A Visual And Verbal Narrative

Malia Wittgenstein had finally made up her mind; she would pursue a promising job offer, with Starcom Fashion Design Company in Washington as a personal assistant to the director. Malia was willing to leave behind her usual life in Newcastle UK.Her lover; Jethro who was a Chef in a renowned Newcastle hotel, was not happy about her decision but he could not control her considering the fact that she had caught him flirting with a prostitute in a local pub. Jethro, had apologized profusely but Malia seemed to think that he was treating her that way because she was jobless at the time.Malia sat in the sitting room staring at the two bags she had packed for her departure. Emotions overwhelmed her, as she thought of her usual life in Newcastle. Malia had built all her life around Jethro but his betrayal in a drunken stupor had neutralized all her trust in him.As she stared at their portrait on the wall, so many emotions were running through her, she loved and hated him at the same time. Sh e smiled at the memories of good old times and shed tears when she remembered their latest scuffles with Jethro. Malia seemed to be sure that all she needed was to get away from Newcastle, and prove to Jethro that she could turn around and make it in life.She looked at a painting hanging loosely on the wall depicting a girl in pursuit. The painting seemed to collude with what she was going through and felt so much in touch with the painting. Suddenly she felt nostalgic and was not sure if she should go or not and tears filled her eyes.Malia was not sure if she was making a mistake or not by leaving Newcastle and more so if she was wrong about Jethro and if he really meant his love to her as he had promised earlier in a bid to try and coarse her not to leave him.She had decided to leave today because Jethro would be busy at work and would not try to stop her to leave through his sweet tongue. She cried and sobbed with a heavy heart not trusting if she could leave the life she had so much gotten used to. When she finally calmed she took a paper and a pen and wrote a letter to Jethro:To my first love,I never knew the meaning of love until I met you Jethro. You were the first man to take away my innocence and I don’t regret it because then I knew I loved you and you loved me. When my parents died and I lost everything, God brought you to my life and you have been the only family I have ever known.I am still hurting because you cheated on me the other day. I don’t know why, but I want to hate you so much yet I can’t because I still love you so much. Why did you hurt me so bad? Is it because I am jobless unlike you? This new job offer in Washington is promising and I think it will make me happy and that’s why I want to leave and let myself be.I hate to confess this but I don’t know if I will ever be able to get you out of my mind Jethro. Please don’t try to stop me because I won’t let you. I have to leave now don†™t worry I will get in touch after sometime. Jethro? Do you really love me as you are professing? Am I the woman of your dreams and are you certain that you really want to marry me as you told me last night?From your Cherry,Malia

Internship Midterm Report

Bad is a non-profit organization that publishes magazines and provides counseling services such as phone counseling, email counseling, face to face counseling. My mall Job responsible Is to writing articles and phone counseling, other than that, there are some minor responsible for the Job, such as help Administrative Department if needed. In phone counseling section, I need to record the cases, my suggestion and my analysis of the cases, for the purpose of follow up when other counselors pick up the phone.For certain cases, we are referring to some centers to follow up or In need, such as unmarried mother. Except phone counseling, another opportunity of this job is able to write articles regarding counseling. I have to come out a topic about some issue regarding youth, such as financial management, thanksgiving, and etc. While the time that writing articles, I have to collect some resources from various area, for example, online websites, magazines, and some books.Articles writing a lso required some technique that different from assignments and report. When I writing an articles, that prefer to SE the word â€Å"we† rather than â€Å"you† or â€Å"them† in order to bring a closer distant to reader and similarity as well, and also, there Is no blaming Issue happen by using word â€Å"we† so that we are not bring offend towards anyone. 2. 0 VALUE 2. 1 Person-centered Therapy The most common therapy matter being used nowadays Is Person-centered Therapy, in which the people are the center of the counseling section.Even we learned it from very beginning, but there are mistakes that I make subconsciously, like blaming fault. Even some mistakes that I know very well and trying to avoid, but cause of never realized that, I been made all those mistakes that shouldn't make In any condition. Fortunately, my â€Å"teacher† is there to tell me where I make mistakes. As my supervisor told me, they can't make adjustment for every word from my mouth towards people, and yet, that might cause their disappointment towards phone counseling If I not doing In a good way. 2. Practical Counseling Technique Every words that we say in counseling section is directly transfer to people, there is no time to consider what therapy matter to use during that time. The things that we can do are analyze what the people say and find out the root of the problem, and then, we take all useful Information to help people to solve their problems. Sometimes, they are troubled because they don't know what to do with the problem, and they call for a solution. That might break the rule of not giving any opinion or 1 OFF know what to do.Therefore, we will give some unavoidable opinion in certain situation, and we try to minimize the space to people to ask for opinion, even though they ask, we are not giving if that can be avoid. According my supervisor, we should ask people to step out the first step if possible, for the first step is the important action to solve problem. Without the first step, there is no further to move on. 2. 3 Selective Attention Every counselor will be facing the same problem during counseling section, the client/patient talk many things and yet not everything related or useful.Therefore, we need to filter out some â€Å"rubbish information† or repeated phrase. Selective attention is what we need within the counseling section, as we have limited time to hold the hone counseling. Within about 20-30 minutes, we have to know what the problem(s) is/are and get as much useful information as we could to examine the problem(s), so we can guide people to a right way to solve the problem. Indeed, selective attention is the useful element for counseling section that to eliminate the information that not helping in solving the problem(s). . 4 Multitasking skill Due to hearing phone counseling and article writing in the same time, I may apply multitasking in the situation. There is no sign to know hotlist wi ll ring during I doing y other works such as writing article, therefore sometimes that may required multitasking skill to handle the situation. To remember what the people say and come out with a suggestion at the same time required not only multitasking skill alone, that may also recall short term memory.Sometimes, there are more than Just two things to handle if I'm alone in the office while others went out or doing things, that time is the best time to practice multitasking skill for future. A man who can handle multiple things at the same time may not be qualified to enter a good ignition, but that easily to be put in consideration as many Jobs required multitasking skill. There are some expectations for every Job; The Bridge Communication Sad Bad is not the exception.I have 2 expectations when I decided to start my internship in The Bridge Communication Sad Bad. 3. 1 Practical Counseling Technique Every student who enters a counseling organization or department may expect to ga in some practical counseling techniques to equip ourselves for future path. Even though we learned many theories and matters from textbooks in class, but to practice t is never same like Just an assignment. In counseling department, I would like to learn how to have a counseling section with all the things I learned.That is a truth for everyone who been working in counseling services, what we learn and what we practice can be very different. During counseling, there is no therapy matter but only some rules to be aware, such as no offend or blaming, always request people to take a first step. 3. 2 Articles Writing Skill As expect before internship start in The Bridge Communication Sad Bad for articles writing been mentioned as one of the Job description, I excited to have this as part of my work.Most of the organization didn't manage to offer articles writing to internship students, even employees since they have no magazine publication within the organization. This would be the inte resting Job description for an internship student to learn more through writing articles, in which I can improve and corrected patients for that may bring either positive or negative effect towards them, yet, that lead a perception of counseling towards people.

Those Winter Sundays Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Those Winter Sundays - Research Paper Example I think everybody is attached to their parents and we can easily relate our emotions through this poem. As a child we always rely on our parent’s assistance and support and we hardly feel thanking them for their help which is quite obvious with human nature. Similarly, here the speaker tells us about the limited communication with his father. And the only communication his family members ever had between them was through demonstration of anger. â€Å"Fearing the chronic angers of that house† tells the frustration and anger that the speaker was living in. The speaker always felt his house as dull, lifeless, frustration and anger. He felt that the house was empty and there was nothing which can express love. May be he was too young to understand the complexities of a family. Now when he is older he understands the reason of anger and frustration. The poem reveals how difficult fatherhood is as the opening lines of the poem tells â€Å"Sundays too my father got up early a nd put his clothes on in blueblack cold†. There are many literary poems made on the strong relationship of father and son. There are famous literary poems made on this theme like Homer’s â€Å"The Odyssey† and â€Å"The Illiad†. Both poems show the affection of father for their sons even living apart. They hardly had interactions with their son but still they care for them. In this particular poem the speaker says that he has behaved â€Å"indifferently to him, who had driven out the cold†. Although he took care of the family but no one ever thanked him for his concern and abilities. This poem takes me back to my childhood days and I remember how my father took care of every minute things of my life. Many times he tries to hide his emotions and love, but I can get the sense of affection through his caring attitude. I remember one day I was crying for a silly thing and how my father hugged me and pacified me with his words. Now when I recall those da ys I feel father is a special figure who can strain themselves for the well being of their family. Here in the speaker tells that his father never expressed the sense of affection verbally. But now he feels that his father is a strong man who never compromised his family, although he is tired â€Å"from labor in the weekday†. Although tired he still makes it a point to do stuffs for his family. Hayden has used imagery to reach out to the readers and convey the message of fatherhood as he tries to picture the activities done by the father. That means even in the hard times of winter he wakes up early morning to warm the house for his children. The speaker also mentions that he wakes up only when the house is warm or when his father calls up. Despite of doing all these, the speaker tells that he never shown any affection towards his father. And now when he is grown up he understood the love and affection of his father. In the last lines of the poem the speaker mentions that as a child he was unaware of father’s love through his behavior. – â€Å"what did I know, what did I know of love’s austere and lonely offices†. He now regrets and whished if could thank his father for affection and care. Like the speaker I have also many times ignored my father’s gestures and rather appreciating him for his care and concern sometimes I neglected him. But after reading the poem I feel it gives us a sense of regret for not understanding our parents. And this realization comes to us only when we reach

