Music and Violence Still a Concern in 2007 Free Essays

Media effects have been a hot topic in United States social history, especially with the newest in technology, which brings video and film to the personal computer and ipod.   However, one of the most long-standing debates does not concern new technology, but an older medium – music.   For nearly five decades, psychologists, scientists and parents have expressed concern that music lyrics could affect listeners and behavior, even violent behavior. We will write a custom essay sample on Music and Violence: Still a Concern in 2007 or any similar topic only for you Order Now    Despite some switch in focus to violent and sexual content in film and internet video, music lyrics still hold concern for their possible contribution to aggressive behavior in the United States and elsewhere. In response to this concern, many public and private investigations have sought to reach some sort of conclusion on the impact that music lyrics may have on aggressive behavior of young people.   The 1982 National Institute of Mental Health report noted that media violence, including violence in music, was a â€Å"serious threat to public health,† and by the 1990s, most research concluded that â€Å"media violence on aggressive and violent behavior was real, causal and significant† (Anderson, et al. This was followed by a Congressional Public Health Summit which consisted of six medical and public health organizations.  Ã‚   Their conclusion delivered as a joint statement of all was that â€Å"entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes, values, and behavior, particularly in children† (Anderson, et al., 2003). These research organizations define aggression as â€Å"any behavior that is intended to harm another person† and can include not only physical aggression, but also sexual aggression, verbal aggression, and indirect aggression.   Particular attention has be revisited on music lyrics with the rise in popularity during the 80s and 90s of the music video. Researcher found that music videos are laden with violence and â€Å"explicit aggressive content† with â€Å"antisocial overtones† (Anderson, et al. 2003).   In fact, a study by However, Waite, Hillbrand, and Foster (1992) found that aggressive behavior in a forensic inpatient ward decreased significantly after MTV (Music Television) was removed from the television offerings. Additionally another group of researchers found that males who listened and viewed violent music videos exhibited a significant increase in â€Å"adversarial sexual beliefs and negative affect† (Peterson and Pfost, 1989).   Additional this group also found that college students who listed to rock music with antisocial themes self-reported a wider range of acceptance for antisocial behaviors. Additional studies also followed test subjects for several years and report that violent music videos can have long term negative and maladaptive effects on young people (Anderson et al, 2003) One performer who has recently fallen under close scrutiny is Marshall Mathers, known to listening fans as Eminem.   Eminem’s character, Slim Shady, appeals to teenagers because her represents the extreme emotions which range from outrage to helplessness that are so common in the lives of adolescents (Doherty, 2000). Eminem is profane, rebellious, determined to be himself, to speak what he takes to be the truth about his emotions and what he sees around him. He’s all the more determined to do so if it pisses off authority figures. And in a world largely dominated by modern liberal cant, the best way to outrage adults is to come across as anti-gay, anti-woman, and pro-violence. As Eminem says in â€Å"Criminal,† â€Å"Half the shit I say, I just make it up to make you mad.† Such an attitude speaks directly to adolescent anomie and rebellion (Doherty, 2000). Lyrics such as this draw teens into the world of Slim Shady, identifying with him and adopting his style of dress, attitudes and behaviors. Now, these lyrics are even more damaging, according to Myronda Reuben of WBLX in Mobile, Alabama.   She says that music now holds less hope and fewer positive possibilities in the lyrics:â€Å"Back in the day, when a rapper was talking about ‘the life,’ it was usually about getting out of away from the violence and the streets.   Now the music glorifies it, and there are so many contradictory messages out there† (Hall, 2000). Another example is the phenomenon known as Hip-Hop. Researchers note that these songs target what is known as â€Å"marginalized youth,† which is defined as those that experience the â€Å"most dramatic social pressures† (Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings 2003)   in life, such as economic, family and behavior issues.   These individuals who listen to rap are more likely to become violent. Hip hop music seems to have the common theme of drug use, alcoholism, Aids, and murder. Thus, results of several experimental studies show that subjects who listened to violent songs were more likely to interpret ambiguous words and phrases as aggressive, and to having â€Å"increased feelings of hostility without provocation or threat†Ã‚   (Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings 2003). These violent songs with their aggressive thoughts and feelings have daunting implications for real world violence, notes Anderson cited in the aforementioned article: Aggressive thoughts can influence perceptions of ongoing social interactions, coloring them with an aggressive tint. Such aggression-biased interpretations can, in turn, instigate a more aggressive response–verbal or physical–than would have been emitted in a nonbiased state, thus provoking an aggressive escalatory spiral of antisocial exchanges†¦(Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings 2003). It is easy to see why these concerns are in place when one examines the lyrics from two hip hop songs that have been at the very top of the Billboard charts as cited by Senator Brownback (1998): â€Å"F– home we capture with more hits and slaughter more kids†¦ You know for real the nig– came f–in’ sucked my d–†¦ I have nig–z falling like white b in a scary movie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"I’m known in the ghetto for slangin’ narcotics†¦ I come up short I’ma bust yo’f–in’ lip up Cuz money and murder is the code that I live by Come to ya set and do a muthaf–in’ walk-by.† These lyrics from the songs â€Å"Get at Me Dog,† by DMX and â€Å"Come and Get Some† by Master P show the explicit references to killing, racial slurs, sexuality and drugs. Ironically, these chaotic songs are highly organized and effective at targeting youth and maximizing profit, which tends to squelch legislative attempts at censorship.   