Premarital Sex Essays (3174 words) - Sexuality And Religion, Mating

Premarital Sex Premarital Sex and Religion The Catholic Church teaches that premarital sex is wrong, yet it is still widely practiced around the world. The reason marriage was created was to join two people of the opposite sex together in a holy sacrament that would make the couple one. Gods reason for marriage is quoted in the bible when he said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh . The Sacrament of marriage is one of the most sacred Sacraments in the Catholic Religion. By performing premarital sex, the couple is breaking a covenant with God and is performing a sin. Marriage is the joining of a couple in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the State. When two people are joined into marriage they become on in flesh and one spirit. Sexual intercourse within marriage is for this reason good and of great blessing both to the couple, to the family and to the church. However, outside of marriage it creates a conflict of body and soul. This conflict may not at first be evident but later it can result it real soul damage occurring between the two people involved. God tells us that we should control out bodies and our lusting, It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in a passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God1. By performing premarital sex we are abusing our bodies and our souls. The pain that premarital sex puts on us is very evident. Physically premarital sex can lead to many things, such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other things that accompany premarital sex. Mentally premarital sex also hurts. Our bond with God is ruined, we lose contact with God and we are no longer part of the Church. Premarital sex goes against Gods law so our relationship with God is destroyed. Penance can heal our relationship with God, but the emotional ties that go along with premarital sex can hurt a person for life. Many couples that have premarital sex often do not stay together in marriage. Many people have strong emotional hardships that they go through after having premarital sex. Premarital sex doesnt just lead to sin; it leads to a separation of God and your family and friends. Sex is the sacred sigh of the covenant with God, when a couple has sex they are sealing the covenant with God. Breaking this sign of the covenant is one of the most harmful sins that we as a people can expose ourselves to. In order for us to enter into heaven God says But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity...because these are improper for God's holy people.1 Breaking the sign of the covenant with God is breaking Gods law and going against everything God wants for us. God doesnt ask much from us considering all that he has given us, he asks us only to follow his laws, in Jesus said, If you love me, you will obey what I command.1 Premarital sex goes against Gods command and ruins our relationship with him. Since the time of Christ, Christians have thought premarital sex to be a sin. Ancient Christians use to believe that marriage was a second rate choice but if one lacked self control, he had to take such a choice2 The ancient Christians were saying that if someone couldnt control themselves sexually without abstaining from sex until marriage then they were forced into marriage. Marriage was not looked upon as a good thing; so many Christians abstained from premarital sex in order not to marry. Early Christians also thought, sex was something unclean, something vile, to be avoided.2 This notion helped early Christians to abstain from premarital sex. The Churchmen of this time were very against premarital sex. The thought an early marriage were often looked upon as a sign of an evil, uncontrollable temperance2 So premarital sex was

Free Essays on The Men We Carry In Our Minds

â€Å"The Men We Carry in Our Minds† By: Scott Russel Sanders Sanders’ vision of early manhood mainly focused on two twin poles: â€Å"toilers† and â€Å"bosses,† along with â€Å"warriors,† which was the third category, which also had a great impact on the formation of his ideas. Sanders’ was a poor boy and was granted the opportunity to experience the differences between two societies. The first society was full of men who aspired to careers he only dreamt of and read in novels, and the second was one limited to the fate of becoming â€Å"toilers† and â€Å"warriors.† Apart from these three classes of men the only other image he had was that of his father. Sanders’ father was an exception to society, having worked his way up the ladder. He escaped the fate of slaving over red dirt farms to eventually working in a front desk sporting a white shirt and tie. Seeing how his father excelled, he too yearned for a position in the thinking world: for they had a say in the future. Like most of his friends’ fathers, their occupation was that of a â€Å"toiler.† A â€Å"toiler,† is described as a twisted and maimed animal. Toilers worked under conditions and environments so ghastly that one would flee just at the thought. They were men pertaining to the lower class, who knew only of manual labor, rising before the light, and working a 24 hour, 7 day a week shift. Their positions mainly consisted of farmers, tire builders, construction workers, coal miners, oil diggers and many other strenuous occupations that jeopardized their health. They mainly suffered from hearing impairment, lost fingers, finicky backs, hernias, scarred hands, and deep coughs. They were a class of men Sanders dreaded to become, who at the end of the day turned to cigarettes and cheap wine or whisky to drown their sorrows. The other category of men Sanders knew of was that of â€Å"warriors.† As he describes, they were a class of men who did not... Free Essays on The Men We Carry In Our Minds Free Essays on The Men We Carry In Our Minds â€Å"The Men We Carry in Our Minds† By: Scott Russel Sanders Sanders’ vision of early manhood mainly focused on two twin poles: â€Å"toilers† and â€Å"bosses,† along with â€Å"warriors,† which was the third category, which also had a great impact on the formation of his ideas. Sanders’ was a poor boy and was granted the opportunity to experience the differences between two societies. The first society was full of men who aspired to careers he only dreamt of and read in novels, and the second was one limited to the fate of becoming â€Å"toilers† and â€Å"warriors.† Apart from these three classes of men the only other image he had was that of his father. Sanders’ father was an exception to society, having worked his way up the ladder. He escaped the fate of slaving over red dirt farms to eventually working in a front desk sporting a white shirt and tie. Seeing how his father excelled, he too yearned for a position in the thinking world: for they had a say in the future. Like most of his friends’ fathers, their occupation was that of a â€Å"toiler.† A â€Å"toiler,† is described as a twisted and maimed animal. Toilers worked under conditions and environments so ghastly that one would flee just at the thought. They were men pertaining to the lower class, who knew only of manual labor, rising before the light, and working a 24 hour, 7 day a week shift. Their positions mainly consisted of farmers, tire builders, construction workers, coal miners, oil diggers and many other strenuous occupations that jeopardized their health. They mainly suffered from hearing impairment, lost fingers, finicky backs, hernias, scarred hands, and deep coughs. They were a class of men Sanders dreaded to become, who at the end of the day turned to cigarettes and cheap wine or whisky to drown their sorrows. The other category of men Sanders knew of was that of â€Å"warriors.† As he describes, they were a class of men who did not...

