There were situations where religion gave strength to the ones facing poverty and socioeconomic difficulty, and times where it was used as an excuse to consecutive wars. Religion is one of the most debated topics. It settles ethics and the rights. As a very substantial topic in our day, the biggest issue it faces is the evidence and the sensing of the ideology. Since human beings demand to understand and comprehend the idea of religion and God, the issue arises. The idea of religion may only remain as spirit or belief since the ways of knowledge logic and perception does not merely stand in it. It does not remain as a scientific and comprehendible fact, making it questionable.

The Blue Bird Essays - Eve, Gwen Stefani, , Term Papers

The Blue Bird ICED MOCHA Man does it get boring sitting around in your room for hours. There's just nothing to do at this town that's not a crime. Compton isn't the best place to live but you get used to it after you have lived there your whole life. I miss my dog bubbles, it's been only 5 months since bubbles died. Bubbles was a good dog but not the brightest of all dogs. My family and I were just sitting in the living room when all of a sudden Bubbles ran and jumped out of the window and fell 5 stories to his death. I was going through a lot of suffering for that dog. This went on for a long time, then after five minutes I didn't care anymore so I watched some T.V. Well enough of that I wonder what my Mom is doing? ?Mom, I'm bored.? ?Jack you need to find something to do, go out and play with your friends or something.? ?Mom, all the kids my age that live around here are gang members or doing something illegal, I want another pet.? Right after I said pet my father Pa Pa Chulo turned around and looked at me. ?Damn boy you asking for another pet. Here's a thought how about you go out and get some friends. You didn't take good care of your other pet your mother had to do everything for that dumb dog.? ?Pa Pa Chulo Bubbles was not dumb.? ?Then what do you call a dog that jumps out of a window boy.? I could see I was not getting anywhere by arguing with my Dad so I thought maybe I Should make a deal with my folks. ?Mom, Dad let me get a pet and if I not taking good enough care of I have to give it away, Ok ?That's fine with me Jack.? ?Thanks Mom at least someone here is resonible.? Pa Pa Chulo turned bright red and just started shacking. This is not good I should probably get out of here before he explodes. I jolted out of the apartment down the five flight of stairs and stopped when I was in the parking lot. I was very tired from this whole ordeal It felt like someone was pushing on my chest. See I'm on the chubby side so you can't expect me to run down 5 flights of stairs and be alive. Yes lets go to the Pet Store and see what they have. While I was walking down the street many ideas of animals went through my head. How about a cat, no I had a cat before and they were boring and slept a lot. When we had an earthquake you could tell the cat didn't take it that well, he only slept 22 hours that day. Well how about a dog, I don't think so, I haven't had the best of luck with dogs. Here I was at the Compton Pet Store, but when I looked inside there was only cats and dogs. ?Hey Mister Pet Store guy do you have any animals that are not cats or dogs ?Well actually we just got a monkey.? Wow a monkey, that sounds like a cool pet but I don't know if that will go by that good with Pa Pa Chulo. It doesn't matter. ?Sure I'll take him.? The man went into the back room and came out with this monkey that didn't even go up to my knees, and was light brown. ?Hey I think I'll call him Ice Mocha. Mocha come on lets go shopping for you I don't want a naked monkey.? Mocha just stared at me and let out a high pitch scream that had my ears ringing. ?Damn Mocha you crazy, you better stop this screaming stuff now if you want to be able to stay with me. My Dad would make me get rid of you in a second.? Ice mocha jumped up on my shoulder and we left the store. Right across the street was a Nike Outlet store for Monkey's. ?Man Mocha how lucky are we.? We bought him some air jordans and a red and black warmup. Man Mocha your looking mad fresh but one thing is missing, hmm, oh yeah

Free Essays on British In India

A whole subcontinent was picked up without half trying Images of the British raj in India are everywhere of late. On television reruns, the divided rulers of Paul Scott's Jewel in the Crown sip their tea in scented hill stations and swap idle gossip in the palaces of local princes. At movie houses, we can savor all the hot intensities that blast a decorous English visitor the moment she steps ashore after A Passage to India, to be engulfed in a whirlwind of mendicants, elephants, snake charmers and crowds. In New York, British director Peter Brook's nine-hour production of an ancient Hindu epic poem, The Mahabharata, has lately been playing to packed houses and considerable critical praise. Best-selling books like Freedom at Midnight re-create the struggle of two great cultures, mighty opposites with a twinned destiny, as they set about trying to disentangle themselves and their feelings before the Partition of 1947. Across the country, strolling visitors marveled a few years ago at all the silken saris and bright turbans of the Festival of India (SMITHSONIAN, June 1985) and, even more, at the exotic world they evoke: the bejeweled splendor of the Mogul courts; dusty, teeming streets; and all the dilemmas confronting the imperial British as they sought to bring Western ideas of order to one of the wildest and most complex lands on Earth. Behind all the glamour and the glory, however, lies one of history's mischievous ironies. For the raj, which did not begin until 1858 when the British government officially took over India from a private trading company, was in fact only the final act in a long, crooked and partly accidental drama. Much of the British empire, in fact, was acquired, according to a celebrated phrase, "in a fit of absence of mind." When the London merchants of what became the East India Company first sent ships to the East in 1601, they were not bound for India at all but for the Spice Islands of the Dutch East Indi... Free Essays on British In India Free Essays on British In India A whole subcontinent was picked up without half trying Images of the British raj in India are everywhere of late. On television reruns, the divided rulers of Paul Scott's Jewel in the Crown sip their tea in scented hill stations and swap idle gossip in the palaces of local princes. At movie houses, we can savor all the hot intensities that blast a decorous English visitor the moment she steps ashore after A Passage to India, to be engulfed in a whirlwind of mendicants, elephants, snake charmers and crowds. In New York, British director Peter Brook's nine-hour production of an ancient Hindu epic poem, The Mahabharata, has lately been playing to packed houses and considerable critical praise. Best-selling books like Freedom at Midnight re-create the struggle of two great cultures, mighty opposites with a twinned destiny, as they set about trying to disentangle themselves and their feelings before the Partition of 1947. Across the country, strolling visitors marveled a few years ago at all the silken saris and bright turbans of the Festival of India (SMITHSONIAN, June 1985) and, even more, at the exotic world they evoke: the bejeweled splendor of the Mogul courts; dusty, teeming streets; and all the dilemmas confronting the imperial British as they sought to bring Western ideas of order to one of the wildest and most complex lands on Earth. Behind all the glamour and the glory, however, lies one of history's mischievous ironies. For the raj, which did not begin until 1858 when the British government officially took over India from a private trading company, was in fact only the final act in a long, crooked and partly accidental drama. Much of the British empire, in fact, was acquired, according to a celebrated phrase, "in a fit of absence of mind." When the London merchants of what became the East India Company first sent ships to the East in 1601, they were not bound for India at all but for the Spice Islands of the Dutch East Indi...

