Are You Free or Enslaved Maybe Its All in Your Head.

Are You Free or Enslaved Maybe Its All in Your Head. Freedom vs. Bondage It’s Passover and the theme of freedom is on my mind. This holiday celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery and their successful crossing of the Red Sea- a story we are commanded to tell every year at this season. Why is this tale so important that the Bible commands we retell it again and again? While there are many answers to this question, the one that struck me most this year was that we have choices every day between freedom and bondage. Passover is our opportunity to look at our lives and see where we are stuck, in a rut, giving up, or otherwise enslaved, both in our circumstances and in our own minds. Once we identify these â€Å"narrow places,† (the word for Egypt, Mitzrayim, means â€Å"narrow places†), we can do something about them. A Unique Seder Experience My family’s Passover seder was itself an expression of freedom. Some context: Passover is a food-focused holiday. In the order of the service, there are multiple instructions to eat certain foods at certain times; and the conclusion of the first part of the service is a big meal. A BIG meal. It’s like Thanksgiving in the extent to which people indulge themselves on food. The seder also includes four cups of wine (though in my family it was grape juice all the way). Since my nephew Daniel has Crohn’s Disease and is currently ingesting nothing but Pediasure peptide drinks, my brother-in-law Michael created- drumroll please- a food-free seder. This feat, you can imagine, required a huge amount of creativity. Michael designed a board game, complete with a deck of cards that held debate questions and other contests to see who could answer a â€Å"Passover Pursuit† question first. He dressed up as Moses, which was way out of the box for him. And he led an evening of learning, singing and debate. Even without a meal, we managed to spend three hours on our seder talking, laughing, and debating. Breaking Out of the Box One of the debate questions that came up in the Passover Pursuit card deck was what freedom means in the modern age. I was pitted against 16-year-old Daniel for the battle. He pulled out a djembe (an African drum) and made up a rap song. I don’t remember his words; what struck me was his approach to the debate. In my world, debate means talking and arguing. Daniel broke out of that cage with his drumming and rapping. Inspired, I countered with an interpretive dance of freedom vs. bondage. I stood for a few seconds with my arms crossed, strait-jacket-like over my chest, head down. Then I took a step to the side and danced my heart out. I did this about three times. Then I talked about how two people, or even the same person, can be in the same circumstances and choose to feel free or imprisoned. Enslaved by Circumstances? I’ll admit I got some help from a video by Chabad.org that I had watched in preparation for Passover, where a person in a picture was labeled â€Å"Free† and then the same person in the same picture was labeled â€Å"Burdened.† Other identical pictures were labeled â€Å"Liberated† and â€Å"Enslaved,† and â€Å"Pain† and â€Å"Pleasure.† As humans, I argued, we can have illnesses and consider them burdens or find our own liberation within them. We can work a job and feel trapped by it or find our liberation in it. We can win the lottery and gain joy or misery. I won the debate. Part of it was that I made a good argument. But more than that, I think the group was impressed that I didn’t let myself fall into a typical debate mindset and took the risk of dancing my argument. An Octopus’s Story: Existential Anxiety vs. Existential Guilt Perhaps this is a coincidence, but just last week an octopus named Inky escaped from a national aquarium in New Zealand, squeezing through a 50-meter drainpipe into the sea. What might be more remarkable, given that octopuses are famous escape artists, is that Inky’s tankmate, Blotchy, did not budge. Was Blotchy content to remain in captivity? Was he unaware of his free will and the freedom available just down the drainpipe? Had he given up on the chance of an unfettered life? Of course the answers to these questions are more for us to ponder for ourselves. When we are feeling shackled, do we choose to take extreme action, like Inky, or to submit to our lot? Fundamentally, we have a choice between existential anxiety and existential guilt. Taking action, especially action that scares us because it is so unfamiliar and takes us into unknown, potentially risky territory, produces existential anxiety. We rarely regret making a conscious, risky choice regardless of the outcome. In contrast, existential guilt arises when we take the safe path. Submitting to our existential guilt produces existential regret: â€Å"a profound desire to go back and change a past experience in which one has failed to choose consciously or has made a choice that did not follow one’s beliefs, values, or growth needs.† That’s the kind of choice Blotchy made. It’s not the kind of choice I like to make. The Choice is Yours We human beings have clear freedom of choice in every moment, at least over our own mindset about our circumstances. In the end, the ability to think what we think and believe what we believe is the ultimate freedom. The choices we make to break out of the box and into unchartered territory are the ones that move us forward, out of our personal narrow places, and toward a life unbound.

