Waterlily By Ella Cara Deloria :: Waterlily, Ella Cara Deloria

Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria Waterlily is a book based on the events that happen within a particular Dakota Indian family's life. Not only does it depict the affairs of blue Bird's life and her family, but it documents the rituals and culture of the Dakota people. With illustrative words and graphic details, the incidences within the story can be visualized and understood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins with the occurrences that take place with a certain individual, Blue Bird. Blue Bird is traveling with a camp of Dakotas and is carrying a baby while doing so. While on the path, Blue Bird feels it is time to have her baby and went off into the trees to have her baby. Seeing how beautiful her baby was Blue Bird exclaimed, â€Å"How beautiful you are! As beautiful as the waterlillies. You to are a waterlily, my waterlily.† (p. 6). Blue Bird ends up marrying a man, Star Elk, whom doesn't favor her grandmother very much. Star Elk is a lazy, jealous man who is sub-standard in Dakota male value. He demonstrates this effectively when he â€Å"throws away his wife† (p. 16) at a victory dance. Men weren't suppose to publicly display emotion in Dakota tradition. After being publicly humiliated, Blue Bird, her grandmother and Waterlily luckily and happily ran into their family's tiyospaye. The reason why it was so fortunate is because Blue Birds parents and brothers were killed one day when Blue Bird was about fourteen. They were taken in and made to feel at home. Along with finding their family, Blue Bird also met her new husband, Rainbow. Rainbow was a good provider, hard worker and a widow who had a son.

Coffee Consumption in China

China's entry into the WTO on December 11, 2001 accelerated the movement toward a market-oriented economy, open up our new markets for foreigners and invest more into foreign market,which further influences Chinese lifestyle. We can see the change from driving habit to the drinking habit. For example, China has traditionally been a tea-drinking nation. However,the global spread of coffee-houses is touching down in China, with coffee consumption increasing year after year. It is estimated that the number could jump to 400,000 tones by 2012. The large number of consumers, which influences the coffee consumption, are returnees. As the fast pace of globalization in China, the increasing number of Chinese go to study or work abroad each year. When they return to China , they will carry on living in coffee, which they have become accustomed to. Visiting cafes and drinking coffee at breakfast is not a novelty for these consumers. One will find many Starbucks outlet on the streets of China. Foreign ex-pats comprise another proportion of coffee consumers in China. China’s open market has attracted substantial foreign investment, which has led to rapid increase in the number of ex-pats. Shanghai’s official statistics show that the number of Taiwanese living in Shanghai for short periods (at least three months) is estimated at 230,000. The figure is expected to increase each year. Ex-pats are at the high-end of coffee consumption and are also regular patrons of cafes. It is reported that Westerners and businessmen from Hong Kong and Taiwan represent 30% of customers at chained cafes. (1) A unique aspect of coffee usage in China is that coffee beans are also used as a medicine to treat chornic disoders such as cirrhosis of liver and gallstones. Since the Chinese have realized the medicinal value of coffee and more research is being done to produce medicines, the import of coffee beans from Brazil and Ethiopia has grown manifold in the last couple of year.

