A Guide to Understanding Homeschool Laws

Homeschooling has been legal in all 50 U.S. states since 1993. According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, home education was illegal in most states as recently as the early 1980’s. By 1989, only three states, Michigan, North Dakota, and Iowa, still considered homeschooling a crime. Interestingly, of those three states, two of them, Michigan and Iowa, are today listed among the states with the least restrictive homeschooling laws. Although homeschooling is now legal across the United States, each state is responsible for drafting its own homeschool laws, which means that what must be done to legally homeschool varies depending on where a family lives. Some states are highly regulated, while others place few restrictions on homeschooling families. Homeschool Legal Defense Association maintains an up-to-date database on the homeschooling laws in all fifty states. Terms to Know When Considering Homeschool Laws To those who are new to homeschooling, the terminology used in homeschool  laws may be unfamiliar. Some of the basic terms you need to know include: Compulsory attendance: This refers to the ages children are required to be in some type of school setting. In most states that define a compulsory attendance age for homeschoolers, the minimum is usually between the ages of 5 and 7. The maximum is generally between the ages of 16 and 18. Declaration (or Notice) of Intent: Many states require that homeschooling families submit an annual notice of intent to homeschool to either the state or county school superintendent. The content of this notice can vary by state, but usually includes the names and ages of the homeschooled children, the home address, and the parent’s signature. Hours of instruction: Most states specify the number of hours and/or days per year during which children should be receiving instruction. Some, like Ohio, state 900 hours of instruction per year. Others, such as Georgia, specify four and one-half hours per day for 180 days each school year. Portfolio:  Some states offer a portfolio option in place of standardized testing or professional evaluation. A portfolio is a collection of documents outlining your student’s progress each school year. It may include records such as attendance, grades, courses completed, work samples, photos of projects, and test scores. Scope and sequence: A scope and sequence is a list of topics and concepts that a student will learn throughout the school year. These concepts are usually broken down by subject and grade level. Standardized test:  Many states require that homeschool students take nationally standardized tests at regular intervals. The tests that meet each state’s requirements may vary. Umbrella schools/cover schools: Some states give the option for homeschooled students to enroll in an umbrella or cover school. This may be an actual private school or simply an organization established to help homeschooling families comply with the laws  in their state. Students are taught at home by their parents, but the cover school maintains records for their enrolled students. The records required by cover schools vary based on the laws of the state in which they are located. These documents are submitted by parents and may include attendance, test scores, and grades. Some umbrella schools help parents choose curriculum and offer transcripts, diplomas, and graduation ceremonies. States with the Most Restrictive Homeschool Laws States that are generally considered to be highly regulated for homeschooling families include: MassachusettsNew YorkPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermont Often regarded as one of the most regulated states,  New York’s homeschooling laws require that parents turn in an annual instruction plan for each student. This plan must include information such as the name, age, and grade level of the student; the curriculum or textbooks you intend to use; and the name of the teaching parent. The state requires annual standardized testing in which students should be at or above the 33rd percentile or show a full grade level improvement from the previous year.  New York also lists specific subjects that parents must teach their children at various grade levels. Pennsylvania, another highly-regulated state,  offers three options for homeschooling. Under the homeschool statute, all parents must submit a notarized affidavit to homeschool. This form includes information about immunizations and medical records, along with criminal background checks. Homeschooling parent Malena H., who lives in Pennsylvania, says that although the state is â€Å"†¦considered one of the states with the highest regulations†¦it really isnt that bad. It sounds overwhelming when you hear about all the requirements, but once you have done it once it is pretty easy.† She says, â€Å"In third, fifth and eighth grades the student has to take a standardized test. There is a variety to choose from, and they can even do some of them at home or online. You must keep a portfolio for each child that has a few samples for each subject taught and the results of the standardized test if the child is in one of the testing years. At the end of the year, you find an evaluator to review the portfolio and sign off on it. You then send the evaluator’s report to the school district.† States with Moderately Restrictive Homeschool Laws While most states require that the teaching parent have at least a high school diploma or GED, some, such as North Dakota,  require that the teaching parent have a teaching degree or be monitored for at least two years by a certified teacher. That fact puts North Dakota  on the list of those  considered to be moderately restrictive with regards to their homeschool laws. Those states include: ColoradoFloridaHawaiiLouisianaMaineMarylandMinnesotaNew HampshireNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOregonSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia North Carolina is often considered a difficult state in which to homeschool. It requires maintaining attendance and immunization records for each child. North Carolina also requires that children complete nationally standardized tests each year. Other moderately regulated states that require yearly standardized testing include  Maine, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. (Some of these states do offer alternative homeschooling options that may not require annual testing.) Many states offer more than