Analysis of the Airline Industry Essay Example

Analysis of the Airline Industry Essay The airline industry is known to be the fastest mode of transportation throughout the United States. Consumers are constantly trying to find cheaper fares, while airliners are constantly analyzing consumer’s trends to decide how to charge fares. Airliners ultimate goal is to increase revenue. Sometimes the increase can lead to bad service and unfriendly competitive practices. The present day airline industry is dominated by larger air carriers. This paper will discuss why the airline industry has developed into an oligopoly, how price wars historically affected main carriers, why many startup carriers failed, and the advantages of price setting, variation in seat pricing and the advantages of collision of larger airlines. History The first successful flight occurred in 1903 with the Wright brothers in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This marked the beginning of the aviation industry. At first airplane travel was not popular. After the U. S. involvement in World War 1, the airline industry’s growth stagnated until 1927. When Charles Lindberg successfully completed a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean the industry began to evolve. A variety of air transport holding companies began to form, including American Airways, now know as American Airlines. In 1928, the Boeing Company and the United Aircraft and Transportation Corporation were developed. The United Aircraft and Transportation Corporation merged to form the United Airlines. A major growth of the industry occurred with the development of the mail transport system by the United States Postal System. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Airline Industry specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Airline Industry specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of the Airline Industry specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Kelly Airmail Act of 1925, allowed private airlines to have the opportunity to function as mail carriers through competitive bids. This expanded the opportunities of carrying other forms of cargo, including passengers. In 1926, because of the massive amount of air traffic, the Air Commerce Act was passed and it allowed Federal regulations of air traffic rules to provide safety. There was not a lot of support to allow for research and development of aircrafts and air space. It was not until the World War II, where enough support was generated. Research provided a way for aircrafts to evolve into a more modernized industry. There were still many air collisions, due to the fact that there was a lack of an accurate system in place, which could monitor the air traffic precisely. This flaw allowed for the founding of the Federal Aviation System and this agency was charged to develop the air traffic control system, to minimize air collisions. In the years to follow, the number of passengers, and the cost of fuel increased dramatically. The Deregulation of 1978 brought the growth of smaller air carriers and mergers of the larger carriers. This act also marked the beginning of the air industry as it presently stands today. The Airline Deregulation Act Of 1978 Over the past 30 years, the airline industry has navigated away from the controlling over regulation strategies to almost no regulation at all. In the 1980’s, the Airline Deregulation Act was signed into law. The goals of the act were: to keep safety a priority; maximize reliance on competition in air transportation; avoid industry concentration, unreasonable increased prices, reduce service and exclusion of competition; and to encourage entry of new air carriers. This act contributed to the removal of government control over fares, routes, and market entry. The FAA still had regulatory powers over all aspects of airline safety, but the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) powers of regulation were eventually phased out. The CAB regulated all domestic interstate air transport route as a public utility. It set the airline fares; routes travelled, and set schedules. As a result of the act fare prices were lower, passenger loads has risen, and aircrafts can go on longer routes. Costs had also fallen and competition had increased dramatically. Various conflicts with labor unions for many carriers, there were many airliners that went bankrupt or liquidated due to deregulation. Point-to-point transport had declined in favor of the hub and spoke system for some until the growth of the low cost airlines. Southwest and Air Tran still dominate the airline industry to the present date. When these airlines started to multiply, they brought back the point to point service and they contributed to the development of wider range aircrafts types that are better and adaptable to various markets. Deregulation opened the opportunities for new jobs and new competition. Ticket prices were down because of the new competition. Service improved and the airline market expanded. There were also negative aspects to the act also. The act gave way to bitter price wars and contributed to a major wage inequality. Airlines began to cut costs to maximize profit, and that had a major impact on the wages of employees. There were many layoffs, retirement benefits were reduced, and new employees were hired at lower wages, all in the hopes of maximizing profits. The Living Wage Act was established to help those that were at the bottom of the â€Å"wage pool†. The living wage was, â€Å"a wage sufficient to provide the necessities and comforts essential to an acceptable standard of living† (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2010). Deregulation, opened the doors for many opportunities, good and bad. Oligopolies, start-up failures, unofficial price setting, variations in seat prices, and collusions are all products of deregulation. Airline Oligopoly The airline industry has developed into an oligopoly with several large carriers and numerous smaller carriers in many ways. The initial premise for the oligopoly was that larger the airlines would equate to greater efficiency, improved service and lower fares. A lot has to do with the deregulation act that permitted this oligopoly to occur. An oligopoly occurs when there are a number of major suppliers and they act strategically in the market based on the how the other suppliers make decisions. In the airline industry this is shown when one airline announces a fare increase to see if the other airliners would increase there fares. If there is not enough bite to the bait, the first airline then cancels the fare hike. An oligopoly of the airline industry causes a non competitive state and fewer airlines. Dominant airlines know that they would not have to compete for routes because they are the only option, especially in the hub and spoke markets. Airline Industry Price Wars After the deregulation of the airline industry, competition amongst the airlines has become very fierce. In the regulated environment, most of the cost increases were passed to consumers based on a fixed rate of return from pricing scheme. Labor unions had more power in the regulated environment. Newer carriers were able to compete with the established carriers, until the consolidation of the larger airlines began. Competition has resulted in lower air fares, frequent flier programs and has increased service frequency. Many airlines have gone out of business due to the fierce competition that can also be labeled as price wars, especially the newer airlines that were developed right after deregulation. A price war is the most severe form of competition in the market place, resulting in great losses (Heil and Helsen, 2001). Consumers are the only ones to benefit from a price war in the airline industry. They may have the lower fares, but they may also be losing out on quality of service. Historically, price wars have affected the main carriers by making them to lower their fares to compete with the smaller carriers. It has also caused the oligopoly of the larger carriers. Airline Startups Many startup carriers have failed historically because of the oligopoly that exists between the larger carriers within the airline industry, and the hub and spoke systems that are strategically in place. After deregulation, the barrier to entry into the airline industry was lowered and made it possible for new airliners to start up. They were able to easily obtain funding; aircrafts contracted hangar and maintenance services, trained new employees and recruited old staff that was laid off from other airlines. Once normal business practices occurred the new start up airlines found it hard to compete with the larger airliners. The larger airliners began price wars and offered additional seats to dominate their routes. At the present time, the established carriers make it really hard for a new start up. The hub and spoke program plays a role in this. Since the FAA has given permission and restricts the number of takeoffs and landings during peak hours, established carriers will not give their slots up for any new comer (Labich, 1989). New entrants are not welcomed into the airline industry by larger carriers. Larger carriers often hold long-term clauses allowing for clauses that allow them to control the construction of gates and other ground facilities that might accommodate a new start up airliner (Labich, 1989). There are many barriers to a new start up airliner, not to mention the fact that many larger airliners hold veto power over the new competition (Labich, 1989). Advantages Unofficial Price Setting The advantage to unofficial price setting in the airline industry is more revenue Airlines are inclined to assign prices for their services and to maximize their revenue profitability. The prices are determined by utilizing a computerized system that monitor trends, and they anticipate and influence consumer behavior. The computerized reservation system performs analysis on various pricing structure. Unofficial price setting allows the airlines to change fares based on the trends of consumer interests. It also allows them to compete for consumers by lower their prices in comparison to their competitors. The frequent flier program is another way that airliners can use unofficial price setting to their advantage. Consumers may feel loyal to the airline with this program because of the incentives that are offered. The airline can charge prices based on the fact that many passengers are willing to pay high prices knowing that they will receive some sort of incentive at a certain point and time. Variation in Seating Pricing There are a lot of variations in seat pricing because of the break even load factor. This states that the average percentage of seats that must be filled on an average flight at the current average fare for the airlines revenue to break even with the airline’s operating costs (Bureau of Transportation Statistics). The break even factor makes airliners to charge various prices for their seats because they want to be able to break even with their operating costs. More seating room on a plane means more money would be paid for the seat. The computer reserve system can initiate price discrimination on seating prices, allowing the airliner to charge the highest price that they could without losing the consumer. First class seating offers more room, food and drink incentives, coach seating offers nothing but a cheaper fare. Some consumers are willing to pay more to be comfortable on their flights. Through market analysis, airliners know that fact and set their seat prices to the market trends. Overbooking of seats is done by observing past behavior of consumers. Airliners can legally overbook a flight allowing more passengers to pay for seats that are not available. To eventually push a paying passenger off to a later flight. Overbooking is done to compensate revenue during hard economic times. Collusion of the Larger Carriers The collusion of larger carriers can be a major advantage over the smaller carriers. Airline collusion is usually done through the computerized reservation system by means of price signaling. This tactic usually involves two or more airlines that raise their prices at the same time so there can be an equal profit. Smaller carriers suffer because they may lose their sales and have to declare bankruptcy. Collusion of the larger carriers can ultimately ruin the smaller carriers out of business, like it has been done in the past. The dominant airlines can raise their prices at the same time so every one can receive a profit. References Heil, Scott and Terrance W. Peck (1998) The Encyclopedia of American Industry, 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale Research Petzinger, Thomas. (1995) Hard Landing: The epic contest for power and profits that plunged the airlines into chaos. New York: Times Business McIntyre, D. A. (2009) New Airline Price Wars. Retrieved from http://247wallst. com on March 15, 2010 Verville, K. (2010). Economic Profile: The Airline Industry. Retrieved from http://assoiciatedcontent. com on March 15, 2010 Heil, O. , Helsen, K. (2001). Toward an understanding of price wars: Their nature and how they erupt. Intern. J. of Research in Marketing 18 (2001) 83-98 Jones, Charisse (2009). Economy doesn’t ground airline start-ups. Retrieved from: http//usatoday. com on March 15, 2010-04-01 Bureau of Transportation Statistics (2010) Rising Breakeven Load factors Threaten Airline Finances. Retrieved from: http://www. bts. gov on March 15, 2010 McCabe, Richard. (2006) Airline Industry Key Success Factors: The ability for the airlines to succeed today is measured according to several key success factors. Retrieved from: http://gbr. pepperdine. edu on March 15, 2010