Business Law Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Business Law Questions - Essay Example The third element of a contract is Contractual capacity. Those entering contracts must be legally competent and have the legal capacity to enter a contract. The fourth element of a contract is legality. The contract has to be legal and not against public policy (211). Thank you for contacting me regarding the unsolicited order and invoice that you received from Hot Air, Inc. I have reviewed the information you presented and can provide you assurance, based on the information given, that you are under no obligation to Hot Air, Inc. for the receipt of the mentioned merchandise. One of the four elements of a valid contract would be ‘agreement’, which would consist of an offer, and an acceptance of that offer. (Clarkson et al. 225) No authorized representative of your company accepted this unsolicited offer, which provides a solid defense. This would fall under the category of an implied-in-fact contract, if you had not returned the merchandise. With an implied-in-fact contract, the conduct of each party, rather than words, would define the terms of the agreement. (215). No words were used, so the remaining question would be is if your actions after receiving the unsolicited goods could constitute a binding contract. (215). This appears not to be the case. In contract law, an offer is â€Å"a promise to or commitment to do or refrain from doing some specified thing in the future.† (Clarkson et al. 225) One of the terms of an offer is â€Å"it must be communicated by the offeror to the offeree, resulting the the offeree’s knowledge of the offer† (225). The ‘reasonable person’ standard is important. Under the reasonable person standard, someone’s words or conduct are taken to mean what a reasonable person in the offeree’s position would think or do. (228). I understand that the blower was held in the mailroom for a couple of weeks and at least one or more people in the receiving department

Geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Geography - Essay Example (2) I think that cloropleth maps can be an accurate representation of reality as long as statistical variables are properly classified. However, with regards to the boundary of Mexico and the United States, I think that it is more of a transition area of cultures. In this case, some weaknesses of cloropleth maps include its inability to depict accurately transition areas especially if qualitative variables are being depicted. (3) Latitudes actually measure a certain angular distance north or south from the equator and their lines run horizontally. Meanwhile, longitude measures east-west positions on the earth, and their lines run vertically. (4) A theocratic government is a kind of government wherein the state is actually governed by divine guidance; in this case, theocratic governments are usually ruled or heavily influenced by the clergy, and wherein religious laws are strictly enforced. Islamic countries that have adopted Islam as the official religion, and are governed by Islamic law (Sharia), are usually considered as theocracies; this includes Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Pakistan.

Human resource strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Human resource strategy - Essay Example Based on the new developments in the business world, HRM strategies are also undergoing drastic changes at present. Earlier, HRM functions were labeled as personnel management. Later, it acquired the form of human resource management. Now instead of HRM, Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is gaining grounds in organizations of the modern world. The core of SHRM is to prepare the employees in accordance with the strategies of the organization. The integration of the employees in to the main streams of organizational activities is a modern day business strategy. Along with the expansion of human resource management or strategic human resource management, lots of ethical problems are also arising. When organizations move into foreign markets, they must adapt to communication, culture and human resource issues. Domestic business and international businesses have more differences than similarities. Moreover, ethical dimensions of HRM would be more significant in cross cultural bus inesses than in domestic businesses because of the huge differences in cultures between countries. â€Å"Education, social standing, religion, personality, belief structure, past experience, affection shown in the home, and a myriad of other factors will affect human behaviour and culture† (Encina, 2007). Most of the current organizations have extremely diverse workforce and hence the interests of these diverse workforce may often been clash each other. Strategic HRM policies should be formulated in such a way that all the employees working in an organization get equal opportunities and fair treatments. â€Å"Ethical conventions should be fully addressed by the HRM profession and ethics be integrated into the strategic HRM process† (Carey, 2011) Business ethics was not much interested in the issues relating to the ethical management of employees till recent times. â€Å"Apart from the development of ethical awareness among managers and the ethical dimension of change management processes, there has been little debate around the ethical basis of much HR policy and practice† (Winstanley & Woodall, 2000, p.1). However, current business Gurus are aware of the necessities of managing employees in an ethical way for the sustainment of their business. This paper briefly analyses the ethical dimensions of strategic HRM in future Ethical dimensions of strategic HRM in future The work culture in different countries are different and hence while employing diverse workforce, an organization may face clashes between the interests of diverse employees. For example, Americans like to work under a stress free environment because of the immense freedom they are enjoying in their country because of democracy. However, Chinese may not enjoy such freedom in the work places of their country because of the tight communist administration. An American working in China may face extreme difficult situations in China because of the contrasting business management ph ilosophies he may face in China. Strategic HRM should give more focus in such areas in order to reduce the stress levels of the diverse employees. â€Å"There is a powerful argument that the wider economic system and ultimately the business organisations within it exist to serve human and societal needs rather than the opposite†

Global Organization Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Global Organization Environment - Essay Example In the current day phenomenon, business organisations tend to render increased values towards developing their worldwide organisational environment for the purpose of attaining a substantial market share, increasing productivity, enhancing its business reputation and accomplishing an apparent as well as sustainable competitive position (Harris, 2012). Correspondingly, the organisations initially would have to identify any sort of prevailing environmental issues and then responding them by implementing effectual strategies in order to achieve the expected business objectives (Guardian News and Media Limited, 2012). This particular context can be well identified with reference to the operations of a particular business organization which acquires a significant competitive position in the global scenario. Therefore, in this discussion, the business type of General Electric Company (GE), its scope, purpose and detailed analysis of its key stakeholders will be taken into concern. Moreover , the key external environmental issues, which impose both general and competitive impacts on the organisation, will also be discussed. Various aspects which include the market position as well as segmentation, extent of internationalisation, key opportunities along with challenges or threats faced by the organisation in its recent operations will also be portrayed in the discussion. Type of Organisation and Its Scope General Electric Company (GE) is a US based multinational organisation that performs its operational functions through different business segments which embrace technology infrastructure, worldwide energy and capital finance (General Electric Company, 2012). It is in this context that the organisation tends to introduce and implement its power generation instruments accompanied with various innovative technologies for the purpose of generating electricity for its worldwide customers. The business infrastructure of the organisation can also be identified as assisting it to build as well as to offer the excessive demand of energy, transportation and health to the worldwide business economy. Moreover, apart from the business infrastructures, the financial businesses support the organisation to deliver broad assortment of remarkable products as well as services which ultimately facilitates the commercial business markets and the consumers to construct a better along with a sustainable future (General Electric Company, 2012). The various major products of the organisation include consumer electronics, appliances, electric motors, energy products, wind turbines and electrical distribution. In addition, the other significant products of GE are also used in different business sectors which include aviation, healthcare, locomotives, lighting, and software industries among others (General Electric Company, 2012). It is worth mentioning in this regard that GE electrifies the entire globe by delivering considerable energy related products as well as services in excess of 120 nations. In this similar context, the organisation can attain huge environmental benefits along with solid profitability returns by a greater extent from its own natural gas, coal, nuclear energy and wind technologies (General Electric Company, 2012). The organisation possesses huge scope while performing its different operational functions. This can be witnessed with reference to the piece of information which deliberates that the organisa

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 206

Assignment Example It can also track the non-performing segments and provide a platform from which the group can decide whether or not to clear with some departments. Using Stern Stewart’s lists of effective management with regards to maximizing on the components of EVA, it is possible to see just how appropriate capital employed serves the business. The Capital Light strategy seeks to make available larger sums of capital all in the name of taking advantage of the way in which potential investors will hold the fort in case of an expected payday. EVA can be put to task with regards to its effectiveness in picking out the non-performing segments or investments. As the instigator of EVA, Stern Stewart and Co., enjoy a significant share in the market and a healthy result for their years of service. The current levels of compensation seem excessive especially when put into perspective regarding profit and loss. The example of Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae shows just how far the rot has spread with the company now operating at a loss in the name of maintaining staff with major skills. It becomes a major burden ensuring that the objectives of the shareholders are satisfied. The compensation levels however, should come into play even before a CEO’s term ends. The payment will make a significant impact on whether or not the company continues in the set pathway. The way in which a CEO drives forward his/her agenda is mainly dependent on the manner of their economic contribution (Fortune, n.d). An imbalanced and overpaid leader will impact negatively on morale and lead to loss of profit levels. It is especially true in the event of an economic downturn. The question of giving raises and bonuses to the employees of the federal and state governments during poor economic performances desires an answer. These governments have the power within them to improve living standards for

