Michelangelos Tomb of Giuliano de Medici Research Paper Example

Michelangelos Tomb of Giuliano de Medici Paper Michelangelos Tomb of Giuliano de Medici One of the most famous artists ever known since the 16th century is a man by the name of Michelangelo Buonarroti.He has composed art that is both breathtaking and unmatched in such skills as painting, sculpture, architecture and poetry.Some of his most famous works of sculpture that he composed are standing in the Medici Chapel in Florence, Italy even today.I would like to speak of a particular piece contained in the Chapel entitled Tomb of Giuliano de Medici.First I would like to say a few words concerning Michelangelos financial status for materials and his visions for the figure. According to the book entitled, Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture;Michelangelo was an aristocratic artist working for the pope and had a nearly unlimited budget in the 1520s.Michelangelo also had a legendary ability to judge the quality of a block of marble; it was even said that he could see the figure imprisoned in it.(Pg.213)I think that this quote from author, William E. Wallace, shows a very interesting background in Michelangelos finances and genius.He had made numerous life-size statues with handpicked blocks of marble.Wallace also states that some experts believe Michelangelos financial backing helped contribute to the beauty of his work.I was not sure how to take that comment atfirst, but after looking at many of Michelangelos sculptures, I think the fact that he was particular about the quality of block which was used shows that he was a master that wanted to depict figures that were unequivocally beautiful, muscular, and harmonious. The Tomb of Giuliano de Medici is an example of Michelangelos mastery of both muscular figures as well as composition.The piece was worked on from 1519 through 1534.The piece contains three figures. The elevated central figure in the pie

The War of 1812 essays

The War of 1812 essays By any criteria the years following the War of 1812, otherwise known as the Era of Good Feelings, must be considered a time of exceptional growth and development in the United States, but above all, it may be considered a time of evolution and ripening of American nationalism, unification, and economic prowess. The war of 1812 was a very problematic war. States did not fulfill their duties, while commanders and leaders were not informed or supplied enough to keep up the war. But what awakened during this time and afterwards is something much greater then victory. The war wasnt just about Britain holding land and impressing American sailors into their navy; it was a second war of independence. It was the first war as a united country, and it was a small new nation against a large European empire. That we survived woke us up, and let us know that we did have a nation. For the first time, we were united, not for a fight of our homes and freedoms, but for ideals (The Awakening of Ameri can Nationalism, AAN). The war of 1812 began long before war was declared. It began right after the war of Independence. The British were not too fond of us breaking away from their empire, and they soon figured out that many revolts were because we had fought and won. They taxed our merchants, and hassled our ships, but they crossed the line when they began to impress our sailors into their navy. They claimed that these people had deserted the royal navy and should be given back. Though they may have been right on a few occasions, it has been proven that many innocent people were forced to be in the royal navy. On June 22, 1807, the English frigate Leopard attacked the United States frigate Chesapeake, and took from her certain of her sailors who, the Leopards captain claimed, were British citizens. (John K. Mahon, The War of 1812) This is what broke the straw on the proverbial camels back. Many citizens wanted...

Proposal for alternative, convertible and flexible types of Research Paper

Proposal for alternative, convertible and flexible types of accommodations for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games - Research Paper Example mated that the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil could provide ample accommodation for 33,000 visitors, this being the number of the hotel beds that are available (Berg, n.d.). The Olympic Games will definitely require more than this, considering that the number of visitors is expected to be much higher, estimated at a figure well above 50,000. Worse still is the fact that; the economic implication of the city would be even dire, if it engages in the erection of permanent facilities that are only to be used for accommodating the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games of 2016, and then fall short of business later. However, while uptight efforts are being made to avail the necessary accommodation through the construction of more hotels and accommodation facilities, it would even be more comfortable and innovative of the city, if it could devise other means of providing temporary accommodation, which still meets the required standards. One of the viable considerations for the temporary, yet quality accommodation provision for the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the Olympic Games of 2016, is the use of Cruise Ship (Honeywell, n.d.). There are various reasons that make this option viable. First, the city of Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by water, which makes the use of cruise ship possible, as the visitors and the athletic members will only be sleeping in the regions surrounding the city. The advantage of this option is that; it will allow for the provision of ample accommodation in areas of close proximity to the city, thus allowing for the desired convenience. The second advantage is the fact that, the use of cruise ship will allow for the temporary provision of accommodation, thus eliminating the need for construction of permanent accommodation facilities, which may then lack sufficient business thereafter, thus resulting to unnecessary tying up of substantial resources in the substantial constructions (Honeywell, n .d.). The validity of this option is the fact that, the same