Scholars have identified some particularly disturbing rap styles:   hustler rap, booty rap, pimp rap, gangsa rap, and don rap – all of which are considered as hardcore rap.   Hustler rap features a bad guy figure who dominates others through force, intimidation and/or seduction. Booty rap applauds sexual shock and nonconformity with titles from the group 2 Life Crew like â€Å"Dick Almighty,† â€Å"Me So Horny,† and â€Å"The Fuck Shop.†Ã‚   Pimp rap focus on money and sex; an example is P Diddy’s song â€Å"It’s All about the Benjamins.†Ã‚   Finally, gangsta rap emphasizes the acceptance of antisocial, often violent, behavior.   For example, NWA’s   (Niggaz Wit Attitude) album Straight Outta Compton offers a written thank you to: â€Å"All the gangsters, dope dealers, criminals, thieves, vandals, villains, thugs, hoodlums, killers, hustlers, baseheads, hypes, winos, bums, arsonists, police, maniacs and bad ass kids for listening to our shit†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lena, 2006). Finally, don rappers (like Master P and Junior M.A.F.I.A.) combine gangsta rap’s emphasis on violence with the pimp rap emphasis on money and sexual dominance (Lena, 2006). These songs do translate into aggressive action.   For example, in the case of Mitch Johnson, the boy who was charged with killing four fellow students and a teacher in Jonesboro, Arkansas, frequently listened to violent rock and rap.   Mrs. Pelley is a junior-high-school teacher there who notes that after the shootings, several students revealed that Mitch had a morbid fascination with this type of music.   Mrs. Pelley discovered in a discussion with her students that while nearly ball of them could recite the violent and aggressive lyrics of songsw by Bone, Thugs-N-Harmony, and Tupac Shakur, nearly none of their parents had any idea about these songs and performers (Brownback, 1998). The tragedy of Columbine is also linked to the music of the controversial Marilyn Manson, primarily because shooter Eric Harris’s website contained frequent laudatory references to the odd performer, and both shooters wore Manson t-shirts and recited his lyrics frequently.   However, many psychologists note that this type of violence hails from an inability to communicate hatred and rage, a characteristic that these lyrics definitely do NOT have (Sanjek, 1999). Violent results from these songs are not limited to school kids.   In fact, one of the newest controversies concerning music lyrics hails from the dancehalls of reggae.   Dancehall reggae lyrics have a long history of aggressive content.   One popular artist is Buju Banton, whose 1992 chart topper called ‘Boom Bye Bye† explicitly urged listeners â€Å"to burn, shoot and pour acid on gay people†Ã‚   (Werde, 2004), and Artist Beenie Man’s hit â€Å"Weh Yuh No Fi Do† similarly argues that   gay men should die. Luckily, gay rights activists have been able to convince some of these dancehall sponsors such as Red Stripe Beer and Pepsi, to exert pressure on these performers to tone down their acts.   A group of sponsors did issue a statement to this effect, saying â€Å"that the continued use of violent lyrics could ultimately lead to the decline of our music industry, as well as a social and economic backlash† (Werde, 2004). It’s disappointing to realise that in the 21st century there are still people who want to belittle or frighten other people for their own amusement. Aren’t we better than this? Aren’t our musicians better than this† (Debbonaire, 2006).   While violence is rarely linked to only one source, certainly the draw of aggressive music lyrics must share in the responsibility for aggressive behavior in youth. Possibly because of the enormous profit to be made by this music and possibly because of the first amendment, which protects speech, these lyrics are allowed onto CDs and on videos.   Despite warnings and labeling movements, any youngster who wants to obtain a CD is likely to be able to.   If not, the most vulgar of these artists perform and release their CDs underground, where they can be copied and spread among these teens. The best defense against song lyrics is parent involvement and participation.   Open discussion will do a lot towards deflecting some of the adverse effects of violence in music.   While song writers will do what makes money and kids will buy what music is hot, adults need to take a stand to ensure that this sad trend does not get any worse. References Anderson, Craig A. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest 4 (3), 81-100. Brownback, Senator Sam. (1998). The melodies of Mayhem. Policy Review, 92 Debbonaire, T. (2006).   Domestic Violence: Are Song Lyrics Really To Blame?   BBC Radio.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Retrieved 2 June 2007 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/personal/relationships/ hh_songlyrics.shtml Doherty, B. (2000). Bum Rap.   Reason 32 (7) Hall, D. (2000). Violence In Lyrics, Life An Issue For Radio. Billboard 112.27 Lena, J.C. (2006). Social Context and Musical Content of Rap Music, 1979-1995. Social Forces    85.1: 479-495 Peterson, D.L., Pfost, K.S. (1989). Influence of rock videos on attitudes of violence against women. Psychological Reports   64, 319–322. Sanjek, D. (1999). Paying the Cost to Be the Boss. Popular Music Society 23 (3), 25-29 Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings. (2003). Journal for Quality Participation 26 (2):46-47 Waite, B.M., Hillbrand, M., Foster, H.G. (1992). Reduction of aggressive behavior after removal of Music Television. Hospital and Community Psychiatry 43, 173–175. Werde, B. (2004). Reggae Boycott. Rolling Stone, 961, November 11.    How to cite Music and Violence: Still a Concern in 2007, Essay examples

Cabalgata Essay Example For Students