old age home - 1753 Words

Abstract The elderly population is rising globally and similar trends are being observed not only in Asia but also in Pakistan. A developing country facing several challenges in the form of political instability, lack of economic growth, low savings of the elderly, weak pension system, makes life challenging for the elderly. Pakistan’s demographic trends show that between 1990 till 2010, the population aged 60+ years increased by 75.1 %. It is projected that the life expectancy will increase to 72 years by 2023. WHO report (1998) projected that 5.6 % of Pakistan’s population was over 60 years of age, with a probability of doubling to 11 % by the year 2025. Pakistan is a socially cohesive society and elders are valued and respected. It†¦show more content†¦In followed figure has risen to 759 million over the past three decades and is projected to jump to 2 billion by 2050. Actual and projected global population aged 60 years or over, 1980, 2010 and 2050 Our Religion stresses a lot on the rights of elderly people and we are asked to serve elderly relatives of our parents if parents are not alive. We make fun of the West that they send their parents to â€Å"Old Houses† and do not bother to inquire about them. Now if we analyze that what is happening to elderly people especially in the poverty struck rural areas it gives us following haunting facts : - Elderly people die miserably due to lack of food and medical attention. They develop psychotic disorders due to depression and dejection. They develop certain diseases by not eating healthy food which is not providing the necessary multi-vitamins needed to survive in the old age. Employee’s Old age benefits pension money is used by their family members. They have very limited social life. Lack of religious and basic education deprived them from doing anything useful to pass the time. Children of even well settled families tend to ignore grandparents who just need to share love with them and focus. Sheltered housing provides social contact and a secure environment that appeal to many older people. Sheltered housing has proven to be popular for a minority of people as alternatives toShow MoreRelatedOld Age Homes1561 Words   |  7 PagesOLD AGE HOME INTRODUCTION â€Å"Since the death of my husband, I ensured three meals of my three children by doing what not! Many a day, I starved but finally made them established. They left the village one after another and did not turn up again† - Rahela Banu â€Å"I am a lady of 61 years. I want to see the future ahead of time. My children are permanently settled in New Zealand. They will never come back. These days I feel weak. My strength is getting reduced. Who will look after me when I will getRead MoreOld Age Homes5527 Words   |  23 PagesIntroduction â€Å"What happens to parents when space is limited in the heart and homes of their children? Old-age homes have become popular in Bangladesh. The traditional structure of a family of Bangladesh is turning into a fast, racy lifestyle, where ambitious youth are discarding the old values and in turn, their parents. The parents are forced to live out their old age alone. An old man, once the head of the family is now a subdued member of a house of strangers. The woman who once happily cookedRead MoreOld Age Homes in India4782 Words   |  20 PagesLIST OF OLD AGE HOMES IN INDIA (STATE WISE) ANDHRA PRADESH 1. Aram Ghar, Hyderabad-500252 (Head Office: Indian Council of Social Welfare, Red Hills, Hyderabad-500004) Association for the Care of the Aged: Jakarta Haven, 1-8-526, Chikkadapally, Hyderabad500020 Association for the Care of the Aged: 16-1-21, Digumarthi Ramaswami Marg, Maharanipeta, Vishakapatnam-530002 Association for the care of the Aged: Ashram Sravana, 8-14-1, Red Cross Street, Gandhinagar, Kakinada, East