A Study On Brand Identity Marketing Essay

A Study On Brand Identity Marketing Essay Yes, because Microsoft is by far one of the most powerful companies in the world. When we X Box, just by nature we think of the name Microsoft that has now become a household name. There is an essay attached that I had that explains this further What makes people buy one product or service over another? The answer lies in the persuasive power of marketing communications – advertising, public relations, direct marketing and e marketing – working together to achieve a desired result. To remain viable in today’s marketplace, many organizations have integrated their unique corporate culture, values and innovations into their brand identity. Rather than stand alone as a faceless structure, this new wave of companies imparts personality into their brands. This more personal brand message further distinguishes products and services from those of their competitors. A consumer who feels kinship with an organization’s core identity is likely to remain loyal to that organization’s products or services — a loyalty unshaken even by intense competition. The most persuasive and powerful tool to achieve this is branding. Identity is branding. It is has been around as long as human beings have organized themselves. Countries identify themselves with flags and uniforms. Families use crests. Product branding is found on ancient vases with the symbol of the craftsmen that created them, and cattle in the west were â€Å"branded† with the symbol of the ranch. Brand is the proprietary visual, emotional, rational, and cultural image that you associate with a company or a product. When you think Volvo, you might think safety. When you think Nike, you might think of Michael Jordan or â€Å"Just Do It.† When you think IBM, you might think â€Å"Big Blue.† The fact that you remember the brand name and have positive associations with that brand makes your product selection easier and enhances the value and satisfaction you get from the product. Brand identity includes brand names, logos, positioning, brand associations, and brand personality. A good brand name gives a good first impression and evokes positive associations with the brand. A positioning statement tells, in one sentence, what business the company is in, what benefits it provides and why it is better than the competition. The first thing we recognise when we talk about brands is that they are not just names, terms, symbols, designs or combinations of these, although it is true to say that such things can differentiate certain products and companies from others. The additional ingredient that makes a successful brand is personality. Today’s leading brands are personalities in their own right and are well known in all societies and cultures as film heroes, cartoon characters, sports stars or great leaders. For today’s business the brand comes in the form of a logo. The secret to successful branding is to influence the way in whic h people perceive the company or product, and brands can affect the minds of customers by appealing to those four mind functions, or combinations of them. Some brands appeal to the rational part of a person, to the elements of logic and good sense (the thinking dimension) such as toothpaste, which prevents decay and cholesterol-free foods. Others appeal to the senses of smell, taste, sight and sound such as fashion and cosmetic products.

Gay Marriage Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gay Marriage - Research Paper Example The reasons for my belief will be discuss thoroughly in the following pages. But before that discussion, I shall present the history of gay marriage in America and the controversial landmark ruling of the Supreme Court regarding the legalization of gay marriage in San Francisco back in 2004. I shall have discussions regarding how countries such as the Netherlands have already recognized that these unions are valid and carry specific economic benefits for all concerned. I will touch upon the fact that 19 states beginning with New York, San Francisco, and Massachusetts, including California have already passed state laws legally recognizing these unions. It is my belief that our national laws and policies must be revised to follow suit or else it will fall behind the times and become irrelevant in our future societies. I will prove that in the long run, gay marriage is exactly what we need in order to cure certain problems within the psyche of our nation. In America, the first document ed case of gay marriage license application dates back to 1967 when Michael McConnel and Richard John Baker applied for an Oklahoma marriage license. This was the time of the Stonewall Riots and a huge wave of change was taking over the gay and lesbian communities. (Eskridge & Spedale 5). The Stonewall riots were taken by the gay and lesbian community as a chance to have: ... marched out of their closets and challenged their outlaw status. Lesbian and gay activists insisted that the state should no longer treat them as presumptive criminals and should instead, treat them the same as it treated straight citizens. This was the first time that the once hidden in the shadows issue of gay marriage came to the forefront of a public debate that would run for over 30 years. The state was now in a precarious position. Do they allow the re-definition of marriage as also covering same sex couples or not? Marriage had always been defined as a union between a man and a woman for decades. Now tha t definition was being challenged and the state felt a need to protect the sanctity of marriage as defined by their understanding of the law. And that is exactly what the state legislators did. But true love will never be denied. To this day, in the states where gay marriage is not yet recognized, they continue to have life bonding commitment ceremonies and construct families by conceiving children through artificial means. They are in fact, leading the normal life of any traditional couple. However prude that the United States proved to be, other countries during the same time frame were already recognizing the rights of gay couples and treating them with the normalcy that they so deserved as citizens of their country. Denmark and Sweden were the first countries to allow and recognize same sex unions. In fact Denmark is noted as, in 1989, having been the first country to: ...enact a law enacting (almost) all the rights of marriage to same sex couples. These unions, were called regi stered partnerships. ((Eskridge & Spedale 5) Due to the approval of this law in Denmark, there was an influx of gay couples into the country coming from other countries like the United States, who took advantage of the law by registering and residing in Denmark as same sex couples. As an institution, marriage by definition has been challenged and revised by same sex couples across the globe over the past decades. Although not

