Why Public Relations Professionals Should Use Facebook Essay

Why Public Relations Professionals Should Use Facebook - Essay Example Public relations professionals’ use of social media can have a direct impact on their personal and professional stock of social capital. Social media are not a substitute for face-to-face interaction implying that they are a compliment. Through social media, public relations professionals may develop personal relationships that they can utilize to provide benefits for their employers. Additionally, they may build public relationships between the organization they represent and those with whom they communicate (Duhà ©, 2007). Massachusetts-based writer Paul Gillian, author of the new influencers’; A Marketer’s Guide to the New Social Media, said, â€Å"...public relations professionals don’t have a choice. The average age of an evening news viewer now is 60, and there’s a segment of the population you have to reach that does not use those channels. But it (social media) gives the PR professional a greater chance of success because you are not dealing with the all-or-nothing proposition that was mainstream media† (Breakenridge & Solis, 2009). This clearly demonstrates how it is imperative that the PR profession should use social media in order to meet a wider population of their target group. Additionally, to PR Professionals, social media and networks have the advantage that they act as forms of proactive outbound customer service with a twist of social marketing. These networks engage customers on their turf, using their channels of communication, to help customers and potential customers solve problems and find information, or simply to engage them invaluable dialogue.   

Total Knee Replacement Post Op Pain Management

Total Knee Replacement Post Op Pain Management To improve the quality and mobility of life, the most frequently used operative procedure is the total knee replacement. But it is necessary to administer the pain relief measures in the post operative period which would allow the ambulation and reduce the post operative complications. It is important to consider the pain relief options provided in the text with reference to the possible adverse affects in each case. Objective The main objective is the identification of the most suited method for the post operative pain control after the Total Knee Replacement Surgery. Methodology The random control trials executed on adult patients with the Total Knee Replacement Surgery was identified by going through the databases of MEDLINE, PUBMED, COCHRANE and CINAHL from the year 2000 to the present year. Results The patients involved in this study had pre operative and post operative osteoarthritis diagnosis. The continuous pain arising due to the arthritis can be eliminated by the total knee arthoplasty treatment. The use of femoral nerve blockade can be used to treat the pain after the total knee arthoplasty. Reduced oral opioid were taken in by the patients with primary, unilateral, noncemented total knee arthoplasty. These patients are also known to take less stool softener as a post operative measure and have increased mobilization. The patients poor health often resulted due to the obesity which led to a modifiable co-morbidity as was shown by the higher classification of the ASA. Conclusion Until now no adequate solution has been found to the pain after the Total Knee Replacement surgery. Although some consideration could be given to the combined femoral nerve block, the author however supports the use of multimodal approach in the control of postoperative pain in the TKR surgery. This method should be administered keeping in mind the clinical status of the individual patient, availability of skilled technicians and adequate equipment.Contents Page 1 Introduction Pain according to the International Association for the Study of Pain, has been described as an unpleasant emotional and a sensory experience that is often connected to an actual or a potential damage or is a sense that may be described in terms of that damage (Merskey, 1986). Although much advancement have been made in the study of mechanisms and their treatment, still they scientists have been unable to find the appropriate solution to postoperative pains (Joshi and Ogunnaike, 2005). If the inadequate methods of relieving pains are administered, then this may cause damage to the physiological and psychological workings and the patient may need more time to recover and return to the daily life (Gottschalk and Smith, 2001; Joshi and Ogunnaike, 2005). The most dreadful consequence can be death itself. In addition patients are complaining about the post operative symptoms such as pain which results due to the anesthesia or any surgical procedure. It is also an established fact that a postoperative pain treated inadequately can inculcate into a chronic pain which may be not diagnosed properly and will lead to its negligence (Joshi, and Ogunnaike, 2005). The health care costs and the resources are required more in these cases (Phillips, 2003). It is important that steps be taken to improve the control of preoperative pain which is a much better option and will lead to the reduction of post operative morbidity. This will therefore increase the standard of health associated quality of life and will also benefit the health sector economically. Theory of Pain The Gate Control Theory was established by Melzack and Wall (1965), to explain the differences in the perceptions of the similar stimuli. These scientists believed in the existence of some sort of a gate in the spinal cord that would open in specific situations and allow the passage of the nerve impulses linked with the pain stimulation which was then read by the brain as a sensation of pain. They also believed that certain psychological factors such as the anxiety would also affect the degree of the opening of the gate. Therefore in order to minimize the pain the theory was based on the idea of closing this gate. According to the Gate Theory, it was possible to control the transmission of the pain impulses through a gating mechanism present along the nervous system. The pulses can move in both the direction both up and down the nervous system. This means that the whole nervous system is involved in the perception of the pain response (Suza, 2007). Physiology of Pain The basic process of the pain transmission is Nociception. According to Loeser and Treede (2008), the Nociception is the neural process of encoding and the process of noxious stimuli. The mechanical, thermal or the chemical changes when surpasses the set limit, then they can be detected by the nociceptors or the pain receptors. The nociceptors transmit a signal along the spinal cord after its stimulation, to the brain which is then perceived by the brain as a sensation of pain (McCaffery and Pasero 1999). Pathophysiology of pain The sympathetic nervous system is activated by the stress responses in which the body is alerted to the existing harm. This denotes that the stress responses are a protective measure by nature. Through the stress responses the damages like blood loss is minimized as well as the perfusion to the vital organs will be maintained, healing will be enhanced and prevention to infections will also be carried out (Singh, 2003). But if the pain is prolonged then harmful consequences may be caused to the multiple systems of the body. A calculated amount of the hormones are released by the endocrine system which are responsible for the conversion process and the utilization of the carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Excessive amounts of these hormones are released by the endocrine system when the person is under stress. These hormones include Cortisol, Growth hormone, Adrenocorticotrophic hormone, Antidiuretic hormone, Catecholamine and Glucagon. Tachcardia, fever, shock, increased rate of respiration and some severe results leading to death may be produced by the combination of the inflammatory process, endocrine and the metabolic changes. The stress responses are prolonged by the pain and physical changes and may