Cabalgata Essay CABALGATADo you think riding on a horse eight hours for three days is relaxing and exciting? Poeple that enjoy horseback riding think so. The â€Å"Cabalgata† in the Northern part of Mexico is a long, exciting, and relaxing horsetrail. This horsetrail is relaxing for most people because they get off work for three days and drink with their friends. This trail is made for men only, but girls are allowed to join in with them the last day. This event doesn’t have an age requirement, but most participants are between the ages of 16-60. Most of the time young children are accompanied by their father. In this event, every year the amount of people that participate changes from 120-500 riders on this event. Hores riders are mainly from Acua and pretty much know each other. Friends sign up and get together to interact amongst others. In the Northern part of Mexico two Cabalgata’s are held each year. One is â€Å"Acua† and the other is â€Å"Sabinas.† This event doesn’t have a specific date; however, the Cabalgata in Sabinas is usually held on Labor Day weekend. In Acua it is usually held on the first week of October. The Cabalgata I’m going to talk about is the one held in Acua, that lasts for three days and three nights. The year I went, day one and two were about 50 kilometers long, while day three was only 20 kilometers. The last day is always shorter so that the girls can ride along with the guys. The word Cabalgar in Spanish means â€Å"horseback riding.† That’s the reason why this event is called Cabalgata. This event is organized by an individual that lives in Acua. The person that organizes this goes through a lot of hard work. First, he has to schedule a meeting to check how many people are willing to go. If there is not enough people, there is no point to continue on with the organization. If people are interested, the planner finds a route that is possible to take. Second, he needs a starting point that is about 120 kilometers from Acua so the Cabalgantes (riders) can ride from there back to Acua. Third, he needs to get permission from the owners of the ranches which Cabalgantes will pass through and get the keys to the gates. Fourth, he needs to find a place where the Cabalgantes can sleep and which have corrals to let the horses rest. This event has charge to it, an entry fee that each individual has to pay. It is not always the same because each year their is a different number of people that participate and a different route that is used. The cost of this event covers everything, which includes food, beverages, and food and transportation for the horses, from Acua to the starting point. The only thing that Cabalgantes need to take is their clothes and sleeping bags. The first night all the Cabalgantes arrive at the ranch which is the starting point. We get there at about 6 p.m and dinner is served. We eat dinner and everyone begins to drink. The first day is the craziest day because everyone is excited about the upcoming events. In 1996, when I got to go, the older people slept in a trailer (parade trailer). It was funny because they started joking around about all the guys sleeping together. Sixteen guys slept on that trailer, all bunched together. Some other people slept inside the ranch house on the living room floor, bed rooms, and any place else where there was space. If you walked around the house you weren’t able to see the floor. Most of the younger guys slept outside on sleeping bags. in 1996, when I went, at about 6:00 a.m (Day 1) people started waking up, eating breakfast, and saddling up their horses. At about 7:00 a.m, everyone headed out on the trail. All the Cabalgantes followed the leader (organizer) towards point two where we stayed the second night. We rode horses from 7:00 p.m to about 3:00 p.m. Sometimes it would be less depending on the speed that we traveled and the amount of times that we stopped. On the way to point two, everbody talked to one another and drank beer. On this trail, a horse trailer followed in case people got weary and want to take a break. Another truck had coolers full of beer. This truck gets ahead of everyone and stops, so when the Cabalgantes pass by they throw them their beer or soft drinks. Also, while everyone was on the trail, people made bets . They bet on horse races. The race consists of two Cabalgantes that go to the back of the line and race all the way to the front. The people in the back yell â€Å"Habran Camino!† This phrase means to clear the way. People then move to the sides so that the riders can pass through. In 1996, I raced 6 times and I won every time. I had the fastest horse out of all the Cabalgantes. A friend of mine that bet against my uncle won a hundred dollars betting on my horse. Everyone on that trip from that day on called me â€Å"Jockey.†When we arrived at point two, we ate a good meal. After our meal, we took showers and then naps, or vice-versa. Around 8:00 p.m., people continue to drink and play cards or domino’s. Many just get together and talk. This is the relaxing part of this trip for these elder people the trip is like being at the beach for us younger guys, because they’re away from work and they don’t have as much in their mind to worry about. Itâ₠¬â„¢s like a long weekend when no one has to worry about homework or anything like that. .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 , .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .postImageUrl , .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 , .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:hover , .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:visited , .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:active { border:0!important; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:active , .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16 .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u24664d8808af34c46dbbc75df2c7bb16:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Lacrosse: The Beginning Essay Day two is similar to day one. We woke up at the same time and ride horses for about 50 kilometers. The only difference is that since we’re about 20 kilometers from home, a mariachi comes to the ranch and plays music (Ranchera). This night is the funnest night because people sing with the mariachi. A mariachi is a group of people who play music with their big guitars, trumphets, and so on. People compete with each other to see who sings better. The older men drink heavely. I think they do this scince they are about to go home and they can’t do that in front of their younger children or wife. The next morning (Day 3) is when the girls show up. This day is calmer than the first two and beer is not given out until the destination, because it’s respectful not to drink in front of young ladies. On this day, everyone has to wear white shirts with cowboy hats. This is an obligation, because at the end of the trail, we got to a ranch outside Acua, and our family members receive us and we ate lunch with our family and our friends. Also, when we got there, we took pictures. After a great delicious lunch is when everyone goes home and rests comfortably in their beds. In conclusion, this Cabalgata is very exciting and relaxing. We get off work for three days and communicate with our friends or people you meet. So, are you up for this event? Would you go horseback riding 8 hours for three days? You should try and make it a good experience.

