Reality Tv and It’s Effect on Society

Kenneth Nevling Professor Whitworth ENG 114: First draft- Reality TV 07 November, 2010 Reality TV and It’s Effect on Society A reality TV show stars a non-celebrity or a volunteer who wants to participate in the program. The core role is to see what their reactions in certain scenarios are, and how they face given situations. The audience feels like they have a connection with the show’s stars as they feel that they are real and normal people representing them. Viewers are then entertained by the sadness, depression, frustration, and emptiness that the reality stars will express in the show.Audiences cannot seem to get enough of the drama of other regular, everyday people placed in unrealistic settings manipulated for the world to see. Overtime, exposure to these shows will subtly cultivate viewer’s perception of reality. Reality television shows have a negative influence on today’s society by portraying a false sense of communal experience, creating unrea listic standards of living, as well as affecting the productivity of growth to the younger generation. If television was all that was important to our existence then we would be very well off.Marketing and production for reality TV shows are much less costly than it would be to pay for a whole set and professional actors/actresses. James Poniewozik, a writer for TIME magazine’s Tuned In column, writes about how reality TV has been the best thing to happen to viewers and television companies. Poniwozik states, â€Å"It has given the networks water-cooler buzz again; it has reminded viewers jaded by sitcoms and dramas why TV can be exciting; and at its best, it is teaching TV a new way to tell involving human stories† (01).Ratings for networks have skyrocketed ever since reality shows first began to hit the air. People are entertained and excited to watch drama that reality stars go through, forgetting about their own drama. He also states that â€Å"Reality shows donâ €™t just reach tens of millions of viewers but leave them feeling part of a communal experience† (02). Here it is obvious that these viewers who strive to achieve a communal experience through the television are not leading healthy lives.If a communal experience is desired then one should get off the couch and get out of the house. We should spend more time volunteering, playing sports, learning, and many other things that are taken away from time spent in front of the television. Reality television can be considered a form a brainwash broadcasting that people will watch and attempt to base their own personal lives off of what media portrays as reality. Audiences will desire to become stars themselves from the excessive time spent watching these false stereotypes of humanity.Jake Halpern, author of the book, Fame Junkies, states, â€Å"The children and teenagers I meet are convinced that fame is a cure-all for life’s problems and that they’re entitled to bec ome stars† (03). Much of the audience watching believe that fame is the only way out of their real life problems. The American society is turning into an increasingly celebrity obsessed culture in which people will attempt to manipulate their own lives to act out similar to reality stars. Each day viewers will reciprocate actions and in the process lose their own sense of critical thinking and real emotions toward real life situations.These unrealistic standards of living are unreal and devastating to individuals who view these shows on a regular basis. Prolonged exposure to television will also have a negative influence on the growth of the younger generation. Excessive time spent watching reality TV defers children from spending more time on healthy activities such as playing outside with friends, reading books, playing sports, studies, and many other activities that require practice to become skillful.It is believed that children under the age of eight cannot decipher the d ifference between fantasy and reality, making them much more vulnerable to the effects of television. Exposure to these shows may result in children behaving in a similar state, acting out when something doesn’t go their way. There is a powerful link between exposure to media violence and violent behavior. Kyle Boyse is a registered nurse from Michigan University who states that â€Å"An average American child will see 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders on TV by the age of 18† (04).It is important to understand that seeing images containing death and violent acts will initiate more violent crimes. Children and young adults are the likeliest audience for these types of shows, thriving for acceptance and what may need to be done to be considered cool. The effects on the growth of the younger generation are of great importance and must not be taken lightly. We’ve all seen the shows on television where women and men alike are acting in a manner that one wouldnà ¢â‚¬â„¢t typically see on a daily basis.As soon as the television turns on we are exposed to lies, deceit, violence, and many inappropriate sexual circumstances in which viewers will subconsciously reciprocate at one time or another. Teens will strive to be popular and do so by imitating what they believe is necessary to be accepted by their peers. As the audience of these reality shows we must submerge ourselves in a moment of self-cultivation, and determine whether or not these shows are appropriate for our children, and even us as adult viewers. Let us be aware of the false sense of community within the television and seek a communal experience elsewhere.We must understand that the standards of living portrayed by reality stars in nothing short of an ad-libbed script, over dramatized by directors to capture the attention of the audience. Finally we must realize that our children are very impressionable. Teenagers will take what they see on television and carry it with them throug hout their adolescence and into adulthood. Therefore affecting society overall. Works Cited Page 01) Poniewozic, James. â€Å"Why Reality TV IS Good For Us† February 12th 2003. Time. November 6th 2010 http://www. time. om/time/magazine/article/0,9171,421047,00. html 02) Poniewozic, James. â€Å"Why Reality TV IS Good For Us† February 12th 2003. Time. November 6th 2010 http://www. time. com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,421047,00. html 03) Halpern, Jake, â€Å"Fame Junkies† Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. November 6th 2010 http://www. houghtonmifflinbooks. com/booksellers/press_release/fame/ 04) Boyse, Kyle, â€Å"Televion And Children† University of Michigan Health System. Updated August 2010. Accessed November 6th 2010. http://www. med. umich. edu/yourchild/topics/tv. htm

Poetry Analysis: Barbie Doll Poem

Society often saddles women with limiting and unrealistic expectations concerning beauty. This results in a sense of physical inadequacy and a low self-image for those women who do not uphold those features identified as aesthetically attractive. As the poem entitled â€Å"Barbie Doll,† by Marge Piercy shows through its word choice and tone, the results can often be devastating. There is a pointed and troubling contrast in the 2nd stanza, which describes a female subject of markedly admirable qualities.Indeed, it is almost implied that these qualities are somehow male in their nature. Her health, intelligence and strength are praised, as are her sex drive and physical abilities. We might therefore deduce that the subject being describes is an inherently attractive figure with qualities suitable for affection and mating. And yet, the resolution of this stanza is the juxtaposition which tells of a woman who is apologetic for those features divergent from female idealization.And were it simply a low self-esteem at the root of this apologetic nature, it might be deduced that the subject is also Piercy’s object of criticism. However, the 3rd stanza makes quite clear that the woman is at the mercy of that which is expected of her by others. Society’s pressures, implied by the sarcastic tone in the first stanza concerning female targeted toys which influence early the ideal role and identity of the woman, are reinforced in a more damning fashion by the 3rd stanza, which notes that ‘she was advised’ to craft herself according to how others expected her to be.Those unique and admirable qualities amounted to nothing as she was impressed upon to be thinner and more concurrent with the ideal of beauty. As Piercy tells, first she surrenders those qualities of her persona which made her appreciable and, consequently, she surrenders her life. She becomes the ‘Barbie Doll’ which invokes the standard image of beauty in our culture, as attractive, plastic and inanimate as a child’s play thing.

Motor Vehicle Safety Laws and Public Health Essay

â€Å"The U. S. Congress responded with the National Highway Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Highway Safety Act of 1966, creating a new federal program to address motor vehicle safety† (Waller, para. 5). This act allows the federal government to implement laws regarding motor vehicle safety. This act created the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). William Haddon, public health physician, was the first director of the NHTSA. He was the first to set safety standard for motor vehicles and the first to administer programs for driver’s licensing, impaired driving from alcohol, motorcycle safety and etc. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are applied to new motor vehicle. â€Å"Legislation enacted in 1966 requires the federal government to establish safety standards for new motor vehicles sold in the United States, whether of domestic or foreign manufacture† (Waller, para. 16). These standards have prevented people from getting seriously injured during a motor vehicle accident. FMVSS, including softer instrument panels, head restraints, energy absorbing steering columns, and high penetration-resistant windshields, have saved thousands of lives and prevented tens of thousands of injuries† (Waller, para. 17). FMVSS also requires safety belts and child safety seats meet certain safety standards. State Laws Every state is required by law to follow the federal government’s standards. Most states have additional safety standards and programs regarding motor vehicle safety. The state of Maryland follows federal motor vehicle safety standards, as well as, their own safety standards. As of last year, Maryland set a new standard of no texting and talking on cell phones while driving, even at red lights. â€Å"Texting and talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal in Maryland; it is not safe for anyone and it can be especially dangerous for teens† (Young, para. 1). Texting and talking on cell phones while driving can become a huge distraction for drivers and has caused a lot of accidents. Maryland also has standards for unattended children in a motor vehicle. Every child that is unattended in a motor vehicle, especially during extreme hot and cold conditions, can get seriously injured which is why it is illegal. Legislative Laws These laws, federal and state, fall under legislative laws. Legislative laws are first called bills that are enacted by Congress, General Assembly and the President. For federal laws, the bill has to be passed through the U. S Congress and then signed by the President. Fore state laws, the bill has to be passed through the General Assembly and then signed by the State’s Governor. The U. S Congress can veto the President’s decision if the majority of Congress agrees. The same thing goes to the General Assembly. If the General Assembly disagrees with the Governor’s decision then the majority of the General Assembly can veto his decisions. For Motor Vehicle Safety, each state has to follow federal laws but they can pass their own laws to prevent motor vehicle injuries. State laws cannot contradict with federal laws. Most motor vehicle accidents occur from impairment driving from alcohol, recklessness and inexperienced. Public health is preventing people from injuries and diseases. With the help of these laws, there will be fewer motor vehicle accidents which will cause fewer injuries and deaths. â€Å"The reduction of the rate of death attributable to motor-vehicle crashes in the United States represents the successful public health response to a great technologic advance of the 20th century† (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, para. 1). Every standard that is regulated is there to prevent motor vehicle accidents from occurring. â€Å"In 1966, passage of the Highway Safety Act and the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act authorized the federal government to set and regulate standards for motor vehicles and highways, a mechanism necessary for effective prevention† (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, para. 3). Every new vehicle is designed to protect people from serious injuries when involved in an accident. Relating to Public Health Every year, the amount of motor vehicle deaths has decreased. Reductions in motor vehicle injury and death represent a major public health success† (Waller, para. 1). Motor vehicle accidents are still one of the largest causes of deaths in the United States. â€Å"Traffic crashes are identified as the ninth leading cause of death worldwide, and it is estimated that by the year 2020 traffic crashes will be the third largest cause of death and disability in the world† (Waller, para. 3). With setting more safety standards, motor vehicle accidents can decrease if everyone follows these standards. Preventing injuries from motor vehicle accidents will save many lives. â€Å"The record of motor vehicle injury prevention nevertheless represents a major success in public health in the United States† (Waller, para. 4). The estimation of motor vehicle accidents being the third cause of death and disability by 2020 can change by then if more safety standards and programs are issued. Federal and State Government It can take a lot to prevent motor vehicle accidents but if all standards are regulated then fewer motor vehicle accidents will happen. State and local governments have enacted and enforced laws that affect motor-vehicle and highway safety, driver licensing and testing, vehicle inspections, and traffic regulations† (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, para. 5). The federal and state government should continue to play a role in preventing motor vehicle accidents. If the federal and state government does not play a role in motor vehicle safety then there will be more injuries from accidents. The only reason why there has been a reduction in motor vehicle accidents is because of the standards regulated by federal and state governments.

