...Hermie is a short story about child- and adulthood, unconditional love, and friendship. In the story we are met by memories from a marine biologist’s childhood, and his fight to rid himself of a tender memory of losing a close friend. The short novel promotes that one should not get so intellectual that one loses contact with the real. In Hermie, the main character is a male whose name we do not know. He is a marine biologist, working at a university. He is situated at the Eighteenth International Conference of Limnology and Oceanology in Salzburg. The main character seems to be a nervously inclined man – something we get the impression of in the beginning where he says that “the introduction to Marine Biology I give to my freshmen every year is enough to rattle me,” and when he reveals that he repeats a mantra before doing such speeches: “Calm Blue Ocean.” He also appears to be of some importance, since he is invited to such an event, and since he is to give a speech. Even though the main character is a grown man, he appears to still have an imaginative mind. This is presented to the reader when he goes to the bathroom before his speech, to rid himself of his nervousness. Here he meets a talking hermit crab called Hermie that apparently was the main character’s imaginary friend when he was a child. He speaks with Hermie until there are only minutes left before his speech, and flushes him down the toilet before leaving the bathroom. He speaks with Hermie about all their summer...
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...The smell of fresh cooked apple pie, the sound of laughter, and the sight of all my family members is always a warm feeling when walking into my family’s holidays celebrations. A family unit can be defined in a variety of ways. There are characteristics that make up a solid family unit. Loyalty, unconditional love and dependability are qualities exhibited by my family and make us a complete family. Loyalty can be defined as faithfulness to a person or cause, understanding that person and or committing to the betterment of someone. My parents have been loyal to me since I can remember. They have always been honest with me in every situation. I can recall when my grandmother first became sick with lung and brain cancer, My mother never concealed the fact that at any moment she could pass away. So, it was important to show her daily love. My father expressed loyalty a little different. Every summer on those trips to Nashville, Tennessee I was able to spend time with him despite the issues we encountered while I was growing up. During those summers we became closer because of our late night talks. In which he allowed me to express myself even when it wasn’t a popular subject. Of course a mother loves all her children but my mother has always went above and beyond to show how much she really cares. At the age of seven I remember when mother was eight moths pregnant with my soon to be little sister and we were finally home after a long day. As I went to exit the car when out of no...
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...rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” (1st Corinthians 13:5-7). In order for me to give you my best definition of love, I would have to use the four types of love given by the ancient Greek philosophers. They are phileo, the love of friendship; storge, the love of family and relatives; eros, the love of affection and obsession; and agape, the unconditional love. Phileo, the love of friendship, is not sexual in nature. Phileo basically covers everything that has to do with a friendly affection of one person to another. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and their community. Phileo love truly describes friendship and the bonds that are strengthened by shared experiences. Most of us have at least someone that we call best friend. The tender affection we have for them is an example of phileo. Storge means family affection between family members. It is extremely important for all human beings, children and adults. It is natural affection, like the love of a parent to a child and a child to the parent. It is described as the most natural, emotive, and widely diffused of loves. It is a love that is not subjected to conditions or limitations. Eros is passionate love, romance, intimacy, physical love and physical affection between a man and a woman. Eros does not have to be sexual...
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...The Power of Love Everyone has felt it at least once in their lifetime, whether for a person, pet, or even a non-living thing; that thing is called love. Love has very different meanings to different people, for some love can be solely romantic or even solely sexual, for others real love is truly unconditional and is only really shared between family members or between people and religion. And for some people, love is ever-changing and everywhere, and is felt for friends, family, partners, pets, and even inanimate objects, dead artists, and fictional characters. No matter the relationship though, love is a sacrifice, for people do many things for love. None of these people are right or wrong though, but one thing is for sure: with the strength of parental and romantic relationships, love is the most powerful force in the entire world. Between partners of any kind, be it married, common law, girlfriend/boyfriend, young or old, and gay or straight, love is a relationship of mutual respect and understanding. Marriages or partnerships are often built on common ground that people discover when they first meet. This can be as simple as finding out you like the same movie, or as deep as sharing philosophical or religious beliefs. That kind of love often relies on some sort of chemistry shared between the two people: that weird feeling that you get at the pit of your stomach that nothing else is more important than being in each other’s company. It is that initial spark that transforms...