severely affect the recovery of the patient from the situation of trauma (McCaffery and Pasero, 1999). The sympathetic nerves system is activated as a response to the stress by the cardiovascular system. A number of affects are caused by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in the post operative period, such as; increase in the heart rate, hypercoagulation due to the decrease in the fibrinolysis, blood pressure, oxygen demand and a cardiac workload. Major impacts of the hypercoagulation may be seen on the morbidity and the mortality as these may be connected to the infarction, irregular angina and myocardial ischemia. The risks of pulmonary embolism may be increased due to the deep venous thrombosis (DVT) which is generally associated with the surgical procedures and an absence in the movement postoperatively. The respiratory system affects of the severe pain can be calculated in terms of the high inspiratory and expiratory residual capacity, tidal volumes and the alveolar ventilation. If the controlling measures applied to the postoperative pain are not adequate then the adverse respiratory affects can convert to severe pulmonary complications in the form of atelectasis and pneumonia (McCaffery and Pasero, 1999). The urine outputs, electrolyte balance, other fluids are regulated by the hormones in the Genitourinary System. These hormones also control the blood volume and the pressure. These hormones may include ADH, cortisol, angiotensin II, catecholamine, prostaglandins and aldosterone. If the pain is not relieved then it may lead to the excess release of the hormones which can cause the water and the sodium ions to be retained, the functional extracellular fluids are decreased with the fluids being moved to the intracellular compartments and the excess excretion of the potassium ions. Among the harmful effects are: decrease in the urinary output, increase in the cardiac workload, urine retained, hypokalemia, hypertension and the overloading of the fluids (McCaffery and Pasero, 1999). The activity of the sympathetic nervous system is increased due to the stress responses which affect the Gastrointestinal System, increase in the smooth muscle sphincter tone, intestinal secretion and the decrease in the gastric disposal and intestinal motility. These may lead to the gastrointestinal function to be temporarily impaired (McCaffery and Pasero, 1999). The pain in the Musculoskeletal System may lead to the impairment of the muscle function, muscle spasm, immobility and fatigue. The short and the long term recovery can be affected by the inadequate control of the pain after the execution of an orthopedic surgery as this may create interference in the patients performance of the physical therapy exercises (Choy, Bandar, Scott and Dockets, 2010). The hospital stay for the patient may be prolonged as a result. The time duration spent by the patient in the hospital indicates the patients satisfaction level. Patients who had a short stay were found to be more satisfied as compared to those with longer hospital stay. The Immune function can be suppressed by the pain (page 2000) which will make the patient more vulnerable to postoperative infections such as pneumonia, sepsis and the wound infection. The severe acute pain or the pain which is prolonged can affect the Cognitive function which will make the patient to undergo some behavioral changes such as the increased sensitivity to the external stimuli like light and sound. Individuals may react by withdrawing themselves form interpersonal interactions and an increased indulgence in ones self concern (NHMRC, 2005). If the pain is not relieved the patient may experience a loss of control over the environment such as the expression of anger and resentment which may make the patient believe that the treatment is being delayed (Joshi and Ogunnaike, 2005). Postoperative pain control The surgical pain should be appropriately managed owing to the negative effects that it has on the physical and the psychological system of the postoperative patient. The following methods have been applied in the Total Knee Surgery in the practice area of the author in the area of orthopedic surgery: Systemic Opioids The treatment of moderate and acute pain can be done through opioids which is still the main systemic analgesia. Titration is needed to estimate the individual needs as the opioids requirements differs from one patient to another with respect to dosage. The most effective pain relievers are the opioids but they are generally not desired by the patients or the doctors due to the wide ranging adverse effects (NHMRC, 2005). Paracetamol To treat the post operative pain, paracetamol was introduced as an analgesic and antipyretic. The use of opioid was reduced by 20-30% by the usage of paracetamol and the level of patient satisfaction was also increased. The postoperative pains are also affectively dealt with the combination of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the opioids. The NSAIDs are effective analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretics. The NSAIDs are also helpful in reducing the usage of opioid, but the adverse effects associated with this drug has made the clinicians extra careful when using it. The method in which the patient can administer the analgesics as needed is referred to as the Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA). Although this term may be more frequently associated with the programmable infusion pumps that administer the dose for the opioid medication intravenously (Morgan, et al. 2006). The cumulative doses of the drugs are decreased in comparison to the continuous epidural infusion by the usage of Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia which contains Bupivacaine and Fentanyl. This may be done without any difference seen in the side effects or the relief of pain. The duration of the postoperative analgesia is extended beyond the duration which is generally available in a single injection by the help of Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blockade (CFNB). The technique utilized in the nerve location, the typology of the continuous catheter, local anesthesia, equipment and the management is some of the technical issues that are brought under consideration. The CFNB is sometimes referred to as the 3-in-1 due to the triple benefits that it offers as when it the catheter is positioned in the femoral nerve sheath, it will allow the penetration of the local anesthesia to the lateral femoral cutaneous, the obturator nerve and the femoral nerve block (NHMRC, 2005). Total Knee Replacement (TKR) The patient suffering from acute pain and unstable knees, in order to gain a pain relief and a functional movement, requires a total Knee replacement surgery. Prophylaxis and early mobilization can reduce the complications and morbidity caused after the surgical procedures. Prophylaxis According to Palmer (2010), in the absence of prophylaxis there was an occurrence of 40-88% of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after the TKR. According to Palmer several methods can be applied to reduce these risks such as low dose of warfarin, mechanical compression stockings, heparin of low molecular weight and aspirin. Mobilization A rapid recovery to the normal functions after surgery can be done through postoperative mobilization. If the postoperative pain is not relieved then it will lead to late mobilization which will increase the DVT risks, chest infection and pulmonary embolism. If the chest infection is concurred, then the static secretions will lead to atelectasis and pneumonia (Bone and Joint, 2009). 