one option to legally homeschool. Tennessee, for example, currently has five options, including three umbrella schools options and one for distance learning (online classes). Heather S., a homeschooling parent from Ohio, says that Ohio homeschoolers must  submit an annual letter of intent and a  summary of their intended curriculum, and  agree to complete 900 hours  of education each year. Then, at  the end of each year, families â€Å"†¦.can do state-approved testing or have a portfolio reviewed and submit the results... Children must test above the 25th percentile on standardized tests or show progression in their portfolio. Virginia homeschooling mom, Joesette, considers her state homeschooling laws reasonably easy to follow. She says parents must â€Å"†¦file a Notice of Intent each year by August 15, then supply something to show progress at the end of the year (by August 1). This can be a standardized test, scoring at least in the 4th stanine, a  [student] portfolio†¦.or an evaluation letter by an approved evaluator.† Alternately, Virginia parents can file a  Religious Exemption. States with Minimally Restrictive Homeschool Laws Sixteen U.S.  states are considered minimally restrictive. These include:   AlabamaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaDelawareGeorgiaKansasKentuckyMississippiMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew MexicoUtahWisconsinWyoming Georgia requires an annual Declaration of Intent to be filed by September 1, annually, or within 30 days of the date you initially begin homeschooling. Children must take a nationally standardized test every three years starting in 3rd grade. Parents are required to write an annual progress report for each student. Both the test  scores and progress reports  are to be kept on file but are not required to be submitted to anyone. Although Nevada is on the minimally restrictive list, Magdalena A., who homeschools her children in the state says that it is, â€Å"†¦homeschooling paradise. The law states only  one regulation: when a child turns seven...a notice of intent to homeschool should be filed. That is it, for the rest of that childs life. No portfolios. No check-ups. No testing.† California homeschooling mom, Amelia H. outlines her state’s homeschooling options. â€Å"(1) Home study option through the  school district. Material is provided and weekly or monthly check-ins are required. Some districts provide classes for home study kids and/or allow kids to take some classes on campus. (2) Charter schools. Each one is set up differently but they all cater to homeschoolers and provide funding for secular curriculum and extracurricular activities through vendor programs†¦Some require that kids meet state standards; others simply ask for signs of ‘value-added growth. Most require state testing but a handful will allow parents to generate a portfolio as a year-end assessment. (3) File as an independent school. [Parents must]  state the curriculum goals at the start of the school year†¦Getting a high school diploma through this route is tricky and many parents choose to pay someone to help with the paperwork. States with the Least Restrictive Homeschool Laws Finally,  eleven states are considered very homeschool-friendly with few restrictions on homeschooling families. These states are: AlaskaConnecticutIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaMichiganMissouriNew JerseyOklahomaTexas Texas is notoriously homeschool-friendly with a strong homeschool voice at the legislative level. Iowa homeschooling parent, Nichole D. says that her home state is just as easy. â€Å"[In Iowa], we have no regulations. No state testing, no lesson plans submitted, no attendance records, nothing. We dont even have to inform the district that were homeschooling.† Parent Bethany W.  says, â€Å"Missouri is very homeschool-friendly. No notifying districts or anyone unless your child has previously been public schooled, no testing or evaluations ever. Parents keep a log of hours (1,000 hours, 180 days), a written report of progress, and a few samples of [their students’] work.† With a few exceptions, the difficulty or ease of complying with each state’s homeschooling laws is subjective. Even in states that are considered highly regulated, homeschooling parents often state that compliance isn’t as difficult as it may appear on paper. Whether you consider your state’s homeschooling laws restrictive or lenient, it is essential to make sure you understand what is required of you to remain compliant. This article should be considered a guideline only. For specific, detailed laws for your state, please check your statewide homeschool support group’s website or Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

Dream Analysis - 2326 Words

DREAM ANALYSIS This reflective essay illustrates Freud’s theory of dream analysis. It will begin with a brief overview of Freudian dream theory and will go on to describe the various components of personality structure and the unconscious from a psychodynamic perspective. This essay will analyse one of my personal dreams using Freud’s dream analysis theory and conclude with a critical reflection on the application of his theory as it relates to my dream. When Freud famously referred to dreams as being the ‘royal road to the unconscious’, he meant that dreams were a way in which to access the unconscious mind. Dream analysis in psychoanalysis is the process used to explore the role dreams play in the unconscious (Corey, 2005). The†¦show more content†¦The latent content is the underlying, hidden part of the dream that holds the true meaning of the unconscious desires (Solms, 2000). The process by which the latent content is transformed into the disguised manifest content is what Freud referred to as the dream work (Sharpe, 1988). The dream work can disguise the latent views through the following four mechanisms: ‘condensation’ (the condensing of multiple thoughts into one), ‘displacement’ (replaces a latent element by a concealed trivial reference to it e.g. your mother is represented as a cat), ‘symbolism’ (which transforms thoughts into visual elements) followed by a proce ss of ‘secondary revision’ in which the dreaming mind takes all these distorted elements and organises them into a more comprehensible format (Schredl, 2008) In order to analyse my dream through Freudian interpretation I will begin by discussing the manifest content. I will attempt to break up the story in the dream and look at the individual items and events. In my dream I am walking out of a car park onto a street with many tall buildings, heading towards my counselling practice class. 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Homeless Books Essay Example For Students