Cont-wk 10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cont-wk 10 - Essay Example The biological perspective states that one of the monoamines, may be responsible for aggressive behavior. Specifically, the serotonin in the neural circuits is responsible for modulating aggression in animals, but in human behavior, serotonin activity can cause impulsive behavior and aggression (Weiten, 2001). The biological perspective can be compared to the behavioral perspective because it presents a reason why an individual may exhibit the behavior. Freud believed that aggressive behavior was normal and it was a way to relieve stress in order to get to catharsis. He defined catharsis as the "release of emotional tension" (Weiten, 2001, p. 539). However, other researchers have noted that aggressive behavior does not relieve stress; instead, it increases this behavior. Carol and Hodges (2006) studied aggressive boys and found that one contributing factor for aggression in boys was the fact that they tended have aggressive friends. Another interesting point that Carol and Hodges found was that when groups of aggressive boys get together, they may become aggressive towards specific victims. In looking at the reports about the Columbine High School shootings, the boys that were being bullied were considered misfits because they were not athletes. This would support the research of Carol and Hodges, especially if these children experienced aggressive behavior in their early adolescence. They suggested that if the relationship between the aggressors and the victims was studied more, there may be interventions that could be found early to stop the behavior before it starts. The psycho-social perspectives takes into consideration both the biological and behavioral perspectives. Newman and Fox (2009) researched aggression in the American high school and college settings between 2002 and 2008. They studied five factors that may influence whether children became aggressive enough to kill: 1) the shooters perception of themselves as being outside the

Old Testament Prophets Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Old Testament Prophets - Research Paper Example A study of the scriptures shows that Joseph and Mary were David’s descendants even though their family lineages are different. The fulfillment of the conditions of the covenant by man was very crucial since, fulfillment led to blessedness while failure to fulfill or obey led to discipline or curse. The prophetic message or utterance entails forth telling, which is the explanation of current occurrences and foretelling, which entails what will happen in the future. God’s relationship with the children of Israel through covenants necessitated the prophetic utterance of the Old Testament prophets, correcting them when they strayed and encouraging them when they felt discouraged. In the book of the major prophet Jeremiah, the results of violating the covenants are very well documented, denoting the very great relationship between the covenants and prophecy in the Old Testament.3 Words, prophecies, wars and blessings are all shown to take place in accordance to what God has said many years earlier. It is in the book of Jeremiah where the chosen people of God are taken into captivity, with Jeremiah earning the tag â€Å"the weeping prophet† as he weeps continually , warning of impending judgment to a people and Kings who disbelieve and even have him thrown into prison. The exile into Babylon was a very distressful happening but one that could have been avoided had the chosen race heeded prophetic utterance, where God had warned that one of the consequences of disobedience would be exile to other nations. Though the prophets were speaking with their own voices, they were giving forth Gods mind and counsel to the children of Israel. God Some of the covenants that God established with His people include the one that He made at Aden as narrated in Genesis 1:28 -30 where God gave man the responsibility to procreate and fill the earth, with a promise to bless him.4 Man was also given the responsibility of taking care of the garden of Aden, having domin ion over the animals and taking care not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which was at the centre of the garden. After man rebelled and ate of the tree of knowledge and evil, God made the Adamic covenant too, because the relationship between God and man changed since man had not kept his part of the bargain. 5 The serpent was cursed, God made the first promise of a redeemer, who would come through the lineage of Seth, Noah, Abraham, Isaac Jacob Judah and David. The woman was placed under the headship of man and would from then on suffer pain at childbirth. Man also suffered the loss of the garden of Aden where life was easy and henceforth got into a life of hard work due to the resultant cursing of the ground for his sake. He would from that time on suffer sorrow and have a shortened lifespan and also suffer the pain of death. God later made covenant with Noah after the flood which had been occasioned by man’s rebellion, leading to the destruction of the whole world with water except Noah and his family. God promised never again to harm his people with water, setting a bow in the sky to act as a reminder to man of God’

Discuss the role of multinationals in the globalization of innovation Essay

Discuss the role of multinationals in the globalization of innovation - Essay Example They eventually stand as essential driving forces that trigger the need to change and pursue innovation. Globalization of innovation is a very important aspect in today’s global economy. Today, it has become the forefront of the success of every economy as it centers on exploitation of technology and technological collaboration (Archibugi and Iammarino 317; Nam and Barnett 1471). This is evident on how developing countries have positively adopted technological innovation from developed countries (Nam and Barnett 1471). Considering the point that developing countries are not hesitant to adopt technological innovations, they have become involved as the centre point of globalization of innovation. Multinationals therefore have great ideas on the versatility of developing countries to consider their technologies, which in the end has been moving forward to innovation as many key players compete for a global goal. For this reason, as multinationals try to expand, exporting, foreign ownership, outsourcing and community resilience have become crucial considerations of productivity (Zhang and Smith 310; Wilson 1218). In this case, wages for instance have strong link up with productivity, exporting and foreign ownership - the very important issues associated with foreign direct investment. This is the most basic from the start. The international firms would want to invest in production or business overseas for them to expand their territory and avail of some other economic advantages (Gomory and Baumol 540; Sato and Fukushige 62). Let us take the case of those companies trying to invest in China for them to avail of the country’s resources such as the work force and its associated lower cost. There are specific inputs that are necessary in the creation of product or service offerings. They have linked up costs. A company producing products that are too expensive because of the associated cost in the value chain may experience

Time Periods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Time Periods - Essay Example Feinstein celebrated and wondered about life if a â€Å"poet surprise him? Or would he insist on keeping a pattern to link every transfiguration? â€Å" while Dickinson talk of things that could never be. With regard to structure however, Dickinson is more straightforward and easier to understand. She used quatrains or poems of four stanzas compared to Feinstein’s loose structure of her poem which had 3-2-2-4 stanza. Feinstein’s theme may be positive but understanding her is quite a stretch for a modern audience because her metaphors are no longer used today such as â€Å"dressed in antique goggles† when she meant scientist. Scientists today no longer wear goggle. Gender orientation is also obvious in both poems. Dickinson’s â€Å"Success is Counted Sweetest† is very virile in its topic as it spoke of endeavor and a soldier and therefore, male in orientation. Feinstein’s Anniversary however is obviously female trying to convince a male, probably a husband or boyfriend who is a scientist or academician that we are all

Choose 1 public Uk company and 1 charity company Assignment

Choose 1 public Uk company and 1 charity company - Assignment Example Today, the firm sells tens of thousands of products and operates in over 12 countries in the Euro and Asia markets. The mission of Tesco is to offer its customers the best products at the best prices ever. It intends to help its customers to save some money on grocery shopping through providing pocket-friendlily high quality prices (Rohwedder, 2006). Tearfund is a UK nongovernmental organization and a Christian charity fund that was founded in 1968 in London (Hollow, 2008). From the organization some more charity organizations have been formed such as the Disaster Emergency Committee and the Micah Network. Tearfund was created from an already existing organization called the Evangelical Alliance as well as the evangelical Refugee Fund which were initially created by the UN. Its initial name was Evangelical Alliance Fund Committee and was headed by George Hoffman. The mission for Tearfund is to give relief funds in places that face some sort of disaster whether it is poverty, war or natural calamity (Barry, 2000). Tearfund also gives funds for development purposes in places where there is minimal development. A look at these two firms reveals that there is a different between nonprofit firms and the for profit firms. The growth rate for the two firms is different. The private for profit firms seem to grow faster as they look for more market. A good example is the Tesco which has been exploring markets outside UK, even in the US where it failed dramatically (Kamal, 2014). The other difference that comes between these two firms is with regard to their expansion strategy. While a profit oriented firm seeks to expand to the markets where the economies are doing well in order to profit from the economy, a charity organization like Tearfund seeks to expand to areas where the economy is not doing so well, because their intention of to give money rather

