The Evolution of DNA

The Evolution of DNA Free Online Research Papers Man has sought answers to the meaning of life trying to understand the fundamentals of our existence. Over the past couple of decades we have been able to uncover a substantial amount of knowledge pertaining to the instructions that allow life to continue. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid has been identified in all forms of life. We have discovered that the human genome, are the codes for manufacturing proteins, which carry out the necessary tasks to ensure the stability of life. DNA is made up of 3 components; a phosphate group, nitrogenous base, and a five-carbon sugar. Together these components form nucleotides, which in turn are bound together forming segments called genes. A gene is a sequence of base pairs coding for a specific trait or characteristic. Essentially DNA is the blue print for life. Having identified these instructions, scientists are now intrigued by the possibilities of which this new area of research is generating. Applications of this knowledge range from the simplest forms of cloning, treating hereditary illness as well as biological warfare. The pursuit of this research has raised many questions regarding ethical issues that will play a key role in any further developments. Currently the Federal Bureau of Investigation is developing techniques designed to link criminals to crime scenes. In October of 2000 they unveiled The National DNA Index System, which catalogues every U.S residents DNA sequence. This will allow authorities across the country to match criminals to crime scenes using remarkably little evidence. Another booming area of this field involves genetic manipulation. Within the next 10 to 20 years scientists predict that through laboratory breakthroughs we will have sufficient knowledge to select desi red characteristics to be displayed in our offspring. The applications and issues previously mentioned as well other hot topics of discussion will be covered in greater detail throughout this report.   DNA fingerprinting was first developed as an identification technique in 1985. Originally used to detect the presence of genetic diseases, DNA fingerprinting soon came to be used in criminal investigations and forensic science. This method of identification compares fragments of the suspects DNA and any DNA found at a particular crime scene. This procedure has proved to be the most reliable means of identification because no two persons in the world, excluding identical twins, have a matching sequence. A DNA fingerprint is constructed by extracting a DNA sample from body tissue or fluid such as hair, blood, or saliva. A process called electrophoresis creates a detailed mold of the DNA sample. Electrophoresis is the phenomenon of the movement of electrically charged particles through a gas or liquid as a result of an electric field formed between electrodes immersed in the medium. In an emulsion of rubber latex in an aqueous medium, for example, the rubber droplets tend to acquire an electrical charge opposite to their own. If this electrode has a particular shape, the rubber particles deposited on it will coalesce to form an article of this shape. The DNA fragments have a slight negative charge, so they move towards the trays positive end. (As with magnets, opposite poles attract.) But the medium acts like a strainer: Smaller DNA fragments travel through easily and thus travel farther towards opposite electrode. Radioactively labeled probes (pieces of DNA) are applied to the system. The probes attach themselves to the DNA fragments. X-ray film is applied. The radiations from the probes, which are now present at only a few locations, expose corresponding areas on the X-ray film. Scientists in coordination with the National Institute of Justice are now developing credit card sized chips that will have the ability to analyze DNA right at the crime scene. Essentially the cops go to the crime scene pick up the evidence, drop it into a cartridge and stick it into their portable reader. This tool in a matter of minutes performs the whole process of electrophoresis mentioned previously. This process is so incredibly efficient that police will not have time for a coffee, before the DNA profile is completed. This device is still being developed and is expected to be completed and ready for used within the next five years. In most cases, courts have readily accepted the reliability of DNA testing as an accurate method for acquiring evidence. However DNA fingerprinting is controversial in a number of areas: the accuracy of the results, the costs of testing, and the possible misuse of the technique. The possibility of providing our children with genetic enhancements is becoming ever closer. Scientists have hypothesized many possibilities. They include ideas such as: appearance, slowing down aging, resistance to viruses and diseases as well as intelligence. For example, the risk of heart disease depends on the levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, being present in higher levels is better. In the human body, a gene called ap0-A1 makes a major piece of HDL. In mice, its possible to acquire basically any HDL level required by introducing more copies of this gene. Theoretically this could be applied to humans. Another example of how resistance of illness can be obtained is: Those who are born with two defective copies of a gene called CCR5 can escape HIV infection despite numerous encounters. The reason is that CCR5 makes a protein that the AIDS virus locks onto when it invades white blood cells. If the there is no CCR5 protein on protruding from the cells membrane then the virus cann ot infect. Essentially, scientists predict that these alterative enhancements will be available possibly within the next 10 to 20 years. After experimenting with rodent’s intelligence through genetic engineering, scientists claim that results from the genetic enhancement suggest that an increase of mental and cognitive attributes such as intelligence and memory in mammals is feasible. For example the hippocampus, found inside the brains of mice and humans, is crucial to learning. It is here where short-term memory is transformed into long-term memory. The gene NR2B helps build a protein called NMDA, which acts as a receptor for specific chemical signals. These chemical signals train brain cells to fire in repeating patterns. They are what we experience as memories. Again, through introducing the desired genes into a freshly fertilized egg, the genetic information will be made their own and passed on through future generations. The future of this field of research looks promising. In addition to the potential to cure disease and prolong life – the use in the criminal justice system will surely continue to produce results with pinpoint accuracy. Once the backlog associated with the lengthy amount of time in which it takes to process DNA evidence is addressed it will enable the courts to clear many outstanding criminal cases. Continued research will eventually assist courts in rendering verdicts that are without controversy. As with any other form of science it may never be perfected, but its use in criminal investigations and the improvements in quality of life will far exceed any current gene mapping theory currently available. References 1.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Haney, Daniel Q. Popular Science Online. Building a better baby. popsci.com/scitech/features/building_babies/ 2.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lander, Dr. Eric S. Uses of DNA in identification. http://esg-www.mit.edu:8001/esgbio/rdna/landerfinger.html 3.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lemonick, Michael D. Time Magazine: Canadian Edition. Smart Genes?. September 13, 1999. Page 40. 4.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2001. Electrophoresis. http://encarta.msn.com 5.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sinha, Gunjan. Popular Science Magazine. DNA Detectives. August 1999. Page 48. 6. Bennett, Wayne W. and Hess, Karen M., Criminal Investigation (8th Ed), 2007. Pages 133-138. Research Papers on The Evolution of DNAGenetic EngineeringRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfStandardized TestingRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andOpen Architechture a white paperResearch Process Part OneCapital PunishmentMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever Product

