The Existence of God and the Meaning of Life Essay

Canadian author, W.O. Mitchell, is fascinated with the meaning of life. Whether this is a result of growing up during the depression or simply indicative of Mitchell’s deep philosophical thinking, this theme constantly shows up in his work. In both his humorous drama, The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon and the eloquent children’s Canadian classic, Who has Seen the Wind, Mitchell tackles the age-old question with grace, humor, and care. Not only is Mitchell concerned with the minute details of human existence, throughout his work, Mitchell constantly evokes a Canadian persona and creates literature based on the country. Despite Wullie MacCrimmon being a Scottish character, the drama itself is set in Canada during a curling†¦show more content†¦Mitchell used the land of his birthplace, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, to place an unknown small prairie town on a literary map. Butala concludes her article by stating, â€Å"for many western fans, he was someone who had lived as they did, who remembered their childhoods for them †¦ the sights and sounds and smells of spring on the prairie, bringing to conscious awareness their joy and great good fortune in being Prairie people.† Who has Seen the Wind has become a cultural coming-of-age story for western Canadians. W.P. Kinsella argues that, â€Å"Who has Seen the Wind is the counterpart of The Catcher in the Rye. It’s the quintessential novel of growing up on the Prairies† (Shermata 40) and believes that Mitchell deserved a Governor General’s Award for his literature. While Who has Seen the Wind is an account created with love for the prairies, The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon is a well-written, humorous account of a curling match, also indicative of Canadian culture. Alan Dilworth, a director of the play, states, â€Å"it is so archetypically Canadian. There is something about this that’s even more social in the act itself.† The chief concern of the drama is one of religion, leading to a fascinating dissonance between Presbyterians and Methodists. This issue regards immigrants of Canada of varying ethnic groups. Wullie, the protagonist, is a Presbyterian, as his Scottish rootsShow MoreRelatedThe Arguments For The Existence Of God940 Words   |  4 Pagesp. 209, question# 1 Among the numerous arguments for the existence of God, the argument of design stands as the most persuasive in terms of providing a logical basis for the absolute presence of God. This argument is concerned with the intricate nature of creation and existence: one must believe that there is a Supreme Being that designed the characteristics and features of every existing thing in the entire universe, both living and non-living. The precise and complicated design of the universeRead MoreTo Live for God or for Meaning737 Words   |  3 PagesThroughout the history of philosophical theories there have many shifts of thought, one of the most dramatic would certainly be the change from focusing on ideas of God and the proving of God’s existence to thoughts on the â€Å"death of God† and ways to find meaning in life despite his absence. This shift is demonstrated by the changing tone of the writings of Anselm and Descartes to the writings of Feuerbach and Nietzsche. This cha nge happened for a variety of reasons including but not limited to theRead MoreIs There Good Evidence for or Against the Existence of God?1557 Words   |  7 PagesTitle 1: Is there good evidence for or against the existence of God? Throughout the ages, the topic of religion has always been discussed and argued over. Some people will always argue that God does exist, whilst others will argue that he doesn’t. Firstly I would like to start my argument with the famous 13th century philosopher, Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas’ argument is known as the cosmological argument. This is the idea of: the unmoved mover, the uncaused causer and idea of contingency, theseRead MoreObtaining A Life Of Meaning And Purpose In Life Is Something1579 Words   |  7 PagesObtaining a life of meaning and purpose in life is something that every human being struggles with. Trying to find yourself and locate your value in society. Even today it’s one of the biggest struggles. That feeling of acceptance comes from everything, your back round, your race, your skin color, your religious belief, your political belief. God intended for us to be here in this world but he leaves your meaning and purpose for you to find and seek it through whatever lessons and teachings you findRead MoreKierkegaard Essay519 Words   |  3 Pagesthat subjective reflection was more crucial to the individual life than objective ref lection because it focused on passion and human existence instead of logic and impersonal truth. The objective world is the world of facts and truth independent of the perceptions of humans. Objective reflection focuses on what actually is, in the objective world. Objective reflection centers on the things and ideas in the world that can give meaning to life. The subjective world is the world of human thoughts, feelingsRead MoreWhat Can You Know What Your Meaning?946 Words   |  4 PagesHave you ever asked yourself about the meaning of life? According the Nagel, if we look at the big picture than all of our lives are meaningless. One day the universe is going to stop functioning and all life will perish so what is the point of our existence? To some people this could be harmful to their self-esteem because they want to be able to know that they live for a reason. To others, the thought of an overall meaningless life doesn’t mean that their life is meaningless within their lifetimeRead MoreEnglish Preliminary Speech : My Name Is Tom Hanaee1029 Words   |  5 PagesHanaee, C: And I am Christian Damiano. