Creating an English Garden: Plants Should Please the Senses

English gardens are lovely all over the world. English gardens are a treasure, because they deviate from the norm and offer a variety of surprises. English gardens are very free-flowing and unsymmetrical and are valued for their odd flower combinations and off-beat charm. An English garden can be created in any home; here are some simple ideas on how to create your own.

The plants chosen for an English garden are very important. They should be pleasing to the senses in many ways. Not only flowering plants should be used when creating an English garden; herbs, climbing vines, and roses are also a valuable asset. Color combinations should be apparent, but not very strict. An English garden should appear natural, and laid back. Perennials are good plants to use, and variety can be achieved later on by adding annuals to the mix.

English gardens are sometimes encompassed by shrubs that are either very small or large. Smaller shrubs that are kept neat and small are an interesting touch, and larger hedges that twist and turn instead of being straight and angular are common in English gardens. English gardens are to be relaxing not rigid.

Eccentric pieces that depict nature coming alive are important when creating an English garden. Fences or trellises are a beautiful addition and also serve a purpose. It is customary in an English garden to have climbing flowering plants such as wisteria or rambling roses. A fence or trellis will create a lovely and useful object for these plants to climb on. These pieces will add character and charm to your garden.

Another imperative factor when creating an English garden is an arbour. An arbour is a small place to sit and enjoy your garden. It is a place that should be surrounded with plants and herbs so that the person sitting there can enjoy the beauty of nature and contemplate its charm. There are many things that can be used as an arbour, such as stools, old benches, tree stumps, and iron chairs. Many of these items can be found in thrift stores and yard sales for very little money.

When planting in your English garden start with the border first. Plant the larger plants on the outside and the smaller shrubs on the inside. Remember to plant casually, not in straight lines, and remember to plant in groups. When creating your English garden plant different plants together for interesting color and height combinations, and plant smaller plants in larger groups to attract attention.

Creating your own English garden can be fun, exciting and extremely rewarding. With these helpful tips, planting an English garden can be easy as well!

How to Effectively Teach English Language Learners (ELL)

Many classrooms in today's world consist of students with special needs, and students that are not fluent in the English language. In order to ensure the success of English language learners there are many steps that should be taken. The first most important step that should be taken to guarantee the ELL's success is to make sure that the students respect each other's differences and do not discriminate against students' of special needs.

It is also significant to use language objectives in order to help an ELL student learn the English language; these objectives will help the student be able to learn the language better by focusing on vocabulary and other parts of the English language.

In order to effectively educate an ELL it is also helpful to have a student and the teacher complete and explain the classroom assignments so that the ELL has a visual instruction; this will help the student understand what they must do to complete the assignment.

Another step to ensure the ELL student's success is to be able to use the student's native language in order to make sure the student fully understands the assignment. The student's native language should not always be used because the student will not learn English this way, but it is important to be able to communicate in the student's native language if there is a problem that can not be understood in English.

A key step that needs to be taken into consideration is making sure ELL student's work together with other students; this is important because the other students will help teach the ELL students, and the students who are fluent in English will be able to learn from the ELL students as well.

It is imperative when teaching ELL students to base lessons on a theme; by doing this repetition of vocabulary can help the ELL students to learn English. Another important step is to use visual aids to reinforce vocabulary and establish a connection between the vocabulary and what it represents.

In order to teach ELLs efficiently it is good to use non verbal communication, and to not constantly correct students who depart from Standard English. It is vital to allow the students to try to communicate, and not to discourage them.

An additional extremely significant factor is making sure the students feel comfortable and involved; this will help the students want to learn. It is not easy to teach students that are not fluent in English, but it is important.

There are many factors and steps that can be taken in order to increase the level of education amongst English language learners, and it is important to educate these students in order to provide a better future for them and our world.

Why Do Feet Smell?

Ever notice how a pair of smelly shoes can clear out a room? It is funny how even the cleanest feet can leave a new pair of sneakers stinking after only a few hours. Foot odor is a problem everyone has had to face at one point in their lives or another, but did you every wonder why your feet smell funny after you wear your shoes all day?

Sweat is the major culprit in feet smell issues and your feet are composed of over 250,000 sweat glands. Everyone sweats, and we are told as children it is good to sweat because it is your body's natural defense mechanism against over heating and exhaustion. Sweat also doesn't seem so threatening because it is made up of water and salt, but it is not the sweat that actually smells.