Faxed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Faxed - Essay Example Traditional methods of teaching and assessment are increasingly being questioned in the light of self efficacy – a factor that has not been taken into consideration previously in assessing learning outcomes but which is becoming more and more relevant in today’s educational context. According to Fullan (2001), â€Å"leading in a culture of change is about unlocking the mysteries of living organizations.† On this basis old and established systems of education are increasingly being found in need of reform. Structural reforms have been mooted in the educational system, in order to bring about changes in teaching and learning practices (Cohen, 1995). The E 2020 computer program has been designed for the use of special education students in high school. It consists of computerized lessons and tests and each student works individually on these programs. The use of technology as an aid to learning, especially for high school, career oriented students has been shown to result in positive payoffs in terms of enhancing student achievement at several high schools.(Readers Digest 2002). The use of computers enables students to take responsibility for their own learning and thereby enhances their self efficacy, producing better results in terms of achievement. These aspects must be taken into consideration by teachers in order to enhance self efficacy of students and maximize the potentially beneficial effects of using the E 2020 computer program to enhance student achievement. The first aspect identifies the importance of addressing the concerns of the minorities within a majority setting in order to ensure that they are able to develop self efficacy. This would require that differences need to be accounted for and addressed. As an example, the theories of Michael Gurian have highlighted the fact that boys are not faring well under the current educational systems and

Transport Authority Police Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Transport Authority Police - Research Paper Example In fact, without efficient leadership policies, plans, and practices, any changes in the management and the organization of the agency would not translate into improved service delivery (Burman & Evans, 2008). One of the major challenges faced by the Maryland Transport Authority Police for which a reformed leadership plan is recommended is the demographic differences between the agency and the department. A leadership plan that would incorporate strategies that address these demographic differences thus comes highly welcome for the benefit of the Maryland Transport Authority Police’s customers. The proposed leadership plan for the agency should support a culture that would contribute to the tackling of the major challenges the agency faces in its daily operations. In respect of the challenges it faces, this paper outlines a leadership plan for the Maryland Transport Authority Police with regards to its cultures, management, assessment, change, and crime statistics analysis. This leadership plan would also be quite influential in the manner the agency will investigate and interpret state, county, and city laws and codes violation within the confines and the jurisdiction of the Maryl and Transport Authority Police, including their stations, property, and vehicles. With this new millennium, increased globalization, and ease of transportation, the agency has encountered new types of challenges, which require that new and foolproof leadership plans and strategies are put in place (Burman & Evans, 2008). For instance, the current ease of movement has allowed more people to access ports and other modes of transports, implying the agency has to employ more officers (Burman & Evans, 2008). Hence, the leadership of the agency must ensure that the increased number of customers are well served and are satisfied. Protection must thus be provided to all the agency’s clientele who use the light

Essay on school uniforms Essay Example for Free

Essay on school uniforms Essay Imagine being able to wake up every morning, roll out of bed, put on the same thing you wore the day before, and head off to school. Not only would you be able to do such a thing, but all of your friends were doing it, too! Sound too good to be true? Well, its becoming more common in our society as school uniforms have gone beyond private schools to public schools. Uniforms have a positive effect on students self-esteem, attendance, discipline, and test scores. They have also been proven to decrease the rate of crime and violence in public schools. Most students and even parents will argue that SCHOOL UNIFORMS stifle individualism. The teenage years are a time when adolescents try out different personas, often experimenting with different styles of clothing during this phase. Opponents argue that uniforms take away an individuals freedom of expression. However, the clothes that people wear, or can afford to wear, often define the group by which they are accepted. As a result, many teens are outcast due to the fact that they cannot afford the top-of-the-line, name-brand clothing. This rejection can lead to several problems for the outcast teen: depression, inability to concentrate on schoolwork, or just a general feeling of inferiority. School uniforms put everyone on the same level because no outfit is more stylish or expensive than another. Linda Moore, principal at Will Rogers Middle School in Long Beach, California, states, Uniforms reduce the differences between the haves and have-nots (Ritter, 1). Uniforms allow students to interact with one another without experiencing the socioeconomic barrier that non-uniform schools create. More importantly, children are not judged on how much they spent on clothes or how stylish they look, but rather for their talents and personalities. School uniforms not only break down socioeconomic barriers, but they also increase the safety of the students. In 1996, President Bill Clinton encouraged the use of school uniforms as part of an education program that sought to improve safety and discipline (Hoffman, 1). If students are all wearing the same type of outfit, it becomes much easier to spot outsiders  who may wander onto the campus. In addition, uniforms decrease the number of incidences of students being attacked or beaten for items of clothing such as shoes and jackets. Also, members of gangs frequently have a color or style of clothing used to identify themselves. Unsuspecting students who wear gang colors or gang-related attire might be threatened or intimidated by members of opposing gangs, students wearing expensive or fashionable clothes might become victims of theft, or certain fashion accessories or attire may be used as a means of concealing weapons, or even as weapons (Paliokas, 1). At a school in Long Beach, California, after only the first year that uniforms were implemented, overall school crime decreased 36 percent, fights decreased 51 percent, sex offenses decreased 74 percent, weapons offenses decreased 50 percent, assault and battery offenses decreased 34 percent, and vandalism decreased 18 percent (Manual, 3). Schools with uniform-clad students are also proven to have fewer disciplinary problems and increased attendance than non-uniform schools. Dr. John German, principal of South Shore, located in Seattle, Washington, reports, This year the demeanor in the school has improved 98 percent, truancy and tardies are down, and we have not had one reported incident of theft (Manual,4). Ruffner Middle School, located in Norfolk, Virginia, reports a 47 percent decrease in students leaving class without permission (Manual,5). With the implementation of uniforms, students no longer spend hours deciding what they are going to wear to school. This fear of looking uncool will often cause kids to decide that they do not feel well enough to go to school because they cant find anything to wear. Uniforms allow students to focus more on their academics, and less on what everyone else is wearing. According to Long Beach police chief William Ellis, Students concentrate more on education, not on whos wearing $100 shoes or gang attire (Manual, 3). Elementary Guidance Counselor Sharon Carter of Memphis, Tennessee states, The tone of the school is different. Theres not the competitiveness†¦about whos wearing what (Manual, 5). Many families worry about not having enough money to buy uniforms. Due to the fact that no child can be denied an education because of economic  disadvantage, all schools requiring uniforms must include provisions to assist low-income families. For example, the Long Beach School District solved this problem by setting up a boutique shop, funded by private donors, where needy students can shop (Paliokas, 5). In addition, community and business leaders provide or contribute financial support for uniforms, and students who have graduated often donate their used uniforms to incoming students (Manual, 3). However, uniforms are considerably cheaper to buy than non-uniform clothes, and the students can wear them every day and it isnt considered unusual. Parents can buy a few pairs of pants, shirts, or other variations of a uniform for under $100, while parents of non-uniform-wearing students can spend from several hundred up to $1,000 a year on clothing. Parents find that buying two or three uniforms is ultimately cheaper than buying clothes to follow the fads, and it stops arguments at home in the mornings about what to wear (Oland, 1). Pop culture increasingly sends young girls the message that the smaller and tighter the clothes, the more readily they will be accepted. These outfits, which flaunt navels and bra straps, are not only distracting, but detract from teaching time as teachers argue with students about what is considered acceptable attire. With uniforms, there are only a few acceptable variations of the outfit, no questions asked. A less well-known theory concerning the pros of school uniforms is the halo effect. According to researcher Marc Posner, the halo effect refers to the idea that while uniforms may not change student behavior, the uniforms may change the way teachers and other adults perceive the students who wear them. In a study of the correlation of student clothing and teacher and student perceptions, Dorothy Behling of Bowling Green University found that students and teachers alike believe that uniform-clad students not only behave better, but also do better academically than those who dont wear uniforms. While this may be an illusion, these positive perceptions can help create a self-fulfilling prophecy that teachers and administrators raise their discipline and grading standards to reflect their more positive image of students, who, in turn, behave better. (School Discipline, 1). While research on the effectiveness of uniforms is still ongoing, they have been proven to raise test scores, boost self-esteem, reduce violence and crime, and create a sense of newfound pride in students. They help children to focus on learning and schoolwork, not on what everyone else is wearing or whether or not they fit in. Uniforms are not the solution to all of the problems that teens, teachers, and schools face today, but research and statistics suggest that they may be a step in the right direction.