WSJ Analysis Number 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

WSJ Analysis Number 3 - Essay Example A small percentage of women report, according to the article, a lower level of interest in sexual practices, but hold a doubt in whether or not such a lack of interest would even be considered a medical condition of sorts. Despite whatever benefits may to be had of the patch, whatever risk factors for illness remain the primary consideration for those who seek to decide whether or not it will get federal approval for public usage. Federal regulators have stated that in order to achieve approval for the public, they would in fact require a larger test study to be done with a great level of participants in order to better assess the level of effects after using the hormone treatment. At the time, Procter and Gamble had yet to say whether or not they would go about getting the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other related drugs for the use of aiding female sexual behavioral patterns do not seem to be on a path either towards approval by any approving body. For any form of drug to be approved, such agencies are given the task of giving the approval needed for customer consumption and use. In this case, the FDA is placed with the task of approving the drug. Without it, the company is unable to legally market the drug to the public in such a manner. For many men, as well as women, the inability to truly enjoy sexual relations with those who have been chosen can be quite unfortunate. As it is natures way to have a time in life to where women enter the period of menopause, that can in many ways impede upon the truly enjoyable nature that comes from engaging in intimate practices with spouses or lovers. For these, as well as other drugs, the approval of organizations such as the FDA, is very important for many reasons. While crucial for the ability to market them in the first place, they are also important to those who