TOK Essay Writing Guide For 2017

TOK Essay Writing Guide For 2017 What is a Tok Essay TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. The TOK essay was conceptualized by the International Baccalaureate. The essay is to be between 1200 and 1600 total words, and is written on one of the topics that the IB has established. These are also known as titles. If you are in an International Baccalaureate program at your school, achieving a good grade on the TOK essay is imperative if you wish to graduate with this endorsement on your diploma. The paragraphs that follow will help you to select the best title, master the TOK essay format, do your research, take notes and create an working outline, and even guide you to some useful writing samples. We hope these guidelines will help to answer any questions you have, and that you will be able to formulate a plan for success. You know that IB students have advantages that include being highly sought after by colleges and universities and having a greater chance at becoming successful during and after the college years. By mastering the TOK essay format, you will truly be helping yourself. TOK Essay Title Selection Unlike other essays, you cannot simply choose from an unlimited number of topics. Your essay must be selected from one of the prescribed titles created by the International Baccalaureate Organization for 2017. Then, your essay must meet additional criteria. Specifically, it must be related to one of the eight areas of knowledge that have been defined by the IB. Selecting TOK Essay Titles: Areas of Knowledge Here are the eight areas of knowledge that a student in an IB program must master: History Mathematics The Arts Ethics Religious Knowledge Systems Human Science Indigenous Knowledge Systems Natural Science Choosing TOK Essay Titles 2017: Understanding The Questions Each year, a new set of questions are created for students to cover in their essays. These can be easily found online as the IB makes these public. What’s more important is to understand exactly what you need to do when writing about these topics. These aren’t the same as your standard custom writings. Understanding The Purpose of TOK Essay Topics Let’s Take a Look at Some TOK Essay Topics From Previous Years Here are some sample essay topics that are loosely based on some of the titles established for 2017. We’ll discuss exactly what information is being sought in each of these examples. Remember that each essay should in some way establish your understanding of knowledge and the learning process itself. This gives your instructor the opportunity to conduct a thorough assessment of your critical thinking skills. 1.Explore The Human Nature of Pattern Seeking a.Suggested Areas of Knowledge: There’s a lot that could be explored here with regard to perception and expectations. Science and religious knowledge systems could be two potentially interesting areas to dig into further. b.What to Cover: The dangers of relying on perception instead of examination. The ways in which pattern seeking impacts our ability to obtain new knowledge and to vet information we receive. 2.Explore Knowledge Traditions And Various Methods of Correcting Knowledge a.Suggested Areas of Knowledge: Ethics and natural science are definitely two areas where tradition and developing means of correcting the knowledge that informs or is informed by traditions. b.What to Cover: Traditions are difficult for people to let go of, especially when they are associated with religion or culture. How do you encourage corrective action without insulting traditions. 3.Write About Facts And Theories And How They Relate a.Suggested Areas of Knowledge: Human or natural science combined with indigenous or religious knowledge systems really seem to fit here. However, History would be an excellent addition to this. b.What to Cover: Theories are ideally based in fact, however many people using correlation rather than causation to draw conclusions. The result is faulty theories. Then there is the problem with poorly vetted facts. Explain how outdated or incorrect information impacts the development of theories. 4.What Happens When Subject Matter Experts Don’t Agree With Each Other? a.Suggested Areas of Knowledge: With this topic, any of the areas of knowledge could be excellent for potential exploration. b.What to Cover: When building their own knowledge, people turn to experts. How do they discern what to believe when the experts themselves disagree on important matters? Can external influences change the way that experts view or spin the truth? Climate change would be a great topic to use as an example for this question. 5.Looking at Historic Events With The Benefit of Hindsight a.Suggested Areas of Knowledge: History, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Religious Knowledge Systems, and Ethics are all very good topics for an essay on this subject. b.What to Cover: It’s easy to judge the actions and behaviors of citizens, religious leaders, and political leaders when we have the benefit of historical perspective. However, by doing so we can prevent ourselves from gaining full insight into the way that situations impact   human behavior. Maybe explore how to write historical text in a more sympathetic way. 6.Write About The Knowledge And The Difficulty of Producing Knowledge a.Suggested Areas of Knowledge: Because this is such a broad question, once again all areas of knowledge could be subject to exploration here. b.What to Cover: The idea here is that the harder you have to work to obtain knowledge the more you will value it. Do you agree or disagree? You might address the topic of privilege here. How to Know Which TOK Essay Topics Are Best For You So, how do you pick the right topic? Look at each extended example above. As an IB student, you are familiar with all of the areas of knowledge. You might also consider looking at an exemplar online for each question that you are considering. Just google tipstok essay example, and you will likely find something. Mostly, you should pick a question that speaks to you, and apply the areas of knowledge that you can best show your academic and personal development. Planning Your Essay First and foremost, study the rubric that your teacher provides for you. This will be an amazing guide. Unfortunately, it is not complete. You may have to follow up and get more information on the standards for marking your essay. Here are the criteria by which your essay will be assessed. You must show that you have developed the ability to think critically. Focus on demonstrating self-awareness, and consider multiple perspectives on the issues you are addressing. Use concrete examples. The structure that you use is very important. It must have a logical flow. References must be cited. Factual accuracy is of utmost importance. Don’t make a declaration on any page without backing it up. Show the mastery that you have developed with regard to the knowledge issues. Your format is important. However, it is even more important that you demonstrate an adequate depth of knowledge and insight. Starting Your Essay As you begin writing your introduction, keep in mind that you have a limit of 1200 to 1600 words. Your thesis and introductory paragraph will really drive the length of your essay. If your focus is too narrow, you will struggle to meet the word count that you need. If your focus