...Abstract The funeral industry, one of the oldest and among the most stable of industries regardless of economic trends, is facing one of the biggest challenges of its existence, and the threat is coming from an unlikely source – their own customers. People’s attitudes towards funerals have been changing and as a result, the number of traditional funerals has been declining. "Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals." -- Sir William Gladstone Survival in the U.S. Funeral Industry: A PESTEL Analysis The funeral industry, one of the oldest and among the most stable of industries regardless of economic trends, is facing one of the biggest challenges of its existence, and the threat is coming from an unlikely source – their own customers. People’s attitudes towards funerals have been changing and as a result, the number of traditional funerals has been declining. Funeral customs and services are as old as civilization itself. Throughout the history of mankind, every culture and civilization studied has attended to the proper care and disposition of their dead by way of three common things: some type of funeral rites, rituals and ceremonies, a sacred resting place and memorialization (Whittaker, 2005). Researchers have discovered Neanderthal burial grounds dating back to 60,000 BC along with animal...
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...Modern embalming got its start during the American Civil War in the 1860’s. Families of soldiers killed in the battle wanted to have their bodies returned home. Dr. Thomas Holmes found a way. His system was the forerunner of todays “embalming”. In almost all cultures, an individual’s death is marked by a ritual. Funerals in the United States and a few other countries and cultures serve purposes such as religious, social, and personal (M.Mahon, 2009) Unlike taxes there’s no way to get around death. Our days are numbered. That’s why the world needs funeral directors (Mosca, 2011). Mourning the loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience we must all suffer during our lives. For many of us, making the necessary funeral arrangements while in an emotionally fragile state can be a frustrating, painful experience without the help of an experienced and caring funeral director. The career of a funeral director can be an emotionally rewarding job .Funeral directors are also counselors, aiding people during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Families need compassionate counseling and guidance, and a funeral director can offer support and assistance in making end-of-life decisions. Funeral directors also handle all arrangements . They often need to travel to private homes, places of worship, and cemeteries and crematoriums. They also need to travel to hospitals and accident sites to transfer bodies. Becoming a funeral director requires education, licensing...
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...Common Practices in Religion Vanessa Deason REL/133 May 4, 2015 Deborah Wilkinson Common Practices in Religion Religion has several different meanings. To some religion is a way of life or a basis for moral guidance. Religion can vary depending on geographical location, families, and personal beliefs. Different parts of the world practice different religions and have different traditions or beliefs. Religions have been studied for many years and there have been interesting results from these studies. What is religion? Religion can be defined in many ways. Webster’s dictionary defines religion as a belief in a god or gods. It also defines religion as a system of beliefs and ceremonies used in worshipping a god or gods. Rituals may be performed to worship the god or gods. Rituals may be a way for the believers to show gratitude, appreciation, or respect to the god or gods. Religion may be an answer to a moral dilemma or answer the unexplainable. For instance, many religions explain the creation of the earth by a powerful god or gods. The battle between good and evil has been around since the beginning of time and several religions address that battle and guide the religion’s followers on how to ward off bad and prosper. Rituals may be performed to ward off evil spirits or gods and to ask other gods for protection. Religions are as varied as those who believe. Therefore it is a very personal choice. Religion is practiced in every part of the world. There are...
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...influential person in nursing. Not only did Nightingale played an essential role in reforming nursing at the time but also laid the foundation for nursing as a profession. Prior to F. Nightingale in development of mankind, nursing has been linked to traditions of caring (Egenes, 2009). Nursing originated from intuitive approach to treat the sick and it was based on instinctive actions rather than formal education. The role of caregivers was typically assigned to women for their nurturing and caring ways to take care of their children, and was believed that they could be nurturing to others (Potter, 2013). Early development of medicine and nursing as we know started in pre-biblical times with Egyptians who have mastered the art of embalming the bodies dating as far as 4000 B.C., to Indians who were able to describe disease types and developed a process of disease diagnosis about 1000 B.C.. Ancient Greece around 400 B.C. is believed the father of medicine was born, Hippocrates. He is credited with being the first person that argued disease is a cause of the natural environment, life habits and diet, and not afflictions of gods (Adams, 1849). Post birth of Christ in A.D. era, organized religion brought the establishment of monasteries where clergy provided...