Drug Abuse Essay Example for Free

Drug Abuse Essay The first edition of the report on ‘drug abuse’ has been made by our group to give an idea of the calamitous cause of using drugs in improper way. The report is intended to serve the purpose of providing the knowledge about drug abuse and to suggest ways to help limit drug abuse. An effort has been made on our part to include certain symptoms which indicate drug abuse. Also throughout the report, repetitive use of the drug abuse’ has been made to instate into the minds of the reader the cause of using drug abuse in an illicit manner The selection of the topic ‘Drug Abuse’ has been made in order to remind us of the menace of drug abuse. We live in a world where speed is the name of the game. A world where we cannot halt even for second or someone else will zip fast us to take our place. People say that it is a beautiful world if only we take time to look around. But a world has turn into a place where humanity cannot survive, only steel can. In this fast paced, ruthless, aggressive environment, there are easy ways out. Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, are some of the most popular substances abused by people in order to include a false sense of peace, to provide a short but powerful release from the worries and troubles of their daily lives to provide a means of escape from the harsh realities of life. This report is intended to be a reminder to such folk who have let their life be washed away by drugs. In the following report, we discuss the various aspects of drug abuse. Ranging from its impact on the younger generation to the way if affects the fields of competitive sports, we presents a comprehensive survey on the topic of drug abuse. Also discussed are the physical effects caused by excessive use of drugs. Drugs like â€Å"charas† and its derivatives â€Å"bhang† have a long history of use in Indian mythology and tradition. Popular television shows, pop culture, music’s, video represents the medium through which children are influenced today. Abuse of narcotic and psychoactive stimulants  forms the core of most popular music videos. Parties in metropolitan cities today are not concluded without the customary party drugs. Available easily on the street, at rates not affected by inflation, drugs are among the most harmful items on any individual’s shopping list. In the following report, an attempt has been made to discuss the causes cure for drug abuse. This report is intended for all audiences. Acknowledgment We would like to express our gratitude to our guide and mentor Prof.Santosh Bhagat , PCT in charge , who over the past semester has guided, corrected and provided us with necessary direction whenever the need arose. But for his invaluable guidance, illuminating discussion and constant encouragement, our report would have been a distant dream. We would also like to thank Mrs. Kalyani, for her unique way of teaching us and arousing our interest towards the finer points of communication skills and report writing. Also we would like to thank all those who co-operated with us and gave their invaluable inputs, advice and suggestion to the making of this report Summary Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In the sense of consuming illicit drugs like cocaine or overdose of soft drug in the medicine like crocin. Drug abuse also includes the administration of drugs by athletes to enhance their ability in the respective sport. Drug abuse can not only endanger the physical balance of the body, but also it disturbs the stability of the society. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the  individual who is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient’s drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And, as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal failure—rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated, adjusted, or that alternate treatment is needed to help the individual regain control and recover. However, the main motive of the text is to minimize drug abuse. The message maintained throughout the text is to be confident in oneself and not to resort to drugs through ones phase of glum. The key is to beat drug abuse is not vigilance. It is will power, confidence and the strength of human spirit. Introduction â€Å"I’m so happy because today I’ve found my friends; They’re in my head, I’m so ugly, but that’s okay, cause so are you; We’ve broken our mirrors, Sunday morning is every day for all I care; And I’m not scared, Light my candles; In a daze, cause I’ve found GOD† -Kurt cobain, Nirvana These lyrics made into wonderful song by the band nirvana express the feelings of a person who has just administered cocaine, a drug that capsizes the human ability to think. This person is very happy with his life. All his problems seem like daze to him. He is rid of all mortal aspects of life. Then isn’t this is a wonderful experience? Well this experience caused due to administration of certain illicit drugs is called is high. This ‘high† enables the person to reach mental level of peace and calm. However, as sir Newton said â€Å"what goes up must come down .and the higher it goes the hardest it falls.â€Å" The person who administered the drug experiences a feeling known as the crash, wherein he enters into gloomy state of depression. This state of depression doesn’t leave the person till he administers the drug back again. This in turn makes the person addicted towards the drug and thus makes the person abuse drug furthermore. When an individual begins to abuse drugs, the whole family is affected. Depending on the severity of the addiction, they may begin to steal or borrow money from the family, act strange and spend days living on the street. The only thing that is important is how they will get their next high. There may be conflicts in the family about how to treat this individual. Some may continue to support him while others adopt a tough love strategy. It is difficult to know what to do, and heartbreaking to see an  individual become a slave to a drug. The recent incidents of drunken driving causing severe facilities on Indian roads are considered by many as concrete evidence of drug abuse among minor, and also as a case of severe indifference and neglect among their parents. Now, drug abuse is turning into a menace that has engulfed the world. Let’s fight collectively against this menace. Let’s learn about drug abuse. What is really means and how one can conquer it. What is drug abuse? Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. The term drug abuse does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in non medical contexts. The terms have a huge range of definitions related to taking a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect. All of these definitions imply a negative judgment of the drug use in question (compare with the term responsible drug use for alternative views). Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methaqualone, and opioids. Use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdiction. Other definitions of drug abuse fall into four main categories: public health definitions, mass communication and vernacular usage, medical definitions, and political and criminal justice definitions. Drug addiction is when you become dependent on a drug, and it forms a central part of your life. Misusing drugs can lead to physical dependency, or psychological dependency. Physical dependency means that your body has become so used to a drug that you get physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. This means that you have to keep taking the drug to stop yourself feeling ill. Psychological dependency means that you take the drug because it has formed a large part of your life, and you take it to make yourself feel good. You may feel that you cannot stop taking the drug, even though you are  not physically dependant. Some drugs can make you both physically and psychologically dependent. As you take more of a drug, your body becomes tolerant to it so it does not have such a strong effect. This means that you need to take larger amounts to get the same effect as when you started taking it. Drug misuse is when you take illegal drugs, or when you take medicines in a way not recommended by your doctor or the manufacturer. Taking medicines in very large quantities that are dangerous to your health is also an example of drug misuse. Examples of drugs that are commonly misused include: Illegal drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Prescribed medicines including painkillers, sleeping tablets, and cold remedies, khat (a leaf that is chewed over several hours), and Glues, aerosols, gases and solvents. What happens to your brain when you take drugs? Drugs are chemicals that tap into the brains communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. There are at least two ways that drugs are able to do this: (1) by imitating the brains natural chemical messengers, and/or (2) by over stimulating the reward circuit of the brain. Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, have a similar structure to chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, which are naturally produced by the brain. Because of this similarity, these drugs are able to fool the brains receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal messages. Other drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message that ultimately disrupts normal communication patterns. Nearly all drugs, directly or indirectly, target the brains reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The over stimulation of this system, which normally responds to natural behaviors that are linked to survival (eating, spending time with loved ones, etc), produces euphoric effects in response to the drugs. This reaction sets in motion a pattern that teaches people to repeat the behavior of abusing drugs. As a person continues to abuse drugs, the brain adapts to the overwhelming surges in dopamine by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of dopamine receptors in the reward circuit. As a result, dopamines impact on the reward circuit is lessened, reducing the abusers ability to enjoy the drugs and the things that previously brought pleasure. This decrease compels those addicted to drugs to keep abusing drugs in order to attempt to bring their dopamine function back to normal. And, they may now require larger amounts of the drug than they first did to achieve the dopamine high an effect known as tolerance. Long-term abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that influences the reward circuit and the ability to learn. When the optimal concentration of glutamate is altered by drug abuse, the brain attempts to compensate, which can impair cognitive function. Drugs of abuse facilitate no conscious  (conditioned) learning, which leads the user to experience uncontrollable cravings when they see a place or person they associate with the drug experience, even when the drug itself is not available. Brain imaging studies of drug-addicted individuals show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision making, learning and memory, and behavior control. Together, these changes can drive an abuser to seek out and take drugs compulsively despite adverse consequences in other words, to become addicted to drugs. Why do some people become addicted, while others do not? No single factor can predict whether or not a person will become addicted to drugs. Risk for addiction is influenced by a persons biology, social environment, and age or stage of development. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example: Biology: The genes that people are born with in combination with environmental influences account for about half of their addiction vulnerability. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may influence risk for drug abuse and addiction. Environment:. A persons environment includes many different influences from family and friends to socioeconomic status and quality of life in general. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, stress, and parental involvement can greatly influence the course of drug abuse and addiction in a persons life. Development: Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a persons life to affect addiction vulnerability, and adolescents experience a double challenge. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it is to progress to more serious abuse. And because adolescents brains are still developing in the areas that govern decision making, judgment, and self-control, they are especially prone to risk-taking  behaviors, including trying drugs of abuse. Spiritual usage of cannabis (charas) in Indian history and tradition Cannabis was used in Hindu culture as early as 1500 BCE, and its ancient use is confirmed within the Vedas (Sama Veda, Rig Veda, and Atharva Veda). There are three types of cannabis used in India. The first, Bhang, consists of the leaves and plant tops of the marijuana plant. It is usually consumed as an infusion in beverage form, and varies in strength according to how much Cannabis is used in the preparation. The second, Ganja, consisting of the leaves and the plant tops, is smoked. The third, called Charas or Hashish, consists of the resinous buds and/or extracted resin from the leaves of the marijuana plant. Typically, Bhang is the most commonly used form of cannabis in religious festivals. Connection of ganja with the worship of shiva Cannabis or ganja is associated with worship of the Hindu deity Shiva, who is popularly believed to like the hemp plant. Bhang is offered to Shiva images, especially on Shivratri festival. This practice is particularly witnessed at temples of Benares, Baidynath and Tarakeswar. Bhang is not only offered to the deity, but also consumed by Shaivite (sect of Shiva) yogis. Charas is smoked by some Shaivite devotees and cannabis itself is seen as a gift (prasad, or offering) to Shiva to aid in sadhana. Some of the wandering ascetics in India known as sadhus smoke charas out of a clay chillum. During the Hindu festival of Holi, people consume a drink called bhang which contains cannabis flowers.[33][35] According to one description, when the elixir of life was produced from the churning of the ocean by the devas and the asuras, Shiva created cannabis from his own body to purify the elixir (whence, for cannabis, the epithet angaja or body-born). Another account suggests that the cannabis plant sprang when a drop of the elixir dropped on the ground. Thus, cannabis is used by sages due to association with elixir and Shiva. Wise drinking of bhang, according to religious rites, is believed to cleanse sins, unite one with Shiva and  avoid the miseries of hell in the after-life. In contrast, foolish drinking of bhang without rites is considered a sin. Regarding Buddhism, the fifth precept is to abstain from wines, liquors and intoxicants that cause heedessness. Most interpretations of the fifth precept would therfore include all forms of cannabis amongst the intoxicants that a Buddhist should abstain from consuming. However, the Buddhist precepts are guidelines whose purpose is to encourage a moral lifestyle rather than being strict religious commandments, and some lay practitioners of Buddhism may choose to consume cannabis and other mild intoxicants occasionally. Cannabis and some other psychoactive plants are specifically prescribed in the MahÄ kÄ la Tantra for medicinal