3 Methods The method of study was primarily based on the extensive literature review of the publications which were related to the management of postoperative pains in adults who have undergone Total Knee Replacement Surgery. The method was more preferred by the author due to limited clinical access to the patients as the author is an international student. This method was also chosen under the light of the statement by Aveyard (2007), who said that the literature review is able to provide a complete picture and helps in forming a systematic approach towards the studys answer. Therefore the study will include as many options available from the literature review as possible. Search strategy The Cardiff Universitys electronic database was used as the source to gain data on the most effective method used in the post operative pain control after the Total Knee Replacement Surgery. The search gave 246 hits with the keywords used such as Pain, Analgesia, Anesthesia, postoperative and Knee. Among these results the author selected the most relevant options with the help of Medline Ovid. The search was limited to the English language due to convenience in understanding this language as compared to the others and included results from the year 2000 to the present. The appendix 1 shows the details of the research strategy. Scope of the study The inclusion of the data in the study was based on adult human beings and total knee replacement surgery. The pediatric and other surgical specialties were not included in the research as was the study involving non human subjects. Data collection The MEDLINE, PUBMED, COCHRANE and CINAHL were the primary source of information. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria were used in the judging of the key methodological points considered in the Randomised Control Trials (PHRU, 2006). Data analysis In the published materials, broad themes were identified and studied with the most common and frequently used methods of pain relief resulting for the Total Knee Replacement Surgery were compared and analyzed with each other. The adverse effects of these methods were also considered in the analysis. The results were analyzed under the CASP (PHRU, 2006) criteria which was developed by the Center of Evidence based Medicine (CEBM, 2011). The appendix 2 shows the appraisal sheet. 3 Results (Review of the literature) A double blinded Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted by Kardash et al (2007), for the comparative analysis of the obturator with the femoral nerve block used for the analgesia after the Total Knee Replacement surgery. This was done by using at the surgerys end the spinal anesthesia with the femoral, obutrator or the placebo nerve block. The study consisted of 60 patients who were divided in treatment groups of varying sizes. The participants and the collectors were not aware of this allocation at all. All the patients were present in the study except for one patient who was removed from the study due to the confusion of the patient in the recovery room postoperatively. The patients were given a follow up after 48 hours of post surgery. The pain scores were found to be lowered after the femoral nerve block as compared to the obturator nerve block. But no difference was found in the groups after 48 hours related to pain or baseline among the groups. There was an absence of a sign ificant difference between the groups with the pain score of p=0.03 as an option. This would favor mobilization of the femoral block over the obturator block. The data is widely represented as shown by the demographics of the total knee replacement population. The findings could not be generalized owing to the small size of the groups. A prospective randomized placebo controlled single blind study was executed by Macalou (2004). The assigning of the patients into three groups was done randomly through envelops given to the patients. A femoral nerve block (FNB) was given to group 1 while combined and selective obturator nerve block, FNB=33 was given to the group 2. The group 3 was given the placebo FNB (n=28) with a total of 90 patients enrolled in the study. The three groups demonstrated no significant demographic differences. All the participants were present in the study without any dropouts and there was no failure of the block experienced which makes the study even more valid. In the first 6 hours the patients were monitored postoperative. The administration of the Patient Controlled Analgesia was initiated post anesthesia without the recording of any symptoms of pain in the first 6 hours. The study follow ups are from 24 to 48hours which means that the duration of the study of 6 hours is not sufficient to obtain any conclusions. 3 tables and 1 graph presented the study. The results obtained in the first 6 hours after the surgery showed the morphine boluses given through the PCA were consumed in a lesser number in group 2 as compared to the group 1 and 3 (P0.05). The ITM group showed an increase in the occurrence of nausea, pruritus and vomiting. About 20% of the patients in the ITM group in the follow up satisfactory survey rated their anesthetic experience as not satisfactory. These were considered in comparison with none in the FNB group (P=0.035). The validity and reliability of the study was enhanced by the reporting of the P value and the confidence interval. Equal amounts of the postoperative analgesia were experienced but the fewer side effects were seen in the FNB group such as nausea, itching and vomiting. Less level of satisfaction was observed among patients receiving T morphine. However the interventions were not sufficient to provide the completed postoperative analgesia. A randomized controlled trial was conducted by Davies in 2004, in which the 60 patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee replacement surgery were included in one of the two study groups. The continuous epidural analgesia was given to the group 1 until a single shot combined with sciatic plus femoral which is available in 3 in 1 combined block. The research used a random number generator, Arcus Quickstat version 1.0, to divide the participants in groups in which a third party would store the codes in sealed and opaque envelopes which would reduce the chances of bias (Parahoo, 2006). The exclusion of the patients was done on the following basis: local anesthesia, ASA>3, neuraxial blockage or the use of tourniquet, contraindications to use the non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, pain poly analgesia. The criteria used for the exclusion seemed to be correct. All the participants were present in the study and in the conclusion. The failure to locate the epidural space led to the exclusion of one patient. After the exclusion the analysis was done but no difference in the results were seen in the analysis on an intention to treat the basis. The data collection was done in a similar manner and the follow up was carried out. A performance bias was created by the inconsistencies. The analysis of the patients was done for the pain assessment after 48 hours postoperatively with the use of a visual analog VAS. The power analysis was used to determine the sample size, obtained from a lower limb neural block study which showed the 10mm VAS difference. A risk of 0.05 was obtained in group A and a risk of 0.2 was obtained in group B. a minimum of 24 patients would be sufficient for the study. In each group 30 patients were however recruited to make up for the incomplete data collected and to make sure that the validity was ensured. 3 tables and 3 graphs were used to demonstrate the results. An absence of a statistical difference between the two groups was seen in the two groups for the block insertion time (P=0.92). The dose given for the fentanyl was to be same. In both the groups the score for the pain was higher than 24 and 48 hours. A greater number of the patients were found in the epidural group with the completed recovery of the analgesia. There was no pain reported in the 0.23 of 39 patients when a movement was attempted as compared to the 16 out of 30 patients form the block group. The scores of the level of satisfaction were found to be high in both the groups with an increased tendency of the statistical significance which was found to favor the block group at 48 hours. The validity of the study was increased with the discussion of the P value and the confidence interval. A practical alternative to the epidural analgesia was offered by the combined block for the total knee replacements. The results can be applied to the clinical setting.