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...when they involve the death of a loved one. Over the years, there has grown a common and yet distinct American custom when it comes to how funerals are perceived and conducted (James 348). However, most Americans still hold unto the traditional funerals as opposed to modern ones. Unfortunately, the American funeral customs put a lot of more emphasis on some activities that turn out to be very costly. Worst of all, the economic burden that this traditions put on the bereaved families is even more detrimental. Most of the old folks are the greatest defenders and proponents of the traditional funeral customs. Since these are people who have the greatest if not the final say when it comes to family matters, many American families have found themselves becoming slaves of this old and outdates funeral practices whose greatest achievement is soaring the expenses of such a process. Yes, that is very true. American funerals are one of the most expensive funerals to undertake in the whole world. The funerals expenses plans or insurances have done nothing but to augment the funerals expenses as well (Leamy). It is very important for Americans to realize that there are many hidden charges that come with such plans. Funeral rituals have remained part of the American funeral process for many years. Just like in other parts of the world, the history of the funeral services in an American setting is a history of mankind as well. Funeral customs date as old as civilization itself. Every culture...
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...when they involve the death of a loved one. Over the years, there has grown a common and yet distinct American custom when it comes to how funerals are perceived and conducted (James 348). However, most Americans still hold unto the traditional funerals as opposed to modern ones. Unfortunately, the American funeral customs put a lot of more emphasis on some activities that turn out to be very costly. Worst of all, the economic burden that this traditions put on the bereaved families is even more detrimental. Most of the old folks are the greatest defenders and proponents of the traditional funeral customs. Since these are people who have the greatest if not the final say when it comes to family matters, many American families have found themselves becoming slaves of this old and outdates funeral practices whose greatest achievement is soaring the expenses of such a process. Yes, that is very true. American funerals are one of the most expensive funerals to undertake in the whole world. The funerals expenses plans or insurances have done nothing but to augment the funerals expenses as well (Leamy). It is very important for Americans to realize that there are many hidden charges that come with such plans. Funeral rituals have remained part of the American funeral process for many years. Just like in other parts of the world, the history of the funeral services in an American setting is a history of mankind as well. Funeral customs date as old as civilization itself. Every culture...
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...FAITH DIVERSITY Grand Canyon University HLT310V July 08, 2012 Abstract Americans live in the land of free where decisions primarily are ours to make from what pair of shoes to wear, what we ingest, what kind of car we drive to who we vote into the oval office. The same holds true for one’s religious and/or spiritual beliefs. Whether by choice or by upbringing in one’s family and culture, not everyone shares the same philosophy towards a higher power or modern medicine. Healing is a process toward wholeness or wellness and encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and tribal attributes (Zarren, n.d.). Not only does it focus on the disease or illness, but additionally embodies a holistic approach to care. What may not be important to the physician, nurse, or support staff is important to the patient; for it is the patient and their families that we serve. Spirituality is personal and important to everyone. Defined as, “a complex and multidimensional part of the human experience-our inner belief system. It helps individuals search for the meaning and purpose of life, and it helps them experience hope, love, inner peace, comfort, and support.” (Ashcraft, Anthony, & Mancuso, 2010). With this in mind, healthcare providers and institutions need to be cognizant of various faiths and spiritual practices to allow for healing of an individual stricken with disease or illness. In looking at Native American, Muslim, and Buddhism faiths the intent is to identify what rituals, practices...
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...lives and the transitional rites of passages found along the way. This circle of life at times includes transitional events such as birth, marriage and death. And while in religious circles they are considered to be occasional services; they do have secular counterparts including baby dedications, civil unions and remembrance ceremonies. Death is such an experience that impacts the deceased and the community in which they once belonged that in present day American culture, we try not to talk about it. In fact, the issue of death is so “freighting”, that over the last 100 years, we have begun the practices of denying death. As observed by Dr. Jay Schvaneveldt, we have deferred the experience to professionals and changed our language to reflect our denial. Furthermore, “this denial is illustrated in words used at the time of death. For example, the words mortician and funeral director have replaced undertaker. The corpse is now the loved one. Loved ones are now interred, not buried. The coffin has become a casket and embalming is now preparation”(Schvaneveldt, 1989). Our rituals concerning death seem to be counter cultural in a society that pushes health and fitness to live longer as a means to “avoid” death. Nevertheless, death is inevitable and unavoidable consequence of life. Thus, people are faced with an attitude of “get over it quickly” in the midst of sorrow and grief. In a world that seems never to slow down, “funerals provide a structure and a sense of safety that...
