Major in Success Make College Easier, Fire up Your Dreams, and Get a Great Job

Introduction This book was written by Patrick Combs who also doubles up as an inspirational speaker. This book has been written for students aspiring to join college or those who are already in college.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire up Your Dreams, and Get a Great Job specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Grounded in current research in business economics and coupled with appropriate insights from the corporate world, the book is suitable for every college student regardless of age. Summary The first chapter of this book is â€Å"On the Road to Success†. It basically outlines the vitality in students identifying the type of career they would like to undertake in future. The author points out that it is wise for one to choose the career which will offer the greatest happiness and satisfaction. In the second chapter i.e. â€Å"Truly Passionate†, it has been emp hasized that for one to be successful in ones choice of career, he/she must possess extra ordinary drive and passion. This passion will eventually propel one to exert the necessary effort towards the achievement of the set goals. The following chapter; â€Å" Major Excitement† is an elaboration of the previous one. It points out that the passion that generates from achieving success in ones endeavors acts as a morale booster resulting in even greater success. Students are advised to refrain from choosing a carreer on the basis of such things as prestige and renumeration, instead one should go for what really interests and inspires one. Thus , it is also paramount that a student recognizes his/her weaknesses and strengths in the particular subjects required by his/her career of choice. This is in order to enable the student to know the type of career that one is most suited for in accordance with his/her strengthes as far as relevant subjects are concerned.Advertising Loo king for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The following chapter which is â€Å"Money Matters† offers great advice to students on sound money management practices. It emphasizes that it is important to learn how to manage ones finances prudently regardless of the amounts in question. In the sixth chapter; â€Å"Your Ultimate Life†, the book observes that a student’s stint in college is a time that one should explore as many interests as one can. Most of all, one should strive to graduate with an enthusiasm for learning. It inferes that one can increase his/her enthusiasm by exploring ones interests. This has been further expounded on in the following chapter; â€Å"The Six Big Fears†. Combs observes that such fears for instance the fear of failure and reactions from peers and family members can decrease ones spirit for learning. In other words, one has to come up with ways of confrontin g his/her fears and opt to follow ones heart’s desires with less focus on what opinions others might have on a particular subject. He further insinuates that one would be better off exploring his/her own interests in the library than sleeping through a class that is boring (Combs, 2000). In the ninth chapter, the author highlights the importance of co-curricular activities to the students. He concurs that while it is prudent to work hard in academics, it is equally vital for one to take part in sports and such other activities. Such activities help one to wind up and release accumulated tensions. Such activities also help one to develop other essential skills such as ledership, team work and interpersonal skills. In the next chapter â€Å"Never Mind the Grades’, the book observes that a student should desist from laying too much emphasize on grades since success is a component of various aspects grades being just a fraction of it. It is pointed out that students can s till achieve their goal regardless of poor grades in the majors, a lackluster GPA, and past shortcomings.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire up Your Dreams, and Get a Great Job specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The author shows further insightfulness in the later stages of the book. For instance, in the fifteenth chapter; â€Å"Life Changing Reality Checks†, the author advises student to take the opportunity of learning from the numerous lessons that life is bound to throw at people during their course of life. The following chapter i.e. Really Get into It†, the book cautions the students on the need to get desicive and immerse themselves in all the activities that have been tailored to help them achieve their goals. The author cautions against procastination since it is not only time wasting but it can also cause a decrease in motivation. The sixteenth chapte r i.e. Show and Tell, the book emphasizes the need for students to talk about their areas of interests as this is a great source of motivation and confidence. Also by doing so, one stands to be corrected and assisted which are all the more beneficial. The eighteenth chapter is Going Professional. It is basically an outline of some prerequisite steps and skills that aspiring college students should have in possession in order to attract employment. He emphasizes on the need to acquire interpersonal, communicational and technical skills that are relevant to ones career. This is clearly illuminated by the following excerpt from the book, â€Å"No matter what you major in, if you can’t answer the phone, make a presentation, do a spreadsheet, or write a business letter, nobody needs you†. The author has expressly highlighted some resourceful ideas that a student can use so as to jump start an exciting career. For instance he has emphasized on the need to have a presentable resume, sound networking, strong interview skills, plausible references etc.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Critique There is no doubt that Patrick Combs’ major in success is not only an enlightening but also an inspiring book. However, some people have had some reservations with some areas in this book. Personally I feel that the book leans more towards wishful thinking than truth and reality. This is because the author fails to acknowledge the fact that people are living in an ever changing world where new and emerging demands are being placed in all spheres of live. Furthermore, he has failed to explain how a student ought to adapt to these changes once he/she embarks on a specific career. He has also failed to describe his own success, the author’s facts are not grounded in quantifiable facts and statistics, he has downplayed the importance of grades in the job market by making an assumption that â€Å"College is for developing your talents to learn and do so that you can learn and do anything you like (Combs, 2000) and he also asserts that one should not panic if ones extracurricular activities have a negative effect on ones grades. Recommendation Nonetheless, major in success is a great book which offers prospective college students a wide range of lessons and advice. I have to say that, in the end, I would recommend this book to any student wanting to identify his/her areas of interest in view of laying a strong foundation towards achieving a satisfying career. Works Cited Combs, Patrick. Major in success: Make College Easier, Fire Up Your Dreams, and Get a Great Job. Francisco: Ten Speed Press, 2000. This essay on Major in Success: Make College Easier, Fire up Your Dreams, and Get a Great Job was written and submitted by user Jasper Q. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