The nasty odor that lingers around your feet and shoes is actually cause by a bacteria on your feet. This bacterium eats the sweat, and a strong unpleasant odor is produced. Now this may be a shock, but it is natural to find bacteria living on everyone's skin on a regular basis. You may be wondering why the rest of your body doesn't smell so bad; people definitely sweat all over their body. The feet sweat so much that it actually attracts the bacteria, and there is so much sweat being produced by the feet that the bacteria has a field day. Feet are basically like an all you can eat sweat buffet for the odor causing bacteria.

Feet actually stink even worse because they are usually encased in socks and shoes. Unlike when your forehead sweats, your shoes and socks actually accumulate more sweat than anywhere else on your body can. The bacteria loves to live in our shoes, on our feet, and in our socks because not only is there enough sweat to go around, but the darkness of being inside of a shoe is the perfect breeding ground for this bacteria. All of the bacteria is busy chowing down inside your shoes, and when you take your shoes off all the excreted waste odors are set free and waft through the room or in your face.

There are many possible ways to solve foot smell problems, but the major factors are sweat and bacteria. Keeping feet clean and wearing clean socks can help eliminate odors. Letting shoes dry and air out before returning your toes to them can help rid your feet of the nasty stink. Some people are even prescribed medicine to help cure foot odor. I choose to not be discouraged by foot smells and think about how many little bacteria I would be leaving homeless if my feet didn't smell!

Constructivist and Behaviorist Philosophies Are Beneficial in the Classroom

There are many different philosophies on education, and many people focus on one philosophy or another, but as a teacher I believe it is important to make use of both constructivist and behaviorist philosophies. My personal philosophy on educational practices embodies and incorporates behaviorist and constructivist philosophies, and I believe both of these philosophies can be used effectively to educate students in the best possible manner.

Classroom organization is a very important part of education, and it can be maximized by using both constructivist and behaviorist philosophies. As a teacher I would prefer for my classroom to be open and flexible in compliance with the constructivist viewpoint (Johnson, Musial, & Hall, 2005, p.363). This constructivist approach to classroom organization can be reflected in the classroom by allowing everything from seating arraignments to the lesson plans to be subject to change. A behaviorist classroom organization does not allow for change and is organized by the teacher. As the teacher I would set a standard that the students would have to maintain, but I would also give them the freedom to make decisions in the classroom. In order to maintain a standard in the classroom I would use behaviorist ideas such as rewards and punishments, but I would also allow for the constructivist ideas of the students involvement in decision making. I feel letting the students organize their own environment is important because it creates enthusiasm, comfort, and a sense of responsibility for the students.

Motivation is another extremely important factor in the learning process. I feel that motivation should be created by both constructivist and behaviorist philosophies. Motivation can also be inspired by direct involvement and interaction of the students which is according to constructivist views. Motivation can be accomplished by setting a standard and maintaining it by positive and negative reinforcement which is in accordance with behaviorist views. Constructivist philosophy provides "internal incentives" which are created by the student's direct involvement in the educational experience, and "external controls" are the behaviorist focus for providing motivation by setting a system of ideas by which the students will be expected to abide by (Johnson, Musial, & Hall, 2005, p.363). Motivation can be provided to students effectively by using both constructivist and behaviorist philosophies.

Discipline plays an important role in the classroom, and must be provided in order to effectively teach. I think that as a teacher I would have more of a constructivist approach to teaching because the "high control" provided by behaviorist philosophies may seem appealing at first, but I believe that both the teacher and the learner should have control of the classroom in accordance with constructivist philosophies (Johnson, Musial, & Hall, 2005, p.363). I think that the constructivist ideas on discipline help the students learn responsibility, confidence, and self expression while also respecting them as individuals with opinions. I believe that this is important because it builds goodwill amongst the members of the class, and helps the students grow as individuals. This also gives the students experience working with many people for a common goal. Discipline is an extremely important factor in the classroom and I would maintain discipline through the application of constructivist methods.