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. T: Now this quote may seem random and out of place, but it in fact reflects the entire purpose and conceptual focus of today’s presentation. This seminar revolves around the exploration of meaning and purpose in an individual’s life, specifically as a response to the Aristotelian quote ‘Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.’ This quote that mimics the credence of theRead MoreApol 104 Secular Humanisn and Christianity917 Words   |  4 PagesPart One: Secular Humanism 1. The Question of Origin A humanist rejects any existence and or thought of God and is believed that modern science can answer the question of how life began. â€Å"Atheists†¦propose the idea that God is not necessary for life or morals, and the answer to mankind’s existence is found only in nature itself† (Weider Gutierrez. 2011, p56). They believe that the entire universe as well as life is simply by coincidence and that lucky for us, nonliving matter turned to livingRead More Nietsche and Evolution Essay1157 Words   |  5 PagesNietsche and Evolution It is the image of the ungraspable phantom of life; and this is the key to it all. -Melville In 1859 Charles Darwin offered a theory that seemed to disprove the longstanding explanation of the Origin of existence. Darwins theory of evolution proposes a convincing argument that the universe was not created for a purpose, with intention, by a conscious God, but rather, was a phenomenon of random change. Fredrick Nietzsche articulated the gravity of the effect ofRead MoreWhat Is It s One Of The Big Question About Human Existence?875 Words   |  4 PagesCharles Clinton Hinkley 5/31/2015 The meaning of life. It’s one of the big questions in philosophy, one of the big questions about human existence. A big part of the Christians or at least to (Page,2015) Page is to believes â€Å"the meaning of life is to fulfill God’s will, live our lives, have a career, make a family, have fun, and then die at the time God appointed for us to die.† (Page, Pg. 1) To some atheist, their belief is that there’s no meaning to life. They believe in evolution, to survive

Achievement Gaps - 1012 Words

Achievement Gaps Reading, writing and the ability to solve simple mathematical problems are a part of the necessary tools needed to survive in America. Consequently, such learning tools are used numerous times throughout the day without recognition. However, reading, writing and basic knowledge of mathematical problems are not equally achieved by all social groups. It is clear that education plays a major role in the future of an individual, yet there are achievement gaps between Black, White and Hispanic groups. Unfortunately, minority groups are not meeting the standard scoring according to statistics. White groups are exceeding Black and Hispanic groups in reading, writing, and mathematics. There are a vast number of reasons for†¦show more content†¦For instance, the gap in reading in 2007 between Black and White groups was significant in 44 states, in grade four. However, in 1999 to 2004 the gap for the age nine, in reading, was lower for a longer term than any other per iod. In the mathematic department, Black groups have grown significantly in 2005, while the White counterpart’s scores have not changed. Thus, causing the gaps between White and Black groups to be narrower in 2005. In 2005, Whites had a twenty-seven point lead over Blacks. The gap point gap in 2007 remained almost the same, with Whites having a twenty-six point lead in reading over Blacks. The reasons for the achievement gaps between Black and White groups are based on family income, social status, and poor schools. The conflict perspective best describes the achievement gaps for blacks and Hispanics. According to this conflict perspective, there is a constant struggle between the dominant group (whites) and the subordinate groups (blacks and Hispanics). Those that are a part of the dominant group have economic and political control. The subordinate group is often left ignored and ridiculed for having a lower status by the subordinate groups. Those who support the conflict theory also believe that the subordinate group is stereotyped as lazy and lack the knowledge and/or desire to narrow the gap between blacks, Hispanics and whites; that is subsequently known as â€Å"blaming the victim†. Overall, the subordinate group is viewedShow MoreRelatedThe Gap Of The Achievement Gap917 Words   |  4 Pages The achievement gap is the education gap between the performance group of students in which these groups are usually defined by their social status, race or gender. The education experts proved that this gap had a negative impact on the students of the new generation as most of them tend to believe that this gap couldn t be changed and that their life success and learning