Godavari District-533004Read MoreOld Age Home Is Good or Bad3827 Words   |  16 PagesTechnology-integration in Old Age Homes in India A Status Paper Sugan Bhatia, Ph.D. President Indian University Association for Continuing Education Delhi 1.1 The elderly (aged 60 years and above) in India account for more than 9 percent of the total population. The National Population Commission estimated that the population of the elderly is expected to grow from 71 million in 2001 to 173 million in 2026. This demographic scenario appears to indicate a very precarious condition for the older personsRead MoreA Study of Old Age Homes in the Care of8891 Words   |  36 PagesA STUDY OF OLD AGE HOMES IN THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN GUJARAT Project Report prepared by N.P. Das Urvi Shah Population Research Centre Department of Statistics Faculty of Science M.S. University of Baroda Baroda-390 002 December 2004 PROJECT TEAM |Dr. N.P. Das, Ph.D., D.P.S. | |Director Read MoreA Study of Loneliness in an Old Age Home in India4984 Words   |  20 PagesLoneliness in an Old Age Home in India: A case of Kanpur Abstract The Indian family has traditionally provided natural social security to the old people. However, in more recent times, the traditional role of the family is being shared by institutions such as old age homes. It is often assumed, and sometimes argued, that the absence of familial care and surroundings induce feelings of loneliness among the residents of old age homes. This study, conducted in an old age home in Kanpur, seeksRead MoreOld Age Homes: A Lucrative Business Opportunity10484 Words   |  42 PagesOld Age Homes Ââ€"Why it can be a Lucrative Business Opportunity Synopsis Genesis In the Vedic times, human life of a hundred years was divided into four segments or ashrams. A seven year old was supposed to live in Brahmacharya - ashram / gurukul or a present day distant equivalent of a boarding school till his twenties. The second quarter of his life was to be spent as a householder or a Grhasthya. In the third quarter, he was to retire from routine household activities and set out into the forestsRead MoreMarketing Plan for Old Age Home Business Model3287 Words   |  14 PagesCitizen Service will work hard to achieve a large percentage of loyal, repeat customers who regularly use tamanna ‘s services, as well as being vocal to their friends about how our services have relieved them and made them happy. Tamanna will be a home-based business with group as owner and employees depending on the registration of customers. Growth rate expected 16-18%. MARKETING RESEARCH During the initial stages of the marketing plan construction, We will go for several focus groups in orderRead MoreThe Old Age Home2110 Words   |  9 PagesTHE OLD AGE HOME Preface: In Western Country, Old aged person stay in old home is a common incident, but for our country, it is not natural because Bangladesh is a family bonding country. People here like to stay together. But increasing with modern facilities, people now prefer to think only for themselves their old aged parents seems burden to them they try to get rid from them. For that reason the number of Old homes are increasing day by day. Mission Vision of thisRead MoreEssay about Mumbais Elderly Issues1433 Words   |  6 Pagesmetropolitan areas in India, Mumbai is the second largest metropolitan area with lots of population. It is estimated to have population of 13 million people. The population pyramid of Mumbai is â€Å"young† shape which means it has more children and adults than old age people. It has a population density of 55,794 people per square miles. So it is very dense and crowded city where one can see lots of people moving around, vendors on the streets selling their product, cars and buses, rickshaw on the roads. Although