equalization :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The intent of this paper is to explain the equalization program and Atlantic accord. First, what is equalization, why does the program exist, and how is it calculated? Are there problems with today’s equalization program? Next, what is the Atlantic accord and generic solution and why has it been an issue in the past six months? What were the offers the federal government gave Newfoundland and what was finally accepted by Newfoundland’s provincial government? Finally, what do the future hold? Can the Atlantic accord deal affect the equalization sustainability? What are the other equalization formula, policy options? These are the issues that this paper will try and address.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is Equalization? The equalization program has its roots in the Rowell–Sirois report of 1940 and in 1950 James M. Buchanan defined payments that the federal government made to â€Å"weaker† provinces as equalization payments. Canada implemented the equalization program in 1957 and has been making unconditional grants since then. Today the department of financial Canada defines equalization as a: â€Å"Federal transfer program that allows provinces, regardless of their ability to raise revenue to provide roughly comparable levels of services at roughly comparable   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  levels of taxation. Eligibility to receive equalization funding is determined by a   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  formula measuring each province’s revenue – raising capacity against five –   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  province standard.† Note: The five provinces are British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Equalization is so important that it has been acknowledged within the Constitution:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Parliament and the government of Canada are committed to the principle of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  making equalization payments to ensure that provincial governments have   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  reasonably comparable levels of taxation.† However, equalization today is not the same as in 1957 due to updating and renewing (Equalization is renewed every 5 years). The Principle idea that all citizens within Canada should have the same quality of public goods no matter what the provincial government’s revenue capabilities are remains the same.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Why Equalization?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are several reasons why Canada has adopted the equalization program. First, there are the vertical and horizontal imbalances between provinces and country. Next, Canadian provinces have a strong preference for provincial autonomy. Third, there is need for economical and political equity between provinces. Finally, equalization is needed for economic labour mobility efficiency within the feudalism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first step in understanding why Canada has an equalization program is to understand what is meant by vertical and horizontal imbalances.

Dating Your Best Friend Essay

I ask myself sometimes why now and not then, I think this was how it was meant to be the whole time. We met in first grade and became real good friends right from the start. I remember playing a lot together with our friends. We also lived just across the street from each other so imagine, seeing each other at school and after school play even more outside after our homework was done, it was a great way of spending time together. Unfortunately after first grade, we somehow had to go to different schools, but we still got together after school and played together. It wasn’t until after 4th grade that I moved to a new neighborhood and didn’t see him again until 8th grade. We saw each other and recognized one another and again we became inseparable. We had a few classes together and we were always partners whenever we were assigned to grab a partner. Also that same school year, all the rumors started; that we liked each other, we were going to end up going out, we were always together and so on. I did think about it but we were just fourteen year olds who had no age and no intention of dating. We were the best of friends in middle school and kept going strong. Our high school years came real quick as we kept on growing up together and watching each other blossom into young adults. We were still the best friends ever, and the same rumors still kept going around. We somehow managed to have classes together which were very good for the both of us because we never wanted to be apart. We still had no intention of going out, because we didn’t want to break that wonderful friendship we had made and kept for so long. It wasn’t until Valentine’s Day of freshman year when I started feeling a little something for him. He sent me a valentine with the following message â€Å"Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for being an awesome friend! † I thought at that moment â€Å"Oh, friend† but I let it slide because I felt it was not a big deal. Sophomore year rolled around, we were still the best friends ever, and the rumors and gossip continued. We had classes together again, nothing special happened until the very end of that school year. We were saying goodbye to each other and we hugged, but we hugged each other for a while. I honestly felt that â€Å"spark† between us. I thought he felt the same (he told me later on that he did). We parted ways and kept in touch a bit in the summer, and didn’t see each other again until next year, junior year. That year I couldn’t hide what I felt for him, I was actually becoming more and more in love with him. I can tell he was also falling for me as well. It’s one of those things a girl can tell without being told anything. We were still the best of friends, and the rumors were still going (I was very surprised, yet a bit amused). This year was different because we’re now sixteen/ seventeen and had grown up more. Yes we were inseparable, but those feelings were becoming more noticeable to everyone except to one another. Yet nothing happened and we were still the best of friends. Senior year was a big year for us; it was the last year that we might be together. My feelings for him were now stronger than ever, I wanted to be more that friends, but for some reason he always seemed to avoid me and not talk at all. I don’t know why, I was hoping for him to say something to me, since I had heard from many that he actually did love me. But nothing happened, so I gave up on him in that aspect of us. I had revealed to one of my good friends that I did love Isaac and wanted more. He revealed to that same person that he loved me too. I found out from her and I went to talk to him, he immediately got upset and denied everything. With that being said I also denied everything because I thought to myself that was his chance and he