35 Flower Meanings You Must Get Right The Language of Flowers

35 Flower Meanings You Must Get Right The Language of Flowers SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Most everyone knows that the rose is associated with love. But did you know that the marigold represents grief, pansies represent thoughtful remembrance, and the sweet pea symbolizes lasting pleasure? There’s an entire language of flowers, in which different blooms carry different meanings. So if you're selecting flowers for a particular occasion, it’s useful to know more about flower meanings and symbolism. Bouquets and blooms are frequently involved in events like graduations, performances, funerals, anniversaries, and perhaps most notably, weddings. What floral choices are the most appropriate or meaningful for what occasions? In this article, we’ll provide a brief introduction to the concept of flower meanings. Then we’ll give a guide to flower symbolism for thirty-five popular flowers. We’ll also discuss their cost, seasonal availability, and what flowers may be most appropriate for a particular event or circumstance. We’ll close out with a handy index so you can find flowers by price, season, birthday month, and anniversary year. Table of Contents The Language of Flowers: An Introduction A Note On Price Flower Meanings A-E Flower Meanings F-K Flower Meanings L-Q Flower Meanings R-Z Index The Language of Flowers: An Introduction The concept of a symbolic flower language has existed since ancient times in various cultures throughout the world. However, the significance of flower meanings peaked in the Western world during the Victorian era. The practice of sending coded bouquets was supposedly inspired by an elaborate Turkish custom that involved members of harems sending secret messages to each other through objects. It’s hard to say exactly how much truth there is to this backstory, but flower language took Victorian England- and the rest of Europe- by storm. The first Western flower dictionary was written by Frenchwoman Charlotte de Latour in 1819 and called â€Å"le language des fleurs.† (That’s â€Å"The Language of Flowers,† for those of you who don’t speak French.) It was a runaway success and spawned countless copycats, translations, new editions, and so on. Flower dictionary authors grabbed the meaning of flowers from myth, legend, other cultures, religion, the emblems of royal houses and lineages, each other, and so on. As you might imagine, this meant that different flower dictionaries could posit very different ideas of what the same flower meant based on whatever source material the author consulted. Thus, the answer to the question â€Å"What do flowers symbolize?† is not as simple as people might imagine. This is because different cultures and sources can have wildly different flower meanings! In this guide, we’ve presented major interpretive discrepancies in the language of flowers where they exist and provided guidance as to how to navigate these discrepancies. Furthermore, the same flowers can have different meanings based on their colors! Some colors are fairly consistent across flowers. For example, most guides have yellow flowers meaning friendship and cheer. Similarly, most sources have purple flowers meaning royalty. We will give guidance to different colors in the entries for given flowers where needed. With our help, you can get a grasp on flowers and what they mean. We’ll equip you to send meaningful, heartfelt bouquets with extra-special significance. A Note on Price Before the Flower Dictionary In this article, I’ve used $ signs to indicate price instead of giving a more specific number. It can be hard to know the exact price of flowers per stem due to availability and variability. Here’s the key: $ = 3 dollars per stem $$ = 3-8 dollars per stem $$$ = 8+ dollars per stem It’s also worth considering that you aren’t just paying for flower rarity, but size. Baby’s breath may be cheap on a per-stem basis, but you’ll need lots of it to fill out a bouquet or arrangement. By contrast, you may only need a few stems of the more expensive hydrangea because the blooms are so profuse. Flower Meanings A-E Note that flowers are called by their common name as opposed to their scientific one. (These are sometimes, but not always, the same.) Alstroemeria Genus: Alstroemeria Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Most colors except true blues About This Flower: Also known as the Peruvian Lily or the lily of the Incas, alstroemeria is native to South America. It’s a popular bouquet flower that can last up to two weeks when cut. Resembling a miniature lily, the alstroemeria comes in a rainbow of colors. While not as toxic as typical lilies (which can be deadly to pets and even people), alstroemeria can make cats and dogs sick, so this flower may not be the best choice for a pet owner! Symbolism: The alstroemeria represents devoted friendship. Furthermore, it represents wealth and prosperity. Appropriate Occasions: A bouquet of these blooms is a great choice to express true friendship or to congratulate someone for a new promotion or job opportunity. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Aster Genus: Aster Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round; fall peak Colors: Pink, white, purple, and blue About This Flower: From the Greek and Latin words for â€Å"star,† this little flower is another popular choice in floral arrangements. Symbolism: Also known as the â€Å"herb of Venus,† this plant has long been thought to have magical and healing powers. Ancient Greek legend says the goddess Astraea looked down on earth from the sky and wept when she saw that there were no stars on earth. Her tears became the Aster flower. This flower represents daintiness, elegance, and small beginnings in the language of flowers. It’s also a love talisman. Appropriate Occasions: Aster is a solid component of a romantic bouquet, or to celebrate any new beginning. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The Aster is the birth month flower for September and the 20th wedding anniversary flower. Baby’s Breath Genus: Gypsophila Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: White, pink (much less common) About This Flower: The summer-blooming baby’s breath is a popular â€Å"filler† flower in bouquets and arrangements. Baby’s breath is a fairly budget-friendly flower and frequently used as an accent flower in rose bouquets. Symbolism: This delicate spray of typically white blooms symbolizes purity and innocence as well as everlasting love. And, of course, it’s a symbol of babies- especially newborns! Appropriate Occasions: It’s a good choice as a component of any romantic bouquet, and a great choice for a flower girl or bridesmaid. Baby’s breath is sometimes sent to new parents. Lastly, it’s frequently used in funeral arrangements, where its symbolic meanings of innocence and everlasting love have particular poignancy. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Bird of Paradise Genus: Strelitzia Cost Range (Per Stem): $$ Colors: Orange and blue combination Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring (tropical climates) About This Flower: The exotic and striking Bird of Paradise is named for the tropical bird that it resembles. This bloom is native to South Africa. As the Bird of Paradise thrives in heat and humidity, they can be somewhat expensive outside of those climes, but are frequently grown as houseplants in hospitable climates. Note that this flower is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: This showy flower signifies the wonderfully unexpected, magnificence, paradise, royalty, and joyfulness. Appropriate Occasions: As an exuberant and opulent flower, it’s a good choice to commemorate a happy occasion with anyone who has bold and unconventional tastes. Birthdays and Anniversaries: This bright flower is traditionally associated with the ninth wedding anniversary. Carnations Species: Dianthus caryophyllus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Most colors except blue About This Flower: The carnation, or dianthus, is an extremely popular and affordable bouquet flower that can last up to three weeks when cut. It’s thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. Symbolism: In general, the carnation is associated with love and marriage. Betrothed couples were often depicted holding a carnation in Renaissance-era paintings. However, carnations can communicate very different messages based on their color. A red carnation has a meaning of intense love and admiration. White carnations signify pure love and innocence. The pink carnation is a symbol of mother’s day. Christian legend holds that the pink carnation sprang from the tears of Mary as she walked to the cross. Additionally, the pink carnation communicates gratitude. Purple carnations symbolize whimsy and capriciousness. In France, they are the traditional flower of condolence after someone has lost a loved one. Not all carnations have positive meanings in the language of flowers. The yellow carnation communicates rejection. (But if you send a bouquet of yellow carnations to a significant other, you might still want to break up with them verbally.) Striped signifies a refusal, especially a refusal of someone’s romantic advances. (But again, you probably still need to communicate with words. It’s not the Victorian era anymore!) Appropriate Occasions: The best occasion for carnations depends a lot on their color. Red carnations are good for a romantic bouquet, especially mixed with white carnations. White carnations are a good choice for weddings. Pink carnations are an excellent mother’s day gift. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The carnation is the birth flower for January and the first wedding anniversary flower. Cherry Blossoms Subgenus: Prunus Cerasus Cost Range (Per Stem): n/a; not generally purchased for bouquets Seasonal Availability: Spring Colors: White and pink About This Flower: The fragile, flowering blooms of the cherry tree don’t often appear in bouquets. They briefly bloom in gorgeous profusion in the early spring, only to fade and fall several weeks later. Symbolism: The brief life of cherry blossoms makes them a symbol of the bittersweet beauty of the impermanent and transient. In China, cherry blossoms are a symbol of a good education and the flower of April. In Japan, cherry blossoms represent wealth and prosperity. They are also the flower of March and the national flower of Japan. Appropriate Occasions: You likely won’t be sending anyone cherry blossoms in a bouquet, but a cherry blossom motif will communicate a meaning that you are aware of a poignant sweetness that may not last. Birthdays and anniversaries: N/A Chrysanthemum Genus: Chrysanthemum Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round; late summer/fall peak Colors: Various About This Flower: The chrysanthemum (or mum) originated in China, and typically blooms in the fall. Symbolism: In China, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn. In many countries the chrysanthemum is a mourning flower and primarily used for funerals. In the United States, however, it symbolizes hope in dark times and optimism and cheer. In Victorian times, white chrysanthemums symbolized truth. A wedding bouquet of white chrysanthemums represented the honest and faithful nature of the bride. Appropriate Occasions: The mum is a good choice to send to those in mourning. Additionally, it can be used for get-well-soon bouquets or sent to anyone who needs a lift. Finally, for a wedding bouquet with traditional significance, consider white mums. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The chrysanthemum is the November birthday flower and the thirteenth wedding anniversary flower. Daffodil Genus: Narcissus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Yellow About This Flower: The perennial daffodil, which blooms in late winter and early spring, is a variety of the genus narcissus. It’s a popular bouquet flower. Be warned that the daffodil is poisonous to pets! Symbolism: In Victorian England, the daffodil represented chivalry. A cheerful early bloomer, the daffodil now symbolizes new beginnings and new life. As such, it’s become a flower emblematic of both Easter and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. (The Annunciation is when Mary was informed by the angel Gabriel that she would bear Jesus, for those who aren’t as familiar with the Christian canon). In Wales, daffodils were traditionally placed on the graves of loved ones on Palm Sunday. Appropriate Occasions: The daffodil is appropriate to celebrate a new baby, a new job, or anything else new in life! Birthdays and Anniversaries: The daffodil is the birth flower for March and the tenth wedding anniversary flower. Dahlia Genus: Dahlia Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: Various About This Flower: The bright dahlia is native to Mexico. Dahlias come in a huge variety of shapes and colors. Painter Frida Kahlo frequently wore the blooms in her hair. Symbolism: The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico. Because it is hard to cultivate successfully in Europe’s harsher climes, the Victorians believed it symbolized instability. However, it now carries a message of dignity and regality. Appropriate Occasions: The dahlia is a versatile flower appropriate for many occasions, including to express gratitude, best wishes, or admiration. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Daisy Genus: Bellis Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer, fall Colors: White About This Flower: The classic, cheerful daisy is a well-loved flower. The name â€Å"Daisy† is thought to come from the Old English version of â€Å"day’s eye,† because the flowers open with the sunrise and close at night. Symbolism: The daisy symbolizes innocence, gentleness, and purity. The flower was associated with Aphrodite (and her Roman counterpart, Venus) in ancient times. However, the flower now most strongly signals a youthful, inexperienced innocence and purity. Appropriate Occasions: The daisy is an appropriate floral gift for girls and young women. It can be a charming flower to adorn flower girls at weddings. Birthdays and Anniversaries: They daisy is associated with April birthdays and fifth wedding anniversaries. Flower Meanings F-K Read on for flowers and meanings from F-K! Forget-Me-Not Genus: Mysotis Cost Range (Per Stem): Not commonly sold; consult with florist Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer Colors: Blue About This Flower: The little forget-me-not is a spring-blooming wildflower that naturally grows along riverbanks and streams. The forget-me-not is more likely to be grown in a garden or found in the wild than it is to appear in a typical store-bought bouquet. Symbolism: As you might imagine from its name, the â€Å"forget-me-not† symbolizes remembrance, particularly remembering a loved one when they are apart from you. There are several legends about how the forget-me-not got its name. One posits that a knight leaving on campaign crouched by the riverbank and picked some for his lady love, admonishing her not to forget him. A Christian legend supposes that when the Lord named all of the flowers, he reached the end of the plants. Then a little, overlooked flower said, â€Å"What about me?† And so the lord named it the â€Å"forget-me-not.† A German folktale holds that the flower got its name when a man bent down to pick the flowers from the riverbanks for his fiancee. He lost his footing and fell in. As the river carried him away, he threw the flowers to his love with a cry of â€Å"forget me not!† (The Germans can be a little morbid with their folktales.) Appropriate Occasions: Because of their message of faithful love, forget-me-nots are a perfect flower for spring weddings and romantic bouquets. Furthermore, because they symbolize remembrance, they are appropriate for funerals and for honoring the dead more generally. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Freesia Genus: Freesia Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Various About This Flower: The beautiful, spring-blooming freesia is considered one of the most fragrant flowers out there. It’s known for its pleasant, citrusy smell. The freesia is a fairly popular bouquet flower that comes in a variety of colors. Symbolism: The freesia primarily signifies innocence, trust, and friendship. It can also signify a love that is careful and slow, as opposed to one that is rushed and passionate. Appropriate Occasions: While its meaning may not seem as explicitly romantic as some other flowers, it’s nonetheless a popular wedding flower. In addition to weddings, the freesia is a particularly appropriate gift to honor a close friendship. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The freesia is the traditional seventh wedding anniversary flower. Gardenia Genus: Gardenia Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: White and yellow About This Flower: The pale gardenia, part of the coffee family, blooms on small evergreen trees and shrubs in warm climates. Because they come from a shrub, gardenias are not particularly common in store-bought bouquets. On a cut branch, gardenias can last multiple weeks. Otherwise, the cut blooms last only a few days. Symbolism: In the Chinese tradition, these beautiful flowers are a paean to feminine elegance and creativity. Similarly, in the Western canon, the gardenia signifies refinement and loveliness. They can indicate a secret love. In the American South, where gardenias are common, they have a particular connection to Southern hospitality. Appropriate Occasions: Gardenias can be a beautiful and unusual wedding flower, although the cut flower will need to be affixed to artificial stems by a florist so that they can be included in a bouquet. Otherwise, you may not have much occasion to gift gardenia blooms unless you give a plant wholesale- only a good idea if you know the recipient likes to garden! Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Gerbera Daisy Genus: Gerbera Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Every color but blue and green About This Flower: The gerbera daisy (also known as the African or Transvaal daisy) is a bright and cheerful flower that blooms in a huge variety of bright colors. Because they are hardy and last well over a week when cut, they are a common bouquet flower at all times of the year. They are readily available for purchase and fairly affordable. Symbolism: The gerbera daisy symbolizes cheerfulness, joy, and innocence. Appropriate Occasions: The gerbera daisy is a great flower for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. Additionally, gerberas are appropriate to celebrate an accomplishment like a new job, graduation, or housewarming. Birthdays and Anniversaries: As the Gerbera is a daisy type, it’s appropriate for April birthdays. Gladiolus Genus: Gladiolus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round, summer peak Colors: Various About This Flower: Native to South Africa, the summer-blooming gladiolus is another popular cutting and bouquet flower. Be aware that the gladiolus is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: Some think that the flower, also known as the â€Å"sword lily,† may be the â€Å"lily of the field† to which Jesus referred in Matthew 6:28. With its bladelike sheaf of blooms, the gladiolus indicated to the Victorians that the receiver had pierced the sender’s heart. Now the flower symbolizes grace, fidelity, honor, and a strong character. Appropriate Occasions: Gladiolus is an excellent flower to express admiration- romantic or otherwise. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The gladiolus is an August birthday flower and the 40th wedding anniversary flower. Hyacinth Genus: Hyacinthus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Purple, blue, white About This Flower: The beautiful hyacinth blooms in the late winter and spring. The bulbs are highly poisonous to pets, so if you have a dog who likes to dig, you may not want to plant this in your garden! Symbolism: Hyacinth symbolizes young love. In 19th-century France, the flower communicated a kind of desperate, all-consuming love; the English connotation was more flirtatious and playful. The hyacinth gets its name from a Greek myth. Hyacinth was the young lover of Apollo, but Zephyr also admired Hyacinth. In his jealousy, he caused Apollo’s discus to strike Hyacinth, killing him. Grief-stricken, Apollo transformed Hyacinth’s spilled blood into the hyacinth flower. As such, the hyacinth was dedicated to Apollo. In Victorian parlance, the different hyacinth colors had different connotations. Blue signified constancy, purple asked for forgiveness, and white symbolized beauty. Appropriate Occasions: As a symbol of young love, hyacinths are particularly well-suited for a romantic spring bouquet or spring wedding. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: Blue, purple, pink, green, white About This Flower: Hydrangeas have a long blooming season, beginning in early spring and stretching out to late autumn. They bloom on shrubs or climbing vines. Interestingly, the color of hydrangea blooms is based on soil pH. If you wish to give someone hydrangea flowers, you can get them in a cut bouquet or give hydrangea as a houseplant. Note that this plant is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: To the Victorians, the profusely blooming hydrangea signified boastfulness, because its magnificent blooms don’t lead to fruit. Today, the hydrangea has a somewhat contradictory meaning. Some hold that it symbolizes emotional coldness, while others purport that it signifies gratitude. But the ambiguity (and general lack of romantic symbolism) hasn’t stopped the hydrangea from being included in many weddings! Appropriate Occasions: In general, most people who receive flowers associate them with positive meanings. So you can safely gift hydrangea as a thank-you flower without worrying that you’ll be giving an insult! Birthdays and Anniversaries: Hydrangea is the fourth wedding anniversary flower. Iris Genus: Iris Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round; spring peak Colors: Various About This Flower: The vibrant, multicolored iris is very popular in both gardens and bouquets. Depending on the specific species, garden irises bloom from the spring to the late fall. Some varieties bloom multiple times in a season. With its many varieties and long blooming season, the iris is readily available and affordable as a bouquet flower. Like several other flowers flagged in this list, the iris is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: This flower is named after the Greek messenger goddess, whose emblem was the rainbow. Because of its association with this goddess, the iris flower symbolizes a message, particularly one of hope or of mourning. It’s also associated with eloquence, faith, courage, and wisdom. In medieval iconography, the iris was associated with the Annunciation. (The iris represented the message from the angel Gabriel that Mary was to be the mother of Jesus). A stylized version of the iris became the fleur-de-lis, the emblem of French royalty. Appropriate Occasions: The iris is a good choice to someone who has just completed an important speaking engagement. You can also send the iris as a message of courage in difficult times. Furthermore, with its message of hope and faith, the iris is a common funeral and mourning flower. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The iris is the birth flower of February and the 25th wedding anniversary flower. Flower Meanings L-Q Flowers L-Q covered in the following section! Lilac Genus: Syringa Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer Colors: Purple, Pink, Blue, White, Yellow About This Flower: Blooming at the end of spring and early summer, the lilac shrub is a prized for its fragrant, delicate flowers. People once believed its strong smell could ward off the Black Death! While lilacs are not very common bouquet flowers, perhaps due to their short season, they are found in many cutting gardens. (A cutting garden is a household garden that is maintained for the purpose of being able to cut home-grown bouquets.) Symbolism: To the Victorians, this flower represented the first emotions of love. This symbolism still holds today, as the lilac represents the early blush of love and the beginning of summer. Some say that the lilac also represents the bittersweet sadness of new lovers when they are forced to part for even a moment. Appropriate Occasions: If you are lucky enough to have access to lilacs for cutting, a bouquet of fresh-cut lilac is a stunning gift for a new paramour- or anyone else who loves the sweet and soothing smell of lilac. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The lilac is the eighth wedding anniversary flower. Lily Genus: Lilium Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Various About This Flower: Few flowers are more popular or have more cultural significance than the lily. The lilium genus has incredible variation in color and notably sizable blooms. But the lily is extremely poisonous to cats and can be deadly! Symbolism: The lily has been a sacred flower since ancient times. Hence, lily flower meaning is a dense topic. In the ancient near east it was associated with Ishtar, the goddess of love and fertility. In Greece the lily was a symbol of Hera; in Rome, a symbol of Venus. In Semitic legend, the lily sprang from the tears of Eve when she was cast out of the Garden of Eden. As Christianity overtook older traditions, the lily came to be associated with the Virgin Mary. This held particularly true of the white lily, also called the Madonna lily. The white lily has also come to symbolize Easter and the resurrection of Christ within the Christian tradition. In the Victorian era, it was the highest flattery to compare a woman to the Virgin Mary. As such, comparing a woman to a lily, Mary’s emblem, was to pay her high honor indeed. The white lily symbolized purity, chastity, innocence, and modesty. While the connotations of purity still persist somewhat, lilies have also come to signify perfection, majesty, and excellence. Appropriate Occasions: It is a high compliment to gift someone lilies; many consider lilies to be an incredibly romantic flower. Lilies are frequently used in weddings. However, because of its connection with the resurrection of Christ, the lily is also often used in funerals and sent in sympathy bouquets in Western countries. Overall, lilies are a versatile flower; when sending flowers is appropriate, it’s hard to go wrong with a lily bouquet. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The lily is the birth flower for May and the 30th wedding anniversary flower. The calla lily (not a true lily, though many think it is) is the sixth wedding anniversary flower. Lily of the Valley Species: Convallaria majalis Cost Range (Per Stem): $$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round, spring peak Colors: White About This Flower: The perennial lily of the valley is the true lily’s humbler wildflower cousin. It blooms in late spring, and smells sweet but is highly poisonous- so don’t eat it! It’s not a true lily, the lily of the valley is still poisonous to pets. It’s not a particularly common cutting flower in your average bouquet. Symbolism: This flower is the emblem of the Norse goddess of the dawn, Ostara. In Christian lore, the lily of the valley sprang from the tears of Mary as she wept at the cross. This flower is also a symbol of May Day in France. The lily of the valley represents purity, sweetness, and a renewal of happiness. Appropriate Occasions: Lily of the valley is a popular choice for bridal bouquets and decorations for spring weddings. Furthermore, it’s a good choice to celebrate a birth, a baptism, or any other joyful event or rite of passage. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The lily of the valley the second wedding anniversary flower. Marigold Genus: Calendula Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round, summer and fall peak Colors: Yellow, orange About This Flower: Brightly colored marigolds bloom all summer, lasting until the ground frosts over. The marigold is poisonous to cats. Symbolism: While they may look cheerful, marigolds actually represent grief and sadness in the language of flowers. Appropriate Occasions: Marigold is best suited to funeral and condolence bouquets. You can temper the message of sadness with other blooms, perhaps baby’s breath (everlasting love) or or rosemary (remembrance). Birthdays and Anniversaries: The warm-toned marigold is one of the October birthday flowers. Narcissus Genus: Narcissus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: White, white and yellow, yellow, orange, and pink About This Flower: Narcissus flowers bloom early, in late winter and early spring. The most famous variety of the narcissus genus is the cheerful daffodil, but the flower also comes in other colors. Symbolism: Narcissus actually has a fairly negative connotation in the language of flowers. They symbolize narcissism and egotism. Greek legend holds that the narcissus flower was created when a young man named Narcissus was so besotted with the sight of his own reflection in a pond that knelt down there for days until he eventually turned into the beautiful flower that bears his name. An exception to this negative connotation is the cherry yellow daffodil, which is a type of narcissus with its own positive meaning. Appropriate Occasions: It’s true that most people don't associate a bouquet of flowers with an insult, no matter how subtle. Narcissus flowers really aren’t the best choice for a symbolic, meaningful bouquet, unless you’re sending daffodils or a December birthday bouquet. Birthdays and Anniversaries: Narcissus is a December birthday flower. Orange Blossom Species: Citrus Sinensis Cost Range (Per Stem): Not a typical bouquet flower; discuss with a florist Seasonal Availability: Spring Colors: White About This Flower: When the orange tree blooms- usually in April- it bears beautiful, fragrant white flowers. Orange blossom fragrance is a key element of many perfumes, and orange blossom water is an element in French and Middle Eastern cooking. Orange blossom honey has a citrus flavor and is one of the best-loved honey varieties. Symbolism: The orange blossom is closely associated with weddings in many cultures. The flowers are often used in bridal headpieces and bouquets. It’s said that the crusaders brought the practice back to Europe from the Middle East, where the Saracen brides wore the blossoms as a symbol of fecundity. In Victorian England they came to signify a bride’s purity. In Japan, orange blossoms symbolize chastity and eternal love. The blossoms have remained symbolic of a fruitful marriage, loveliness, and innocence. Appropriate Occasions: For wedding flowers that are steeped in tradition, orange blossoms are a lovely option. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Orchid Family: Orchidaceae Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Various About This Flower: The tropical orchid family is among the most prized and exquisite of flowers. There are over 28,000 orchid species, displaying an astonishing variety of color, shape, size, and scent. Vanilla comes from the vanilla orchid. Many orchid varieties are used to scent perfume. The cultivation and collection of orchids in greenhouses became such a popular pastime in Victorian-era England that the term â€Å"orchidelirium† was termed for the frenzy. Orchid are expensive and delicate flower. Symbolism: The orchid symbolizes the exotic, the ecstatic, and the luxurious. Its flower meaning also relates to mature elegance, beauty, and refinement. Appropriate Occasions: If money’s no object, orchids can be a beautiful wedding flower. For gifts, it is more common to give an orchid as a potted houseplant than as part of a bouquet. It’s a very romantic flower that sends the message that the receiver is highly prized. However, only give a potted plant as a gift if you know the recipient will actually enjoy taking care of the orchid! Birthdays and Anniversaries: The fourteenth wedding anniversary is typically associated with the orchid. Pansy Species: Viola Tricolor Cost Range (Per Stem): Typically a garden flower; discuss with florist Seasonal Availability: Spring, fall Colors: Various color combinations About This Flower: The spring-blooming pansy is a type of multicolored violet, created by hybridizing several subspecies. Pansies are popular garden flowers but less common in arranged bouquets. Symbolism: It’s said that the pansy is named for the French word for thought (â€Å"pensà ©e†). The flower was thought to have telepathic magic such that if you picked one, you could hear your lover’s thoughts at that moment. To the Victorians, who loved the pansy, the flower symbolized a â€Å"woman’s heart† and its supposedly inherent qualities of sweetness and compassion. It was a popular gift between lovers and friends alike. Now, the pansy symbolizes thoughtful remembrance and asks the recipient to think of the giver. Appropriate Occasions: Though they aren’t common bouquet flowers, a potted pansy may be an appropriate gift for a friend or loved one- particularly before parting. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Poppy Subfamily: Papaveroideae Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer About This Flower: The brightly colored poppy blooms in the late spring. The sap of the plant has a sedative effect and is used to make morphine, codeine, and opium. It can sedate pets. The poppy is not a typical bouquet flower and as such you may not have an easy time finding it at the florist. However, it is grown in cutting gardens and may be available from specialty or wholesale florists on request. Symbolism: Because of its sedative properties, the poppy has signified rest, sleep, dreams, and death since the time of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. The poem â€Å"In Flanders Fields,† written in 1915 by John McCrae about WWI, also popularized the poppy as a symbol to honor the wartime fallen. In Britain, poppies are worn on Remembrance Day, when veterans are honored. By contrast, in Chinese and Japanese traditions, the poppy means love, beauty, and success. Appropriate Occasions: Due to its association with death and rest, the poppy is an appropriate funeral flower. Because of its connection to imagination and dreams, it would also be an appropriate floral gift for someone engaged in creative endeavors. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Flower Meanings R-Z Flowers and meanings from R to the end of the alphabet follow. Rosemary Species: Rosmarinus officinalis Cost Range (Per Stem): Not typically sold for bouquets; consult with a florist. Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer Colors: Blue, purple, white, pink About This Flower: Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary isn’t just a delicious evergreen herb. It also has delicate flowers that emerge in spring and summer in temperate climates. Rosemary is a popular element in many soaps and perfumed products. Symbolism: Rosemary’s primary symbolic association is with remembrance. Rosemary is thought to be a natural remedy against memory loss and forgetfulness. In Hamlet Ophelia says, â€Å"there’s rosemary, for remembrance.† Rosemary symbolizes faithful love and devotion. In the medieval era it was associated with weddings and both the bride and groom often incorporated rosemary into their wedding ensembles. In the Victorian Era, it was common for mourners to toss rosemary into the grave to signify their enduring memory of the deceased. Appropriate Occasions: Rosemary is a thoughtful element to include in funeral flowers or a condolence bouquet. Additionally, rosemary serves as a symbol of devotion and fidelity in wedding bouquets- perhaps a sprig in the groom’s boutonniere as well. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Roses Genus: Rosa Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Almost all except blue About This Flower: Roses are one of the most popular- if not the most popular- flowers for garden cultivation and professional floristry. With its lush spray of petals, sweet scent, and sharp thorns, the rose has inspired more myth, legend, poetry, and art than perhaps any other flower. There are species native to Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. They come in a rainbow of colors. There are climbing roses and shrub roses of all shapes and sizes. With so much variety betweens species, the blooming season can span from spring through fall. Roses are also used for perfumes and in teas and potpourris. Rose water is even sometimes deployed in cooking and baking. Symbolism: Roses are associated with love and romance in general and Valentine’s day in particular. In ancient Greece, the rose (especially the red rose) was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. In Rome it was associated with her counterpart, Venus. In the Christian era the rose came to be associated with the Virgin Mary- the white rose in particular. The rose has also been associated with secrecy and silence. In both the Roman and medieval eras, roses were sometimes rendered or literally hung from ceilings in council chambers and rooms where private proceedings took place. The phrase â€Å"sub rosa†- Latin for â€Å"under the rose†- signaled that what was discussed under the rose should remain secret. Roses were sometimes depicted on church confessionals to similarly signal that all would remain confidential. Roses have been used for crests, emblems, and decoration for millennia. Notable examples include the white rose of York, the red rose of Lancaster, and the red-and-white Tudor Rose. To the Victorians, the rose signified love, and the deeper the love, the deeper the color. White roses, then, would be appropriate for a very young woman. Red roses meant passionate love. Today, the rose is still primarily associated with love and beauty. Red roses in particular carry the signal of passion, desire, and romantic love. Appropriate Occasions: Roses are frequently deployed as wedding flowers, on prom corsages and boutonnieres, and generally for almost any occasion where flowers are appropriate. If you wish to send a truly unmistakable message of romantic love, red roses are an excellent choice. Red roses are also sometimes given to congratulate for a major accomplishment, particularly an artistic performance. Other rose colors carry their own meanings. White roses connote purity and are often used for funerals and weddings. Yellow roses send a message of platonic friendship- so don’t send those as a romantic gift! Pink roses signal affection and gratitude- the perfect thank-you. For more on rose color meanings, see our complete article. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The rose is one of the birth flowers for June, and the fifteenth wedding anniversary flower. Snapdragon Genus: Antirrhinum Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer, fall Colors: Various About This Flower: The snapdragon is so named because the blooms are fancifully said to resemble a snapping dragon when the bloom is squeezed. These annual plants thrive in cooler temperatures and typically bloom in spring. Snapdragons are a common element in bouquets and are easily found even in the floral departments of supermarkets. Symbolism: In the Victorian era, these flowers were an invitation to impetuousness. Now, they carry a dual meaning. On one hand, they signify graciousness and strength because they thrive in rocky areas. On the other, they may also present the receiver with an accusation of deception. Appropriate Occasions: Most people take a floral gift as a compliment, so for the purposes of assembling a bouquet, you can focus on the positive message. With its message of graciousness and strength, the snapdragon is a versatile flower symbol. It’s appropriate to express admiration or gratitude. It would be a good choice to someone who is recovering from a long illness or other difficulty. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Sunflower Genus: Helianthus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: Warm colors (yellows, reds, oranges) and sometimes white About This Flower: Most species of the summer-blooming sunflower are native to North America. As they are fairly hardy, sunflowers are a well-liked garden flower. They are readily available from commercial florists. Sunflowers are also cultivated commercially for their seeds and oil. Symbolism: Unsurprisingly, the sunflower is a symbol of the sun and its attributes: heat, power, and sustenance. To the Incans, the sunflower was a sacred symbol of their sun god. In China, the sunflower connotes longevity. Appropriate Occasions: Sunflowers are a good choice for any time you want to communicate warmth and cheer. They are particularly appropriate to mark a happy occasion! Birthdays and Anniversaries: The sunflower is also the third wedding anniversary flower. Sweet Pea Species: Lathyrus odoratus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Various About This Flower: The sweet pea is native to the Mediterranean, although it is now grown in many places. This climbing flower emits a sweet honeyed scent when it blooms. The natural blooming time is early spring, but could be almost any season depending on your climate. With its profusion of blooms, it’s a well-loved choice for cutting gardens, although it’s somewhat harder to find at the florists’. The sweet pea is mildly poisonous to pets. Symbolism: The sweet pea was a hugely popular flower during the Victorian era, when it symbolized lasting pleasure and easy luxury. It still symbolizes pleasure and bliss. Appropriate Occasions: The sweet pea makes a beautiful choice for a wedding bouquet or any romantic occasion. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The sweet pea is an April birth flower. Tulip Genus: Tulipa Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Various About This Flower: Originally native to the mountains and steppes of central Asia, the perennial tulip has become one of the most popular flowers worldwide for both gardens and commercial bouquets. They’ve become an almost universal symbol of spring. They come in nearly every color of the rainbow except true blue- including in a purple so dark it’s nearly black! Tulip bulbs are poisonous to pets. Symbolism: The tulip is a romantic flower, whose strongest symbolic associations are with love and creativity. Tulip flower meaning is also strongly influenced by flower color. In Persia, a red tulip in particular is a love declaration. The red of the petals represents the suitor on fire with love, and the black center is the suitor’s heart burned to coal by the strength and heat of their love. Other tulip colors have other connotations. Yellow tulips send a message of cheerfulness and joy. White tulips communicate either an apology or forgiveness. Pink tulips signal good wishes and affection- a less overtly romantic message than the red tulip. Purple tulips signify royalty. Appropriate Occasions: Different colors of tulip are appropriate for different occasions. Red tulips are ideal for a romantic springtime bouquet. Pink tulips make excellent bridesmaid bouquets or a congratulations gifts. Yellow tulips send a â€Å"congratulations† or â€Å"get well soon† message, while white tulips ask for or grant forgiveness. Purple tulips are for a truly unique and special person. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The tulip is the th wedding anniversary flower. Violet Genus: Viola Cost Range (Per Stem): Not typically sold as cut flowers; consult with florist. Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Various About This Flower: The violet flowers in late winter and early spring. In spite of the name, not all violets are purple. There are also yellow, blue, white, and ivory varieties- some even multicolored! While they are not common in commercial bouquets, they are very popular garden flowers. The violet has long been valued for its edible and medicinal properties. The blooms and greens are edible. The Greeks and Romans brewed violet wine. Chefs sometimes us syrup made from violet blossoms to flavor desserts. Violet blossoms, often in tea form, are a natural laxative remedy. The flower is also used to scent some perfumes. Symbolism: The violet has symbolic significance as well. Per the Greeks, Persephone may have been picking violets when she was abducted by Hades and taken into the underworld. The violets became a symbol of Bonapartists in post-Napoleonic France. The violet flower meaning also relates to modesty and faithfulness. With its heart-shaped flowers, it's unsurprising that the violet also communicates a message of returned love. Appropriate Occasions: If you have some in your cutting garden, violets can make a beautiful gift to a loved one to communicate your love and fidelity. You could also try your hand at using violets in your cooking! Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Water Lily Family: Nymphaeaceae Cost Range (Per Stem): Not typically sold as cut flowers; consult with florist Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer, fall About This Flower: The aquatic water lily can flower from May to September, covering ponds and pools for the whole summer. They improve water quality. Unfortunately, the flowers don’t last very long out of the water- perhaps 12 hours. Symbolism: Also known as the lotus, the water lily had sacred significance in ancient Egypt, where it symbolized death and rebirth. In Buddhist tradition the lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual transcendence. In Hinduism, the lotus is a very significant symbol with many meanings. It signifies the heart, beauty, fertility, spiritual purity and growth, and prosperity. It’s also associated with many divinities. The god Brahma emerged from a lotus. The goddess Lakshmi is often depicted seated on a lotus. The water lily is the national flower of Bangladesh and also of Sri Lanka. Appropriate Occasions: Some brides do use water lilies in their bridal bouquets, though this is not particularly common. Overall it’s unlikely that you’ll be giving anyone water lilies in a bouquet. But if you’re landscaping your yard and you want to bring a symbol of beauty, rebirth, and spiritual peace to your pond, consider introducing water lilies. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The water lily is a birth flower for July. Flower Meanings Index Below find several charts with handy reference information to help you find the right flower quickly. We have charts for birth month flowers, anniversary flowers, flower seasonality, and flower cost. Birth Month Flowers Month Flower January Carnation February Iris March Daffodil April Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Sweet Pea May Lily June Roses July Water Lily August Gladiolus September Aster October Marigold November Chrysanthemum December Narcissus Anniversary Flowers Anniversary Flower 1st Carnation 2nd Lily of the valley 3rd Sunflower 4th Hydrangea 5th Daisy 6th Calla Lily 7th Freesia 8th Lilac 9th Bird of Paradise 10th Daffodil th Tulip 12th Peony 13th Chrysanthemum 14th Orchid 15th Roses 20th Aster 25th Iris 30th Lily 40th Gladiolus 50th Yellow Roses Violets Flowers By Season Flowers will be listed by those that are available all year, and then by season. Available Year-Round Alstroemeria Aster (fall peak) Carnations (late summer/fall peak) Chrysanthemum Freesia Gardenia Gerbera daisy Gladiolus (summer peak) Iris (spring peak) Lily Lily of the Valley (spring peak) Marigold (summer/fall peak) Orchid Roses Winter Bird of Paradise (tropical climates) Daffodil Hyacinth Narcissus Sweet pea Tulip Violet Spring Bird of Paradise (tropical climates) Cherry Blossoms Daffodil Daisy Forget-me-not Hyacinth Lilac Narcissus Orange Blossoms Pansy Poppy Rosemary Snapdragon Sweet Pea Tulip Violet Water lily Summer Baby's breath Dahlia Daisy Forget-me-not Hydrangea Lilac Poppy Rosemary Snapdragon Sunflower Water lily Fall Baby's breath Dahlia Daisy Hydrangea Pansy Snapdragon Sunflower Water lily Flowers By Cost Remember, $ means 3 dollars per stem, $$ means 8 dollars per stem, and $$$ means 8+ dollars per stem! Lowest Cost: $ Alstromeria Aster Baby's breath Carnations Chrysanthemum Daffodil Daisy Freesia Gerbera daisy Gladiolus Hyacinth Iris Lilac Marigold Narcissus Poppy Sunflower Sweet pea Low Cost: $-$$ Dahlia Roses Snapdragon Tulip Medium Cost: $$ Bird of Paradise Lily of the Valley High Cost: $$-$$$ Gardenia Hydrangea Lily Orchid Roses