Homeless Books Essay Have you ever realized how lucky you really are when you are driving under a bridge or in poor part of town and you see a homeless person begging for work or food, or do you just drive by and act as though you never saw the horrible site and go on about your buisness? Just like in the book Les Miserables Fantine becomes homeless to take care of her daughter, who she gae to the Thenardiers, for what she thought was a better life. Everywhere you go, everwhere you look, there is always someone less fortunate than you, some places more than others. Homeless people come from all walks of life. Anyone can become homeless, you could be born to a rich or just well-off family and end up under a bridge across town. Have you ever wondered, what are some situations homeless people find themselves in every day liek Fantine did? Homeless people arent as fortunate as people with roofs over their heads. THey have to search up and down to find a place to sleep where they wont be awaken by a police officer who doesnt like where they are. But regardless of who these people are, they are still people, ;who come from all walks of life, all races, and religions; (Marx 4). Although many were born into homelessness or were brought down to it by their parents, many have lost their jobs during economic changes of the 1980s and werent able to find other work, either because they were to old to be hired or didnt have the correct skills (Marx 4). All over the world people because of the way they look and mainly becuse they arent to the level of society the average person is on. But not only adults are homeless, teenagers and children are living on the streets as well. Many are ;runaways and throwaways; (Hyde 52) Just because you dont see the swaarms and swarms of children living on the street, it doesnt mean they arent there. Seven hundred fifty thousand to one million three hundred thousand boys and girls are homeless because they are runaways from either broken, abusive, or dysfunctional families. But many also come from being thrown out of their homes, some for reasons and some for no reasons at all. (Hyde 52). But either way its no excuse to throw your child out on the street. But all teenagers, children and adults all need places to live (Homeless in America 146). Thousands of Americans stay in shelters each week (Homelessness). Shelters such as church basements, old hotels or even buildings built for shelters usually always stay full (Marx 4). Every day people are turned away adn even some have given up on finding a bed to sleep in (marx 4). So jsut like Fantine had to sell herself just to make it along, people on the streets are doing this everyday just to get a warn meal to eat (Hugo 97). Next time you are driving out of town dont look out your window and think poor soul, do something the best way you can, even if it is just giving a bottle of water. English Essays .

Research Paper on Childbirth Essay Example

Research Paper on Childbirth Essay Childbirth and Research Paper Ertelt, Steven. Mayo Clinic Doctor Admits Abortions Hurt Women, Cause Premature Births. Lifetqews. com. N. p. 20 Aug. 2009. web. 8 oct. 2012. The article was about how a mayo doctor by the name of Roger W. Harms wrote a factsheet on how abortions lead to premature births in pregnacies to follow abortions. Due to the vacuum, spoon, or other instruments used during the surgical procedure of removing the fetus, the cervix and uterus are often damaged. Due to a damaged cervix, premature births are more likely. Studies also show that premature babies have twice the chance of developing cerebral palsy than a baby born at full- term. This article is biased against abortions. The point of this article was to show the consequences women face when they have an abortion in later pregnancies. In my opinion, this article is reliable since the studies were conducted by a physician from Mayo Clinic, not Just an average Joe guy trying to get his two cents in. I would definitely use this article in my research paper. I will use it when I discuss the aftermath of an abortion. Once women perform the abortion, they think that the problem is gone. However, that is not the case. Other articles I have read discuss the depression and psychological affects of an abortion and the toll that has on the women. This article describes physical problems women can face after they have had an abortion. Ertelt, Steven. Mayo Clinic Doctor Admits Abortions Hurt Women, Cause Premature Births. LifeNews. com. N. p. 20 Aug. 2009. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. an abortion. Ert It, Steven. Mayo Clinic Doctor Admits Abortions Hurt Women, Cause an abortion. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper on Childbirth specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper on Childbirth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Research Paper on Childbirth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

How To Look After Your Mental And Physical Wellbeing At Uni

How To Look After Your Mental And Physical Wellbeing At Uni The mind and body are intrinsically connected; so if you feel off-balance in one, it will have an effect on the other. For example, if you are feeling stressed about a looming essay deadline you may also find that you experience a change in your appetite or feelings of fatigue. Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical wellbeing, and vice versa. Whether you are a fresher getting used to living away from home for the first time, or a third year student just about to take on the epic task of writing your dissertation, taking care of your personal wellbeing at university is vital. You may feel like self-care is a waste of precious time when there's reading to be done and lectures to attend; but if you neglect your wellbeing you will likely find that your attendance and the quality of your work will begin to suffer. What can affect your wellbeing? Everyone is different, and the things that affect your wellbeing might be different to the things that affect other people's wellbeing. However, some common causes of unbalanced mental and physical wellbeing include the following: Loneliness and social isolation Stress, anxiety, and depression Relationship problems Loss or bereavement Financial worries Issues at work or university Poor housing conditions When your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of your ever-increasing uni workload and how to spread your budget as far as possible, and you're unable to get any proper rest because your housemates are too noisy or you're feeling homesick, you'll start to feel pretty run down. Your mental wellbeing will begin to suffer, and you may find that you feel less happy than you used to. This can then cause you to feel less motivated to eat healthily or take regular exercise, and a lack of physical exercise coupled with a poor diet can leave you feeling tired and run down, but perhaps unable to sleep and rest properly, thus compounding the problem over time. What steps can you take to improve wellbeing? Start with self care Self care is the practice of an individual taking the necessary steps to look after their physical and mental wellbeing in a number of different ways, along a continuum of needs. The Self Care Forum use the below diagram to illustrate the idea of a continuum of self-care: At one end of the continuum we have pure self-care which is the responsibility of the individual; this includes things such as eating healthily, taking regular exercise, maintaining a good level of personal hygiene, and generally making the effort to look after themselves. At the other end of the spectrum are the major physical and mental health conditions that require purely professional medical care. Along the spectrum, between the two extremes, are minor ailments and acute or long-term conditions that may require a mixture of self-care and professional care in order to treat them effectively. Below we'll go into much more depth about the measures you can take to introduce more self care into your life in order to keep your mental and physical wellbeing on balance. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another, but here are plenty of ideas for you if you're unsure where to begin. Recommended methods of self care... Connect with people Spending time with friends and family, or making the effort to meet new people, can help to give you a greater sense of belonging and alleviate any feelings of loneliness. There are a number of ways in which you can connect with others, for example: Make time for people: It's important to prioritise spending time connecting with the people you love. Whether you hang out with friends in between lectures, spend the occasional weekend at home with your parents and siblings, or maintain regular contact via phone calls, text messages, or Skype, regularly seeing and speaking to loved ones strengthens those relationships. Strong relationships with friends and family means a better support network when you need it the most. Join a society: There are plenty of societies and clubs you can join at university which will allow you to spend time interacting with students who have similar interests to yourself. This is a great way to make friends at the same time as learning new skills, enriching your university experience, and boosting your CV. Volunteer in the community: Giving your time to help others can be very fulfilling and can offer you a different perspective on life. Many universities have schemes where students can sign up to volunteer at hospices, schools, care homes, or conservational projects, for example. Volunteering your time for free to help others can improve your wellbeing and enrich your sense of self-worth. Eat a balanced diet We all know that old adage â€Å"you are what you eat†, but it's true, to some extent. The food and drinks that you fuel your body with are important for your overall wellbeing. Your body needs a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in order to function efficiently; some of these can be made by your body, but most of them need to be consumed regularly. You should aim to eat as broad a range of foods as possible; it can be difficult to achieve this on a student budget but here are some tips that might help you: Eat in season: Buy fresh produce that is in season as it will usually be much cheaper. Try local farmers' markets or cooperatives for fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. Ditch the takeaways: Fast food, takeaways, and convenience foods are handy on rare occasions, but relying on them daily can be expensive. Instead, perfect a few key recipes and cook your favourite meals from scratch to save money. Buy in bulk: Team up with your housemates and buy things like pasta, rice, and potatoes in bulk as these form the basis for many meals and are cheaper in larger quantities. Cook in bulk: Cooking can be pretty time consuming, so you can either take it in turns to cook for your housemates, or cook a big batch of something like chilli or curry and freeze portions for quick and easy meals throughout the week. Swap out some ingredients: To save money try swapping out some ingredients for cheaper ones. For example, lentils or soya mince can be used in place of minced beef in bolognaise sauce, chilli, or shepherd's pie; and chickpeas, cauliflower, or potato can take the place of chicken in a curry. Opt for tinned or frozen fruit and veg: Fresh produce can be expensive, but tinned or frozen fruit and vegetables are just as good for you but are much cheaper. In fact, frozen veg is actually said to contain more nutrients because of how quickly it is frozen after picking! Eat more eggs: Provided you don't have an egg allergy or intolerance, eggs make the perfect student food choice. One medium sized egg contains around 70 calories, and a great deal of the nutrients your body needs. Try omelettes, scrambled or poached eggs on toast, or a Spanish tortilla filled with potato and veg. For more tips on cooking and eating healthily on a student budget see our article ‘The Healthy Student's Guide to University Recipes' Be active Physical activity is pretty much a miracle cure for a wide variety of physical and mental afflictions. Whether you are suffering with a bad back, a lack of energy, depression, or low self-esteem, there's some form of exercise you can do that will help you to feel better. Being more physically active, whether you run, play badminton, dance, or do yoga, will have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing in the following ways: Weight loss and maintenance: Being more physically active helps you to burn unwanted calories and fat, and can lead to a slimmer, more toned physique. Healthier