Sunset on a Beach

The sun peaked through the horizon, if saying a final goodbye to this California beach bed. Before leaving she gave me a gift of pure peace and serenity. Holding my eyes prisoner to the heavenly sight she put in front of me. While my feet were held into the grainy sand in desperate need of warmth and the smell of salt invading my nostrils. The beach is warm, with a captivating view, and has pure peace. The beach is where my problems and stressed are released, where nothing goes wrong, it all just fades away along with the sunset.The struggle to open ten pound eyelids after a nap leaving you drooling and wanting more especially for what feels like the worst day is the worst possible feeling, and to the most irritating ringing noise makes it even harder. Once you remember the reason for this makes you eager to wake up quicker than realizing you have five minutes to get to school, and school is a fifteen minute drive. Stepping out of the bed to feel the unforgiving wood under my feet, t ip toing as if waling on ice, my body soon got used to floor. In search of a black and white bikini this room has become the aftermath of a tornado.In the middle of the disaster something sticks out at the corner and see there lies the bikini. Attempting to rush out of the house the clock tells there is still enough time till sunset. Throwing on shorts over the bikini and a black hoodie, trying to balance an apple in my mouth with keys entwined with my fingers, and hopping on one foot trying to force a shoe onto the wrong foot. Finally, making it to the car and putting the keys in the ignitions the car roars to life, beginning the ten minute drive down Sunset Blvd.  which is quick.A smile begins to erupt my face when the view of the ocean is seen, then pulling up to the perfect parking spot in view of the ocean. The chaos and failures of today begin to fade and the peace begins. Getting out of the car the sun’s rays instantly hits my eyes indicating she is getting ready to leave. Looking on the phone it reads six-thirty, the sunsets today at six forty-eight, having almost only thirty minutes before she goes to enjoy alone to have with her.Taking off my shoes so sand will have no chance at irritating my feet later, the warm beady sand gets in-between my toes sending them cozy vibration, along with the smell of the sea invading my nostrils. Walking in search for a seat, my eyes spot children running alongside each other playing and building castles, while couples stroll along the waves that invade their toes every eight seconds. While walking you can see their footprints imprinted into the sand temporarily before being taken back by the ocean. Laying a plaid red blanket so sand will not creep into my clothes, my body collapse onto the sand.Pulling my knees to my chest and laying my head onto my knees and begin to let all the stress and negative energy flow gently with the wind capturing them like a dream catchier sending them off to be killed by the sun ’s rays. Closing my eyes envisioning at this moment the beach reminding me of a sweet grandmother, there is no need for speaking because she already seen and felt the pain from past experiences that mom and dad had forgotten. When you cry she gently wipes away and tells you stories from her past mistakes so you feel like someone understands and makes you laugh at her past altercations.When you have anger she shows you peace with a simple smile that warms the heart. Opening my eyes and hear again the beautiful sound of giggles coming from children running along the sand with the waves violating the shores, and seagull’s scavenger hunting for their next meal. Soon people begin to sit in their towels or blankets holding each other smiling and laughing, all comes to a halt when the sun begins to return to rise in her new home, but not before she leaves us all with a breathtaking view of her heart that holds us prisoner till she finally leaves.What seems like hours the stre et lights finally begin to flicker on, and that is when everyone begins to pack their belongings to leave yet another beautiful sunset at a California beach. Packing my belongings and taking one final glance of where once shined a light of pure passion and serenity, a smile again tugs on my lips to remember that feeling of getting a gift. A gift to which that is imprinted into my memory till my death bed. Putting my belongings in my car a thought pops in my head.That everyone has their place of peace where nothing can go wrong, where you can smile for no reason but for the memories that no camera could capture, and to unwind and surrender to a place of tranquility, for some it is home or their mind, but for me it is the beach. The atmosphere the beach has from the weather, the feeling, and the view is what draws one in like a melody. The weather ever so warm with a gentle breeze that blows hair like a blow dryer on cool. The feeling of pure peace and serenity, having a full body cle anse from all the negative energy.Then a view that can captivate any onlooker’s eyes, like an angel falling out of the heavens to disappear as if nothing happened. Putting instant memories with family and friends like a video tape in a VCR replaying the laughs and smiles. The beach can always leave you with a smile on anyone’s face no matter the stress or torment the dealt with that day. The beach is like a gift; something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present. It might not be in your hands but it can always be felt, and never seems to fail at satisfying.

