Secret Life of Bees Human Honeycomb Essay Example

Secret Life of Bees: Human Honeycomb Essay As humans, we tend to believe we are far superior to all other creatures, that we have nothing in common with anything thought of as ‘below us’. We are very wrong in thinking that. In the novel the Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, it is proven that though we do have differences, we are not so different from such a ‘simple’ creature as the bee. In the novel, Kidd compares a bee community, meaning their hives, to a human community, which could mean something as big as a town or city, or something as small as a family. She makes the reader realize that we are similar to bees in the way we treat life and crave love from others. She also, however, shows us how we differentiate in little ways like being able to replace a leader and the ability to hate. By comparing the two different communities, Kidd helps us understand the workings of life itself. Though humans see the differences between themselves and a little bee on a grand scale, there are still plenty of smaller scale differences that you have to think about. Unlike a human government, â€Å"A hive without a queen was a death sentence for the bees. We will write a custom essay sample on Secret Life of Bees: Human Honeycomb specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Secret Life of Bees: Human Honeycomb specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Secret Life of Bees: Human Honeycomb specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer They would stop work and go around completely demoralized. †(286). In a human government, we elect a leader and someone to take their place should something happen to them. In a bee community, if a queen dies or leaves the hive, all the bees stop working and their society falls apart. There is also the emotion issue â€Å"I hate you! †(39). Humans possess the ability to feel and think for themselves, and one of our strongest emotions is hate. Bees do not hate other bees to our knowledge, and they are drones who work as a unit, not free-thinking individuals. Although humans and bees are obviously very different, we are very much alike as well. Many people would not believe that they are similar to a honey bee, but, in fact, they are. â€Å"The world was really one big bee yard, and the same rules worked fine in both places: Don’t be afraid as no life-loving bees wants to sting you† (92). The human world is similar to a bee yard because both are made up of small, structured communities that are run by a leader. And, much like the bees, if a human is happy and loves life, they are less likely to strike out at anyone. Even if bees do not possess hate, they can possess love â€Å"Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved. †(92). This quote is very true, no matter what or who you are, love is essential to your life. Whether you are communicating or just working along, making honey, love is extremely important. Humans and bees look and seem very different, but deep down we actually are very similar. Sue Monk Kidd compared human and bee societies because by highlighting the similarities and differences between the two, she helps us realize things about our everyday lives that we may not pay any attention to. Besides the obvious differences like species and size, we differ from bees because we can replace a fallen leader in a heartbeat and still have our society run smoothly. We also possess the ability to hate one another, where as bees do not. We do have similarities though, like whether you are a human or a bee who loves life, you are less likely to act negatively towards others because of that love of life. Bees and humans (along with everything else in the world) both greatly desire love as well. Next time, before you kill that ‘insignificant’ little bee, remember that he is not so different from you and spare him his life.

rigoletto essays

rigoletto essays I attended the opera Rigoletto at the New York State Theater. Rigoletto was composed by Giuseppe Verdi and it was first performed in 1851, during the Romantic period. Act I of Rigoletto starts out in duple meter and sounds very dramatic, as if something dark and mysterious is going to happen. I think the dynamics play a role in this mood because of the constant changing from loud to soft. This act starts with an overture since the beginning is instrumental. All of a sudden, still in duple meter, the music turns lively as if the first part had nothing to do with it and the texture becomes homophonic as the opera singers come in. The music is lively because the Duke is holding a party. At the party, the Duke leaves with the Countess of Ceprano and Rigoletto, the court jester, starts making fun of the Count of Ceprano. The Count gets angry and hears that Rigoletto has a young lover so the Count plans to kidnap her. Towards the end of the party, the Count of Monterone enters and accuses the Duke of seducing his daughter. The Duke has him arrested and Rigoletto makes fun of him also. The Count then sings an aria where he is cursing both Rig oletto and the Duke. After the party, Rigoletto goes home to Gilda, who is really his daughter, not his lover. He talks to her for a while and then leaves. The Duke then enters and, posing as a student, seduces Gilda until he hears some noises outside and leaves. Upon his departure, Gilda sings an aria in coloratura about her new lover. The noise happens to come from the men who are planning to kidnap Rigolettos lover. Rigoletto returns unexpectedly so they blindfold him and lead him to believe that they are kidnapping the Countess of Ceprano for the Duke. The act ends with the trumpets in full blast as Rigoletto hears his daughter calling for help and he realizes what has happened. In Act II, the music starts out in duple meter, changes to triple meter, and goe...