The psychology of coaching today's athlete Research Paper

The psychology of coaching today's athlete - Research Paper Example These associates can affect training because the athlete is not getting the right diet, rest or having personal problems. This affects the person’s attitude during practices and the competitions. A coach should be the one to decrease the stress that the athlete feels at least at practices and games. A coach has to has to have knowledge, attitude, and know about behavior techniques to lead a team and they must be able to disguise personal emotions and frustration that could affect the performance of the athlete and the team. If there is a lack of confidence in their coach’s ability and knowledge the athlete should â€Å"further seek other personal training knowledge.† (Bompa, 303) They should improve self-control or if the athlete wants they can look for another coach that they feel will be more comfortable with and has more knowledge. This is so the athlete can have confidence in their practices and competitions. (Bompa, 303) In learning to be a Basketball coach you must learn the basis of training so all your participants can excel in their sport and individual performances. A coach educates his athletes in a physiological, psychological, and sociological manner with all these variables. There is a system to this training which is progressive and individually graded. â€Å"A coach leads, organizes, plans and educates the athlete.† (Bompa 4) This is also how a coach is like a teacher. Coaching is a time that an athlete achieves their individual abilities and psychological traits in a social environment that is conducive to learning and bringing on peak performances. Coaching is a profession that requires a Bachelor’s degree either in Education specializing in Health, Physical Education and Recreation for a coach in any sport is a teacher, but while they are in college they may have to have a second major, for example Elementary Education or even Secondary Education, so that they can teach children at various levels and get a p osition coaching a team. Coaching at the Early Childhood and/or Elementary level is mainly teaching the very basics of the sport and in this case Basketball. You as the coach would teach the skills like dribbling the ball, passing the ball, making free throws, etc. You would want to stress safety and teamwork at the very start at all the different levels of sports education. In learning about Basketball coaches need to learn how to teach the necessary skills, but before this step the first step would have to be a way to create an interest in the sport of Basketball. It is up to the coach to make the sport interesting, so the child will continue playing scholastically and as a extracurricular activity. The coach will have to instill the ideas of physical fitness, movement, learn to work with others, and to learn the necessary safety skills and also the attitudes to which wholesome recreation Is needed. â€Å"Even on a young child sports and physical education should instill personal values and to be creative.† â€Å"Physical activity is a very important for a growing child for they have to be taught to move correctly in order to stay healthy.† (Dauer, 13) Even when coaching young children coaches should check their physical development charts for body physique, skeletal and muscular

The Three C's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Three C's - Essay Example Known as great hunter-gatherers, American Indians are recognized as the legend of metallurgy. Their craftsmanship and knowledge in metallurgy enabled them to devise the latest and pliable tools for hunting. Also, being skillful hunters allowed American Indians to become substantial keepers of livestock which helped them to grow economically through the Columbian Exchange which they participated in the product barter with the use of their animals as trade currencies. Their involvement in the Columbian Exchange elevated the social status of the American Indians as their economy continuously stabilizing. But, such luxury was revealed to be short-lived since the Columbian Exchange, the very reason of their loft, has also been the means to their own fall. Through the Columbian Exchange, animal and human resource trade signaled the spread of communicable foreign diseases which affected all the potential livelihood resources for the American Indians. Thus, their chiefdom immediately fell ba ck to the hinters.