The Ancient Mayan City of Mayapan

The Ancient Mayan City of Mayapan Mayapan was a Maya city which thrived during the Postclassic Period. It’s located in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, not far to the southeast of the city of Merida. The ruined city is now an archaeological site, open to the public and popular with tourists. The ruins are known for the imposing circular tower of the Observatory and the Castle of Kukulcan, an impressive pyramid. History According to legend Mayapan, was founded by the great ruler Kukulcan in 1250 A.D. following the decline of the mighty city of Chichen Itza. The city rose to prominence in the northern section of the Maya lands after the great city-states in the south (such as Tikal and Calakmul) had gone into steep decline. During the late Postclassic Era (1250-1450 A.D.), Mayapan was the cultural and political center of the waning Maya civilization and had great influence upon the smaller city-states that surrounded it. During the height of its power, the city was home to approximately 12,000 inhabitants. The city was destroyed and abandoned in about 1450 A.D. The Ruins The ruin complex at Mayapan is a sprawling collection of buildings, temples, palaces, and ceremonial centers. There are about 4,000 buildings spread out over an area of about four square kilometers. The architectural influence of Chichen Itza is plainly evident in the impressive buildings and structures at Mayapan. The central plaza is of the greatest interest to historians and visitors: it is home to the Observatory, the Palace of Kukulcan and the Temple of the Painted Niches. The Observatory The most striking building at Mayapan is the circular tower of the observatory. The Maya were talented astronomers. They were particularly obsessed with the movements of Venus and other planets, as they believed they were Gods going back and forth from the Earth to the underworld and the celestial planes. The circular tower is built on a base which was divided into two semi-circular areas. During the citys heyday, these rooms were covered in stucco and painted. The Castle of Kukulcan Known to archaeologists simply as â€Å"structure Q162,† this impressive pyramid dominates Mayapan’s central plaza. It is likely an imitation of the very similar Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza. It has nine tiers and stands about 15 meters (50 feet) tall. Part of the temple collapsed at some point in the past, revealing an older, smaller structure within. At the foot of the Castle is â€Å"Structure Q161,† also known as the Room of the Frescoes. There are several painted murals there: a precious collection, considering those very few examples of painted Mayan art remain. The Temple of Painted Niches Forming a triangle across the main plaza with the Observatory and Kukulcan’s Castle, the Temple of Painted Niches is home to more painted murals. The murals here show five temples, which are painted around five niches. The niches symbolize the entrance to each of the painted temples. Archaeology at Mayapan The first account of foreign visitors to the ruins was the 1841 expedition of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, who took a cursory look at many ruins including Mayapan. Other early visitors included noted Mayanist Sylvanus Morley. The Carnegie Institution launched an investigation of the site in the late 1930s which resulted in some mapping and excavations. Important work was done in the 1950s under the direction of Harry E.D. Pollock. Current Projects Much work is currently being done at the site: most of it is under the direction of the PEMY (Proyecto Economico de Mayapan) institution, supported by several organizations including the National Geographic Society and SUNY Albany. Mexico’s National Anthropology and History Institute has also done much work there, especially restoring some of the more important structures for tourism. Importance of Mayapan Mayapan was a very important city during the final centuries of the Maya civilization. Founded just as the great city-states of the Maya Classic Era were dying in the south, first Chichen Itza and then Mayapan stepped into the void and became the standard-bearers of the once-mighty Maya Empire. Mayapan was a political, economic and ceremonial hub for the Yucatan. The city of Mayapan is of particular importance to researchers, as it is believed that one or more of the four remaining Maya codices may well have originated there. Visiting the Ruins A visit to the city of Mayapan makes for a great day trip from Merida, which is less than an hour away. Its open daily and theres plenty of parking. A guide is recommended. Sources: Mayapan Archaeology, The University of Albanys Informative Website Mayapan, Yucatan. Arqueologia Mexicana, Edicion Especial 21 (September 2006). McKillop, Heather. The Ancient Maya: New Perspectives. New York: Norton, 2004.

Google's company acquisition and partnership Essay

Google's company acquisition and partnership - Essay Example Google Company has also licensed the platform that has helped limit control over activities that hardware makers do with android. Due to this control, the company has been able to produce androids with unique functions and features that satisfy customer needs (Lee, 2012). Partnership is a legal relationship by which companies formed through signing of an agreement carry on business as co-owners. Samsung and Google signed a ten-year partnership to license each other’s current patients and those filed in the future. As a result, Samsung will now be able to access the patents Google garnered as part of its $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola in the year 2011 (Glasby & Dickinson, 2014). There are various reasons as to why Google is in android takeover. Firstly, it is their growth strategy. Android demand has been increasing and due to this, Google Company will be in a position to develop their business by meeting needs of customers. Therefore, making profits that will enable them expand the business (MCmorris, 2005). Secondly, their acquisition will help them diversify their risks. The addition also helps in meeting customer needs by producing androids with unique features and functions. Android phones have also been on demand to replace iPhones. The replacement of this product would mean increasing sales of androids hence increasing profits. The result will help in the development of the firm and expansion of the company, as well as assist in familiarizing the company products with the consumers. The other primary reason for the acquisition is helping Google advertises their company. Since androids are globally used, adding Google apps may assist the organization to make product promotion feasible. Another crucial reason is the talented engineers in Android Company and their great technology. Google wanted the engineers to help in

Does diversity of opinion in the press matter any more, now we have Essay

Does diversity of opinion in the press matter any more, now we have access to participatory and social media - Essay Example As more users are turning towards opting new technologies and social media websites, and are showing reluctant behaviour towards reading newspapers. One possible reason for less circulation of newspaper today can be because of the ease that technology has provided. As with the innovations in the technology and the ease it provided for the masses in terms of using electronic gadgets, mobile phones and connecting online, the productivity of newspapers and print media have undergone decreases. More people are relying on internet and social media websites for the purpose of news, with it they are always connected to the internet and can read timely news, as this new medium (internet) is believe to be the fastest source of providing information or serving the purpose of communication. Furthermore, this medium also enhances the concept of diversification of opinion, as users around the world feel connected with each other and can share their views with the masses in no time. Moreover they can read or listen to the views posted by others, which at times gives them new perception to think about the same issue (Van Djick, 2009). Current Situation: Likewise in a recent past majority of newspapers from the United Kingdom and America were forced to follow the downsizing policy (2008). As a result significant numbers of employees who were working for the different newspapers were terminated, many prophesized the reasons behind these terminations were financial crisis, whereas others convicted internet and social media websites for these firings in the print media industry (Compton and Benedetti, 2010). However, there are many who have different perception in this regard, these individuals optimistically analyze these situations and believe that albeit social media websites and blogs have resulted in confining the role of newspapers and magazines but it has also resulted in providing more information and a variety of difference of opinions for the viewers (Compton and Benede tti, 2010). Meanwhile, it took a while in order to confine the long run and monopoly of newspapers and print media, as the relatively new medium (internet) is garnering more importance on the daily basis and conditions are ameliorating (Compton and Benedetti, 2010). At present print media is facing deteriorating conditions, majority of newspapers around the world are devising strategies in order to cope up with the financial turmoil and are also keen on enhancing or increasing their newspaper circulations. For instance, newspaper industry in the United Kingdom and North America reflect the situation of turmoil as many newspapers are facing bankruptcy, or are in a position where it is hard to manage their current expenses because of high cost involved in the system, there are some who ended their journey in this regard and some are knocking the doors or are in the verge of facing a serious collapse. Some prominent names of the newspaper industry of America, which were enlightening an d were sharing difference of opinions over the passage of time, are the best examples of this catastrophe. American newspaper Denver's Rocky Mountain News are history, on the other hand, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chicago Tribune and The Los Angeles Times are amongst those newspapers which are facing serious financial catastrophe or in other words are