An Analysis of Change management models

An Analysis of Change management models In this report, we have focused on change management within an organization or a project. Change management is becoming so important that nowadays more and more companies use this method to improve the performance. Lots of change management models are used; they have made profit to the companies. However, not all the models are suitable to all the projects or all the kinds of companies; they have disadvantages as well as advantages when using them. In this report, we will discuss three models as examples: Kotters Eight Step Change Model, Lewins Change Management Model and McKinsey 7-S Model. Introduction Change management is a methodical approach to handling with change, not only from the angle of an organization but on the individual level. A rather vague term, change management has more than three different dimensions, adapting to change, controlling change, and effecting change included. A proactive approach to handling with change is at the central part of all three aspects. For an organization, change management means making the definition and implementation of procedures and/or technologies to handle with changes in the business environment and to profit from changing opportunities. Triumphant adaptation to change is as vital within an organization as it is in the natural world. Just similar to plants and animals, organizations and the individuals in them unavoidably run into changing conditions that they are incapable to control. The more effectively you handle with change, the more probable you are to flourish. Building structured methods for addressing changes in the business environment or building coping mechanisms for addressing changes in the workplace might be involved in adaptation. As a result, lots of change management models are built to help make the change management more effective. There are several of change management models. We will discuss three and decide which the best fit an organization needing many changes is. We will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of these three change management models. Once we discuss them further, we will see differences to each of these models. There are also a lot of similarities among these models. It is vital that we have a systematic indulgent of each of the three change management models presented. Problem Area Scope It usually doesnt matter how well designed a project is at the beginning, change is an unavoidable part of the project implementation process. Most of us have a tendency to think of change in terms of problems or negative consequences. Though its true that change could be bad or could be good. There are quite a few of aspects that are looked at when the changes are made and a correct path should be adopted in order to achieve the required target. Our scope of this report focuses on the following: How to describe change management system What are the principles of change management and the guidelines which needs to be looked at when changes are required Elements of change management systems Most effective models of change management Although there are several models present in the market today but only that model which suits the profile of the project should be adopted or whose implementation is not vague to the rest of the project team. In this study report we have primarily focused on following three models of change management: Kotter Model McKinsey 7-S Model Lewins Change Management Model Additional more our report highlights: Characteristics of Each Model Methodology of their usage. The major constraints that could come across are scheduled below: Uncertainty between people implementing change management models Communication gap between top management and lower level. Time Uncertainty of the roles and responsibilities Methodology Our study was employed  on the study of Change Management, principles different models of change management models were obtained by performing the following set of activities: Topic Selection and Planning of Study We had a brainstorming meeting where our team members got agreed to work on Conflict handling in Project Management and with the help of the study objectives and necessities which were mentioned by our course teacher (Erika Bellander), then the study was broken down into the following tasks: introduction, problems, scope area, theories models related to different conflict situations in projects, conflict resolution strategies, methods used in the study,   reliability, validity, results, discussions and recommendations. These were followed by the formation of a responsibility matrix and time scheduling. The status or progress of each task were reported and usually uploaded on bilda at least a day before our weekly meetings on every Tuesdays. Online Discussions The IMPACTS group members who were working together on some deliverables had online discussions and difficulties encountered during the tasks executing were also frequently discuss on line. We also helped each other by providing hints/inputs to each other by emails and we found that this is more effective way of communication. Resources Due to the time constraints, the IMPACT group could not obtain any primary data for the study from the companies/ Industries because of that our study was based on secondary sources which contains lectures notes, books and the internet were combine with working experience of our team members. Results Now a days every manager or leaders in education are required to lead and manage changes. It is significant as nevertheless the survey has found that change is taking place at a growing tempo, the verification suggests that most change initiatives doesnt not make the grade e.g. current research recommended that less than 65% of re-organizations met their stated aims which are usually bottom line enhancement. The impact of failures to bring in effective change could also be lofty e.g. loss of market position, elimination of senior management, loss of stakeholder trustworthiness, loss of key employees. To avoid such failures there is need of acquaintance with the change management principle and models and its consequences. In this section we will describe the basic change management principles and some models for the change management. Definition of Change Management Change management is a course of action in which whole system is modified according to any pre-defined framework or modelled by following it. Principle of Change Management There are some principles followed to make change management. By following these principles as a systematic, framework, team leaders can learn that how to manage their own personal change and how to appoint the whole organization in the process. Although there are many Principles of change management but few of the Principles are following: Adopting a principled method that shows reliability and engenders openness and belief will see your change program throughout the hard times. Here are five key principles of successful change managementà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¡ Sponsorship The change program gets the visible support of key decision-makers within the organization as well as resources are ready to the program. Planning Planning is undertaken systematically before program execution and committed to writing. Plans are enumerated in accordance with predominant stakeholders and resources, goals, risks and other relevant participants. Measurement Program objectives are written in assessable terms and program progress is controlled and intercommunicated to major stakeholders. Engagement Stakeholders are involved in an authentic bilateral communication on the basis of openness, reciprocal trust and esteem. Support structures Program executors and change recipients are provided with the resources and supporting systems required during the process of the implementation and the aftermath. Change Management Guidelines In our study of this change management model principle we have found the following important guidelines for the change management: Address the individual side systematically: At all times engage and agree support from individual within system as every change creates individuals personal issues. When new leaders are asked to change then work will be changed and employees usually create confrontation which will lead to risk of speed of work, spirits and results. There is a common approach of change management that start with the top management team and then engage the stakeholders and this concept should start in early stage of change itself. Start at the top: When changes in organization system occurs then everyone looks at the top management as the decisions comes from them who that how this should be along with its protocols. Top management should work together by planning and commitment and they must communicate with each other. Involve every layer: When the course of action of change starts then we makes the strategy then designs its way and in implementation phase starts which affect all levels of the organization. Leadership at every level is must required with expertise in knowledge. Communicate the message: One must keep in mind that there should not be any communication gap during the change management. There is a big mistake which is normally seen that some managers believe that all members in the team understand the problems. There is usually need of regular and timely messages which should be inspirational and applicable. Communication must be from bottom to up and from up to down also so that employees may get information at right time. There is also need of right message to right person to avoid bad consequences. Prepare for unexpected: Whenever change is made according to plan then one usually has many problems faced during change management process. There are some unforeseen ways of reaction shown by some people. The reason of reaction could be anything. There should be persistent reassessment of the impact of change is needed and we should have the ability to adopt any sudden change into the organization. Change Management Models The change management should include the organizational change management procedures along with the individuals development according to the change in order to avoid the conflicts and to have healthy environment in the organization. There are many approaches/models for the change management but following three models are described here: McKinsey 7-S Model Lewins Change Management Model John P. Kotters Eight Steps of Change Management 4.5.1 McKinsey 7-S Model McKinsey 7-S Model is developed by McKinsey and Company in 1981. The 7-S model is used to analyze the organization and their effectiveness. This model illustrate that an organization is consist of seven elements. This model is widely being used by many practitioners and academics to analyse different organizations. The seven models are distinguished in the hard Ss and the soft Ss. Strategy, structure and system are considers as the Hard Ss and Style, Staff, Skills and shared values are the Soft Ss. McKinsey 7-S model helps the organization to control and formulate the change management for all these seven models. Checklist can be developed for each model to analyze if any change is required and then necessary steps can be taken to achieve the desired changes. The figure above shows the integration of each model in a way that all Models have interaction with each others and it also shows that Shared Values have common interaction with remaining 6-S models. The description and use of each model is explained bellow and categorised as the Hard Ss and the Soft Ss. The Hard Ss: STRATEGY Strategy is the set of plans for the action required to restructure the organization for the changes in its external environment. Organizations goals and decision and action of achieving the desired changes are the major factor for the strategy development. STRUCTURE When planning any changes, the organization needs to be organized in a way that that the structure of organization will remain controlled. If the organizational structure is affected due to changes request without controlling the factors like responsibilities, the system can be fully disturbed and it can cause serious problems SYSTEMS In any organization, people are working systematically for performing their tasks and responsibilities. While making changes it is important to take care of the system that the normal routines of staff shall not be affected in a way that they will not be able to perform their jobs. The Soft Ss: SHARED VALUES Every organization has their personal goals and objectives which gives the reason to all staff and management to move forward to perform their daily tasks. These goals and object have the same values for each and every body in the organization. While making the changes in the organization, the shared values should not be changed otherwise it will take the organization into failure of its goal. STYLE Organization develops and maintains their culture and style of management. Organizations style also means that the way managers interact with their employee and the way they spend their time. Changing the organizations culture and style is difficult task as it involves the people personal behaviour STAFF Organizations success always depends on their staff and teams working on the assigned tasks to achieve their goals. The organizations now a days are paying more attention into their human resources to have the right and active competences. The need and importance of Human resource management became essential for most of organizations now a day. Changing in staff can really result into a big success or big failure depending on right decisions by HR management. SKILLS Staff without the right skills to perform any tasks can create several problems for the operations and May results into big disasters. Technology is improving our working environment and new skills needed to be developed into existing staff to fulfil their gaps. Skill development through trainings can help the staff to have the right skills to perform their tasks. 