is too broad, you will go over the limit. You should probably spend at least 50 percent of your essay writing on creating your thesis statement. It is truly the foundation of what you are going to present to your instructor. Be sure that it is very well thought out, and that you can back up your thesis with plenty of evidence as well. Tips For Success Here are some tips that can help you to succeed: While you need to backup your statements of fact with sources, remember that this is a reflective essay. Here, you can share your thoughts and opinions. Don’t be afraid to use examples that are meaningful to you. Remember that MLA is the preferred citation format. Remember that The Phrase ‘How do You Know’ Should be Your Guide Run your essay through a text to speech translator. That will show you how it reads. Essay and punctuation are still important. Self Care During The Essay Writing Process You have worked very hard, and accomplished a lot to get to this point. The theory of knowledge essay is very important. You will need to put in many   hours of hard work. This will be intense, so remember to take good care of yourself. Don’t make the essay the center of your life. Enjoy your friends and keep other academic priorities in mind. Find a physical activity. Walking is amazing. Eat healthy foods and get enough rest. Ask for TOK Essay help when you need it. Connect with students who have already written their TOK essay. Conclusion You can do this! All you have to do is consider which question is best for you, follow the instructions, and know the standards that will be used to evaluate your writing. Take good care of yourself, and you are certain to do well.    Author: Amanda Sparks   huffingtonpost.ca/amanda-sparks/

The Repositioning of American Public Administration Article Summary Essay

The Repositioning of American Public Administration Article Summary - Essay Example This is in response to the new social, economic, and political conditions primarily caused by the increasing irrelevance of national or state boundaries as well as the gradual reduction of state dominance over public affairs. At the basis of such observation is the perspective that public administration is in a continuous process of distancing from â€Å"theories and concepts of the clash of interests, of electoral and interest group competition, of games, and of winners and losers† (Frederickson, 1999, p.702). Instead it is on the path of embracing concepts of â€Å"cooperation, networking, governance, and institution building and maintenance.† This is how Frederickson observes and predicts the current trend of repositioning of American public administration. The main external condition that prompts the said repositioning is that the state has lost much of its power over the subjects and over other institutions in society. Apparently, it has become disarticulated and fragmented. This means that the boundaries between nations are being made inconsequential as trading and economic ties have become the principal basis of international relations instead of agreements on territorial jurisdictions and other political aspects. The barriers between the public and the government, with the usual setup that the latter has administrative control over the former, are also in the process of elimination. Public administration is now also the concern of non-government organizations and other institutions that are not in any way related to the government. A number of these changes may have been mere responses to new situations without the benefit of deeper scrutiny and eventual legislation. However, in the US, the process of repositioning is also gradual ly being enshrined through the creation of laws regarding such changes. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 is one

Political Parties Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Political Parties - Research Paper Example In consideration of the American political organization, a discussion on decentralization will be elaborated as the basic trait of the American political party system. Furthermore, it deliberates the state political party organization in the U.S. Definition of Political Parties Political parties are defined as groups of organized individuals who obtain and perform political power. They refer to political organizations that attempt to influence or administer governance by trying to elect their own candidate for a political position. They often take part in election campaigns and political debates. These groups of people possess ideals or vision manifested in a party program. This program is supported by a platform which contains particular objectives. These parties form a coalition in support of its platform although interests differ at some point in time (Katz and Crotty 6). In the U.S., there are two political parties that dominate the nation’s political system, namely, the D emocrats and Republicans. The two political parties had elected their own candidates for the presidency since 1852 had and governed U.S. Congress since 1856 (â€Å"Democratic-Republican Party†). The Democratic Party is the eldest among all political parties in the world. This party’s ideals lean more on economic matters. The economic ideals and platform of this party was greatly influenced by former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt in 1932. This political party obtained the most number of affiliated members in 2004 wherein it garnered about 72 million American supporters. The incumbent president Barack Obama is the 15th president to be under this political party. Significantly, it also became the majority party in the senate since 2006. In 2011, the supporters for this political party had declined in number, but still remains to be larger than its counterpart, the Republicans (Wagner 56). The Republican Party became prominent when Abraham Lincoln won the presidential elections in 1860. This political party champions the platform of American conservatism. It pushes more on fiscal and social conservative ideals, alongside liberal ideologies on economics. The last Republican president to hold office was former President George W. Bush. In terms of the presidency, this political party has succeeded in putting 19 presidents in the White House under its organization as compared to the Democrats who have been close in winning 15 presidential seats (Anderson 45). Aside from these two prominent political parties in the U.S., there are other political parties that exist which are known as the major third parties, which include Constitution Party, Green Party, and Libertarian Party. The Constitution Party’s platform focuses on ideals that are based from the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Bible. The platform of the Green Party involves more on environmentalism while the Libertarian Party upholds the philosophy of libertarianism (Maisel and Berry 75). Functions of Political Party System The main point of political parties is to group individuals together, who hold the same ideals toward the government. These individuals coordinate their efforts in electing their own candidate to hold a position in the government in order to push their respective platforms to realization. The U.S. has a two-political party system, which consist of Democrats and Republicans. Despite having the existence of minor parties in the political scene, none have succeeded in