Business Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business Law - Assignment Example Peter accepted the price of $ 190 and Mary took the bicycle away. The case scenario deals with the conditions surrounding the formation of valid business contracts. A contract is defined as an agreement between two parties that creates legal obligation to the two parties to perform or abstain from performing a certain obligation or action (Farnsworth, 1991). A contract must entail an offer by one party and acceptance of the offer by the other party. The advertisement placed in the local newspaper by Peter is not an offer but an invitation to treat. Peter is inviting interested persons to make an offer for the purchase of the bicycle. Accordingly, advertisements are classified as invitations to treat since the seller can refuse to sell the item at price if it is mistakenly marked (Blum, 2007). The advertisement is displayed to a larger number of people with an undefined way of selecting whom to sell the bicycle. For instance, the advertisement does not clarify whether to sell the bicy cle to the first person to accept the labeled price. It this case, the advertisement is geared at generating interests and prolonging negotiations towards the formation of the contract (Stone, 2005). After the invitation to treat, Jonathan makes an offer to through a telephone to purchase the racing bicycle at a price of $ 160. However, rules of contract stipulate that the subject matter of contract must be present at the time of making the offer. According to the Uniform Commercial code,

Finance Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Finance Assignment - Essay Example However, the performance level is crucial in determining the stock price, but it not necessary that a company that has good financial statement may be the best to invest. This is because the movement of the value of the stock price changes by the activities of the investors, so the investor needs to clearly watch the demand and supply of the stock and invest accordingly. That is way, people say that trading is require full attention of mind and is not luck game. In order to be a successful investor, one should have the quality of asset management. Now, picking a sole asset or playing only with one stock is never a feasible option. Such type of assets are called stand-alone asset and risk associated to them I the stand-alone risk (Brigham 1994 p.156). There are always chances that your value of the stock may go down and you would likely have loss or you may even win. But the probability of success is always uncertain. So most of the investors or traders advice to go for more than two assets and invest in different sectors or companies. So one should make a portfolio of assets, so that value of one stock goes down, the value of others would be might go up and the end you may not lose your money. Therefore, logically investing in securities as portfolio is more beneficial than going for stand-alone securities (Brigham 1994 p.156). ... Fundamental Analysis: Now when an investor would be looking for a company or an industry to invest, he needs to analyze its financial statements such as Income Statement, Cash Flow Statements etc and also its competitors, so that he could among them and then decide. Analyzing past trends and pattern of movement of assets should also done. All such basic analyses when selecting a security is called Analytical modeling. There are basic types of modeling, Technical and Fundamental. The Technical approach is much more simple because it mainly deals with the past trend and by looking it, calculated the expected future value of the asset. Whereas, the Fundamental approach is more studied approach and require more in-depth analysis of assets. The fundamental analysis requires more quantitative analysis involved. The investor must have the knowledge of financial statements and ratios such Earning Per Share (EPS), Sales Per Share (SPS), Return on total Asset (ROA), Return On Investment (ROI) and other liquidity r atios, turnovers etc (BuckInvestor.com). Approaches Now once you get the complete knowledge of the price movement of the knowledge, now the question of how to invest arises i.e. should the investor invest sector-wise or company-wise. In Top-down approach, the investor first looks the entire stock market, how specific industry is performing and then finally at the stock (buckinvestor.com). For Instance, I have invested in Shell Petroleum. Now following the top-down approach I would first analyze the entire stock exchange and look whether the market index points are performing. Are they closing at higher rate or not Then my next step would be to look the performance of Refinery

Relative resource manager (HRM) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Relative resource manager (HRM) - Essay Example In context of the modern day businesses, human resources are also considered as one of the chief sources to reward a with company competitive benefits in the long run (Mathis & Jackson, 2011). It is in this context that preparation of reflective summaries or reflective logs can prove to be beneficial in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a learner and further obtain a structured planning to utilize the skills obtained. With a similar view, I would intend to develop a reflective log based on my learning in relation to HRM practices. I would initially construct a brief description of my learning through the module and further depict my expectations and goals to implement the learning obtained in my professional career through the discussion henceforth. Learning Obtained from Coursework Based on my learning in this module, I can state that the principles of HRM attempt to specify human resources of any organisation as its asset and therefore, assist the leaders in directing the workforce towards a determined goal on the basis of shared values. It is in this context that various theorists have been arguing human resources to play a fundamental role in organisational success and thus, should be deal with efficiency in terms of its allocation. It is also regarded as one of the crucial managerial tools, which plays an effective role in implementing changes in relation to the policies of the company issues related with the deliverance of the product in an effective and productive way (Chandramohan, n.d.). As per my learning, for any organization to be successful, utilizing the skills of the human resource with cost effectiveness is quite significant. I have learnt that companies should be quite particular while recruiting human resources or manpower to contribute to the organisational success. HRM holds an important role in supervising the employees in any company. In this regard, I learnt that the doctrine of HRM encompass various range of activities includin g recruitments, appraisals, rewards and training facilities among others which are solely aimed at the development of employee productivity and organizational sustainability on the whole. It is in this context that being an HR manager is certainly not any easy task. Apart from monitoring each individual employee’s productivity and characteristics to manage them efficiently, HR managers also need to take into account various aspects such as the legal influences, employees’ requirements, their satisfaction, their development as well as similar other factors which tend to impose a direct impact on employees’ performances and thus, cause an effect on the overall organizational competencies (Vijayaragavan & Singh, n.d.; University of California, n.d.). It is very important for the companies now-a-days to develop its operations in a manner that will reward competitive advantages to it over the existing rivals companies. In this regard, HRM strategies play an imperativ e role by assisting with the systematic management of human resources in the company. Moreover, I have also learnt from my study that every individual as an employee always desire for equal compensation and benefits in accordance with their

Communication Styles Essay Example for Free

Communication Styles Essay What is Communication and Communication Styles? Communication according to Webster Dictionary is defined as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior (Merriem-Webster). Communication can be verbal and in this day in age text and email. Communication styles are the behaviors in communication that are observed by others. This paper will discuss communication, the four types of communication styles, why communication styles matter and how to improve on them. Four Types of Communication Styles The four types of communication styles include passive, passive aggressive, assertive and assertive. Below you will find the definitions of each: * The Passive Style: Communication is done in an apologetic, timid manner that leads to being disregarded by others. * The Passive Aggressive Style: This style is similar to the passive style in that they hide their real thoughts in feelings but in turn will express these thoughts and feeling indirectly through often negative actions. (e.g. talking behind backs, causing conflicts indirectly, â€Å"getting even† in an indirect manner) (Dr. D. A. Williams and Dr. M. Carey). * The Aggressive Style: This style is characterized by an individual being argumentive, threatening, fighting, and having a tendency to interrupt during conversing. Individuals who communicate in this style have no problems with standing up for themselves and communication just how they feel. * The Assertive Style: This style is the healthiest and most balanced communication style. This style is characterized expression of feelings, self-pride, and self-regard, while at the same time being considerate of others (Dr. D. A. Williams and Dr. M. Carey). Communication styles that can lead to problems are: the aggressive style, the passive style, and the passive-aggressive style (Dr. D. A. Williams and Dr. M. Carey). The disadvantages to the passive communication style you are unable to express your true thought and emotions in the fear of rejection, being misunderstood. These types of communicators often go throughout life feeling out of control, depressed, anxious and little self esteem because they are unable to effectively able to communicate their needs. These types of communicators are often taken advantage of by others because they come off so timid. Those who have an aggressive communication have a tendency to alienate others because of their aggressive style of communication. The aggressive communicator uses belittlement, humiliation, and overall overbearing demeanor to control a conversation and get their message across. Passive aggressive communicators also alienate others. They are often left feeling resentful and powerless because they do not communicate their feelings and allow them to bottle up resulting in anger, stress. Often time’s passive communicators cause conflict with those in their lives because they tend to communicate negative feelings sublimely through their actions. Individual who use an assertive style is far more well adjusted because they have the ability to effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings while considering the feelings of others. Why Do Communications Styles Matter? Having the ability to communicate effectively is very important. The style or way in which we communicate effects the relationships we have throughout life and how others view you. In order to succeed in a career one must be able to communicate effectively. More than ever before, the ability to communicate well determines an employees ability to thrive in todays workplace (Kapusta, M. Ph. D). These people are always in demand (A prime example of this is the recent debate between Mitt Romney and President Obama. During the first debate Romney often interrupted the moderator and the President; he seemed to be communicating in an aggressive style. Those in the media reported that he was not looked upon well by some because of it. Improving Communication Skills In order to improve on your communication styles one must identify your communication style, identify problematic situations, and given you have some areas that could be improved, practice changing your communication skills style (Dr. D. A. Williams and Dr. M. Carey). Many are just not aware of or never even thought about what their communication style is. If you realize that you communicate in a more aggressive style just simply try and be more aware of your tone, body language, and listening skills. If one is educated on this subject and understands the components of all four of the communication styles as with anything else, practice makes perfect. Conclusion As previously stated your communication style can either enhance or negatively affect many aspects of your life. Being able to communicate effectively will avoid conflict and misunderstanding with those around you. Beyond just being aware of your personal communication style and practicing to improve there are several other ways in which you can improve in this area. There are classes available in public speaking and communication and interpersonal skills. So be self aware and ask for feedback from others, your relationships and even your career depends on it. References Dr. D. A. Williams and Dr. M. Carey. Getting the Most Out of Your Interactions with Others.: Use effective communication. Retrieved from http://www.med.umich.edu/painresearch/patients/Communication.pdf Kapusta, M. Ph. D. Why Communication Matters. Retrieve from http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/PDFsandForms/OCC/WhyCommunicationMatters.pdf Merriem-Webster Dictionary. Communication Definition. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common \