My South Seas Sleeping Beauty

My South Seas Sleeping Beauty Written by Zhang Guixing, â€Å"My South Seas sleeping beauty: A tale of memory and longing† is a fascinating story whereby the set is in the magical jungles of a place known as Borneo. A Chinese-Malay youth, known as Su Qi, is the narrator as he talks about the vivid collections he has and recounts about his life. Su Qi is troubled and sensitive lad who hails from a wealthy family. The story begins with Su Qi talking about how there were different stories regarding the manner in which his sister died.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on My South Seas Sleeping Beauty specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nevertheless, in spite of what exactly transpired, the truth remains that the death of the only daughter in the family, viz. Su Qi’s sister, dealt a big blow to the family, which explains why the father started running after young girls while the mother sought solace in an illicit affair. In the quest to shake o ff the tormenting environment that his home offered at best, Su Qi surrenders his mind to the surrounding environment, which is characterized by uncommon flora and fauna coupled with communist insurgents. To Su Qi, the surrounding environment of a rich mix of insurgents and flora and fauna offers the perfect solace that befits his woes until he bumps into Chunxi, a family friend. Chunxi provides an aura of honesty and kindness in a world that is evasive and cruel. Nevertheless, tragedy befalls her as she goes through a bizarre accident, which forces her to go into a coma while Su Qi decides to flee the country and go to Taiwan. Whilst in a Taiwan college, the narrator meets Keyi, an enchantress who befits his choices for an admirable woman. Later, Su Qi finds himself revealing his family’s secrets to a total stranger and at this point, he realizes the wish of having Chunxi, whom he adores to wake up from the coma, might be a castle in the sky. The author of â€Å"My South Se as Sleeping beauty† writes the narration in an intriguing manner such that it introduces the Malaysian and Chinese literature particularly to readers in the West. This paper thus seeks to analyze this book and go into detail with regard to formulating an argument. A closer look at the opening part of the book reveals the author’s interest in unveiling the narrator’s early days as a child in Borneo. The story opens with the untimely death of demise of the narrator’s sister coupled with the turmoil that consequently hit the family leading to its near-break down. He notes, â€Å"My sister’s death was the subject of all sorts of stories† (Zhang 1). The chapter explicates the occurrences surrounding the narrator’s family; for instance, his dad’s senselessness and especially his insatiable appetite for young girls coupled with the narrator’s girl friend going into coma. In the second part, the narrator recalls his early life an d wild exploits especially the romantic moments he shared with Keyi his school time girl friend.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the final part, the narrator’s focus shifts to Borneo and specifically sticks to the Su Qi dad’s escapades especially his blind compulsion towards a young girl of the Dayak origin. Additionally, Su Qi’s mother emerges as having plans of destroying the beautiful family garden. Moreover, in the third chapter, Su Qi comes to the realization that he is truly in love with the twin sister to Chunxi who goes by the name Chuntian and ends up breaking his romance with Keyi. The author makes sure that throughout the entire novel, the story of Su Qi’s family relates extensively to the historical context of the book. Right from the way Su Qi’s father decides to study in a Taiwan University, his affair with a certain female com munist, as well as the British visitors showing up at the parties that he hosts. There is also Borneo’s complicated colonial history coupled with interracial relationships. The British colonial government kills the female communist who is romantically involved with Su Qi’s father and so he vows to seek revenge. He does this by pretending to be a philanthropic and ardent communist while the truth is that he is â€Å"taking advantage of the Communists fanaticism†¦so as to make sure his own hatreds and desires are met (Zhang 178). In addition, figurative elements as symbolism come out in the story; for instance, the narrator mother’s illicit affair symbolizes the meeting point between colonialism and personal desires. The affair that Su Qi’s mother is having with the Dayak Man come into views as a way of her seeking vengeance since her husband is also having sexual escapades especially with Lin Yuan. Su Qi’s mother also tells him a story written by a British author. In the life of Su Qi, a girl from Taiwan falls in love with a Brunei prince. The manner in which both race and gender come out as the British’s sedition that runs throughout the story. One of the styles that the author uses is simile whereby he likens the Su Qi’s family garden to the Eastern Malaysia rainforest that does â€Å"not look too different from the Borneo jungle† (Zhang 189). Looking at Su Qi’s mother, it is easy to see that she has two different personalities; one she is very caring and tender especially when she is in her garden; on the other hand, when provoked she can turn to be very a nasty and harsh woman who portrays â€Å" the mercilessness of an assassin† ( Zhang 10). There is a forbearing significance of the two different sides of portrayed by Su Qi’s mother that the author brings out, which is the likelihood of revival from bad things.