Benefit from reading newspapers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Benefit from reading newspapers - Essay Example Knowledge plays a key role everywhere. The world has transformed into a global village through knowledge-based system and processes. Needless to say that knowledge has become a center point of all activities whether in office, manufacturing, services, research and development or even for household functions. And it is equally important to note that newspapers and magazines are a good source of knowledge for any individual to grow, develop and survive. School syllabus or curriculum just cannot suffice the purpose. Importance of newspaper reading can be gauged from the phrase of Emerson when he referred newspaper reading as the â€Å"second breakfast† of Americans (Lehuu, 134). In the following paragraphs, several benefits of reading newspapers and magazines are described; however, the list is not exhaustive. Newspapers provide a variety of information that ranges from current political events to economic affairs, from social to educational issues, from sporting activities to cu ltural events, from business to commerce, from fad to fashions, from weather reports to climate changes due to increased emissions and pollution impact. The list is unending as far as information and knowledge is concerned. Magazines and newspapers provide information on varied subjects much in detail presenting all pros and cons in black and white. Reading all of this, and that of our interest, boosts our knowledge enormously. Newspaper reading has other major benefits in improving our language. Newspapers help us not only in enhancing our vocabulary but also it informs how to use them correctly. Everyday reading of newspapers and magazines can increase our word power manifold related to a variety of subjects in a short period of time; that is a big task indeed! Expressing ourselves effectively, verbally and in writing, is certainly a daunting task. It is an undeniable fact that language skill is one the most useful and needed skill in one’s life regardless of position and n ature of work (Garrett, 2013). All good speakers such as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King were voracious readers. It is true that they were natural speakers but much of the speaking skill was acquired by them over time through widespread reading. One who wants to become a leader needs to have a powerful and impressive oratory to communicate and put their point across effectively. Newspaper reading certainly sharpens the skill, if tried diligently. Regular newspaper reading improves one’s language comprehension skills because the reader comes across a variety of writing style, expressions, word usage, arguments; this makes the reader familiar with several ways of expressions. At times, it could be a plain and simple language on a given topic and at some other times, the piece of writing could be full of sarcasm with implied meanings. Satirical writing, full of humor is more directed towards the politicians and bureaucrats. A detective p iece of writing leaves a space for readers to make out what author wants to convey. In the beginning, a novice has to read again and again to understand the real meaning of what has been said but more we read more we increase our ability to comprehend (Garrett, 2013). Those who want to build their careers in the fields such as journalism, politics, report analyst, or a teaching profession; they need to cultivate the habit of reading newspapers and reputed

Advanced Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation For Neurological Patients Physical Education Essay