Loneliness in Of Mice and men by John Steinbeck Essay Example for Free

Loneliness in Of Mice and men by John Steinbeck Essay Of Mice and Men, is a novel written by John Steinbeck in the 1930s. It is set in Salinas California and shows us what life was like for migrant workers at this time. The book was set in the time of the American depression caused by the Wall Street Crash. In 1929 Steinbeck himself had taken on unskilled jobs to support himself for 7 years from 1919. South Clara in Northern California was where Steinbeck worked as a farm laborer. It is from there that the scenery, setting and experiences of Steinbeck in Northern California have been etched into the novel Of Mice and Men. The book describes how lonely life can be. There are three different kinds of loneliness these include: isolation, solitude and abandonment. George and Lennie are different from the other characters in the novel as they have each other to look after them aint many guys travel around together. They have been companions from childhood and George has given and oath to Aunt Clara that he will look after Lennie. George and Lennie both share the same dream to own a piece of land that no-one will take away from them. They each dedicate a sum of their wages towards the dream. The characters in this novel are all envious to some extent of the special friendship shared by George and Lennie because they do not have that in their life. All the characters are extremely lonely and unhappy with their lives (except Slim, who is the only character that seems to be confident and happy with his life), and none of them can escape this unhappiness. Economic and social forces control them, and free will seems non-existent. Guys like us, that live on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. George means that if not for each other, then he and Lennie would be all alone, with no friends, like all the men like them, who are migrant workers moving from ranch to ranch without making any friends, and living a lonely life. George and his simple-minded friend Lennie dream, of a place to call their own. The Dream represents a sense of freedom to George and Lennie as they will be their own bosses and can do as they please. Also the achieving of the dream will mean they will not have to travel and have a house which they can really call home. They will not have to wear their uniforms and will have more possessions than a migrant worker. George and Lennie are very different, George is a smart and composed man, who seems to need mental stimulation from a companion, which he cannot have in his relationship with Lennie. Even though they have each other, they are still both lonely at a certain level, even if one does not clearly understand the other. The important thing is human contact and being there together. Somebody who loses his best companion is Candy. Candy is the oldest person on the ranch. We can tell this when he mentions they are going to fire him Theyll can me purty soon also by the boring jobs which he undertakes like sweeping the bunk house, as he only has one hand, he is a liability. He is a very friendly person and knows the rules of the ranch, we see this when he says a guy on a ranch dont never listen nor he dont ast no questions. His life long companion presumably a sheep dog which he had since it was a pup, was shot by Carlson, who was very persistent to take the dogs life as he did not like the way it smelled I dont know nothing that stinks so bad as an old dog. Although pleading with Carlson I had him so long. Had him since he was a pup, I herded sheep with him the only choice Candy was offered was if he would want to shoot the dog himself which he replied No I couldnt. I had im too long. Finally Candy had to let his companion go. The dog which was Candys comfort and enjoyment was now dead. As the gunshot went off in the distance every head in the bunk house turned towards Candy to see the old mans reaction. For a moment he continued to stare at the ceiling maybe remembering the happy memories he and his companion shared. Then he rolled slowly over and faced the wall and lay silent the same action a dog would do when going to sleep. All was not lost, overhearing George and Lennies dream he wanted to share it. He told George and Lennie about what they did to his dog that night maybe to try and win some compassion. You seen what they done to my dog tonight? They says he wasnt no good to himself or nobody else. When they can me here I wisht somebodyd shoot me. This shows Candy is nearing the end of his life at the farm. Being part of George and Lennies dream comforts Candy and would be an ideal way to spend the rest of his life free from worries. George and Lennie accepted him into their dream partly due to the large sum of money which he had to contribute towards the dream. The dream was now becoming a reality. Crooks like Candy is an outcast because the society in which he resides is racist towards black people. With a back injury that gives Crooks his nickname he is more permanent than the other men, we can see this with the possessions he has which include several pairs of shoes, a pair of rubber boots, a big alarm clock and a single barrelled shot-gun. Being alone has made Crooks very unsure about himself and bitterA guy goes nuts if he aint got nobody. Dont matter no difference who the guy is, longs he with you. I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an he gets sick this was Crooks way of establishing a personal connection to Lennie. Like Lennie, Crooks has a relationship with loneliness. Crooks is rejected from every group of people and cannot socially interact with others, just like Lennie who cant socially interact properly because of his mental-disability. Cause Im black. They play cards in there, but I cant play because Im Black. They say I stink. Well I tell you, you all stink to me! Crooks loneliness results from rejection; others treat him unjust because he is different from them given that he is black. Crooks isnt allowed to participate in daily events with white people such as card games. He is treated unfairly and therefore acts the same way toward the white people who have offended him. In an effort to communicate with the outside world in my opinion Crooks reads books there were battered magazines and a few dirty books on a special shelf over his bunk this shows they were well read, maybe even more than once. Crooks is fascinated by the strength of the friendship of Lennie and George, especially how close they are. Crooks said, Well, spose, jus spose he dont come back. Whatll you do then? Crooks asks these questions because he was curious and envious, about the friendship of Lennie and George, noticing that Lennie is retarded, he takes advantage of this situation to make him feel better and ease the pain of having others reject him. He wants the people to feel the way that he did when he was lonely, having no one. He is striving to achieve sympathy and understanding from others. Crooks would work for nothing if it meant communicating with others. He even offers his services to Candy to work on their dream ranch to join in on the friendship and dream shared by Lennie and George, in order to leave behind him his lonely life. Curleys Wifes loneliness is due to her husband. Even though Curleys wife is mentioned frequently, nobody asks what her name is. Nobody wants to talk her because people are afraid of Curley; he is jealous and would start a fight with anyone who tried approaching her also due to the fact that Curley is the bosss son and anyone who tried to do something could loose their job. She does not like Curley, and purely married him to spite her mother we can see this when she says I dont like Curley. He aint a nice fella. Furthermore he doesnt talk to her at all, and theres no one in her life with whom she can share her feelings, and longs for companionship. Candy influences views about Curleys wife in George by telling him Curleys married a tart. She pretends to look for her husband when she really wants to have a conversation with the men in the ranch as she is lonely. Curley treats his wife like a trophy insisting that she should spend all her time in the house. Curleys wife asks the rhetorical question, think I like to stick in that house alla time? showing her unhappiness. Curley does not care about his wife as he leaves her behind whenever he goes out and visits cat houses although he is married. Curleys wife talks to Lennie in chapter five as she knows she can share her secrets and worries without Lennie telling anyone else, due to his mental age. She also indicates she is going to run away as she talks in a hurry. Curleys wife is very vigilant in the way she knows how Curleys hand was broken also in the way she finds the dead pup in the barn. Curleys wife tells Lennie about the chances she had of being an actress and blames her misfortune on her mother. She shows that marrying Curley was her last chance to get away from home. Maybe she was making up stories about her past as she looked closely to see if she was impressing Lennie. Curleys wife is a threat to Crooks as she threatens him with death by hanging if he stands up to her. In those days if a coloured man was accused of something there would be no trial. Curleys wife is the one who ruins the dream as she let Lennie touch her hair and then resisted. She ended up getting killed which meant that Lennie would have to be killed as he committed murder. Her death could be thought of as a misfortune, but as a positive thing as well because it ended her suffering; being the only woman in the ranch and having married a man like Curley she was inevitably destined for loneliness. But now that she is dead, she will not have to worry about being lonely ever again. Curleys wifes case of loneliness was the most severe throughout the novel. She struggled in her society to find somebody that she could befriend in vain. We can draw a similarity between Candy and Crooks; both of these characters have a physical disability (Candy has a one hand, and Crooks has a crooked back) both caused by an accident, as well as another factor Crooks color and Candys old age, those factors make both of them outcasts. Because of their situation, they are both destined to loneliness, each of them deals with it in their own way: Candy has his dog for companionship and makes conversation with the other men that work on the ranch, but Crooks turns towards books Another interesting similarity we can draw is the one between the relationship between George and Lennie, and Candy and his old dog. Both George and Candy are lonely, even though they have companionship; Candy cannot talk to his dog, and George cant have a really serious conversation with Lennie either. Even though they have companionship, they need something deeper and more meaningful. It is also interesting to notice the similar fate of Candys dog and Lennie who will both be shot in the back of the head unsuspicious of what is going to happen. The last similarity drawn is between two of the loneliest characters in the novel; Curleys Wife and Lennie. As weve seen previously, Curleys wife is the only woman in the novel, and her husband forbids her to talk to other men, and because of his jealousy, doesnt let other men approach her or else he picks a fight with them. George also gives orders to Lennie and strictly forbids him several times Dont even take a look at that bitch. I dont care what she says and what she doesyou leave her be well, you keep away from her, they arent allowed to talk to each other, thats what makes the fatal scene in the barn so tragic; Curleys wife wanted to talk to someone so bad, that it drove her to her death. One of the most important lessons we learn in Of Mice and Men is that friendship and human interaction are two very valuable things in life, and that having them is as much as a right as it is a privilege. We must treasure these two things as it keeps us away from loneliness which is one of the worst things a person can suffer from highlighted by the characters in the book.