bones: Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running, and aerobics, helps to strengthen your bones and build muscle. Improved sleep: Those who are more active during the day typically find that they are better able to fall asleep, and wake feeling more rested. More energy: Exercise may make you feel fatigued at first, but over time your energy levels will increase and you'll feel much less lethargic. Better resistance to stress: The fitter you become, the better your body will become at regulating cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone released by your body in response to anxiety. High levels of cortisol over a prolonged period have been linked to health problems such as heart disease, lowered immunity, depression, and anxiety. Happier moods: Exercise changes your brain chemistry and releases endorphins, the ‘happy hormone' which can help to improve your mood and calm anxiety. Increased self-esteem: Exercising regularly means you'll feel fitter and healthier, you'll have more energy, and you'll feel less stressed, or better-able to cope with stress. All of this helps to improve your self-esteem and boost your confidence. Connecting with people: Going to an exercise class or playing a sport is a good way to meet new people to connect and interact with. Also, exercising with your existing friends is a good way to strengthen the relationship and keep each other motivated. Get outside Being outside during daylight hours can have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing. Exposure to sunlight enables your body to produce vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones and teeth, and for the regulation of the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from foods. Being outside when it's light also helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a form of depression that typically appears in the autumn and winter, and often disappears in the spring and summer. Symptoms of SAD include feelings of worthlessness and despair, lethargy and fatigue, persistent low mood, irritability, sleeping more and having trouble waking, and craving carbohydrates and gaining weight. If you suffer with SAD you should aim to get outside in the sun for at least 10 to 15 minutes per day. You could achieve this by walking home from lectures instead of taking the bus, sitting outside to eat your lunch, going for a run in the park with a friend, or sitting in your back garden with a book. Even if you don't suffer from SAD, being outdoors is good for the soul, especially if you can spend time around greenery like a park or garden. Listening to the sounds of nature can help you to relax and feel grounded when life gets hectic and overwhelming. Rest and sleep Sleep is when your body repairs and restores itself, so if you're not sleeping properly, your body can't rest and heal adequately. Getting too little sleep can leave you with no energy, unable to concentrate, and experiencing mood swings. This can then have an impact on your social relationships as well as affecting your ability to attend lectures and carry out other daily tasks effectively. Common sleep problems that people experience include: Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, waking in the night and being unable to fall asleep again, waking very early in the morning, or finding that sleep doesn't refresh you and you constantly feel tired. For more information see our article on ‘Dealing With Insomnia at University' Oversleeping: Sleeping more than your body needs doesn't have the same impact on your life as insomnia, but it can cause you to miss lectures or leave yourself with less time for studying and socialising. Nightmares and night terrors: A nightmare is more than a dream, it is intense and frightening, causing you to wake up and often leaving you feeling very scared. Night terrors occur during deep sleep and can cause people to sweat and scream and have difficulty waking from them. Sleep walking: Getting up in the night and carrying out activities whilst sleeping. It's not usually dangerous in itself, but there is a risk of tripping over, banging into things, or causing an accident depending on the activities attempted during the sleep walking. Sleep paralysis: Waking in the night but being unable to speak or move because the hormones have not yet reached the muscles. It can't harm you but it can be very scary and lead to anxiety about going back to sleep. There are a number of ways that you can try to improve your ability to fall asleep, and the quality of your sleep: Go to bed and wake at the same time: Try to go to bed at the same time and wake at the same time each day, even on weekends. At first you might struggle to fall asleep and may have difficulty waking with your alarm, but persevere and eventually your body's natural rhythm will reset and adjust. Establish a bedtime routine: Try to do the same things each evening before bed to relax your mind and body. It could be that you have a warm bath before bed, or maybe you would prefer to drink a warm cup of milk and read a book to relax. Gentle yoga stretches can also help you to wind down and get into sleep mode. Limit screen time before bed: The light from smartphone, tablet, and laptop screens can stimulate your brain, keeping it active and awake when you want the opposite to happen. Try to avoid using any of these devices for an hour before you go to bed; the same goes for the TV too. Cut down on alcohol, smoking, and drugs During times of stress, anxiety, or depression many people turn to alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to cope. However, any substance that has the ability to alter your brain's chemistry and affect your feelings and behaviours can have a big impact on your physical and mental wellbeing either immediately, or over time. Alcohol is a depressant, and it alters your brain chemicals. You may be in a good mood when you have that first drink, and you'll immediately feel a surge of confidence and self-esteem; but the more you drink the more the alcohol affects your brain, and it can actually bring negative emotions to the surface. Abusing alcohol on a regular basis can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety, and impede your overall wellbeing. Smoking and taking recreational drugs also affects your brain chemistry in a way that you can't control. Whether you become physically addicted to the substances you are ingesting, or it is more of a habitual addiction, relying on