4.5.2 Lewins Change Management Model Change is a common thread that occurs in all businesses regardless of size, organization and age; even in our individual lives. There is a common saying that change is the only permanent thing in life. The whole world is changing fast; hence organizations must change quickly as well. The leading organizations are those that manage change well. As for those that do not, they have continued to struggle to survive. Developed in 1950s, Kurt Lewins Change Management Model is one of the most popular cornerstone models for understanding organizational change. His model is popularly known as Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze which refers to the three-stages of change he described. Lewin explained organizational change applying the analogy-changing the shape of an ice block. First stage: Unfreezing This is possibly one of the most critical stages to realize in the area of change we find ourselves today. The stage is about making preparations for the change that is about to happen. In this stage, we must understand that change is necessary and we must be prepared to move away from our present comfort zone. The more we perceive the need for a change, the more urgent it becomes and the more our motivation to make the change. You can compare this with having a job to be delivered within a deadline. The closer the deadline, the more likely you are to hurriedly get the job started. The deadline for a job is usually tied around some kind of rewards or punishment. Without a deadline, the urge to change is lower compared to the need to change. The motivation to make the change, and get on with it also becomes lower. It is important to weigh the pros and cons and then be sure that the pros outnumbers the cons before you take off. This leads us to what Lewin termed the Force field Analysis. Force Field Analysis shows us that there are different factors (forces) that we need to observe when making change. Some are for while some are against. If, the factors for change is more than the factors beside change we will make change. Otherwise, there is low motivation and if we force a change were likely to be heading for a danger. The first stage of unfreezing is moving our selves, or a department, or an entire organization towards motivation for change and one good way of doing this is by using The Kurt Lewin Force Field Analysis. Second Stage: Change or Transition The second stage called change or transition takes place as we formulate the changes that are required. According to Kurt Lewin, change is as a process and not an event. The process is what he called transition. He then described transition as the inner movement we make in response to a change. This stage is often the hardest because people are uncertain and fearful. The period is more difficult as people are learning about the change which requires some understanding to work with. Therefore it is very important to give them all the necessary support in the form of coaching and training and to have it in mind that mistakes are part of the change process. It is more helpful using role models and giving people room to develop their own solution towards making the change. It is also essential to let people have an understandable image of the required change and the usual benefits. By so doing, they stay focused, and this can only be achieved through effective communication. Third Stage: Freezing or Refreezing This stage focused on establishing stability after the changes are made. The changes become the new way of doing things. Although it takes time for people to get used to the new norms as they have to form new relationships, but as time goes on they become adapted and comfortable with their routines. However there has been a lot of criticism and people argue that practically there is never time for the so called freezing stage. The world is so dynamic now and it might just take a couple of weeks for another change to happen. Hence, there is no time to settle into comfortable routines. The freezing sounds too rigid and does not fit with the modern idea of change which is a continuous and sometimes a disorderly process in which greater flexibility is demanded. For this reason, it is recommended that we think of this final stage as being more flexible, instead of a rigid frozen block. Consequently, unfreezing for the next change becomes easier. 4.5.3 John P. Kotters Eight Steps of Change Management In today environment change becomes natural part of doing business, whether be change in consumers behaviour, competitive landscape, supply chains, financial market, labour market. Not many organizations can adapt to changes coming to them effectively and in many instances can bankrupt the company. One of the leading management guru is John P. Kotter who introduced concept of eight steps to organization change management to help company adapt and prepare to various changes that affecting organization. Kotter has written several bestseller books. The most recognize one is Leading Change, which discusses practical 8-step process for the organization to follow when facing changes. The process describes useful insight on how to manage change for business organization of which key principles taking into people participation and roles in identification and implementing strategies. Kotters eight steps are being discussed briefly as follows: Establish a Sense of Urgency It is vey crucial for an organization to be ready and responsive to changes that happen in the market. The best way is for management to create sense of urgency for change and engagement staff at all level to be aware and adaptive for changes that company may encounter. The management should evaluate the market landscape and analyze impact or potential threat and opportunity to the company. This should also be shared among key staff to form a strategic plan. Form a Powerful Guiding Coalition In order to implement change effectively, key staff should come together to form a working group or steering committee to lead the effort. Create a Vision Establish sensible vision for change. The vision should reflect value and reason that change need to happen. It must be accompanied by workable strategies not a wishful one. Communicate the Vision Once the vision is established, management need to communicate it effectively as it is a guiding principle for change. Tools of communication and target group must be carefully crafted to ensure most effective effort and utilization of resources. Empower Others to Act on the Vision In order to create change, management must eliminate obstacles or system/process that gets in a way of implementing the vision and strategies. Management should encourage staff to take calculated risk and breakout of existing comfort zone to embracing new vision and strategies. Plan for and Create Short-Term Wins In reality, for an organization to achieve its vision may take long period of time and faces many obstacles and setbacks. Management should set a series of achievable short term goal that link to strategy and vision so staff can have a reachable goal to achieve and feel accomplish. It is also the opportunity to identify improvement in process to better achieve the vision as goal being reviewed periodically. Consolidate Improvements and Produce Still More Change Continue improvement in work process and system is important key to ensure that organization moving forward toward achieving the vision. This also includes the improvement in human resources practices from hiring, promotion and personal development. Institutionalize New Approaches To create lasting change, the new way of thinking should be part of organizational culture, process, structure and human resources development. The above provide general information on Kotters 8 steps process of which offers good framework for an organization in approaching change. According to him only 15% of businesses will successfully implement and adapt to change that coming to them. One of the reasons may be that most management fails to take the complexity of human the connection. Some of executives would probably outline the right business strategy but unable to implement it effectively due to internal resistance to change within its organization as well as poorly communicate to the staff of the changes and the way to go forward in managing it and cause misunderstanding or fear among employee. To summarize, Kotters concept is very useful and actionable, nevertheless, the company chose also be mindful of its staff culture and personality and revise plan to communicate effectively. Analysis Analyzing the three models described above McKinsey 7-S Model, Lewins Change Management model and John P. Kotters Eight Steps pf Change Management can be observed that each model have their own particularities and focus in the Change Management Subject. In the case of the first model, McKinsey 7-S Model M, is more focused in the areas that should be considered during an organisational change and created in the beginning of the 80s. This model has been classified by INMPACT group in two parts as Organisational Core Aspects as Strategy, Structure and systems which can be classified as the spine; and in the Human Resources aspects where are considered values, management style, leadership, interaction, skills and competences. Lewins Change Management model is a general model created in the 50s and talks about three different stages during a change management. The three stages mentioned are unfreezing, change and freezing. From our point of view this model gives a global view in the topic, but is missing certain important aspects that are crucial during the planning, implementation of a change inside any kind of organisation. Nowadays companies live in an environment where if the company stays at the freeze stage exists a higher possibility of failure due to the environment and other players are in continuous change that is the reason why companies have a high degree of flexibility in their human resources, strategy, systems and structure. Kotters eight steps Change Model focus on the urgency sense and on a high degree of responsiveness, leadership (powerful guiding coalition) and human resources, vision and structure, communication, empowerment, short term win through challenging but also reachable goals, continuous improvement in systems, processes and practices, people planning and development. The eight steps models from our point of view are focused on the continuous environmental changes, consumers behaviour, supply chains, financial markets, etc. From our point of view the Mckinsey model and the Eight Step model can be integrated in one model in order to have a better view on the Change Management, it both models can complement each other in both main aspects mentioned by McKinsey model organisational core areas and Human resources and at the same time the eight steps can be classified in both areas. Discussion As mentioned before can be developed one model 8Steps-Mckinsey in where the different aspect mentioned by both models can be identified in one. 8 STEPS- MckinseyLeadership Responsiveness Continuous Improvement Empowerment People Planning Vision Short Term Goals As can be perceived in the model leadership, responsiveness and continuous improvement should be present in all parts of the model, while in the organisational core part should be integrated the vision and short term goals which help to establish new perspectives to the strategy, structure and vision. At the same time the Human Resources should have the ability to be empowered, and at the same time HR Management should define which competences want to be developed, skills and capacity. Conclusion Nowadays Organizational change is required and it is increasing, but the change happens not very successfully. The high levels of breakdown signify that proper management of these changes is still missing. It shows that there is a lot to learn about the how to deal with change more efficiently. We have found that there is no solitary model of change management is there which is applicable to everywhere and there cannot be single solution for it. However we do have some models from our studies which are better and one can apply these as per their applicability. It has been seen that the management professionals are not always having the appropriate skills to lead change management and are not keenly included within the change procedure. However, many of such concerns that are identified concern of the people aspects of change. In such cases human resource management department should take the steps for it and manage it, to have healthy consequences of the change. To achieve this there is a need of proper skills is needed in the management side as well as the human resources as well. The change management response should be adaptive. The key elements of the successful change management are plan for long term in broad manner, establish proper communication methods to enable fast review and good decision from the managers, empower people to have decision at local operational level, avoid unnecessary changes and time consuming procedures, encourage people to adapt the changes by proper training and telling its benefits and respect peoples feelings and optimize the IT systems to facilitate for valuable information management. Recommendations Our team recommends a deeper study of change management models for all our stakeholders, our readers as currently there are so many change management models being used by different organizations and their selection criteria depends totally on their own needs and objectives. In theory we have some models which says that one can have be flexible for his way of change management and one should allows the flexibility to respond the change but such models are not very practical when it comes to the consequences of changes. e.g. capability to share knowledge and to work efficiently, it may have impact on effectiveness of communication or individual commitment, which itself has implications for change effectiveness. The individual development and training plays the important role in change management process. The human resource involvement in the individual development plays significant role. Following are some important responsibilities of human resource team towards the employees, which has significance during the change management process: Participation at the early phase in the project group. Get used to negotiating and connecting across various individuals. Understanding individuals concerns to look forward to problems. Develop good medium of message to reach a variety of groups. Serving people deal with change, performance management and motivation. Advising project managers in skills available within the organization examining skills gaps, training requirements and new working observations etc. Harmonizing out the contracted/temporary goals with broader tactical needs. Evaluating the impact of change in one department and its influence on another part of the organization.