Universal Governmental Programs Universal And Targeted...

In today’s society, two types of major governmental programs – universal and targeted –are used all over the world in aims to reduce poverty and help the poor get above the poverty line. Universal governmental programs are programs that give need and benefits to anyone in the country no matter how much wealth or income they have. Countries like, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden have a universal health care system, where everyone receives free healthcare. Targeted, also known as means-tested programs are programs that are only given to families and individuals that fall below a certain income level. The United States uses the targeted governmental programs for all forms of benefits. The largest targeted governmental program seen in the United States is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. In order to qualify for SNAP families must fall below a certain income level and must demonstrate a need for assistance. In recent times, universal governmental programs have received most of the support over targeted programs for many reasons. Of the two governmental programs, universal benefits are more widely accepted among citizens than targeted (Nelson, 2004). These methods are both used to reduce poverty and income inequality. Poverty resorts from many things in a country, some of those things are work rates and wages, some people work all day and all night but do not make enough money to get out of poverty. Some families’ incomesShow MoreRelatedSocial Service Delivery Is A Mechanism Through Which The1286 Words   |  6 PagesSocial service delivery is a mechanism through which the social programs are delivered to the needy one by private or public agencies. Social programs are designed to deliver significant social goals thereby meeting ongoing needs of people. In the past, when people needed help they initially turned to their families as the helping resource. Now a day, it is practically difficult for many people to access help from their families as problems became more complex, especially mental health an d socialRead MoreCurrent Crimes and Criminal Issues925 Words   |  4 PagesJoanne  Mariner, director of the terrorism and counter-terrorism program at Human Rights Watch said at the conference in Paris last week. The trend has worsened over the last seven years, according to Mariner, Some 2,000 human rights experts and activists have attended the annual United Nations Department of Public Information Non-Governmental Organizations Conference. The UN DPI/NGO conference on Reaffirming Human Rights for all: The Universal Declaration at 60 was held at the headquarters of the UnitesRead MoreSolitary Confinement Is The Violation Of Rights Essay1563 Words   |  7 Pagesthe end of World War II, attempted to form universal standards of human rights that would force accountability for each country. This charter was in direct response to the heinous crimes against targeted groups, especially those that were placed in concentration camps. While the U.N. does not specifically mention prisoners, it is clear that everyone is viewed as equal under the law (The United Nations, 1945). In 1948, the United Nations produced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in an effortRead MorePublic Managing Competing Agendas : The United States Department Of Health And Human Services Essay1292 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment 2: Public Administration- Managing Competing Agendas The United States Department of Health and Human Services is an organization which plays an essential role within the policy issues concerning the Healthcare Reform Act. The Department of Health and Human Services goal is to protect the health of all Americans. Thus for providing adequate and essential human services, especially for those who are incapable of doing so for themselves. Throughout this essay, one will examine the organizationalRead MorePoverty Is A Dominant Development Paradigms2030 Words   |  9 Pageschanges in the meaning of specific topics comprising definitions of poverty have been largely overlooked. Therefore, Poverty will be discussed as a mean to governmental and constitutional recreation to economic resources. In addition, human development will be discussed within the system as the way to reduce poverty and how is used in non-governmental institutions. Component terms were investigated for their stability in meaning, through the application of De Saussureâ €™s concepts of signifier and signifiedRead MoreUniversal Health Care And Healthcare2560 Words   |  11 Pageswithout medical coverage. Universal health care is a system that will provide for all of citizens for health care and financial protection. Over millions of Americans are currently without health care coverage for themselves and also their families. Universal health care refers to any system of health care managed by the governments. This universal health care is a system that may cover different programs such as government run hospital, health organizations, and programs targeted that provides healthRead MoreA Speech On Local And International Discrimination1754 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Greeting: Welcome to the Join the Discussion Podcast! Hi, I’m your host, Albert of Bell Elementary and you are listening to Episode 1 of our two-part series focusing on local and international discrimination. Program Overview Today on the show, I commenting on two internationally set current events surrounding controversies regarding equality and discrimination, and connecting them to our own focus on the second article of the UDHR. For those of you who do not know, I am referencingRead MoreAqqqq1503 Words   |  7 Pageschemical, and biological components of the environment, including their effects on all types of organisms but more often refers to human impact on the environment. Goal(s) of Environmental Science †¢ The primary goal of the Environmental Science program is to provide exposure to and a broad knowledge of environmental problems and issues using an interdisciplinary approach. This is achieved by completion of core courses and additional courses taken with †¢ Specialization in one of three emphasis tracksRead MoreGlobal Health Agendas And Domestic Government s Health Policies2137 Words   |  9 Pagesgreatest progress in its health status as it had the highest increase of life expectancy in the world (19.7 years) from 1990 to 2012 (WHO 2013). According to Nkwanga (2015), international donors used Liberia’s achievement as proof of success of the aid programs. Sierra Leone on the other hand did not garner the same achievements with these performance-based measures. According to Health Poverty Action’s report (Sharples 2015), Sierra Leone ranks very low on the Human Development Index at 183 out of 187Read MoreThe Recent Adoption Of The Sustainable Development Goals2047 Words   |  9 Pagesextreme poverty and hunger 2. Achieve universal primary education 3. Promote gender equity and empower women 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability 8. Develop a global partnership for development Each goal had additional targets and indicators, totaling 18 and 48, respectively, in order to provide known and measurable ends towards which countries and organizations could work (UN Millennium Development