Teaching styles vary amongst teachers, but they are an exceptionally important factor in the education process. I feel that the use of a constructivist teaching style is beneficial in a classroom because the learning is based on hands-on experiences and personal discoveries. (Johnson, Musial, & Hall, 2005, p.363) I think that the behaviorist teaching style is not the right teaching style for my classroom because it is based on "extreme amounts of teacher talk" (Johnson, Musial, & Hall, 2005, p.363). The constructivist teaching style is more beneficial in the classroom because it provides a more interactive and enjoyable classroom experience. It is also a more memorable learning environment because the students are actively involved in all the aspects of the classroom. Teaching styles that support constructivist ideas are valuable in the classroom environment.

I think that both behaviorist and constructivist educational theories have many beneficial ideas. As a teacher I would employ methods from both behaviorist and constructivist philosophies in the classroom because I feel it is important to use the most effective methods of teaching. I think that the behaviorist idea of positive and negative reinforcement is very effective in the learning environment, and I also believe that the student's direct involvement in the classroom is extremely important. I think that the students can also be directly involved in providing negative and positive reinforcement which follows both behaviorist and constructivist viewpoints. Overall, I believe that giving the students the ability to learn hands-on, and the right guidance through the reinforcement of standards is the most effective way of teaching.

Reference
Johnson, J.A., Musial, D., & Hall, G.E. (2005) . Introduction to the Foundations of American Education, (13th ed.) : Allan and Bacon.

At-Risk Students: A Serious Issue in American Education that Can Be Resolved

Today's changing society has a huge impact on the students of today's world. Many factors can put a child at risk in today's society. "Changes in families", "changes in student population", and "Changes in socioeconomic patterns", all affect the student, and can put a student at risk (Kauchak & Eggen, 2005). Changes in the student population are a natural occurrence, but these students can get out of risk with the help of the community, and schools.

Not only is the world around students constantly changing, but the students themselves are changing as well. Sexuality is a touchy subject, but it has an obvious impact on students. Many students are sexually active and do not have protected sex. This leads to a high rate of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The use of alcohol and drugs is also a factor that may put students at risk. School violence is a scary and realistic factor in today's schools, and it can strongly influence a student's success. Although bullying has been taken lightly in the past it is also a form of violence, and it is detrimental to a student's achievement. Kauchak & Eggen (2005) stated "the suicide rate among adolescents has quadrupled in the last 50 years" (Chap. 4, p.144). Child abuse is another alarming but realistic factor that affects the success of our students. Kauchak & Eggen (2005) stated, "In 2001,... 900,000 children had been victims of abuse or maltreatment" (Chap.4, p.146). All of these issues are a tremendous and upsetting threat to our students and should be taken serious.

The problems of violence and drug use amongst student's in New York is a major contributing factor for at-risk students, but there are some programs that are helping the situation. "therapeutic theater program employed by Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY) to reach troubled children and adolescents works, and works well" (Art Spaes, 2000). This program provides assistance to troubled youths in New York City, and it is particularly good at helping strongly bothered students that have anger and depression problems. These programs help students deal with the challenges they face in everyday life and helps these "young people build better relationships with both peers and adults; develop valuable life skills such as focusing, listening, and self control; and provides unique opportunities for them to experience spontaneity and joy in their lives" (Art Spaes,2000). The theater program encourages the youth to express themselves by involving them in creative and fun, hands on activities, and these programs are a terrific example of how the community can help at-risk students.

This theater program is beneficial and commendable because it reaches out to students in need. Students are not only put into a situation where they required to learn, but they are also required to participate and create. This situation provides the students with knowledge, life experiences, and praise. It is a perfect example of positive reinforcement. With this program students can see how effort can bring rewards; "some extremely shy children are able to find their voices and speak loudly on their own behalf, while others overcome by anxiety or rage demonstrate the capacity to remain calm when bombarded with many pressures while portraying real life working people with multiple responsibilities" (Art Spaes, 2000). Students learn many skills that are valuable life lessons such as "focusing, listening, improvising, and exerting self-control" (Art Spaes, 2000).

This theater program is hosted by the "Art Spaes Roundtable", which is a program dedicated to helping at-risk students through the use of the arts (Art Spaes, 2000). The Art Spaes Roundtable is supported by "The New York State Council of the Arts", and has many programs that help at-risk students located through out the state of New York ( Art Spaes, 2000). The needs of the students in these programs are as well met as this program is capable of. This program seems to do its best to meet the needs of students and the instructors are knowledgeable and experienced in providing education for at-risk students. The Art Spaes Roundtable is valuable for the success of students in many ways, and the people involved in this program seem to genuinely care about the students.