blew it. We got really mad at each other and said â€Å"we are friends and that is it†. We didn’t stay mad for that long; we got back to talking again. I decided to date a guy that year; it was going well until I saw Isaac. He saw us holding hands, I saw his face turn red with anger, and just walked away upset. I knew it upset him but I had no idea why, we had settled on being best friends. We still enjoyed all the senior activities like prom, boat trip, and finally graduation. We both graduated and saw each other for what could be the last time. He was going off to college and I was staying home. After those four years in high school we proved everyone wrong about going out with each other, or at least that’s what we thought. Time passed and I had broken up with my high school boyfriend and I started dating another guy here at ECC for a few months. I never heard from Isaac once during that time, I was a bit upset but I didn’t pay attention to it. It wasn’t until February 12 that I was on Facebook and I got talking with Isaac again via chat that night. We were talking and asked about my boyfriend, I told him I didn’t have one and that I had given up on guys for the moment. We kept talking and talking and then I asked him â€Å"For April Fool’s we should put as our status that we’re going out†. It took him a few minutes to say â€Å"Why not actually make it a reality? † I was shocked! I swear at that moment I had an instant flashback of our childhood all the way through high school. I had waited for so long for that moment that I said yes, it also took me a while to respond back. At that moment he confessed that he had loved me since the end of sophomore year when we said goodbye to each other. I was so happy that everything went the way it did. Unfortunately he was away at school and I wouldn’t see him until our one month anniversary when he came home. I didn’t mind, I did not wait all that time in high school for us to finally be together as a couple and not have the relationship work. We changed our Facebook status that we were officially a couple. It was an explosion of â€Å"It’s about time! †, â€Å"I knew it! †, and â€Å"I told you it would happen eventually! † We didn’t care though because we were just happy that our dream had finally come true. A month passed and it was our one month anniversary. We went out to dinner and had an amazing time together. That same night he took me to his home and I met his entire family. Since then me and his family have gotten along very well and we are practically like family. We definitely enjoyed that week together but he had to go back and I wouldn’t see him until May. My birthday came along and it happened to fall on a Saturday, which was nice because I planned to have a party. Isaac drove all the way home just for my birthday and surprised me. He called me before and said that he had sent a present. Then at around five in the afternoon he called and said that my gift has arrived and I had to open the door, sure enough it was him with a bouquet of flowers. I cried of joy, no one had ever done something like that for me. It was an awesome way to celebrate my birthday. The relationship has been going very well, and I’m positive that it will continue to stay like that. It just comes to show that that myth about how dating your best friend is bad isn’t always true. It can happen to anyone, and yes it doesn’t work out for some people, but in my case it worked out for the better. As I said before, I don’t think we were meant to be best friends, just something more.

Travel as a Political Act

Introduction: 1. The notion of travel that still persists is the relative affluence of wealthy travelers (Americans) who only seek the doctrine of pleasure. I believe overseas travel should be an understanding of different cultures, even educational. I’ve had the privilege to travel to Norway, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Guam. Some of my travel was in early adolescents and my understanding of different cultures was drastically different. I expected life to be as it was in the United States with all the amenities we take for granted.Just last year in December, my job took me to Germany and France. I made sure to research there culture and customs concerning food, manners, and restaurants†¦ etc. I even tried to learn some German and French. The conveniences I desired as an adolescent where all the comforts of home, T. V. , water, video games and â€Å"American food†. As an adult my conveniences are more practical and hopefully sim plistic, clean water (without bubbles) a clean place to sleep and a few electrical outlets to plug in all my devices. 2. I believe Steves is making a generalization of the modern traveler.Steves has traveled all over and experienced many cultures and ethnicities. To me, Steves is telling us that he has â€Å"seen it all† and has a respect for others culture. 3. Steves defines good citizenship as, â€Å"Holding our country to a high standard and searching for ways to better live up to it lofty ideals. † Yes, it is okay to criticize our country. If we do not question and critic ourselves, we do not leave much room to grow and improve. Yes, we can learn from other nations. My observation in some of the countries I’ve visited is, they are better at recycling then we are. This is an opportunity to learn from another nation.Chapter 1 1. Elected leaders of today have no more of a connection then those â€Å"divinely ordained† kings did centuries ago. The example presented form a political office often differs from when they were campaigning. There seems to be a lot of hypocrisy in our politics. 2. â€Å"Travel challenges truths that we were raised thinking were self-evident and God-given† (pp. 5). We learn that other cultures and ethnicities do things differently according to religion, food†¦etc. 3. Looking out over the action, with Pillars of Hercules in the misty Moroccan distance is where Steves says two great civilizations came together.I would love to see Christianity and Islam co-existing in peace, but as he said before, this is nothing new. From my perspective, Islam was birthed from Christianity and there can only be one true God and that is through Jesus. Ultimately there will always be a battle until the new heaven and earth. 4. Fear is often a barrier to travel. Fear is not a factor in my willingness to travel. I believe we all should get out of our comfort zones and experience something different. 5. Americans would benefit most from international travel. Learning about the world and coming home with a new perspective 6.Steves learned that there are more Lutherans in Namibia then in the US. I don’t think it affects my perspective at all. If anything, my thinking brings me to spreading the gospel of Jesus and how many people are lost. Chapter 2-Lessons from the Former Yugoslavia: After the War 7. Ethnicities that exist in the former Yugoslavia are all South Slavs. The difference between them is what they choose to call themselves according to what religion they associate with. Catholic South Slavs are called Croats; Orthodox South Slavs are called Serbs; and Muslim South Slavs are called Bosniaks.In 1995 they laid down their arms and agreed to a peace agreement. According to Steves it is a slow progression each year. (pp. 28) It takes time to heal but all three countries are on the mend by putting aside their political and ethnic differences. 