The Main Events in the Life of Prophet Muhammed Essay Example for Free

The Main Events in the Life of visionary Muhammed EssayOutlining the Main Events in the Life of illusionist Muhammed (pbuh) and Assessing his Importance and Influence.Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was born around 570. He was born in Mekkah in Arabia into the Quraishi tribe. He was born on the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal to his acquire Amina. His father Abdullah died in Yathrib before the Prophet (pbuh) was born. When Muhammed was six geezerhood old, his mother Amina fell ill and died. Muhammed (pbuh) was looked after by his grandfather Abd-ul-Muttalib for two eld except when Muhammed was eight, Abd-ul-Muttalib similarly died. Abu Talib, Muhammed (pbuh)s uncle took care of him.Abu Talib was a wealthy. Powerful businessman. He took Muhammed (pbuh) on many of his business trips. One such trip was a journey to Syria when Muhammed (pbuh) was twelve years old. On this trip to Syria, Abu Talibs caravan passed the home of a Christian monk c altogethered Bahirah. Bahirah noticed that Muhammed (p buh) had some features that matched the is mentioned in the holy book Bahirah followed describing a prophet to arrest after Isa (Jesus).As Muhammed grew up, his honest character shone through the evils of Makkan society and he was given the title Al-Amin which means the trustworthy. Whilst working alongside his uncle as a businessman, Muhammed met Khadijah, little girl of Khuwaylid, a wealthy lady of noble birth with a well-known noble character. Khadijah asked Muhammed to marry her and he accepted. Muhammed was twenty-five at the time and Khadijah was forty years old. They were married for about twenty-five years before Khadijah died.In Ranadhan the year Muhammed was forty years old (about 610), Muhammed sat alone in Cave Hira in Mount Bur. An angel appeared and asked him to read. Like most Arabs of the time, Muhammed (pbuh) could not write, nor could he read, so he told the angel that he could not read. The angel squeezed him and asked him to read again, and again he told the a ngel that he could not read. This happened three times before the angel told him to Read in the name of your Lord and revealed to him the first verses of the Quran.That night was one of the snuff it five odd nights in the month of Ramadhan, there is great blessing in this night, and it is called Lailatul Qadr, the night of power. After the incident in the cave, Muhammed returned home to Khadijah. He told her what happened. knowing what a kind, loving man he was, Khadijah believed the revelation had been from one God, Allah. Khadijah became the first person to accept Islamic monotheism and become a Muslim. Before accepting Islam, Khadijah talked to her cousin, a Chritian named Waraqah. Waraqah told Muhammed that he was a messenger confirming what Bahirah had said. Muhammed (pbuh) preached to others who knew him well. Those who he spoke to accepted Islam, Ali, his cousin, Zaid, and Abu Bakr, his best friend were among them.In the first few years around liter mint from among his fr iends and family converted to Islam. In 615, the Muslims in Makkah were being persecuted so much that Muhammed (pbuh) advised them to leave Mekkah and migrate to Abyssinia where a Christian king called Negus ruled. In 619 the Makkans matt-up threatened by the growing number of Muslims. The Makkans boycotted them on a massive scale. No one was allowed to sell to Muslims, buy from Muslims or help them at all. During the boycott, Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)s uncle Abu Talib died so did his wife Khadijah. He lost the two mint who supported him most. Though Abu Talib had dies, the protection Muhammed had from him was not lost.It was around this time that Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) experienced the iniquity Journey, Isra wal Miraj. In one night, he travelled from the Holy Mosque in Makkah to the Further Mosque in Jerusalem. He made this journey on a winged provide called Buraq. Buraq took him to the heavens where he spoke to Allah and brought down the commandment to pray.The message of Islam h ad spread 480km Makkah. A serious plot to assassinate Muhammed (pbuh) was put into action. The prophet and the Muslims in Makkah migrated to Yathrib (Madinah). On the 16th July 622 the Muslims left Makkah and went to Madinah on foot. The Madinans had visited Makkah and converted to Islam, they invited the prophet (pbuh) to be their leader. The emigration was called the Hijraj. The Muslim calendar starts from the Hijrah (AH). In Madinah the prophet ruled from a simple house. straight off with Madinah as the first Islamic State the prophet taught the systems of Islam.The Makkans hated the Muslims even more than now that they had Madinah as their state. Two all-important(prenominal) battles were fought. In 624 the Muslims fought at the affair of Badr, 300 Muslims with 900 Makkans. The Muslims won despite the numbers. They also fought the Battle of Uhud that they lost. In 627 the Makkans attacked Madinah but the Muslims had dug a trench that protected the city. The Hudaybia agreemen t was drawn up, which allowed the Muslims to visit Makkah on pilgrimage. In 632, Muhammed delivered his farewell speech on mount Arafat after the Muslims conquered Makkah peacefully. The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) died at the age of sixty-three.Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was important in the Makkan society he lived in before he became a prophet. He was a fairly wealthy businessman. The family and tribe that he was born into were genuinely powerful in Makkah. He himself was the grandson of Abd-al-Muttalib, one of the most powerful leaders of the Quraish tribe. For many years of his life, he was in the care of his uncle Abu Talib, an extremely wealthy businessman. Another of his uncles was Hamza, a great warrior. Many people were surprised when he did not harm the prophet but accepted Islam. As a businessman, prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was respected because everyone around him was corrupt, they cheated and lied in their get by whereas he remained honest and truthful. People trusted him so mu ch that they gave him the title Al-Amin which means the trustworthy.He received his prophet hood around 610 CE. He was the croak person to receive prophet hood or any kind of divine revelation. There will be no more prophets and no more revelation. He is important in Islam because prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the Seal of the prophets. He was a messenger to mankind to call the people to Allahs way of life.He was and still is so important that announcing your belief in him is part of the Muslim declaration of faith (the Shahada). He is part of a Muslims belief. If you do not believe that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah hence you are not a Muslim. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is also very important in Islam, as he was the last person to receive divine revelation. He was given the Quran by Allah through Angel Jibreel. Every word he received was carefully written down and preserved because it was so important that even if a few words were incorrect, it would ruin the beauty of the Quran gi ven to prophet Muhammad (pbuh).Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is one of the worlds most influential men of all time. While he was alive, he managed to change the polytheist Arabian society to one of monotheistic beliefs and values. He was able to change masses with his words. Many of the things he said, did, and consented to throw been recorded in Hadith narrated by people in his world. People close to his like his wives and his companions and people he met once or twice. Both kinds of people in his life valued his word so much so that they would record it, keep it and pass it on to others. Hadith are still very influential even today.Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)s words are so important and influential that Muslims make important decisions in their lives today based on them. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was able to change people beliefs through his image set before he became a prophet. He was an honest, trustworthy man and people believed what he was formulation to be the truth because they believe d that Muhammad son of Abdullah wouldnt lie and they took him to be Muhammad, messenger of Allah. Today, people all over the world, speaking many different languages still respect prophet Muhammad (pbuh), because of his importance and influence when they say Peace be upon Him (pbuh) after mentioning his name.To conclude, prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was an extremely important and influential figure not just of his time. He also remains a prominent figure in history for being one of the world most influential people. He convinced masses in days and still holds a place in the hearts of millions one thousand four hundred and twenty-two years later.