An Infants Innate Proximity Seeking Behaviour Psychology Essay

An Infants Innate Proximity Seeking Behaviour Psychology Essay Bowlbys classical attachment theory (1969/ 1982, 1973) is an ethological theory emphasising the regulatory functions of an infants innate proximity-seeking behaviours directed towards their primary caregiver. Fundamentally, it classifies the infant-caregiver relationship as the foundation of an infants future social development and further ability to form relationships. Bowlby believed that a childs attachment with its caregiver governs the development of internal working models (or mental representations) which the child subsequently applies to relationships with other people and in general, the social world. In turn he proposed that by determining the nature of an infants attachment with their caregiver (considered primarily to be the mother in this case), an infants future social behaviour patterns could be predicted i.e. certain attachment types would lead to certain behaviour types as a result of these internal working models (1973). Attachment types were formally assessed via t he Strange Situation experiment (Ainsworth et al. 1978), out of which three basic types were discerned: the secure and the insecure: anxious/ambivalent and insecure: avoidant. A fourth attachment style insecure: disorganised was later included, encompassing an insecure attachment style which couldnt reliably be characterised as either anxious or avoidant (Van Ijzendoorn et al.; 1999). Attachment theory is intrinsically relevant to psychoanalysis; being characterised as an attempt to update classical psychoanalysis (otherwise lacking empirical evidence; Kihlstrom, 1999), in light of advancements in evolutionary biology and cognition (Ainsworth et al. 1978, Schore Schore, 2008). Fonagy (***) has extensively outlined the commonalties of both; fundamentally, both theoretical perspectives class anxiety as engendered by loss and postulate a non-isomorphic relationship to exist between (mental) representations and their external referents whereby the former moreso reflect the psychic reality from which the latter are perceived. Related to this, Fonagy has likened the internal working models (IWM) of attachment theory to the mental representations (MR) of psychoanalysis, further distinguishing them by highlighting that the IWM are processed implicitly as opposed to explicitly (MR) and are stored in procedural as opposed to episodic memory (MR). Additionally, in both, personality development is conceived as most primarily a function of early social context, where infancy is a potent period of intense growth and the importance of the maternal figure is emphasised. The development of mentalisation (in Fonagys terms) which is akin to a theory of mind, or set of empathic-based processes is also key for growth in both. Finally, both Freud (1895) and Bowlby (1963) emphasised the role of early trauma in later vulnerability to psychopathology. While many are reticent in accepting the implications of attachment theory and the possible anti-therapeutic effects of the labelling ethos it subscribes to (***), its cogency is difficult to deny considering its wide base of empirical support and its enduring legacy. The latter point is fortified by the well-documented recent resurgence of classical attachment theory initiated by the rise of neuroscience (the decade of the brain) and its transformation into modern attachment theory (Slater, 2007) . Specifically, it can be said to underscore the advent of neuropsychoanalysis (a branch of interpersonal neurobiology; Siegal, 2001; Schore Schore, 2008); an assimilation of neuroscientific and psychoanalytic principles. With such links and terms thus established, the ensuing aim of this essay is to outline the modern re-conceptualisation of attachment theory, which draws on neuroscience and forges a link between psychoanalysis and mainstream science. The neurobiological components underlying attachment will be outlined and discussed in relation to affect regulation. The subtext of the essay will be the implicit relevance of psychoanalysis and its use for modern practice which contrapose condemnations of it as being theoretically dead (i.e. Kihlstrom, 1999). According to Whitehead (2006), psychoanalysis has undergone three major revolutions (currently in its third) since its inception, namely the Classical-Freudian, Post-Freudian and the third, currently wheeling, revolution characterised by a return to the project of mind-body integration which Freud abandoned. Indeed, while the likes of Freud eschewed neurological findings from theories of self and personality (vowing to stick with the psychological realm) a number of psychoanalytically minded researchers are reconciling the two to form a field of research coined neuropsychoanalysis (Schore, 2002), which implicitly underlines mind-body integration in accordance with psychoanalytic principles via appeal to attachment theory and neuroscience; undergoing periods of resurgence and dominance, respectively, as of late (Slater, 2007). The advent of neuropsychoanalysis has also coincided with a new appraisal of the problem regarding the interface between outer reality and the inner fantasy wor lds of the individual which Freud found problematic (Whitehead, 2006) reflected in the shift from one-person to two-person psychology (Pulver, 2001) arguably based on the advent and predominance of object relations theory propounded most evidently by Klein and Winnicott. The fundamental point of object relations was an emphasis on the role of interpersonal interactions in the development of personality and mind. The self psychology of Kohut (1957*) is in some ways an offshoot of object relations theory and engenders the most fertile and evident link between psychoanalysis and attachment theory; specifically considering that it has been taken as the basis for many explications of the neurophysiological underpinnings of the attachment process (i.e. Schore Schore, 2002; Shore, 2008; 1994). As explicated by Schore Schore (2002), Kohuts self-psychology concerns itself with four fundamental issues: 1) the emergence of self 2) the structuring of self 3) the genesis of psychopathology as a function of deficits in the structure of self and 4) the manifold manner in which psychotherapy may instigate change in the self. All of such issues have been addressed explicitly via modern attachment theory and its neurobiological underpinnings, the first three of which will be focussed on here. Most significantly, the other is required for the emergence of self (i.e. intersubjectivity engenders subjectivity). For Kohut coupling with the self-object (i.e. the primary caregiver) facilitates affect regulation and the establishment of internal homeostatic equilibrium which precedes (structuring of) burgeoning selfhood. This reflects the aforementioned two-person psychology which characterises the current revolution of psychoanalysis; most apparent in (modern) attachment theory which will subsequently be discussed in greater detail. The main aim of the first year of life is to form an attachment with the primary care-giver which will facilitate subsequent emergence of self and the optimal psychobiological development. To accommodate this is an innate, attachment behavioural system which manifests in a number of instinctual behaviours (or attachment strategies) undertaken by the infant in an attempt to form such an attachment (Siegal, 2001). The primary attachment strategy engaged in by the infant is proximity-seeking; in moments of distress or threat the infants seeks out the primary caregiver as a source of security and comfort (Mikulincer, Sahver and Pereg, 2003). Attachment is achieved, whilst proximate to the caregiver, via inter-subjective interactions (engagement) with the self-object (attachment figure) through affect-laden face to face interactions not strictly limited to visual stimulation (i.e. gaze episodes) but multi-modal (i.e. all senses implicated) emotional transactions. Evidencing the innate ca pacity to engage in such interactions are studies demonstrating infants as young as 12 days old imitating facial expressions (Eltzoff Moore, 1977) and making facial movements in response to communications from the mother expressions which, coupled with those of the mother, assist interpersonal contact and affect regulation (Trevarther, 1985). The sensitivity and responsiveness of the self-object are pivotal for optimal attachment sensitivity inheres that the self-object will recognise when engagement and affect regulation are required (i.e. in times of distress) while responsiveness entails a successful interpretation of social cues, regarding affect, as provided by the infant. The self-object, if sensitive and responsive, may facilitate the minimisation of negative affect and the increase of positive affect, that is, regulation of the infants affect-states a process which gradually become internalised by the infant (Schore Schore, 2008). This occurs as a function of appropriate, consistent responses to such social cues (affect synchrony) permitting the development of mechanisms of anticipation the infant learns of a correspondence between their own actions and the responses of others (and will begin to gauge just how their affects/experiences may be regulated). This in turn facilitates a self-other distinction to be made in which internal working models of the self and the self-object are constructed, engendering processes through which the infant may begin to modify their own behaviour in light of their dyadic interactions with the self-object. As I see it, these processes effectively pre-empt the emergence of subjective consciousness. Particularly, Lipton et al (1999) has associated the development of orbito-frontal systems at this time of development with the infants integration of past, present and future experiences; which permits anticipation of future states of self and reflection on past states. In phenomeno logical terms, this manifests as the emergence of temporality; one of the fundamental tenets and characterisations of intentionality (i.e. consciousness; Husserl, 1952). This may be considered the foundation of the self, corroborating with self-reflexivity (i.e. the establishment of an internal working model of the temporal self) which emerges at this time in line with the above assertions of Liptons. Indeed Slater (2007) has suggested that this marks the beginning of an internalisation of the attachment figure i.e. the accessing of IWM/ MR of the self-object facilitates anticipation of future events and their instantiation of affect regulation. More specifically, as will be discussed, the process of internalising the schematics produced via the dyadic relationship with the self-object become to be gradually subsumed under the rubric of self. That is, the constellation of beliefs structured around representations of self and other bear affect regulation strategies which are elicited in future times of distress. Should such beliefs reflect an unavailability or insufficiency of response from the self-object, secondary attachment strategies are cultivated which manifest attempts at affect regulation other than aforementioned proximity-seeking (Mikulincer et al. 2003). To explicate this point further, comprising the in-born attachment behavioural system (Mikulincer, Sahver and Pereg, 2003) are a number of dynamic processes which govern which set of attachment strategies will be engaged in. These processes comprise of the infants monitoring and appraisal of: a) events (deeming whether or not theyre threatening), b) the availability of the attachment figure and c) the viability of proximity seeking as a means of dealing with a possibly threatening situation. Should an event be appraised as threatening, the infant considers whether or not the attachment figure is available. If the attachment figure is deemed unavailable, secondary attachment strategies classed as deactivating are implemented (characterising the avoidant attachment style). If the attachment figure is deemed available but non-responsive or insufficient in their engagement (i.e. inefficient in their affect regulation), secondary strategies classed as hyper-activating are employed (consti tuting the anxious attachment style). Finally if they are appraised as available and responsive, proximity seeking behaviour is undertaken as already outlined and engagement takes place (secure attachment). According to Dozier and Lee (1995) corresponding to each specific attachment style is a schema for appraisal of ones own self-concept, whereby insecure attachments lead to distortions in such appraisals whilst secure attachments manifest as appraisals of self as worthy and lovable (Schore, 1994) . Namely the avoidant strategies instigate a denial of feelings of distress when they arise while those of the anxious category amplify such feelings. In line with this characterisation it might be suggested that such appraisals lead to re-enforcement of such schemas which consequently persist into later life. Indeed, the continuity of attachment styles, from infancy onwards, according to Mikulincer et al. (2003) is grounded in the inhibitory/excitatory network which accompanies the activation of attachment strategies. Specifically, implementation of hyper-activating strategies acts to increase sensitivity to later threatening event appraisal and evaluation of the availability of the attachment figure, whereby innocuous events are more likely to be deemed threatening and greater attempts to elicit responses from the attachment figure are made. The resultant state of hyperarousal (****) manifests in an over-zealous urgency to be close to the attachment figure. The deactivating strategies on the other hand desensitise the individual to appraising events as threatening and similarly decrease the likelihood of appraisals of the AF as being available. This manifests in a sort of dissociativeness (***); the individual disavows concern as to whether or not a figure is available from which they mi ght garner support and comfort. Due to previous frustration with the stress-response system, arising from it not being adequately handled, the avoidant infant acts to deactivate it altogether (Cassidy Kobak, 1988). Consistent with the neuropsychoanalytic approach; the neurobiological underpinnings of such a system are evident through appeal to the intense synaptic growth (neuron overproduction) experienced in the brain during early infancy (Siegal, 2001). Specifically during the earlier periods of infancy synaptic pruning occurs driven by environmental interaction. In a use it or lose it fashion those connections which are not implemented are pruned away under the guise that they are not needed in the current environment; those that are, are fortified, fine-tuned and maintained. As such it is considered that interpersonal experiences directly shape genetically driven unfolding of the human brain (p72, Siegal, 2001). In this manner it is readily conceivable as to how early interpersonal experiences shape cognitive and affective processes which consequently persist into later periods of life. Schore (1994) has localised processes underlying the attachment process further, namely implicating attachment in the development of the right-brain, the neurobiological core of human consciousness. According to Schore (2001), the right brain dominant in infancy- houses the developing limbic system and remains the hemisphere most dominant for stress response throughout life due to its links to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the somatic aspects of stressor responses i.e. fight or flight. To this extent, engagement between the infant and caregiver is characterised by a coupling of the AFs right brain with the infants right brain the consequent transactions are non-verbal, affect laden and intrinsically informative of the shaping of the unconscious (Schore Schore, 2008). Psychoanalytic principles are thus represented insomuch that components of the right brain operate at a free-associative, non-verbal and unconscious level (indeed Schore has emphasised that psychotherapy implicitly involves a connecting of clients right brain to therapists right brain) and implicitly exerts influence, as will be outlined presently, on the processes of cognition (Schore Schore, 2008). Indeed, the right hemisphere has been involved in the storage of information pertaining to the emotional ties we have to certain experiences and events (Shuren Grafman, 2002). Accordingly, encountering familiar events leads to a recall of related non-verbal, non-conscious emotional content which further instigate specific reasoning processes which are implemented in the appraisal of such experiences. The link between affect and cognition is well documented and another field of research which modern attachment theory and neuropsychoanalysis forge a mutually-beneficial tie with (Robins Zacks**). Specifically, research from the field of affective cognitive neuroscience has shown that the neural circuits involved in cognition overlap and intertwine with those involved in affect (emotion) (****); as suggested by modern attachment theory. As such, taking this into consideration we can validly assert, through inference, the role attachment strategies/behaviours play on engendering particular patterns of cognition i.e. attachment effects (and affects) cognition (Mikulincer et al. 2003) . Studies by Mikulincer Sheffi (2000) and Pereg (2001) demonstrate, for example, that inducement of negative affect leads to a greater recall of positive thoughts amongst securely attached than those who are anxiously attached, who conversely recall significantly less positive cognitions and significantly greater negative thoughts indicating the amplification of negative affect input and its pervasive effects in the brain suffusing regions of working memory and cognition. Meanwhile, in both studies, cite the authors, those who were avoidant in their attachment styles demonstrated no particular differences in cognitive functioning as a result of positive or negative affect inducement; supporting the hypothesis that those of the avoidant category tend to dismiss and dissociate themselves from sources of distress. To further propound these points, Gillath et al (2005) found that attachment-related anxiety positively correlated with the activation of emotion-implicated areas of the brain and inversely correlated with the activation of areas involved in affect regulation (i.e. the orbito-frontal cortex); paralleling ties between anxious attachment and distress amplification/affect dysregulation (Dozier and Lee, 1995). Furthermore, coinciding with Schores (2002) emphasis on the right brain as centre of self and regulatory/ stress response systems, affective disorders such as depression and dysthymic personality traits have links with the right hemisphere of the brain. Liotti Tucker (1992) for example document that depression interferes with the functions of right hemisphere activity by influencing its arousal mechanisms. Related to this point, a plethora of studies support both Freud and Bowlbys assertions that early insecure attachments increase vulnerability to later psychopathology; specifically whereas the internalisation of affect-regulation schematics conducive to minimisation and manageability of distress occurs in secure attachment, a later to resilience to stressors is observed. Insecure attachments, however, with their accompanying internalised distortion of self-concept and detrimental (under/over) appraisal of threatening events and the disproportioning of the availability of support, lead to a documented increased vulnerability to psychopathology (Schore, 2004*). Indeed, if we consider attachment theory as a theory of affect regulation and affective disorders such as depression as forms of affect dysregulation (Sroufe Waters, 1977) a link between both (attachment styles and psychopathological vulnerability) seems readily tenable. Forbes Dahl (2005), for example, suggest that depression instead of a disorder in which there is an abnormal increase in negative affect; rather is a disorder reflected in the diminished activation of positive affect systems and motivation. This aligns with definitions of its major syndromal-features i.e. anhedonia (diminished capacity for enjoyment), fatigue (diminished motivation) and social withdrawal (diminished enthusiasm). As such we might infer that strategies for minimising negative affect and increasing positive affect (established in infancy) are inefficient in some way. The authors cite many examples of studies which espouse this consideration; for example, adults with MDD have shown diminished response to positive stimuli; in some instances evincing similar responses as if it were aversive. Furthermore, depressive adults have demonstrated lower expectancy of positive events in their futures. Additionally, studies have shown how adults with anxious attachment (hyperactivation strategies); more readily access painful memories, while demonstrating exaggerated appraisal of negative events and are subsequently more vulnerable to depression (Mikulincer and Orbach, 1995). While many may criticise attachment theory as being highly pessimistic derogating the possibilities for a child who happens to present with an insecure attachment style to have a positive future free from psychopathological vulnerability, it is fair to say that it wasnt the intent of Bowlby to delineate such a deterministic perspective. Indeed, as Siegal (2001) points out, the brain is plastic throughout the lifespan and as such attachment capacities can change. Furthermore, positive social factors such as prevailing support of peers may act to alter and/or loosen implicit secondary attachment strategies. Wu (2010) for example has cited that self esteem mediates the relationship between self-concept appraisal and attachment style, therefore social factors which bolster self-esteem might be seen as re-adjusting self-appraisal thereby breaking the re-enforcing patterns of negative self-perception. In addition, while many have emphasised the maternal role in the development of such att achment patterns, others have advised that the infant can develop different attachment styles in accordance to their interactions with different people (Siegal, 2001); as such there are a number of mediating factors which imply that early insecure attachment status to one figure isnt as condemning as oft considered. To conclude: this essay has outlined how classical attachment theory, rooted in psychoanalysis, has been transformed into modern attachment theory coinciding with the recent advent of neuropsychoanalysis; that is, a branch of neuroscience dealing with the interpersonal facilitations of neurobiological development, as advocated by object relations theory and self psychology which are themselves rooted in psychoanalysis. This third revolution of psychoanalysis heralds a return to the problems once confronted by Freud namely the mind/body separation and the interface between inner and external realities, and with attempts to resolve them comes a greater alliance between psychoanalysis and mainstream science. Modern attachment theory as framework for many studies in affect (dys-)regulation have furthermore supported earlier postulations of Bowlbys and Freuds that earlier abnormal development and trauma may predict later vulnerability to psychopathology.