George Washington - 765 Words

The Founder of a New Nation There are few figures as large in American history as George Washington. His powerful leadership, determination, and endless patriotism was essential for winning the Revolutionary War, the creation of the United States Constitution, and the establishment of a new government. There are three defining events that happened to George during his life in colonial America. His proper childhood upbringing, his military leadership in the revolutionary war, and his election as the First President of the United States were the 3 most powerful events that took place in his life. As time passed, his legend has continually grown. He was made up of honesty, strength, and humbleness. We are told he could never tell a lie.†¦show more content†¦Next, Washington appeared in military uniform at the Second Continental Congress in May, 1775. This appearance showed his support for the militia and his determination to fight. Washington was voted general and commander-in- chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775. The delegates who voted for him were impressed by his strong presence and military experience. He did not hesitate to whip the army or even execute the people who failed to follow orders. Washington always came up with plans that kept his army one step ahead of the enemy. After leading many tough battles during the American Revolutionary War, Washington defeated Lord Cornwallis British army at Yorktown, causing the British to surrender and effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. In December 1783, Washington bid farewell to his officers and resigned from the Continental Army. In 1789, 69 members of Congress elected George Washington as the first President of the United States. Washington was an American war hero so he was worthy of the honor. Washington thought he had done enough to help America. He wanted to go home and live a quiet life. He did not want to become President because of all the conflicts that would be attac hed to a new government and was also concerned with his old age. After months of rejecting the idea of the presidency, Washington accepted Congress decision. John Adams became Washingtons vice president. On April 30, 1789, George Washington stoodShow MoreRelatedGeorge Washington891 Words   |  4 Pagessurrender to Great Britain. However, George Washington was not settling with anything less than trying their best. He kept that little flicker of hope that was still left, alive. The Continental Congress did not see much hope in the war either and turned the responsibility of the war to General George Washington. Washington received a message from Congress saying, â€Å"Full power to direct all things relative†¦ to the operations of war.† (Dupuy 63-64). Although Washington did not see this as much of an honorRead MoreGeorge Washington2434 Words   |  10 Pagesâ€Å"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all† George Washington. This quote was said by one of the most intelligent, ambitious military genius; George Washington. Washington used his mind in fighting war instead of just brute force. He turned the battlefield and the art of war into a chess match. Washington’s efforts in the Revolutionary War were very significant I that they ultimately help lead to the American victory in theRead More George Washington Essays897 Words   |  4 PagesGeorge Washington - The Father of Our Country Why has George Washington earned the title Father of our Country? He was a great military leader and served as a general in the Revolutionary War. Washington was very involved in setting up the government of the United States and served as the first President. He is the most honored of any President and there are many things that help us remember him often. With all he has contributed to the success of our country, he certainly deserves this titleRead MoreGeorge Washington Paper1005 Words   |  5 PagesFast Facts on George Washington * Born: February 22, 1732 Pope’s Creek, Virginia * Children: no natural children (Adopted the children of Martha Custis) *Grandfather by marriage of Confederate General Robert E. Lee * Military Service: Commander General, Revolutionary War * Profession: Surveyor/Planter * Political Party: Federalist * Home State: Virginia * Political Offices: Chairman of Constitutional Convention * Died: December 14, 1799 (Age- 670 Last Words:Read More George Washington Essay1136 Words   |  5 Pages George Washington George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He attended school for approximately eight years. Washington lived with his mother until the age of 16. At the age of 15, Washington took a job as an assistant land surveyor. In 1748, he began working in the Shanandoah Valley to help survey the land holdings of Lord Fairfax. By 1749, he established a good reputation as a land surveyor and was appointed Culpeper counties official land surveyor. WashingtonRead MoreEssay on George Washington628 Words   |  3 PagesGeorge Washington George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 on Popes Creek Farm in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The family George was born into consisted of his father, Augustine Washington, his mother, Mary Washington, and five brothers and sisters: Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. There were also three other older children from his fathers first marriage to Jane Butler, who died in 1729: thirteen year-old Lawrence, twelve year-old Augustine and nine year-oldRead MoreEssay george washington1077 Words   |  5 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Born in Westmoreland County, Va., on Feb. 22, 1732. George Washington of six children of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. At the age of 16, he lived there and at other plantations along the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers, including the river later to be known as Mount Vernon. His education was simple, as surveying, mathematics, and quot;rules of civility.quot; After he lost his father in 1743 at the age of eleven. He was soon sent toRead More George Washington Essay691 Words   |  3 Pages George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the eldest of six children by Augustine Washington and his second wife Mary Ball. The majority of Washington’s education came from his father and after his death when George was 11 years of age in 1743, his elder half-brother Lawrence. Young Ge orge quickly learned the trade of surveying and at the age of 16 in 1748 he joined a surveying party sent out to the Shenandoah Valley by Lord Fairfax, a land baron. ForRead MoreEssay on George Washington1186 Words   |  5 PagesGeorge Washington and the Revolution George Washington was a part of Gods plan for a new country. What he did influenced what America has become. He laid the foundation for presidents to come, and built this country on solid Christian principles. George Washington was born February 22, 1732. His family lived on a few farms on the Potomac River. George was a strong boy. He could ride a horse and shoot a gun by age 10. When George was ten his older brother Lawrence came homeRead MoreThe Legacy Of George Washington Essay1885 Words   |  8 PagesThe revered and respected first president, George Washington, gave the US hope during one of its most difficult times. Using the events and circumstances of his life to learn and advance his position, he grew from humble beginnings into a legend. George Washington had a valuable, well-rounded education from ages seven to fifteen, studying all the subjects (Nevins and Graff). Due to his father’s death, George grew up under the supervision of his half-brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon, learning many