will be depending on their social status, race or gender. This gap not only affects students, but also affects everyone in theRead MoreThe Achievement Gap1119 Words   |  5 Pagesthe education sector, the achievement gap delineates the observed disparity in school performance among student groups. This gap is manifested in measures such as test scores, grades, college completion and dropout rates, and selection of courses. Within the U.S. context, the achievement gap has often been used to refer to the worrying performance disparities between Latinos and African-Americans on one hand and their non-Hispanic white counterparts on the other. The gap also describes academic differencesRead More Achievement Gap Essay1447 Words   |  6 PagesThe achievement gap is defined as the disparity between the performance groups of students, especially groups defined by gender, race/ethnicity, ability and socio-economic status. The achievement gap can be observed through a variety of measures including standardized test scores, grade point averages, drop out rates, college enrollment and completion rates. The Black-White achievement gap is a critical issue in modern society’s education system. Although data surrounding the issue clearly indicatesRead MoreAchievement Gap with Minorities753 Words   |  3 Pagesabout achievement gap is broached, it is often offensive towards minorities. Mainly because it implies that you’re acknowledging the fact that there is and achievement difference among their race and Whites. Personally I have no problem with the term because it is factual. It’s what school officials are not doing to close this gap that i have a problem with The achievement gap is sustained by poor school management and teaching—not o ther social or cultural factors. In order to close this gap amongRead MoreThe Achievement Gap Of Education905 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Achievement Gap.† These are two of the most powerful and controversial words in the educational field today. Professionals use the term achievement gap to refer to the differences in performance, whether it be test scores, attendance, drop-out rates, graduation rates, etc., amongst the various student populations in education. There have been many educational policies and reforms in an attempt to narrow the achievement gap amongst the various ethnic groups namely, â€Å"No Child Left Behind† (NCLB)Read MoreThe Segregation Of The Achievement Gap1837 Words   |  8 PagesThe Camouflaged Segregation of the Achievement Gap in the United States Education System The first public school in the United States opened in Boston in the year of 1821. By the end of the 19th century, public secondary schools began to outnumber private ones. Nevertheless, the education system started with many flaws. One of the biggest problems of the public educational system is that, although it gave the less advantaged an opportunity to learn, it did so in a segregated way. When we talk aboutRead MoreAchievement Gap Between The Educational Performance Gap931 Words   |  4 PagesAchievement gap refers to the difference between the educational performances of different groups of students (Hidden Curriculum, 2014). While this is still a common problem in society, many educators are trying to close the gap and get all students on the same page for success. It is important to know not only the types of achievement gaps faced within schools, but also how they can be handled effectively. One common achievement gap is that of upper-class majority students versus lower-c lass minorityRead MoreEducation And Academic Achievement Gap1304 Words   |  6 Pagesstudents. Many people believe that schools should focus on excelling on standardized testing, such as state tests and college entrance exams, and lowering the academic achievement gap. After all, these examinations are major factors in students’ future decisions and schools’ academic success greatly affects their overall achievement. Focusing on standardized testing is important; however, basic courses—such as English, mathematics, and science—are not the only subjects that are beneficial when preparingRead MoreThe Black White Achievement Gap1462 Words   |  6 PagesAfrican American students in an affluent, suburban district have not successfully closed the achievement gap. These students’ are generally lower performing that whites and Asians and sometimes lower than Hispanic and/or socio-economically disadvantaged. According to Sohn (2012) the phenomenon of the black white achievement gap has returned. Slaven and Madden (2006) assert â€Å"The gap in academic achievement between African American (as well as Latino) children and their White peers is arguably theRead MoreThe Achievement Gap Is Difficult For Children2305 Words   |  10 PagesMarkese Jones Mr. Hance AP Writing Lab 10 February 2015 The Achievement Gap The achievement gap is difficult for children just entering school because the bar has already been set to where some of those children are going to land. At the age of three, children of people with careers have vocabularies that are nearly 1.5 times greater than

Importance of Listening Free Essays