The Importance Of Water In Islam Theology Religion Essay

The Importance Of Water In Islam Theology Religion Essay In Malaysia, after Pakatan Rakyat party successfully conquering Selangor state from Barisan Nasional party since 2008, they have launched a lot of initiative welfares for Selangor residents. On 13 March 2008, Selangor State Government has announced the implementation of Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda to improve living standard of Selangor residents. There are 14 agendas included in MES and one of them is free water provision for the first 20 cubic meters water domestic consumers who using individual meters in Selangor starting from June 2008. Selangor State Government offers first 20 cubic meters water which equivalent to 20,000 liters or 5.680 gallons per month for free. This benefit is for all Selangor people regardless of their economy status, race or political affiliation. Other than that, the main objective of this welfare is to reduce the burden life especially for low-income groups as a result cost of living and the inflation rates are continue to increase. At the same time, it is of the holistic and integrated components to restructuring water management in order to provide more efficient and effective service. Through this program, Selangor State Government bear the average cost of rebate RM 11.00 per month for each user. Then, the record payment by the Selangor State Government is stated in bill received by each user from SYABAS (Selangor Water Supply Company). Besides that, 20 cubic meters of free water supply is only eligible for domestic consumers who use individual meters. For domestic users who use bulk meters in condominiums and apartments, they need to change to individual meters to enjoy this free water. Change of bulk meters to individual meters is subject to the conditions set by SYABAS. As the result, currently more than one million people who use individual meters enjoy it especially low cost apartment dwellers. Until July 2012, over RM 6 million was spent on free water to residents of low-cost apartments through Safwa Scheme (Free Water Rebate Scheme). According to Housing and Property Selangor Board (LPHS) report, 92% or 58, 049 units already received. While the remaining 8% or 6, 666 units failed to implement the rebate claim due to labor shortages in Joint Management Body (JMB). This positive action shows the governments responsibility toward public welfare. In Islam, this is a good example because the leader should take care of their people. However, some consider this program involves high costs and will affect the allocation of funds provided by the Government of Malaysia to Selangor state. In Islam, the leader should manage the public properties to avoid waste for not so important activities. Therefore, a comprehensive study and analysis are needed to ensure that the program is consistent with Islamic law. 2. WATER ACCESIBILITY ANALYSIS 2.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN ISLAM Historically, all ancient civilizations in the world began in area that has water resources such as river or seashore. For instance, Mesopotamia civilization began at Euphrates and Tigris River, China civilization began at Huang He River and India civilization began at Indus River. This fact shows that they are really rely on water in their daily life. Water from the river is used to irrigate agricultural areas, cooking, bathing and others. Based on Al-Mujam Al-Mufahras book, water or al-ma in Arabic was mentioned 63 times in the Al-Quran. According to Naser I. Faruqui, water is very importance in Islam. It is a blessing from Allah that gives and sustains life, and purifies humankind and the earth. It is based on Allah words in verse 65 of Surah Al-Nahl: And Allah sends down water from above, and therewith gives life to the earth after its death. Surely there is a sign in this for a people who listen. Besides that, Allah said all beings is made from water. According to the research, the earth is covered with 3/4 water and the human body contained of 3/4 water. In verse 30 of Surah Al-Anbiya: Do not those who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were closed up, so We rent them. And We made from water everything living. Will they not then believe?. Due to water is very important resource for every people regardless rich or poor, Islam declared that everyone has the right to a fair share of water consumption. This claim is emphasized by the hadith reported by Abu Dawud that Rasulullah said Muslims have common share in three things: grass (pasture), water and fire (fuel). In addition, the Prophet forbids Muslims hoarding the excess water and he is obliged to allow others to use it. The Prophet stated: Among the three people Allah will ignore on the Day of Resurrection are a man who possessed superfluous water on a way and he withheld it from the travellers. This hadith was narrated by Al-Bukhari. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8g4Uk3P9ItU0f-ejiXhXQbYkshXwyH6OQ1Ic463fu1Fuk030Chttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsOS628HbJuBc5CBTS7_dg-mbQo9POI1BgyGI90Ns8hB9hHBFF Tigris-Euphrates River in Egypt and Huang He River in China use for irrigation 2.2 TYPES OF WATER IN ISLAM In Islam, water is essential for the Muslims to purify themselves such as perform ablution (wudhu) before the prayer and perform obligatory bath (ghusl) after having sexual intercourse. One of the conditions, these actions is necessary to use pure water to make it valid. Thus, the absence of clean water will make it difficult for Muslims to manage their daily life and to worship to Allah SWT. In reality, there are different types of water in this world and not all water is suitable for human. Basically, the water covers around 70% of the earth and it is very exposed to other elements that can change its original condition. Thus, this requires human wisdom to determine whether the water can be used or not. In Fiqh Taharah or Islamic Hygienically Jurisprudence, Islam has divided water into three main parts which pure water and can purify other things (tahur), pure water but cant purify other things (tahir), and water containing dirt which not pure and cant purify other things (mutanajj is). First major category is pure water and can purify other things (tahur). This water can be divided deeper into mutlaq water and musyammas water. For mutlaq water, it remains with the original nature of its occurrence have been made by Allah. It is water that has not been mixed with dirt, water reservoir that is more than two tanks no longer used and not mixed with other substances. In addition, the water is still mutlaq water even thought it has changed due to abandoned for long period in soil, moss and stagnant areas. In addition, if the water continuously flowing but contain sulfur it still categorized as mutlaq water. This is due to water is in liquid condition and difficult to differentiate it. For two tanks measurement, the length and the width is 60 centimeter or 22.5 inches respectively with depth 62.5centimeter or 25 inches. If the two tanks measurement is converted into the weight measurement, it equals to 174 liters or 190 kilogram or 11 kerosene cans. Besides that, there are eight types of water including in the mutlaq water which are river water, well water, rain water, dew water, sea water, snow water, spring water and tap water. The Prophet Muhammad also ordered to use mutlaq water to clean the dirt. This evidence is based on Abu Hurairah narration: a Bedouin stood up and peed in the mosque, so his friends prevent it. Upon this Rasulullah said, leave him and pour a container of water over the urine. Indeed, you are asked to facilitate not troublesome. Then, according to Sheikh Abu Abdullah Husayn Nasir bin Muhammad Taib in his As-Subyan Hidayatul book :Not valid the purification unless water come from common qaid such as sugar cane, sugar, soap and such, and water from the sky such as rain and dew or water coming out of the earth such as sea water, river water and well water. On the other hand, musyammas water is quite different compare to mutlaq water. In Al-Badrain Matla book written by Sheikh Abdul Al-Fatani Faqir Muhammad Bin Ismail Daud Al-Fatani stated: Musyammas water is also pure water and can purify other things but abominable (makruh) to use it on the body. It afraid contributes to hairpiece disease when people used it. The position is permanent in a container and heated by sunlight in hot climate states. This matter very seriously considered by Rasulullah as in a story narrated by Baihaqi: From Saiditina Aishah indeed she is heating the water under sunlight, and Rasuluhlah SAW had said to her: do not do that O Aishah because the water can cause hairpiece disease. Literally, makruh means dislike, blamed and displeasing. It refers to leave anything not demanded by Allah but not prohibited to do it. Acts which are makruh are definitely discouraged but the evidence to prove they are forbidden is less strong. Thus, the commission of makruh acts is n ot blamed but its omission is preferable. Second major category is pure water but cant purify other things (tahir). This water can be divided more into mustamal water and muqayyad water. For mustamal water, the water is able to drink but not applicable for cleansing. According to Ibn Akhil in his book entitled Al-Mutaalim Zadul: Mustamal water is less than two tank that has been used for impurities such as has been used in ablution and bath or water that has been used in remove the dirt. After that, it is not valid to purify other things. Besides that, water from trees, fruits and roots also considered as mustamal water. Then, all water can change by two ways which are changing by taqdiri and changing by hissi. Changing by taqdiri means the water only change on taqdir (stipulation) and the changes cant be seen. So, mustamal water is under changing by taqdiri However, changing by hissi means the changes that can be seen. Mutlaq water is under changing by hissi. In addition, Syeikh Faqih Dr. Wahbah Al-Zuhaili argued that the a mount of water also affect water quality. For example is mustamal water become mutlaq water if the quantity more than 2 tank or 270 liter. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby50oy8aqUXN7OkJIP7N81hQwwkcZX84BD1sy2Edx-5VgzH28qLDm2y62ZrR4bkO7e0w3sNA9UPfyTwQPVYqo9tuLcRb1Z_qmSiY8yxMcCMKcXWiscfzINSY9ElchytjKDlT_TaBvBnY/s1600/embun.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnUqsIEWWw4/UEkvF_5_9PI/AAAAAAAABkU/_9k9GRFtIFw/s1600/Sungai+Kehidupan.jpg https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp6R350v_40CUKjp_MOziR3S3cN6vHZoxgOui5IczwmfFWy91mOKKSbhpDy-tOiJV-pyD5-PzQu36jmVRY1Lwc0wBWStq3cGyk9HtNmdYkIcGSIazeOwk_tvY_x8EsSJDVakncv2r6ls/s1600/Salji+memutih.jpg Dew water, river water and snow water are some sources that can be used for mutlaq water Next, water is mixed by two ways. First way is through mujawir. This means the water changes because there is something that can be separated from the water. For example, a person put a stick in a pail to stir the water in the pail. Then, the stick can be pulled out from the pail. Then the water is still regarded as pure water. Second way is through mukhalit. This means the water changes because there is something that unable separated from the water. For instance, a person put the fruit flavor in a pail of water. It is impossible to separate fruit flavor and water to their original condition. Then the water no longer exists as pure water as has changes to mustamal water. In contrast, muqayyad water is water that is mixed with something pure that changing one of the characteristics. For instance are coffee water, sugarcane juice and soap. In Islamic view, parameters for water quality are based on the chemical and physical characteristics of smell, taste, color and temperature. Then, qayyad on water is divided into qayyad lazim and qayyad musfaq. For qayyad lazim, it means substances attached together until it absolutely different from pure water such as coffee and honey. Although pure, it still cant be used for purification because already mixed with variations of water. However, for qayyad musfaq, it means substances detached among each other and not affect pure water such as rain water and well water. Thus, the water is still cited as pure water. Third major category is water containing dirt which not pure and cant purify other things (mutanajjis). There are three main conditions regarding to mutanajjis water which unable for purification. First condition is water containing less than two tanks even though the water does not change color, smell and taste. Second condition is water containing more than two tanks but has changes color, odor and taste due to the dirt. Third condition is water is mixing with clean substances but has the color, smell and taste. In terms of language, dirt is defined as dirty things such as blood, urine and feces. In terms of syara, dirt is defined as all the impurities that prevent validity for pray. There are three types of dirt according to their hierarchy and all the dirt must be purified using mutlaq or pure water. The lightest dirt is mukhaffafah. It is the urine of baby boy who only eat breast milk and less than two years old. The cleansing methods are by wash and wipe the urine before sprinkle the pure water on the place. The moderate dirt is mutawasittah. It is including blood, pus, vomit, saliva, alcohol and others. The cleansing methods are washing until lost any nature color, smell and taste before cleanse by pure water. The heaviest dirt is mughallazah. It is the dirt relate to dog and pig. The cleansing methods are by wash once by soil water. Then, continue washing by using pure water for six times until loss any nature color, smell and taste. If still not gone, repeat the washing method. 2.3 THE WATER MANAGEMENT IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES In December 1998, the Workshop on Water Resources Management in the Islamic World was held in Amman, Jordan. One of the discussions is implementation approaches for water demand management (WDM) within the context of Islam. The approaches are water conservation and wastewater reuse. In water conservation approach, they argued supply of water is fixed. Thus, water management is needed to ensure the amount water supply is enough with the amount of water used. This opinion can be approved in verse 18 of Surah Al-Mukminun: And We send down water from the sky according to certain measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease). Human can use water in moderate way and not consume beyond the limit. If extravagant exist, Allah has right to take back His blessings. The Prophet also taught human to consume efficiently. According to Al-Bukhari: The Prophet Mohammad used to perform ablution with one mudd of water [equal to 2/3 litres] and used to take a bath with one sa up to five mudds [equal to 2-3 1/2 litres]. Currently, this water conservation approach shows positive impact when the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a health education program through mosques. The program included training imams on proper health practices, water conservation, water saving, proper sanitation and hygiene in the prevention of diseases. In addition, the imams then gave sermons about water conservation during the congregational Friday prayer. For wastewater reuse approach, they argued water should not be wasted. Thus, water should be used for beneficial purposes and use it in effective and efficient way. In verse 31 of Surah Al-Araf: O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. From this verse, Allah hate people who are wasteful in eat and drink. Normally, individual drinking water every day in their life because thirsty. However, if some people deliberately waste the water, others people might not able to drink sufficient of water. Reusing wastewater is an essential component of a demand management strategy because it conserves freshwater for the highest-value uses. In 1978, the Council of Leading Islamic Scholars (CLIS) in Saudi Arabia concluded in a special fatwa in 1978 that treated wastewater can be used even for ablution and drinking as soon as absence of health risk. This fatwa was concluded based on detailed study by scientists and engineers toward waste water condition and its short-term and long-term effects toward human health. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSoqOSAOx-jkOGFXzuoHnGRRLp9YxRrEyJ9h43NZnWLDLZpKPlMBAhttps://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQSzWez8vfEZ2s1lOiiy2JAJYwffJC_oiFVrqNqQe0W-P0qUZfRJw Saudi Arabia Wastewater Treatment Plant at Riyadh and Al Hail Both water conservation approach and wastewater reuse approach was introduced before are classified as non-economic approach. However, in a book entitled Water Management in Islam, one economic approach which called family planning was added. Basically, family planning not directly reducing the average water consumption. However, it helps for further reductions in overall availability of water per capita. By family planning, the government can predict future reduction of water consumption as size of members per family smaller. When future result is known, it facilitates the government to provide systematic long-term planning in order to overcome future problems. However, the problem is family planning or contraception is new in Islam. During Prophet Muhammad era, most Muslims have big family members because it didnt have birth control regulations. Therefore, based on this situation, a few Islamic scholars believe that birth control is not allowable in Islam. Still, some others scholar said it is no strong evidence in Islam to support a ban on family planning. Moreover, they contend although the religion encourages having children, it is not obligatory. Finally, the contemporary jurists agreed that family planning is allowable in Islam with a few conditions must be followed. First, it is only permissible for married couple man and woman. Second, it should have the mutual consent of the couple and thirdly, the chosen method must truly controllable. As conclusion, three approaches stated before will provide some alternatives for Islamic countries to choose the possible method for their water management. The holistic assessment should be implemented according to advantages and disadvantages of each approach. For water conservation, the advantage it is not very large cost but the disadvantage may no full commitment from society. For wastewater reuse, the advantage it is able for countries which doesnt have abundant water sources but the disadvantage it covers very high cost for building plants and continuous treatment process. For family planning, the advantage it is the government able to predict future water usage but the disadvantage it will reduces number of Muslims population in that country. 3.WATER RIGHTS http://mes.selangor.gov.my/modules/content/content.php?page=air-percuma-setiap-bulan http://airkumalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/06/cara-menjimatkan-air.html http://web.idrc.ca/openebooks/924-0/#page_xx http://www.meed.com/sectors/economy/government/saudi-arabia-presses-ahead-with-a-wastewater-revolution/3007439.article http://istajib.blogspot.com/2011/04/air-dan-islam-sorotan-ringkas.html http://www.ustaznoramin.com/2011/03/pembahagian-air-dalam-islam.html http://www.ustaznoramin.com/2011/03/pembahagian-najis-dalam-islam.html http://www.al-azim.com/masjid/infoislam/ibadat/air.htm