Double Standard in Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe :: Defoe Robinson Crusoe Essays

The Double Standard in Robinson Crusoe  Ã‚   As I read the excerpts from Robinson Crusoe I was quite affected by the double standard that was evident on the part of our "hero." This theme of the double standard is one that is realized in most antiquated texts. In explanation, whatever action the white European male performs is exceptionable behavior, but if another character, like a woman or a non-European does the same thing it becomes unexceptionable. An obvious example is Mr. Crusoe whose chosen profession was slave trader turned slave, a condition that was not an attractive lifestyle for him, but was fine for those who did not fit into his racial grouping. He formulates an escape for himself, an action that would have infuriated him if a slave had tried to escape from him when he was in his role of slave merchant. Additionally, I was agog, as was Allison, that he threw the Moor overboard and threatened him death if he did not return to shore, and a certain existence in the role of slave. That Crusoe did not offer the Moor t he same stab at freedom he was giving himself was unforgivable. Directing my discussion to the excerpt involving Friday, again the double standard was evident, though it was realized in a different variation. Here Crusoe the issue of slavery was still present, but also the discourse on the appearance of Friday. He was quite vociferous in remarking upon Friday's countenance and how that countenance matched or varied with the appearance of other ethnic groups. I found this to be much in keeping with the precedent set by the writings of the first explorers from Columbus onward. These men would make descriptions of the people they encountered on their journeys and made comparisons with everything from beasts to animals to mythical beings. Last semester in my history seminar my final paper was the historical context of William Shakespeare's Tempest, and I found many parallels with the writings of the primary texts I used to that of Defoe's

Marriage amendment in the USA

Marriage has come a long way since it was first adopted in America. Marriage was first used for property protection, financial and political gain. Now however, people are more about being in love and devoted to a significant other. In past American history, with our laws; it had been illegal for a same sex marriage. Gay marriages should be legalized in the United States, because everyone deserves happiness.There have been many attempts for people to get a marriage license, but have been denied because they were gay. Loving v. Virginia was case when the Supreme Court's decision was declared as â€Å"The freedom to marry as long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men.† Gays looked as this as a promise to be able to enjoy their personal rights (Lahey 16). The Loving decision gave hope to the gay community in guarantees to equality.Two early attempt cases that really started off the same-sex marriage were the t rials of Baker v. Nelson and Singer v. Hara (Cabaj 131). The argument in the Baker case was based on constitutional guarantees of due process and Singer was based on equal process. Due process was the state's denial of a marriage license by diminishing the freedom of a person to marry whom they want with the limits of basic material requirements (Cabaj 132).When the Baker case was taken to the Superior Court it was expected that the judge would dismiss the case, but the argument was made that by the definition of marriage was that it was a heterosexual union (Moats 116). Both cases used equal process because people were being denied marriage, when under the Fourteenth Amendment equal protection was stated. In the end of both cases neither were accessed marriage license. Hawaii Supreme Court stated that the denial of same-sex marriage would be presumed constitutional unless that state could prove that it could lead to state interest and order.What is the real harm in same-sex marriag e? Everyone should have the chance to marry anyone they are in love with, and want a future to share. Homosexuals are out for the same thing heterosexuals are looking for in a marriage; personal intimacy, close relationships and social acceptance Vermont had allowed civil unions (which was just like a marriage license), and people from all over the United States filled for the application.The civil unions were made in 2000, but by 2003, 3,579 civil unions were accounted for, and only 625 came from Vermont. The civil unions have become a legal issue in the other states, because couples wanted to separate, but Vermont only allowed their residents to dissolve the civil union. Judges in other states did not approve of the dismissal of the civil unions, since they were not in favor of the idea in the beginning (Moats 245). Some gays did not like the idea of civil unions, because they wanted a marriage like any other person was granted.They saw the civil unions as a way to make the gays n ot protest as mush as they did, and keep quiet. Many of the people that did pass the civil union act were threaten by the people who opposed the idea. In Vermont there has been no proven evidence that society or the values of the people have been harmed (Moats 264). People do not pick their sexual orientation, and they are born the way everyone else is with the same rights and privileges any other American receives.Gays are discriminated all of the time, and nothing is being done about it. African Americans were first brought to the United States as slaves, but they have come a long way since then. They have the same rights as any white person living in the country. Homosexuals come in all types of color and should not be treated as a second class citizen. Legalizing marriage would only make marriage better off because then people are not forced to marry someone they have little attraction for, and sometimes bring innocent children into a stressful position.Having gay marriages woul d decrease the divorce rate, because then people would be happier with themselves and who they choose to love. How is it far to them they are not attracted to the opposite sex, and are treated different for that? Who says it is wrong for someone to love another person of the same sex? You can not fight who you are in love with, it is a feeling everyone should be able to find in another person. Isn't happiness a key ingredient for a healthy marriage?There are many obvious benefits to a homosexual in a same-sex marriage. One benefit is gays would receive full legal equality (Rauch 55). They would receive the same rights as a man and woman marrying. Homosexuals would have the ability to put in law the love and compassion they share for each other. Gay people want to be able to spend the rest of their live wit that one special person and the legalization of gay marriages would allow for that to happen.They want the simple things in life such as living together, caring for another when t hey are sick and eating dinner every night with that other person. A new level of social acceptance to the gay community is a benefit to the marriage. The couple from a gay marriage benefit like any straight couple: having someone there for you when you need them. No one wants to go through life lonely. When a homosexual asks for marriage they are looking for a different and better kind of life, but really a better kind of love.Gay couples are not in a relationship for just sex, but more for love and affection. Many heterosexuals think that a homosexual's relationship is based on sex. A benefit to heterosexual society of gay marriage is the fact that the commitment of a marriage means the couples are discouraged from having sex with multiple partners. This has the advantage of slowing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (Rauch 72). Heterosexuals benefit from gay marriages because gay couples can not have babies of their own they will adopt, or have custody of a child from a previous marriage (Rauch 74). Legalizing same-sex marriage will only strengthen the meaning of marriage, and banning same-sex marriage will weaken marriage. Marriage is for everyone and each one is unique.The Constitution states that everyone is born with equal rights. So why can't homosexuals share the same rights as heterosexuals in the experience of marriage? People of any sexual orientation should be able to choose who they want to be with. The Government may not approve of same-sex marriage but they should no deny it. Gays are also American citizens with all the same rights. The Fourteenth Amendment states that the law can not deny any persons of equal protection (Sullivan 107).Again, why are the courts denying marriage between same-sex couples? The government does not allow gay couples to file their taxes as a joint, and must file as single taxpayers (Burda 47). Same-sex couples do not benefit from the federal guarantee of payments to a surviving spouse, former spouse, unmarri ed children, or children that are disabled before age two (Burda 98). They also do not receive joined benefits under Medicare. Government benefits are not able to gay couples, but able to heterosexual couples.There are many arguments against same- sex marriages. Some people believe that marriage should be shared between just a man and women. Others believe that a gay couple can not raise a child normally. Gays are very capable of raising a child just like anyone else. Child molesters are allowed to marry, and bring children into the world, so why can't a gay couple raise a child when the only thing they will do for the child is show love and commitment.People say that gay relationships are immoral, but to who? The Bible says it is immoral. The freedom we have we can choose what religion we want, and in some religions same-sex relations are celebrated, and not sinned. Another reason why people say same-sex marriage should not be legal is because they can not produce offspring, and co ntinue a generation, but gays do not need to worry about that because there are many babies in the world looking for a good home to go to.Now, in reality the real reasons for why same-sex marriages are not legal: uncomfortable, offends religion, unnatural, betray, repulsive, and recruitment. Some people are just uncomfortable with same-sex couples, usually called a homophobic. Gays are normal people and should be treated like that. America has religious freedom and everyone has their own views on different situations and not all religions are at a disagreement with gay couples.Some people think that it is unnatural for the gay couples to act the way they do. Men believe that when gay men act feminine it betrays their masculine traits they should have. Straight people think it is repulsive to see affection of gay couples, but gay couples also think it is repulsive to see straight couples's affection. For some reason some people think that gay people go out and look for straight peopl e to make them gay. Someone can not make another person gay; sexual orientation is inborn and can not be changed. Having a fear of being ‘recruited' is just silly to even think about. Homosexuals should be treated better and not stereotype as second-class citizens.Many homosexuals decide to have a family together, and many adopt since they can not produce with each other. There are many children that are put up for adoption and/or put in foster homes, and now there is a shortage of places to put these children. Now, a lot of gay couples adopt these children to give them a healthy and happy life. There have been proven test showing that same-sex couples turn out to be great parents. Giving a child a loving and nurturing home is how a child should be treated, and gay couples have the ability to treat the child like any other parent would (Drucker 42).There is no evidence that children living in a gay home are less intelligent, suffer problems, less popular, or having a low self- esteem. The children of the homosexual families grow up happy, healthy and well adjusted as if they would in a heterosexual family. If a same-sex adoptive couple separated there are three scenarios that can bee looked at; when both parents are legal parents, when one partner is the legal parent but the law grants some rights to the nonlegal parent, and when the law denies nonlegal parents all rights.When both parents have legal custody over the child they are treated as if they were married because then they handle custody and visitation rights and need to work out through the parents. In the other cases the court says how the child will live with the parents. Many gay parents feel that their children and their parenting will be harder than it really is because of their sexual orientation. Many of the parents are feared about what their neighbors will think of their actions about having a different lifestyle than the social norm. Same-sex parents need to raise their child with gende r awareness to live a open minded lifestyle (Brill 107).A number of leading health and child welfare organizations, however, have found that same-sex couples should be able to adopt and raise children. They include the Child Welfare League of America, North American Council on Adoptable Children, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers (Drucker 117).A child being raised by same-sex parents does not cause the child to be homosexual. The parents are aware that there will be many expressions of sexuality, but they are usually more concerned with the personality and personal goodness of a potential mate that they are with their partner's gender (Drucker 198). Girls that are tomboys and boys that play with dolls don't necessarily grow up to be gay or a lesbian. For the most part homosexuality is more of an issue for out of the family then the members of the family.Gays and Lesbian s have the same equal rights as anyone else in America. We have been born in the United States and instantly granted natural rights. Gay or straight everyone should have the same opportunities and not be denied something they dream for. Allowing same-sex marriage will decrease heterosexual divorces and increase the love people feel for each other because they can be with someone they truly want to be with.The United States holds its head up high when it comes to our constitution and what it stands for, but in reality not everyone is treated equal. It is not right for people to be denied something that they are and not have the same rights as any other person because they did not live like the social norms. America varies in everything from race, religion, and sexual orientation, and everyone needs to be treated as if they were not second class citizens. The pursuit of happiness is in our constitution and for gays and lesbians they should be granted their happiness also, for they are also citizens of this country and need to be treated like they are.ReferencesBrill, Stephanie. â€Å"The Queer Parent's Primer† USA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. 2001.Burda, Joan M. â€Å"Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples.† USA: ABA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section. 2004.Burns, Kate. â€Å"Gay and Lesbian Families† New York: Greenhavens Press. 2005.Cabaj, Robert P. â€Å"On the Road to Same-Sex Marriages.† USA: Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. 1997.Drucker, Jane. â€Å"Families of Value† New York: Plenum Press. 1998.Lahey, Kathleen. â€Å"Same Sex Marriage† Canada: Insomniac Press. 2004Moats, David. â€Å"Civil Wars, a Battle for Gay Marriage.† New York: Harcourt, Inc. 2004.Rauch, Jonathan. â€Å"Gay Marriage† New York: Times Books Henry Holt and Company: 2004.Sullivan, Andrew. â€Å"Same-Sex Marriage: Pro and Con† USA: Library of CongressCataloging-in-Publication Data: 1997.