Advanced Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation For Neurological Patients Physical Education Essay Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) consists of patterns and techniques used for stimulating the humans proprioceptors to promote neuromuscular system response (1) PNF techniques: PNF techniques, aims, and principle: The first PNF technique is timing for emphasis, whose aim to strength and improve endurance in weak muscle groups, correct muscle imbalance, and increase ROM. This technique is based on the principle of using strong component to facilitate movement on the weaker component normal timing from distal to proximal, but the pattern can be altered by doing what the patient needs. Second PNF technique is hold-relax, aims to achieve relaxation, and increase ROM if pain is present. Based on the principle of moving the joint actively or passively to the limited range, then provides isometric contraction to the opposite pattern muscles with maximum resistance. Followed by relaxation and move toward the limited direction actively or passively depending on the condition, then repeat it in the new ROM. The thired technique is contract-relax, which targets to increase ROM, and its based on the principle of starting with isotonic contraction of the rotation component, followed by the isometric contra ction for weak muscle. Slow reversals is the fourth technique, aims for weaker muscles contraction facilitation, improving coordination, and increasing endurance. Based on the principle of beginning movement at the strong component by isotonic contraction with maximal resistance immediately followed by isotonic contraction of the weak component with maximal resistance, without any relaxation. The fifth technique is repeated Contractions, its target are increasing ROM, improving strength and endurance in weak muscle group, and correct muscle imbalance. The principle used in this technique is reinforcing weak component by repeating maximal isometric contraction of the strong components of the pattern. The last technique is rhythmic stabilization. The aims of this technique are: used when movement at the joint is restricted, to strengthen muscles by co-contraction, improve circulation, improve postural stability in joints, and decrease pain. This technique is based on the principle of beginning with stability at the strong component by isometric contraction with maximum resistance followed by immediate without relaxation isometric contraction of the weak component with maximum resistance, until a co-contraction of the muscles of both component are build. The aim of using PNF techniques is to enhance functional level of movements, by facilitation, inhibition, strengthening, and relaxation of muscles. In PNF concentric, eccentric, and static contractions are used alongside with resistance. (2) These techniques are classified according to their functions: reversal antagonist, which is a general class of techniques in which the patient contracts his agonist muscles, then the antagonist, without pause or relaxation. This technique includes: dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization. Another PNF technique is rhythmic initiation which is a passive rhythmic movement of limb or body through the desired range, and progress into active rhythmic resisted movement. Combination of isotonics, which is another technique in which a combination of concentric, eccentric, and stabilizing contractions are used for specific muscle groups (e.g. agonist) without relaxation, and it starts at the patients maximum strength or best co ordination. Another technique is repeated stretch, also known as repeated contractions; its applied in two ways: either repeated stretch from the beginning of the range or repeated stretch through the range. Contract-relax and hold-relax, these two techniques either used as direct or indirect treatment. The last PNF technique is replication, which facilitates motor learning of functional activities. (2) Normal motor activities: In normal individuals, the developmental sequence of motor activities are varied, unified , and interrelated. The normal individual learns in his childhood to roll from supine to prone and vies versa, then sitting,etc. There is a variation of motor activities in the performance and sequence of these activities. The use of developmental sequence of motor activities is like when a person lays on a beach and senses danger, and then automatically rolls away into prone then sitting, then scrambles to his feet and runs, these actions serve his need the best, and these reactions are from birth and the people used them according to their needs. (1) PNF principles: The principles of PNF are: reflex mechanism, restoration of motor abilities, repetition of coordinated movements, and developmental sequence processes. In reflex mechanism, which helps to enhance movement and posture by using the coordination of the visual-motor mechanism and the auditory-motor mechanism. While during restoration of motor abilities, PNF patterns and techniques are used to provide suitable sensory cues, to enhance motor learning and abilities. Repetition of coordinated movements is used to increase strength and endurance, and adjusts the coordinated movements by the use of graded resistance. The last principle is developmental sequence process, which uses a sequence of training from proximal-to-distal and general-to-specific pattern. In these principles, PNF patterns and techniques are precisely applied to developmental activities by using techniques based on isotonic contractions for improving movement and isometric contractions for improving stability. (1) Developmental sequence: In the developmental sequence the physical therapist uses the progression of primitive movements and postures for more advanced movements and postures. The therapist also uses progression from general-to-specific pattern, specific movement to change positions and postures, eye-head coordination to enhance movements. In addition, this developmental sequence provides total pattern of movements, which includes head, neck, trunk, and four extremities, in various relations like ipsilateral, bilateral symmetrical, bilateral asymmetrical, and reciprocal, in which certain segments move while others adjust to the movement. And this sequence promote the patients ability to contract muscle isotonically during movements and isometrically during balance activities, and also enhance the transition from isometric to isotonic contraction. From this we find that PNF restore motor function in a person with a disability, by using variety of principles, patterns, and techniques used in Mat activities to enhance movement, self-care, and independence. (1) Body of knowledge: Mat activities: Mat activities involves all principles of PNF, these activities include both stability and movement, which could be single or combined complex movements. To vary the effect of reflexes or gravity on the body, mat activities done in various positions which are chosen by the physical therapist to control abnormal movements. Its better to begin with strong and pain free movements, because it focuses on irradiation from strong parts of movements to facilitate achieving the desired movements. (2) Also the use of diagonal movements involve greater number of muscle groups or movements (1). Any chosen mat activity is broken down into parts. In such treatment, the progression is by using weight bearing activities involving more extremities. (2) Activities practiced on the mat teach the patient: mobility which is moving in the position, stability which is maintaining balance in the position, skill which combines mobility with stability or in transition. And the condition of the patient determines whether to start with any of these. (2) Basic procedures used in these activities to promote patients working capacity with minimum fatigue are: approximation to enhance stabilization and balance, traction and stretch to increase patients ability movements, grips and proper body position in which the physical therapist guides patients movement, resistance to enhance and reinforce movements, and it includes graded resistance which strengthen the weaker movements, and resisting strong movement for irradiation to the weaker movements. Another basic procedures are: timing for emphasis which use strong movements to exercise the weaker ones, and patterns to enhance functional activities performance. (2) All of the previous techniques, pat terns, and basic procedures are used in mat activities, as follow: for stability, stabilizing reversals and rhythmic stabilization are used. While for mobility, combination of isotonics, rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, and repeated stretch are used. And for Skill, a combination of moving and stabilizing techniques are used.