Listening is part of communication and language arts. There are fights and miscommunications because nobody has the time to listen. This is a very important tool to avoid misconceptions and misunderstanding. We will write a custom essay sample on Importance of Listening or any similar topic only for you Order Now Careful listening gives individual good and accurate information. Every individual should develop their listening skills. Until the 1940’s, no one seems to have thought that skillful listening required any particular training. Two causes have produced a changed attitude toward listening. First, there has been enormous expansion in the means of transmitting the spoken voice: by disc record, tape recording, radio, television, sound motion pictures, and videotapes. Second, there has been increased interest in group discussion, as shown partly by the conferences, conventions, and workshops that are held, and by the many discussion programs on the air. The language system encompasses the language of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The acquisition of these skills follows a general sequence of development: (1) listening, (2) speaking, (3) reading, and (4) writing. The different language forms have a core language system that underlies and integrates the four elements of language. Experiences with each language form strengthen the underlying language system, which in turn influences an individual’s facility in each language form. Numerous situations in everyday living require skillful listening. For example, informal conversation, social and business telephoning; interviews; taking part in conferences; listening to speeches, lectures, readings, reports, and plays; and following oral directions. From the young child, who gains much of his or her knowledge from speech activities in the classroom, to the courtroom lawyer, whose success depends largely on understanding what is said, the art of listening is a language skill vital to each person’s life and work. Good listening enlarges the listener’s command of language. Through listening to speeches, poetry, and plays, a person can gain an appreciation of literature and of the spoken language. Through reading and listening have similar problems, listeners face two special conditions. First, they must grasp the meaning at once; there is no opportunity to reflect on what was said or to go back and review it. Second, listeners are directly affected by the personality of the speaker, whose voice, gestures, and presence are often as important as the words being spoken. Thus, there are good reasons for training people to listen effectively. To be most effective, listening must meet four requirements. Listening must be focused; listeners cannot be half-hearted in their attention. 2. Listening must be exact; listeners must grasp precisely what has been said, not some vague notion of it. They must be able to take hold of the content, including the sequence of parts and their relationship to the whole. 3. Listening must be aware. Listeners must be critics as well as receivers; they must be able to distinguish the essential from the nonessential; they must be as objective as possible, alert for bias in themselves as well as in the speaker. 4.Listening must be courteous; listener owes the speaker respect and interest. In education, listening is an element of the language system that has been neglected by educators. Although concern for the instruction of speaking and reading, is common, the student’s ability to listen has been taken for granted. Students are typically expected to acquire this ability without special instructions. The fact is, however, that many students   do not acquire functional skills in listening by themselves. According to medical hearing specialists, over half the people referred to them for suspected deafness have no defect in hearing acuity and no organic pathology that would cause their seeming hearing impairment. Listening is a basic skill that can be improved through teaching and practice. Compared with the quantity of research in reading, research in listening is minuscule. One explanation for poor listening skills is that students and people today are so bombarded with constant sound that may have actually learned to â€Å"tune out† what they do not wish to hear, and they have become skillful at not listening. How to cite Importance of Listening, Essay examples

The Twentieth Century Workplace free essay sample

The Twenty-First Century Work Place Lite in the early twentieth century was provided by secure factory Jobs. The united states was an Industrial area filled with factories. People without much education could work In the factories and know their Jobs were safe. There was no schooling or special skills required. People worked In the factories and made enough money to support themselves and their families. Today, factories full of human workers are a rare thing In America. Most people now go to college to further their education and get more specialized Jobs. They believe in the luxuries their Jobs can provide and not he value of their work. Twentieth century work and the values that came with it are rarely seen in America today. Factories now no longer need as many workers to run them. Many peoples Jobs have been outsourced to machines and computers. Those factories and mills that stayed opened were able to spend their money on new technology. We will write a custom essay sample on The Twentieth Century Workplace or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Mills