Mending a broken heart is never easy Essay Example For Students

Mending a broken heart is never easy Essay Bess Myerson once wrote that to fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply awful. Especially if you are the one who wanted the relationship to last. Mending a broken heart is never easy. There is no quick way to stop your heart from hurting so much. To stop loving isnt an option. Author Henri Nouwen writes, When those you love deeply reject you, leave you, or die, your heart will be broken. But that should not hold you back from loving deeply. The pain that comes from deep love makes your love ever more fruitful. But how do we get beyond the pain Here are 10 tips Ive gathered from experts and from conversations with friends on how they patched up their heart and tried, ever so gradually, to move on. 1. Go through it, not around it. I realize the most difficult task for a person with a broken heart is to stand still and feel the crack. But that is exactly what she must do. Because no shortcut is without its share of obstructions. Heres a simple fact You have to grieve in order to move on. During the 18 months of my severe depression, my therapist repeated almost every visit Go through it. Not around it. Because if I went around some of the issues that were tearing me apart inside, then I would bump into them somewhere down the line, just like being caught in the center of a traffic circle. By going through the intense pain, I eventually surfaced as a stronger person ready to tackle problems head on. Soon the pain lost its stronghold over me. 2. Detach and revel in your independence again. Attempting to fill the void yourself without rushing to a new relationship or trying desperately to win your lover back is essentially what detaching is all about. The Buddha taught that attachment that leads to suffering. So the most direct path to happiness and peace is detachment. In his book, Eastern Wisdom for Western Minds, Victor M. Parachin tells a wonderful story about an old gardener who sought advice from a monk. Writes Parachin Great Monk, let me ask you How can I attain liberation The Great Monk replied Who tied you up This old gardener answered Nobody tied me up. The Great Monk said Then why do you seek liberation One of the most liberating thoughts I repeat to myself when Im immersed in grief and sadness is this I dont need anyone or anything to make me happy. When Im experiencing the intense pangs of grief, it is so difficult to trust that I can be whole without that person in my life. But I have learned over and over again that I can. I really can. It is my job to fill the emptiness, and I can do it creatively, and with the help of my higher power. 3. List your strengths. As I wrote in my 12 Ways to Keep Going post, a technique that helps me when I feel raw and defeated to try anymore is to list my strengths. I say to myself, Self, you have been sober for 20 years Weaklings cant pull off that And here you are, alive, after those 18 months of intense suicidal thoughts. Plus you havent smoked a cigarette since that funeral back in December of last year I say all of that while listening to the Rocky soundtrack, and by the last line, Im ready to tackle my next challenge move on from this sadness and try to be a productive individual in this world. If you cant list your strengths, start a self-esteem file. Click here to learn how you build one. 4. Allow some fantasizing. Grief wouldnt be the natural process that it should be without some yearning for the person you just lost. .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 , .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .postImageUrl , .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 , .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:hover , .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:visited , .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:active { border:0!important; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:active , .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484 .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8c79a30d9d3b9ee970da395909318484:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: This is a music review of Arjona's song if the north EssayDr. Christine Whelan, who writes the Pure Sex, Pure Column on BustedHalo. com, explains the logic of allowing a bit of fantasy. She writes If you are trying to banish a sexual fantasy from your head, telling yourself Im not going to fantasize about her or I wont think about what it would be like to be intimate with him might make it worse In a famous psychological study from the 1980s, a group of subjects were told to think about anything but whatever they did, they were not supposed to think about a white bear. Guess what they all thought about A white bear. 5. Help someone else. When Im in pain, the only guaranteed antidote to my suffering is to box up all of my feelings, sort them, and then try to find a use for them. Thats why writing Beyond Blue contributes a big chunk to my recovery, why moderating Group Beyond Blue has me excited to wake up every day. When you turn your attention to another person especially someone who is struggling with the same kind of pain you forget about yourself for a split moment. And lets face it, that, on some days, feels like a miracle. 