(2) The advantages of mat activities are: safe for people who fear to fall, performing activities without limitations, well-distributed balance, and postural reactions and reflexes are induced more effectively. (1) The activities: Mat characteristics: The characteristics that should be in a mat used for activities are firm, smooth, comfortable, protect patient from abrasions and stress, large enough to accommodate both the therapist and the patient, and the size is 6 feet for adult, and 4 feet for child(1) Rolling: The first mat activity practiced with a neurological patient is rolling, which is divided into two parts: the first part is rolling to mid-position, which is a concentric action of flexor chain, and the other part is from mid-position to the end and it is an eccentric action of the extensor chain. For facilitating rolling, the therapist can use different combination of scapula, pelvis, neck, or extremities pattern. Figure XX Rolling facilitation by Head Rolling facilitation by Scapula: First facilitating rolling by scapula, if the therapist resists anterior pattern of scapula, this will facilitate forward rolling, while resisting posterior pattern of scapula, facilitate backward rolling. The patient can also facilitates rolling by moving his head in the same direction of rolling. The given commands for rolling with scapular anterior depression eg. For left :pull your shoulder toward your opposite(right) hip, lift your head, pull your left arm down and across, pull your foot up and across, then roll. While commands given for rolling backward with posterior elevation:push back. In order to start, the therapist should stretches the scapula in the elongated range, and continue this diagonal movement until trunk muscles stretch. After that, the therapist applies resistance to initial scapular contraction until the contraction of trunk muscles is felt, then allows it to move. Locking scapula at the end of the range by applying more resistance with either approximation or traction. Types of scapular patterns in rolling are: Anterior elevation, in which the patient rolls forward with trunk extension and rotation, and it facilitated by neck extension and rotation in the rolling direction. Posterior elevation, in which the patient rolls backward with Figure XXX Rolling facilitation by Scapula trunk extension, and facilitated by neck extension in the rolling direction. Posterior depression, the patient perform a backward roll, with trunk extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, and facilitated by neck lateral flexion and full rotation in the rolling direction. And anterior depression, in which the patient rolls forward with trunk flexion, and facilitated by neck flexion in the rolling direction.(2) Rolling facilitation by Pelvis: Second, Pelvic facilitation in rolling, the resistance applied to anterior pattern of pelvis facilitate forward rolling, while resistance to posterior pattern of pelvis facilitate backward rolling. The patient can flex the neck to facilitate forward roll, and extend the neck for backward roll. Commands for the patient when rolling forward with anterior elevation: pull your pelvis up and roll forward, while when rolling backward roll with posterior depression: sit down into my hand and roll back. The therapist places the pelvis in the elongated range and continue this diagonal movement until trunk muscles stretch. Therapist resists initial pelvic contraction until he/she feels contraction of the desired trunk muscles, then allows it to move. In order to lock the pelvis at the end of the range, the therapist must apply more resistance with either approximation or traction. Types of pelvic patterns used in rolling are: Anterior elevation, in which the patient rolls forward with trunk flexion, flexes the neck for facilitation. Posterior elevation, in which backward rolling is performed with trunk lateral shortening, and facilitated by ipsilateral neck rotation. Posterior depression, in which the patient rolls backward with trunk extension, and extends the neck for facilitation. And anterior depression, in which the patient rolls forward with trunk extension and rotation, the facilitation in this pattern is neck extension and rotation in the rolling direction.(2) Rolling facilitation by scapula and pelvic patterns combination: Combining scapular and pelvic patterns can facilitate rolling, by performing pelvic anterior elevation and scapular anterior depression for forward rolling, while performing pelvic posterior depression and scapular posterior elevation backward roll .(2) Figure XXX Rolling facilitation by pelvis Rolling facilitation by upper extremities In upper extremities facilitation in rolling, trunk muscles should be strengthen in order to facilitate, by combining strong arm muscles with scapular patterns. Adduction patterns used to facilitate forward rolling, while abduction patterns used to facilitate backward rolling. Also, head movements with the arm used for facilitation. Irradiation into trunk muscles, by resisting strong muscles of elbow. In order to facilitate upper extremities, the distal grip of the therapist is placed on patients hand or distal forearm to control the whole extremity. However, the therapist proximal grip is on or near patients scapula, which is more effective for guidance and resistance of the patients head movements. Forward rolling commands with extension-adduction pattern:squeeze my hand and pull your arm down to your opposite hip, lift your head, then roll. For backward roll with flexion-abduction pattern:wrist back, lift your arm up follow your hand with your eyes, then roll back. Figure XXX Rolling facilitation by pelvis To start rolling, the therapist needs to stretch the arm and scapular muscles of the patient, and puts the arm in the elongated range and then tract. Sustaining this diagonal movement and traction, until synergistic trunk muscles stretch and maintain initial arm movements, until the therapist feels contraction of the trunk muscles, then allows it to move. Locking of upper extremities can be at any strong point in ROM. To lock the arm at end of the range, is by applying approximation with resistance to rotation. Types of rolling using one arm are: Forward roll with trunk-extension, lateral flexion and rotation, facilitated by neck extension and rotation in rolling direction, and the patterns used are flexion-adduction-external rotation and ulnar thrust pattern. Backward roll with trunk-extension, lateral flexion and rotation, which is facilitated by neck lateral flexion and full rotation in the rolling direction, and the patterns used are extension-abduction-internal rotation and ulnar withdrawal pattern. Forward roll with trunk-flexion, facilitated by neck flexion in the rolling direction, and the patterns used are extension-adduction-internal rotation and radial thrust pattern. And backward roll with trunk-extension, facilitated by neck extension in the rolling direction, and the patterns used are flexion-abduction.(2) Rolling facilitation by U.L bilateral combination: Bilateral combination used in upper extremities rolling facilitation are: Forward roll with trunk flexion, which is Chopping and Reverse of Chopping. And backward roll with trunk extension, which is Lifting. (2) Figure XXXX Rolling facilitation by U.L bilateral combination Rolling facilitation by lower extremities: In the facilitation of lower extremities in rolling, combining strong leg muscles with pelvic patterns are used for facilitation and strengthen trunk muscles. Flexion patterns of lower limbs facilitate forward rolling and extension patterns facilitate backward rolling. Irradiation into trunk muscles by resisting strong muscles of the knee. Head moves in flexion to facilitate forward roll and in extension for backward roll. Physical therapist distal grip is placed on the patients foot to control the whole extremity. It will be more effective activity, if the knee movements are resisted. And the proximal grip of the therapist is on patients thigh or pelvis, in flexion-abduction the proximal hand on contralateral iliac crest to facilitate trunk flexion. Commands given for forward roll with flexion-abduction pattern:foot up, pull your leg up and out, then roll away. And for backward roll with extension-adduction pattern:push your foot down, kick your leg back, then roll back toward me. Figure XXXX Rolling facilitation by U.L bilateral combination Starting position for this rolling is to stretch the leg and lower trunk muscles, and putting the leg in the elongated range of pattern and apply traction. And this movement is maintained until the therapist feels contraction of trunk muscles, then allows it to move. The locking can be at any strong point in ROM. Types of rolling with one leg are: Flexion-adduction, for rolling forward with trunk flexion. Extension-abduction, for rolling back with trunk extension and elongation. Flexion-abduction, for rolling forward with trunk lateral flexion, flexion ,and rotation. And extension-adduction, for rolling back with trunk extension, elongation, and rotation.