The use of hypnosis in pre-conception and early pregnancy problems Literature review

The use of hypnosis in pre-conception and early pregnancy problems - Literature review Example Stress is one of the main road blocks that develop when a couple is unable to conceive and this further exacerbates the problem. Clinical hypnosis is a way to calm the nerves and make the patient feel like they're in control of the situation. Clinical hypnosis is being used to help women through all stages of conception and pregnancy as discussed in the following lines; Natural Conception: Hopeful parents never turn to IVF before having explored all options in natural conception. About ten percent of the couples having difficulty to conceive are being diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility'. The purpose that hypnosis serves here, has to do with the basic definition of it, it reduces stress and helps clean out the negative thoughts culminating in the couples. It is believed that what we think has an effect on our physical selves, so hypnosis is being used to keep all those fears at bay. In Vitro Fertilization: In Vitro Fertilization is a route that many people take when natural conce ption doesn't work. It's a well known fact that IVF takes a toll physically, emotionally as well as financially. A study conducted by Professor Eliahu Levitas and his team (2004) at Soroka Hospital, Israel,the success rate of IVF treatment can possibly be doubled using various hypnosis techniques. The professor's research was focused on the effect of hypnosis during the embryo transfer. Patients were asked to think of pleasant experiences during the embryo transfer and a hypnotic state was induced by a therapist during the procedure. After the procedure was done, patient was instructed to be calm and positive before breaking the hypnosis. The results of this study indicated that twenty eight percent of the couple undergoing ET with hypnosis had successful implantations as compared to the controls where it was merely 14% (Levitas, 2006:1404-1408). Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Now moving on to early pregnancy problems, one of the most common problems that gets women hospitalized in their f irst trimester is Hyperemesis Gravidarum. "HEG is a clinical diagnosis characterized by severe and intractable vomiting and it often associated with weight loss, ketonuria, dehydration, metabolic alkalosis, and electrolyte disturbances." (Nayeri, 2012:22). It is a serious problem that must be quickly diagnosed and then treated, since it can deteriorate and harm the mother and the foetus if not taken care of. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is done with a 2 tiered approach, physical and chemical. Physical examination should include weight, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate etc but importantly, signs of dehydration should be looked for - like dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor. Although HEG is diagnosed clinically, some laboratory investigations may be helpful like urine ketones, urine specific gravity and serum electrolytes to detect any derangements in the volume status. Other blood tests can be done to exclude any other diseases (Nayeri, 2012:24). Management: Management of HEG in volves a few objectives, like lessening the nausea, correcting dehydration and any other electrolyte imbalances along with it, and maintaining maternal weight. There are two types of measures that can be taken, pharmacological and non-pharmacological. To start with, considerable evidence has accumulated that intake of multivitamins during the period of conception and

Research Methodological Approaches Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Research Methodological Approaches - Essay Example The nature of research being done dictates the type and kind of methodology which is to be employed. This is in terms of the data collection and analysis. For example, in collecting qualitative data, the researcher will probably be measuring variables and using them to verify existing theories and question hypotheses. In some instances, data is used in coming up with a new set of hypothesis based on the results of a given study. Since every research may be unique in its own way, it is common to find different methodologies being used. Segon & Booth points out that the collection of data or statistics is not the answer to understanding an underlying meaning in a study. It is the type of data obtained and how it is analyzed that will help in understanding meanings, experiences, theories, and beliefs. Data collection is always done in accordance with specific research vehicles guided by the underlying questions for that given study. This treatise looks into the various research methods which are used in academic journals. This is done by reviewing, evaluating and analyzing the methodological approaches which are used in thirty-five different studies. According to of Benedict & Gupta, different academic scholars use diverse methodological approaches to carrying out their studies. The various methodologies can generally be grouped into three major groups. These are qualitative, quantitative and quantitative research methods. Tsikata defines qualitative research as a method of inquiry which is used in academic studies with the aim of gathering the in-depth understanding of a given behavior. The method is important in helping understand the reasons behind such behavior and trends. The qualitative research investigates not only why and how a given behavior is, but also where and when it takes place. Getnet remarks that, in most instances, focused samples are used. In other studies like Tsikata, a larger sample can also be used depending on the trend being studied, and the research questions being investigated. Significant quantities of literature suggest that qualitative methodologies produce information on specific cases. On the basis of the particular subject being studied, general conclusions can be drawn. Such conclusions are referred to as informed assertions.