NFL Hater Alternative Ways to Spend Super Bowl Sunday

NFL Hater Alternative Ways to Spend Super Bowl Sunday Super Bowl Sunday! Bread and circuses, bread and circuses! Not really into it? Thats not a problem and theres nothing wrong with you. Super Bowl haters are no more considered abnormal, non-conformists and aliens. Its not your fault that unlike millions of Americans you know better than sitting in front of TV eating junk food, pretending to understand whats going on and in fact just coming for food and drinking games. If you are not going for a Super Bowl Party youve got to fill your Sunday with some alternative plans (cause all your friends and relatives and acquaintances will probably be watching football). Alas, we’ve put together quite a list of things you can try on Super Bowl Sunday. Fear not. It’s not the average, â€Å"Go play some Frisbee golf† list of alternatives. Alternative #1: Do Something Different In reality this should become a personal philosophy of yours from here on out. Did you do the same stuff today that you did yesterday? How about the day before that? It’s time to burst out of your comfort bubble. Do something that makes you uncomfortable. Do something out of the ordinary for â€Å"someone like you.† Here’s a thought, do something you try to avoid. Or, something you’ve never done yet out of fear (nothing bad or illegal). Why do it this Sunday? Super Bowl happens every year. Pretty soon the roman numerals will reach a point where absolutely no one has a clue what number it is (we may have already reached this point). But your life is only going to happen this one, very brief and fleeting, time. And remember youve dreamt about the day when you have nothing to do and nobody is bothering you? Well, thats the day, so use it to do something you wont regret about. Alternative #2: Go Knit Something! Just kidding. Alternative #3: Watch TED Talks All Day You can do everything that the Super Bowl people are doing, just change up the programming to something more â€Å"progressive†. So chips, BBQ wings, a gargantuan hi-def plasma TV, and a bunch of high achievers (99% of which couldn’t make it through try outs in middle school). Youll learn lots of useful, have mixed emotions, enrich your outlook with fresh ideas. TED talks are awesome, mind-blowing and inspiring. Pretty close to the Super Bowl, except no one’s wearing helmets. If you are not that much into educational programs like TED, you are welcome to replace it with your favourite TV series or old movies youve always wanted to see. Alternative #4: Pretend The World’s Ending†¦ The idea appeared first in the smosh.com article a couple years ago, but it is still relevant. If you live in a big (or small) sports-nut town, then the streets, movie theatres, and pretty much everywhere else but the sports bars should be empty during the Super Bowl. You could dress up like a medical patient that just woke up out of a coma into the aftermath of the apocalypse where only roaming bands of renegades and zombies still lurk around every corner. Then, just start wandering around. Just remember: â€Å"It’s fun to pretend, but make sure you dont get overzealous and start looting because this apocalypse is only going to happen until the game is over and you will go to a very real jail.† Alternative #5: Sleep The semester has only started and youve got lots of sleepless nights ahead. Whats more, New Years wasn’t that long ago. And not to mention that students are always sleep deprived. You deserve some rest, and thats the day you can sleep through with no regrets. Alternative #6: Just Be Absolutely Clueless Stop being all defensive. Who cares if you don’t care about the dang Super Bowl? Why youve being all insecure about this? Just go about your day as if you haven’t got clue-one what football is, what the Super Bowl is, or what the big deal is anyway. Twiddle your thumbs, kick some rocks, count some sheep. Whatever floats your boat! Alternative #8: Try to Awaken the Sports-Hordes It’s true, one of the signs of a crumbling empire is that it turns into mob-rule that craves distractions: games, bread, and circuses. You’re right, the world needs saving. Instead of wasting your time watching the Super Bowl, write an epic speech that will inspire the masses, awaken them, enlighten them, and galvanize them to save the rain forest, get income disparity under control, slow down the pace of evolving artificial intelligence! The future of the world is in your hands now! Alternative #9: Alternative Party Who said that you cant host a party just because everyone will be watching football? There are lots of NFL haters, hippies and non-conformists, geeks and intellectuals, and single girls who are also going to ignore Super Bowl Parties and will be more than excited to help you organize the alternative one. The theme of your party may be just that super bowl hating, with vegan snacks and drinks other than beer. Or you may choose any other theme that is suitable to your mood, and weather, and place where you going to host it. We are not going to be that cliche to include alternative #10 in the list as you may expect. But if you have any ideas that can be added to our list share them in the comments!