Apple Essay Example for Free

Apple Essay The following are the procedures used to make a disappearing ink using the apple extract. The following are the materials; Q-tip, paper, apple juice and a Candle (any source of heat will work, ex. lamp, iron, oven). Begin by pouring a bit of the apple juice into a bowl. Use a q-tip, toothpick, or a paintbrush to write your message on the paper. Let the paper dry thoroughly. This will take about an hour. To decode the message, you will need to heat up the paper. The best way to do this is with a candle. Hold the paper over the candle until the words become visible. The words will become a brown color as they are heated up. The result of my study is that apple extract/juice can be used to make a disappearing ink. Based from the date gathered, the following conclusions were drawn: It works because the apple juice oxidizes in the air. Heating it causes that process to speed up. The juice will turn brown on its own in time. Chapter 1 Problem and Its Background Introduction Apples are obtained from the medium sized tree belonging to the rosaceae family. Scientific name: Malus domestica. The apple tree is originated in the mineral rich mountain ranges of Kazakhstan, and is now being cultivated in many parts of the world. Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Sliced apple turns brown on exposure to air due to conversion in iron form from ferrous oxide to ferric oxide. Background of the Study Juice extracted from the apple is used to make invisible ink. Since apples oxidizes when exposed to air turning the color of the juice on paper to brown, heating it up makes the process faster. Statement of the Problem/Objectives Problem # 1: Can we use apple juice extract as an invisible ink? Alternative Hypothesis: Yes, we can use apple juice as an invisible ink. Null Hypothesis: No, we cannot use apple juice as an invisible ink. Problem # 2: Is apple juice a better alternative than other materials? Alternative Hypothesis: Yes, apple juice is a better alternative. Null Hypothesis: No, other materials such as baking soda or lemon juice is a better alternative. General Objectives: 1. To be able to investigate if apple juice can be used as an invisible ink Specific Objectives: 1.To be able to use apple juice as an invisible ink 2.To be able to know how fast the juice oxidizes which would make the hidden words visible. Significance of the study This study aims to find out if apple juice is a good source of invisible ink compared to other fruit juices or materials. Scope and Limitation You need to extract a lot of juice from the apple to be able to complete words on the paper compared to other materials which is readily available. Definition of Terms Apple a fruit which is considered by everybody as delicious and healthy. Color may be red or green. Invisible ink – an ink that is not visible to the naked eye. Chapter II Review of Related Literature The world as we know it began with the apple. According to Genesis 3:6, Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, gave it to Adam and their eyes were opened. This fruit of knowledge is generally represented by the apple. Were it not for Eve’s transgression, mankind would never have been born. In the eyes of Christians, at least, our world began with the apple. Malus pumila, the paradise apple has been symbolic of many things throughout history. The genus name Malus comes from the Latin root â€Å"mal† which means bad or evil. In the Garden of Eden it represents sin and knowledge. â€Å"†¦the apple of my eye† are the words used by Jehovah in the Old Testament of the Bible, to describe his favored people. The ‘apple’ of the eye is the pupil, the center. God said he kept the children of Israel in the apple of his eye as a way of saying to them that they were central and favored, that he watched over them even in their trials. Cutting an apple cross-wise will reveal more symbolism. The shape revealed is a five-pointed star. This pentagram, though often mistaken for a satanic symbol, is actually a Christian symbol which represents the atonement. This five pointed star is also called the Star of Bethlehem, representing the star that appeared at the birth of Jesus Christ. The seeds within the star of the fruit represent the Resurrection and Immortality or Rebirth, as this is how the fruit continues its life. This one fruit symbolizes the Birth, Sin and Death of man, then the Birth of a Savior who will Atone and Resurrect him to Immortality and Eternal Life. This symbolism was carried though to several ancient pagan cultures as well. The Scandinavians had their goddess, Iduna whose name meant ‘at-one-ness,’ very close to the word ‘atonement.’ According to legend, she tended the apple orchards at Asgard a land for the Immortals. To Asgard the other gods went each night to renew themselves. Their immortality depended on partaking of Iduna’s apples. Like Asgard, Avalon was another place for the Immortals. It was believed that Celtic heros like King Arthur didn’t die but sailed through the mist to reach Avalon. Avalon was the â€Å"Apple Island†. The name came from the Welsh word â€Å"afal† or apple. The Irish mythological heros were summoned to Emain Ablach, (Emain of the Apple Trees) or the Avalon equivalent, â€Å"Avallach†. This was done by an â€Å"other-worldly woman who brings the hero a silver-white blossomed apple branch from Emain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Some believe these legends to be rooted in descriptions of druidic ceremonies. In addition to being a fruit rich in symbolism, there is much plant lore assigned to the apple. Apple boughs hung above the door frame of a house are said to bless the couple that resides therein with added peace and love. Others have used the apple in a love spell that involves cutting the apple cross-wise and sharing it with the one that you love to increase the attraction. In Danish folklore, however, apples are believed to wither around adulterers. Many American children have bobbed for apples on Halloween. This child’s game may have originated from and Irish Tradition, â€Å"La mas nbhal.† This was â€Å"the feast of the apple gathering† which took place on All Hallow Eve. There was a spicy cider and toast beverage in which apples were floated. â€Å"It was usual for each person who partook of the spicy beverage to take out an apple and eat it, wishing good luck to the company.† In England on Christmas Eve, there once was a popular custom called, â€Å"wassailing the orchard trees.† The farmer with his family and workers would honor the most productive trees in the orchard with cider and hot cakes while saying the following toast three times: Almost everyone has eaten an apple, but have you ever asked the question where do apple trees grow? The apple trees we know today originated from the a wild apple tree that was native to Central Asia. It can still be found growing in the mountainous regions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and China. Amazingly, this original apple tree is the ancestor of almost every variety of apples that are available today, but unfortunately this species is not listed as vulnerable to extinction. Most species of apples prefer a cool or temperate climate for optimal growing conditions. They tolerate cold conditions very well, but should be planted in full sunlight and away from any frost pockets (the area where cold air settles). They require some maintaining, such as watering and fertilizing, but are generally easy to care for. There are some specially developed species that can tolerate hot and humid weather, but most apples are still grown in cooler regions. Many countries now grow apples for commercial purposes. China and the United States are the world’s top apple producers, followed by Iran, Turkey, Russia, Italy and India which all produce over two million tonnes per year. The world production of apples now sits at just under sixty five million tonnes. Within the United States over 60% of total production takes place in Washington state where conditions for growing apples are ideal

Philosophy-imputable Acts :: essays research papers

Dr. Kitchel Ethics 2314 "Imputable Acts in Regards to the Fate of a World" An act is called imputable when the person committing the act is in possession of both knowledge and consent in regards to the action at hand. Imputability is a thing that is always completely possessed or completely not possessed by a person. Imputability causes accountability. Accountability has degrees upon which it is based and these degrees depend on whether or not the person was influenced by some modifier of either the intellect or the will. Imputability's requirements, knowledge and consent, have to do with the relationship between the act in question and whether or not it is a good or evil act. An act is either objectively, morally good or evil. To the degree that the person committing the act is aware of this in the form of either knowledge or consent is the degree to which the act itself is imputable and thereby also the person is accountable for the act. The characters in C. S. Lewis' novel, "Prelandra", make choices and perform acts that drastically effect the outcome of the world in which the novel takes place. Some of these acts are wholly imputable while others are not. However, all of the acts are either good or evil. As a result of this, the novel illustrates the importance of being able to distinguish the difference between good and evil acts in the consequences that befall its characters from their own actions within the novel. The novel's protagonist, John Ransom of Thucalandra (Earth), is sent by Maleldil (God) to the planet of Prelandra (Venus) in order to stop the Bent Oyarsa (Satan) from corrupting that planet as he did with Earth though Ransom has no knowledge of the exact purpose of his journey upon leaving or even once he is there on the planet. Once he arrives on the planet, he encounters the person he deems "the Green Lady." Lewis' character, the Green Lady, is Prelandra's counterpart to the Eve character in the Genesis story of creation in the Bible. After meeting her and realizing who she is, Weston the villain from the first book appears in Prelandra. He is there on a new "mission." This new mission is no longer for the survival of the human race as it was on his journey to Malacandra but is now for the survival of the "Human Spirit.