8. Home mortgages ceased to exist after the c ivil war ended. There is confusion on who owns what. Many surviving companies do not have money and the bank of Yugoslavia, which held the many of the mortgages is gone. The economic cost after the war still has a major affect concerning commerce, tourism and the ability to rebuild. 9.The effect of the â€Å"iconostasis† in the church Steve visited is to separate the common worshippers from â€Å"heavy lifting† priests. It gives them a sense of privacy. There shouldn’t be that much privacy between the religious leaders and the common worshiper. Jesus was very approachable. There is a certain humanistic ritual that comes with religion, in elevating the teacher or priest. I believe this is unnecessary. My pastor is very approachable. We are encouraged to get involved with many ministries within and outside of the church. It would be very difficult to be part of a church where your leadership was unapproachable.Chapter 3-Europe Unites: Successes & Struggles 10. 10. The big news in Europe today is Unification. Since the Unification of the 27 European countries they have opened up a free trade zone which promotes a competitive market along side the U. S and the up and coming powers of China and India. Benefits of the European Union come from high taxes. There is a much hire expectation of their big government to provide an extensive welfare network. This includes, childcare, healthcare, education, and retirement. In conclusion, I believe the benefits of their big government are well organized programs that benefit society as a whole. 1. Steves maintains that all societies have socialistic elements. I agree with Rick to a certain point. We (America) are a very well run Republic. I’d like to think that I would be open to more progressive policies in our country. So far, our in-class discussions and this book have shown me that we can learn from other countries and possibly adapt their policies to fit our style of government. The beauty of our constitution is it is meant to be adaptable. 12. Steves says, â€Å"In America we believe in government by and for the people through the corporations that we own. † Corporations in America do have a lot of influence and power.This can have a positive or negative influence. I believe it is there right to have choices. We are only as good as our ethics. Unfortunately we have seen many large corporations fail because of bad business ethics. As far as the Supreme court ruling concerning corporations and their ability to contribute unlimited funds to political campaign; I believe is a privilege. I do not know the intricacies of this policy, but with my limited knowledge, they have earned the right to give as much or as little as they please. Everything comes back to business ethics and morals in my opinion.Great power and wealth also comes with greater responsibility. The ability to choose is what makes our country unique. The ability and privilege to choose is healthy. The o utcomes of our decisions are what hinder or help. 13. Europeans work 25 percent fewer ours then we do. Americans work more hours at their jobs than Europeans because of cultural differences. The, â€Å"American Dream† is to work as much as possible to achieve more, financially and materialistically. 14. Steves maintains that Europeans prefer diplomacy to war, because of their interdependence on each other financially.I do not believe that we as Americans are to eager to go to war. Steves mentions that America has a unique position in the world as its â€Å"protector†. I believe this has become Americas default. If another country is suffering or looking for help, America has been the military presence. If anything, we over extend our resources. Many of my family members have served in our military or are closely affiliated with other government agencies. I fully believe that we as regular citizens do not know what goes on enough to truly have an objective opinion conce rning many of the wars we are involved in. 15.Steves took it upon himself after feeling oppressed, to speak with the local lions club president in his hometown concerning the numerous flags set out. When they did not take down their flags Steves took it upon himself to start removing the flags. I strongly disagree with what Steves did. For him to compare us flying our flag to the Nazi oppression concerning the â€Å"Gruss Gott† or even the Northern Ireland cause is ignorance. I believe the majority of this nation fly our flag in support of our troops and not towards a political affiliation. I also believe it is our right to fly our flag anytime especially in time of war.It shows pride toward our country and support of our troops and the freedom they fight for. Regardless of political affiliation, I feel it is insecurity that allowed him to proceed the way he did. That is also the beauty of our country. He can do what he did because our troops defend his rights as well. 16. St eves says we put a guilt trip on Europe in saying, â€Å" Don’t they remember how we saved them from the Nazis? † Hopefully, we are making an impact on countries, to where they don’t feel obligated but want to take our side. I would like to think they wouldn’t think twice about siding with us. 7. Steves says, he â€Å"loves America more. And because I care about our society, I challenge us to do better. † I don’t think it is fair to tell anyone to leave. I think it is more of an irrational emotional reaction. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’ve thought about saying that to someone in a political position or even thought while reading this book about Steves. But I know that it comes from an irrational part of my brain. I agree with Steves in that, we need to find common ground and could learn from Europe and some of their policies. Chapter 4 Resurrection in El Slavador 18.Steve’s points out that the minimum wage is $ 1. 00 in El Salvador. Minimum wage in America is usually a starting point where as the indigenous people of El Salvador â€Å"only aspire to the minimum wage†¦and that’s all they get†. I think our minimum wage should increase with inflation. Many of our resources go up such as, groceries, rent, gas†¦etc. So it only makes sense that minimum wage go up as well. A â€Å"living wage† ideally sounds like a great. The problem with a set living wage is the affect it could have on independent businesses. A higher wage could contribute to higher unemployment.Employers may not be willing to higher as many people in order to make a profit. I’ve contradicted myself somewhat with my desire for an increased minimum wage. All that to say, it is a tough job to figure out. 19. 