that continued to operate were able to replace their workers with a new generation of nearly autonomous, computer- run machines (Davidson 320). Factory workers became obsolete to machines. One by one almost every worker was replaced by a fancy new computer system. In the early twentieth century, factory jobs were most peoples sources of income. The thought that these workers could ever be replaced by machines never entered peoples minds. They knew they had secure jobs at these factories. In an article written by Adam Davidson, a young girl Is close to losing her Job In a factory to a machine. Davidson points out, If she had been born In upstate South Carolina earlier In the twentieth century, her work life would have been far more secure (Davidson 320). People In the twenty-first century dont work In factories, they have more specialized or more socialized Jobs. Technology is eating Jobs (Kessler 331). Although outsourcing has almost rid factories of humans, offshoring has also had a hand in removing people from their Jobs. Business owners want to pay their workers the least amount they carn If workers overseas are willing to work for cheaper wages, then American factory jobs are going to be sent overseas. Today, many manufacturing jobs were offshored to China and India (Binder 329). People in China are willing to work for wages lower than Americans will. People in America need more money Just to survive. Not only have the actual Jobs changed, but the way people hink of the work world. Most people today believe that In order to be successful you must have a well-paying Job. It doesnt matter how much you move, as long as you get a nice check every week. In an article written by Richard Sennett, two men, a father and son, were shown as perfect examples of how the ideals of work have changed. The father worked one steady job for over twenty years. His work had one single and durable purpose, the service of the family (Sennett 307). He wanted his family to live a nice life and his son to go to college and move up the ladder In life. The son, however, did not agree with his father. He went to college and had a well-paying Job. His Job required him to move around a lot and make new friends every couple of years. He had Indeed rejected the way of his father (Sennett 309). Family didnt and healthy. People today do not have the same beliefs about work as they used to. They only care that they have enough money to live luxuriously. People who dont live luxurious lives and work in factories are Just waiting to see if they will keep their Jobs. Many Jobs have been replaced by machines and others have been sent overseas to cheaper labor. The world of work has changed dramatically.

Habits and Traits of Japanese Beetles, Popillia japonica

Habits and Traits of Japanese Beetles, Popillia japonica Is there a garden pest worse than the Japanese beetle? First, the beetle grubs destroy your lawn, and then the adult beetles emerge to feed on your leaves and flowers. Knowledge is power when it comes to controlling  this pest in your yard. Description The Japanese beetles body is a striking metallic green, with copper-colored elytra (wing covers) covering the upper abdomen. The adult beetle measures just about 1/2 inch in length. There are five distinctive tufts of white hairs line each side of the body, and two additional tufts marking the tip of the abdomen. These tufts distinguish the Japanese beetle from other similar species. Japanese beetle grubs are white, with brown heads, and reach about 1 inch in length when mature. First instar  (a developmental stage between molting) grubs measure just a few millimeters in length. The grubs curl into a C shape. Classification Kingdom - AnimaliaPhylum - ArthropodaClass - InsectaOrder - ColeopteraFamily - ScarabaeidaeGenus - PopilliaSpecies - Popillia japonica Diet Adult Japanese beetles are not picky eaters, and thats what makes them such an impactful pest. Theyll feed on both the foliage and flowers of several hundred species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials. The beetles eat plant tissues between the leaf veins, skeletonizing the foliage. When beetle populations get high, the pests may completely strip a plant of flower petals and foliage. Japanese beetle grubs feed on organic matter in the soil and on the roots of grasses, including turfgrass. High numbers of grubs may destroy turf in lawns, parks, and golf courses. Life Cycle Eggs hatch in late summer, and grubs begin to feed on plant roots. Mature grubs overwinter deep in the soil, below the frost line. In spring, grubs migrate upward and resume feeding on plant roots. By early summer, the grub is ready to pupate within an earthen cell in the ground. Adults emerge from late June into summer. They feed on foliage and mate during the day. Females excavate soil cavities several inches deep for their eggs, which they lay in masses. In most parts of its range, the Japanese beetle life cycle takes just a year, but in northern areas, it may stretch to two years. Special Behaviors and Defenses Japanese beetles travel in packs, flying and feeding together. Males use highly sensitive antennae to detect and locate female mates. Though Japanese beetles are despised for their voracious appetites for just about anything green, there is one plant that stops them in their