A Summary of the Guidelines to Achieving Effective Reading Essay Example for Free

A Summary of the Guidelines to Achieving Effective Reading EssayEffective indication is essential to a learners success and it can only be come upond by having the right instructions and t apieceing methods applied. The instructions must(prenominal) be given in the best way possible to ensure that the learners meet their desired objectives. Instruction implementation should happen in a way that it does cover every puddle of information technologies, including the net lasted information which evidently is rapidly growing. The following paper will summarize the guidelines to the achievement of these effecting skills. Effective Reading among LearnersLearning class period methods has been found to make a lot of improvement in schools in decree to read the learner reading with a lot of ease and without lots of problems. Research has shown that teachers charter to employ methods that should help their learners know how to go about their reading. It has also been realised that beginners need to be given introductory skills on reading beca custom this aids in the improvement of their performance and promotes success. In relation to this, the International Reading connexion has position statements that guide teachers on how to go about teaching the reading methods.With this in place, there are still controversies over the positions. The controversy comes as a result of some children not applying the methods as taught and hence making it appear as though the teacher has not followed the instruction as stated. On the other hand, as much as there is controversy in methods of teaching reading, there seems to be less controversy in what a child should learn. A skilled reading methods teacher can see their learners and know what to teach to each of the children so that in the end, the teaching methods are effectively taught to the learners.When teaching children reading skills, the teacher must know what to teach to which learner. A child who has learnt lette r sounds does not require phonemic lessons, therefore the method employed on every child, depends on the childs level of advancement in learning. In accordance of rights with this, it is proper that the federal state only offer support and provides resources to the policy makers for them to make the positions because they stand a better chance of formulating the positions.The International Reading Association recommends that the school district must involve the parents in helping the teachers know their children and thus aid in their academic progress. The Role of Teaching Specialists in Ensuring in all Children Learn How to Read According to the National Researcher council, it is important that all schools have a reading specialist whose role is to assist children master their reading skills. This is also as a result of the complex situations and the wide range of diversity in schools today. They to provokeher with the teachers work to ensure that all children emerge close read ers.A reading specialist is a person with educational credentials and therefore, is a professional with qualifications and experience required by the education body and meets the proficiencies of the standards. The specialists whitethorn work in one or more of the available education levels ranging from early childhood to secondary to private institutions crosswise to the heavy(a) learners. It is recommended that the specialists working with the adult learners need to have more understanding for their learners. Children range from those who are fit and healthy to those from poor backgrounds, those with physical, psychological and emotional problems.There are also those that are struggling to learn English and therefore those with problems as regards their reading require the help of a reading consultant to guide them. The role of a reading specialist in helping the savants improve their reading include- (a) Instructive role whereby the specialist does the work of supplementing and enhancing the work of the classroom teacher who must work collaboratively with the reading specialist. The two can give the instructions in class or the specialist may give instructions outside the classroom if student requires specialized instructions.(b) The specialist also does the assessment of the development of literacy levels. This the specialist may do by observing the student, evaluating the results of the past literacy tests. The specialist also plays the role of coordination with the district and state standards. He or she gives the report on the development in literacy learning. (c) All coupled, reading specialists have the leadership role in that they aid the teachers, administrators and parents to get to understand more about teaching reading. By collaborating with both teachers and parents, they help build good home school connections.This therefore calls for reading specialists to be well-read and be professionally fit to perform their work effectively. Internet an d Its Impact on Even Literacy Levels across the Globe In todays world, the levels of literacy interpolate every time given the availability of the internet. With the technology in place, learners are required to update their knowledge in order to have their literacy levels right. In order to have the learners and the first improving technology at per, a number of factors must be looked into.These include the rapid rate at which the internet is getting into almost all classrooms in the developed nations almost the world and therefore calls for proper measures to be put in place to ensure the children get get to to it. This is do by having computers connected to the internet in every classroom. Equity in the access of internet in the developed and developing nations should be alter in order to avoid widening the literacy gap between the two sets of nations. Education that is adequate should be provided and development of staff needs to be done to ensure the teachers frequently i ntegrate new literalises in their curriculum.Teachers education programs can greatly help in preparing the teachers in using the new instruction technologies. To achieve the desired results, the Professional Literacy Organization should offer support in the provision of creative initiatives and increased access, provide professional development and enhance the teachers education program. With the higher up wanting to be acted on, the public policies must be adjusted in such a manner that reading is not only defined around books but should include the networked information technologies that have become vital in the success of students.Reading must be effectively taught and to achieve this, teachers should make use of professional development to learn new instruction strategies. They should also give equal opportunities to students in accessing the ICT facilities. In general, to have reading teachings succeed Parents, teachers, school administrators, teachers educators, policymakers and researchers must collaborate to have learning maintained at the required standards. Recommendation In order for reading beginners to eventually become successful students, they need to have obtained the necessary skills that mould them into perfect readers.The U. S. agenda aims at improving the literacy performance of students, considering the increasing demands for educating all students to achieve at high levels. It is important that schools have satisfactory personnel to address the challenges facing the students. Such personnel must include a professional reading specialist as a core component of the educational team. However, middle schools and high schools should have the same instructional support, because effective reading instruction must be guided by reading specialists across all grade levels.In addition to this, networked information technologies require incorporation so that learning meets demands of the rapidly improving education levels. References International Reading Association, 1999. apply Multiple Methods of Beginning Reading Instruction. Retrieved from www. reading. org . International Reading Association, 2000. Teaching All Children to Read The Roles Reading Specialist. Retrieved from www. reading. org . International Reading Association, 2009. New Literacies and 21st Century Technologies. Retrieved from www. reading. org .