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...relationships exist in everyday life that form bonds. A relationship is a bond formed when people possess working associates, romantic partners, and family. People create relationships with their working associates to complete tasks and to make the workplace less monotonous. They collaborate with others to increase their...
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...rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” (1st Corinthians 13:5-7). In order for me to give you my best definition of love, I would have to use the four types of love given by the ancient Greek philosophers. They are phileo, the love of friendship; storge, the love of family and relatives; eros, the love of affection and obsession; and agape, the unconditional love. Phileo, the love of friendship, is not sexual in nature. Phileo basically covers everything that has to do with a friendly affection of one person to another. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and their community. Phileo love truly describes friendship and the bonds that are strengthened by shared experiences. Most of us have at least someone that we call best friend. The tender affection we have for them is an example of phileo. Storge means family affection between family members. It is extremely important for all human beings, children and adults. It is natural affection, like the love of a parent to a child and a child to the parent. It is described as the most natural, emotive, and widely diffused of loves. It is a love that is not subjected to conditions or limitations. Eros is passionate love, romance, intimacy, physical love and physical affection between a man and a woman. Eros does not have to be...
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...The Storm before the calm Reflections of the life and times of Benjamin Vaughan Jr. In the third person Benjamin W. Vaughan Jr. Personal Leadership Development, October 31, 2015 He was a recently discharged Vietnam veteran who relocated to the big city to find work. She was a single mother working for the federal government trying to navigate through the mysterious maze of life. They met in our nation’s capital, a true dichotomy of politics and the underbelly of American society. On a temperate day on the last Saturday of October in 1974, the birth of the second son of the two working class residents of Park Morton would consummate a strong bond and this would become the first day of life for Benjamin Wesley Vaughan Jr (BV). In order to understand the man he is today, you must understand the boy he was; an above average student who underachieved yet found his way through life experience, luck and circumstance. The early years set the precedent for the next stage of maturation: the teenage – young adult years. The teens and early adult years resemble a budding flower which is overwhelmed by life’s challenges and influences, wilting away seeking sunlight. Adulthood begins with a hurricane of events that lead to a chance encounter that will change his life forever. By the end of this recollection, you will know where he is going because you will see where he has been. Benny Sr. and Bernadette...
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...What is Family? When asked, what defines a family, the normal response is, mom, dad, and child. According to Webster, “family is defined as a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household, all descendants of a common ancestor.” I do believe this to be an 2group of people who are not related by marriage or blood, but people that genuinely love, care and respect each other. I have a special group of lady friends and we call ourselves the “crew.” Every year, we plan a vacation and go away together. We plan various activities, dinner outings and special bonding time. We display our love for one another by hugging and saying I loveyou. We pray together. There is absolutely no way these ladies aren’t my family. No, they are not related to me by blood, but we are there for each other no matter what, whenever there is a need. So, family is way beyond a mom, dad and child; it consist of individuals that love and care for each other whether they are related by blood or not, and about spending quality time with each other and developing relationships. If parents would spend more time bonding with their children, I think we would have a lot more strong loving families in the world. We would see less news reports of children killing parents or parents killing children. By bonding with each other, you develop respect and love for each other. Bonding, as Webster defines “as the formation of a close relationship, as between friends, the emotional and...
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...Dogs Make the Best Pets Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. From tea cup size to giant size, from long hair to short hair and even hairless. With all the different breeds of dogs there is a variety of behavior and personalities and a variety of looks. But with all this variety there is one thing that stays constant – the love and companionship a dog gives. Regardless of the type of dog you chose your little furry friend will become your best friend, your family and if you let them will become part of your heart. There is no other animal that would make a better pet than a dog, no other pet provides more unconditional love and affection, and provides more social interaction and companionship than a dog. A dog expresses love and affection in so many ways, from the affectionate licks on our face, the intimate wagging of their tails, to their hugs when you come home. I cannot think of another species in the universe other than a dog that is capable of expressing their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty. When you think of a pet the two obvious choices that come to mind are a dog or a cat. Some people may try to argue that a cat is a better pet, but a cat does not greet you at the door like a dog, nor is a cat as affectionate as a dog. A cat is more independent than a dog, they tend to come around when they need something where a dog actually identifies with their owners mood. My dog can actually sense my mood and react accordingly; when I am sick or sad my dogs lie...