cigarettes or drugs can have a big impact on your wellbeing. How to cut down: Keep a diary: Make a note of when you get cravings for cigarettes, when you use drugs, or when you drink alcohol, and record how you're feeling and what you're doing at the time. This way you can notice any patterns and address them accordingly. Alternate drinks: On a night out, aim to alternate between alcoholic drinks and soft drinks. This will help to prevent you getting too drunk too quickly, and will also help to hydrate you and lessen the risk of a hangover. Hang out with different people: If your usual group of friends are all heavy drinkers, smokers, or recreational drug users, try to limit the amount of time you spend with them and hang out with a different group of friends instead to avoid temptation. Find alternative ways to relax: Rather than reaching for alcohol and drugs during times of stress or anxiety, try going for a walk or run, doing some yoga, reading a book, taking a bath, chatting with a friend on the phone, or meditating. Give something back Whether you volunteer and help out in the community, or do some random acts of kindness, giving something back to others can give you a greater sense of self-worth. Here are some great ways that you can give to others: Volunteer your time at a charity shop, community event, or soup kitchen. Visit an elderly neighbour and keep them company or do their shopping for them. Give a meaningful gift or send a thoughtful handwritten letter to a friend. Pay for the coffee of the person in front of you in the coffee shop queue. Stop and chat to a homeless person and offer to buy them breakfast. Whatever you choose to do, by giving back to others you are enriching their lives as well as your own. Knowing that you've done something nice for someone else without asking for anything in return will help you to feel fulfilled and calm. Depending on how you choose to give to others, you could also enrich your social networks too. Be mindful Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and paying attention to the little details of your day. Practising mindfulness can help with mental wellbeing and is particularly useful for those who suffer with anxiety and depression as it can help you to feel more grounded during low periods or panic attacks. If you're new to mindfulness and wondering where to start here are a few tips: Breathe: Oxygen is our life force, so sometimes it's beneficial for your mind and body if you just sit for five minutes and focus on doing some deep, controlled breathing. Breathe in slowly through the nose for a count of four, hold for two counts, and breathe out for a count of four through your nose. Repeat this a few times and you'll notice you can take deeper and deeper breaths and you'll feel much calmer and relaxed. Slow down: Stress occurs when you whizz through life and don't stop to savour it. Aim to have at least one meal per day where you eat slowly, enjoying each mouthful and focusing on nourishing your body, rather than quickly swallowing a sandwich on your way from one lecture to the next each day. Practise yoga: The ancient art of yoga has been practised for thousands of years, and is a great way to achieve mindfulness. It encourages you to align your breathing with your movement, focussing on moving from one posture to the next. For more tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life, see our article ‘Tips For Bringing Mindfulness Into Everyday Life' in which a number of leading yogis share their top tips for improving your wellbeing.

Reading between the Lines Poetry, Movies and Social Problems

Reading between the Lines Poetry, Movies and Social Problems What makes a man’s life different from the life of a wild beast is the fact that the former can learn the valuable lessons which h is being taught as the life goes on. It is not necessarily that these lessons must be the result of the man’s life, on the contrary – it is preferable that one should learn on the mistakes of the others.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reading between the Lines: Poetry, Movies and Social Problems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is also art that people can have valuable experience from. Learning the priceless lessons given to them by the authors of the poems, novels and movies, people understand that there are things which they have to take for granted. Not to repeat the mistakes of the others, we begin acting the way which was inspired by the authors of the pieces of art. Morning by Pablo Neruda: Rising with the Sun, Aching with the Moon One of such pieces is th e poem by Pablo Neruda called Morning. Neruda managed to snatch a part of people’s life and put it into several precise and sharp lines. The perfection is what the poet tried to seize with the magic word of his, comparing the rising sun with the rising beauty of a woman. The unceasing string of comparisons is cleaving the poem, picturing the natural beauty of a woman as the beauty of the world at dawn, comparing the marvelous sight with the wonders of the nature which a man is only about to explore, and which he never will, for they are far too beautiful – and too simple and too complicated at once for the civilized mind. The world beyond the artificial is what Neruda tried to embrace, letting the readers peep at the perfection of the beauty itself. However, it is not only art for the sake of art which Neruda is pursuing in the poem. He is also trying to convey the beauty of the country which he is living in, trying to make the readers see the worthiness of the lands w hich they inhabit. The way Neruda makes a woman and the land some so close to each other, almost merging and fusing, is truly incredible. Perhaps, he wants to show that the earth is a woman indeed, aching of the grief which people have caused her, yet willing to warm the hearts of her own children, the people who are trampling her and feeling the warmth of her heart with their feet. Neruda describes the beauty of the nature with all talent of his, so vivid that it calls tears to people’s eyes. The second important thing to learn from the poem is that people are all children of the earth, and thus, there is no need in tormenting the poor mother with wars and unceasing grief. It is high time to leave in peace. The earth is crying for calm life.