Historical Films: Perceptions Of The Past

Historical consumes Perceptions Of The PastThe scratch line removes were made in the first half of the twentieth century and along with this the first diachronic depictions were made. These include The Passion of Joan of Arc in 1924, The King of Kings in 1927 and The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse in 1921. Even since the first historic fool aways were made, this genre has croak mavin of the just about popular out of all types of characterization. Due to this, millions of heap watch these blasts ein truth year and because get their perception of tale by and large from shoot. This poses a problem for the historian. Robert Rosenstone clearly states this, Lets be blunt and admit it historic strikes trouble and disturb professional historians and have troubled and disturbed professional historians for a long time (Rosenstone R, 1995, p.45). Furthermore, William Guynn provides evidence of this, In motion picture, narrative statement empties out its signifi alonetocksc e and leaves us with the cold artifice of representation (Guynn W, 2006, p.6). On the other hand, Guynn admits, For some Historians, the cinema is non entirely lost indeed, it can be salvaged if we acknowledge that diachronic film is the about fictional of genres and abandon the idea of film as a vehicle of historical representation (Guynn W, 2006, p.6). What this means is that although film cannot be an instrument for representing the preceding(a), it can bear insure to the historical fulfilment in which it is produced. Most good deal do not study taradiddle or have lone(prenominal) briefly studied it at a younger age therefore film has become the primary source of knowledge for them about the past. Therefore historians are forced to accept these historical films despite their historical inaccuracy. Even if a film cannot offer the censorious elements and analysis insisted on in scholarly text and even if it bends invoice to match the characters or the plot line and on ly(prenominal) misses out the finer details of historical accuracy, film can stimulate the imagination and create curiosity and affair into the lives of past generations. Importantly, it can cause an involution into history which can later lead to the choice of examine it or a topic of research and enjoyment. Therefore there are a bet of negatives and positives to historians from film. However one thing is clear, it is not possible for a film to be historically accurate. There are a number of reasons for this. The obvious one is that how can a film be historically accurate if no one, not even historians, have an accurate picture of a historical period. Furthermore, most historical film carrys dont care whether the film is accurate of not, they prioritise making a popular film with a good story line. It is not significant if a film is inaccurate, it is only central for a historian who is frustrated with the wrong facts being given out to millions of tribe. The reasons are man y and these will be explored in detail. It is clear that a film cannot be historically accurate however a historical film has so many benefits that it doesnt need to be.History is not a pure science, it is not just open to historians alone to study therefore historians do not have a monopoly on reading, studying and conveying history. Most films are not made for historical accuracy therefore is not open to criticism from historians. Guynn believes, Historians resist approaching film because history and film are based in different sign systems that refer to the world in a radically different way (Guynn W, 2006, p.8). However historical truth on a whole is elusive and subjective just a deal a film set in a historical period. What is central is that no work or historical piece of writing is capable of achieving the appreciation of, for example, chivalric warfare. Historical films like Braveheart however can accomplish this in minutes. This by no means claims that Braveheart is histo rically accurate, in fact it is fantastically inaccurate how could William Wallace have an affair with Isabella of France when she didnt even arrive in England until three days after his execution? Despite this however, it is clear that film can powerfully convey the foundations of historical knowledge to millions of people. Furthermore, can a chronicle, sculpture and eyewitness account present the excitement and chaos of chariot racing which was accomplished in Ben Hur? Similarly, in no other way can the power and magnitude of the popish coliseum be portrayed than in the film Gladiator. In these ways, film is an incredibly valuable tool in creating history as a spate which is engaging, vibrant and real, in the sense that we can hear and see it. Guynn supports this, From this perspective, films are like any other artefacts dropped on the road of history. They bare unconscious witness to their own period, as do private letters, diaries, and accounts that were neer intended to b e read from the historians perspective. They provide a body of data to be analyzed and construe in terms of the mentality of a period, or they can, unwittingly, speak about unacknowledged realities (Guynn W, 2006, p.12). Furthermore, one can argue that there are times when film can achieve greater levels of appreciation than those possible in the written world. Rosenstone provides evidence of this, Film shows history as a process. The world on the secrecy brings together things that, for analytical or structural purposes, written history often has to split apart (Rosenstone R, 1995, p.57). Therefore this provides evidence that despite the fact that a film may not be historically accurate, it is incredibly effective at displaying the foundations of History in a way no other works of history can. Bringing history hot in a way which people can hear and see is arguably more effective than a historians writing. The historical story line may not be accurate however the general foundati ons of the period probably are and this is very important in providing people with the awareness of history in an enjoyable way. R.J Raack provides evidence to support this location, Traditional written history is too linear and too narrow in focalization to render the fullness of the complex, multi-dimensional world in which humans live. Only film, with its ability to juxtapose images and sounds, with its quick cuts to new sequences, dissolves, fades, speed-ups and slow motion, can ever hope to rocky real life, the daily experience of ideas, words, images, preoccupations, distractions, sensory deceptions, conscious and unconscious motives and emotions. Only film can provide an adequate empathetic reconstruction to convey how historical people witnessed, understood, and lived their lives. Only film can rec everyplace all the pasts liveliness (Raack R, 1983, p.417).As stated previously, there is no doubt that written history and film history possess different strengths and weaknes ses. What is important however is that written history and history in film are experienced in different ways. Rosenstone states, The most serious problems the historian has with the past on the screen arise out of the nature and demands of the visual medium itself (Rosenstone R, 1988, p.1173). Furthermore Rosenstone believes, The historical film must be seen not in terms of how it compares to written history but as a way of recounting the past with its own rules of representation (Rosenstone R, 1995, p.3). Critics point to the want of essential historical information in films and the finer details of history. What historians are basically referring to is the lack of footnotes. However these historian critics are attempting to judge these historical films by inappropriate standards. It is not realistic analysis of how viewers watch films. They dont care about finer details missing, they probably dont notice. Furthermore, the director does not put first these finer historical details but instead a good story line which an audience will want to watch. Historians may not like the view audiences create for themselves of a historical period however they should think positively and believe that the viewer is being informed of the foundations of a historical period and becoming aware of it. If anything, the fact that the film misses out the finer details creates lose ends which the viewer can then explore further. This can create an interest in history and cause a future study or interest in it. Critics of film history also repeatedly state that the films over soulfulnessalise however this is from the experience of a historian. The filmmaker over personalises to create a story however this makes the film historically inaccurate. It is almost impossible to make a good film with a good story line historically accurate as films are focused on particular people personally and their feelings of love, hate, anger etc. However history focuses on people personally only to t he extent to which their personalities or actions are portrayed by other person and this is not a reliable viewpoint to get an accurate picture of an individual as opinions of a figure can differ from person to person. Therefore as films are deeply personal, this overwhelms the senses and the viewer becomes personally attached. This in itself is a strength and a weakness depending on who is watching it. Clearly a historian, who is aware of all the facts of the person or time period, wouldnt believe it as the historian has their own