Information Security Program Survey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Information Security Program Survey - Essay Example As described in its website, VA is one of the world’s largest consolidated IT organizations and the department’s Office of Information Technology has a $3.1 billion budget for the current fiscal period. The organization operates nearly 800 community based outpatient clinics and 152 medical centers. In addition, it possesses over, 300,000 desktop computers, 30,000 laptop computers, and roughly 450,000 email accounts (CRISP). Recently, the VA has implemented the Continuous Readiness in Information Security Program (CRISP) to enhance the privacy of information about Veterans and their families. This information security program greatly fits the VA’s FY 2010-2014 strategic plan because this program notably contributes to value optimization and stakeholder satisfaction. However, the organization has been performing poorly in major information security control areas for long years. This issue has limited the performance efficiency of the CRISP to a certain extent. The costs and benefits of the CRISP development and execution are yet to be known. VA’s Strategic Plan The VA strives to be people-centric, result-driven, and forward looking (VA strategic plan). All operations of the department are directed towards promoting the wellbeing of Veterans and their families. ... It also aims to meet Veteran client satisfaction by delivering improved ‘health, education, training, counseling, financial, and burial benefits and services’. Another key objective of FY 2010-2014 strategic plan is to improve the willingness to deliver services and to protect people and their properties on a continuous basis, and particularly in times of crises. Finally, this strategic plan also strives to â€Å"improve internal customer satisfaction with management systems and support services to achieve mission performance and make VA an employer of choice by investing in human capital† (VA strategic plan). Information security program The VA has established the Continuous Readiness in Information Security Program (CRISP) by coalescing different information security initiatives. The major purpose of this program is to strengthen the security of information about Veterans, particularly health care records. This information security program is characterized with â€Å"unannounced audits, surveys, and self-assessments† (CRISP). The department claims that this program is very effective to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information about Veterans. Actually, CRISP began as an initiative to ensure the department’s 334,000 employees 100 percent comply with mandatory security and privacy awareness training. The CRISP is completely in line with the department’s â€Å"long-standing security policies, including the provision of consistent, centralized training on IT security, records security, and privacy awareness†. The most part of the training is based on internet. In addition to following the traditional policies, the

Marketing (Buyer Behaviour) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing (Buyer Behaviour) - Essay Example t will provide the business executives with sufficient information regarding the strategies used by HP and Dell in terms of being able to effectively influence the buying behavior of its target consumers. Founded in 1939 by Bill and Dave (HP, 2008a), Hewlett-Packard (HP) manages to grow as the leading computer manufacturer in the global markets. Today, HP operates in more than 170 countries all over the world. Dell was founded by Michael Dell in 1984. (Dell, 2008a) Since then, the company remains focused on addressing the specific needs of the customers when purchasing a computer system. Dell’s strategic decision to penetrate the global markets in 1987 (Dell, 2008b) enabled the company to become one of the biggest computer manufacturers today. Specifically in Australian market, HP and Dell were able to capture the biggest market shares with 21% and 15% respectively. (Tung, 2008) (See Appendix I – Market Shares of Major Computer Manufacturers in Australia on page 11) Under the Needs and Wants, discussion will focus on determining the buyers’ behavior on these two major portable computer manufacturers, a clear market segment and the specific needs and wants of the consumers in terms of using the two branded laptops will be identified. Eventually, the different strategies used in motivating consumers to purchase either of these two products as well as the attitudes or consumers’ preferences with regards to these brands will be discussed. The last part of the report will tackle the impact of consumers’ social class on how marketers are able to communicate with them including how the marketing communication methods used may have affect the consumers’ perception on these products. Between September ___ to ___ of year 2008, a total of 100 market research survey questionnaires will be distributed to a total of 100 laptop owners who are living in Australia. (See Appendix II – Market Research Survey Questionnaire on page 12) Aside from conducting a