6. Laugh. And cry. Laughter heals on many levels as I explain in my 9 Ways Humor Heals post, and so does crying. You think its just a coincidence that you always feel better after a good cry Nope, there are many physiological reasons that contribute to the healing power of tears. Some of them have been documented by biochemist William Frey who has spent 15 years as head of a research team studying tears. Among their findings is that emotional tears (as compared to tears of irritation, like when you cut an onion) contain toxic biochemical byproducts, so that weeping removes these toxic substances and relieves emotional stress. So go grab a box of Kleenex and cry your afternoon away. . Make a good and bad list. You need to know which activities will make you feel good, and which ones will make you want to toilet paper your ex-lovers home (or apartment). You wont really know which activity belongs on which list until you start trying things, but I suspect that things like checking out his wall on Facebook and seeing that he has just posted a photo of his gorgeous new girlfriend is not going to make you feel good, so put that on the dont attempt list, along with e-mails and phone calls to his buddies fishing for information about him. On the feels peachy list might be found such ventures as deleting all of his e-mails and voicemails, pawning off the jewelry he gave you (using the cash for a much-needed massage), laughing over coffee with a new friend who doesnt know him from Adam (to ensure his name wont come up). 8. Work it out. Working out your grief quite literally by running, swimming, exercising, walking, or kick-boxing is going to give you immediate relief. On a physiological level because exercise increases the activity of serotonin and/or norepinehrine and stimulates brain chemicals that foster growth of nerve cells but also on an emotional level, because you are taking charge and becoming the master of your mind and body. Plus you can visualize the fellow who is responsible for your pain and you can kick him in the face. Now doesnt that feel good 9. Create a new world. This is especially important if your world has collided with his, meaning that mutual friends who have seen him in the last week feel the need to tell you about it. Create your own safe world full of new friends who wouldnt recognize him in a crowd and dont know how to spell his name where he is not allowed to drop by for a figurative or literal surprise visit. Take this opportunity to try something new scuba diving lessons, an art class, a book club, a blog so to program your mind and body to expect a fresh beginning without him (or her). 10. Find hope. Theres a powerful quote in the movie The Tale of Despereaux that Ive been thinking about ever since I heard it There is one emotion that is stronger than fear, and that is forgiveness. .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 , .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .postImageUrl , .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 , .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:hover , .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:visited , .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:active { border:0!important; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:active , .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3 .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u442ec0800236fb9d605162dd33c807e3:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Effect of Music in a Developing Fetus EssayI suppose thats why, at my fathers deathbed, the moment of reconciliation between us made me less scared to lose him. But forgiveness requires hope believing that a better place exists, that the aching emptiness experienced in your every activity wont be with you forever, that one day youll be excited to make coffee in the morning or go to a movie with friends. Hope is believing that the sadness can evaporate, that if you try like hell to move on with your life, your smile wont always be forced. Therefore in order to forgive and to move past fear, you need to find hope. And remember to love again Once our hearts are bruised and burned from a relationship that ended, we have two options we can close off pieces of our heart so that one day no one will be able to get inside. Or we can love again. Deeply, just as intensely as we did before. Henri Nouwen urges to love again because the heart only expands with the love we are able to pour forth. He writes The more you have loved and have allowed yourself to suffer because of your love, the more you will be able to let your heart grow wider and deeper. When your love is truly giving and receiving, those whom you love will not leave your heart even when they depart from you. The pain of rejection, absence, and death can become fruitful. Yes, as you love deeply the ground of your heart will be broken more and more, but you will rejoice in the abundance of the fruit it will bear.