buy custom Protecting our Streets essay

buy custom Protecting our Streets essay First, we have to understand what anyone would mean by the term invasion of privacy.This term can mean the violation of ones right or the intrusion into a persons private life without their consent. This can be through physical intrusion or through surveillance using cameras (Elvik Hoye, 2009). The surveillance cameras could be hidden or made public in that the person becomes aware of the absence of privacy in advance or the person is not aware of the absence of privacy, but learns about it later. This brings in the case of usage of traffic lights and cameras on the roads. There are different views on this, since some people conceive the cameras as an invasion to their privacy, while others view them as purely for security on the streets and roads (Mathieu, 2008).This essay tries to argue out whether the traffic lights and cameras are really a privacy concern or a road safety and security measure in towns and cities. Traffic Lights and Cameras Looking at the question with an open mind, one perceives both arguments as rational. First, the idea of being watched every time by a systematized and centralized people with power and a large degree of control over your life sends chills over ones body and sounds more scary than being watched by disorganized people on the street. This means that no one can ever be comfortable with the cameras everywhere on the streets. Disturbing news as they may sound, the public street lights may have the ability to record conversations followed by the ability to broadcast government warnings and put across advertisements about all security issues (Mathieu, 2008). On the other hand, the cameras can undertake x-rays in search for concealed weapons. Privacy infringement is obvious with the cameras ability to record, monitor and display almost everything. On the other hand, the increase of guard rails and road signs cluttering the streets have different aims and have no intention of invading privacy at all. In short, the traffic lights are not about privacy since no individual with a legal and valid license will be expecting privacy on a public street. Some of the intentions of the street lights are to segregate the pedestrians from the vehicles, thus, it provides a degree of safety to the pedestrians (Mohan, Tiwari, Khayesi, 2006). The traffic lights and cameras serve as monitors against those drivers who mind the presence of others on the streets and, therefore, ensure a level of safety on the streets (Elvik Hoye, 2009). However, the necessity of this comes at an expense; the loss of privacy on the streets for those individuals who would prefer it. Although it is important to monitor traffic through the traffic cameras and lights, the concern erupts when the use is extended to streets in residential areas. It is logical to underst and that the residential streets tend to have a higher level of crime than other areas in towns and cities. The attempt to reduce the crime levels in these areas brings about the privacy intrusion concerns. The reason for this is that the security departments try to install security cameras and lights on the streets, but end up violating the fundamental right and need of being left alone. The cameras penetrate to residential areas and homes to the concern of many as they feel watched in all aspects. According to Smith Pack (2002), most of the cameras are installed in high crime areas. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) confirms that some of them are powerful to the extent of being zoomed to reading a book and have the ability of tracking and locating people and vehicles as well as searching particular images from a distance. Basically, this is advanced levels of security enhancement but at the same time the feeling of privacy is definitely eluded. If a security camera can be zoomed to reading a page in a text book in a residential area, then one will be aware of the fact that there is nothing like privacy in that area as the camera can observe everything that one does. All conversations in residential areas and streets with the cameras are viewed, analyzed and recorded for security scrutiny (Mathieu, 2008). This is a total infringement of personal privacy, but absolutely necessary for security purposes. Considering other options through which the police can administer security on the streets except street lights and high resolution surveillance cameras, it wasdiscovered that they are very cost effective and they have no intention of privacy intrusion. Today, most streets are under observation unlike it was in the past. This is a prudent step to ensuring our public security by applying the appropriate measures to guarantee conformity to road traffic safety and protection regulations. The presence of the street lights and cameras enhances a degree of freedom and security to individuals and pedestrians who feel they now have freedom of movement. This freedom of movement motivates every individual to fit in place with each other so as to avoid one user group having an automatic priority or advantage over the other (Mohan, Tiwari Khayesi, 2006). Consequently, as much as streets without camera surveillance have some privacy, safety of human life is enhanced by cameras on this streets tha t act as deterrent to potential criminal acts. Who needs privacy without security anyway? Privacy is very important, but security is more important and as much as the cameras and street lights infringe personal privacy, they enhance personal security, especially in crime zones. The cameras snap breaches of the traffic regulations aiming at vehicle tags and, in some