purposes. However, Tantra is an esoteric teaching of Buddhism not generally accepted by most other forms of Buddhism. Drug Abuse Effects Drug abuse effects include damage to the physical, emotional, and psychological parts of the body. In addition, they compromise the social aspects of regular family, friends and job-related relationships. Drug abuse effects involve the physical body extensively and according to the kind of drugs that are used. Drug abuse effects injure the brain in a variety of ways, including: Hallucinations Mood swings Chemical imbalances Over-stimulation of dopamine (the pleasure center) Disruption of regular sleep/wake patterns Anxiety and nervous system stimulation These injuries impede regular brain processing mechanisms. They block the pathways and make the process of decision-making harder. Drug abuse effects cause lapses in memory and exaggerate reactions to events. Effects also include failing to respond to consequences and events in the environment. When someone is preoccupied with the effects of the drug or is focused on the pleasure center of the brain, they fail to notice anything else. Drug Abuse Effects and Stress Management Coping well with stressors is based on the ability to find options to obstacles. This requires observation, patience and reasoning ability. All of these coping mechanisms are compromised due to drug abuse effects. Specifically, they make stress management difficult because they: Encourage a lack of impulse control Alter the perception of events Block the ability to make sound judgments Promote oblivion; the tendency to focus on the sensations of the high to the extreme Trigger knee-jerk reactions Stimulate frustration and anger responses Other drug abuse effects encompass an array of unexpected and serious symptoms: Users of cocaine and crack experience a crash in mood elevation after the effects of the drug wear off. The crash is described as feelings of depression, craving for more of the drug, emptiness and irritability. These drug abuse effects are the prerequisite conditions to the addiction. More of  the drug is used to get rid of the negative feelings produced by the crash. Some drug abuse effects spur flashbacks. These episodes are spontaneous recurring instances similar to the high produced by the drug except that they occur at a time when the drug was not in use. Most drug abuse effects are the symptoms of withdrawal. These include poor physical coordination, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, muscle spasms and abdominal cramping. More severe drug abuse effects can be caused by the transfer of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases from person to person by sharing needles and syringes. The most devastating drug abuse effects are overdoses. Overdoses occur when people do not know how much of the drug the body can accept at one time and when increased amounts of the drug are injected or ingested in order to produce the same intensity of drug abuse effects. Effects of Drug Addiction It is often difficult with drug and alcohol addiction to decide is something a CAUSE or an EFFECT. Did the depression CAUSE the addiction or did the alcoholism cause the depression? Did the alcoholism CAUSE the family problems or where the family problems an EFFECT of the addiction. Often no one knows for sure. Q: What are the major effects of drug addiction? It is everybody’s problem. An addict might say: â€Å"I’m not hurting anybody. I’m only hurting myself.† However, we can quickly see that the statement is false, because there is no such thing as an addict who is only hurting him/herself. The problem is found everywhere, from the rich and privileged, to the lost members of society. For over 30 years the United States government has had its â€Å"War on Drugs,† but in that time frame we have seen in increase in crime, increase in health care costs and an alarming increase in the use of dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, crack and methamphetamine. The â€Å"War on Drugs† has also brought on new research, a greater number of treatment facilities, new and sometimes controversial theories on treatment, advances in drug addiction medications, but are we winning? The effects of drug addiction are far reaching and can be seen in the home, on the job, in churches and in schools. Q:What are the effects of drug addiction on health? If left unchecked, the drug is going to win. Drug abuse is a disease of the brain, and the drugs change brain chemistry, which results in a change in behavior. Aside from the obvious behavioral consequences of addiction, the negative effects on a person’s health are potentially devastating. While addicts use drugs to â€Å"feel better,† the unintended consequences include but are not limited to overdose, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cardiovascular disease and a host of related maladies. To understand this better you may want to read Get Sick to Feel Better a story of the negative effects of drug addiction Darcis story of the effects of drug addiction on her life! Suicide is also a common effect of drug addiction. Depression is also an effect of addiction. Q:What are the effects of drug addiction on the family? One of the saddest aspects of the insidious nature of drug addiction is that by the time an addict realizes he/she has a problem, that problem has already taken a heavy toll on the family. Parents in treatment centers tell counselors and therapists that they want to â€Å"get their kids back,† as drug addiction has taken over to the point where the courts have been forced to remove the children from the home. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and sadly children are all impacted. Families can be sources of strength and support, or they can passively enable the addiction to advance. Families can share in the victory over drug addiction, or they can be the victims of it. Q:What are the effects of drug addiction on the economy? Beyond the personal health issues, beyond the devastating effect on families, beyond community crime statistics, drug addiction has a major impact on the American economy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that some $67 billion per year is the impact that drug addiction has on this country. This total includes the cost of law enforcement, incarceration, treatments, traffic injuries, lost time in the workplace, etc. Drug addiction causes impaired reasoning, and therefore the crime rate is dramatically impacted by drug use. Addicts have a much higher likelihood of committing crimes than others. Q: What are the effects of drug addiction on our society? The National Library of Medicine estimates that some 20% of all people in the  United States have used prescription medication for non-medical purposes. We’re not talking about cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine use, but doctor-prescribed medication. You can easily see that if you group the two together, illegal drug use and prescription drug misuse, we have a huge problem. Q: What are the effects of drug addiction on the Law? The news media reports daily struggles with theft, drive-by shootings, drug busts, illegal trafficking and manufacturing of drugs, and arrests for crimes ranging from child neglect to murder. Look closer and chances are great that you will uncover a drug addiction component to any of these stories. Drug Use Drug Use in the General Population According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 15.9 million Americans ages 12 and older (7.1%) reported using an illicit drug in the month before the survey was conducted. More than 12% reported illicit drug use during the past year and 41.7% reported some use of an illicit drug at least once during their lifetimes.