love history :: essays research papers

Well where do i start? i started going out with this guy named Derek on April 3rd 2001. I din't even like him but he seemed like a nice guy so i thought i would give him a try. well we started going out and hanging out alot. I've always been shy around guys and i was with him at first. Then after a few months i started feeling totally comfortable. We hung out like everyday and did everything together! I totally ditched all of my friends for him and he did the same to his friends to me. Well everything was all going well we never really fought or anything. We were perfect i thought so he thought so and so did everyone else. He was my whole world he went everywhere with me and i loved him so much. We had the cutest things we did together, i know we made people sick because of how cute we were. I never though we would break up ever! Well around our 9 months we kinda started fighting and not getting along to well. we were gonna take a "break" but we decieded not to that we wer e fine. (we took a break about 3 months after we started going out becausei kissed someother guy but we went back out and by the way i apologized so much for that i still feel bad about it) but we started fighting more. So we finally took a break it lasted not even 2 days and we got back together i missed him so much in those 2 days and cried so much than i ever have! but then 2 days after we got back together we broke up again. He did'nt want to talk or work anything out at all. and it just seemed like he didnt care anymore. Well we broke up and i still really missed him we still hung out and stuff but it was nt the same at all! then i was going on vacation to flordia for winter break. i knew he was afraid i would cheat on him there so that was another reason that he wanted to break up. neways we hung out before i went and we kissedd and blah blah then i left all i could do was think about him there. i was there a lil over a week and i only talked to him a few times.