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...Due to the fact it is totally a different process and is new in the modern civilization, there is a lot of controversy regarding the preference of the process. People may think that ist is not teh way they should treat their loved one or they may think that its not the proper way to pay tribute to their loved ones after their death. But most of the Americans and others around the world are admitting that the process of cremation is a dignified and appropriate way of treating the deceased person because there is nothing wrong with the process and it is far cheaper a compared to the traditional funeral. It is the most cost effective way of treating the deceased person and can be a better option for those who are on a budget and need to avoid expensive, traditional burial expenses. Here is how cremation is a cheaper alternative to the traditional funeral: There is no need to arrange a casket or vehicle You will not have to bear the cost of a casket or coffin...
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...Generosity October 16, 2014 Rationale Introduction Nowadays, air fresheners are one of the household essentials.They have become a staple in many people, marketed with the promise of creating a clean, healthy, and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere.These are consumer products used in homes or commercial products to freshen air. They are usually stored in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.There are many different methods and brands of air freshener. Some of the different types of air fresheners include sprays, candles, oils, gels, beads, and plug-ins. Some air fresheners have been known to have chemicals that provoke allergy and asthma symptoms raising argument about how safe it is to use. Air freshening is not only limited to modern day sprays, air freshening also can involve the use of organic and everyday house hold items. Although air freshener is primarily used for odor elimination, some people simply use air freshener for the pleasant odors they emit. The air fresheners have 4 basic ingredients, these are formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p- dichlorobenzene and aerosol propellants. Recently many of these chemicals have been investigated for their safety. Some common chemicals found in air fresheners have been found to be toxic to humans and...
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...tu Twelve Domains of Culture Chart |Mexican |Chinese |South Korean |Indian |Laotian |German |Canadian |Japanese |Filipino |Brazilian | |Overview, inhabited localities, & topography |Prefer to be referred to as Mexican American, geo-graphically, historically, and culturally diverse, reside mostly in CA, TX, IL, AZ, FL, NM, CO, 90% live in urban areas, fastest growing ethnic population in U.S. |Immigrants to Western countries very diverse, culture differs with mix of west and traditional values & beliefs, value accountability to family & neighbors, value higher education, most live in CA, NY, FL, TX |Some major industries are electronics, telecommu-nication, chemicals, & steel. Entertain-ment industry is booming. Mountain-ous. Rapidly increasing immigrant group in U.S.. |Leave their country to attain a higher standard of living. Both religious & social system |Land-locked country in South-east Asia. Mountains & flood-plains. Trop-ical mon-soon climate. Mon-soon season from May to October Popula-tion of 5.2 million as of 1998. 70% of popula-tion is under 30 years old. Most live in rural villages near a temple. Paddy rice is subsis-tence for major popula-tion. |Reserved, formal, like order, love music & celebra-tions. Christmas tree with all its décor is a German creation. 60 million Germans in U.S.. Beautiful landscapes mountain ranges, lowlands & ocean borders. Largest economy in Europe, third largest in world. Climate similar to NW portion of U.S.. Embrace...
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...1.1 Introduction Spices are the imperative ingredient to make food tasty and delicious. It is the most common and important ingredient for food items of our daily consumption. A Bangladeshi cannot think of a meal without using spices, it is our food habit and tradition. The history of spice is almost as old as human civilization. It is a history of lands discovered, empires built and brought down, wars won and lost, treaties signed and flouted, flavors sought and offered, and the rise and fall of different religious practices and beliefs. Spices were among the most valuable items of trade in ancient and medieval times. As long ago as 3500 BC the ancient Egyptians were using various spices for flavoring food, in cosmetics, and for embalming their dead. The use of spices spread through the Middle East to the eastern Mediterranean and Europe. Spices from China, Indonesia, India, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) were originally transported overland by donkey or camel caravans. For almost 5000 years, Arab intermediaries controlled the spice trade, until European explorers discovered a sea route to India and other spice producing countries in the East. 1.2 Background of the Study The report has done to complete the partial fulfillment of Effective Business Communication for Managers (EMBA_504) course. The entire report is done under close supervision and instruction of our honorable course instructor Engr. Kamrul Hassan. We have completed our report based on a comparative study...