Smartest Guys in the Room

Introduction Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room was a documentary film showing the real story of the largest business scandal in the U.S. where top executive officers in Enron Corporation squandered over one billion American dollars while the Corporation investors and employees lost everything. Enron Corporation was a leading commodity, and Service Company established in Houston, Texas.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Smartest Guys in the Room specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It was the seventh largest companies at the time. The executive officers included Ken Lay, the CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Skilling, Chief Financial Officer, Andy Fastow and the Accounting Firm, Arthur Andersen. The film was based on the 2003 award-winning book, The Smartest Guys in the Room by Fortune reporters, Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. It also featured insider accounts and fire-raising corporate videotapes audios, interviews with former Enron executives and employees, reporters, former Governor of California and stock analysts. The film significantly examined the collapse of Enron Corporation in 2001. It showed how smart and powerful men were driven by greed, which brought shame to themselves and severely affected innocent investors and employees (Gibney 1). In 2006, the film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature and consequently won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature. Enron Natural Gas Pipeline Company was formed in 1985 as a result of the merger of Houston and Omaha, Nebraska’s and InterNorth, natural-gas companies. By 2000, Enron Natural Gas Pipeline Company had grown and dominated the North America natural gas industry and Jeff Skilling pioneered its expansion to a different range of products that included coal, steel, and water. This resulted to skyrocketing of the company’s stocks and Jeff Skilling was considerably named CEO of the company. Many people invested in the company and with the increase in the range of products, and consequently, the number of employees had to be increased. Meanwhile, Skilling accounting results put Enron’s earnings at 53 million dollars a deal with no profits (Independent Lens 1). Summary of what happened at Enron Jeff Skilling declared the company’s earnings of $53 million dollars in a deal that yielded no profits. Essentially Enron faked its bookkeeping to report profits that never existed. The company operated on corrupt and closely-guarded mismanagement by Enron executive officers.Advertising Looking for case study on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Enron came up with a scheme to artificially increase electricity demand at the West Coast. As a result, many California citizens experienced blackouts, and unfortunately, two people lost their lives while Enron’s West Coast desk pocketed huge profits. E nron also used ghost companies to hide the massive company losses that later toppled the company. Enron crafted to sell products that did not exist and its balance sheets never balanced. Inexperienced and innocent employees who had dedicated their financial lives to Enron were surprised when Enron Corporation experienced prolonged fallout without their knowledge. About 20,000 employees lost their jobs. The company’s insurance covers crashed, Enron stocks and retirement accounts were equally devalued with urgency. Similarly, many criminal accusations were prosecuted against several Enron company’s top executive officers. Additionally, Arthur Andersen’s accounting firm collapsed, the 2006 convictions of Ken Lay, Jeffrey Skilling and Chief Financial Officer, Andy Fastow also fell. This was followed by the death of Ken Lay the CEO, two months later. Organization-related Problems at Enron Organizational related problems are the problems that come up from a group†™s influence. They include the shared beliefs and shared values. Being a well-established company, Enron ought to have had proper records, book keeping, financial statements open to public scrutiny and compliant with all financial standards. Though Enron was applauded for being innovative, it had various organizational problems. Because Enron was dealing with many cash transactions, entered into future contracts, and acted as a bank for many commodities, it was necessary for them to generate cash flows which they never did. Their reliance on borrowed cash for their dairy transactions was not a good organization technique. Enron similarly dealt with inexperienced employees, credits, debts and diverse businesses instead of being specific, which brought about organization problems. The idea of Enron dealing with all types of businesses both simple and complex made it impossible for employees to have the required expertise hence resulting to organizational problems. The entry of Enron into trading activities that were unfamiliar to the employees was an organization problem. As trading expanded, Enron’s, financial status became complex, and unfortunately, they abandoned budgetary controls. The organized structure and policy of Enron clearly did not prevent unscrupulous activities like the artificial electricity scheme (GUIDESTAR 1).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Smartest Guys in the Room specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Enron did not have a mission or a strategic plan, and that can be viewed as an organization lapse. The top management and auditors of Enron were not professionally and psychologically up to the huge task in the company and were more concerned with earnings and hence could not realize eminent business risks (Cunningham and Harris 33). Root cause of the organizational problems, values, ethical, reward systems, perceptions and leadership Many companies like Enron ha ve voluntary codes of ethics that prohibit executives from being involved in other business entities that do business with the company they are working for. However, the executive officers of Enron chose not to follow this code of ethics. Enron executives, like some other companies, were allowed to manage their own employee pension funds, which unfortunately, they messed up. The diverse businesses involved in by Enron left no space for specialization and expertise hence creating organizational problems. The schemes and conspiracies developed by Enron’s executives were unethical and poor show of leadership traits. The fact that Enron hired and paid its own auditors brought a conflict of interest into the legal and financial system which created an organizational problem. The legal and regulatory structure that allowed firms like Arthur Andersen to provide both consulting and auditing services developed a conflict of interest and thus resulting to an organizational problem. The senior management at Enron did not receive extensive ethical training and as such did not have enough knowledge to arrive at concrete decisions. Corporate governance and leadership solely relied on the state of mind, will power and personal relationships of management. However, rules were skillfully, cunningly and willfully ignored though they were in place. The fact that the law left considerable discretion to managers and executives to exercise their own business judgment about what was in the best interests of the