American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of Rights :: American America History

American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of Rights Few political documents have affected the world quite like the American Declaration of Independence or the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. The repercussions of each have had a profound effect on world history up to this point. But why did these documents have such an effect? The answer lies in the common philosophical backgrounds of the two. The writings of Rousseau, Locke and Montesquieu all contained ideas that were later used by Thomas Jefferson and the National Assembly to compose the two documents. Rousseau's ideas of a social contract, which states that the general will and the people were sovereign, and if a king abuses the liberty of the people they have a right and a duty to dissolve the current government and create a new one (McKay, 581), were central to both documents. Jefferson had Rousseau's ideas in mind when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states...a prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people...we therefore...solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are...independent states... (Jefferson, 1-2). The reasons, such as suspension of colonial legislatures, impressment of American sailors and the importation of mercenaries (Jefferson, 2), given for the dissolution of the political connections that the American and British people have held for over 100 years all relate to the King's tyrannical tendencies and the peoples right to choose a different government. The edict also states that although petitions of grievances were issued, the King turned a deaf ear. The Declaration of the Rights of Man is not only built on the social contract, but also on Rousseau's idea of general will of the people. He defines the general will as being, "Sacred and absolute, reflecting the common interests of the people, who have displaced the monarch as the holder of the sovereign powers. (McKay, 581)" Passing and enforcing arbitrary laws are considered to be an act of tyranny and a substantial reason, according to Rousseau, to declare the current government void and establish a new one. Article VII clearly states that arbitrary laws and orders cannot exist.

Our Obligation as Leaders Essay

The role of leaders anywhere is primary to lead the way. Leaders are supposed to be visionaries, those who chart the course. In any organization or any establishment, there are some abilities or functions that are required of a leader. Primary out of all these is the unique ability to see far, envision the people and make them see things from the right perspective; separating illusions from realities. As leaders, we should hold the idea that if we have knowledge of things that others are in the dark of; we are supposed to make them see the light. This is because by so doing, we are not only helping this people see the light, we are actually helping ourselves. Knowledge itself should make us act and the best thing we can do is to help eradicate darkness that comes with ignorance and make these people see the light. In Plato’s allegory of the cave, those people who are fortunate to see the sun owe those in the cave an obligation. This is because we were once like them. Apart from this, we are nothing better if we just keep mute about what we know. A knowledgeable person in the midst of ignorant people can not really be said to be knowledgeable. This is because soon enough, if we don’t change them, they will change us. Moreover, the question here is that since we have established the fact we have an obligation to the people in the cave, can it be said that we also have an obligation to those people we meet outside the cave? My answer to this question is yes. This is because if we have not met them, we would not have had an idea of the truth that we now know. They served as a torch to our darkness and on this very basis we owe them an obligation. Such an obligation might be that we also impart knowledge to other people who we meet on our way who are like we were before we gained knowledge. Therefore, we must act. We must embark on a mission to illuminate the cave with knowledge. We must strive to convince them of what we know. At first, they might see us as fools but as we insist on what we are saying, they would begin to see sense in what we are saying. Our knowledge is nothing without imparting other people.

How Can We Show

In anything we do, there must be a force that drives our action and speech. Let's have a look at Romans 8:6 and examine what kind of mindset we should cultivate. Read. As the scripture points out, being a spiritual person is not Just a matter of personal preference. It is a matter of life and death. So then, let us look into a few ways we can show we that we are minding the spirit. Since the Bible itself is a product of God's spirit, what better way could there be than to read it daily.We must diligently study the Bible. By doing so, God's spirit can influence our mind and heart and we will develop a spiritual inclination and attitude. Thus our mindset will be controlled and impelled by His active force. However, it is important to note that knowledge of God's word is not enough. Remember King Solomon. He knew Jehovah standards very well. But then what happened? He came to have many foreign wives. And soon he was following after their gods. In fact, he practiced some sort of interfa ith Just so that he could please his wives.If he was minding the spirit, would he have done so? Yes from his example, we learn that we must obey Jehovah wholeheartedly. Another way is by displaying godly qualities. What are they? Let's find out at Galatians 5:22, 23. Read. How do we manifest the fruiting of the spirit in our life? If we have love, it will move us to forgive one another freely. Besides, love for neighbor moves us to share the kingdom good news with other. We will thus be motivated to have a fuller share in the kingdom preaching work.In addition, we would avoid a competitive spirit in the congregation. There shouldn't be such thing as: I put in more hours in the ministry than you so I'm better than you, or I am a pioneer and you're not. Brothers will avoid viewing privileges of service as a position of authority. Such kind of behavior is of fleshly origin. If we are to mind the spirit, we will view privileges in the congregation as a meaner to minister to others. Fina lly, it is important to set spiritual goals and work to attain them.Examples of parietal goals we can set include: improving our study habits, increasing our share in the ministry, or perhaps reaching out for a privilege of service in the congregation. Why are spiritual goals important? When we work to attain our goals, our minds will be occupied with spiritual interests and we are better able to resist temptations. To sum it up, minding the spirit is the course of wisdom, for this world and its desire is passing away. We will experience inner peace and also enjoy a peaceful relationship with Jehovah. How Can We Show By Consecrations