(2) Rolling facilitation by L.L bilateral combination: Bilateral combination of lower extremities for facilitating rolling are: Lower extremity flexion, by rolling forward with trunk flexion. And lower extremity extension, by rolling back with trunk extension. (2) Rolling facilitation by neck: The last pattern for facilitating rolling is neck patterns. These patterns are used to facilitate rolling when patient has no pain free motion or no strong movement in scapula or arm. The main force in neck flexion is traction, while in neck extension we apply gentle compression. In rolling, neck flexion is used to facilitate rolling forward from supine to side-laying, and neck extension is used to facilitate rolling back from side-laying to supine. (2) Prone-on-elbows: After achieving rolling, the next mat activity is prone-on-elbows exercise. There are three methods that enable the patient to assume this position, are: side-laying, rolling from supine-to-prone, and prone position. If any of the previous methods are against gravity, the therapist resists concentric contraction. And if it is gravity assisted, the therapist resists eccentric contraction. Figure XXXX Prone-on-elbows In order for the patient to achieve this position, the therapist should apply stabilization with approximation for scapula, and resistance in diagonal and rotatory direction is necessary. The patient must avoid trunk sag. The therapist should keep the patients head, neck, and trunk aligned, and apply gentle resistance on the head for stabilization along with rhythmic stabilization. And if the patient cant do isometric contraction, the therapist can use stabilizing reversal. When the patient is able to maintain this position, the therapist can work on improving head, neck, and shoulder, neck resisted motions which is effective, resisted arm motions to strengthen the weight-bearing arm, upper trunk rotation, and weight shifting. (2) Side-sitting: The paitent then progresses from prone-on-elbow position into side-sitting. This position involves weight-bearing on arm, leg, and trunk of one side, while the other arm is free to function, then the patient should learn mobility like scooting. Four methods to assume this position, which are: side-laying, prone-on-elbows, sitting, and quadruped. The physical therapist in this position, can work on activities of balance, like upper extremity weight-bearing exercises , and scapular and pelvic reciprocal motions, in which the movements of this combination promotes trunk mobility, and stabilizing contraction of this combination promotes trunk stability. Activities of mobility in this position are: scooting, moving to sitting, to prone on elbows, and to quadruped position. (2) Quadruped: The other mat activity that follows side-sitting is quadruped. In this position the patient will be able to exercise trunk, hips, knees, and shoulder, using isotonics and dynamic reversals. Also the patient will be able to move from one place to another. The physical therapist makes sure that the patient has strong scapular muscles to support the weight of upper trunk. Patient with spinal pain or has stabilization problems, can practice activities in this position, but the therapist must be assertive of absence of pain in knee joint. The patient can assume this position by two methods, are: prone-on-elbows, and side-sitting. In quadruped position, the therapist can works on activities of balance, by using stabilizing reversal and rhythmic stabilization techniques, for balance and stabilization of the trunk and extremity joints. Also the therapist can work on rocking forward and backward, by using combination of resistance, isotonics, and dynamic reversals. Crawling can be practiced i n this position, by applying resistance on scapula, pelvis, neck, arms, and legs movements, in order to enhance patients skill. (2) Figure XXX Facilitation to Quadruped Kneeling: In this position the patient will be able to exercise trunk, hips, and knees, while arms are free and used for support, able to move from one place to another, and moves from kneeling to standing. For patients who have knee pain and cant assume this position, they can work in kneeling down. Kneeling will help to promote the strength, coordination, and ROM of hips and knees, by exercise moving between kneeling and side-sitting, and by combining isotonics contractions for concentric and eccentric muscles. To assume this position, is by three methods, are: side-sitting, kneeling-down, quadruped position. Activities that can be practiced in this position are: balance activities such as, scapula and head motions resistance, using stability reversals and rhythmic stabilization techniques to promote trunk strengthen and stability. Other balance activities are resistance to: pelvic motion, pelvis and scapula motions, trunk and head motion, and resisting arm movement when sitting of the heels . Another activity, which can be practiced in this position is walking on the knees forward, backward, and sideways. (2) Half-Kneeling: This mat activity is where the patient can go to standing position. There are two methods to assume this position: kneeling and standing. The physical therapist can work on activities of balance, such as: strengthening trunk and lower extremity muscles, by using stabilizing and moving techniques. Activities of weight shifting over back leg with trunk elongation, this activity challenge patients balance, coordination, ROM, and strength. Activities of shifting weight to front leg, which increase DF ROM. And standing up as the last activity. (2) Sit-to-stand: In order for the patient to stand up from a chair, he or she should moves forward in the chair, stand up, get his or her balance in standing. The patient should be able to rise from sitting on surfaces of different heights. Sit-to-stand is divided into two parts. The first part which involves flexion of head, neck, and trunk, pelvic anterior tilt, and knee extension with forward movement over the base of support. The second part of this activity is backward movement toward a vertical position characterized by extension of head, neck, and trunk, posterior pelvic tilt, and the knees go into extension and backward movement as the trunk comes over the base of support. Commands given for a patient standing up from the floor: pull yourself forward, and push with your right foot. Now push with both feet, lift your head to the left, stand up. Hold, now pull your left foot forward and step on it. In this activity the therapist holds the patients iliac crests in order to increase the patients ability in standing up. Then the therapist rocks the pelvis by rhythmic initiation and stretches it into posterior tilt, and resists or assists as it moves into anterior tilt. Rhythmic initiation is used enable the patient to place his or her hands on bars or chairs arm, and stabilizing contractions and combination of isotonics are used to enable the patient to assist with their arms. When the patient is moving toward standing, the therapist should assist his or her pelvis by guiding it through anterior tilt. Resistance is applied to the movement that the patient is capable of doing it without help. In the time the patient stands with upright posture, the therapist moves the pelvic into the appropriate degree of posterior tilt. For promoting weight bearing, approximation is done through the pelvic. (2 1) 2.2.9 Standing: This position is considered to be the first stage in walking and a form of functional activity. In standing the therapist should stand in a diagonal plane in front of the leg that initially will receive the patients weight. Commands given in this activity:Hold, dont let me pull your head forward, dont let me push your hip back. Hold, dont let me turn you to the other side. Hold dont let me pull you forward. Accepting the patients body weight on his or her lower limb, is fulfilled by combining approximation through the pelvis on the strong side with stabilizing resistance at the pelvis. For the weaker side, the therapist uses the same techniques in addition to blocking the knee. Then the therapist stabilizes lower trunk and legs by combining approximation and stabilizing reversals at the pelvis. The same techniques directed at the shoulders used to stabilize upper and lower trunk. When using combination of isotonics with small motions or stabilizing reversals, it will resist balance in all directions, and itll work on stabilizing the head, shoulders, pelvis, and their combinations. . (21) Conclusion: In conclusion, deficient neuromuscular mechanism leads to limited response due to faulty development, trauma, or disease of the nervous or musculoskeletal systems. As we know, PNF is related to normal response of the neuromuscular mechanism, which enables it to widen the range of motor activities within the limitations of anatomical structure, developmental level, and inherent and previously learned neuromuscular response. By using various combinations, patterns, and techniques of PNF, the patient will be able to regain and restore his or her previous functional level. Refrences: 1. Voss, Dorothy E., Ionta, Marjorie K., Myers, Beverly J. (1968). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation: patterns and techniques. Philadelphia : Harper and Row. 2. Adler, Susan S., Beckers, Dominiek, Buck, Math. (2003). PNF in Practice: an illustrated guide. Germany: Springer. Content Page Content page Introduction 2 Background about PNF 2 PNF techniques 2 Normal motor activities 4 PNF principles 4 Developmental sequence 5 Body of knowledge 6 Mat activities 6 The activities 7 Mat characteristics 7 Rolling 7 Rolling facilitation by Scapula 9 Rolling facilitation by Pelvis 11 Rolling facilitation by scapula and pelvic patterns combination 11 Rolling facilitation by upper extremities 12 Rolling facilitation by U.L bilateral combination 15 Rolling facilitation by lower extremities 16 Rolling facilitation by L.L bilateral combination 17 Rolling facilitation by neck 17 Prone-on-elbows 18 Side-sitting 19 Quadruped 20 Kneeling 21 Half-Kneeling 23 Sit-to-stand 24 Standing 25 Conclusion 26