False Hope

Have you ever tried making yourself believe of the things that weren’t actually real? Well, if you did, then that was a normal thing experienced by others, experienced by you and experienced by me. False-hope. That was the right term to be used for those people who are keep on holding on to promises which they thought it will happen soon, tomorrow, the next day until the next-next-next days and ever. False-hope is a vague incidence. It was an untrue declaration of testimony uttered by those people who are good of making promises yet can’t stand for it. Promises. Promises and false-hope are then supplementary to each other. Because if there are no promises that has been said, then there will be no someone who will continuously keep an eye for such pledges. There will be no someone who will keep on waiting for unclear tomorrows. And there will be no someone who’ll just be an innocent believer of all of those promises. Well, the very purpose why I wrote this article is to express my thoughts of believing so many things which are then things that were set to be forgotten. I myself is amenable that I’ve always been a victim of this uncertain thing. But then, I just accepted those things . And so, I’ve come to a point of putting this into this piece of writing. Actually, I’m not feeling bad due to failed promises of so many people surround me. I just wrote this because I do believe that I’m not the only one who had experienced such thing. For a broader perspective, it’s not intentional. It happens because others didn’t want their belongings to directly lose their hope. It happens because they also thought that they could provide the things they promised to give yet after times of reaching to make it possible, still they won’t be able to do so. Sometimes, people didn’t intend to bring false-hope. It’s just that their capacity to fulfill their promises was not enough. But then, on the other hand, some tend to do this just to let other hope for nothing. Just like for example, a courtship between a lady and a gentleman. There are many times where guys had expected their dreamed girls to give them their awaited-yes answer. They’ve tried so hard to prove them they’re deserving. Yet at the end, they’ll end up disappointed. At home, I know we’ve been encountering this one often times. You might got excited because you’ll be going out somewhere with your family but it will just be postponed due to so many reasons either valid or invalid reasons. You might expect something from someone but expectations will just fail. There are still so many instances where false-hope was its ending application. And this is actually normal as I said on the first part. And I guess, there is only one certain thing we must do in order not to be a victim of this over and over again. Don’t believe too much. I didn’t mean of losing your trust to someone or to be a negative thinker. What I mean is don’t be 100% sure of the things being promised to you. Just expect for both sides. Just think that it might happen and it might not. Because the more that you expect the more that it will bring you failures. ‘Though we must always expect for the best but as I said we have to expect for both side. Well, I’ll end up saying â€Å"Any man can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error. † By Cicero. Thanks for reading anyway. False Hope Leanne Whittemore Lecturer: John McDonough ENGL 299-014 02/21/2013 Essay #1 False Hope The characters in The Glass Menagerie all hope for a better future which is filled with success and happiness. This hope flickers throughout the play and is finally put out all together in the closing actions of the play. In The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, this sense of hope is symbolized by light. It is shown in the very descriptive stage directions, the specific objects pertaining to light like candles and lamps, and by the colorful images of rainbows throughout the play.While providing the characters with actions the very descriptive stage directions also provide a sense of emotions for them to act out. In scene six while Laura and Amanda are waiting excitingly for Jim to come over, William’s describes Laura as being â€Å"piece of translucent glass touched by light, given a momentary radiance, not actual, not lasting† (1748). William’s uses this idea of light to describe Laura’s emotions and feelings during this scene. By stating Laura was â€Å"given a momentary radiance† Williams’ illustrates Laura’s hope of finding someone to love.In scene seven, when Laura and Jim are talking, Williams uses descriptive stage directions to describe Laura’s feeling of hope in regard to light. This happens right around the time that Jim attempts to being engaged. The directions say that Jim smiles at Laura â€Å"with a warmth and charm which  lights  her inwardly† (1762). Then, when she finds out that Jim is engaged, the stage directions describe how the â€Å"holy candles on the altar of Laura's face have been snuffled out† (1768). Both descriptions show hope in Laura, while one is her hope that Jim is single, and the other being her hope being destroyed when she finds out that he is not.From the beginning, the directions, as well as the dialogue, directly tell the readers that the play is dimly lighted (1723). Then in the beginning of the final scene, all the lights go out (because Tom has not paid the electric bill), and the only lighting left on stage is candlelight. Through the use of light in the play, it is clear that the play does not leave the characters looking towards the bright hope of their future, but realizing their dim reality. For Amanda, her new floor lamp represents her hope for the future.In the fifth scene, when Tom says that Jim is coming over, Amanda states that she has been paying for a brand new floor lamp that she will have sent out for the occasion (1744). By the sixth scene, before Jim arrives, the new lamp, â€Å"with its rose silk shade† is put in the living room (1747), symbolizing her hope for Jim to come back. This hope turns out to be pointless, which Amanda recognizes by stating that â€Å"all the expense† has basically been for nothing, and the first one she lists is â€Å"the new floor lamp† (1771).The new lamp is a symbol o f hope to Amanda, and its presence in her living room when Jim arrives makes her feel that there is hope for Laura and Jim. Like all other hope in the play, it was a useless, waste of time and energy At the end of the play when Tom is finishing his dialogue , the symbol of hope turns to Laura's candles. Tom speaks as if to Laura, â€Å"I reach for a cigarette, I cross the street, I run into the movies or a bar, I buy a drink, I speak to the nearest stranger- anything that can blow your candles out! † (1772).Tom interprets these candles as Laura's hope, which he can’t seem to get out of his brain. He doesn’t want the family to suffer dealing with false hope any longer. He sees the world as a dark and stormy place, by saying â€Å"For nowadays the world is lit by lightning! Blow out your candles, Laura- and so goodbye†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1772). Then Laura actually blows out the candles, extinguishing the final light and making the stage become dark and lonely. This sy mbolizes not only a goodbye to Tom, but also saying goodbye to the hope of love and a brighter future for the Wingfield family.In an essay titled â€Å"Williams' The Glass Menagerie,† Bert Cardullo comments that, when Laura blows the candles out, â€Å"The implication is that no gentleman caller will ever enter her life again† (11), which, truly means that hope will never again enter Amanda and Laura’s lonely lives. The symbol of the rainbow in The Glass Menagerie shows the illusion of hope or false hope. Right when the characters almost reach what they hoped for it always seems to disappear. Laura’s fragile glass animals are used to show this sense of false hope.In the seventh scene, when Laura is talking to Jim, she shows Jim the glass unicorn and says, â€Å"Hold him over the light, he loves the light! You see how the light shines through him? † (1764). . As Jim holds the unicorn and comments â€Å"It sure does shine,† one can imagine the rainbow ray that the unicorn creates. This unicorn comes to symbolize the love that Laura has been waiting all her life for. This love â€Å"comes to her, however fleetingly, in the person of Jim† (Cardullo 3). However, like the rainbow light of the glass unicorn, this hope of love is just an illusion.Tom mentions rainbows again in his final words as he describes how he abandons Amanda and Laura, he says, â€Å"I pass the lighted window of a shop where  perfume  is sold. The window is filled with pieces of colored glass, tiny transparent bottles in delicate colors, like bits of a shattered rainbow. † The image of a shattered rainbow fits perfectly with Tom’s closing words due to the fact that Tom’s abandonment from the family seems to shatter any type of hope the Wingfield family had.Williams’ last directions to make the stage completely dark seem like a symbol of the future of the Wingfield family; dark and lonely. As far as Amanda sees it, w ithout a man to take care of her and Laura they left with nothing but loneliness. Laura will never be able to work; Tom left his family behind, and it seems that no â€Å"suitor† will ever enter the women's lives again. Cardullo notes that, â€Å"The character of Tom is based in part on Tennessee Williams himself, and Laura is modeled after Williams' beloved sister, Rose† (12).Since the play is autobiographical, it has the feeling that Williams is attempting to show us the readers something that happened in his past, implying that hope never did come to this family. When the lights go out at the end of the play, it is dark for good. Works Cited Cardullo, Bert. â€Å"Williams's The Glass Menagerie. † The Explicator. 22 March 1997. . paragraphs 1-12. Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie. Ed. Robert DiYanni. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. 1718-1773.

Citizens for Democracy

A democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving free elections that are periodically held. The necessary moral and intellectual characteristics the citizens of a democracy must possess for the survival and the prosperity of such a form of government include: respect for laws, respect for rights, respect for authority, equal mental worth, and opportunity for all citizens. Some other scholars have argued another notion pertaining to the success of a democracy. Those scholars have suggested the presence of certain economic conditions is necessary for a democracy to continue to exist and to flourish. A democracy will go as far as the citizens of that democracy will take it. Therefore, the moral and intellectual characteristics that those citizens possess are pivotal. Moral characteristics are those in which help the citizens set a standard of what is right and good for the country. These include respect for laws, rights, and authority. The citizens must respect the laws for many reasons, mainly for fear of punishment that usually entails a loss of freedom. The citizens must also have a respect for the rights they and others have. This gives each citizen a sense of equality to one and other, they all have the same rights under the law, which allows freedom to be put into action. Besides these characteristics, the citizens of a democracy must have a respect for authority. Those in authority are the ones protecting the laws and the rights of the citizens. If the citizens value their freedom and liberty, then they must respect the protectors of those freedoms and liberties. Intellectual characteristics are necessary because the citizen's ability for rational or intelligent thought adds to the prosperity of the democracy. The citizens must be able to, as Tocqueville states, â€Å"educate democracy; to put, if possible, new life into its beliefs; to purify its mores; to control its actions; gradually to substitute understanding of statecraft for present inexperience and knowledge of its true interest for blind instincts; to adapt government to the needs of time and place; and to modify it as men and circumstances require. The citizens of a democracy must see each other as having equal mental worth. All citizens should understand that the opportunity for education should be present. But, the amount of education should not be what is most important: the citizens must understand it's what you do with the education that matters most. Intellectually everyone is different; some are more educated than others, and others less. The citizens must have the insight to understand that everyone is equal under the law and in the rights that are bestowed upon them. These characteristics are all very important to the survival of a democracy. Theodore Roosevelt explains this best when he stated, â€Å"A democracy must consist of men who are intellectually, morally, and materially fit to be their own masters. † There are, however, other scholars who believe that certain economic conditions must be also present for the continued survivability of a democracy. The characteristics of the citizens are very important to the success of a democracy, but groups of people known as progressives, believe that economic situations in a democracy play just as important of a role. The economic situation that they claim is needed is economic equality. As Franklin Roosevelt, a progressive and former President of the United States, stated, â€Å"Our government, formal and informal, political and economic, owes to everyone an avenue to possess himself of a portion of that plenty sufficient for his needs, through his own work. † It is the government's responsibility to ensure economic equality to all citizens, which is important, because, the prosperity of a democracy depends on the prosperity of its citizens. Theodore Roosevelt, another progressive and President, furthers this notion by contending, â€Å"there is no point in having prosperity unless there can be an equitable division of prosperity. † This must therefore be extended to economics: for the democracy to move forward and provide for its citizens, the citizens themselves must have the economic stability. If there were not an equal distribution of prosperity, in the economic sense, the government would have to create programs to â€Å"level the playing field. Examples of these programs are welfare and affirmative action. While these programs are different, they have the same purpose: to help those in need which would, in turn, level the playing field. A democracy is faced with many challenges that it must be able to adjust to, including the economic growth of its citizens and the security of that growth. L. B. Johnson stated, â€Å"The challenge of the next half of the century is whether we have the wisdom to use that wealth to enrich and elevate our national life, and to advance the quality of our American civilization. Therefore, for a democracy to survive, that democracy and the citizens of the democracy must have the ability to move forward and shape their own future to assure prosperity and survival. This is the link between the economic and the political. In conclusion, the citizens of a democracy must possess for it to succeed and survive. Others believe economic conditions affect the prosperity of a democracy. While there are other characteristics that generally impact a democracy, the ones explained are seen as the most important.