cases, regions drivers. The red light camera does not employ watch cameras to randomly record everything in view on the streets or around the streets. This fact confirms that they at least consider privacy. But does anyone need privacy on the streets? Conversely, availability of traffic lights and cameras helps to control the traffic flow at the intersections. This helps to eliminate conflict flanked by flowing traffic in opposing routes that would instead compel the vehicles to negotiate a protected passage across an intersection, in turn protecting both human lives and any possible destruction of property that could arise from complacence. Considering this importance of the traffic lights, privacy is totally out of place and, therefore, it can never be about it, but rather about road safety. Privacy is not necessary on streets which are public. Traffic lights provide some order, especially in t he big and mostly intersected highways where there is heavy traffic movement, and raises the question of whether we really need traffic lights and cameras in our streets to have human order (Svantesson, 2007). The cameras simply monitor the movements of the vehicles and pedestrians to pinpoint possible collusions and collisions. This acts as a preventive measure to the occurrences of accidents and to improve disaster response rate by the security agencies, to ensure that the victims are saved in case of collisions. Individuals who care about public safety would support the use of traffic lights and cameras to keep vigil of activities in the street. This raises the debate on whether public safety should be protected at the expense of privacy. This is an issue that is yet to receive human consensus with the two groups of pro safety and pro privacy pulling facts on their respective sides. The group supporting public safety consider street lights and cameras to be very essential in driving out the law breakers from the streets and residential places and they accuse those supporting privacy as harboring ill motives. On the other hand, the pro-privacy groups argue that they have a right to their private life free from public scrutiny including government law enforcers. It is, however, acceptable that in addressing the concerns of road users, having traffic lights to assist regulate both the volume and traffic capacity in city roads and major corridors is not only effective but is also necessary. Most governments in the process of providing security to citizens have today deployed lights and cameras in the streets (Mohan, Tiwari Khayesi, 2006). By doing so, citizens are protected from avoidable road accidents and other roadside crimes like hijackings, especially on roads with the highest rate of accidents. By the way equal protection would be provided against other criminal acts like robbery, for potential criminals would not dare commit any unlawful acts under the watchful eyes of the cameras. We have to admit that the rate of crime is high in areas without security cameras and with high levels of privacy. In short, if privacy is prioritized, security is compromised and, if one has to choose a side, security will be chosen. Traffic cameras in most cases help detect individual drivers who are reckless and are likely to cause accidents while at the same time providing useful information to prosecuting authorities in case criminal acts are committed within the view of these cameras. The cameras are set in a way that no photographing takes place without a violation of the street and road laws. They are triggered by rule violations and they do not go off when people need privacy. No one needs privacy in violation of the road laws (John, 2011). The road has sensors embedded and when a driver enters a section against the light, they get photographed as they trigger the cameras. John (2011) writes that in the same way, drivers speeding beyond specified limits trigger the speed cameras to photograph them. In brief, without the cameras and street lights, there would be gross law violation on the roads leading to multiplication of accidents. The concerns of privacy in application of the laws are very minor as pointed out earlier public streets do not need to have privacy, but need to be monitored. This in turn ensures easy prosecution of offenders and getting rid of serial offenders from the society. Informative Section To avoid the use of traffic cameras for the sake of privacy, the society must commit to being better road users. This can only be done by ensuring that individuals who use these roads are fair enough to themselves, especially to their lives, and safety of other citizens. The traffic cameras job of aiding a regulation mechanism for excessive speeds on the part of motorists would then be eliminated and that would be an important first step to getting rid of the gadgets from these streets entirely (Damjanoviski, 2005). Since individuals would not like it when their reckless driving turns into injuries and possible deaths, it is important to make respect of the simple traffic rules a number one prioriy. However, it remains a dream that has for the longest time been a mirage. One of the most camera infested countries in the world is the UK, with almost every street in major towns under surveillance. Several United Kingdom research studies have consistently shown that cameras are very effective in saving lives, rather than having the traffic police officers doing their daily traffic control duties. This is besides the fact that several useful footages are recorded for non traffic related offences (Svantesson, 2007). Consider an example where a citizen is to make an emergency call, and then the security system at the police identifies the callers location followed by instant monitoring of the place on the nearest camera for the recent activities. This allows tracing the crime in the region and possible arrest of the culprits. From one side, this is superb, but from the other, the fact that the system identifies the caller location means that every other time with or without the call the people in the area are photographed and scrutinized (John, 2011). This infringes the privacy and is against the eighth amendment on the bill of rights (Bill of Rights Transcript Text, 1789). It actually seems to be a government tactic to control all the aspects of human life through use of surveillance cameras. Eventualy, the society might end up getting trailed, analyzed, with profiling and flagging their daily lives to unimaginable degree. This fact is a serious concern with the continuous erection of the survei llance cameras on the streets throughout the cities