20. Globalization is defined as; the growth of interregional and worldwide linkages and the changes these linkages are bringing about. According to Steve’s, the driving force is, na ked ambition to open new markets to firms and products. Altruism is defined as the unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. Altruism is demonstrated in my life through giving.I currently sponsor two World Vision children. Hopefully at the end of my college education I can help better lives even further. My ultimate goal is to help others through the skills and education Trevecca will provide. 21. Steve’s says that he is not anti-globalization. He is anti-bad globalization. Steve’s believes that if globalization is implemented thoughtfully compassionately it can be the salvation of the developing world. Rick believes we have an obligation to be responsible. I agree that we have an obligation to be responsible. The role of the wealthy in our world is to continue to become wealthy. 22.Rick believes that our leadership manipulated our national grief to justify our actions in war. Rick believes that with the overwhelming sympathy from other nations we coul d have lifted the world into an unprecedented unity. I don’t think America could have done anything differently after 9/11. As Rick mentioned before, we haven’t had any conflicts hit American soil. In my opinion, a conflict reached our soil, and we reacted. 23. Steve’s quotes comes from Mathew 25: 35-46. I believe Steve’s is correct in these verses. Our responsibility as Christians with regards to poverty is what the verse in Mathew projects.Christians and the church as a whole can improve poverty. I recently, made a career change from Tour Manager in the Christian Music Industry to full time student. A large influence was because of an organization called World Vision and a book written by its CEO . â€Å"The Hole in our Gospelâ€Å" A paraphrased quote that had a large impact on me says†¦. †We have expansive, beautiful church buildings, huge choirs and the best praise and worship bands anywhere, but if all that is playing so loudly that ità ¢â‚¬â„¢s drowning out the cries of hundreds of thousands of suffering children all over the world.Then there is a hole in the gospel we are preaching here in America. † We are guilty of being a â€Å"me† society and need to improve our resources to the poverty in our country and the world. Chapter 5-Denmark: Highly Taxed & Highly Content 24. Rick states, they have an efficient train system and many Danes will never get around to buying a car. I believe we have to depend on our cars especially in more rural/ suburban areas. We do not have an effective transit system in many parts of the country. We are a society that does not provide sidewalks, or mass transit; in general we are not pedestrian friendly.We would need to build more mass transit station and less High ways. The best solution thus far is HOV lanes and carpooling. 25. Danes are more reliant on government then large corporations. They prefer to hold their government to a high standard and expect the elected off icials to do their job. In my limited knowledge I would say; Yes, we may give too much power to corporations but that is what our government is for. (Ex: monopolies) Government and corporations should balance one another. The proper role of our government is to uphold our constitution and liberties.The federal government is to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to our Posterity and ourselves. I think Ronald Reagan said it best during his First Inaugural Address: â€Å"We are a nation that has a government, not the other way around. Our government has no power except that granted by the people, and this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. † 26. I believe the â€Å"free rider† problem in the USA today is our social welfare system.This means that people take advantage of a government program that is meant to help lift you out of poverty rather then ke ep you in poverty. We are a society with an entitlement attitude. Americans take advantage of the system specifically through our welfare system. If you remember a show on MTV called cribs, they had a well known rapper who obviously made money then the allotted figure in the welfare system but was still being afforded a welfare check and food stamps. Without conviction he flaunted this on national t. v. Unfortunately this still happens today.This shows that a government program intended to help those in need is being taken advantage of and is broken. I thought of poor people and our broken welfare system. Now that I read this question our system is broken in ethics concerning corporate America as well. I’m not sure there is an explanation as to why I thought of the poor over the rich. 27. Taxes in Denmark are extremely high. Regular workers pay up to 50% in taxes and the wealthy pay up to 70% in taxes. There collective decision is based on what is best for society verses the individual. I don’t think we should model Denmark’s taxation policy.I think we need to fix ours. Our system has worked in the past and is what has made us unique as a country. We are a world power because of our unique economy not only because of our military. 28. The system for owning a car in Denmark is ridiculously expensive. If you are to buy a vehicle the cost and fees add up to buying 3 cars. This would not work in the USA. We rely to heavily on our vehicles for something like this to work. 29. Danes as a whole seem to not support marijuana. I do not believe we should legalize marijuana. We already have many vices that contribute to our society†¦ie alcohol and tobacco.Colorado is already having many issues on how to handle their legalization of the drug. I do not think there are any pros to adding to legalizing Marijuana. If I had to think of a pro, it would be to help generate revenue for the economy. Over all the disadvantages of legalizing this drug out w ay any positives. Regulation of outside distribution of the drug, affects it has on an individual, study’s show it kills brains cells over long periods of using. Colorado is already having problematic debates on where to grow and use the drug is acceptable. Chapter 6-Turkey & Morocco: Sampling secular Islam 0. One man keeps the Quran, Torah and Bible in his â€Å"Quran bag†. I believe we can and should get along with other religions. We should love people where they are. Christ calls us to love God and love people. The only way to affectively love and share truth is in love and relationship. I truly believe us as followers of Christ are all disciples and are responsible for representing Christ the best way possible. I deal with non-Christians the same way I would anyone else, with love. The best way to deal with Jews and Muslims again, is to love them where they are. 31.The evidence that Steves presents that Turkey maybe lurching into Islamic fundamentalism and theocra cy are women in public wearing the traditional headdress and walking behind men. He also noticed/felt disdained as he walked down the street, as if everyone should be praying and not out and about. I feel that our country was founded on Christian principles. In many ways we are a Christian nation. I believe our founding fathers intended this country to be free from religious persecution concerning the way they worshiped in their Christian beliefs. It is my opinion that we should be a God fearing Christian nation.We can still be a Christian nation and accept other people and the way they choose to worship. 