Free Essays on Byrnes Reinforcement Theory

The communication theory that I will discuss is known as the Byrne’s Reinforcement Theory. I chose this theory because of all the options its seems to have the most relation to my day to day life. In researching this theory I have many ideas and aspects that are very important to building lifelong relationships. In outlining this paper I will discuss the history of the theory, analyze studies pertaining to the theory, and I will show how I perceive the theories to be applicable. In this theory of reinforcement it is evident in every new relationship that we encounter, we look for people to make us feel better about ourselves. In this search we are constantly changing values that we look in new relationships, but through various studies our patterns our search always come down to the theory of reinforcement. In this paper I will explain the reinforcement theory according to Byrne, is that we gravitate to those who show us positive reinforcement in interpersonal relationships . Donn Byrne, a well know psychologist, pioneered this theory. He spent his career studying why some people like and dislike others. A key component of his theory was that of the principal of reinforcement, which identifies why people are attracted to others. This principal says that we are attracted and will look for those who complement or pay dividends to us. These complements range from verbal or praise to tangible items. In following the idea of reinforcement we are also repulsed by those who chastise us. Punishment may take different forms from rude comments to awkward and or bad experiences. â€Å"Disagreement raises the unpleasant possibility that we are to some degree stupid, uninformed, immoral, or insane (Byrne, 1961, pg713) Interpersonal attraction is a result of the rewards that others send out during interaction. Nicholas believes that there is a strong relationship between attitude similarity and interpersonal attraction (Nicholas, 1982). Mr... Free Essays on Byrne's Reinforcement Theory Free Essays on Byrne's Reinforcement Theory The communication theory that I will discuss is known as the Byrne’s Reinforcement Theory. I chose this theory because of all the options its seems to have the most relation to my day to day life. In researching this theory I have many ideas and aspects that are very important to building lifelong relationships. In outlining this paper I will discuss the history of the theory, analyze studies pertaining to the theory, and I will show how I perceive the theories to be applicable. In this theory of reinforcement it is evident in every new relationship that we encounter, we look for people to make us feel better about ourselves. In this search we are constantly changing values that we look in new relationships, but through various studies our patterns our search always come down to the theory of reinforcement. In this paper I will explain the reinforcement theory according to Byrne, is that we gravitate to those who show us positive reinforcement in interpersonal relationships . Donn Byrne, a well know psychologist, pioneered this theory. He spent his career studying why some people like and dislike others. A key component of his theory was that of the principal of reinforcement, which identifies why people are attracted to others. This principal says that we are attracted and will look for those who complement or pay dividends to us. These complements range from verbal or praise to tangible items. In following the idea of reinforcement we are also repulsed by those who chastise us. Punishment may take different forms from rude comments to awkward and or bad experiences. â€Å"Disagreement raises the unpleasant possibility that we are to some degree stupid, uninformed, immoral, or insane (Byrne, 1961, pg713) Interpersonal attraction is a result of the rewards that others send out during interaction. Nicholas believes that there is a strong relationship between attitude similarity and interpersonal attraction (Nicholas, 1982). Mr...

Solstice Celebrations

Solstice Celebrations If future archaeologists were to replay news audiotapes from the turn-of-the-21st century holidays, they would hear weekly updates on the success or failure of area merchants and editorials on how their sales figures reveal the true state of the economy. If they also had access to computer records, they might assume the legal definition of Christmas in the U.S. includes a fiscal obligation for each family to incur self-destructive debt. Is there a connection between dwindling light and conspicuous consumption? Between the end of the year and irresponsible behavior? Certainly, there is a connection between the solstice and the presence of millions of twinkling little bulbs illuminating a sky that has been dark for too long. And there is a biological connection between cold and overindulgence in food, but even if less logical, the connection between festivities and years end seems just as central to our behavior. There are many winter celebrations that antedate our placement of Christmas on December 25, three of which are described on the following pages: SaturnaliaHanukkahMithras Holiday Extravagance The festival of the Kalends is celebrated everywhere as far as the limits of the Roman Empire extend... The impulse to spend seizes everyone.... People are not only generous towards themselves, but also towards their fellow-men. A stream of presents pours itself out on all sides.... The Kalends festival banishes all that is connected with toil and allows men to give themselves up to undisturbed enjoyment. From the minds of young people, it removes two kinds of dread: the dread of the schoolmaster and the dread of the stern pedagogue.... Another great quality of the festival is that it teaches men not to hold too fast to their money, but to part with it and let it pass into other hands. Libanius, quoted in The Xmas Story Part 3 In Ancient Rome, the mythical age of Saturns kingship was a golden age of happiness for all men, without theft or servitude, and without private property. Saturn, dethroned by his son Jupiter, had joined Janus as ruler in Italy, but when his time as earthly king was up, he disappeared. â€Å"It is said that to this day He lies in a magic sleep on a secret island near Britain, and at some future time ... He will return to inaugurate another Golden Age.† Janus instituted the Saturnalia as a yearly tribute to his friend, Saturn. For mortals, the festival provided a yearly symbolic return to the Golden Age. It was an offense during this period to punish a criminal or start a war. The meal normally prepared only for the masters was prepared and served first to the slaves, and in further reversal of the normal order, it was served to the slaves by the masters. All people were equal and, because Saturn ruled before the current cosmic order, Misrule, with its lord (Saturnalia Princeps), was the order of the day. Children and adults exchanged gifts, but the adult exchange became so great a problem the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer that a law was enacted making it legal only for richer people to give them to poorer. According to Macrobius Saturnalia, the holiday was originally probably only one day, although he notes an Atellan playwright, Novius, described it as being seven days. With Caesars changing of the calendar, the number of days of the festival increased. Another festival connected with lights in the middle of winter, gift giving, and indulgent food is the 2000-year old holiday [www.ort.org/ort/hanukkah/history.htm] Hanukkah, literally, dedication, since Hanukkah is a celebration of the re-dedication of the Temple following a purification ritual. Following this re-dedication, in 164 B.C., the Maccabees were planning to relight the Temples candles, but there wasnt enough unpolluted oil to keep them burning until fresh oil could be obtained. By a miracle, the one nights worth of oil lasted eight days plenty of time for to obtain a new supply. In commemoration of this event a menorah, a 9-branched candlestick, is lit each of 8 nights (using the ninth candle), amid singing and blessings. This commemoration is Hanukkah (also spelled Hanukah or Channuka / Chanukkah). According to reader Ami Isseroff: â€Å"Channuka was originally Chag Haurim - the festival of light. This leads to the suspicion that it, too, was a solstice holiday that existed before the victory of the Maccabees, which was welded unto it.† Dateline: 12/23/97 Mithras, Mithra, Mitra Mithraism radiated from India where there is evidence of its practice from 1400 B.C. Mitra was part of the Hindu pantheon* and Mithra was, perhaps, a minor Zoroastrian deity**, the god of the airy light between heaven and earth. He was also said to have been a military general in Chinese mythology. The soldiers god, even in Rome (although the faith was embraced by male emperors, farmers, bureaucrats, merchants, and slaves, as well as soldiers), demanded a high standard of behavior, temperance, self-control, and compassion even in victory. Such virtues were sought by Christian, too. Tertullian chides his fellow Christians for unbecoming behavior: Are you not ashamed, my fellow soldiers of Christ, that you will be condemned, not by Christ, but by some soldier of Mithras? Survivals of Roman Religions p. 150 Since earliest history, the Sun has been celebrated with rituals by many cultures when it began its journey into dominance after its apparent weakness during winter. The origin of these rites, Mithrasists believe, is this proclamation at the dawn of human history by Mithras commanding His followers to observe such rites on that day to celebrate the birth of Mithras, the Invincible Sun. dies natalis solis invicti Mithraism, like Christianity, offers salvation to its adherents. Mithras was born into the world to save humanity from evil. Both figures ascended in human form, Mithras to wield the sun chariot, Christ to Heaven. The following summarizes the aspects of Mithraism that are also found in Christianity. Mithras, the sun-god, was born of a virgin in a cave on December 25, and worshipped on Sunday, the day of the conquering sun. He was a savior-god who rivaled Jesus in popularity. He died and was resurrected in order to become a messenger god, an intermediary between man and the good god of light, and the leader of the forces of righteousness against the dark forces of the god evil.- Pagan Origins of Christmas Update: 12/23/09 See: Mithraism Aurelian, Constantine, and Sol in Late Antiquity *On G. Wissowas (1912, 367) contention that the festival was instituted by Aurelian, cf. Wallraff 2001, 176-7 n. 12; Salzman 1990, 151 n. 106; Heim 1999, 643 with refs. There is no explicit evidence stating that the feast of December 25th was instituted by Aurelian. In fact the calendar of 354, supplemented by Julians hymn to Helios, is our only conclusive evidence for an official feast day in honour of Sol on that day. On the evidence currently available we cannot exclude the possibility that, for instance, the 30 chariot races held in honor of Sol on December 25th were instituted in reaction to the Christian claim of December 25th as the birthday of Christ. In general, the extent to which late pagan festivals copied, incorporated, or responded to Christian practices, elements, and dates deserves far more attention than it has received; cf. Bowersock 1990, 26-7, 44-53. For more on the virgin (or other) birth of Mithras, see: The Miraculous Birth of Mithras, by M. J. Vermaseren Mnemosyne, Fourth Series, Vol. 4, Fasc. 3/4 (1951), pp. 285-301 For more on modern biographies of Mithras, see: Merkelbachs Mithras, by Roger Beck. Phoenix, Vol. 41, No. 3 (Autumn, 1987), pp. 296-316 *On the Antiquity of Vedic CultureHermann OldenbergThe Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, (Oct., 1909), pp. 1095-1100 **On Mithras Part in ZoroastrianismMary BoyceBulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol. 32, No. 1 (1969), pp. 10-34andZoroastrian Survivals in Iranian FolkloreR. C. ZaehnerIran, Vol. 3, (1965), pp. 87-96