Brief History of Education in Nigeria

As they say Rome was not built in a day. Same applies to education system of Nigeria. In Nigeria education has been filtered and iterated than any other developing Nation around the world. Nigeria had witnessed the brief tradition of education system and was developed in its own phases with some notable revolutions.Undeniable three important tradition followed in educational system during different timeline were, the native Indigenous education, welcoming of Islam had introduced more different strategy of education (Quran Education through Quranic schools), and recently was introduced to the western educational system that help them to make their own benchmark in this world. Though initially during each timeline, the respective phases served their purpose and also had some problems.In this paper different education system and the phases of education development that flourished Nigeria had been discussed and also the recent introduction of Universal Basic Education (UBE) after success fully navigated by Universal Primary Education (UPE). The journey of education system in Nigeria has its own story to tell. The Early Days of Education (The Indigenous education of Stone-age Nigeria) Deeply rooted Culture and daily life routine followed by Nigerian population during early ages was followed for many centuries until influenced by outside world.Native Indigenous education in Nigeria is had its face decorated with limited life style and much priorities were given to welfare of community and local population. The education offered was based on the necessities that are useful govern and feed local tribe. This was the pre-colonial education, where the specialized skills and enhanced abilities were passed on to children from father and grandfather. Sometime children’s were forwarded to some other community head and mentors for advance skills and community etiquettes.The bottom line of the education delivered was to learn and live according to Nigerian climate and occ upation. These occupations were practiced according to geographical conditions of Nigeria. Some of the popular occupations practiced were Farming (according to seasonal condition), trading (barter system), and fishing (only by communities living either side of river bank), craft work (mask, cloths, color work, utensils), black-smithy (traditional & farming hunting tools, war weapons).Most of the skills were taught in very traditional ways like listening to elder people from community for their advices and wisely saying, hunting and farming was learned from observing father and masters working in farm lands and accordingly engaging themselves in the same work. Girls and women’s were expected to stay at home and undertake jobs more suited for them such as raising kids, weaving and craft-work, body decoration, farming. But this too had followed same strategy of learning from elders (from mother). This kind of education was based on ability and adaptation of skills from elders an d had no written or printed records.Such traditional education had great impact and socially developed sense for protection of community, but the same sense of protection proved to be limitation for Indigenous education system. Although traditional skills managed to travel and spread across many tribes but tribe never agreed to pass on their skills to people from other community (mostly people from other villages). This made it to almost impossible for such education system to travel ahead in timeline and had vanished, as community increased and started to spread across Nigeria. Islamic Education (Arabic Language) in Nigeria Islam was believed to Introduced to somewhere around 1080. Islamic faith was first accepted by Umme Jilmi (1085-1097), Ruler of Kanern, followed by his successors Dunama 1st who ruled during the period 1097-1150 and also by Dunama 2nd during 1221-1259. As these people had much influence so was Islam the faith sowed into Nigerian earth. Islam made major changes i n Nigerian life and educational system. Apart from just living life people were made to serve GOD (although they already did) and had to allot separate time. Islam and Islamic education was made to believe inseparable duty that one must follow in this daily life.The local priest of Mosque used to teach chapters of Quran and its verses. Quran also made people to learn new language â€Å"Arabic† which was completely unknown to Nigerian population. Arabic alphabet was taught for the first time, as a written language in printed format. This effort at primary level was widespread and greatly appreciated & absorbed in Nigerian culture. Although Arabic language was blessed by grammar, syntax, rich literature but it also had its own setbacks. First was women’s were forbidden in ISLAM and took considerable to anticipate women’s participation in learning Arabic language and Quran.A later on Islamic study was also allowed for women’s of Nigeria. Abdullahi Bayero the (Ruler of Kano) strengthen the Islamic studies by building Law schools, for teaching Islam, different Islamic subjects, English and Arithmetic as well. Schooling and building of institutes helped in good educational progress and many institutes & schools were started in coming in year. As Arabic was neither the language in many part of Nigeria, nor followed by educational institutes other than Islamic, this proved to be failure for Arabic language.The Western Education (Missionaries schools and Culture) This was the proper time to intersect the Nigerian environment with western education system. In 1842 Wesleyan Christian Missionaries stepped in Badagry. The western missionaries and missionaries school stepping onto Nigerian land was not so welcomed, because Islamic schools and institutes already has its footmarks on Nigerian soil, specially northern Nigeria, where Islam has its wings spread wide across with almost 25,000 Islamic schools and education centers.Although the start was not good for missionaries’ school and had to keep trying until in 1843 the first school came into existence followed by Anglican Church Missionary society in 1850. Missionaries’ schools were helped by the government and they did understand the importance of western education for further development of Nigerian society. As a result of this, education department came into power to administrate and to set curricular criteria and requirements and started to giveaway grants and funds for missionary schools.The north Nigeria had nothing to do except watch southern Nigeria grows in better lifestyle. Further in 1914 northern and southern Nigeria united and these missionaries’ were strengthening to put-forward their idea about education in northern Nigeria as well. North Nigeria had to fill the growth and development gap as in 1914 there were only 1100 school kids as compared to 36,000 in south Nigeria, number was no less but still there was good hope for development. T he main focus of examination was given on examination. More to say institute building, sufficient teaching staff, and moderate labs were inspected.School ranking was graded and, performance was sorted according to individual performance of each institute. Results were notable and according to expected and lead the entire nation towards Jobs availability and overall development. In year 1952 a body was formed named as West African Examination Council (WAEC) and important responsibility of conducting examination was handed over to them.The responsibility of council was to qualify number of appeared candidate for certificates which were same as that of certificates offered by examination authorities in United Kingdom Until now much of educational program were carried by missionaries, but now Nigerian government started to feel the need to help these missionaries and in 1882 began to act by providing necessary guidelines, policies for students and staff, and development of educational a uthorities. Schools appointed school inspectors and started to ensure grants/funds for schools to keep the educational quality intact. To give wider perspective to the government activities the common experiment more popularly known as Universal Primary Education Program was undertaken in 1955 (East) and 1957(West), that proved to be very helpful and genuine program.In Nigeria, the school year currently runs from January to December, consists of about 3 quarters with a month between quarters. Primary education begins at the age of six for the majority of Nigerians. Students spend six years in primary school and graduate with a school-leaving certificate equivalent to what is called ‘elementary school' in some other countries. This runs for 6 years, and after that, students take the Common Entrance Examination to be admitted into Secondary School, which is the equivalent of ‘high school' in some other countries.It used to be that way many years ago, and then they switched to a school year that ran from September to July, and within the last decade, they've switched back to a school year that runs from January to December. Some Nigerians go to nursery school in their early years. What is basically done there is teaching kids the basics like the alphabet, etc. Subjects taught at the primary level include mathematics, English language, Islamic knowledge studies, Bible knowledge, science and one of the three main native ethnic groups (Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo).Private schools would also offer computer, science, French, and art. Primary school students are required to take a Common Entrance Examination to qualify for admission into the Federal and State Government schools. However, around 1990 what was once known as ‘secondary school' was split into 2 sections, and had a year added. So now, there is Junior Secondary School (JSS), which lasts 3 years, and then students have to take the Junior WAEC or the JSSE (Junior Secondary School Exam) to move up to Senior Secondary School (SSS).During primary school and secondary school (both parts), students wear a school uniform that is chosen and designed by their school. During school parties or special functions, students are sometimes allowed to wear what they choose. Also, there are usually other physical standards that students must abide too. For instance, most schools either have the girls hair cut short, or allow them to braid it neatly, sometimes depending on the grade level. Boys must have their hair short. With both boys and girls who have short hair, the hair must be neatly combed.Also, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories usually have guidelines attached. For primary and secondary schools, some schools do have buses to transport their students from certain areas to the