Musings Essay -- Personal Narrative Creative Writing Essays

Musings How strange the things that reach in and touch the heart. Sometimes the tears spring unbidden from some deep and secret place in my soul. And anguish sweeps across me just as the breeze sweeps across the desolate prairie. I don't know from where these feelings come. I only understand how powerful and consuming they are. And yet somehow out of this comes renewal. A reaffirming that even through all of my faults and all of my imperfections, I still care. I still love. And through this realization the tenderness that lives within is reborn if only for a little while longer. Such started the morning in which I looked into the mirror to see this young man whom I didn't really know. His blue eyes staring back at me. A body, a man, a shy secluded young man with a scar on his left eyebrow. "This morning I roused from a fitful sleep. I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth, always the first ritual of the morning. I stood there brushing away and glanced up at the man staring back at me as though he didn't know who I was. The moment was very disconcerting. The glance slowly lengthened into an incredibly intense stare." Finally, to break the unbearable silence that hung uncomfortably between, words seemed to tumble from my lips. "Who are you? What has made you who you are?" I decided that maybe I needed to examine these questions and the questioner as well. What are the burdens that weigh upon you? Where are the scars of the battles you've fought? Which ones did you win and which ones were lost? Do you realize that the very question is faulty? All battles that you fight are won, not singularly because of the experience you gain from them, but also because you chose to take on the obstacle, to tackle the problem and... ...nd the moon, full and beautiful, stares down at me with its silvery gaze. It winks as the misty clouds pass infront of it. Do you see it, my love? I want you. I need you. I have so many things I want to share. As I sit here on my bed, I can imagine the twinkling smile in your eyes. I can already see your beautiful smile and it comforts me. My life isn't empty, quite the opposite in fact, but it lacks a special and arguably integral component. How precious it must be to see your own soul reflected back at you in someone else's eyes. What does fate have in store for me? As I ask this question, the realization comes to me that perhaps I should not have the answer. Maybe the more important realization is that you should not put your expectations on what life ought to be, but rather allow it to flow naturally to you and appreciate it for the surprises it brings.

Essay --

John Hodges Ms. Roney World Literature 4 December 2013 Brave New World Essay Truth and happiness share a relationship of not knowing the truth, which only makes people happier. The people of the new world lost their freedoms but in return receive many pleasures. This thus adds to the apprehension of knowing the truth. They don’t want to know the truth because they are trained not to and it seems like they don’t want to know the truth, either. To avoid ever knowing the truth they use soma. By taking somas, they avoid truth whenever they are frightened by it. It in turn conceals their sorrows and instead fills them with fake hallucinations. In the story there are two types of truths. One type of truth is related to human relationships and emotions. Emotions and relationships give people great happiness, but they also can cause a great deal of pain. Due to these pains, no one forms relationships with the opposite sex. Along with this they consider it abnormal to feel attachment to someone. There are no couples or families and the idea of chastity is strongly banned. The oth...

Factors That Influence Teen Pregnancy Essay

The issue of how to prevent teenage pregnancy revolves around what factors are identified as the causative influences. Some researchers regard prevention programs, regardless of how well thought out and implemented, as doomed, because the issue of teenage pregnancy involves the social whole. Males (1993), for example, thinks that current programs of all sorts, will not succeed because of a discrepancy between reality and strategies for prevention. In a similar vein, Davis (1989), argues that since teenage pregnancy is covered under a broad social blanket, it needs to be handled at that level. Further, as Furstenberg (1991:136) notes, the epidemic of teenage pregnancy will not go away unless we are willing to â€Å"resolve conflicting cultural and political tendencies toward sexuality. † He makes a good point by arguing that the factors which stigmatized early childbearing, or out of wedlock childbirth, have virtually vanished and it is this lack of stigmatization which has resulted in an increase in teenage sexuality and pregnancies. However, since holistic solutions are less likely to be implemented we can only hope to deal with the symptoms of teenage pregnancy, i. . births to teenagers. These symptoms can be prevented by intervention at any of the four following intervening variables (Flick 1986): – age of entry to sexual unions – use/nonuse of contraception – abortion/non-abortion – adoption/non-adoption. Only two of these factors, however, are true preventive variables: delayed age of entry to sexual unions; and use of contraceptives. Each of these factors, however, is, in turn, influenced by a variety of different social indicators. For example, peer pressure, adoption of prosocial values, better parent-child communication, and increased self-esteem are only a few of the many variables that influence a child’s decision to delay first intercourse or use contraceptives. This report will begin with a discussion of age at entry to sexual unions and contraceptive use or non-use. These are prime candidates for prevention strategies since the relative importance attributed to these factors has formed the framework undergirding programs that either encourage abstinence or effective dissemination of contraception technology to teens.

Summer vs Winter

Summer Vs Winter My two favorite seasons are exactly six months apart. Of the four seasons, winter and summer are the most excellent; they incorporate the best of both worlds. Some people like winter because of the snow and Christmas, but my favorite is summer because of the warm weather. These two seasons have some bizarre similarities; for example, summer and winter both occur when the Earth is tilted into the Sun. When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa.Although winter is a very hectic and stressful season, it’s great to get together with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the season. In the summer, I can also visit those same family and friends and enjoy activities appropriate to the weather. Each season blesses us with a major break from school; this break is incredibly important because without that relief, students can easily get burnt out of school and become too tired to do decent work and get good grades.Both breaks allow me to unwind and take it easy from the brutal punishments teachers hand down throughout each school year. The time off from school severs as a time for me to take up new opportunities as well. Winter and summer have particular sports for each season, utilizing the weather in each to make the most of recreation. Every six months is a blast because of these amazing seasons. On the contrary, the first big difference between summer and winter is the most obvious one: the weather.In the summer time, it is usually warm and sunny and pleasurable to be outside. I can go swimming, go to the beach, sun bathe, go boating, and all of those fun summer activities everyone looks forward to. In the wintertime, most people think of coldness, but I can still find opportunities to have excitement. The activities are very different; in the winter, I can go ice skating, sledding, and skiing. In the snowy weather I hear a lot about car accidents due to the messy conditions, but i n the summer there are far fewer instances.While summer’s warmth is popular with everyone, many people hate winter because it is so chilly and miserable. The bitter temperatures and weather can greatly affect people’s moods and emotional habits; this is called seasonal depression. It’s the time of year when people are reporting feeling depressed because of the dark, arctic winter months. These feelings can even make winter break dreadful. Summer break, on the hand isn’t affected by the winter blizzards and is three times as long.I can enjoy an enormous amount of free time and do, within reason whatever I want. In the wintertime everyone is flustered and chaotic over Christmas, shopping, and traveling to see relatives. Summer, on the other hand, is a very lazy, relaxed, and enjoyable season. Because of the inconvenience of bad weather, there sometimes are family conflicts when scheduling the holidays. Both seasons clearly have their differences but these d ifferences still make each year unforgettable.

Concert Paper About Blue Man Group

Sarah DeMattio LA 321-801 Concert Paper 2/2/13 Though I had often heard of them growing up, I never really knew who, or what, Blue Man Group was. When my nineteenth birthday came along earlier this past January, my best friend decided that in celebration of my birthday, we would be solving our own age-long mystery about Blue Man Group. We were going to a show to see what exactly it was that these blue men did. My initial reaction was certainly less than satisfied when my best friend told me that she got us tickets to see Blue Man Group for my birthday.I remembered a discussion we had had a few months prior when we spoke avidly about how our parents always made references to something called â€Å"the blue man group† as we were growing up, and that we still to that day had no idea what it was or why it was being referenced in the first place. Though still not completely convinced, I bit my tongue, thanked my friend for the gesture, told her I could not wait to see the show, and calmed myself with the thought that at least finally, my questions of the smurph band would be answered. On January 6th, 2013, my friend Kaya and I made our way downtown.We had tickets to see the 8 p. m. show of Blue Man Group at the Astor Place Theater. Upon arrival to the venue, my reservations about the experience became even more acute; the theater looked like some kind of underground grunge dungeon I’ve heard about and warned of. We entered the theater lobby where I immediately noticed the concession and souvenir stand, because aside from the usual assortments of cookies, popcorns and soft drinks, the top recommended item to buy was a poncho. My suspicions instantly hit their zenith. â€Å"Kaya, what the heck did you bring me to?! Kaya laughed off my remark and once we were seated, elaborated about the ponchos. She told me that contrary to typical shows, where the closer your seat is to the stage in orchestra, the more expensive the seat becomes, Blue Man Group actuall y offers a discounted price for the first 5 rows of Orchestra. The â€Å"splash zone,† if you will. And that of course, explains the need for ponchos. Our seats happened to be the first row behind the last row of the â€Å"splash zone†, so obviously I spent the entire show holding my breath a little in fear that bodily fluids of any kind would make their way to me. They didn’t, thankfully.Blue Man Group consisted of three men that were all bald, blue, wore black clothing, and had extremely large mouth capacities. My favorite moment of the entire 105-minute show is hard to decide, both honestly and to my surprise. One of my top favorite and most impressed moments of the show was each time the men played their large bongo-type, garbage receptacles as drums. Two men played their own drums simultaneously while the third man stood in the middle of the two and squirted different colored liquids onto the drums, thus splashing colorful water everywhere and creating some kind of a rainbow waterfall.It was both visually fantastic and musically pleasing. The Blue Man Group’s abilities varied, but certainly never failed to impress. I cannot really describe what they played, or even did. They seem to have a knack for making instruments out of anything but instruments, and creating art with anything but art supplies. The combination of the sarcastic, poking-fun-at-society nature of the Blue Man Group along with their quirky abilities, talents, and looks, was what made the entire experience such a pleasantly surprising and enjoyable one.I am not a big fan of freaky looking characters that do odd things, spit into the audience, and chew Captain Crunch cereal in harmony, but for Blue Man Group, I made the exception and would again and again in a heartbeat. The show was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It is a different and interesting approach to having fun, and I am determined to make any other doubters in my life see what Blue Man Gro up is all about for themselves.