Thinking critically simulation review Essay Example for Free

Thinking critically simulation review Essay In our every day lives, we are called to have decisions every minute, even every second. The start of our day is merely our decision, and even our breathing is also controlled by our decision to be living another day. Our lives are affected by how we make it and the decisions that comprise our day. Strategies of coming up with a decision vary with every person depending on how they have been trained. The effectiveness of such decision will depend on the attainment of the goal of the activity. There are a number of suggested strategies that are cited in journals so as not to encounter stress and problems upon the implementation of the decision. In this project, we have encountered problems in laying down our thoughts for our personal differences. Moreover, there are instances that we are reaching a debate in giving up our ideas. Personality difference is sometimes a problem in coming up with a decision. Good thing, there are those who are matured enough that we are able to talk about things in a normal way. Communicating what we want is not that difficult because we agreed that we are going to attain a single goal, and that is to become successful with the project. Resources should also be adequate so that the performance of the activity will not come into a halt whenever materials are drained. I realized that it is important that before I give into a subject matter, I should first think of it a number of times so that I may be familiar to the possible consequences of the action. Indeed, having the goal to finish the activity is helpful in doing the task. The simulation helped us view some of our agreements and decision in a different way rather than the usual. It is necessary that we are able to examine early the good and bad outcomes of our decision. Decision making process is really something that should be paid attention to. It must not be regarded as a simple thing for it can affect a number of people whether in the group, community, city or country. Reference Mind Tools. 2008. Decision Making Techniques. Retrieved 31May 2008 from http://www. mindtools. com/pages/main/newMN_TED. htm

Creativity and Mental Illness Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Creativity and Mental Illness Men have called me mad, but the question is not yet settled, whether madness is or is not the loftiest intelligence--whether much that is glorious--whether all that is profound--does not spring from disease of thought--from moods of mind exalted at the expense of the general intellect. Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night - Edgar Allen Poe When you are insane, you are busy being insane - all the time... When I was crazy, that's all I was. - Sylvia Plath Is creative genius somehow woven together with "madness"? According to the dictionary, "to create" is "to bring into being or form out of nothing." Such a powerful, mysterious, and even impossible act must surely be beyond the scope of scientific inquiry! No wonder creativity has for so long been "explained" as the expression of an irrational, intuitive psychic "underground" teaming with forces (perhaps divine) that are unknown and unknowable (at least to the "sane," conventional mind). The ancient Greeks believed creative inspiration was achieved through altered states of mind such as "divine madness." Socrates said: "If a man comes to the door of poetry untouched by the madness of the muses, believing that technique alone will make him a good poet, he and his sane compositions never reach perfection, but are utterly eclipsed by the inspired madman" (8). Creative inspiration - particularly artistic inspiration -- has often been thought to require the sampling of dark "depths" of irr ationality while maintaining at least some connection to everyday reality. This dive into underground forces "reminds one of a skin-diver with a breathing tube" wrote Arthur Koestler in his influential book... ...ard Mental Health Letter, March 1996 http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p5h-cre1.html 6) Artistic Inspiration and the Brain , Another response to Dr. Bruce Miller study - FTD & creativity http://www.artsfusion.com/1999/january/awfeaturejan.html 7) The Systems View of Life , includes discussion of how creativity is fundamentally built into all living systems -by Fritjof Capra, theoretical high-energy physicist and author. Capra studied with Werner Heisenberg at the University of Vienna. He does research at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and lectures at the University of California, Berkeley. http://magna.com.au/~prfbrown/capra_3.html 8) Amazon.com, To order the book: Touched with Fire: Manic Depressive Illness and the Artistic temperment - by Kay Redfield Jamison http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/068483183X/themeadowlarkpre/102-1781957-3733743