school, and of course, in boarding schools, transportation is not an issue. For day school students though, for the most part, transportation to and from school is left to the family. Some parents dro p their kids off at school on their way to work. Prof. Fafunwa Contribution towards education Education system in Nigeria is one of the greatest achievements of Prof.Fafunwa especially at the primary and secondary school levels. He sustained efforts and struggle culminated in the adoption of the mother tongue education policy by the national policy on education (1977). He rightly observed that, developing countries are known mainly as consumer of knowledge rather than as producers. However the acceptance of some of the Fafunwa’s idea internationally proved to be an exception. One of the great ideas that won international recognition is the Each-one-Teach-one approach in the promotion of the education for all (EFA) global program and campaign.The second is the Mother Tongue mode of educational instruction, which has received some international acceptance through the efforts of UNESCO. At the national level also, the recommendation of the Fafunwa Study Group on funding of educa tion at all levels in 1984 brought two notable institution into existence. The first was the establishment of the National Commission for the College of Education (NCCE) in 1986 while the second was the establishment of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. One of the measures he took was the establishment of the national Institute for the Language in Aba in 1992.By these achievements, Fafunwa’s name will always be written in gold in any history on the promotion of mother tongue education in Nigeria. It would also be recalled that in addition to these, he established the Nigeria French Language village, in Badagry in 1991, and the National Arabic Language Village in 1992 in Gamboru, Borno State when he minister of education. The success of the mother tongue project let to the production of teaching material in Yoruba language in the primary schools. And following its success too, other linguistic area translated the Ife materials on science and mathematics into their sp urred Prof.Fafunwa to work harder the promotional of the teaching of, and research on, Nigeria language, when he becomes minister of education. With all these, Fafunwa gained recognition at both the national and international levels. In 1973 he received a medal for distinguished service in Education, Teachers college, Columbia University, New York city. In 1976 he got the Franklin Book Award for Outstanding Contribution to Educational Development, New York City. In 1983, he was appointed a Distinguished Fellow, International Council on Education for Teaching, Washington D. C and then in 1986, this ‘prophet’ was rightly honored in his own country, with Hon. LL. D by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he started his academic career. His was later also honored by fellowship of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria in 1990; and Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Education in 1990. In 1955, he earned a Ph. D. in Education, becoming the first Nigerian recipient of a doctoral degree in Education. He started his University teaching career in 1961 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During the Nigerian civil war, he left the east and moved to Ife, and taught at the Obafemi Awolowo University.Universal Primary Education (UPN) in Nigeria In 1970 the new term was introduced into the world of education in Nigeria and Universal Primary Education (UPN) was accepted as policy for educational system, just because it had all necessary guidelines and regulatory work flow, most important it was designed in a way to have each person to complete it as primary need. This was again non-welcomed, but still had impressive accomplishment. According to small survey it was seen that Nigeria had an impressive population of 50 million and among that population 22 percent of population was school going (Primary schools).UPN gained its importance in coming year 1985-86; during time period approximate estimated considerable population of 24 million (age group between five â€⠀œfourteen) and 46 percent of the entire age group had attended school. This was a remarkable change in education system of Nigeria and they believed that more number would be achieved in coming years. Special Education in Nigeria As seen till now Nigeria’s efforts of educational program has been tremendous, was well noted and these efforts were reviewed by Ministry of Information and Culture, 1986.This revolution in the field of education had deep impact on special education reform. Special educations are firmly established under the roof of overall education policies set by Ministry of Education. The need had arisen because of exceptionalities and special skill amongst sons/daughters of Nigeria. The special section has been set aside for pupils with extraordinary special skills. This is known as Section 8 of policy created by ministry of education in 1977.According to section:1. Materialize the meaning of equal education for all pupils.2. Provide sufficient education for al l disabled students and citizens so as to overcome their disability and let them help for their contribution in development of nation.3. To provide opportunities and resources for those pupils who possess special skills and abilities for nations technological and economical development.This was not just to provide the platform for students with good academic and talent but also the solid groundwork for those who have knowledge must have the freedom to go for the education they want.This also had put more focus on those are handicapped and physically challenged, and had given them the right of equality of education along with other normal pupils. To anticipate section 6 government had to move ahead in some research and had to collect data that clearly depict the number of all children’s, separation through age, sex, disabilities and locality, standard of living and their requirement about education.Categories of Special Education1) Blind and partially sighted or different sigh t problems.2) Deaf and partially hearing or different hearing problems.3) Disabled or physically challenge or handicapped.4) Mentally retarded (Partially/Completely).5) Hospitalized children.For any special education program the direction must be towards ability of anticipation of program that increases the inner potential of extraordinary individuals. But this was again hampered by some special education systems and institutes program were imposed on admitted pupils instead of exposing and providing platform for those students. Inclusion International Perspective (Salamanca Meet) United Nations Salamanca Statements were major and good exposure to international level by United Nation.UNESCO had arranged a world meet in Salamanca, Spain was held from 7th June 2994 till 10th June 1994. This meet was attended by 300 participants those representing 92 governments and 25 international organisations. Salamanca statements were built on 1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) 2. Con clusions from â€Å"The World Conference on Education for All† (1990) 3. United Nations â€Å"Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities† (1993).Recognition of Salamanca Statement1. Every child has a fundamental right to education.2. Every child has unique characteristics, interests, abilities and learning needs.3. Education systems should be designed and educational programmes implemented to meet these diversities among children.4. Students with special needs must have access to regular schools with adapted education.5. Regular schools with an inclusive orientation are the most effective means of combating and preventing discriminative attitudes and building up an inclusive societyRole of National Authorities and Government1. Improve the education system so it can include all students.2. Adopt the principle of inclusive education in the legislation system to enrol all children.3. Develop demonstration project.4. Establish decentr alized systems and user participation in planning, monitoring and evaluation.5. Encourage the participation of parents and relevant user organisation.6. Pay attention to early identification of special needs and Early Intervention.7. Give relevant education, further education, training and support to teachers and other relevant professionals.8. Emphasise the international cooperation within programs of education for all.9. Emphasise the importance of Special Needs Education as an integrated part of teacher education and training programs.10. Involve the NGO’sNew Perspective on Special (excellent students) needs education1. Inclusion and participation assume that students with disabilities attend ordinary kindergartens and schools on the local environment.2. The fundamental principle is that all children are together as much as possible.3. Inclusive education of high quality should focus on:1) Curriculum2) organizational arrangements3) teaching strategies4) resource use5) Part nership with the communities4. Inclusive education demands a focus on peers. This implies that special units, special classes and schools should be used to a limited extent, and as exception from ordinary education5. Special needs education varies enormously from country to country. If a country has to have special schools they should function as resource centres for regular schools.6. Countries with a limited number of special schools should be advised to establish mainstream-inclusive schools.7. The governmental planning of education should concentrate on all persons, in all regions of the country and in all economic conditions.8. Special needs education policy represent a new approach. That’s why adults with disabilities should have special attention.9. Girls and women are often discriminated. Women and men should have equal influence and opportunities.10. To make EFA effective it should be plans on the local, regional and national planInclusive Education and Amendment of Salamanca Statements in United KingdomSpecial Education Needs and Disability Act (2001)The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001) impose certain specific duties on the respective educational institute in respect of students with disabilities. The following guidelines attempt to establish good practice for access to teaching and learning for students with disabilities in the light of these requirements under the Act.These guidelines are directed towards individual lecturers and tutors, to provide a descriptive outlook of the main elements of planning for SENDA (2001). The Act requires the University not only to make adequate provision for existing students with disabilities but to be prepared for the probable needs of future students and candidates, so as to be able to respond adequately and promptly when required. It does not require Schools or individual tutors to make wholesale changes to teaching materials, teaching practice, curricula, timetables, etc.