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda: What Is There within? People’s craving for love is truly unexplainable, yet the desire to find the destined part of one’s world is the cry which can be heard in every poem veer written. The lyrical poems are so specific that one can barely touch tem, the current running down them as if they were livewires. The Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda is no exception. What is the poem speaking of? – Well, love, of course, the love everlasting and lasting only a couple of moments, t fire which is burning one’s heart down to the ground and which raises the soul to the ecstatic seventh heaven. Unlike the rest of the poets, Neruda does not try to depict his bellowed in the most impressive light, making it clear that love shines the heavenly light on the face most usual, brightening it for the fallen in love, but leaving it unchanged for the by-passers. Thus, Neruda teaches us that love, a cruel blind lady, is a magician as well, making the roses grow where only the thorns used to. The stars in the eyes of the soul mate can be invisible for the others, but the person destined can see them eve through the mist of tears. One more important thing to learn from the poem by Neruda is the idea that the tow people once fallen in love become one, creature which lives in another dimension, different from the rest of the world. The land of a fairy tale is where love takes the two and, once united, the people in le are bound to have their hearts intertwined for the rest of their lives. The loyalty is the second important lesson which the poem teaches the audience. The United Fruit Company by Pablo Neruda: Trading Things and Feelings Each of us has probably felt once a part of the country where he or she is living in, suffering the losses which the country did and feeling the pain which the country felt. A poet and a patriot, Neruda was so tuned with the country of his that he could not but speak of the events which took place in there, and this resulted in a poem called Canto General. A piece of this great work cal led United Fruit Co. was telling the story of the famous rebel Ernesto Che Guevara and the ways in which he managed to bring the regime down and make the country breathe freely. Neruda’s poem gives sufficient food for thoughts. Indeed, the striking talent of his has been shown in the most explicit way. However hard it was for the poet to rake over the past evens, he managed to depict the rebellion in a vivid and picturesque way. The events of the rebellion have been carved in the memory of people since. The important lesson learned from the poem is that whatever a man could feel or think about the country which he was born in, the homeland will always stay an integral part of him, his heart and soul. Whenever there is a danger crawling to approach the land of the forefathers, the call of the home will make people stand up against the enemies and fight. So bright were the invaders which brought the land down depicted that every single man reading the poem felt that he needs to protect the country from the aggressors.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reading between the Lines: Poetry, Movies and Social Problems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The second important thing to draw from the poem is that there is always the way out from the situation, however desperate it could seem. The only thing one should remember is never to give up, the fight is won only as the last foe has been brought down to his knees. This is a man’s world, after all, the world of battles and fighting for freedom and justice. The Anatomy of a Decision by Jason Van Steenwyk: Anatomizing the Will What makes people take this or that decision? What are they motivated as they make a certain step? These and some other questions are being answered in Jason Van Steenwyk’s The Anatomy of a Decision. Setting the military background and describing a typical army and its typical members, man-units, the author manage s to show the importance of making a choice, and explain what makes people take certain step toward their destiny. One of the most valuable lessons which one can take from the novel is, perhaps, the one of being able to make a decision. It is all about not to hesitate when what the circumstances demand contradicts the moral norms and rules once set for a man. Following one’s own heart is more important than putting someone else’s order into practice, Steenwyk shows. Staying a human while such is the environment that it is easier to become a beats which follows what has been ordered is the lesson which the author teaches his audience. Next to the idea of humanity lies the vision of the war. In spite of the fact that there have been a plenty of books written about the war in Iraq, and many films on the topic have been shot, none makes the war seem the way which Steenyk suggests. He must be the first who showed how useless and cruel the war was, and that the political rea sons of the war had nothing to do with the noble feelings which called people to fight in the war. However sad it is to acknowledge, none of the wars was worth the lives which were spared in the battles. At Night Iraq by Michael Bautista: Beyond the Daylight Another idea of what was happening during the notorious Iraq war is represented in At Night Iraq. Michael Bautista narrows his vision of the Iraq war to a single night, which is supposed to be a focus of what the people of Iraq are and what the life in the country is like. In contrast to the popular idea that fear and chaos are at reign in the country, with people inhabiting it being most hostile and unfriendly, Bautista shows the Iraq family which treats an American soldier as a guest. The members of the family shatter the man’s idea of what the people of Iraq are and what the purpose of the war is. The war itself loses the very idea, since the people whom the soldiers are fighting wit seem nothing in common with the ima ge of a daring rebel created by God only knows whom and existing God only knows why in the minds of the soldiers who were fighting with the Iraq army. One of the things which the story teaches the readers is the idea that the war itself is useless, since it is unnatural for people to kill each other. The molecules which the mankind is made of are all the same and thus the people who spare their lives killing each other are actually doing the things which contradict their own nature. However, the people who started war do not care about such trifle – this is the profit which pushes them to the further military actions.