and towns. The cameras are installed on city streets, public ways, alleys, street sidewalks and open park spaces. Consider alleys without the cameras or lights and imagine the kind of crime that would be expected (Mathieu, 2008). As much as we demand privacy, there are areas that need the cameras for security purposes. The security watch-units can explore other options that would satisfy the public concerns of privacy and help to administer security. Considering the fact that the persons watching the cameras and scrutinizing them undergo training, makes the protocol strict focusing only on the necessities which are public safety and traffic (Traffic Management Center: Rhodeways). While some believe that the cameras and traffic lights have considerably reduced crime and traffic rules flaws in areas where they are installed, some people argue that the equipment pushes the crime to other areas. Their arguments simply endorse spreading of the systems to areas where they are not installed. In other words, they are arguing that crime takes place in areas where there are no cameras and there is adequat e privacy. In essence, one can argue along with them that the need for privacy is an endorsement for crime and traffic law breaking. Conclusion There is no possibility of eliminating the street lights and cameras just for the purpose of privacy. Damjanoviski (2005) argues that many countries and societies have gone beyond self-centered privacy outcry to embrace the technology which is fail proof in combating crime and traffic law breaking. In short, the concern that the cameras and street lights are an invasion of privacy comes from people who are either self-centered or have criminal intentions. Despite the fact that most of the roads and highways are equipped with the traffic lights and traffic cameras such as the CCTVs (Catalano, 2011), there is still a need to know how to use these equipments so as to avoid accidents in our roads (Amanzholov, 2008). In case the call for privacy was to be heeding, prior education and public awareness on how to behave on the roads either by drivers or pedestrians is necessary. This can also help in reducing the level of illiteracy of the people who use the public street daily, since they w ill be able to know how to go about traffic lights and how to drive safely. This will also help civilians to avoid crime prone areas. Road accidents could be avoided to a large extend. To enforce this to the drivers, the traffic lights and cameras come in handy. Catalano (2011) writes that crime prone areas in cities are normally in alleys, sideways and park zones. If patrol police were to monitor them, citizens would still complain of the failure because they would not be in position to tell all the crimes that are committed. This is why the cameras and street lights serve important roles in monitoring. It is, however, important to nurture ourselves to proper traffic rules and regulations that would help in reducing crime as well as maintaining high levels of safety in our roads and public places. This would have stopped the necessity of the traffic lights and cameras in the first place. By doing this, it is clear that our streets will be pleasant for us only when safe. Consequently, if various measures are put in place to secure the streets from dangerous criminal activities and accidents, all would be protecting the streets thus making an ample atmosphere for people. Privacy takes the second place in comparison to safety in the community. 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Personal Dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal Dilemma - Essay Example This put the workers at odds with her and people began to talk to each other at the office but no one seemed to be willing to talk to her about the situation. The environment became very toxic. I had a loyalty to the company but I also had a loyalty with her since she was not doing anything wrong according to the company policy. In fact, I sometimes found myself in agreement with her because there were times when the culture became too relaxed. However, other individuals within the company started talking about leaving and two people put in their notices mentioning that they were leaving because of their friction and incompatibility with the supervisor. The company executives took notice of the situation and called in a few people from our department to discuss what was happening. My supervisor had some inkling that this could happen and she had told all individually to not say anything which might cause trouble within the department. Essentially, I had to pick between being ethical by telling the truth or by going against her and putting her job at risk. I considered letting others take the lead when talking to the executives but I realized they might go too far in putting her down. Despite the situation I had been placed in, I told the executives about the real situation as honestly as I could. The result of our meeting with the company executives was that our supervisor was transferred to another section while we got a new boss. On a personal level, this incident made me realize that honesty is the best policy and it would be unethical to help our friends or even our superiors if it comes at the expense of others. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions in order to make sure that the effect of the decision will have a net positive impact for the collective rather than a negative impact on the workings of the company. If that means that one

Importance Of Nursing Communication Skills Essay

Importance Of Nursing Communication Skills - Essay Example Haag-Heltman, B. and George, V. (2010, p.15) cited the purpose to be â€Å"an ethical framework from which all other standards might flow.† That framework included relationships between nurses and patients, between nurses and the medical profession, between nurses and allied professions, relationships among nurses, aside from the relationship of a nurse to the nursing industry. Effective communication will be the means to achieving good relationships in order to achieve the goal of quality health care and safety, As a matter of fact, Webb, L. (2011, p.3) emphasized the importance of communications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of UK by stating that NMC 2010 considers communication as â€Å"one of the essential skills that students must acquire in order to make progress through their education and training to become qualified nurses†. It is in itself a part of the therapeutic process whenever proper communications are done. And this is because of the many benefits a patient can derive out of the effective communication of a nurse. Among these benefits, Webb, Lucy (2010) listed (a) the opportunity for patients to become open in expressing themselves to let nurses know about their emotional and physical needs, (b) the winning of patient involvement by encouraging them to ask questions in order to eventually arrive at quality care, (c) the empowerment of patients to have some control over the process of recovery, and (d) facilitation of patient compliance as a result of gainin g trust and confidence, and more. III. Active Listening Theories and Practices Wolvin, A.D. (2011, p.19) discussed an â€Å"Engagement Theory of Learning† which implies the presence of an active listener’s willingness to listen. This is assumed often when two people are communicating. And because a human being is rational, there are reasons why persons become willing enough to actively listen. That theory highlights the importance of willingness to li