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on My Sou th Seas Sleeping Beauty specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The two main components in the novel â€Å"My South Seas Sleeping beauty† are gender and race. As the novel unfolds, the indigenous Dayak women portray an unparalleled resolve and potentiality to contain the Chinese men who simply want to carry out a revenge mission. For instance, after an inferno breaks down during a party in the narrator’s home, the Dayak maidservants working in the family are quick to rescue those attending the party. the narrator’s mother is responsible for starting the fire as a way of striking back at the profligate acts exhibited by the guests. In addition, the narrator’s father dies in the hands of a Dayak girl who consequently succeeds in killing any hopes of the father attacking the communist lovers as a way of avenging what they had done to him earlier in the story. This novel thus deals with very grave issues like colonial and ra cial tension that were happening in the Malaysian history. Female characters in this novel also play a big role especially by being the object of the men’s desire and fixation. This aspect comes into view through the relationships that the novel highlights in detail. Su Qi’s father immediately falls in love with the Dayak teenage girl, while Su Qi himself completely falls in love with three women namely Chunxi, Keyi, and Chuntian. Keyi makes him to forget about his past and he enjoys himself and has fun while with her, but later their relationship ends when he recognizes that he is truly in love with Chuntian, who is Chunxi’s twin sister. Lin Yuan also cherishes Su Qi’s mother despite the fact that she is having the affair to avenge her husband who is also having his own affairs outside their marriage. Zhang uses the style of narration whereby the main character, Su Qi, gives his life experiences as well as those of his family. The use of narration allows the reader to relate with the main character more as compared to if another person was telling the story on his behalf. The narrator goes to the extent of giving even the most intricate and personal details about himself and what he used to do while he was still a small boy. For example, he states that he would piss on the fire that they used to burn the garden that his mother nurtured. However, he uses somewhat vulgar language to describe what he experienced after pissing on the fire; he got a â€Å"fiery cock† (Zhang 9).Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He does not shy away from giving some of the personal details on what his mother would do to him; for instance, he says, â€Å"My mother would tug gently at my penis and massage my scrotum† (Zhang 9). By using the first person style, the other characters come out through the narrator via the relationships he has with his parents, siblings, and friends. The reader is in a position to tell what kind of person he is through these associations. There is heterogeneity style in â€Å"My South Seas Sleeping Beauty†, which is very palpable through the way Zhang uses it in order to highlight the differences between Taipei and Borneo. Borneo’s narrative uses complicated images as well as self-explanatory sentences to give a story that is full of unfulfilled revenge and desires (Helliwell 65). Student’s living standards and styles in Taiwan in the last quarter of the 20th century come out through the delineation of Taipei. Some of the places that students patronized like â€Å"the coffee house, night markets, and folks bars† (Ting-Wei 8), come out clearly to underscore the kind of atmosphere that existed in universities during that time. The atmosphere of the university life comes out especially through Su Qi’s roommates behaviors. For instance, one cavalierly recounts (in writing) the numerous times he gets lost in sexual fantasies to a point of onanism. Despite the fact that Taipei’s narratives are somewhat disorganized when compared to that of Borneo, the two parts reconcile at one point when the narrator starts developing feelings for another Chunxi, coupled with the cavorting relationship he enters with Keyi . After Su Qi and Keyi have their first date, he begins thinking about Chunxi; the narrator notes, â€Å"It was as if he was searching for treasure that had been lost at the bottom of the sea for two hundred years† (Zhang 102). As the novel is coming to a finish, Su Qi reawakens the feelings he has for Chun tian and surprisingly it is with Keyi’s support. The novel ends on a happy note whereby Su Qi’s last words â€Å"Chuntian is that you?