The Rebirth of a Game :: Basketball NBA Athletics Sports Essays

The Rebirth of a Game Basketball in my home state goes way back, straight to the beginning. The University of Kansas (KU) hired James Naismith, the inventor of the game, as its first basketball coach in 1898. The fledgling sport caught on, and has gained force ever since. KU was also the scene of the emergence of Wilt Chamberlain, who dominated the game like none other. At the same time that â€Å"Wilt the Stilt† was breaking out, Kansas State University (KSU) had a basketball coach by the name of Tex Winter. While not as well known as Chamberlain, Winter’s contributions to the game of basketball may have been even more significant. Ask any Bulls or Lakers fan where the â€Å"triangle† offense (and resulting championships) came from. So, with my birth in 1979 in a small town in Kansas, this was the world I stepped into. Naismith, Chamberlain, Winter, and others had been incorporated into a basketball pantheon by the public. They were part of the public consciousness, but only in a supporting role. The game of basketball itself was lifted above them all, the true source of the passion. Before I was ten years old I had seen this passion at its peak. The NCAA Tournament of 1988 turned out to be a great showcase of Kansas and Big 8 basketball. The team I loved, KSU, made an improbable run in the tournament, winning their first three games. This set up a Sunflower State showdown between KSU and KU in the round of eight. The game ended up being a blowout, with KU dominating. KU went on to win the national championship in exciting fashion, beating Big 8 rivals Oklahoma in an exciting championship game. As an impressionable eight-year-old, I soaked up the emotions. The hopes and expectations, the ecstasy and the heartbre ak. These feelings stuck with me. When I reached seventh grade, basketball took a different role in my life. I played on my junior high basketball team and absolutely loved it. From November to March, my life revolved around an orange ball. From seventh grade to eleventh grade, this was winter to me. I was a true student of the game, learning and improving constantly. I became fairly good, and even won some awards my eighth grade season. During my freshman year in high school, I once scored 29 points in a junior varsity game. When I stopped growing at 6’, however, it became fairly clear that there was no future in it for me as a player.

Futile Search for Answers in Slaughterhouse Five :: Slaughterhouse-Five Essays

Futile Search for Answers in Slaughterhouse Five The book, Slaughter House-Five, written by Kurt Vonnegut, is based on the main character named Billy Pilgrim who is a little "lost" in the head. Billy is always traveling to different parts of his life and rarely in the present state. Throughout the book Billy mainly travels back and forth to three big times in his life. In each different time period of Billy's life he is in a different place; his present state is in a town called Illium and his "travels" are to Dresden and Tralfamadore. When Billy is in Illium he is suppose to have a "normal" life; he is married, has two children, and works as an optometrist. Then Billy travels back to Dresden where he was stationed in the last years of WWII and witnessed the horrible bombing. When Billy travels to Tralfamadore he is in an "imaginary" state, everything that happens to him is more like a dream. Through Billy's travels in time he shows that he is striving to find meaning in the events that happened in his life that he is a fraid to acknowledge. As Billy says himself, "All moments, past, present and future, always have existed, always will exist," (1) this just proves even further that fact that Billy cannot ever forget any event in his life. The main event that leads Billy to all his confusion is the time he spent in Dresden and witnessed the fire-bombings that constantly pop in his head along with pictures of all the innocent people Billy saw that fled to Dresden the "safe spot" from the war before the bombing. When Billy sees the faces of the innocent children it represents his fear of the situation. Billy can't acknowledge the fact that they were innocent and they were killed by Americans, Americans soldiers just like himself. The biggest issue Billy cannot come to grasp with is why the bombings took place. That question has no answer; it's just something that happened that Billy couldn't get over. During all Billy's travels back to Dresden he couldn't change what had really happened there although that was the closure he was looking for. Dresden purely represents Bill's past and fears of the truth about what happened.