Independent from England Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Independent from England - Essay Example Primarily, the colonists believed that the existing laws of Great Britain were very much incompatible with and far removed from the needs of the people of the colonial United States. In the Declaration of Independence, it was stated, "He (the king) has refused his Assent to Laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good" (Ushistory.org, 2007). In all respects, the king was perceived as a promoter of the abnormal tax system, stepping on the backs of the industrious colonists to earn money for Great Britain. As a counter to this, the colonists realized that an autonomous taxation structure, once used for the well being of the people, in support of the local economy, would prohibit Great Britain from taking resources far away from the American colonists, resulting in the consumption suffering greatly in an as yet stronger Great Britain. Secondly, a belief that the king continued to maintain a strong military presence in early America, essentially made the colonists feel as though they were constantly under the threat of military action by the British Army. This perception of the threat is evidently the inspiration behind the passage stating, "He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature" (Ushistory.org). While the colonists continued to work on building the foundation of a successful economy for America, Britain did indeed maintain a close military watch over them to ensure that no revolution was brewing and to constantly remind them that the empire could suppress any such revolution. Finally, undue pressure was exerted on the colonists to limit and even suspend their trade of various goods with other nations. With a motive of ensuring that any proceeds from trade of American produce be directly routed to the King of Britain rather than locally distributed among the colonists, the export of certain domestic products such as tobacco to nations willing to

History Of Music An Overview

History Of Music An Overview The definition of music is defined in many ways; Websters definition is as follows an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, or harmony. There are many theories regarding when and where music formed. Many agree that music began even before man existed. Researchers point out that there are six periods of music and each period has a certain style of music that made what music is today. Here are some resources for you to better understand the history of music. (Estrella 2001) Music is traced back as far as ancient Israel a thousand years before Christ; King David composed and sang hundreds of songs called psalms. A few of them are written in the old testament in the book of Psalms. But music as we know it now, as having structure and form, may have begun in the 10th century with the Gregorian chants. These songs were organized and detailed with soloists and small groups singing distinctive parts. The music we are more in common with began around the year 1200 and soon after, troubadours singing folk music starting to appear in parts of Europe. The appearance of composers, made music, and the creation of the instruments such as the piano and lute. (Ezine Articles 2005) The years 1750 to 1820 is known as the Classical period with the piano being a composers instrument of choice. Mozart wrote his first symphony, Bach performed in London, and Beethoven was finally born. Many of the symphonies we enjoy today were written during this time. Music has truly evolved since this period though. In 1900, a man named Scott Joplin had composed and published the Maple Leaf Rag, an event many see as the beginnings of the music we know today as popular music. Soon after, new musical forms were taking hold. Jazz in the 1930s (Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday), big band music in the 1940s (Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington), and rock-and-roll (Elvis Presley, Chuck Barry) in the 1950s. Other countries (most notably France and Spain) were creating their own popular music during this time. (Ezine 2005) The three time periods I want to focus on is Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. This is all known to us to day as Opera, RB, Rock, Hip Hop, Soul, etc. Music has been around for years and can be broken down into many stages or cycles. People everywhere all over the world make their own style of music. Every genre, sound, melody is different in some way. When we look at the medieval music, we are dealing with the longest and most distant period of musical history. Saint Gregory is credited with organizing the huge repertory of chant that developed during the first centuries of the Christian church, hence the term Gregorian chant. He was pope from 590 to 604, and the medieval era continued into the 1400s, so this period consists of music. One of the principal difficulties in studying medieval music is that a system for notating music developed only gradually. The first examples of musical notation date from around 900. For several centuries, notation only indicated what pitch to sing. The system for notating rhythm started in the 12th or 13th century. Gregorian chant is monophonic, meaning music that consists of only one melodic line without accompaniment. The beauty of chant lies in the serene, undulating shapes of its melody. We do not know who wrote the melodies of Gregorian chant. Like folk melodies, the music probably mutated as it was passed down through generations and eventually reached its notated form. Polyphony, music where two or more melodic lines are heard