“Sometimes You Have to Pick the Gun Up to Put the Gun Down” Essey

â€Å"Sometimes you have to pick the gun up to put the gun down.† This quote was said by Malcolm X, who was an African American Minister and a human rights activist. It means that sometimes you have to fight in order to achieve peace. I agree with what he said because in order to get what you want you have to fight for it.Two literary works that reflect this quote are Fences, a play about the struggles of African American before and during the Civil Rights Era in the 1950s and 60s, by August Wilson and â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† a short story that shows the difference between women and men during that time, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. ‘Fences’ shows the revolution the characters face, their actions and what is the result of those choices. Whereas, ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ is about how the wife struggles to speak against her husband.She shows revolution when her husband tells her not to write but she secretly writes in her journal. Both literary pieces, Fences, by Wilson and The Yellow Wallpaper by Perkins Gilman, shows how the lack of communication, the lack of acknowledgment and the demand for changes shows how the characters fight for what they want.The play Fences is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the 1950 and ‘60s by August Wilson. August Wilson was named Frederick August Kittel when he was born to a German father and an African American mother in 1945. When Wilson was sixteen, he was accused of plagiarism at school when he wrote a sophisticated paper that the administration didn’t believe he could write.The principal suspended him and later ignored his attempts to come back to school. Wilson soon dropped out of school and educated himself at the local library. Wilson got involved himself in the black power movement while he worked on his poetry and short stories.The characters Wilson includes in his play Fences are Troy,the main character, where he struggles to carry his family; Rose,Troy’s wi fe who is a typical 1950s house wife; Cory, who is the son of Troy and Rose, wants to be like Troy in the beginning, but fights with Troy for he tries to take his dream of a football career from him.The short story â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is set in the 19th century in America by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Charlotte Perkins Gilman was born on July 4, 1860, in Hartford, Connecticut. At the age of five Gilman taught herself how to read, because her mother was sick. In 1884 she married an artist Charles Walter Stetson.Their only child Katherine Beecher Stetson, was born the  following year. Gilman suffered a postpartum depression in the months after Katharine's birth. After her mother died she decided to move back east, where she met her cousin Houghton Gilman, who she had not seen in fifteen years. She married Houghton and moved to Norwich, Connecticut. After Houghton died,with cerebral hemorrhage in 1934, she moved back to Pasadena, California. In January 1932, Gilman was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. Gilman committed suicide on August 17, 1935 by taking an overdose of chloroform.In the play Fences, ‘the lack of communication’ between Troy and Cory shows revolution. Cory is scared of Troy so he could not talk to him. Troy is always bossing around Cory, so Cory feels distance towards his dad. â€Å"All you ever did was try and make me scared of you . I used to tremble every time you called my name. Every time I heard your footsteps in the house.Wondering all the time†¦. what’s Papa gonna say if i do this?†¦. What’s he gonna say if I do that? †¦ What’s Papa gonna say if I turn on the radio?† (Wilson 86-87). This quote states that Cory was scared of Troy and could not speak to him, and thought about how his actions affect the way his father acts and speaks towards him.The literary techniques Wilson shows is repetition. Repetition is a way that the writer conveys how important Cory’ s feelings are and how concerned someone is. The repetition of the words â€Å"What’s pappa gonna say† shows how Cory is too concerned about the relationship between his dad and himself. The lack of communication between father and son cause Cory to revolt towards his dad.The lack of acknowledgment in the play Fences between Troy and Cory cause their relationship to decline even further. One of the greatest sources of disappointment in Troy's life is the fact that he wasn't allowed to play pro baseball, Even though he used to hit homeruns in the Negro Leagues, he couldn't go to the majors because of racial discrimination. He doesn't let Cory play football, because he doesn't want Cory to feel what he felt during his time.Troy’s lack of acknowledgment of Cory’s potential destroys Cory’s dream by not signing the papers and not letting the college recruiter from coming. â€Å"I got sense enough not to let my boy get hurt playing no sports†(Wils on 39) He unconsciously stats that he doesn't want Cory to feel  how he felt during his time. This quote references flashback because in this quote Troy refers back to what had happened to him during his athletic career, and how it affected his life.In this quote he speaks like a father who is making decisions for his son and his future, even though the people around him is telling him that the time has changed and it is not like before. Troy’s lack of acknowledgment causes Cory to lose his dream and late Cory to leave the house.