perspective on the person interpreted from a document and writings. However the viewer of the film will have a different view. There is no way of knowing in detail what, for example, Elizabeth I was like personally however Shekhar Kapur portrays his view in the film Elizabeth. Therefore this is evidence to prove that no one knows personally what historical figures are like therefore films are beneficial to providing viewers with a visual representation a nd this is the directors view on the figure. Rosenstone provides a balanced view on why historians distrust a historical film, The overt answer Films are inaccurate. They distort the past. They fictionalize, trivialize, and romanticize people, events, and movements they falsify history (Rosenstone R, 1995, p.46). However Rosenstone goes on to state, The covert answers Film is out of the control of historians. Film shows that we do not own the past. Film creates a historical world with which books cannot compete, at least for popularity. Film is a disturbing symbol of a part literate world in which people can read but wont (Rosenstone R, 1995, p.46). This is further evidence to prove that despite inaccuracy of historical films, they are very beneficial to raising awareness for a historical period. Similarly to Rosenstone, Marc Ferro provides a balanced viewpoint on historians view of historical film. Marc Ferro is the most influential french historian in the neglected field of hist ory and film and Guynn states, Ferros approach is well articulated and worth following in some detail (Guynn W, 2006, p.8). Ferros disputation begins with a negative thesis, It is easy to think that film is not suited to represent past reality and at best its testimony is valuable only for the present or that, aside from documents and newsreels, the reality it offers is no more real than the novels (Ferro M, 1988, p.47). However Ferros principal thesis on the viewpoint is very positive. He argues that film can become a rich resource of information on the period in which it was made. Ferro believes that historians have neglected film almost entirely, film does not enter the historians mental universe (Ferro M, 1988, p.47). Therefore this is evidence to prove that not all historians believe that historical film is completely useless and that it can be very useful to the study of history as it brings it to life.Despite the fact that historical films are never completely historically a ccurate, they can be incredibly useful in teaching. This includes primary school, secondary school and even university teaching of history. A class discussion of the accuracies and inaccuracies in a film can be quite valuable. For example, for all the criticism which Braveheart faced from historians, it does include some realistic parts on medieval warfare and tactics. Furthermore, the vast battle scenes and accurate medieval executions bring this historical period to life. Therefore for a class which is learning about thirteenth century England or Scotland, the watching of Braveheart can be useful, curiously in a discussion on the accuracies and inaccuracies. Furthermore, despite the fact that Gladiator is centred on a romanticized plot that is not real, it displays rich glimpses of the Roman period. Several of the characters are portrayed realistically, and while not all historians would agree with the architectural specifics of the reconstruction of the great city of Rome, the resulting grandeur is certainly effective at illustrating how superior the city was compared to the rest of the world in the period. Another fine example is the film The 13th warrior, this film has a number of historically accurate scenes which are taken from historical manuscripts. The face washing of the Vikings and the ship burials are taken directly from the tenth century works of Ibn Fadlan. Furthermore, The 13th warrior includes references to Beowulf. Therefore a discussion on the films relationship with Beowulf and the way in which modern people perceive the Vikings is useful and could possibly lead students towards the interest of medieval literature and history. Elements of historical accuracy can be found in many historical films and the appreciation of these accuracies in class discussion can be very rewarding.Can a film be entirely historically accurate? The answer to this question is no. However there is no doubt that a film can choose elements of historical accuracy t herefore be extremely beneficial to the study of history. It is also clear though that a student of history can never rely on films alone. It is certainly obvious that the library is not about to be cleared out of the way by video or cinema. secernate of this is that film history only started in the twentieth century however the study of history has been going on for hundreds of years prior to this. Therefore only in the twentieth and twenty first centuries have films become a possible primary source for the past therefore this is evidence to prove that it is not necessarily necessary. The real question to ask is what can historians potentially learn from film, as a secondary source, that written works cannot tell them? Film brings alive a historical period, it is easy to learn something when you can see it or imagine it clearly. Film can be classified as a historical resource and historians should be making the most out of every resource. There is no doubt also that the combinatio n of historical films and written history could be a highly stimulating way of learning and teaching history. It can teach important skills which are essential to history for example, becoming more critical in the analysis of sources of historical information. Therefore is it clear to sometimes set aside the written world and allow the drama of film to stimulate students of history and to view it as a dynamic medium which can be appreciated for it complexity and its application to the present. Historical film, as a production which portrays the past during the present can be an enjoyable and informative way of participating in history despite the fact that films are not entirely accurate. Ron Briley makes an important case on appreciating historical film, Whether educators approve or not, young people are going to attain a great deal of historical information through film. Accordingly, it behoves teachers to provide their students with the intellectual tools and media literacy to de construct and interpret film (Briley R, 2006, p.5). Therefore it is clear that historical films should not be ignored or dismissed in the teaching of history as they can beneficial. Historical film adds a spice to history it is good to sometimes change from reading through books, documents and manuscripts but instead to visualise and hear history. Therefore despite the fact that a film cant be entirely historically accurate in the view of historians, it can be accurate in the sense that it can be extremely beneficial to the study of history as well as creating a new enjoyment and interest in it.

Intercontinental Hotels Group Analysis

Intercontinental Hotels separate AnalysisIntercontinental Hotel Groups is an international hotel comp all that has a goal that it always aims at achieving is that to create bang-up hotels that the lymph nodes love.Intercontinental hotels group which is as well know in short form as IHG has much client board available nether their banner than any other hotel group. IHG has grown from a very small caller-out to a large party handling sundry(a) branded hotel properties under its get throughgs. IHG has more than than 650.000 room in over 4,400 hotels across 100 countries the total stays that be d i by guest in the IHG properties is over 130 jillion every social class. 1(IHG website)With a clear view of what are its priorities, IHGs main purpose is creating Great Hotels Guests Love with everything done concentre on the guest the stave. It operates hotels in three variant ways as a franchisor, a manager and on an have and leased basis. It also operates seven leading hotel brands InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, pass inn, vacation Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. It also manages the realisms largest hotel devotion programme in the industry known as the, Priority floorshow Rewards, which has 48 million members intercontinental. IHG is molded around these three regions The Americas Europe, Middle einsteinium and Africa and Asia Pacific. 