The Benefits of Physical Activity for Heart Disease Essay Sample free essay sample

Physical activity had been observed since the wake of the Second World War because of the widespread cardiovascular diseases impacting people in the West ( Erlichman. Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ) . At the clip. most doctors instructed their patients to prosecute in regular physical actitvities in order to better their cardiovascular wellness. and their patients heeded such calls ( Erlichman. Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ) . Unfortunately. the modern age with all its developments and technological promotions has made people bury the value of physical activity. such as manual labour ( Erlichman. Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ) . Therefore. weight addition is observed in a bulk of the world’s population. particularly in developed and rich states. In 1973. Morris made a important differentiation between light physical activities and vigorous 1s ( Erlichman. Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ) . He observed that while work forces who engaged in light physical activities gained no advantage in footings of less hazard of coronary bosom disease. those who did prosecute invigorousphysical activities did derive a important wellness advantage ( Erlichman. We will write a custom essay sample on The Benefits of Physical Activity for Heart Disease Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ) . Therefore. people who are engaged in vigorous physical activities such as cycling. swimming. and hill-climbing. face a significantly lower hazard of coronary bosom disease ( Erlichman. Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ; Saakslahti. et Al. . 2004 ) . These people’s hazard is a mere one tierce of the hazard carried by their sedentary opposite numbers ( Erlichman. Kerbey A ; James. 2002 ) . The ground for the reduced hazard is the stimulation of acute physiological and long-run adaptative responses in the organic structure. caused by physical activity ( Saakslahti. et Al. . 2004 ) . A physically active lifestyle causes a host of long-run benefits such as â€Å"changes in plasma lipoprotein degrees. circulatory maps. blood force per unit area and organic structure composing ( Saakslahti. et Al. . 2004 ) . † This protects adults from coronary bosom disease ( Saakslahti. et Al. . 2004 ) . In ulterior old ages. farther surveies have shown that the same effects can be expected from kids who are physically active ( Saakslahti. et Al. . 2004 ) . Accustomed physical activity allows kids to keep lower organic structure mass indeces ( BMI ) and a lower serum entire cholesterin concentration. which prevents kids from going corpulent and hence at hazard of coronary bosom disease ( Saakslahti. et Al. . 2004 ) . Physical exercising is such a healthy option for grownups and kids likewise. non merely for bosom diseases. but besides for other complaints such as diabetes. Mentions Erlichman. J. . Kerbey. A. L. A ; James. W. P. T. ( 2002 ) . Physical activity and its impact on wellness results. [ Electronic version ] .The International Association for the Study of Obesity. obesityreviews 3. 257–271. Saakslahti. A. . Numminen. P. . Vaino. V. . Helenius. H. . Tammi. A. . Viikari. J. . Valimaki. I. ( 2004 ) . Physical activity as a preventative step for coronary bosom disease hazard factors in early childhood. [ Electronic version ] .Norse Journal of Medicine A ; Science in Sports 14. 143-149.