† which shows him that there is a sense of uncertainty as well as hope. This book is written exemplarily and it explores the issue of sexuality as well as an identity and a skillful reworking of both the Western and Chinese myth. The Chinese culture comes into sight and allows that Western cultures get a feeling of how the people in China live. Their social life includes women planting and tendering to gardens and taking care of their children as â€Å"my mother the fanatical gardener were forever chipping restlessly away at her garden† (Zhang 112). Men on the other hand went to schools and worked to fend for their families. The other theme brought out in this novel is that of family; a family unit is extremely important in the upbringing of children. In the case of Su Qi’s family, the fact that there is tension betw een the parents makes the home not a conducive place for children, which underscores why Su Qi feels the need to escape and shift his attention in the jungle. The parents also go their own separate ways after they start having their own affairs outside their marriage. This move makes the family to become disoriented, as the parents do not care for one another anymore. Unfortunately, the person who gets hurt the most is Su Qi, their son, especially since he misses his sister who dies and the girl he loved is in a coma. The other prominent theme apart from racism is that of men losing their power courtesy of women involvement. The three prominent men in this novel, viz. Su Qi, his father, and Li Yuan seem to be under the spell of women. For instance, Su Qi meets Chunxi whom he loves a lot, but after she is involved in a tragic accident that puts her in a coma, Su Qi moves on and at the University, he meets Keyi whom he has a romantic relationship with even though he still loves Chunxi . While with Keyi, the reality strikes him and he admits that he is truly in love with Chunxi’s twin sister. Su Qi’s father is another victim of women’s charm whereby he has numerous sexual escapades with different women; in addition, he has an instant infatuation with a teenage girl from the Dayak community and later he has a relationship with a communist. Sadly, the socialist lover dies courtesy of the colonial government and thus the narrator’s father vows to take revenge on the government, which is responsible for her death. Li Yuan, on the other hand, admires Su Qi’s mother and they start a romantic relationship. However, Su Qi’s mother only seems to be in the illicit affair since she wants to avenge her husband who has been unfaithful to her. Given the issues raised in this paper, the novel is a resourceful insight into the life of Chinese people especially in the 1970s. The majority of Western readers as well as other people from the outside world will also benefit from reading this book and even find it fascinating besides being educative. Zhang has done a recommendable job in coming up with a novel that is charming not only to the old, but also to the young audience. Helliwell, Christine. â€Å"Variation in oral narrative performance: A pacific example.† The  Journal of Polynesian Society 121(1): 51-73. Print. Ting-wei, Ku. â€Å"Picking and choosing the history we want to keep.† Taipei Times 12 Mar. 2007: 8. Print. Zhang, Guixing. My south sleeping beauty: A tale of memory and longing, New York: Columbia University Press, 2007. Print.

Clyde Barrows Letter to Henry Ford

Clyde Barrow's Letter to Henry Ford Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker are infamous for their two-year crime spree from 1932 until their deaths in a hail of bullets in 1934. More amazing than his novice murders and robberies was Clydes uncanny ability to evade the police even when he was surrounded. Part of Clydes ability to evade capture was in his skill as a driver, while the other part was most definitely in the choices of cars that he stole. Quite often, Clyde would be in a car that could out maneuver and out run any of the police cars that attempted to follow him. Additionally, living a life on the run meant that Clyde and Bonnie spent days and even weeks at a time in their car while traveling long distances and sleeping in their car at night. Clyde Barrow and the Ford V-8 The car that Clyde preferred, one that offered both speed and comfort, was the Ford V-8. Clyde was so thankful for these cars that he wrote Henry Ford a letter on April 10, 1934. The letter read: Tulsa, Okla10th AprilMr. Henry FordDetroit Mich.Dear Sir: While I still have got breath in my lungs I will tell you what a dandy car you make. I have drove Fords exclusively when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got ever other car skinned and even if my business hasent been strickly legal it dont hurt anything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8 Yours trulyClyde Champion Barrow Over the years, many have questioned the authenticity of Clydes letter to Henry Ford, based on a discrepancy over handwriting. The letter is currently on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

How does Greek translate into English in Bible Essay

How does Greek translate into English in Bible - Essay Example According to dictionary definitions, the core meaning of the Greek word is weakness, feebleness and being without strength, powerless. (blueletterbible.org) The Bible uses this word astheneo very often in connection with the healing miracles of Jesus, for example when he healed lepers (Matt. 10:8), â€Å"any sick with divers diseases† (Luke 4:40), Lazarus (John 11:1-6) and the Authorised Version often uses this same word â€Å"sick† to translate them. There are some cases, however, where this same word astheneo translated with different English words. In John 5:3-4 there is mention of an â€Å"impotent man† and in John 6:2 this same astheneo is translated as â€Å"diseased.