2(IHG Annual Report)1 Strategic Corporate Development History of IHGThe organisation of IHG has gone through various stages as any other company would take on gone through which was taken success totaly by William low-pitched who had a brewery in 1777 slowly but gradually entered in the hotel industry by eruditeness of a breweries like the Mitchells Butlers in the 1960s which grew con lieurably large which when the government realized issued orders in legislations that breweries cannot hold on a large number of pubs which thus make freshwater bass reduce the pubs it owned dramatically which triggered a huge amount of cash flow which gave cryptic an ability to develop an international hotel seam which started with the acquisitions of a few hotel groups like holiday Inn in 1988 also launched the vacation Inn Express to be complementary to the pass Inn brand, side by side Bass grew his pub business side by side acquired The Harvester Chain of Restaurants in 1994 also launched its unsanded brand of hotels known as Crown Plaza Hotels resorts climbing up to the upscale hotel market.In 1996 bass tried to acquire of Carlsberg Tetley which again was hampered by the UK government which helps Bass to contract back on line concentrate on the hotels pubs divisions leaving breweries aside.A year later in 1997 the hotel business focus becomes truly brand focused because Bass had already convince a few north American midscale hotels but held back to the brand name of the hotels through franchising agreements. as well as that year Bass create d launched a new brand of hotels known as the Staybridge Suites which was targeted at the upscale hotel market. Staybridge suites became the fastest brand in this upscale segment to reach 50 units in America.In 1998 Bass acquired the intercontinental hotel company, adding adding to its fold another upscale brand to its hotel portfolio. It was another considerable acquisition to terms saving synergies to the fold of hotel portfolio run by Bass.In 1999 Bass again acquired 550 handpicked high potential sites in UK also a strong 3500 strong pub estate from allied domecq.In 2000 Bass went on to acquire the Southern Pacific Corporation (SPHC) in Australia, which guaranteed Basss position as the leading hotel company in Asia Pacific. Later in the year Bass sold of his Bass breweries for 2.3 billion pounds. This was the final step by Bass to completely focusing on world the international hospitality retailer from macrocosm a domestic brewer a process which took a long period of 10 ye ars to complete. Over the period of cartridge clip Bass sold take out name of bass and changed the name to Six Continents PLC. a name which it bettered into to reflect the worldwide spread of the groups business.In the month of February 2001 Six Continents sold 988 of its small unbranded pubs for 625million pounds, which throw out storeed the buying of the European Posthouse chain of hotels for 810million pounds. The acquisition of this company which had strategically placed hotels could be converted to Holiday Inn concentrating the Holiday Inn brand in UK Europe. Later that year it went on to acquire Intercontinental Hong Kong for 241 Million pounds strengthening its position in the Chinese Asia Pacific markets.On maiden October 2002 Six Continents Plc announce its separation of the groups hotel soft drinks businesses (to be called Inter Continental Group Plc) from the retail business (to be called Mitchells Butlers Plc) of which 700 million Pounds of the proceedings d ecreaseed capital to shareholders. The self-colored procedure of separation was completed on the 15th of April 2003. Intercontinental Hotels Group Plc (IHG) from then on is a distinct, discrete company, listed in the UK US stock markets.In July 2003 IHG sold Staybridge Suites to Hospitality Properties Trust (HPT) entered into a 20year management agreement. Later in the year they added a midscale extended stay brand Candlewood Suites to its portfolio.In the year 2004 IHG announced the intro of a new brand, hotel Indigo which focused on providing affordable boutique accommodation. In the same month, the group adopted new standards for selling and re-selling hotel rooms for guest stay through online travel companies.Following the success of the Up Scale market brand of Staybridge Suites North America IHG launched its extension of Staybridge suites to UK in April2005. Also in 2005 IHG went ahead disposed of its soft drinks 100% holdings in Britvic Plc. With this disposal IHG became a company with a pure hotel focus.In 2006 IHG went ahead signed a joint venture with All Nippon Airways (ANA), resulting the following projects IHG ANA hotels group Japan testament be the largest international hotel operator in Japan, the worlds second largest hotel market. The deal saw the introduction of three new brands created for Japan. ANA-IHG, ANA-Crowne Plaza ANA Holiday Inn.In the year 2007 IHG announces that a worldwide relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family, comprising Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Express. The re launch was done with the intention of giving it a refreshed contemporary brand image. All the hotels were supposed to bring in completed the re launch in 2010 with the 1st re launch taking place in 2008.In the year 2008 after the re launches of Holiday Inn taking place Staybridge Suites extended its brand more in UK the first Hotel Indigo opened in London.In 2009 the1500th hotel was relaunched over the 40% of Holiday Inn Holiday In n Express.Strategy used from the start to the current time periodBass the main judgement behind the whole formation of the Intercontinental Hotel Group has played a major role in the slow but steady growth of this company from a small company to a worldwide known company. Bass has grown this huge group through the basis of trial error round which he has experimented in various concepts of owning then selling then franchising finally managing properties. Bass has being following the linear model of growth through various acquisitions. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC was organise by the separation of Six Continents PLC (previously Bass PLC) on 15 April 2003. The restaurant and pubs part of Six Continents became Mitchells Butlers plc.However, IHGs brands trace their history back much further than 2003. Our Holiday Inn brand, one of the worlds most recognized was created in the 1950s by Kemmons Wilson in the US. InterContinental, another of our brands was created by Pan Am in th e 1940s, when hotels were built in many of Pan Ams destinations. 3(ihg.com)Over the past few years, Intercontinental hotels group has maintained itself strategically to be more efficient and impressive and make full use of their globose status. A predominantly enfranchisementd and managed, fee-based business was the main focus of IHG.The strategy that IHG followed made their income stream predictable with a strong cash contemporaries which allowed it to continue in growth because all their new hotels were funded by third-party investment.IHG went ahead and relaunched Holiday Inn in 2007 and although the unexpected economic circumstances that came by IHG during that time period, it went on and got on with the $1 billion programme because of the belief of the heads of IHG that it was exactly the right time to go ahead with the relaunches. The relaunch went on to building back peoples perceptions of Holiday Inn. The guest wanting to try Holiday Inn with IHG with its value theyre gi ving the Brand once down another try and liking and accepting what they found. Guest satisfaction was going up and owners could see the Revenue per rooms out perform. These economic circumstances might seem like a great grounds to shy away from making such big changes, but time will show that it is both a very opportune and very effective initiative for this, our biggest brand, as quoted by the CEO of IHG Mr. Andrew Cosslett.3 http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=40Current strategy used by Intercontinental Hotels GroupBass the main brain behind the whole formation of the Intercontinental Hotel Group has played a major role in the slow but steady growth of this company from a small company to a worldwide known company which currently has an direct strength of 4400 hotels with 130 million guests visiting a year and under its umbrella has and widely known and reputed hotel brands covering all the major segments of the market, also cod a makings governance which consists of 10 ca ll centers in 29 languages it has also strived to be the top leader in the market has been able to position itself through its strategy of growing doing retailing in hotel sector induce been able to position itself among the 6 largest hotel market, much more than any other company.Intercontinental hotel group has also been able to make the no.1 website for its guests investors in 13 unlike languages. They also have a worldwide sales team up of 8000 to conduct the sales of the hotels situated all over the 100 countries that they have their presence.Intercontinental hotels also has a loyalty programme which offers priority club rewards which are largest in the industry for over 48milllion of the guests which has been planned so strategically that .It has been stated on IHGs website that We have moved from investing heavily in hotel properties to return to our roots as a hotel franchise and management company with only a few owned assets. This change of focus has led to an indust ry-leading asset sale programme. Since 2003 we have sold 2.9 billion worth of property. Many of these hotels have remained under our brands with management or franchise contracts, in that locationby creating a hereafter income stream for IHG 4 (ihg.com).Over the past few months, IHGs continued growth in new rooms has helped to put off some of the taxation lost from Revenue per room declines. Driving in coming revenue into the hotels had been a priority and its system is the key to delivering this. Their system comprises of world class reservations centres, websites, global sales teams and Priority Club Rewards loyalty scheme and delivered 68 per cent of rooms revenue to the hotels in 2009. Reducing the overall cost base of IHG was crucial to managing through the downturn. IHG was already reducing costs to run the properties more effectively but with the economic downturn they steeped up the pace of change that was being gradually run. While they were reducing costs by taking bet ter profit of their way of operation