Bless Me, Ultima: The Cultural Distress Of A Young Society Essay

Bless Me, Ultima: The Cultural Distress of a Young Society An answer to the discussion question of whether or not there is a defined border culture would need a great number of years in field research, but we can also observe a few of the characteristics of such border culture just by looking at scholastic essays and books related to the topic. Within the research that I did, I found a number of scholars who, while defining the border, mention all the specific or special characteristics of this new emerging society, but who also very few times defined it as such. In the book that I researched, Bless Me Ultima, by Rudolfo A. Anaya, we find many of those characteristics. There is already much work on this piece of literature, therefore, I decided to present my research and study in two ways. First, I will give a personal analysis of the work, in which I will discuss the different topics and parallelisms that I believe are related to an emerging border culture, and second, I will discuss and complete analysis made by Roberto Cantu, published in The Iden tification and Analysis of Chicano Literature. The novel by Rudolfo Anaya Bless Me, Ultima, was printed in June 1972, but won the first price in the Second Annual Premio Quinto Sol Literary Award in 1971. The main characters of the novel are Antonio, his father, mother, two sisters, three brothers, Tenorio and his three daughters, and Ultima. The argument presents how a child, (Antonio), matures in one year, thanks to the different episodes that he goes through. Antonio, a seven year old child, narrates in first person, and describes the events that changed his life from the moment that Ultima arrived at his house. During the beginning of the book, his thoughts and actions are typical of such age, but as the events take place, Antonio changes and matures incredible fast through the text. It is even hard to find where the changes in his behavior take place, due to Rudolfo's smooth literary transitions. Carl and Paula Shirley condense their presentation of Bless Me, Ultima by simply mentioning the story line of the book:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  She (Ultima) is present from the boy's earliest experiences growing up, family conflict, school, religion, evil and death... Much good in this novel, beauty, magic, New Mexico landscape, legends... (Shirley   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and Shirley, 105). All of th... ...; London: Duke University Press. Creel, J. (1986). The People Next Door, an Interpretative History of Mexico and Mexicans. New York: John Day. Diaz-Guerrero, R. (1991). Understanding Mexicans and Americans. New York: Plenum Press. Di-Bella, J. (1989). Literatura de la Frontera. California: Binational Press. Frost, E. (1972). Las Categorias de la Cultura Mexicana. Mexico: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Herrera-Sobek, M. (1992). Toward a promised land: La frontera as a myth and reality in ballad and song. Aztlan 21 no 1-2:227-62 '92 '96 Jimenez, F. (1979). The Identification and Analysis of Chicano Literature. New York: Bilingual Press. Miller, T. (1981). On the Border. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers. Salado Alvarez, V. (1968). De como escapo Mexico de ser Yankee. Mexico: Editorial Jus. Saldivar, R. (1990). Chicano Narrative. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press. Shirley C. & Shirley P. (1988). Understanding Chicano Literature. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. (1983). Estudios Fronterizos. Revista del Instituto de investigaciones sociales. Mexicali: Universidad Autonoma de Baja California.

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Health clubs have sprouted everywhere to offer alternatives to the traditional gym set-up.   Health clubs provide not just exercise equipments but health and fitness programs as well.   In this regard, the manifest functions of a health club include: – providing an exercise venue; – providing a comprehensive health and fitness program; – promoting general well being through exercise and fitness routines. As the name implies, a health club’s most evident function is keeping its members healthy and the club does it through the most natural means of keeping fit; that is, by exercising and following a healthy lifestyle.   Health clubs do not offer artificial means of trimming down and toning the body.   If a fat person wants to lower his weight, he has to train his body instead of drinking diet pills.   Aside from the exercise equipment, a health club has sports facilities and exercise classes to help its members achieve a balanced and monitored fitness program. Meanwhile, a health club also has latent functions that are not readily evident to people.   These include: – providing a venue for a family to spend bonding time; – a potential ground for networking; – promoting good health and healthy living not just among its members but the country as a whole; and – helping the people and the government save on health care costs; A health club is a good place for a family to go.   Becoming fit together is a good way for family to spend time together.   A health club also provides people with new acquaintances that they can possibly have business with in the future.   By promoting healthy living, a health club keeps the people from getting sick.   This means a lot of savings on hospitalization and health care costs.

Book of the Dead essays

Book of the Dead essays The Egyptian Book of the Dead is a collection of magic spells and formulas that was illustrated and written, usually on papyrus. It began to appear in Egyptian tombs around 1600 BC. The text was intended to be spoken by the deceased during their journey into the Underworld. It enabled the deceased to overcome obstacles in the afterlife. It did this by teaching passwords that allowed the deceased to turn into mythical creatures to navigate around hazards, while granting the help and protection of the gods, and proclaiming the deceased's identity with the gods. (http://members.aol.com/egyptart/book.html). The Egyptians believed that the human soul used the first night after death to travel into the afterlife. However, the body, which the Egyptians believed was an essential element to the afterlife had to be mummified. And this process took 72 days to perform properly. This also gave them time to put finishing touches on the tomb and to pack all the deceased's worldly possessions, which they would surely need in the afterlife. (http://members.aol.com/egyptart/ani.html) The Hall of Maat is where the judgement of the dead was performed. This was done by weighing one's heart (conscience) against the feather of Maat (truth and justice). When the person arrived for judgment, they would first declare their purity before an assembly of gods including Osiris. The Ibis headed god Thoth was on hand to record the result of the judgment. If the heart was lighter than the feather the dead person was allowed to pass on into the underworld, but if it failed the test then the Eater of souls would devour the deceased (akhet.co.uk/anubis.htm). Religion guided every aspect of Egyptian life. Egyptian religion was based on polytheism, or the worship of many deities, except for during the reign of Akenaton. The Egyptians had as many as 2000 gods and goddesses. Some, such as Amun, were worshipped throughout the whole country...

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Subliminal Ads essays Subliminal advertising: A collective term for public announcements designed to promote the sale of specific commodities or services while being integrated below the threshold of perception or awareness. To sell products, merchants consciously use subliminal advertising as a basis for general consumerism. This seems like an unnecessary task, but when taken into consideration all the people, who have expressed their disbelief in its effectiveness, it is obvious to see how vital and necessary such a task commands. Through this, corporations must take on new strategies and methods of persuasion and justification. The importance is that advertisers rely on a trust relationship with consumers in order to successfully subliminally sell products. In other words, those who don't believe in subliminal advertising, are its likely victims. The effect of subliminal advertising on the individual and the culture has been influenced and promoted by many different elements. Let it be magazines, newspapers or radio; but the most prominent in this field is television. Television advertising influences the choices we make, perhaps more so than anyone cares to believe. It may not be so obvious, but even teachers face competition with advertising. Television stations, for example, have some four billion dollars a year from industry to spend on programming for the same students that teachers face. Nicholas Johnson, a former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner from 1966 to 1973 writes that television is diametrically opposed to almost everything a teacher tries to do: TV tells them that the only thing necessary to give them all the joys in life and the values that are important is the acquisition of yet another product. TV is telling them to sit still and don't think. TV is telling them that they are to be treated as a mass. He writes that it is extremely important to understand this force in our society if a teacher is to deal wi...

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