Top 10 LinkedIn Overused Buzzwords 2012

Top 10 LinkedIn Overused Buzzwords 2012 It’s that time of year again†¦ the â€Å"Lists† season! The first one I’d like to share with you is the list of overused professional buzzwords from LinkedIn. These words give a nice glimpse into what words you might be overusing on your resume as well. The most overused words vary by country; according to LinkedIn, the Swiss boast primarily about being â€Å"analytical† while India’s natives assert themselves as â€Å"effective† (just as they did last year); Spaniards claim they are â€Å"specialized† while Brazilians declare they are â€Å"experimental.† Looking for â€Å"motivated† professionals? Try Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and the U.K. In the United States, the Top 10 Overused Buzzwords in LinkedIn Profiles are as follows: 1. Creative 2. Organizational 3. Effective (no change from last year!) 4. Motivated 5. Extensive Experience (the #1 overused buzzword in 2010 and a phrase that sets me on edge!) 6. Track Record 7. Innovative 8. Responsible (making an appearance for the first time in LinkedIn’s top 10 list) 9. Analytical (also listed for the first time) 10. Problem Solving The two words that got knocked off the list are â€Å"dynamic† and â€Å"communication skills.† Perhaps people got the point that too many people were claiming to be dynamic, and that communication skills are most aptly demonstrated through actual communication. What would it take for you to scrub your LinkedIn profile clean of overused and overrated buzzwords? I provided specific suggestions for the top three (creative, organizational and effective) in my 2011 article on most overused LinkedIn buzzwords. Sometimes you really do need to be â€Å"creative† to succeed in presenting yourself in a unique way. The Essay Expert’s writers can work with you to write a profile that stands out from the rest of the world’s. For details on our services see LinkedIn Profile Writing Services. You can also contact us through our Web Form. We look forward to giving you that extra edge on LinkedIn! Category:Archived ArticlesBy Brenda BernsteinDecember 10, 2012

Kentucky Fried Chicken Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Kentucky Fried Chicken - Case Study Example Lastly, this discourse recommends the ideologies for improvising the organization's marketing efforts that can prove to be a share of positive assistance to its future. Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation, as discussed above, is the world's largest chain of chicken restaurants and is one of the paramount havens for fast-food round the globe. It is the most successful operator in United States as it has made significant ways to maintain its gradation in the international market. KFC offers a whole new variety of fried chicken products as it conjoins both stores as owned by the corporate and the franchise outlets. In response to the call for healthier cuisines from the consumers, the company has recently initiated with involvement in grilled chicken that has gathered enormous response. KFC is at present, owned by PepsiCo, which is also the owner of the Taco Bell fast-food operation. PepsiCo has installed its own management group on senior posts, whereas, the previous owners of KFC such as Heublein permitted senior managers to stay because of KFC's minor existence and familiarity to the world market. This correlation between KFC and PepsiCo has enabled both the brands to endorse their products with a strong financial background assisting to drive the expansion that is the way to prosperity. Marketing Environment Though many countries of the world are new to franchising as a method of expanding business, KFC has enjoyed success through its stores as owned by the corporate. It has been successful in expanding its operations in the foreign markets by out-stripping the fast-food industry as a whole. KFC has learned to develop and introduce new products as it has efficaciously utilized the opportunities that have come its way so far. Since, introduction of new products are the key to a company's prosperity, KFC has proved its metal in the international field as well. For several decades, where other fast-food corporations have recently introduced the expansion of their businesses in to the international market, KFC has witnessed its participation as a successful multi-national corporation. This has led to efficient familiarity with all the logistical and attribute complications as faced by the organizations which, in anyway, accompany to its operation as an international food functioning. It has, therefore, depicted its successful operations with host countries and businesses within the host country in order to establish an effectual strategy to work (LotsOfEssays.com). KFC has experienced success in availing enormous marketing opportunities in the US because of the recent relaxation of rules and regulations that could have hindered the American companies to conduct business. Though, franchising still needs to make a place within the world market, it is no longer a foreign concept to

Career Design Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Career Design - Term Paper Example person involved in politics, I learned that there are actually intangible matters that are important and of lesser importance than others such as fairness rather than status, respect rather than recognition, health rather than stability, freedom rather than security, honesty rather than influence, and so on. This means that there are many important matters in life but there is a need to streamline which of them are the personal choices of an individual in order for him to determine his choices of action. 4) Values Assessment + Values alignment Paper: In 750 words or less, describe the alignment between your values and your career choice. How has your career and the role(s) you play in your professional life reflected your core values and beliefs? According to Cooper and Cottrell (2010), â€Å"Clearly articulating one’s professional purpose and professional values can clarify career direction as well as provide inspiration and ongoing career motivation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (13). This means that in my choice of career, I have carefully balanced which are the most important values in my life and then made a career decision patterned after these values. As a professional, often times, I encounter co-workers that seek help at the workplace but after evaluating my role and their own roles, I learn that there are workloads that I should accomplish, and there are also loads that they need to accomplish. By being fair to myself and to them, I did my best to accomplish all tasks expected of me. Where tasks under their responsibility were delegated to me, I reminded them that the details of the task specifically states that it was their responsibility and that it is expected that they deliver the tasks. In addition, by doing what are expected of me, I am being fair to my employers and my fellow employees. I exercise respect towards all my colleagues and supervisors by avoiding rude speech and unacceptable actions such as letting them finish their message before bowing down to