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...Hogarth Blake Presents: Wonderful Ethiopians Of The Ancient Cushite Empire By Drusilla Dunjee Houston First published in 1926 This e-book was edited by Hogarth Blake Ltd Download this book and many more for FREE at: hh-bb.com hogarthblake@gmail.com ‘Wonderful Ethiopians Of The Ancient Cushite Empire’ by Drusilla Dunjee Houston Reproduction & duplication of this work for FREE is permitted. Refer to the terms & conditions page for more details. Terms & Conditions Scanned at sacred-texts.com, October, 2004. John Bruno Hare, redactor. This text is in the public domain in the United States because it was not renewed at the US Copyright Office in a timely fashion as required by law at the time. These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose, provided this notice of attribution is left intact in all copies and subject to the sacred texts Terms of Service at http://www.sacred-texts.com/tos.htm Hogarth Blake presents this e-book FREE of charge; it may be used for whatever purpose you see fit. The only limitations are that you may not decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, modify, create derivative works based upon, sell, publish, license or sub-license the work or any part of it without the express written consent of Hogarth Blake Ltd. The work is provided as is. Hogarth Blake Ltd. makes no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of or results to be obtained from using the work via hyperlink or otherwise, and expressly...
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...Hogarth Blake Presents: Wonderful Ethiopians Of The Ancient Cushite Empire By Drusilla Dunjee Houston First published in 1926 This e-book was edited by Hogarth Blake Ltd Download this book and many more for FREE at: hh-bb.com hogarthblake@gmail.com ‘Wonderful Ethiopians Of The Ancient Cushite Empire’ by Drusilla Dunjee Houston Reproduction & duplication of this work for FREE is permitted. Refer to the terms & conditions page for more details. Terms & Conditions Scanned at sacred-texts.com, October, 2004. John Bruno Hare, redactor. This text is in the public domain in the United States because it was not renewed at the US Copyright Office in a timely fashion as required by law at the time. These files may be used for any non-commercial purpose, provided this notice of attribution is left intact in all copies and subject to the sacred texts Terms of Service at http://www.sacred-texts.com/tos.htm Hogarth Blake presents this e-book FREE of charge; it may be used for whatever purpose you see fit. The only limitations are that you may not decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, modify, create derivative works based upon, sell, publish, license or sub-license the work or any part of it without the express written consent of Hogarth Blake Ltd. The work is provided as is. Hogarth Blake Ltd. makes no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of or results to be obtained from using the work via hyperlink or otherwise, and expressly...
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...C h a p t e r 1 Prewriting GETTING STARTED (OR SOUP-CAN LABELS CAN BE FASCINATING) For many writers, getting started is the hardest part. You may have noticed that when it is time to begin a writing assignment, you suddenly develop an enormous desire to straighten your books, water your plants, or sharpen your pencils for the fifth time. If this situation sounds familiar, you may find it reassuring to know that many professionals undergo these same strange compulsions before they begin writing. Jean Kerr, author of Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, admits that she often finds herself in the kitchen reading soup-can labels—or anything—in order to prolong the moments before taking pen in hand. John C. Calhoun, vice president under Andrew Jackson, insisted he had to plow his fields before he could write, and Joseph Conrad, author of Lord Jim and other novels, is said to have cried on occasion from the sheer dread of sitting down to compose his stories. To spare you as much hand-wringing as possible, this chapter presents some practical suggestions on how to begin writing your short essay. Although all writers must find the methods that work best for them, you may find some of the following ideas helpful. But no matter how you actually begin putting words on paper, it is absolutely essential to maintain two basic ideas concerning your writing task. Before you write a single sentence, you should always remind yourself that 1. You have some valuable ideas to tell your reader,...
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