At-risk students are a factor in education that should be helped. Society has changed to the point where students are bound to be affected by it. The changing world is forcing students to change, and the educational environment has to change as well in order to truly educate the students. The reality of at-risk students is upsetting and challenging, but there are programs that are and can be instituted in order to help students overcome the challenges they are presented with.

Reference

Art Spaes. (2000). Research. Retrieved August 26, 2007, from http://www.artspaes.org/researchlinks.htm
Kauchak, D., & Eggen, P. (2005). Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Text]. , : Prentice-Hall/Merril. Retrieved August 12, 2007, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, AED Teaching as a Profession Web site.

Natural Home Beauty Tips and Recipes

Everyone wants to be beautiful, and many people do not realize how many things they can find in their homes on a regular basis that can be used to enhance beauty. These recipes are inexpensive and easy to reproduce, and these helpful tips only take a small amount of time.

Your skin is an organ that does not get the attention it needs on a regular basis. It is important to exfoliate your skin in order to help it remain healthy, and exfoliating will keep your skin smooth and soft to the touch. They can be used on dry skin for a more deep scrub, or on wet skin for a light quick exfoliating experience. Natural home defoliators are extremely easy to make.

Oatmeal is an excellent exfoliate and can be used to help rashes. It is gentler than salts and almonds, and oatmeal is good for sensitive skin. A simple oatmeal recipe is to mix ½ a cup of dry plain oatmeal with a ¼ of a cup of honey. Then mix ¼ a cup of sugar and water until it makes a slimy paste. Combine both concoctions and use liberally. Any of the mix that remains can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Another natural and easy to make defoliant can be made using salt. Epsom salt works particularly well because of the size of the salt crystals, but the salt can be replaced completely by crushed almonds. Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt with ¼ a cup of milk, cream, or buttermilk. Then slowly mix in ¼ of almond paste and 3 tablespoons of chamomile tea. These ingredients are soothing and moisturizing, and they provide a very intense scrub.

Hair care can also be accomplished easily by using things found around your home. Coconut milk can all be applied to dry hair before showering. Leave the coconut milk on your hair for a half an hour. Make sure to rub it on your scalp for at least 3 minutes. Oil can be applied to hair before taking a shower as well. Essential oils can be used by them selves or mixed with other oils. Olive oil works well on hair, and all oils should be left on for a half an hour before showering as well. A wet towel can be heated for 30 seconds in the microwave and wrapped around head in order to increase the ingredients penetration. These methods all increase the softness, manageability, and shine of hair.

There are many facial masks that can be concocted in your kitchen. Combine 3 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 tablespoon of honey and 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Beat 1 egg white and sift it into the other concoction. Leave the mix on you face until dry and tight. Rinse with warm water. Another good facial mask that is especially beneficial to dry skin is mainly made from bananas. To make this facial mask mash 1 banana and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey and1a tablespoon of brown sugar. 1 cup of clean fresh rose petals can also be mixed with 1 and ½ cups of cream or buttermilk. Heat the ingredients in a double boiler until water boils. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour mixture into blender, and blend well. These mixtures are quick and uncomplicated, and they can increase the health of your skin instantly.

These recipes are made from ingredients that everybody has in their homes. They take very little amounts of preparation, and can be saved for later use. All of these potions can sooth, smooth, and soften your skin, hair, and face and can be made on a shoestring budget.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Water and Food Supply Issues and Solutions

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country of many resources. There are many options that can be pursued to increase the food and water supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There are many methods of maximizing the food supply in this country. Traditional Crossbreeding, the Green Revolution, and Interplanting are all options that can help increase the food supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Traditional crossbreeding is a method of increasing crop supplies, but it is not the most efficient. This method improves crops for a period of time, but it can take as long as 15 years. Crossbreeding can create plants that some may enjoy, but the surrounding environment can adapt to these improved crops. When the environment adapts the pests that these plants were immune to will also adapt leaving the crops susceptible to these pests. Traditional crossbreeding only works on species that are similar in genetics as well.

The green revolution is another method of increasing the food supply. This method uses the same amount of land to produce more crops, but it also needs more fertilizer, pesticides, and water. Worst of all the green revolution uses a lot of fossil fuels which is not beneficial in the long run. The green revolution is a method that has some pros, but I feel the pros are out weighed by the cons.