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One more social lesson to learn from the novel is the different traditions and customs of various nations. What passes for god manners in the United States might be considered rudeness in the eastern countries, and vice versa. The culture clash is often the root of the problems which emerge in the process of different nations socializing. It is necessary to take into consideration the customs of the country which one is talking to, especially if the situation is far from being non-confrontational. In cases of conflict, there is nothing worse than ignoring the cultural values of the opponent country. Tolerance must be the principle of a dialogue between nations. The Lifelong Accident: the Movie Crash Because of the misunderstandings constantly arising between people, the world seems such a lost place, with all misconceptions messed into a single mass which people are doomed to entangle till the rest of their lives. However, perhaps this is the very thing which makes people’s l ife so intriguing. Describing the lives of a bunch of people, the movie itself is a block of flats where different people live their own lives, and watching the movie reminds of peeping in the windows of this block, watching secretly the lives of all these people. Different scenes of Los Angeles life, starting from an ordinary family where a district attorney is trying to come to terms with his irritated wife, tired of constant conflicts, creates an image of a typical white collar, up to the scourges of society trying to make their profit stealing cars and selling them to the same mishaps of people as they are. One of the core issues of the movie, the social aspect which is naturally haunting the movie, is the idea that all these social layers are interwoven into a solid life pattern. Without a single element of the chain, however minor it could seem, the whole construction is brought down. The life of every singe human being is priceless; it is to be appreciated more than the riche s of the world taken all together. Only understanding this idea, one can become a decent part of the society. All the problems starting from divorces and ending with wars and catastrophes are the result of this simple truth unaccepted by some people. Another important thing to learn from the film is that the situation still can be handled. While a man has the wish and the power to change, the chances are not lost yet. Staying humane when the environment is far from being peaceful and unclouded is the idea of the movie which one should understand and take into the life pattern. Unless people find a place in their hearts for the ones surrounding them, the problems haunting the society will remain in their places. Conclusion In conclusion, it is necessary to say that the postulates of humanity which people are told from the pages of books and the screens of their TV-sets are not to be ignored and neglected. Each of them is a peace of wisdom which people need so much in our times. When everything around is a mess, the presence of some moral guidelines is vital, and the literature and movies are the sources which people can take the ideas from. The wisdom which the authors speak to the grateful audience is the core of the peaceful environment which people are craving for. Whatever the troubles pouring on the people might be, the need to stay humane and susceptible to the feelings of the others. Society has always been haunted by numerous problems. As Crabb noticed, â€Å"It requires little insight to conclude that something is wrong with people. The human machine has got its wires crossed somewhere.† (78) However, it is up to people to make a change to the world and turn it into a place where every single man can feel free and happy. In spite of the fact that this might seem another utopia, the idea of the relationship based on a humane approach and the trust in people is better than leading constant was, either explicit or hidden, conflicts brewing within t he society. With such approach, the hope that the world will change for better seems no longer a mirage. Turning into a goal, though distant yet quite possible to achieve the idea of common well-being and the environment free of wars and confrontations becomes another stage of the mankind’s development. What people are to do now is to try to achieve this stage. The lessons learnt from the work of the great will be of great use on the way to perfection. Crabb, Lawrence and Larry Crabb. Understanding People: Deep Longings for  Relationship. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987. Print.

The brand perception impact of advertising for Starbucks Company Essay - 1

The brand perception impact of advertising for Starbucks Company - Essay Example This essay "The brand perception impact of advertising for Starbucks Company" analyze Starbucks's brand personality. Brand perÃ'•onality iÃ'• an attractive and appealing concept in the marketing of today. Aaker deÃ'•cribed it aÃ'• one of the core dimenÃ'•ionÃ'• of the brand identity and perhapÃ'• aÃ'• the cloÃ'•eÃ'•t variable to the conÃ'•umerÃ'•' deciÃ'•ion making proceÃ'•Ã'• on buying. The perÃ'•onality idea reÃ'•pondÃ'• to the tendency in contemporary Ã'•ociety to value perÃ'•onal relationÃ'•hipÃ'•. It alÃ'•o referÃ'• to the idea that relationÃ'•hipÃ'• are important in Ã'•ocial life. In termÃ'• of MaÃ'•low'Ã'• hierarchy of needÃ'•, it trieÃ'• to lift productÃ'• to higher levelÃ'• of need Ã'•atiÃ'•faction, like belongingneÃ'•Ã'•, love and eÃ'•teem. Brand perÃ'•onalitieÃ'• are created in different wayÃ'• and with different toolÃ'•. The creation alwayÃ'• involveÃ'• active communicationÃ'• on t he Ã'•ide of the firm: the perÃ'•onality haÃ'• to be diÃ'•Ã'•eminated to be alive. Brand equity reÃ'•earch iÃ'• an attempt to put a value on the Ã'•trength of a brand in the market, in the Ã'•ame way that the Ã'•hareÃ'•/Ã'•tockÃ'• put a value on the Ã'•trength of the corporation in the eyeÃ'• of the inveÃ'•torÃ'•. Indeed, brand equity reÃ'•earch haÃ'• Ã'•hown that the two are related – the growth in brand equity correlateÃ'• with the growth in Ã'•tock valueÃ'•, and alÃ'•o Ã'•aleÃ'•, profitÃ'•, price premiumÃ'• and employee Ã'•atiÃ'•faction. The brand equity reÃ'•earch haÃ'• two elementÃ'•: brand profiling – where your brand and itÃ'• competitorÃ'• are profiled againÃ'•t a Ã'•et of indicatorÃ'• and attributeÃ'•. The indicatorÃ'• are uÃ'•ually fixed within the model, but attributeÃ'• may be Ã'•pecific to the brand or itÃ'• category.