(though it is a common experience that the refinement of teaching practice to meet the needs of students with disabilities is of benefit to students in general). It does involve the identification of aspects of teaching and learning which can be expected to create barriers for students with disabilities, and a concerted planning initiative on the part of the University to establish how these might be adjusted to allow the full participation of students with disabilities. The Act makes it unlawful for bodies responsible for the provision of education to discriminate against disabled students.Discrimination consists of failing to make reasonable adjustments which would permit students with disabilities to participate fully in Higher Education, or giving them less favorable treatment at any point in the educational process. The definition of disability includes a wide range of long-term physical and mental conditions. This Act SENDA imposes a pressurized direct responsibility on educational institut ions for their own admitted students. This would include elements such as field place used in fieldwork and study tour, or foreign educational institutes/universities where students go for under students exchange program.Special Educational Needs (England and Wales)The legislation relating to SEN is contained in Part 4 of the EA (ss. 312 – 349, Schedules 26 and 27). This has been amended by the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (SSFA) to amend the references to the categories of schools. There is a statutory code of practice (the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs) to which LEAs, governing bodies, health and social services and the SENT must have regard when exercising their functions under Part 4 of the Act.There was a consultation on a revised draft of this Code from 7 July to 13 October 2000. The aim is to publish the final version of this Code to come into force from September 2001. A child has SEN if he has a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for him. A child, for the purposes of the SEN provisions, includes any person under the age of 19 who is a registered pupil at a school. About 20% of children will have some form of SEN at some time.Most of these children will have their needs met by their school, but around 3% of children will have severe or complex needs which will require the LEA to determine and arrange for the special educational provision for the child by means of a statutory statement of SEN. It has always been intended that as many children with SEN as possible can be included within mainstream rather than special schools, whilst recognizing the importance of the specialist sector. There is a duty in section 316 of the EA to secure that a child is educated in a mainstream school, unless that is incompatible with the wishes of the parent.Provided that three conditions are satisfied: that this is compatible with 1. His receiving the special e ducational provision his learning difficulty calls for; 2. The provision of efficient education for the children with whom he will be educated. 3. The efficient use of resources. School governing bodies have a duty to use their best endeavors to see that pupils with SEN at their schools receive the special educational provision their learning difficulties call for.The LEA must keep their arrangements for special educational provision under review They have a duty to secure that they identify children within their area who have SEN and the LEA need to determine the special educational provision for which their learning difficulty calls. Where an LEA are of the opinion that a child has SEN and that it is necessary for the authority to determine the special educational provision which any learning difficulty he may have calls for, the LEA will make an assessment of the child, to decide whether a statement of SEN should be made for the child.Once the assessment of the child's needs has been completed, the LEA will decide whether it is necessary for them to make and maintain a statement of the child's SEN. If the LEA decide to make a statement, the statement must be in the form prescribed by the Schedule to the Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations 1994 (revised regulations are planned to come into force at the same time as the revised SEN Code of Practice). Any statement made by the LEA must give details of the assessment of SEN and specify the special educational provision to be made.The special educational provision must include the type of school, or other institution, which the LEA considers would be appropriate, the name of the school preferred by the parents if this has to be named in accordance with Schedule 27 or, if none, the name of any school the LEA considers should be specified, and any provision for which arrangements are made otherwise than in a school, e. g. : occupational therapy. The SENT considers parents' appeals against the decisio ns of LEAs in England and Wales about their children's SEN, if parents cannot agree with the LEA.The SENT considers appeals about refusals to assess, refusals to make statements, the contents of statements and decisions to cease to maintain statements. The constitution of the SENT is provided for in section 333 of the EA. There is a President and a chairmen's panel appointed by the Lord Chancellor and a lay panel appointed by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment or (as appropriate) the NAW. Each Tribunal consists of a chairman and two lay members. The procedure of the Tribunal is set out in the Special Educational Needs Tribunal Regulations 1995 made under section 336 of the EA.The Special Educational Needs Tribunal Regulations 2001 have been laid before Parliament and will, unless annulled, come into force on 1 September 2001. Where does Nigeria Stand in Inclusive Education? Education is not only a right of every child as advocated for by the United Nations (UN), it is a Constitutional enactment in Nigeria through ‘The Compulsory, Free, Universal Basic Education Act,2004 and other Related Matters' leading to the setting aside of two percent (2%) of the consolidated revenue for its implementation.It is also a punishable offence for anyone to deny a Nigerian child the opportunity to get at least the basic nine year compulsory and free education. Worthy of note is that the UBE Act not only stipulates that it is an offence for anyone to deny a Nigerian child the opportunity for free basic education but clearly pointed out Part 1 section 1, 2 and 3 of the Act that â€Å"Every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. Every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his:(a) Primary school education.(b) Junior secondary school education by endeavoring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools.â€Å"The stak eholders in education in a Local Government Area, shall ensure that every parent or person who has the care and custody of a child performs the duty imposed on him under section 2(2) of this Act† The above are wonderful as far as the quest towards achieving the goals of the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) as well as the targets of the Education For All (EFA) remain a cardinal objective of the present leadership in the education sector.It would be pertinent to point out that Nigeria in April 2000 joined over 170 other countries that met in Dakar, the capital of Senegal to re-affirm national commitment towards ensuring that they deliver the goals of EFA by 2015. Given the importance of UBE and need to ensure that it succeeds, stakeholders in the sector especially those that have held sway at the helm of affairs of the Federal Ministry of Education had for some time taken steps deemed necessary to ensure that the country not exit the status of being one of the countries not l ikely meet the target for EFAQ nor the goals of MDGs.â€Å"From a regional perspective, South and West Asia reported the greatest progress. This was mainly due to changes in India, where the number of children out of school fell by over 12 million as participation in primary education significantly improved for girls (accounting for more than 75% of the decrease). â€Å"Sub-Saharan Africa also made important strides, with a reduction of 10 million.This was largely the result of progress reported by the Governments of Ethiopia and the United Republic of Tanzania† the report added. For a country like Nigeria, the importance of the report comes in various forms but the most touching ones will be the positive aspect which noted that the Sub-Saharan African made important strides towards the global achievement accounting for about 10million out of the 28million that was recorded within the period.But unfortunately for the country, while the names of countries like United Republic of Tanzania and Ethiopia were clearly mentioned while others were listed on the detailed report, Nigeria appeared on the list with dots in this form (****) which simply means that there was no information available on the various performances and efforts of government and other stakeholders in the area of improving enrolment.It is should be on record that Nigeria is not a country to be pushed aside when the issue of rolling out policies, bright and wonderful policies at that aimed at achieving envious feat that can stand its own anywhere in the world. Though the country for the umpteenth time has failed to blow its trumpet, stakeholders would not disagree if this write-up notes that over 80% of government efforts are not well coordinated leading to none availability of credible, scientific and acceptable data that can be presented to relevant bodies.It is however gratifying to note that the leadership at the Federal Ministry of Education presently is doing a lot to change all that and when one takes a look at the latest decision to integrate the Mandrasah Education into the mainstream of at least the basic education, it shows that Nigeria is serious about meeting the set goals and targets.At this juncture, it will be pertinent to note that just about two-years ago during the celebration of the 2008 Education For All (EFA) week celebration, the then Minister of Education, Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachuku said that at least about 11million Nigerian children are still without access to basic education in the country.