Automobile firm FORD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Automobile firm FORD - Essay Example The rise in taxes in recent years has meant that petrol cars pay more VED. Companies have to take into account other laws such as new car warranties and the laws under the EU treaty such as those regarding location and block exemption. The market is oligopolistic. Ford has a high market share in 3 categories of cars. However, international competition, especially from BRIC countries, is a threat. The Ford brand has lost its appeal to the masses and is now termed as an old brand. In the market, there are high barriers to entry from financial constraints and regulatory requirements. There is threat of substitutes from environment-friendly cars. Backward integration diminishes the power of suppliers. Customers have high bargaining power in this durable goods industry. The future strategies of Ford Motors should be focused on slashing prices, improving brand image and technological innovation. The automobile industry is perhaps an industry that has suffered the most in the current global economic crisis situation. Burdened by the lack of consumer credit and cutbacks in household expenditures, this durable goods industry has had to endure setback in sales growth. Furthermore, the credit crunch has meant that the companies have found hard to draw capital from the pockets of investors. Oil price hikes and increase in credit costs pulled up the costs of manufacturing and put the giant manufacturers in the same league as small manufacturers with regard to problems faced. Companies like Chrysler have had to cut back on production in order to trim their inventories and reduce cost. Revill (2008) reports that Ford will reduce production at its Southampton factory in southern England in 2011 to 35,000 units, less than half of the 75,000 the factory built in 2007. Despite this, the automotive industry has done quite well. According to Auto Industry (2007), in 2006, 1.4 million cars and 208,000 commercial vehicles were produced in the UK. SMMT (2009) reports

The Phantom of the Opera Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Phantom of the Opera - Essay Example The performers wore colorful and rich costumes. The style of costumes changed depending on the scenes. Some of them represented parts of other operas inside the musical. For example, the rehearsal of the opera Hannibal takes place in the Ancient Rome, and the costumes had a luxury Roman and Carthaginian style. In the opera Il Muto, the performers wore eighteenth-century clothing. The musical offers a great visual interest in the group scenes, specially in the number â€Å"Masquerade†, where the cast showed different costumes, like ballerinas, buffoons, clowns, mythological figures, and the â€Å"Red Mask† of the Phantom. The Phantom of the Opera does not have the traditional concert setting. The audience does not just listen quietly, like in a concert of classical music. The scenario is partly integrated with the rest of the theater. It is important to notice that The Phantom of the Opera is a musical about a theater, which takes place within a theater. In some moments, the public could feel that they belonged to the same fictional audience who witnessed all the events in the Paris Opera. For example, the fall of the chandelier, the appearance of the nobleman Raoul in a balcony, from where he sees Christine singing; the representation of Don Juan Triumphant, the opera written by the Phantom, or in the other opera Il Muto, when the diva Carlotta loses her voice.

Daniel Dennetts Darwins Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of

Daniel Dennett's Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life Science can give us as good a moral code as any religion. Or so Daniel Dennett claims in his book, Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. Dennett provides the tools to explain human morality, and inadvertently leads the way to the conclusion (which he does not share) that science can clarify how human morality came about, but not serve as a substitute or model for moral codes, religious and secular alike. It all begins with Dennett's assertion that everything- everything- is a product of an algorithmic process, which comes about as a result of random change. By definition these algorithmic processes, evolution included, are "matter first". Dennett uses a metaphor of "cranes"; that new changes in species or anything else are made possible by what already existed in the material world. When speaking about life it is also usefully explained by considering adaptation to be, in practice, exaptation. Nothing in the Darwinian story of the world suggests that anything about better or worse, or for that matter, good and evil. This is the main point commonly used to dispel notions of Social Darwinism. But it, in my mind, is not sufficient. A few people are doing better in the world than others, and it is not because they are better than the others, or that the others are inferior, it just happened that way because of social circumstances. It has nothing to do with biology. So what! Science here offers no ethical insight; it only prompts indifference. Even if Darwinism is no justification for social injustice, it does nothing to suggest that there is an urgent need for social change. At worst, if one does not take away from this a w... ...reate stories and go beyond nature. These stories themselves are often the motivation for what we determine to be evil upon examining an alternate story, but we do not have a choice about whether or not we tell stories at all. That is in our nature. Alternately, without our stories we would not experience good and beautiful. The most dissatisfying aspect of a matter-first explanation of morality is that it absolves us from any responsibility for how we impact the natural world and other human beings. This could come as a welcome relief, after considering the incomprehensible responsibility of being an agent of creation. But consider again all the hope and possibilities that lie in being able to tell stories that change the world! Works Cited Dennett, Daniel C. Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life. New York, NY: Simon&Schuster, 1995.