tracks, literally. Geraniums have an odd effect on Japanese beetles and may be the key to defeating these pests. Geranium petals cause a temporary paralysis in Japanese beetles, rendering them  completely immobile for as long as 24 hours. While this doesnt kill them directly, it leaves them vulnerable to predators. Habitat With such a variety of potential host plants, Japanese beetles are well suited to live just about anywhere. Popillia japonica inhabits forests, meadows, fields, and gardens. Japanese beetles even find their way to urban backyards and parks. Range: Although the Japanese beetle is native to eastern Asia, this species was accidentally introduced to the U.S. in 1916. Japanese beetles are now established throughout the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada. Intermittent populations occur in the western U.S. Sources: Eureka Alert: Geraniums Could Help Control Devastating Japanese Beetle

Saola Facts

Saola Facts The saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) was discovered as skeletal remains in May of 1992 by surveyors from the Ministry of Forestry of Vietnam and the World Wildlife Fund who were mapping the Vu Quang Nature Reserve of north-central Vietnam. At the time of its discovery, the saola was the first large mammal new to science since the 1940s. Fast Facts: Saola Scientific Name: Pseudoryx nghetinhensisCommon Name(s): Saola, Asian unicorn, Vu Quang bovid, Vu Quang ox, spindlehornBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 35 inches at the shoulder, about 4.9 feet in lengthWeight: 176–220 poundsLifespan: 10–15 yearsDiet:Â  HerbivoreHabitat: Forests in the Annamite mountain range between Vietnam and LaosPopulation: 100–750; under 100 are in a protected areaConservation Status: Critically Endangered Description The saola (pronounced sow-la and also known as the Asian unicorn or the Vu Quang bovid) has two long, straight, parallel horns that can reach 20 inches in length. Horns are found on both males and females. The saolas fur is sleek and dark brown in color with dappled white markings on the face. It resembles an antelope, but DNA has proven they are more closely related to cow species- which is why they were designated Pseudoryx, or false antelope. Saola have large maxillary glands on the muzzle, which are thought to be used to mark territory and attract mates. The saola stands about 35 inches at the shoulder and has been estimated at 4.9 feet long and 176 to 220 pounds in weight. The first living examples studied were two calves captured in 1994: The male died within a few days, but the female calf lived long enough to be taken to Hanoi for observation. She was small, about 4–5 months old and weighed about 40 pounds, with large eyes and a fluffy tail. All known captive saola have died, leading to the belief that this species cannot live in captivity. The team found a skull with unusual long, straight horns in a hunters home and knew it was something extraordinary, reported the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1993. The find proved to be the first large mammal new to science in more than 50 years and one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century. Habitat and Range The saola is only known from the slopes of the Annamite Mountains, a restricted mountainous jungle on the northwest-southeast border between Vietnam and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Laos). The region is a subtropical/tropical moist environment which is characterized by evergreen or mixed evergreen and deciduous woodlands, and the species seems to prefer edge zones of the forests. Saola are presumed to reside in mountain forests during the wet seasons and move down to the lowlands in winter. The species is presumed to have been formerly distributed in wet forests at low elevations, but these areas are now densely populated, degraded, and fragmented. Low population numbers make distribution particularly patchy. The saola has rarely been seen alive since its discovery and is already considered critically endangered. Scientists have categorically documented saola in the wild on only four occasions to date. Diet and Behavior Local villagers have reported that the saola browses on leafy plants, fig leaves, and stems along rivers and animal trails; the calf captured in 1994 ate Homalomena aromatica, an herb with heart-shaped leaves. The bovine appears to be mainly solitary, although it has been seen in groups of two to three and rarely in groups of six or seven. It is possible that they are territorial, marking their territory from their pre-maxillary gland; alternatively, they may have a relatively large home range that allows them to move between areas in response to seasonal changes. Most of the saola killed by the locals have been found in the winter when they are in lowland habitats near to the villages. Reproduction and Offspring In Laos, births are said to occur at the beginning of the rains, between April and June. Gestation is estimated to last about eight months, the births may be single, and lifespan is estimated at 5–10 years. Little else is known about the offspring of this critically endangered species. Threats The saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Formal surveys have yet to be taken to determine accurate population numbers, but the IUCN estimates the total population to be between 70 and 750 and declining. About 100 animals reside in protected areas. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has prioritized the saolas survival, saying, Its rarity, distinctiveness, and vulnerability make it one of the greatest priorities for conservation in the Indochina region. Conservation Status IN 2006, the IUCN Species Survival Commissions Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group created the Saola Working Group to protect the saola and their habitat. WWF has been involved with the protection of the saola since its discovery, focused on strengthening and establishing protected areas as well as research, community-based forest management, and strengthening law enforcement. Management of Vu Quang Nature Reserve where the saola was discovered has improved in recent years. Two new adjacent saola reserves have been established in Thua-Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces. The WWF has been involved in the setting up and management of protected areas and continues to work on projects in the region. Only recently discovered, saola are already extremely threatened, says Dr. Barney Long, WWF Asian species expert. At a time when species extinction on the planet has accelerated, we can work together to snatch this one back from the edge of extinction. Saolas and Humans The main threats to the saola are hunting and fragmentation of its range through habitat loss. Local villagers report that saola are often caught accidentally in snares set in the forest for wild boar, sambar, or muntjac deer- the snares are set for subsistence use and crop protection. In general, increases in the numbers of lowland people hunting to supply the illegal trade in wildlife has led to a massive increase in hunting, driven by traditional medicine demand in China and restaurant and food markets in Vietnam and Laos; but as a newly discovered animal, it is not currently a specific target for either the medicinal or food market as of yet. However, according to WWF, As forests disappear under the chainsaw to make way for agriculture, plantations, and infrastructure, saola are being squeezed into smaller spaces. The added pressure from rapid and large-scale infrastructure in the region is also fragmenting saola habitat. Conservationists are concerned that this is allowing hunters easy access to the once untouched forest of the saola and may reduce genetic diversity in the future. Sources Callaway, Ewan. A Bloody Boon for Conservation: Leeches Provide Traces of DNA from Other Species. Nature 484.7395 (2012): 424–25. Print.Hassanin, Alexandre, and Emmanuel J. P. Douzery. Evolutionary Affinities of the Enigmatic Saola (Pseudoryx Nghetinhensis) in the Context of the Molecular Phylogeny of Bovidae. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences 266.1422 (1999): 893–900. Print.Phommachanh, Chanthasone, et al. Habitat Use of the Saola Pseudoryx Nghetinhensis (Mammalia; Bovidae) Based on Local Sightings in the Northern Annamite Mountains of Lao PDR. Tropical Conservation Science 10 (2017): 1940082917713014. Print.Tilker, Andrew, et al. Saving the Saola from Extinction. Science 357.6357 (2017): 1248–48. Print.Whitfield, John. A Saola Poses for the Camera. Nature 396.6710 (1998): 410. Print.

Health Care Management HA330 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Health Care Management HA330 - Essay Example Lastly, it discusses the skills needed for leaders in health organizations. In the words of Eric and Steven, Strategy is defined not as an event but as the roots of the structure of an organization (Steven G. Hillestad, 2004). In health organization, strategies which are relevant to the changing work environment are adopted. There are various strategies to choose from. These could be: In the 21st century the future of health organizations is totally dependent on how well they adapt to current changing environment. Because of the rapid growth in population the best approach to strategize health organizations is by improving their internal capabilities and personal performance. A health organization is a service based organization therefore its main strength lies in the quality of its service. The better services they offer the better reputation they command. For this it is important to improve on internal capabilities and performance levels. They should focus on the health organization’s hygiene. Providing the patients with perfect hygiene is very important. The news about infections generated due to unhygienic hospitals has always made it to headlines. Technology has taken over most health organizations today. Thus, it is highly recommended that health organizations are abreast with the latest technology . They are updated with the latest data and the latest equipments for treatment are in place. Technological procedures like MRI, CT scans and other surgeries are expensive. However these procedures should be incorporated as they produce efficient results. Survival today is not only what people look for but the quality of life they are offered along with the opportunity cost (Patrick, 1993). Along with the introduction of technology performance maintenance criteria needs to be practiced. The staff needs to get training sessions to get familiar with the machines before experiencing it on humans. Number of studies carried out in Canada