Key concepts of structural family therapy

Key concepts of structural family therapy Salvador Minuchins work proved to be interesting and very insightful. The information presented allowed me to see family therapy through a systematic lens. Minuchins most lasting contribution to the field of family therapy involved a theory of family structure and a set of guidelines to organize therapeutic techniques. I would like to give a brief summary of Minuchins life, in addition to some key concepts and interventions that made his journey unique. Minuchun (2010) was originally born in Argentina and served in the Israeli army. He traveled to the United States and trained in child psychiatry (Nichols, 2010). In 1954, Minuchin began psychoanalytic training at the William Alanson White Institute where he studied the interpersonal psychiatry of Harry Stack Sullivan. After leaving the White Institute, Minuchin (2010) took a job at the Wiltwyck School for delinquent boys, where he suggested to his staff that they start seeing families. According to Nichols (2010), the success of Minu chins work with families at Wiltwyck led to a groundbreaking book, Families of the Sums (1967), which first outlined the structural model. Minuchins (2010) reputation as a virtuoso therapist grew, and he became the director of the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic in 1965. By the 1970s, structural family therapy had become the most widely practiced of all systems of family therapy. Minuchin (2010) stepped down as director of the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic in 1976 and started his own center in New York, where he practiced until 1996. Key Concepts There are many key concepts to be explained or defined in Structural Family Therapy. In 2010, Nichols defines family structure as a way the family is organized into subsystems and how the interaction among those subsystems is regulated by boundaries. The process of a familys interaction is like the patterns of conversation at the dinner table (Nichols, 2010). The structure of the family is where the members sit in relation to one another. Within families, boundaries are established. Boundaries are invisible barriers that regulate contact with others and can be rigid, clear, or diffused. According to Nichols (2010), diffuse boundaries exist between a couple if they call each other at work frequently, neither has their own friends or independent activities and they view themselves only as a pair rather than as two separate personalities. In retrospect, theyve established a rigid boundary if they spend little time together, have separate bedrooms, take separate vacations, have different checking accounts, and are more invested in careers or outside relationships than in th eir relationship (Nichols, 2010). Boundary making is negotiating the boundaries between members of a relationship, the actual relationship and the outside world (Nichols, 2010). Nichols (2010) defines another form of a relationship as the concept of cross-generational coalition. This is an inappropriate alliance between a parent and a child, who side together against a third member of the family (Nichols, 2010). The concept of accommodation is when elements of a system automatically adjust to coordinate their functioning. Some people may need to work at this. In Structural Therapy, the therapists attempt to join the family. The concept of joining is accepting and accommodating to families to win their confidence and circumvent resistance (Nichols, 2010 p. 462). The key structural term of enactments is an interaction stimulated in structural therapy in order to observe and then change transactions that make up family structure (Nichols, 2010). According to Nichols (2010), empathy is used in structural family therapy to show understanding of the families beliefs and feelings. How Problems Arise and are Maintained According to Nichols (2010), what distinguishes normal families isnt the absence of a problem. The true origin of the problem derives within the Functional structure for dealing organization (Nichols, 2010 p. 176). They also believe that modifications in structure are required with them. Structural family therapists believe that problems are maintained by a dysfunctional family when a family or one of its members encounters external pressures (a parent is laid off, the family moves) and when developmental transitions are reached (a child reaches adolescence, parents retire). Healthy families accommodate to changed circumstances. According to Nichols (2010), less-adaptive families increase the rigidity of structures that are no longer functional. Structural therapists believe that in disengaged families, boundaries are rigid and the family fails to mobilize support when needed. Whereas in enmeshed families, boundaries are diffused and family members become dependent on one another (Nichols, 2010). What Needs to Happen for Change to Occur According to Nichols (2010), Structural Therapy changes behavior by opening alternative patterns of interaction that can modify family structures. It isnt necessarily a matter of creating new structures, but of activating dormant ones (Nichols, 2010). Structural family therapists produce change by joining the family, probing for areas of flexibility, and then activating dormant structural alternatives (Nichols, 2010 p. 177). According to Nichols (2010), the first task is to understand the familys view of their problems. The structural therapist will use enactments and spontaneous behavior sequences to better understand the families structure (Nichols, 2010). Nichols states (2010); the therapist first defines or recognizes a problematic sequence. Second, the therapist directs an enactment. Third, and most important, the therapist must guide the family to modify the enactments (Nichols, 2010). All of the therapists strategies should create new options for the family and options for productive interaction (Nichols, 2010). Interventions/Techniques According to Nichols (2010), Minuchin used three overlapping phases in the process of Structural Family therapy. The therapist joins the family in position of leadership; maps their underlying structure; and intervenes to transform this structure. The structural therapist believes that the strategy of therapy must be organized. Within this organization, the structural therapist uses seven steps that could be considered interventions or techniques. The first step is joining and accommodating. In this step, the therapist attempts to disarm defenses by building an alliance of understanding within each member of the family (Nichols, 2010 p. 180). In the second step the therapist provokes family members to talk among