School Shootings

School Shootings The word ‘school shooting’ implies acts carried out by either intruders or students within a school. These incidences are usually confused with other forms of school violence like Bath School tragedy where a homemade bomb exploded leaving behind several causalities. Is there a certain ‘type’ of students most likely to carry out these atrocious acts?Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on School Shootings specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Well, a profiling carried out in the United States of America showed that, there are no certain groups or individuals, who are more likely to commit these school-shooting incidences (Egan para. 9). However, the perpetrators seem to share one thing; they plan for the shootings. These individuals do not wake up and decide to carry a gun into a class and open fire to fellow students or teachers. No, they plan how to do it in advance. Theirs is a well-developed path tow ards violence. Apart from being ‘loners’, these individuals are ‘joiners’ and it appears that after failing to gain social acceptance, they come up with a way of letting their thinking and actions known by shooting fellow students or even teachers (Egan para. 6). Though not proved, these shooting incidences may be an attempt by the perpetrators to uplift their social image from a ‘loser’ to a ‘master’. What else can explain such incidences? Interestingly, young males have been exclusively associated with these shootings save for only two documented incidences carried out by female students. Barry Loukaitis in Frontier Middle School perpetrated one of the most outstanding school shooting instances on 2 February 1996. On the material day, Loukaitis, wielding two handguns and a hunting riffle with over 78 rounds of ammunition; shot dead his algebra teacher; Leona Caires and two fellow students; Arnold Fritz, Jr. and Manuel Vela; injur ed Natalie Hintz, and held the entire class hostage for ten minutes. After hearing the gunshots, Jon Lane, a gym coach, walked in and volunteered to be taken hostage instead of the students before grabbing the weapons and disarming Loukaitis (Egan, para. 5). It later emerged that these weapons belonged to his father. Interestingly, on that day, Loukaitis was apparelled like Gunslinger, a prominent character in cinema. What could lead someone to making such flagitious move?Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Egan, Barry said, This sure beats algebra doesnt it† (para. 4). After thorough searching, it emerged that violent videos littered Loukaitis’ house. He learnt shooting from his father. Additionally, Barry Loukaitis reportedly confessed to a friend that it would be cool to embark on a shooting fling, to emulate some lead characters in Natural Born Kil lers. To be precise the character, Oliver Stone in this film was Barry’s paragon. From this incidence, it is clear that this was a pre-planned venture through watching of deadly movie series and close learning about shooting from a father. Barry’s comments that ‘this sure beats algebra doesnt it’, is a clear indication that he had deep seated problems and this experience made him feel superior making his thoughts known to the world. The whole story brings into spotlight the issue of carelessness on part of parents. Guns and other weapons should be kept out of children’s reach. There is a dire need to bring up children in a way that will discourage these behaviours. Barring children from watching these violent films would solve this problem in part. The contemporary generation of young people is exposed to many destructive things. Consequently, out of curiosity, coupled with issues like negligence and social misfit, may engage in more school shooting s. We need drastic actions to avert this emerging behaviour. We cannot afford to lose yet another soul in such circumstances. Egan, Timothy. â€Å"Where Rampages Begin: A Special Report; From Adolescent Angst To Shooting Up Schools.† The New York Times. June 1998. 2 Dec. 2009. www.nytimes.com/1998/06/14/us/where-rampages-begin-special-report-adolescent-angst-shooting-up-schools.html?pagewanted=all

A Stranger Looking in my House Would Probably Think...

A stranger looking in my house would probably think my life is society’s definition of normalcy: a father, a mother, a daughter, and a son, all living in one house. We eat from the same refrigerator, use the same den to watch television, and swim in the same pool. One big happy family, right? Wrong! Behind closed doors, chaos emerges. Unless you were my friend, or a resident of my town, you probably wouldn’t realize that my parents are in the midst of a hectic and painful process: signing divorce papers. My father resides in a guest room downstairs. My parents take turns with days they choose to look after my brother and me. After all, being in the same room together is not always the most pleasant experience. One could even say that what split my parents apart is the fact that they are complete opposites. Although 50% of marriages end in divorce, in my small town, divorce isn’t that common an occurrence. My mom, being the social butterfly that she is, has made it known, publicly, that she and my father have become separated. One might assume that I might be bothered by this part of my life being out in the open; surprisingly, I’m really not. The truth is, I was never â€Å"Daddy’s Little Girl,† making divorce a not-so-hard pill to swallow. Having been brought up in Russia, my father has a completely different mindset from my mom, as well as me. He is shy, stubborn, and maintains completely opposing political views. These days, my dad and I could go on for hours arguing about President Bush’s actions, and it would be considered normal. If you went back a year or two, the situation with my father would be extremely different. I was always somewhat fearful of him; I would never challenge his opinions, and if he and my mom fought, I would sit in silence. The man who was supposed to be the most positive influence on my life made me think that men were pigs, a nd were allowed to treat women like dirt. Ever since my parents began their split, almost a year ago, I have continued to learn that women should not only be treated with respect, but should demand respect as well as demand to have their own opinions heard. My father’s opinion is not the only one which matters in the divorce court, and he has no right to expect more respect than my mom. Yes, I sound harsh, but I, like my mother, deserve and demand respect. Today, when in a situation with my father, I am able to voice my opinion, because it matters. Sometimes, I actually want to thank him thank him for making me a wiser person, and for making me appreciate my own opinion.

Culture and communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Culture and communication - Essay Example Then I must make sure I view patients as individuals rather than members of a particular category. Considering the patient’s perspective in an empathic way is vital, especially when they make non-verbal expressions, which I must be careful not to miss or ignore. Lastly, forming a partnership with the patient will reassure them that we are working together towards one end, standing us together, rather than on either side of a gulf. This promotes trust and understanding. 2. First impressions last longest: Matthew said he hopes to improve his expression and tone to reflect a more caring attitude, seeking to comfort and soothe the patient. This is very good, because patients place a lot of trust and hope in a medical practitioner, so it should not be left to chance or personality. However, training in aspects of cultural competency, and in avoiding unconsciously categorizing patients (Medscape CME 2008), is something I must address as critical, in addition to appropriate bedside manner. A patient should feel on a level standing with all others, and feel that I can empathize and consider their individual circumstances and preferences. Experience will help me gauge facial and other non-verbal messages to accurately decipher a patient’s preference, fears, choices and inclinations. This means I must look inside myself and discover more about how I regard members of our culturally-diverse