Business law case study Essay

This essay will discuss the Case study by firstly identifying four elements of contract, then justifying duties of Mr. Martin with applying the principles of pre-existing contractual duties. Finally a discussion about part payment of debt and promissory estoppel will be explained. Likewise, this essay will evaluate the knowledge of common law and agency relationship. QUESTION 1 a) Four essential elements of a contract should be Offer, Acceptance, Intention to create legal relations and Consideration. Firstly, offer, according to Adams(2012), is a full and clear statement of the terms†(p79) send to a party(the offeree) by another party(the offeror). Otherwise there could be a misunderstanding of an invitation to treat or negotiation which are similar statements. If an offer intends to be legally binding, acceptance, by which the offerees can show their agreement of all the terms of the offer, is needed. Acceptance needs to be valid and informing the offeror, while the terms should as same as the previous ones. Another element, i.e. consideration, aims to make sure the promise made is of value. As defined by Jones (2011), the consideration needs to give benefits to the one, who is suffering a loss at the same time. Last but not least, while making an agreement to be legally enforceable, intention to create legal relations is important. While judging whether it is a binding contract or not, the situation to make this contract needs to be considered, in other words, according to Adams(2012), contract made in a domestic or social environment will not be legally bound. Otherwise, if parties are willing to do a commercial agreement, it will be regard as legally bound(Jones, 2011). b) Mr. Martin need to pay the  £750 due to two reasons, based on three cases existed as judicial precedents, which are Stilk v Myrick(1809), Hartley v Ponsonby(1857) and Williams v Roffey bros(1990)One perspective is that there is an additional value within the new contract, though Mr. Martin and Bob the builder were being under a pre-existing contract. Hold that the old contract is not over, due to the other aspect of reason, Mr. martin needs to pay the extra money in order to avoid the loss. These afore-mentioned two points will be justified by cases. Stilk v Myrick(1809) indicates that a  captain promised the seamen extra money if they did successfully return back home. The court finally hold that the captain is not duty to pay the extra money because the old contract is existed as there is not of additional value. While Harley v Ponsonby(1857) was held that the captain needs to pay the extra money, though the situation is similar, because the court consider there is extra value added to the new contract, whilst the old contract is discharged. There are some similarities among these two cases and Mr. Martin’ s case. Mr. Martin also have an existed contract as both parties are agreed to terms of the contract, but comparing to Stilk’s case, Bob the builder suggest a sub-contract with consider an additional value, which is the value of Martin’s seafood. Meantime, because of the bad weather and sick crews, Marin need to pay extra money to ensure this additional value is secured, however, this does not means the old contract is over because the contract can be fulfilled though it may probably be expiry, as Martin has to pay extra  £750 in spite of the payment of the previous contract. On the other hand, in Williams v Rpffey bros, the claimant consider the loss of defendant if the task is not finished on time, so the defendant do have to pay the claimant the extra money as promised. In this case, Bob the builder consider the benefit of Martin so that they suggest the sub-contractor. As Mr. Marin accepted Bob’s counter offer and Bob help him avoid the loss of an amount of seafood. According to the precedent of Williams’ case, since new value to considered, Mr. Martin should pay the extra  £750. To be concluded, by referring to pre-existing duties, Mr. Martin is obliged to pay the extra  £750. c) Mr. Martin needs to pay the full  £750, as he violates the rule of part payment of debts. When consider the part payment of debt, it is necessary to concern the rule in Pinnel’s Case(1602), by which illustrated that part payment is not a sufficient consideration. Because debtors obtains a benefit with giving nothing of value to the creditors. In Marin’s case, Bob agreed to accept a lower payment( £350) in full settlement despite of any excuse Mr. Marin has used. Obviously, Mr. Martin got a benefit of  £400, whereas Bob gained nothing. Therefore, Mr. Marin provided no consideration in this case, because being sympathizing Martin’s bankrupt cannot gain more value for Bob. Since two parties failed to achieve benefits of two sides, the promise of  Bob is not binding. As a result, Martin has to pay the full  £750 as a legal duty. Apart from that, with regard of the classical High Trees House Case(1947), the principle of promissory estoppel by held that the claimants can acquire the arrears after the end of the war because they have the capacity of claiming the recover the previous price before the war started. However, they are prevented to take back the amount of arrears failed to pay because of their previous promise. In High Tress House Case, the promise was make on a real situation where two parties would consider their benefits therefore achieve benefits of both sides. Specifically, the defendants get the right of lease whilst the claimants obtained a number of profits. While in Martin’s case, no matter whether Mr. Martin have difficulties in his financial situation or not, there is still no consideration for Bob the builder, although Mr. Martin do have a benefit of saving  £400. Since there is no consideration exist, Bob is not obliged to obey the rule of promissory estoppel. To be summarised, by discussing the part payment of debt and promissory estoppel, it is responsible for Mr. Martin to pay the full  £750. As Promissory estoppel is on the doctrine of equality. QUESTION 2 According to PPP(n.d.), the common law is the law comprises the custom and judicial precedents of the courts. First feature of common law is that it is not codified, making it is not coming from the comprehensive legislation which is created through Parliament. Apart from EU enforceable law, common law depends on the distributed courts, in where legislative decisions are made. In other words, common law is the certain law made by judges. The decisions have been made in similar cases would become precedents, which mainly compose the common law. These precedents will be collected and recorded as historical documents or files over time. When coming up a new case, these precedents would be applied in the decision, which means precedents make future decision legally bound. Hierarchy has to be referred to when talking about the precedent, whereas not every precedent will be used in judging a new case. The precedent made in a higher court can be applied in a lower court, otherwise it will not be applicable. For example, a judicial decision, i.e. precedent, already made in court of appeal should be applicable in high court or county court, but a decision made in county  court should not obliged to follow for high court. On the other hand, the courts can overturn the decisions of those in same level. Last but not least, the common law make contract more freedom, which means there are few regulations to restrict contracts. Basically, everything could be acceptable even if there is extremely forbidden by law(Adams, 2012 and Jones, 2011). QUESTION 3 According to Adams(2012) and Jones(2011), the relationships between agency and principal are fiduciary ones. Basically, agents do not have legal right to payment unless the principal authorise the right. Generally payment must not be due until the agent have fulfilled the expected result of principal, otherwise, payment can not be used among any certain process on the relationship. However, agent can be regularly paid when agreement express willingness of both sides. Another right of agent is to claim indemnity if there is any expenses incurred when agent conduct the authority, no matter the agent is gratuitous or not. On the other hand, agents do have duty to possess reasonable care and skill, moreover, an agent with professional or trade skill is expected to preserve the skills as conducting a trade or profession. Then, a contractual agent must carry out the agreed tasks and the whole process of achieving the result should follow the principal’s orders. Therefore, an agent needs to perform his duties himself. The performance of the duties cannot be delegated to any third party. Likewise, the agent is required to be accountable for any profits arising from the performance of the duties and to record the benefits of exercises of authority. Besides, an agent has duty to avoid the possibility of being conflict of interest without principal’s permit, though agent must not sell his own property or shares to principal. Last but not least, an agent not only cannot take any form of bribe, but also cannot make secret profit, whereby the principal can dismiss the agent and make the contract voidable for fraud. In conclusion, case study has been discussed by applying the related law knowledge in terms of consideration of contract particularly. Therefore, basic explanation of common law and, duties and rights within agency relationship are demonstrated. Bibliography Adams, A (2012), Law for business students(7th ed), London: Pearson Education Limited. Public private partnership(n.d.), Key features of common law or civil law systems, Available at: http://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/legislation-regulation/framework-assessment/legal-systems/common-vs-civil-law. (Assessed 22 February 2014) Jones, L (2011), Introduction to Business Law, New York: Oxford University Press. Central London Property Trust v High Trees House (1947) KB 130, 44, 53, 110, 119, 595 Hartley v Ponsonby(1875) 7 EL BL 872, 106 Pinnel’s Case (1602) 5 Co Rep 117, 108, 109, 117, 595 Stilk v Myrick (1809) 2 Camp 317, 106, 107, 589 Williams v Roffey Bros (1990) 1 ALL ER 512 CA, 107-109, 118, 119

The Afren Plc Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Afren Plc Company - Essay Example The company’s portfolios include about 15 assets situated across six African states, including Nigeria, Gabon, Ghana, Sao Tome, Ivory Coast, and Congo (Gouyu, 2011:74). Currently, the business portfolios together produce about 26,000 barrels of oil in a single day. In addition, the company controls key regions that currently hold about 160 million oil barrels. The company started due to the initial idea of Rilwanu Lukman, who is a former chair, and currently controls about 3 % of the total company’s shares. Currently, a number of institutional investors jointly own the company in conjunction with various banking and capital management businesses. Though it has its headquarters in London, UK, the company’s main operations are in Nigeria, through its Nigerian branch, based at the Octagon building in Lagos. The company also controls a 40 % stake in the First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Company (Hilyard, 2008:159). The company started towards the end of the year 2004. Its in ception came after a group of businesspersons joined to raise $ 1 million dollars for the start. They based their onslaught on the African sector on the ideology of intense focus and analyzing on the mode of operation of the African leaders and the continent in general. This strategy has been very successful, as, over the years, it has enabled the company to venture into areas that were previously considered impenetrable in terms of suspicious administrations and heavy bureaucracy. The business achieved this through incorporating the local businesses, recruiting local employees, and involving itself with the citizens that wield control of the West Africa oil regions. The business’ initial transaction consisted of a chance to buy a small and untouched region situated in the Block 1 area of Nigeria (Michel, 2003:199). The block was known as Sao Tome and Principe zone. After the successful transaction, the company embarked on a strategy that involved the developing of discovered but untouched regions into full production. This strategy also proved highly successful, as it helped the company to realize a production of about 14,000 oil barrels by the year 2010. Currently, the company is deeply involved in the C1-11, Lion Gas Pant, and Okoro projects located in Nigeria and Cote de Ivoire. In addition, it has also started rolling out plans aimed at bringing the principal Ebok region to full-scale production by the end of the year (Plunkett, 2008:413). The Ebok project is projected to hike the company’s daily production output to about 40,000 barrels of oil in a day. As a result, the conglomerate is currently enjoying the surging cash flow advantages from its increased output and sales. This has brought significant benefits, as the business has now been able to branch out from its previously British-based fiscal systems o the US-based systems, which consider cash flow levels more highly. This move has catapulted the drastic rise of the company’s s hare price up tenfold from the previous levels in January 2009 (Larry, 2012:374). Since its advent in 2004, the venture has realized substantial progress and growth over the last several years. In 2005, the company managed to acquire about 11 million pounds in operating cash. It did this through the selling off around 24.4 million of its ordinary shares. In the same year, it also entered

Overview of digital forensics at NIST Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Overview of digital forensics at NIST - Article Example Due to the increased computer related crimes, it is a fundamental requirement for any organization to employ these digital forensic skills to establish and solve their security issues. Use of these forensic techniques provides an additional assistance to the organization since it helps in troubleshooting, identification and repair of operational issues within a system, reviewing of the operating systems (Barnett, par. 9). Also provides recovery of lost data from computer systems in case of malicious or accidental damage. It provides protection of sensitive information which would otherwise be used for malicious purposes and even acquisition of data from the hosts that can be used by the company in the future. Furthermore, it also gives an opportunity to monitor log entries and prevention of policy violations. Apart from all the support these digital forensics, there are shortcomings that accompany their use and benefits outlined above. One disadvantage is the difficulty in obtaining information from mobile devices like phones, iPads, and personal digital assistants. Law enforcement and forensics on these devices are still a challenge since most of the mobile devices require specialized interfaces, storage, and hardware. Also getting information from the cloud storage space is tedious because of the complicated cloud

Western And Byzantine Civilizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Western And Byzantine Civilizations - Essay Example The eastern part of the Roman Empire achieved greatness as the Byzantine civilization, which saw its days of glory during the rule of Justinian and Theodora. Eastern Orthodoxy was the dominant religious belief and a new imperial law was devised, which resulted in a unified imperial Government, unlike the fractured tribes of the Western civilization. The government was also centralized and under the rule of Justinian, art reached new heights since several new buildings and churches were built.  The first document dealing with this period is a piece written by the Christian priest Salvian, which compares the Romans and the Barbarians and finds that the barbarians have superior moral values. This document is titled â€Å"Of God’s Government† and is found in the book titled â€Å"Readings in European History† Vol 1 by James Harvey Robinson, published in 1904. The priest compares Roman customs to those of the barbarians and points out that the barbarians, despite th eir record of cruelty and sin, appear to demonstrate the values of love, kindness, and charity which the Romans ought to have. The Romans, on the contrary, persecute each other and the enormity of their sin is doubled because they are supposed to be civilized individuals. On this basis, the priest concludes that the moral framework of the barbarians may, in fact, be superior to the Romans.  The second document is written by the court historian and biographer Procopius. The article is titled â€Å"The character and innovations of Justinian and Theodora† and appears in the book titled â€Å"The secret history of Procopius† published in 1927 by Crown Publishers. In this article, Procopius presents a critical view of Justinian and Theodora. He points out the differences in the Roman manner of greeting where the dignity of high officials was preserved, while Justinian and Theodora demanded a more slavish form homage.