† Having seen examples of the healing miracles of Jesus, the disciples were sent out by Jesus with a dual mission: â€Å"And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick† (Luke 9:2) This gospel usage focuses on medical sickness, and the curing of disease as a de monstration of the power of Jesus. In the New Testament letters of Paul, however, the word astheneo is applied not only to physical causes, but also spiritual causes, and the most common translation here is the English word â€Å"weak†, as for example: â€Å"it (= the law) was weak through the flesh† (Romans 8:3) and â€Å"And being not weak in faith†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Romans 4:19) Paul uses astheneo to contrast the weakness of human beings with the power of God: â€Å"For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God.† (2 Cor. 13:4) In the next verse of the passage in the book of James the author uses a different Greek word, kamno, which has a primary meaning of â€Å"weary† and a secondary meaning â€Å"sick† (blueletterbible.org). The translation into English repeats with the same word â€Å"sick†, however: â€Å"And the prayer of the faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have commit ted sins, they shall be forgiven him.† (James 5:15) There are only two other New Testament examples of the word kamno and they both concentrate on the primary meaning of â€Å"weary† : â€Å"†¦lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds† (Hebrews 12:3) and â€Å"And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake has laboured and hast not fainted.† These examples show that the New Testament uses two Greek concepts which range from purely medical disease to spiritual weakness and to weariness in maintaining actual life or spiritual life. The two terms astheneo and kamno overlap somewhat in their basic meaning and so translators do have some lee-way in choosing which of these emphases to bring out in their version. The English words â€Å"sick† or â€Å"diseased† tend to have a connotation of the physical condition of a person, while â€Å"weary† or â€Å"faint† tends to have a connotation of the mental or spiritu al condition of a person. In the Bible there is sometimes a clear distinction between these two dimensions, as for example when a person who suffers from a disease like leprosy is healed, but very often it is not clear whether a physical affliction is referred to, or a spiritual one. Looking at the letter of James it appears that the first verse echoes the gospel emphasis on physical healing. The work of Jesus wandering through the region, preaching the gospel and healing people is the inspiration for this usage. The second verse, which stresses the weariness aspect of kamno, leans on the emphasis of Paul, however. The connection between sin and sickness is much stronger, and the healing power of Jesus is shown as

Reagan's Economic Policies Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Reagan's Economic Policies - Term Paper Example Besides, presidential policies are sometimes informed by the desire to discover new idea or to carry on the legacy of the American founders.1 Policies by respective presidential candidates greatly determine if they will win the elections or not; in other words, the electorates vote for a particular candidate based on the belief that his policies will propel America to greater heights of prosperity, as well as promoting national and international safety and security. Throughout the American history, the persons who have graced presidency have had various policies that have had positive and negative impacts to the country. It is well-known fact that these policies have been entrenched in the country’s history and defines each presidency that has existed. This paper will consider the President Ronald Reagan’s policies and actions concerning economic policies and his policies on the air traffic strike in particular. President Ronald Reagan was in office between 1981 and 198 9. He took office in 1981 in the wake of the worst recession since the Great Depression and he was determined to turn around America’s economic fortune. This desire was evident in his inaugural address where he articulated his intention to make the government work. In the address he said â€Å"In the days ahead, I will propose removing the roadblocks that have slowed our economy and reduced productivity.†2 His economic policies became so endeared within the broader America’s economic policies; these policies actually earned the tag of â€Å"Reaganomics.† These policies were aimed at attempting to change the United States economic policy’s course. The economic policies were contained under the Reagan’s Program for Economic Recovery of 1981 which had four main policy objectives: to reduce the government spending growth; to reduce regulation; to reduce inflation through the control of the growth of the money supply; and to reduce the marginal t ax rates on income from capital and labor. These policy objectives were expected to increase investment and saving, balance the budget, reduce interest rates and inflation, restore healthy financial markets, and increasing economic growth.3 It is imperative to understand the historical context that informed Reagan’s economic policy. This historical context not is critical in understanding what exactly was motivating President Reagan towards pushing for his economic policies. As it will be seen from the historical context, Reagan was consciously working within the Constitutional provisions and he was seeking to advance a particular great cause which was to rejuvenate America’s economy. Prior to the administration of President Reagan, the economy of the United States had experienced a decade of increasing inflation and unemployment which was popularly known as â€Å"stagflation.† His immediate predecessors had favoured stimulus that were resulting to money supply expansion. Reagan’s approach to stagflation that was facing the United States was to depart from his the approach used by his immediate predecessors.4 Reagan intended to reduce the growth of government. His policies was based on the supply side economics theory which states that tax cuts encourages expansion of the economy to eventually widen the tax base. To achieve this, he stated his intention of increasing defense spending while at the same time reducing taxes. He enacted lower rates of marginal tax in