the selves to produce enactments. Enactments help the therapist discover many things about a familys structure (Nichols, 2010). According the Nichols (2010), structural family therapists try to assess the interrelationship of all family members by the third step of structural mapping. In the fourth step, structural therapists highlight and modify interactions. In this step the therapist may use the technique of intensity which is facilitated by using strong affect repeated intervention or prolonged pressure (Nichols, 2010 p.464). Shaping competence is another method of modifying interactions by highlighting and reinforcing the positive (Nichols, 2010). The fifth step distinguishes boundary making or the negotiation of boundaries between members of a relationship and between members of the outside world (Nichols, 2010). The sixth step consists of unbalancing. In this step the therapist aims to change the relationship within a subsystem (Nichols, 2010 p. 186). Finally, in the seventh step the therapist challenges unproductive assumptions that support structural problems (Nichols, 2010). The Goal of Therapy Structural Family therapists direct therapy at altering family structure so that the family can solve its problems (Nichols, 2010 p. 176). Structural problems are viewed as a failure to adjust to changing circumstances. Therefore, structural therapists see their work as activating latent adaptive structures that are already in client families repertoires (Simon, 1995 p. 176). First, the structural family therapist joins the family system to help its members change their structure. By altering boundaries and realigning subsystems, the therapist is able to change the behavior and experience of each family member (Nichols, 2010). For a structural therapist, one of the most important goals of therapy is the creation of an effective hierarchy (Nichols, 2010). According to Nichols (2010), another common goal of a structural therapist is to help parents function together as an executive subsystem. In contrast, the goal within enmeshed families is to differentiate individuals and subsystems by strengthening the boundaries around them. The goal with disengaged families is to make boundaries more permeable (Nichols, 2010 p. 177). How the Therapeutic Alliance is or Can be Addressed (Task, Bond, Goals) Structural Family therapists would like for clients to be in agreement with them on the tasks that they require clients to do in therapy. For example, if clients are now willing to engage in enactments, the therapist will not be able to gain an understanding of the families structural make up. Also, if clients are unwilling to do tasks like changing seating arraignments, then it could be difficult for the therapist to attempt to restructure the family boundaries. In Structure Family therapy, the therapeutic bond between the client and therapist is very important. The therapeutic bond is the foundation of structural family therapy because it helps the family trust the therapist. According to Nichols (2010), the therapist must first disarm defenses and ease anxiety. This is done by building an alliance of understanding with each member of the family. Joining, as the empathic connection is called, opens the way for family members to begin listening to each other while establishing a bon d with the therapist that enables them to accept the challenges to come (Nichols, 2010 p. 181). Without this therapeutic bond it would be hard to get families to agree upon or complete tasks given. When the therapist does not effectively join the family, a therapeutic bond is not created. Therefore, challenging of any kind could be met with resistance. Although it doesnt appear to be much goal setting in structural family therapy, it is important that the client and therapist agree on what needs to be accomplished as an end result. There needs to be some sort of ultimate goal in order for the family and therapist to know when the therapy has been successful. It is important that this is agreed upon by the therapist and family. Todays structural family therapists place more of an emphasis on helping families understand their organization (Nichols, 2010 p. 180). How Gender and Diversity/Culture Can Be Incorporated Into the Theory Since Salvador Minuchin began work on his therapeutic model of structural family therapy times have changed. More awareness has since been given to understanding diversity, culture and gender issues. It is apparent that Minuchin has been very aware of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural environment on family and individual functioning. It is important for structural therapists to understand and consider that not all family structures will look the same. Some families may have single parent families. Therefore, the power in the hierarchy may look different from a traditional two parent family. Different ethnic groups may appear to have a closeness that is very normal for that group or culture, but could appear to be enmeshed from the perspective of a therapist who was raised in a more individualistic society. It is imperative that the therapist understands his or her own cultural constructs about what a family structure should look like and be careful not to apply it to clients o f other cultural back grounds. The structural model offers the conceptual framework and the vocabulary for addressing organizational patterns, boundaries, and subsystems. It has yet to apply the framework to the dimension of gender-either to the gender-based on arrangements in the construction of marital/parental subsystem (Scheikman, 1988 p. 27), or to the gendered coalitions across generations amongst sister or brothers. According to Goldner, the generational distinction is a major focus of attention without notice taken of the distinction between genders (1985). Husbands and wives have been conceptualized as a marital or parental unit, with the most salient distinguishing feature between them ignored, perhaps to avoid falling back into an individualistic view in noting sex differences. In fact, structural family therapy diagrams, until recently, made no gender distinctions (Goldner, 1985). It is important for structural family therapists to be constantly aware and sensitive to different diversity, cultural, and gender issues that may relate to clients when doing therapy. We all come from different backgrounds and receive information differently. After summarizing structural therapy, I am now able to understand the different subsystems and boundaries from a structural point of view. Considering Minuchins structural therapy when working with diverse relationships can be a useful framework when working with todays families.