as well their spread being worldwide, this also forced them to make reductions in the number of staff which unfortunately impacted jobs of IHG staff all over in the majority of properties. All these actions were taken in 2009 to reduce costs, while it was a very difficult period of the economic downturn it allowed IHG to save a lot of cash and continue its investments in those things that attract guests to come to its hotels and revenues to the owners. The great working relationship that IHG shares with the owners of their properties, both directly and through the IAHI, which is IHGs Owners Association, has also been major contributor to the quick recovery also to the massive expansion taking place. By working alongside with the hotel owners, IHGs able to focus on the guest experience and on delivering Great Hotels Guests Love. 5 (ihg.com).4http//www.ihgplc.com/files/reports/ar2009/files/pdf/2009_Annual_Report.pdf5http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp ?pageid=40The 48 million members of IHGs Priority Club Rewards programme remained loyal though the economic downturn and had been most take overive during the difficult times. Not only did these guests stay with IHG more often, they spent more when they did. A guests loyalty can never be taken for granted it is something that can take years to achieve and seconds to lose. So IHG had made sure they have continued to add benefits to the loyalty programme right through the downturn, and made membership of it even more worthwhile. In 2009 it enrolled six million new members into the programme thats a solid number of people whose first choice will now be to stay in one of IHGs hotels.IHGs future growth will be achieved predominantly through franchising and managing rather than owning hotels which in turn will drive down costs increase profits by the fact that all the investment in the hotels would be done by third parties. Approximately 641,000 rooms operating under the Group brands are franchised or managed and 5,800 rooms are owned and leased.The franchised and managed fee-based model is attractive because it enables the Group to achieve its goals with limited capital investment at an accelerated pace. A further advantage is the reduced volatility of the fee-based income stream, compared with ownership of assets.A key characteristic of the franchised and managed business is that it generates more cash than is required for investment in the business, with a high return on capital employed. Currently 87% of continuing earnings before regional and central overheads, exceptional items, interest and tax is derived from franchised and managed operations.The Current Strategies followed by IHG Hotels Group 90% of deals signed in scale markets and key gateway cities 10 signings of Hotel Indigo and Staybridge Suites outside of North America 439 hotels opened globally. Increased proportion of revenue delivery through IHG global reservations channels and PCR members dir ect by four percentage points to an average 68% of global hotel rooms revenue in 2009 major(ip) procurement savings made Increased use of offshore transaction processing Technology infrastructure developed to support owner management and loyalty marketing. detaind to cascade Great Hotels Guests Love in hotels and corporate officesMeeting ongoing resourcing requirements to match hotel growth in scale markets Managing employee engagement Continued focus on attracting and retaining talent. 1,697 relaunched Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels open around the world Industry-leading Priority Club Rewards (PCR) loyalty programme with 48 million members, contributing $5.6bn of global system rooms revenue park Engage sustainability management system developed (patent pending) rolled out to over 900 hotels by 31 December 2009Extensive consumer research undertaken to quantify green opportunity with consumers and(IHG annual report)3 Future strategies to be used by Intercontinental Hotels GroupIHGs peak focus should be on growing faster by making its brands the first choice for both guests and hotel owners. We will do this by building the hotel industrys strongest operating system, focused on the biggest markets and segments where scale really counts. 5 (ihg.com).During these tough economic times, IHG had taken decisive action both to strengthen the efficiency of its businesses and to keep their build with its growth strategy. IHG should continue to invest in its staff, its systems and its brands, while moving even closer in working relationships with its hotel owners and partners. With momentum and a united, winning spirit privileged the business, IHG is well placed to make the most of the upturn when it comes. As quoted by the CEO of IHG Mr. Andrew Cosslett.IHGs AmbitionIHG should focus on its core purpose of creating Great Hotels Guests Love as the moto has always been, which is a growing crave to deliver among other key performance indicators (KPIs), closely enduring top quartile shareholders returns when measured against a broad global hotel peer group. For the three-year period of 2007 to 2009, IHG was fourth among its peers on Total Shareholder Return (TSR) and should always remain focused and try to come to the 1st position. Measuring IHG against a collection of specific KPIs aimed at delivering its core purpose, cascaded to the hotel level. Successful performance against various combinations of these metrics would result in higher profitability..IHGs Future StrategyIHGs strategy has seen significant development through 2009 as it moved to make its core purpose a reality, despite challenging economic circumstances. In 2009, IHG took a hard demeanor at its operations and capabilities to focus on what really matters most to deliver Great Hotels Guests Love. It has backed this up with a major effort to align its staff and measure the most important drivers, resulting in a clear, target-based programme within the hotels to motivate tea ms and guide behaviors.IHGs strategy encompasses two key reflexionsWhere does it choose to compete andHow will it win where it competes?The Groups underlying Where strategy is that IHG would grow a portfolio of differentiated hospitality brands in select strategic countries and global key cities to maximise the scale advantage. The How aspect of our strategy flows from our core purpose and our research at the hotel level as to what really makes a difference for guests. In support of this overall strategy there are key priorities like Where we compete and How we win. To help IHGs hotels and corporate staff measure their efforts in achieving Great Hotels Guests Love, IHG provides clear metrics aligned with the four How we win priorities against which progress is gauged. The Group strategy also translates into specific regional objectives and priorities. .IHGs Delivery SystemCUsersdDesktopUntitled.pngDriving demandIHGs operating system is made up of all the things we do to drive dema nd for our brands. This includes our advertising and marketing campaigns, our 10 global call centres, 13 topical anaesthetic language websites, an 8,000-strong sales force, Priority Club Rewards the worlds largest hotel loyalty scheme which has 48 million members and all the advantages that IHGs global hotel distribution and scale brings to brand awareness.Hotel distributionIHG has over 4,400 hotels in over 100 countries worldwide. Our brands are in the top 3 in 7 of the 12 largest hotel markets in the world.When people travel, they look for familiar brands they know from home, increasing the demand for hotels that operate under our brands around the world.Advertising and marketingEach year, IHGs franchisees pay a fee into a central fund. This fund is used on their behalf for marketing and promotions to drive guest demand for IHGs brands. Brand sponsorships, television and print advertising campaigns and public relations activity across the globe are all ways in which the fund ca n be used.Priority Club RewardsIHGs Priority Club Rewards is the largest hotel loyalty scheme in the world, with 48 million members.Web presenceThe 13 local language websites take over 7.4 million bookings a year theyre a shop window for the hotels across the world under IHG,s banner, 365 days a year. www.holiday-inn.com is one of the industrys most visited websites, notching up 75 million site visits in 2005. The websites operate in the following languages Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.Reservation systemIHG,s 10 global reservation offices are available to take hotel bookings from guests 24 hours a day in 26 languages including Arabic, Cantonese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog and Thai. They deal with 700 transactions per minute.Sales forceIHG have a global sales force of more than 8,000 professionals throughout the world, talking about and selling the booking of hotels under our brands to individuals and companies.Considering the future strategy which is goin to be used to the growth consummation of IHG are as followsConsumer understandingAs one of the worlds largest hotel groups, IHG has gained valuable insights into where and how consumers seek hotel information and make reservations across various channels and from various local, regional and global sources. This information has shaped the way we engage with our customers and enabled us to drive up returns for owners.Global Reservations SystemAll IHG hotels benefit from the worlds most advanced reservation system Holidex Plus.The