Vikings Essays - Vikings, Norwegian Empire, Norsemen, Greenland

Vikings Some of the very first people to explore North America would have to be the Vikings. The Vikings were an adventurous lot, sailing the oceans in there ornately crafted longships. They frequently invaded many neighboring countries and islands. The actions of the Vikings shaped and changed many countries of the Europe. They invaded almost every western country of their time. England, Ireland, France, Spain, Russia, Greece, Arabia, And Africa all felt the impact of these marauders. The Vikings had a very important part of awakening Europe from the despair of the Middle Ages, because the challenged its people to rise and fight for what they believed in. The Vikings held honor for themselves and for their nation. A fallen warrior that fell bravely in defeat would look forward to the promised immortality of their pagan heaven called Valhalla. The Vikings inhabited the Scandinavian countries of Europe, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are very close the Arctic Circle. Norway and Sweden extend into the Arctic Circle, far from the advancements of civilization and Christianity. The Scandinavian countries are surrounded by long coastlines, bays, sounds, and vast rivers that extend far inland. The Norsemen used the richness of the sea to their advantage. They either fished the oceans or used it as trade routes for transporting valuables or agriculture products. The Vikings would had very few large cities and would occasionally spar over a disputed territory but most chose to live in southern Norway on the Jutland Peninsula of Denmark or in southeastern Sweden. The time period in which these men lives was between A.D. 800 to 1100, a long time they ruled the seas. The word Vikings means seaborne marauder, it possibly comes from the Scandinavian word vic meaning bay or inlet. The word now applies to sailors that would lurk along the coast attacking passing victims. It could also come from the Norse word vig meaning battle. The Norse lived as they did for almost a ten thousands years before they were known as the Vikings. The Vikings led strict rough lives, the climate was harsh the winters long and cold. The were skilled in many crafts. They built ornate ships decorated with intricate designs. Gold and silver was made into beautiful jewelry, inlaid with stones and gems obtained from trade with other countries. They were the most skilled weaponsmiths of their time, shields, axes, spears, and swords were all forged by master smiths. The weapons were then inlaid with gold, silver, and precious stones. Their weapons were often etched in runic inscriptions, of the bearers name or some message to ward of evil. They Vikings were fierce fighters, the best of their time. A tactic used by the Vikings seems simple but effective, many kings and chieftains had standards that were carried at the head of their army or patrol. One standard that was almost always carried was one that depicted a raven in flight. When the Vikings fought toward their goal, the raven would "fly" only if they moved fast enough to keep a s teady wind, if the troops stopped and hesitated then the raven would fall, signaling defeat to the Vikings. There was one sect of the Viking army that was separated from the rest, these were called Berserkers. They were rightly feared and held in awe by their enemies. The Berserkers, would fight with such ferocity that they would rip of their shirts and chain mail and fight with their bare hands ignoring all pain. Even with these insane fighters the Vikings were the best trained soldiers of their time, surpassing by far the English and French. The Vikings were the first to establish colonies in the New World, Eric the Red founded Greenland long before any English or Spanish explorer did. Leif Ericson discovered America as a new land before anyone else. His father was the local magistrate of Greenland when one of his subjects related to him this new land Lief at once went in search of this land. Lief made his voyage across the sea and saw many different lands. They found a land rich in the wood they treasure and soon began foresting it and building even bigger ships, soon searchers for gold and silver turned great