32. Islamist are the expansionist/extremist and are afraid of the very existence of Israel. Islamic’s are the opposite. Truly, in my heart I do not feel any ill will toward Muslims. I see them as people just the same as you and I. The reason I feel this way is because of the love God has for us. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I often think they are wrong in the ir belief, and it is our job as Christians to lovingly start a conversation with them and hopefully share our beliefs. The problem is noted in this book.They believe Muhammad is the one true god. Steves friend also says, â€Å"Christendom should be threatened by Islam only if the Christian West seeks Empire here†. 33. Steves says there are advantages and disadvantages to a guided travel tour. He almost seems disappointed in the advice given in one of his books because of the fear seen on his trip to Morocco. Advantages of a guided tour are to see and experience landmarks and history behind a certain traveled area. Cons would be only experiencing the Touristy areas which are usually overpriced. I personally would prefer to visit another country on my own or with a local.I feel that is where you learn and experience the most. Although you are still a tourist you don’t stand out as much. Chapter 7-Eurpoe: Not â€Å"Hard on Drugs† or â€Å"Soft on Drugs†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦but Smart on Drugs 34. Most European nations have in common is the emphasis on education and prevention. Thinking back to my middle school and high school days. My thoughts on drug education were; it’s a joke. D. A. R. E. was the education tool used and was implemented in my elementary school. There weren’t any preventative measures in middle school or high school while I was in school. 35. Marijuana is not legal in the Netherlands.The Dutch take a more relaxed approach. There belief on Marijuana is as soon as you criminalize something; you lose any ability to regulate it. So they tolerate recreational pot smoking until it is harmful to themselves and others. I don’t really have an opinion on pot coffee shops in the Netherlands. What works for some may not work for others. I think it might be difficult to travel to the Netherlands and enjoy coffee if pot is there as well. I don’ think this would work very well in the U. S. We are not a society that appr oves of pot, and pot smoking is usually associated with harder drugs here. 36.Roughly 18,000 die of drug overdose in the U. S according to 2007 UN drug report. Looking at the statistics concerning the Dutch and Switzerland approach on hard drugs, I think it could work in the U. S. It would be something that would take time and diligence on private organization and government. The obstacles I see are our current healthcare debacle and recession. Chapter 8-Mission: Understand Iran 37. Steves had been giving his taxi driver a â€Å"thumbs up† when they had a good film take. His driver finally informed him he was mispronouncing his name and that giving someone a â€Å"thumbs up† was like giving them the middle finger.In my personal experience, reading about the culture before you visit is a huge help. Knowing currency, rate of exchange, tipping servers and even some food knowledge can go a long way. Try to understand and speak a little of their language. Most people are gr ateful you made an effort to speak there language. 38. Men and women squat when they urinate because they believe you do not get rid of your urine when you stand up. It is an overall Muslim religious conviction. I would definitely have some trouble in a place that did not have a toilet or toilet paper. I don’t think it would prevent me from visiting.It would just be difficult to deal with. 39. The dress code at the university was very strict and conforming. I think that we all need a little guidance. Dress codes help keep some order and moral decency. All within reason. I don’t feel the dress code at Trevecca affects me in any way. I think it is fine. 40. Steves said he was disheartened by the conformity imposed at the University of Tehran. The proper role of a university professor/instructor at Trevecca is to teach and inform the students on a certain subject. I think if, it is relevant to the class we should be challenged to use our brains concerning opposing views o r ideas.I don’t believe we should only look at one point of view. As for the Nazarene point of view we can learn about this specific view point but should also be challenged to see other viewpoints. 41. Brightly colored banners translated to â€Å"Death to Israel† where posted throughout the Mosque. If the police or some other group were there to â€Å"keep order† I would feel violated. Definitely grateful for our freedom of religion. 42. Steves says that the segregation among the males and females contributes to the negative image many of the Western Christians have of Islam.In some legalistic Christian churches women have to dress a certain way and in other situations, women do not have certain authority to â€Å"preach†. 43. The U. S. supported Iraq against Iran in the 1980’s. It does a little. Overall I would need to research more and find out why we backed Iraq. Then I could come to a better-educated thought. 44. Steves says, â€Å"†¦tra vel can be a powerful force for peace. Travel promotes understanding at the expense of fear. And understanding bridges conflicts between nations. † I think he means that we are at times very narrow minded as a nation.We would rather listen to what our preferred news source tells us and make our judgments from there. Traveling helps people see an entirely different perspective. Steves tends to see the humanism and similarities that cross cultural barriers. 45. Steves compares us by saying, â€Å"Iran has one dominant ethnic group and religion that’s struggling with issues of diversity and change, -liberal versus conservative, modern versus traditional, and secular versus religious. † Yes, we are sometime intolerant like the Iranians. People are imperfect and growing. We all have different opinions and some times allow our strong opinions turn into intolerance. 6. Steves is passionate about his personal experiences and how he has seen them affect others. He believe s that the American Flag doesn’t belong in his church and the Ten Commandments do not belong in City Hall. I have traveled all over the United States and have seen an American Flag in many of the churches I’ve visited. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with having the American flag in church. As far as the Ten Commandments, we are a nation that believes in the separation of church and state. I am personally not opposed to it but understand the necessity to not impose this on others.