simultaneously, did not exist (or was not notated) until the 11th century. Unlike chant, polyphony required the participation of a composer to combine the melodic lines in a pleasing manner. Although most medieval polyphonic music is anonymousthe names of the composers were either lost or never written down at allthere are composers whose work was so important that their names were preserved along with their music. (Ezine 2005) Renaissance is reflected by the changing role of the composer in society. Unlike most of their medieval times, the great masters of the Renaissance were created in their own lifetimes. The technique of printing music, while slow to evolve, helped in the preservation and distribution of music and musical ideas. Sacred music was still predominant, though other music became more prevalent and more sophisticated. The repertory of instrumental music also began to expand significantly. New instruments were invented, including the clavichord and virginal and many existing instruments were improved. Masses and motets were the primary forms of sacred vocal polyphony. Other vocal forms included motets, madrigals and songs (generally accompanied by lute or a small instrumental ensemble or consort). Instrumental pieces were usually short polyphonic works or music for dancing. (Ezine 2005) Compared with the medieval style, Renaissance polyphony was lush and sonorous. The era between Josquin Desprez and Palestrina is known as the golden age of polyphony. Imitationwhere one melodic line shares, or imitates the same musical theme as a previous melodic linebecame an important polyphonic technique. Imitation was one method composers used to make complex music more easily comprehensible and give the listener a sense of structure. Imitative polyphony can be heard in the masses and motets of composers from Josquin onward and is featured in instrumental music by Byrd, Gibbons, and the Gabriellis. Baroque music is often highly ornate, colorful and richly textured when compared with its predecessors. Opera was born at what is considered to be the very beginning of the Baroque era, around 1600. This unique form combines poetry, theater, the visual arts and music. It came about because a group of Italian intellectuals wanted to recapture the spirit of ancient Greek drama in which music played a key role. The first great opera was Orfeo, by Claudio Monteverdi, first performed in 1607. Musics ability to express human emotions and depict natural phenomenon was explored throughout the Baroque period. Vivaldis famous set of concertos, The Four Seasons, is a famous example. Although imitative polyphony remained fundamental to musical composition, homophonic writing became increasingly important. Homophonic music features a clear distinction between the melody line and a subsidiary accompaniment part. This style was important in opera and other solo vocal music because it focused the li steners attention on the expressive melody of the singer. The homophonic style gradually became prevalent in instrumental music as well. (Ezine 2005) Many Baroque works include a continuo part in which a keyboard (harpsichord or organ) and bass instrument (cello or bassoon) provide the harmonic underpinning of chords that accompanies the melodic line. New polyphonic forms were developed, and as in the Renaissance, composers considered the art of counterpoint (the crafting of polyphony) to be essential to their art. Canons and fugues, two very strict forms of imitative polyphony, were extremely popular. Composers were even expected to be able to improvise complex fugues on a moments notice to prove their skill. The orchestra evolved during the early Baroque, starting as an accompanist for operatic and vocal music. By the mid-1600s the orchestra had a life of its own. The concerto was a favorite Baroque form that featured a solo instrumentalist (or small ensemble of soloists) playing against the orchestra, creating interesting contrasts of volume and texture. Many Baroque composers were also virtuoso performers. For example, Archang elo Corelli was famous for his violin playing and Johann Sebastian Bach was famous for his keyboard skills. The highly ornamented quality of Baroque melody lent itself perfectly to such displays of musical dexterity. (Grieg 2002) The word Classical has strong meaning, mixed with the art and Philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome, along with their ideals of disciplined expression. The late Braque was complex and melodically different. The composers of the early Classical period changed direction, writing music that was much simpler to understand. Homophony music, another part of classical music in which melody and charm are distinct, and has dominated the Classical style is another form of classical music. New forms of composition were developed to accommodate the transformation. Santana Form is the most important of these forms, and one that continued to evolve throughout the Classical period. Although Baroque composers also wrote pieces called sonatas, the Classical sonata was different. The essence of the Classical Sonata is difficult to understand. A highly simplified example of such a conflict might be between two themes of contrasting character. (Grieg 2002) This contrast would be found during the course of the sonata, and then resolved. Sonata form allowed composers to give pure instrumental music recognizable dramatic shape. Every major form of the Classical era, including the string quartet, symphony and concerto was molded on the dramatic structure of the sonata. One of the most important developments of the Classical period is the growth of the public concert. Although the aristocracy would continue to play a significant role in musical life, it was now possible for composers to survive without being the employee of one person or family. This also meant that concerts were no longer limited to palace drawing rooms. Composers organized concerts featuring their own music, and attracted large audiences. The increasing popularity of the public concert had a strong impact on the growth of the orchestra. Although chamber music and solo works were played in the home or other intimate settings, orchestral concerts seemed to be naturally designed for big public spaces. As a result, symphonic music composers gradually expanded the size of the orchestra to accommodate this expanded musical vision. (Grieg 2002) Just as the word Classical conjures up certain images, Romantic music also does the same. Whether we think of those romance novels with the Romanticism implies fantasy and sensuality. The Classical period