Alliant Energy Case Study

1. Who are the main players (name and position)? William D Harvey, Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy Jamie Toledo, head of supplier diversity program- Alliant Energy 2. In what business or businesses and industry or industries is the company operating? Energy/Utility- Alliance provides electricity and natural gas service 3. What are the issues and problems facing the company?That diversity within the workforce and supplier base does not meet corporate core values and goals (to create and retain/maintain a diverse workforce/supplier base, and place women in positions not traditionally held by women, still need more ethnic diversity) in order to maximize their abilities Employees are confused about Alliant’s definition of diversity Employees’ perception of diversity (affirmative action, work attitudes, job satisfaction) 4. What is the primary problem for the company/organization in this case?That diversity within the workforce and supplier base does not meet corporate co re values and goals 5. Why have the problem (s) you cite emerged? Identify the causal chain (the events or Circumstances that caused the problem-Some will be Internal Weaknesses, others EXTERNAL Threats). Employees’ perception of diversity (affirmative action, work attitudes, job satisfaction— external threat, people come to the workplace with preconceived notions regarding diversity.Employees confused about definition of diversity- Internal cause by lack of training and lack of understanding regarding management’s expectations 6. What are the characteristics of the industry that the company is in and how is the Industry changing over time? Not typically an industry that includes many women, and is not located in an area of the United States that is particularly diverse. Industry is continuously growing as the need for energy increases, thus more people will need to be hired and more suppliers will be needed. The marketplace is full of many different ages, races , and religions.An organization with employees that reflect these different groups will be more successful in serving consumers because their workforce reflects the diversity of the marketplace 7. What is the firm's strategy for differentiation, enabling them to compete within the context of their industry? According to Jamie Toledo, having diverse suppliers leads to new perspectives and creativity, it supports local communities, and ensures diverse businesses have fair opportunities. In addition, having a diverse workforce enables the company to understand the marketplace and increases the company’s chances of succeeding . What are possible solutions to the problems you have identified? Continue to communicate senor managements’ commitment to diversity, explain the benefits of diversity, active participation of employees in the training, create an internal diversity council 9. What are the advantages and possible disadvantages of your solution(s)? Advantage: more trai ning and more continued reinforcement typically leads to more involvement and awareness, employees now know the definition and of and benefits of diversity at it applies to their jobs and company.Possible disadvantage: the scripted training may reinforce stereotypes. All day, mandated training may lead to some employees not grasping all the elements of the training 10. Are there any possible problems with your suggested recommendations? What contingencies need to be accommodated? Training may be too scripted, not enough employee involvement†¦. Solution= include more informal forums or guest speakers. Could also spread the scripted training over the course of multiple days.

The Role of Hbcus in American Society - 880 Words

For almost two hundred years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs have played a pivotal role in the education of African-American people, and negro people internationally. These schools have provided the majority of black college graduates at the Graduate and Post-Graduate level; schools such as Hampton University, Morehouse University, Spellman University and Howard University are four universities at the forefront of the advanced education of blacks. For sometime there has been a discussion on whether or not these institutes should remain in existence or if they are just another form of racism. There were also concerning the quality of education provided at these institutions. In my opinion, from the evidence provided†¦show more content†¦I also believe that HBCUs are a better alternative to affirmative action. These institutions have the capacity to attract and motivate many young black people, to advance their education. By seeing people just like them, with similar backgrounds and similar interest making great achievements, it provides those young black people with a pride and a sense of empowerment. This is most effective in the poorer neighborhoods where morale is low. It is true that HBCUs enroll students with the lowest test scores in American education; according to Elias Blake Jr. in the article from Emerge, Black colleges are still enrolling a majority of the most vulnerable students that have the lowest income and the lowest test scoresÂ… (par. 7). Studies show that in many disadvantaged communities, the quality of education is not up to par with the quality in the wealthier communities. Therefore, those in these poorer communities are at a disadvantage. But from the statistics on the amount on the amount of successful African-Americans who graduate from these historically black institutions, something right must be occurring. I believe that these HBCUs are an ideal environment for these students as they place these un der-achieving students in an environment which they are comfortable, and allows them the ability to develop their skills. In the end, most ofShow MoreRelated The Role of HBCUs in American Society Essay872 Words   |  4 Pages For almost two hundred years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs have played a pivotal role in the education of African-American people, and negro people internationally. These schools have provided the majority of black college graduates at the Graduate and Post-Graduate level; schools such as Hampton University, Morehouse University, Spellman University and Howard University are four universities at the forefront of the advanced education of blacks. For sometime there has beenRead MoreThe Education Of African Americans Essay867 Words   |  4 PagesHistorically black colleges and universities, otherwise known as HBCUs, have played an integral role in advancing the education of underprivileged black teenagers since their inception after t he American Civil War. They have had students extremely well known in their fields today, such as billionaire entertainer Oprah Winfrey, the first African American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. Though their graduation rates tend to be around 1 in 3Read MoreGraduation Speech : A College Application And Writing An Essay Essay1439 Words   |  6 Pagesthe two should also be included. Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) is colleges or Universities where the student populace is primarily White. Whereas Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are higher education institutions specifically established to educate African Americans. 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SPPV (1949) brought this need to forefront of the discussion and showed how the need for faculty and student affairs workers separation had been growing for the past century (ACE, 1949). These