company, enabled the executive officers of Enron to mismanage and practice corruption. Finally, the shareholders of Enron were not allowed to vet the management of the organization (Markkula Centre for Applied Ethics 1). Detailed Analysis of the Problems Identified Every corporate organization operates under its own set of code of ethics. The code of ethics details how employees, employers and company business should be transacted. Once this code of ethics is followed, smooth running of a company is guaranteed.Advertising Looking for case study on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, since this code is voluntary, top management in most cases ignore it and hence create organizational problems in a company. The executive officers in Enron ignored the code of ethics and conspired, mismanaged and engaged in corrupt activities that crushed the company. Training of management team and employees ensures a good understanding of the business and required expertise. However, no such training was offered or sought in Enron, and thus it can be said that employees did not understand the newly introduced trading activities in the organization. The diverse business activities deny a company a sense of specialization and hence no mission. This leads in business being executed in any way and thus there is no perfection. The loopholes in the legal framework are used by the wise to defraud companies. The fact that the law allowed the senior management to make personal decisions they saw fit for the company, also gave them a chance to do the opposite. Hence, the law can pr otect or be used to suit the highly ranked in a company. Senior management should at all times demonstrate good governance in a company where the interest of the company should come before personal interests. In a situation where personal gains prevail, the shareholders and employees feel the wrath as in the case of Enron. Conflict of interest destroys all company plans. In a position where an auditor is hired and paid by the management, chances of auditors giving decisions that suit the employer are high. External auditors are recommended in a public company to display the true financial position of a company. Organization behavior theories that led to problems at Enron and how they relate to the Event at Enron Organization behavior theories relate to ethics that dictate how companies should be run. For many years, philosophers have in literature stated and analyzed different theories that form the basis for ethics in business. Technological theories of ethics put more emphasis on the results of an action and can be classified into egoism and utilitarianism. In this case, egoism defines what is correct and what is wrong with respect to oneself. In such a case, when required to give any business decision, an egoist will put self-interest first. This theory is believed to lead to illegal behavior. In the case of Enron, the management put self first in the west coast where they leaped a lot of profits as employees lost their jobs while some lost their lives due to the artificial electricity demand scheme. Utilitarianism theory, on the other hand, puts more emphasis on the overall amount of good that might be produced by an action or a decision. In this case, a company might decide to expand its business physically or across the borders. Utilitarianism will analyze the amount of good that can be derived from this action. In the case of Enron, the management decided to introduce other trading activities like coal and water on top of the initial natural-gas busines s. This act was well rewarded since Enron stocks skyrocketed to generate high revenues in a short period of time. Deontological theories of ethics put more emphasis on: the rights of all individuals, and the intentions of the person(s) performing an action. It cannot harm some to benefit others but treats all equally. In the case of Enron Corporation, the government declared the corporation bankrupt, prosecuted all that mismanaged the company and participated in corrupt deals that severely affected the employees and investors. By doing this, it treated everybody accordingly. A Justice-based theory of ethics is concerned with the perception of fairness of actions. To determine the fairness of an action; distributive, procedural, and/or interaction rules are used. A just action treats all fairly and consistently in accordance with the set ethical or legal standards. In the case of Enron Corporation event, the court delivered justice on the criminal proceedings against the corrupt mana gement officials and the accounting firm. Relativism theory of ethics dictates that there are no universal principles of ethics and that right and wrong must be determined by each individual or group. It observes that standards of right and wrong may change with time and cultures. And hence the rights and wrongs are subject to interpretation (Barnett 1). Conclusion Any of the above listed problems will obviously befall a company if not checked well in advance. Enron Corporation was highly affected by organizational problems to the point of a closure and bankruptcy declaration of their accounting firm. The schemes demonstrated by the management were a sign of poor leadership, bad governance, greed for money, and self-centeredness. Mismanagement affects the employees, investors and the management itself. In the case of Enron, more than 20, 000 lost their jobs, two people died out of the faked electricity demand, senior management was taken to court, investors encountered losses, accou nting firm declared bankrupt and the sudden fall of Enron Corporation. But since some of these problems are due to ignorance, lack of personal will to do right, bending the law, and selfish interests, personal conscience and good governance are required to protect the interests of all in a company. Governments should prescribe stiff penalties for all forms of mismanagement, corruption and conspiracy in a public owned company. As of such, managers and directors in such companies should be vetted before assuming management positions to ensure transparency and professionalism. Works Cited Barnett, Tim. Ethics, Reference for business, Encyclopedia of business. Reference for Business, 2011. Web. Cunningham, Gary and Harris Jean. â€Å"Enron and Arthur Andersen: The Case of the Crooked E and the Fallen A.† Global Perspectives on Accounting Education 3.1 (2006): 27-48. Gibney, Alex. Enron The Smartest Guys In The Room. HDNET FILMS, 2005. Film. GUIDESTAR. How Ethical Is Your Nonprofi t Organization? GUIDESTAR, 2011. Web. Independent Lens. Enron: the smartest guys in the room. Public Broadcasting Service, 2011. Web. Markkula Centre for Applied Ethics. What Really Went Wrong With Enron? Santa Clara University, 2011. Web. This case study on Smartest Guys in the Room was written and submitted by user Ember Waller to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Coke Vs. Pepsi Case Study Essays - Patent Medicines, Marketing