The use of interplanting, especially low input polyculture, seems to be the best methods of maximizing the food supply in The Democratic Republic of Congo. Through the use if interplanting many different crops will be produced. The loss of crops will be reduced because the many varieties of plants will increase weather resistance. The use of insecticides will decrease due to the creating of an environment that supports the natural predators of these pests. The varying crops will also help provide different nutrients to the soil so there is less of a need for fertilizer. Interplanting is the best method for crop production.

Water is a major resource and necessary for all human life, yet the water supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in bad condition. The water is not only unsanitary, but it is also inacessible. These water supply issues need to be dealt with in order to help the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The poor conditions of the drinking water in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a serious issue that has to be dealt with.
"One in five children in DR Congo dies before reaching five years of age. Diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases account for 1 in 10 of these child deaths" (Water is plentiful but not safe enough for children in DR Congo).

The water supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is barely accessible. "Less than half of the Congolese population has access to safe drinking water" (Water is plentiful but not safe enough for children in DR Congo). This is startling and intensely in need of repair. If the people are not able to access water supplies they are malnourished and in danger.

There are many ways to increase water supplies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. First the water reservoirs need to be rehabilitated and made sanitary and safe. The use of better irrigation methods will help maintain the drink ability of water. The water wastes made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be used for fertilization of crops as well to increase crops. Sinking boreholes in order to make water more accessible is a good option. The water supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be improved with time, money, and effort.

The Effects of Global Warming and Ozone Depletion on Our World

The Effects of Global Warming and Ozone Depletion on Our World

There are many possible effects of climate change that would result from a warmer earth, and global warming is a serious issue that everyone should be conscious of. Climate change can cause shifts in the places where food is grown; it can also cause flooding and drought to increase while decreasing the quality of the water. Global warming will cause a smaller overall crop yield and more of a need for irrigation. Some plants and animals may become extinct because the temperature change will disrupt and change their natural habitats. Animals and plants that are adapted to higher temperatures will increase in population, and this may cause certain other plant life to decrease. Human health will be affected directly by a warmer earth because there will be less deaths caused by colds and more deaths caused by heat and disease. Tropical diseases may spread to temperate areas. Sea levels will rise as an effect of global warming. A warmer climate will also cause an increase in forest fires as well. More trees will die because of an increase in pests and diseases that will be more capable of living in a warmer climate. Global warming is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with in order to maintain life as we know it.

There are major harmful effects of ozone depletion on all parts of our world. Human health, crop yields, forest productivity, plastics and paints, and plankton productivity will all be affected by ozone depletion. The major harmful effects of ozone depletion on human health are an increase in skin cancer and eye cataracts. The continued depletion of the ozone will cause more ultraviolet rays than usual to reach the earth's surface. This will cause serious health issues for humans. It is also harmful to agriculture because some plants are sensitive to UV rays, and it can cause a decrease in crop yields. Forest productivity will be harmed as well because the productivity of trees that are sensitive to UV rays will decrease. Materials such as plastics and paint will degrade as a direct effect of ozone depletion. Plankton productivity will also decrease, and this can be extremely harmful. If there is less plankton, food webs will be disrupted, and some species may face extinction. A decrease in plankton will cause seafood supplies to decrease as well. Ozone depletion is an issue that can have many harmful effects on our lives and the world

The History, Beliefs, and Practices of Hinduism

Hinduism is a religion that consists of many other religions. This religion is used to encompass almost all of the religions in India that do not include Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Hinduism is also refered to as "Sanantana Dharma", which means ageless religion (Fischer, 2005 p. 2). Considering all that Hinduism entails there are many important aspects of it.

Although Hinduism lacks a unifying belief system there are still aspects of all of the varying practices included as Hinduism together. Hinduism has been around for a very long time. Not all Hindu religions follow the Brahmanic tradition, but many do. "The Brahmanic tradition can be traced back to the Vedic age, thousands of years ago" (Fischer, 2005 p.6). These traditions were based largely on the Vedas, which are a " revered collection of ancient sacred hymns" (Fischer, 2005 p.10). The Vedas consist of four parts named, the "Samhitas", the "Brahmanas", the "Aranyakas", and the "Upanishads" (Fischer, 2005 p.10). The Vedas play a central role in Hindu religion. As mentioned earlier, many Hindu religions follow the Brahmanas, but many also follow the Upanishads. The Upanishads are believed to be the last text of the Vedas to be developed. " Many people consider these philosophical and metaphysical reflections on Vedic religion the cream of Indian thought" (Fischer, 2005 p.14).