system links more than 230,000 terminals worldwide and processes over 130 million stays a year thats about 700 transactions per second. This is serviced by our 12 worldwide reservation centres which receive up to 14 million calls annually in 15 different languages.Global Distribution Systems (GDS)Our reservation systems also link with all the major GDS, the channel of choice for travel professionals and large corporate buyers. This gives us global around the clock access to the travel trade.IHG onlineOur websites continue to be a fast-growing reservation channel. They offer a comprehensive, customer-friendly and secure booking service in 13 languages and provide a low cost of sale. We receive more than 5 million unique web visitors per month and also benefit from the lowest clicks-to-book rate in the industry.Worldwide salesIHGs worldwide sales team is more than 8,000 strong. As well as generating new revenue, the team also manages key corporate and agent accounts and provides local hotel sales support to maximise revenue and keep IHG hotels top of mind. 6 (IHG.com)Some Of the Future Milestones to be achieved Continue international roll-out of Staybridge Suites and Hotel Indigo Execute growth strategies in agreed scale markets Continue to leverage scale and build improved strategic position during the economic do wnturnIncrease global sales force effectiveness Continue further procurement programmes to identify efficiencies Begin migration to next-generation revenue management IT systems Continue focus on owned and managed estate margins and return on capital employed(ROCE), especially in our key InterContinental assets. Drive greater efficiency and simplicity through better use of technology Focus on developing skills to support the key goals for responsible business, guest experience and financial returns.Complete Holiday Inn repositioning roll-out Continue to simplify brand standards process to improve owner returns without impairing guest experience Continue to enhance experience for PCR members in hotels and across global reservationschannels increase IHG business from PCR membersContinue to roll out the Green Engage sustainability management system to 100% of our owned andmanaged hotels and expand into the franchised estate in all three regions and Focus on innovation within new and ex isting brands to deliver valued green related hotelsand services to guests.(IHG annual report)6 http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=293BIBLOGRAPHY1http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=162http//www.ihgplc.com/files/reports/ar2009/files/pdf/2009_Annual_Report.pdf3 http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=404http//www.ihgplc.com/files/reports/ar2009/files/pdf/2009_Annual_Report.pdf5http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=406 http//www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=293

Haitian Culture: Death and Dying

Haitian Culture Death and DyingFrom maven of the poorest countries in the world comes angiotensin converting enzyme of the nigh complex and varied religions. Although precise different from much of the world, Haitian customs regarding close of life, funeral practices, the dead and the practice of enchant has evolved throughout the past several centuries. From the very beginnings of the Is shore up to the fork up the Haitian people mystify practiced their own variance of religion unlike any other place in the world.I have been to Haiti many snips with my church and find it absolutely heartbreaking. Poverty and lack of any significant healthc atomic number 18 system aided and fueled by a corrupt government begets one of intimately broken societies in the western world. The last time I was there was the first time in recent history that Voodoo wasnt the national religion. Haiti has always claimed Roman Catholicism officially but until very recently most Haitians practiced voo doo alongside it with no sense of contrast between the two. Although the culture is split between Christianity and Voodoo, most churches dont turn people away who need care if they can provide it. By the same token, those who practice Voodoo do not shy away from health centers in favor of only being interact by the Voodoo priest or witch doctor. However, most hospitals are in the city so for countrified Haitians seeing a voodoo healer is the only option. era in our compound in Borel (a rural town virtually 100 miles north of Port a prince) I could hear the drums of the voodoo ceremonies from beyond our walls, and more than once have seen the Christian funeral processions in the streets. I remember watching the vigils of the folks sitting in the cemeteries and asking my interpreter guide about what was spillage on at night and about the rituals and about how and why they worked the way they do. In order to accomplish this we must first do our best to see to it a little of how H aiti came to existHaiti is best known to be discovered by Christopher Columbus, but there were many cultures that inhabited the land before his arriver in 1492. The first known settlers were the Ciboneys, who migrated from what is now known as North America in 450 A.D. Then in 900 A.D., the Tainos, who belonged to the Arawak nation, settled in large villages. The Arawak Indians called the land Ayiti, which means land of mountains. Columbus left Spaniards in charge of the land and they became responsible of almost terminating all of the Arawaks This caused the island to be empty for many years until the french colonized the land in the middle of seventeenth century. During Frances reign, Haiti became one of the most prominent countries in the world. Resources such as sugar cane, cotton, cocoa, and coffee became the most burning(prenominal) sources to Haitis wealth. These resources became a high demand by European markets and because of the increase in demand, the french needed ch eap labor. As other countries did, the French looked towards Africa for slaves and since the slaves were not treated fairly, they soon became Frances downfall. It was during this time that the catholic French began converting the slaves who also held on to their ancient voodoo religion but practiced in secret. Eventually the two became intertwined. The slaves became the most important thing to Haitis economy and future and in the year of 1791, the slaves planned a revolt against the French and became successful. In 1804, the slaves took over Napoleons reign and Haiti became the first mugwump black nation headed by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Dessalines was a poor leader and upon his death the country was split into two, making Haiti and the Dominican Republic.Today, the population is over 5 million and especially after the earthquake is excessively poor and very urbanized. It has constantly struggled economically after winning its indep closingence, has not found an answer to t he large poverty problems and is highly reliant on aid from other countries. Without a stable government or means of supporting itself Haiti remains at the laughingstock of economic and political power. The people of Haiti are mainly of African origin and speak either Haitian Creole (a unique dialect of French) or French and are Roman Catholic and Protestant or voodoo worshippers. Voodoo has been the best known feature of Haiti and has gained an image (mostly from Hollywood horror films) of being a country of sorcery and zombies.The religion of voodoo is monotheistic religion in which there a certain classes of personalitys and lesser gods all subservient of the one true God. One of the main accountabilitys of these lesser gods or Lwa/loah cause or cure illness. Most all of the voodoo ritual is centered upon this one function and is taken as science for most the people of Haiti. Virtually all of the modern medicine practiced in Haiti is centered around the cities and therefore r ural Haitians pull up stakes almost always consult a healer practicing voodoo. The roots of voodoo run deep as does Christianity. None of us would find it gothic to find healing through our faith and so it goes for the Haitians. A healer may use such things as putting a knife infra a bed to cut pain or tie knot in string to choke out swelling. If the patient suffers from pain he may believe that a spell has been put on him or a curse. If the pain is imagined from the knowledge of someone placing the curse on him the spell to remove it may be just as effective. This where the dolls of the movies come into play. A pin in the head of the doll is meant to relieve the pain not cause it, and a Haitian who believes this process may believe he is healed as a result of the ceremony. Those who practice voodoo do not believe that death is the end of life. Followers of Voodoo believe that each person has a soul and that it contains both the a part of the person and a part of the larger hu mankindWhen someone dies, the soul stays close to the deceased for seven to nine days. During this time the soul can be captured and used by an evil one and made into a zombie to be enslaved to serve the one who made him. As long as the soul is not captured, a ritual called ennead Night is performed in order to completely release the soul from the body so the soul may live in the dark amnionic fluid for a period of a year and a day. If this is not done correctly, the soul may have to wander the earth and do harm to others.After tether hundred and sixty six days, loved ones of the deceased can initiate the