focused on emotional restraint. Classical music was expressive, but not so passionate that it could overwhelm the work Beethoven, who was in some ways responsible for igniting the flame of romanticism, always struggled (sometimes unsuccessfully) to maintain that balance. (Greig 2002) Many composers of the Romantic period followed Beethovens model and found their own balance between emotional intensity and Classical form. Others reveled in the new atmosphere of artistic freedom and created music whose structure was designed to support its emotional surges. Musical story-telling became important, and not just in opera, but in pure instrumental music as well. The tone-poem is a particularly Romantic invention, as it was an orchestral work whose structure was entirely dependent on the scene being depicted or the story being told. Color was another important feature of Romantic music. A large palette of musical colors was necessary to depict the exotic scenes that became so popular. In addition to seeking out the sights and sounds of other places, composers began exploring the music of their native countries. Nationalism became a driving force in the late Romantic period and composers wanted their music to express their cultural identity. This desire was particularly intense in Russia and Eastern Europe, where elements of folk music were incorporated into symphonies, tone-poems and other Classical forms. (Wagner 1999) The Romantic period was the days of the virtuoso. Gifted performers and particularly pianists, violinists, and singers became enormously popular. Liszt, the great Hungarian pianist/composer, reportedly played with such passion and intensity that woman in the audience would faint. Since, like Liszt, most composers were also virtuoso performers, it was inevitable that the music they wrote would be extremely challenging to play. The Romantic period witnessed a glorification of the artist whether musician, poet or painter that has had a powerful impact on our own culture. (Wagner 1999) This style of music became known as being romantic. The evolution of music is at least partly shaped by the influence one composer has on another. These influences are not always positive, however. Sometimes composers react against the music of their recent past (even though they might admire it) and move in what seems to be the opposite direction. For example, the simplified style of the early Classical period was almost certainly a reaction to the extreme intricacies of the late Baroque. The late Romantic period featured its own extremes: sprawling symphonies and tone-poems overflowing with music that seemed to stretch harmony and melody to their limits. It is certainly possible to view some early 20th century music as an extension of the late Romantic style, but a great deal of it can also be interpreted as a reaction against that style. 20th century music is a series of isms and neo-isms. The primal energy of Stravinskys Rite of Spring has been called neo-Primitivism. The intensely emotional tone of Schà ¶nbergs early music has b een labeled Expressionism. The return to clearly structured forms and textures has been dubbed neo-Classicism. (R. Strauss) These terms have been employed in an attempt to organize the diversity of styles running through the 20th century. Nationalism continued to be a strong musical influence in the first half of the century. The study of folk songs enriched the music of numerous composers, such as Ralph Vaughan Williams (England), Bela Bartok (Hungary), Heitor Villa Lobos (Brazil) and Aaron Copland (USA). Jazz and popular musical styles have also been tremendously influential on classical composers from both the United States and Europe. Technology has played a increasingly important role in the development of 20th century music. Composers have used recording tape as a compositional tool (such as Steve Reichs Violin Phase). Electronically generated sounds have been used both on their own and in combination with traditional instruments. More recently, computer technology has been used in a variety of ways, including manipulating the performance of instruments in real time. (R. Strauss) So as you can see, music has been around for centuries. Many people have helped music evolve over the years. The six long periods of music that were discussed above really helped music become what is today. Although each individual listen to various types of music they all started the same, with either a rhythm or beat. Music was originated long before humans even existed and grew from there. Music in general has made the world a better place. It gives people a way to express themselves. Music has been called The International Language; a very simple thought with much meaning behind it. Even if you cant speak the language of a country, you can move, sway, dance and most of all enjoy the music of the country. We may not understand the words of a musical selection but we do understand the beauty. (Ruth 2008) Musics interconnection with society can be seen throughout history. Every known culture on the earth has music. Music seems to be one of the basic actions of humans. However, early music was not handed down from generation to generation or recorded. Hence, there is no official record of prehistoric music. Even so, there is evidence of prehistoric music from the findings of flutes carved from bones. The influence of music on society can be clearly seen from modern history. Music helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence. When he could not figure out the right wording for a certain part, he would play his violin to help him. The music helped him get the words from his brain onto the paper. In general, responses to music are able to be observed. It has been proven that music influences humans both in good and bad ways. These effects are instant and long lasting. Music is thought to link all of the emotional, spiritual, and physical elements of the universe. Music can also be used to change a persons mood, and has been found to cause like physical responses in many people simultaneously. Music also has the ability to strengthen or weaken emotions from a particular event such as a funeral. People perceive and respond to music in different ways. The level of musicianship of the performer and the listener as well as the manner in which a piece is performed affects the experience of music. An experienced and accomplished musician might hear and feel a piece of music in a totally different way than a non-musician or beginner. This is why two accounts of the same piece of music can contradict themselves. (ODonnell 2001) According