A Diamond is Forever Essay -- Essays Papers

A Diamond is Forever An Examination into the De Beers Monopoly â€Å"A Diamond is Forever† – is one of the most successful slogans of the twentieth century. The advertising slogan belongs to De Beers, the world’s most successful monopoly of trade. â€Å"A Diamond is Forever† has been the center of De Beers’ effort to establish the stone as the only appropriate gem to symbolize lifetime love and commitment. The slogan, along with the $180 million dollars spent yearly in advertising by De Beers , has been immensely successful as the company continues to remain the leader of its industry – a monopoly of the diamond trade. Control of De Beers: The slogan â€Å"A Diamond is Forever† concentrates on a combination of emotion and status. The true genius of De Beers lies in having created a connection between human love and power with something that has no value at all. You can’t eat a diamond, you can’t drive it home, you can’t make clothes out of it, you can’t build houses out of it, yet people are willing to spend a lot of money on a diamond because they feel a connection that a diamond (and their love, power, and status) will last forever. De Beers’ slogan has and continues to be a success. The idea of engagement continues to result in the purchase of a diamond ring – within three years of the slogan’s arrival on the market an estimated 80% of wedding engagements in the U.S. included diamonds. De Beer’s success comes from the common notion that diamonds are indeed rare and valuable. Until the late nineteenth century, diamonds were only found in a few riverbeds in India and in the jungles of Brazil, and the entire world production of gem quality diamonds amounted to a few pounds a year. This changed when huge diamond mines were discove... ...ss, 1990. Hoovers. â€Å"De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited†. 30 March 2004. IRIN â€Å"Botswana – Diamonds are not Forever.† 28 March 2003. 11 March 2004. Jewelers Circular Keystone. Home Page. March 2004. 30 March 2004 Kelliher Muireann. â€Å"Diamonds are Forever: An Ecometric Investigation†. 30 March 2004