War crimes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

War crimes - Essay Example o justice has been the fact that it provides a mechanism for international prosecutions where crimes committed that are not catered for within the state policy can be looked into, in addition to this, heads of state are not immune to prosecution thus the full potential of justice is achieved (Maweni, 2011). The court is also not affiliate to the United Nations hence it is not a political instrument. With these views in place, the ICC and other tribunals are in a position to ensure that justice prevails (Maweni, 2011). However, despite these successes, the court is faced with some setbacks. The weakness that tribunals and the ICC face is the fact that given the number and range of crimes that are committed against humanity, it is hard for the ICC to decide on which ones to prosecute and which ones to leave (Russell & Elliot, 2002). This is under the trigger mechanisms, which are three ways under the Rome Statute through which cases can be taken to the ICC. A state party forwarding a case to the tribunal is the most contentious issue because state decision may be interfered with sovereignty and power of the concerned parties (Russell & Elliot, 2002). Therefore, justice for war crime victims may not be achieved if a country does not forward its case to the ICC. As per discussions in the meeting, to ensure that international bodies ensure justice in cases of war crimes, it is the responsibility of various states to support its initiative. This is because the courts can only act in areas where they have jurisdiction. Countries such as America do not support it and this and other nations that do not support the tribunal may be impeding the true course of justice that may be provided by an international tribunal and the International Criminal

Complaint of Chest Pain Case Study

Complaint of Chest Pain Case Study Jon Teegardin When assessing the patient with chest pain, it is important to pay attention to all of the information available from the patient. Not all chest pain is related to cardiac issues, and not all incidents of myocardial infarction present with classic chest pain symptoms. There are many possible causes of chest pain. The source of chest pain can be cardiac, respiratory, muscular, gastro-intestinal, or even psychological. This paper will discuss several causes of chest pain, and then address cardiac, circulatory, and respiratory assessments of a patient with a chief complaint of chest pain. Causes of chest pain Myocardial infarction or heart attack results when a blood clot disrupts the flow of blood to the heart muscle itself (Jarvis, 2012). Patients often describe a crushing, heavy feeling in the chest. Sometimes the pain radiates to the jaw or left arm. The pain can hit suddenly or build gradually. This type of pain is not reproducible and isn’t relieved by nitroglycerine. Angina is chest pain caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart with blood. It is described as a tightness, squeezing, or burning in the chest. It can last anywhere from five to thirty minutes and can occur when the heart is working harder or when it is at rest (Jarvis, 2012). Angina is typically relieved with rest and medication. Aortic dissection occurs when the inner layers of the aorta separate. The pain occurs suddenly and is described as sharp, stabbing, or tearing in nature in the chest or back. The pain is not relieved by rest or medication and is a medical emergency that requires surgical intervention. Digestive causes of chest pain include heartburn, gallbladder, and pancreas issues. This type of pain is described as pain or burning in the epigastric area and is relieved by antacids, dietary changes, or pain medication. Chest pain can be associated with injury to the muscles and cartilage in the chest. An inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage, known as costochondritis can cause pain. Sore muscles from overexertion or bruised and broken ribs can cause chest pain as well. These types of pain are reproducible and are not relieved by nitroglycerine. Chest pain related to respiratory problems include blood clots in the lung called pulmonary embolism that cause shortness of breath and chest pain. Pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the membrane covering the lung causes chest pain that is worse when coughing or inhaling. Pulmonary hypertension can also cause chest pain. Patient 1 The patient is a 56 year old male that arrives at the emergency room by EMS transport with a complaint of chest pain that began one hour ago. The patient also complains of shortness of breath, and is sweating profusely. EMS has initiated IV access, placed the patient on 2 liters per minute of oxygen, given 325 milligrams of aspirin, and given one sublingual 0.4 milligram nitro. A focused assessment is started. The patient is asked to describe his chest pain