to The Center for New Discoveries in Learning, learning potential can be increased a minimum of five times by using this 60 beats per minute music. For example, the ancient Greeks sang their dramas because they understood how music could help them remember more easily). A renowned Bulgarian psychologist, Dr. George Lozanov, designed a way to teach foreign languages in a fraction of the normal learning time. Using his system, students could learn up to one half of the vocabulary and phrases for the whole school term (which amounts to almost 1,000 words or phrases) in one day. Along with this, the average retention rate of his students was 92%. Dr. Lozanovs system involved using certain classical music pieces from the baroque period which have around a 60 beats per minute pattern. He has proven that foreign languages can be learned with 85-100% efficiency in only thirty days by using these baroque pieces. His students had a recall accuracy rate of almost 100% even after not r eviewing the material for four years. The article above discusses how the history of music not only helped human beings but impacted their lives greatly to where we learn better and think better. (ODonnell 2001)

Hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Essay -- Psychology Disease Illne

Hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Headache = Tumor. Cough = Tuberculosis. Mole = Skin Cancer. Such is the thought process of a hypochodriac. As defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV), hypochondriasis is an unrealistic interpretation of one's bodily sensations as abnormal, leading to the fear and belief that one has a serious disease (1). This preoccupation with having a serious medical condition is one of the somatoform disorders and may be considered more as a symptom than a disease. In fact, hypochondriacal symptoms often appear as a part of other mental disorders, including forms of depression or schizophrenia (2). For this reason, a close investigation of hypochondriacal behavior is necessary to properly diagnose and treat patients. There are six major components usually associated with these patients: -Misinterpretation of physical symptoms to constitute a serious disease -Persistence of this misinterpretation, regardless of medical reassurance -Preoccupation of lesser intensity than a delusional disorder -Significant distress and social/occupational impairment because of this preoccupation -Disturbance duration of at least 6 months -The ruling out of other anxiety, somatoform, and/or major depressive disorders (3) It is important to note that, while the patient may not be suffering from any major disease, his/her perception of the symptoms is real. Additionally, while hypochondriacs may admit to being overly concerned, they will most likely remain dissatisfied until diagnosed with an illness. For this reason, many hypochondriacs will "shop" for doctors who will provide them with such an answer. The negative implications of this include a strain on the doctor-patient relationsh... ...olmi/chypo.htm 2)Intelihealth: Hypochondriasis , Comprehensive site on hypochondriasis, with material provided by Harvard Medical School http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=10773&p=~br,IHW|~st,8271|~r,WSIHW000|~b,*| 3)Recognizing Hypochondriasis in Primary Care, Report by professors from the Research College of Nursing regarding hypochondria, etiologic theories, forms of the disorder, etc. http://www.springnet.com/springnet_jump.htm 4)Hypochondriasis: A Fresh Outlook on Treatment, Article in the Psychiatric Times concerning treatment options for hypochondriacs http://www.mhsource.com/pt/p980768.jhtml?_requestid=335123 5)Psychiatry Matters: Hypochondriasis, basic site with definitions, symptom descriptions, treatments, etc. http://www.psychiatrymatters.md/International/Authfiles/Error.asp?404;http://www.psychiatrymatters.md/cdt24Aug2001/index.asp Hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Essay -- Psychology Disease Illne Hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Headache = Tumor. Cough = Tuberculosis. Mole = Skin Cancer. Such is the thought process of a hypochodriac. As defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV), hypochondriasis is an unrealistic interpretation of one's bodily sensations as abnormal, leading to the fear and belief that one has a serious disease (1). This preoccupation with having a serious medical condition is one of the somatoform disorders and may be considered more as a symptom than a disease. In fact, hypochondriacal symptoms often appear as a part of other mental disorders, including forms of depression or schizophrenia (2). For this reason, a close investigation of hypochondriacal behavior is necessary to properly diagnose and treat patients. There are six major components usually associated with these patients: -Misinterpretation of physical symptoms to constitute a serious disease -Persistence of this misinterpretation, regardless of medical reassurance -Preoccupation of lesser intensity than a delusional disorder -Significant distress and social/occupational impairment because of this preoccupation -Disturbance duration of at least 6 months -The ruling out of other anxiety, somatoform, and/or major depressive disorders (3) It is important to note that, while the patient may not be suffering from any major disease, his/her perception of the symptoms is real. Additionally, while hypochondriacs may admit to being overly concerned, they will most likely remain dissatisfied until diagnosed with an illness. For this reason, many hypochondriacs will "shop" for doctors who will provide them with such an answer. The negative implications of this include a strain on the doctor-patient relationsh... ...olmi/chypo.htm 2)Intelihealth: Hypochondriasis , Comprehensive site on hypochondriasis, with material provided by Harvard Medical School http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=10773&p=~br,IHW|~st,8271|~r,WSIHW000|~b,*| 3)Recognizing Hypochondriasis in Primary Care, Report by professors from the Research College of Nursing regarding hypochondria, etiologic theories, forms of the disorder, etc. http://www.springnet.com/springnet_jump.htm 4)Hypochondriasis: A Fresh Outlook on Treatment, Article in the Psychiatric Times concerning treatment options for hypochondriacs http://www.mhsource.com/pt/p980768.jhtml?_requestid=335123 5)Psychiatry Matters: Hypochondriasis, basic site with definitions, symptom descriptions, treatments, etc. http://www.psychiatrymatters.md/International/Authfiles/Error.asp?404;http://www.psychiatrymatters.md/cdt24Aug2001/index.asp