Rite of Reclamation to raise the deceased persons soul essence from the dark waters and put it in a clay jar known as a govi. The clay jar may be placed in a temple or on an altar where the family may come and swirl gifts and feed it offer it drink and pay homage to it. and At this time the spirit of the deceased is welcomed to enter a loved one and give them any last words of en lightenment. Sometimes the jar is then broken and the pieces dropped at a crossroads. This completes the target of the ritual which is to release the spirit until the final incarnation.In keeping with addressing t The four primary dimensions of coping with dying the physical psychological well-disposed and spiritualI will list some other common practices Haitians use in their culture when dealing with those at the end of life. When death is certain, the family will come together and bring with them religious artifacts. They will go to great expense and extremes to be together as it so important to be present if possible at the time of death.. Once they are together they will cry and pray. It is preferable for most Haitians that they die at home surrounded by loved ones. However, hospital deaths are not out of the question. At the moment of death there is ritual wailing and final bath is given. In Haiti the first family member takes charge of the funeral arrangements, but the body is kept until everyone can make it home for the funeral. Funerals are extremely signifigant social events and last for several days in which rum is consumed and large amounts of food.during this time family will sleep at the house and friends will stay in the yard. Since most Haitians are reluctant to be inhumed under ground elaborate multi-chambered tombs are bought which will contain several members or entire families. Since the body must be intact for resurrection at the end of days no organ donations are permitted.Since voodoo lacks any real theology many variations exist. Regional and cultural differences make doing solid research knobbed and sparse as what is practiced in one place may or may not be practiced in another. Common beliefs about the afterlife are that there is no reward or punishment there. Spirits can enter or mount a body. At that time the person will not share the same space and becomes possessed by the Loa. Priest both summon and help the spirit leave a bod y. Drums, dance, and sacrifice are part of all voodoo ritual.In conclusion, Haitians have one of the shortest life expectancies on earth (61 years for adult males), so Haitians are used to living with pain, sickness and death. They are basically a peace loving people seeking hope in a land that that doesnt offer much. Like my own religion and culture the people of Haiti bond by practicing the religion and culture of their parents and ancestors. What some of us find superstitious, exotic and strange when looked at more closely is not so different at all. Practicing religion and doing it as a family and a community brings us closer to an understanding of purpose and meaning whether it is true or not. Without tradition and ritual we have much less in common and much less of a reason to keep on. Purpose to pass on to the next generation keeps going and going strong. Perhaps that is why the modern Haitians continue to exist today.

Causes Of The Pelopenesian War Essay -- essays research papers

The Causes of the Peloponessian WarAncient Greece during the 4th century B.C. was home to the city-states of Sparta and Athens. These twain communities were the superpowers of the region during that time. The Peloponnesian war between these two states evolved out of a string of events that would lead to years of conflict. When looking for a single go of the peloponnesian war no(prenominal) can be found. Over time many events contributed to the eventual war between Sparta and Athens. I believe the peloponnesian war evolved because of Athenian support for hard enemies, Spartan alarm at a rise in Athenian power, and the drastic differences between the two cultures. In 435 B.C., Corcyra, a Corinthian colony tell itself independent of Corinth. Corinth responded by sending a fleet to reduce the rebelling island city. In fear Corcyra appealed to Athens for help and swayed by the Corcyrain diplomats, the Athenians sent military assistance. A strife took place, in which the navies of Corcyra and Athens fought against those of Corinth. Sparta, who was allied with Corinth and relied upon it as a source of income, saw the Athenian support of the Corcyrain rebels as an act of aggression against the peloponnesian league (Sparta and her allies). The alignment made between Athens and Corcyra was also viewed as a violation of the peace treaty of 445 B.C. between the peloponnesian league and the Athenian league. Athens disregard all Spartan protest about its involvement in the Corcyrain campaign. Further feud was created between Sparta and Athens in 432 B.C. in Potidaea. Potidaea was a city that was self-feeder to Athens but Corinthian in blood. Tired of paying tribute to Athens the citizens of Potidaea attempted to expel the Athenian power. Athens soldiers besieged the city and at one time again Athenians were battling Corinthians. Corinth, aiding the people of Potidaea faced an embargo by Athens. Enraged by this act Sparta appealed the Athenians to end the embargo, but was ignored. Sparta conviened the peloponnesian council and Greece moved one step ambient to the peloponnesian war. It could be argued that Sparta and Athens were already preparing for war with each other and that the support of their allies wars against each other was not a direct cause of the war but si... ...led to a natural distrust between the two cultures. Pericles, the Athenian ruler before and during the Peloponessian war once compared the living force of Athenian freedom with the dead hand of Spartan tyranny. Thucydides once quoted a Spartan describing the Athenians The Athenians are addicted to innovation, and their designs are characterized by swiftness alike in conception and execution you have a genius for keeping what you have got, accompanies by a total want of invention, and when forced to act you never go far enough. Again they are adventurous beyond their power, and daring beyond their judgement These two quotes show a clear dislike between the two peoples . The two superpowers, so different in culture could not avoid conflict, conflict that eventually resulted in the peloponnesian war. The roots of the peloponessian war can be traced back to many specific instances but on the most part three main elements caused its rise Spartas anger at Athenian aid to Spartan enemies, Spartan fear of Athenian power, and the hostility and mistrust caused by the radical differences between the two societies. The peloponnesian war was inevitable.

Do Rich and Poor Districts Spend Alike? :: essays research papers

Do Rich and Poor Districts Spend Alike?(NCES 97-916) Ordering InformationThe right to a throw overboard and public education has long been considered to be at the heart of the American ideal of equal opportunity for all. The importance placed on public simple and secondary education services is reflected in an annual expenditure of approximately $250 billion. Given the magnitude of this investment, it is not surprising that there is also a bulky deal of interest in how these dollars are allocated to students. One result of this interest is a long Mitigative and enquiry history examimng the relationship between opening to public education resources and community wealth (e.g., Berne and Stiefel 1984).The purpose of this brief is to provide a direct view of this relationship across all of the groom districts of the nation for the 198990 school year. These findings are based on a Research and Development Report (Parrish, Matsumoto, and Fowler 1995) produced by the National Center f or Education Statistics. Since this research is intended to be developmental in nature, these resuks should be considered tentative and suggestive. Although different treasures of community wealth and public education resources may be used, in this analytic thinking community wealth is defined as the median income of the households located within school district boundaries./1 This measure of wealth is compared to three alternative measures of the resources purchasable to public schools in the district. These are expenditures per student, expenditures converted to education "buying power," and the reasonable number of students per teacher. The first measure is in actual unadjusted dollars the second is an number of the relative power of those dollars to buy education resources and the third is a direct measure of arguably the most critical single education resource, the ratio of students to teachers. firearm dollars and students per teacher are direct measures of the ac tual resources received by students, "buying power" is a new concept currently under development by the education research community. These three measures represent a progression from the dollars available for students, to an estimate of the relative power of those dollars to buy education resources, to a direct measure of those resources.Districts with high-income households have more to spend for public education.Differences in public education spending are most pronounced at the extremes of median household income (figure 1). The average public education expenditure in districts serving students in the nations poorest communities (i.