and what he was doing when the pain started. The patient reports that he was doing yard work when he became short of breath and started sweating profusely. He felt a crushing pain in his chest and the pain went up the left side of his neck into his jaw. The patient coughs several times while giving this information. He describes the pain as a crushing feeling in his chest. He also states that his left calf has been hurting for several days, but thinks it’s just muscle cramps. Vital signs are obtains and are as follows: Blood pressure is 189/98, pulse is 140 beats per minute. Respirations are labored at 24 per minute. O2 saturation is 95% with two liters per minute of oxygen applied by nasal cannula. The patient’s heart sounds are auscultated and normal S1 and S2 are noted. The apical pulse is bounding and tachycardic at 140 beats per minute. The lungs are auscultated and decreased breath sounds are noted in the right lower lobe. Crackles are noted bilaterally in the lower lobes as well. The brachial pulses are palpated bilaterally by pressing the artery against the bone on the anterior medial aspect of the right and left elbow (Jarvis, 2012). The pulses are strong and equal. The radial pulses are palpated bilaterally by again pressing the artery on the posterior medial aspect of each wrist. These pulses are also strong and equal. Turgor is assessed on each upper extremity by pinching a small fold of skin on the back of the hand. No tenting is observed. The color of the extremity is pink and feels warm to the touch. Capillary refill is assessed by pressing down on the fingernails of each hand and observing the blanching. The capillaries refill in less than 2 seconds. Next the lower extremity pulses are assessed. The femoral pulses are palpated by pressing deeply into the medial aspect of the upper thigh, below the inguinal ligament and about midway between symphysis pubis and anterior superior iliac spine (Jarvis, 2012). Two hands are used, one on top of the other to feel the femoral pulse on each leg. The pulses are even and regular. Moving down the lower extremities, the popliteal pulses are palpated by pressing down on the posterior medial aspect of the knee. The left pulse is slightly diminished compared to the right pulse. Next the posterior tibial pulses are palpated. The posterior tibial pulses are located on the posterior aspect of the ankle. Again, the left pulse is diminished significantly compared to the right pulse. Finally, the dorsalis pedis pulses are palpated on the top of each foot. The left pulses amplitude is low, the right pulse is normal. The left calf is warm and swollen compared to the right calf. The patient complains of pain when the left calf is palpated. Turgor is assessed on the top of each foot and no tenting is observed. Capillary refill is brisk and less than two seconds on the right foot, but is sluggish in the left foot. Decreased pulses in the lower left extremity, swelling and pain are indicative of a blood cl ot known as a deep vein thrombosis (National Institute of Health, 2011). SOAP S: The patient complains of shortness of breath and chest pain that began one hour ago. The patient also complains of left calf pain. O: The patient is hypertensive, tachycardic, is breathing rapidly, and is sweating profusely. Breath sounds are diminished in the right lower lobe. The pulses in the left lower extremity are diminished, the left calf warm, swollen, and tender. A: The patient appears to be suffering from a pulmonary embolism secondary to a deep vein thrombosis in the left lower extremity (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Blood and diagnostic tests are ordered as follows: complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, cardiac enzymes, d-dimer, PT/INR, PTT, ECG, ultrasound of left lower extremity, and CT of the chest with contrast. The results are listed below. Complete blood count is within normal limits. The metabolic panel is within normal limits. The cardiac enzymes are within normal limits, the most important being the troponin level which is less than 0.01, the d-dimer is elevated at 900 ng/ml (normal is P: Anticipate admission of this patient to the ICU. The patient will need to be accurately weighed in anticipation of administration of a heparin drip to prevent further clots and dissolve the clot in the lung and the clot in the left lower extremity. Pulmonary embolism is just one of many causes of chest pain. Although some causes are not medical emergencies it is important to seek medical attention. Early intervention and treatment, especially of cardiac related chest pain is essential in preventing continued or lasting damage to heart muscle. References Jarvis, C. (2012). Physical Examination and Health Assessment [VitalSouce bookshelf version].  Retrieved from http://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/books/978-1-4377-0151-7/outline/24 Mayo clinic. (2014). Pulmonary embolism. Retrieved November 4, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/basics/definition/con-20022849 Mayo Medical Laboratories. (2014). D-Dimer. Retrieved November 4, 2014, from http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical and Interpretive/9290 National Institute of Health. (2011). Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Latest NIH Research | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine. Retrieved November 4, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring11/articles/spring11pg20-21.html