Coke Vs. Pepsi Case Study Essays - Patent Medicines, Marketing Coke Vs. Pepsi Case Study Control of market share is the key issue in this case study. The situation is both Coke and Pepsi are trying to gain market share in this beverage market, which is valued at over $30 billion a year (98). Just how is this done in such a competitive market is the underlying issue. The facts are that each company is coming up with new products and ideas in order to increase their market share. The creativity and effectiveness of each company's marketing strategy will ultimately determine the winner with respect to sales, profits, and customer loyalty (98). Not only are these two companies constructing new ways to sell Coke and Pepsi, but they are also thinking of ways in which to increase market share in other beverage categories. Although the goal of both companies are exactly the same, the two companies rely on somewhat different marketing strategies (98). Pepsi has always taken the lead in developing new products, but Coke soon learned their lesson and started to do the same. Coke hired marketing executives with good track records (98). Coke also implemented cross training of managers so it would be more difficult for cliques to form within the company (98). On the other hand, Pepsi has always taken more risks, acted rapidly, and was always developing new ad vertising ideas. Both companies have also relied on finding new markets, especially in foreign countries. In the foreign markets, Coke has been more successful than Pepsi. For example, in Eastern Europe, Pepsi has relied on a barter system that proved to fail. However, in certain countries that allow direct comparison, Pepsi has beat Coke. In foreign markets, both companies have followed the marketing concept by offering products that meet consumer needs (99) in order to gain market share. For instance, in certain countries, consumers wanted a soft drink that was low in sugar, yet did not have a diet taste or image (99). Pepsi responded by developing Pepsi Max. These companies in trying to capture market share have relied on the development of new products. In some cases the products have been successful. However, at other times the new products have failed. For Coke, changing their original formula and introducing it as New Coke was a major failure. The new formula hurt Coke as consumers requested Classic Cokes return. Pepsi has also had its share of failures. Some of their failures included: Pepsi Light, Pepsi Free, Pepsi AM, and Crystal Pepsi. One solution to increasing market share is to carefully follow consumer wants in each country. The next step is to take fast action to develop a product that meets the requirements for that particular region. Both companies cannot just sell one product; if they do they will not succeed. They have to always be creating and updating their marketing plans and products. The companies must be willing to accommodate their target markets. Gaining market share occurs when a company stays one-step ahead of the competition by knowing what the consumer wants. My recommendation is to make sure the company is always doing market research. This way they are able to get as much feedback as possible from consumers. Next, analyze this data as fast as possible, and then develop the new product based upon this data. Once the product is developed, get it to the marketplace quickly. Time is a very critical factor. In my opinion, with all of these factors taken into consideration any company should give any company a good jump on market share.

The National Curriculum, and Bilingualism - A Review and Summary of Essay

The National Curriculum, and Bilingualism - A Review and Summary of Mitchell, Hooper and Brumfit (1994) - Essay Example These areas were meant to see the relationship between pupils’ developing understanding of language and language learning. In the end it is concluded that given the fragmented and episodic nature of mush AL work, its full potential contribution to pupils’ development as language users is not being realized. Suggestions for improvement are made. The project carried out in the case that is being reviewed has been initially taken into consideration for research as the strong curriculum debates about â€Å"Knowledge about language† (KAL) have taken place. This term implies that pupils’ learning language in formal setting started to acquire some explicit understandings and knowledge of the nature of language as well as the development of practical language skills were debated to be needed. Therefore, researches of the project that is being reviewed have found it reasonable to review the range of rationales which have been advanced in recent years in support of this position and to provide review of two important findings about teaching of English and of foreign languages. Overall these projects revealed substantial levels of KAL-related activity in English and foreign languages, and some suggestions of its positive contribution to learning, especially for control and planning in writing. The case study that is being reviewed is well organized and consists of several parts that cohesively complete a new investigation about knowledge of language. After Abstract, and executive summary, authors provide acknowledgement to those who were helpful to complete the research. Primary thanks are made to several teachers of English and Modern Language as well as to their 9-year classes, who gave access to visit lessons and thus to willingly share the thought and achievements with researches of the study. Also thanks are made to ESRC who funded the project and for the general encouragement to think in a cross-curricular framework which came

Opportunity #6 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Opportunity #6 - Assignment Example This positioning would allow carbon atoms binding together for formation of molecules that may not be easy to construct, with different reactions or circumstances.(Helmenstine, 2010) The reactions, thus made possible by these scientists have opened the gates of science to create complex chemical substances, which may be seen as creation of nature, otherwise. The principals of carbon-based organic chemistry are responsible for the exciting natural phenomenon, which forms the basis of life. This includes, colors in flowers, snake poisoning, among others. Taking cue from nature’s chemistry, human-kind has tried to perform chemical reactions, which use the potential of carbon for providing the basis for creating functional molecules. Such development in chemistry has given mankind new medicines and revolutionary materials, like plastics. For creating such complex reactions, scientists require the ability to join the carbon atoms together. However, carbon being stable, the carbon atoms do not react with each other easily, as their stable nature does not allow them to do so, under normal circumstances. Accordingly, several methods were tried for binding the carbon atoms together, which included techniques that could make carbon more active. The test tube reactions, conducted for this purpose, could develop simpler molecules. However, for creating complex carbon molecules, the scientists’ synthesis processes towards the same, gave several unwanted by-products. Therefore, the winning reactions of the three Nobel Prize winners solved this problem, as palladium-catalyzed cross coupling provided an efficient tool for getting the precise results. The basis of this reaction is the meeting of carbon atoms on a palladium atom, which brings them closer to each other, for starting the required chemical reaction. While palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions find extensive use for many industries, their advantages for the electronics industry is the most