Group Proposal: develop a proposal for a group Essay

When the friction heats up in marriages, more people (10-20%) than ever before are considering getting professional help. That is very wise. We may be making progress. I am still disturbed that most do not seek help. What is wrong with the other 80%? Getting therapy seems so reasonable to me; it seems that every friend, every parent, every child, every relative, and every professional person in contact with the unhappy couple should recommend counseling. Why don’t they? Divorce is such an emotionally laden decision (perhaps more so than who to marry), we need help seeing the situation realistically, trying to resolve the problems, deciding what other alternatives exist, considering the consequences to others, making reasonable plans for our future, etc. Anyone going though marital hell or a divorce needs a friend to talk to and vent with, no doubt, but he/she needs much more than that–a wise, experienced, unemotional but empathic and caring counselor and a group of peop le who can relate. We are freer than we have been for centuries to dissolve an unhappy marriage. There are other factors associated with the increasing divorce rate. Many of these social-economic factors would be considered good, e.g. more equal education and job opportunities for women, higher incomes, fewer children, fewer religious restrictions, and general social acceptance of divorce and of women living alone. Yet, as we will see, there are terrible consequences frequently associated with divorce (and with continuing a bad marriage). Over 75% of Americans accept divorce as a solution when a couple can’t get along, even if they have children. There is concern by some that divorce may have become too easy (few people who have personally gone through a divorce consider it easy). But, what about those who are happily married and newly weds? Why not help a relationship strengthen before it gets to that point of divorce or feeling helpless? I would like to start a Support Group for newly married couples. These couples are not troubled couples but rather couples who want to enrichen their marriage and have the support of other newly married couples. Our society is built so much on how marriages fail but forget so easily those who work hard daily to keep their marriage healthy. Newly married couples need to know there are other couples out there who are making and succeeding  in this hard world. They need to know, yes, marriage is hard, but this is what we are doing to make it work. Therefore, I would like to propose a Support group called â€Å"Spousal Support†. Spousal Support would include all newly married couples who do not have serious marital issues. Those who are just married to ten years of marriage. Couples who are looking for support of other couples, building friendships, and other marriage enrichment resources. Couples who will be accepted into the group are those who feel they are alone in being happily married, or put down for saying they are happily married. The percent of married people who say they are â€Å"very happy† has gone down during the last 20 years, especially among women. â€Å"Happily married couples have rosy illusions about their marriage and they idealize their spouse. The more illusions, the happier the couple† (Azar, 1995). This Ideal stated here is the reason why more and more being a happy couple is in the minority and a support group is needed. A support group that believes being happily married is something you have to work on but is possible. Ursula K. LeGuin once said; â€Å"Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; re-made all the time, made new. Screening and selection of couples will be done through an interview. The interview will consist of questions about their relationship and what they want to get out of Spousal Support. Those who are not experiencing major marital issues and want support in their marriage will be accepted. Couples who are considering divorce, infidelity or other major marital issues will not be accepted into this group. Any couple who has been married ten years or less, and considers themselves happily married. Couples who have been married for less than ten years are many times considered either still in the â€Å"honey moon† stage or are considering Divorce. Regardless the first ten years can be hard, not just because you are working out your marriage but because of society pressures. This group will consist of five couples, meeting once a week on Sunday at 4 p.m. for 16 weeks. There will be a break of a month and new members will be  able to join at that time. The group will determine a convenient private meeting place and occasionally take outings to local venues. Group members will be briefed during the initial interview as to what will take place and what is expected in the group. Also discussed will be goals that each couple would like to make. Ground rules for the group will be open for discussion during the first meeting: Couples must always be as a couple never alone Please be timely Please be respectful and caring of other couples and relationships Confidentiality is very important Topics explored will consist of any marriage enrichment discussions, exercises, resources and free for all night once a month. Discussions would include any issues that may come about in day-to-day lives like finding intimate time together, free time, working on careers, building a family, and any outside pressures. Exercises would include questionnaires, inventories, role-playing, communication exercises, and games. Resources are very valuable to have, like a good self-help book, or videos, even ideas to help the couple be there for one another. A free for all night will be given for any topics that couples may want to talk about or focus an entire meeting on in the future. This will allow them to throw out ideas in a less structured tone. Couple will be given time to bond more freely with each other and plan any outings the group will take. The specific outcomes I would like the group members to attain is knowing that a marriage can succeed and not every issue has to be hard. I would like them to realize that there are other couples out there who work hard at making the marriage work. My last outcome I would like the group members to have is resources and ways for them to work through their problems and strengthen their marriage in a healthy way.