An Inspector Calls - The Role Of the Inspector Essay -- English Litera

An Inspector calls - The Role Of the Inspector. The character of Inspector Goole is the catalyst for the evening's events and is quite a mystery and fascination to many people. He is described and comes across as able to create 'an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulnessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦' He speaks carefully, weightily and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresses. I will be carefully looking at how he manages to be so powerful and authoritative, mainly concentrating on the specific language and use of rhetorical speaking that he uses throughout the play. I will also mention the mystery of whether the inspector was an impostor and look at the broad possibilities, of which he may be, One of the most effective things that the Inspector manages to do is to have large power and control over the other characters and is seen by the reader as an immense man, despite the stage directions clearly stating that 'he need not be big'. He appears to be 'massive' because of the stares he gives people, and how he makes them feel so uneasy. He often stares the truth out of a character by doing so until they admit to have not been sincere with their story. He has a disconcerting way of speaking, a certain tone and pace of his voice, but also cleverly structures sentences as if he has planned it all out and using rhetorical speaking. He asks question after question, to the Birlings always receiving information but never giving anything, the most striking thing being that he is never once surprised at what he hears, as if he knows everything even before he hears it. On the account for the inspectors knowing and understanding the history of Eva Smith, Sheila says: 'Why - you fool - he knows... ...ew it all already, and then involved himself giving his view on their actions, criticising and blaming them. He seems very unprofessional and gets too worked up and emotional on such small things: 'Don't stammer and yammer at me again, man. I'm losing all patience with you people' This is a very unprofessional thing to say and shows that he does not treat the Birlings with the professional respect that should be expected. For dramatic effect he also goes into unnecessary detail of how Eva suffered and at some points gets quite personal and delicate with what he tells the Birlings about her. Again this is very unprofessional. No one will ever know exactly who the Inspector is, whether he is a time traveller from the future, Eva smiths ghost? And this leaves a great sense of mystery about the play, which I believe is one of its great qualities.

Ragtime: Black People and E.l. Doctorow Essay

This novel written by the well-known novelist named E. L. Doctorow is about the race relations in turn-of-the-century America and reflects many of the changes the nation faced at that time. E. L. Doctorow addresses several major social changes in turn-of-the-century America in his novel Ragtime. Ragtime is centered around several very different people, from rich to poor. He conveys the effects of these changes through the reactions of the characters. Some characters welcome and accept change, while other reject and struggle with it. This novel is narrated in the third person and the tone of this extract is ironic, rhetorical. The plot of this extract revolves around Coalhouse Walker, the black musician from Harlem. He has incredible import to the main themes of the novel. His characterization provides insight into race relations in (Ð ½Ã °Ã'‡Ð °Ã »Ã ¾ Ð ²Ã'€Ð µÃ ¼Ã µÃ ½Ã ¸) turn-of-the-century America. Many characters react strongly to his mannerisms, as they believe his social position does not warrant such behavior. Because Coalhouse conducts himself with a sense of pride atypical of African Americans at this point in history, his expectations of how he should be treated repeatedly come into direct conflict with others’ expectations of how African Americans should be treated. Coalhouse Walker, then, represents all African Americans who challenge the expectations many whites have of them. In the exposition of this extract the author describes the scene when Coalhouse Walker arrived at Broadview Avenue – a district where rich and â€Å"white† people lived. Everything in that scene of arrival – beginning at his car â€Å"†¦a new model T-Ford†, his â€Å"gloved hand†, dressed â€Å"in the affection of wealth† and ending at the manner of his behavior (â€Å"†¦resolute†¦self-important in the way he asked†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) – shows us how earth-shatteringly and improperly the â€Å"black man† conducted himself. Because in turn-of-the-century America black people had no rights and even more so had no right to â€Å"†¦presume to come in the door† in spite of standing â€Å"†¦at the back door†¦Ã¢â‚¬  – such behave of a Negro got Mother’s dander up. He came there to see a girl named Sarah. When she refused to meet Coalhose he left the house but not for a long time. In the complication of this extract we found out that Coalhouse beginning with that Sunday appeared every weak â€Å"†¦always knocking at the back door†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The Father and the Mother – the representatives of the Old America – were disposed against him firstly. But when he left a bouquet of expensive flowers which had to have cost him â€Å"a pretty penny† – the Mother decided to give him chance. This extract is full of irony tone which describes the negative attitude towards Black’s at that time – Father’s consideration â€Å"a nuisance†, prevailing word combination â€Å"colored man† or â€Å"Negro†, Father’s irritation and abrupt questions – we can feel the negative atmosphere of this Avenue, of this Old World. In the climax of this story we see not a â€Å"Negro† – â€Å"White’s† slaves – but a cultured, self-conscious good musician playing the piano which â€Å"†¦had never made such sounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  in spite of the fact â€Å"†¦this piano is badly in need of a tuning†. These words made Father’s face reddened – WHAT? A NEGRO DARED say such words? It was inconceivable for those period that such lowest society dared say such things. But manners of Coalhouse were full of elegancy – his way of pattering his lips with the napkin, placing the napkin beside his cup. The Ragtime – the music of nightlife New-York. This music in Coalhouse’s performance made all the Family gather in the room. In this extract we can see the personification of the end of emancipation from slavery – â€Å"†¦everyone applauded†¦Ã¢â‚¬  – the new time had come – the time of freedom and independence. How people can change (â€Å"†¦ Father noted that he suffered no embarrassment by being in the parlor†¦ on the contrary, he acted as if it was the most natural thing in the world†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) and how this is all intertwined with the major events and people of this time in America is the main theme supplied by E. L. Doctorow.

Are traditions worth preserving? Essay

In this era of homoity, people withdraw precipitate a long direction in establishing human reclaims, liberty, justice and dignity. However not every individual country keep upheld these momentum in a self-respecting way. Take the Jamaica for, example, due to Jamaicas compound history there are almost traditions that are not value preserving at all.In Jamaica and other countries, parents are anticipate to shinny their children as a way of punishing them. They whitethorn do this with dissimilar objects, such as a belt, broomstick, ruler, or anything that can conquer twinge to the human flesh. If parents believe their child is misbehaving. There is no proof that formal physical pain on youngsters help to discipline them, to decease interrupt persons, and to become productive citizens of their countries in the future. There is no logical conclude or intelligence that is implied to arrive at a solution to the indiscipline that Caribbean parents may think some of their children have. kind of Caribbean parents do the first thing that comes to their mind and that is, high-minded physical harm on their youngsters. If not, imposing physical harm on children, the contiguous in line would be milder incorporated punishments, such as, telling them to kneel on the floor, whether in corners of classrooms or near balconies to facial expression the sun. Also, holding their hand up horizontally for long periods, or holding their hands aside vertically with heavy books in each palm. Any other chimerical means of pursuing corporal punishment.It is credible to state that for the Caribbean parents that punish their children corporally it leaves the intended effect, only if only temporarily. That is, the youngster would refrain from the purportedly disapproving activity, but only temporarily. Instead the real effect would be mental abuse of their state of mind. That is the youngster may be scarred for liveness, whether he or she is aware of it or not. A nd so woeful elements in a society of deteriorated ethnic elements are inevitable.If the fair Caribbean parent that beat their children knew exactly what child abuse was, charm still committing acts of corporal punishments on their youngsters, (beating volition be used as the subject in this rhetorical question) wouldnt it be difficult to generally access what eccentric of beatingis child abuse and what isnt? Every parents mind of child abuse would be base on personal perception and judgments and not on a general and well established one. The uplifting of children rights is lacking in Jamaica, due to unconsciousness of it. The culture of the average Jamaican adult is, the elder is ever correct when in comparison to the perception of a youngster.This ignores the possibility of an adults perception being right to a certain extent, that their can be mistakes in perception of an adult, overlooks in perception, and misconceptions, or sheer(a) dissipation. Youngsters in this cu lture are pressure to accept that adults are always right. Youngsters in this culture are in any case forced to accept that adults should be reckon, ignoring respect in vice-versa. For respect in Jamaican society, could be that completely polar from a dictionary, simply a tidings with a culture underneath, that is not worth(predicate) preserving.Another tradition not worth preserving is religious knowledge and religious assembles in public schools. This is an effect of the colonial one beat(prenominal) of Jamaica. Youngsters should practice their own beliefs and way of life outside of school. Schools should be receded for learning and perusing work, and/or the introduction of people who have been successful in careers, to provide motivational talks, therefore acting as a compulsive influence on youths. This go forth help them to obtain a suited occupation in any time of adult life.Supposed religious education in schools gives students no freedom of thought, ghostlike co nfinement, and may allow them to not check-out procedure focused on their schoolwork. Due to the colonial past of the country, the preservation of indigenous African beliefs that came with the millions of blacks that were detained from the African continent, are overshadowed by these European origin beliefs which are currently indoctrinated in public schools. This will corrupt the souls of the younger generation leaving them in ambivalency or racial and ethnical unconsciousness.Traditions are not worth preserving unless it poses a positive effect on people. And has people we should tense up to make the world a better place to live, even if it means abandoning traditions.