Although, not all Hindu religions focus mainly on the same part of the Vedas, they all have " deep roots in the Vedas" and "in direct person experiences of the trut through meditation" (Fischer, 2005 p.21) They also all believe strongly in ethics as a way ofmainti ng a correct social path. Hundi religions believe that suffering is an effect of karma. The belief in karma helps make ethical decisions a pleasing option. All of the Hindu religions also believe that "the ultimate cause of suffering is people's ignorance of the Self, which is omniscient, omnipotent, omniprescent, perfect, and eternal" (Fischer, 2005 p.21)

There are many influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated. The caste system developed through Hinduism in the Vedic age. The highest group of people in the caste system is the Brahmins which are, "the priests and philosophers, specialists in life of the spirit" (Fischer, 2005 p.106). The next highest group is the "kings, warriors, and vassals", followed by the "farmers and merchants", the "labours and artisans", and finally the "untouchables" (Fischer, 2005 p.108). This caste system implements a way of controlling the population in India and setting up a system of classes. The religion has maintained the catse system by using the idea of self sacrifice for the greater good of society and order as an ethical sacrifice. This idea attempts to "uplift people from worldly concerns and to encourage them to behave according to higher laws" (Fischer, 2005 p. 109). This use of personal faith in religion works well to maintain the caste system in India.

Hinduism is vital to the place it originated because of the worship of trees, rivers, and forests. Many Hindus consider trees and forests sacred and symbolizes their deities. Many rituals are performed under trees, and many temples are built along rivers. Presently the Narmada River in India is considered extremely holy and is "lined with thousands of temples devoted to Mother Narmada and Lord Shiva" (Fischer, 2005 p.111) Many pilgrimages are made along this river. Currently the Narmada River is being eyed for the location of the "world's largest water development scheme" (Fischer, 2005 p.111) The water shed conflict had been going on for over ten years now, and the people do not want their sacred sites to be disgraced.

The desire for liberation from earthly existence is a major factor in Hinduism. Earthly existence is considered an illusion, or a test. In the Hindu religion it is important to become knowledgeable of one's self, in order to see past the given reality of earthly existence. There are many practice and rituals, such as yoga, that are meant to help a person obtain a peaceful pure existence. When one becomes liberated from earthly existence the true cosmic spirit will be revealed. The mysteries of the universe will be uncovered, and one will reach enlightenment. This is the highest goal in Hindu religions.

References

Fischer, M. (2005). Living Religions, Sixth Edition. Hinduism, p69-115.

Beliefs of Islam and the Five Pillars

The central beliefs of Islam are complete faith in the power of God. God and people are one and unified. An Islamic belief is that Islam includes all religions and honors all prophets. Muslims believe that god is all knowing and to know what god knows is to leave in peace and happiness. Islamic people also believe in angels and saints. One Islamic belief is the last judgement, which is when all the people of the world will be judged and the world will end.

These beliefs of Islam are reflected in the "Five Pillars" by many ways. The first pillar is the practice of professing faith in the unity of one god and the prophet Muhammad which directly reflects the beliefs of Islam.. The second pillar is a continual prayer session that happens daily. These prayer sessions illustrate the desire to learn the ways of God. The fourth pillar reflects the central beliefs of Islam because the fourth pillar is fasting. Fasting is used to achieve purity and a clear mind. This is an example of how Muslims can learn to be like God. The fifth pillar also illustrates this central Islamic belief because Muslims have to pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime in order to get closer to God.

I think the easiest pillar to fulfill to me would be the third, which happens at the end of the year. When the end of the year comes Muslims give 2 and a half percent of their accumulated wealth to other Muslims in need. I feel like this is a beautiful thing and I support it. I try to give to the needy all ready so I feel this is a good practice. I think the most challenging pillar to fulfill would be the second pillar because it would be difficult for me to pray five times a day. I would not like to kneel, and I am very forgetful. I guess if I was around other people who were also Islamic it would be easier because it would be more accepted. I just don't know if I could stop in the middle of waiting on tables and pray, although I do find it respectable. The Islam religion is very interesting overall, and I find some of their beliefs an excellent source of philosophy and thought.