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...What makes a good parent? Good parents don't just happen. Good parents apply lessons they have learned and continually try to improve themselves and their parenting skills. 1. Provide unconditional love and encouragement to your child. Saying I love you, is important. But even more important is showing your child that you love them by giving your time and attention. Playing games, reading stories, and talking all show your love. Encouragement is also essential. Every child needs to feel like their parents are their best cheerleader. And with their parents help they can accomplish anything. 2. Make your kids a high priority. This doesn't mean that you don't take care of yourself and your marriage. But it does mean that your children should come before others. This may mean that you need to say nosometimes. 3. Strengthen your team . Strengthening your team applies to parents. It means that parents agree beforehand on important issues like rules and discipline. They discuss together important decisions that need to be made concerning the children and family. 4. Discipline consistently. To cultivate this quality of being a good parent is one of the hardest things to do. At the end of a hard day it is so easy to give in to a child that is crying or whining, but that is not consistent. It does not teach them and only makes your job as a parent more difficult. Set limits and rules and always enforce them. 5. Teach responsibility. Give your children responsibilities...
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...Franz Kafka, through “The Metamorphosis”, exhibits the limits of familial loyalty and love which reveals the abhorrent reality: unconditional love in the modern world is fictitious. The contrast between Gregor’s love for his family and theirs toward him clashes. The absence of loyalty in the families bond is what drives them to mistreat and use him. Even in the midst of Gregor’s metamorphosis his parents neglect him and his needs. Mr. Samsa throws apples at Gregor to show the reality of the family’s true feelings towards him. Furthermore, Gregor never has a cross thought of his parents or his sister, instead, mid death he meditates on their good qualities. Gregor loves his family even though they don’t feel the same. After Mr. Samsa loses...
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...Dysfunctional Families Brenda Ewers Sociology A sociological view says that families are considered to be the bedrock of our society. Divorce rates are at an all time high. Americans have a higher divorce rate than Europeans and people of the North Atlantic countries. Divorce seems to show a higher affect on children whose parents did not show any conflict of the marriage. Hence the divorce comes as a total surprise to them. In a traditional marriage the husband was the sole provider. The wife was the homemaker and she raised the children. If the husband or the wife fails to carry out their roles in a marriage it could lead to a failed marriage. There are many different reasons that lead to a family becoming dysfunctional. Unemployment, illness in the family, abuse, aging, adultery, and the empty shell ( which is when you fall out of love but stay for the sake of the children or a religious believe.) “Amicable divorces are certainly better than the alternative, particularly when children are involved. A national study shows they still take a toll on the children’s well being as well as their future marital success.” Both adults and children have to understand the cause and consequences of what a divorce will have on a family. Functionalism focuses on a way to get out of a marriage. Some divorce for an easy way out so they don’t have to work out the problems of their marriage. Children could either benefit or be damaged by the...
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...Joseph was the second youngest of twelve brothers born to Jacob and Rachael. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, not only because he had been born to Jacob at an old age, but also because Jacob recognized Joseph’s birth to Rachael as a special gift from God, being she was not able to bear a child for many years. Jacob also believed it to be true that God’s plan was to make Joseph a great leader in later years. One day, Jacob, wanting to show his son the love and appreciation he had for him, gave Joseph a beautiful coat made of many colors. When his brothers saw the gift, they realized it was true that their father loved and adorned their brother Joseph more than any of them. The brothers’ overwhelming feeling of jealousy drove...
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...in the Philippines. During the Pandesal forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe on Thursday, the independent senatorial candidate said the predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines is not yet ready for same-sex marriage. “Personally, I do not agree with it. Although I believe in the freedom of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community to love who they want to love, to be who they want to be, but when it comes to same-sex marriage, the Filipino culture is not prepared for that,” Zubiri said. He said he is against divorce because it might result in dysfunctional families and children, which he said is a scenario in the United States, where divorce is legal. “Natatakot ako sa divorce. If there’s such a mechanism as divorce na madali lang maghiwalay, ang mangyayari maraming magte-test marriage,” Zubiri said. “You will have dysfunctional families. Maraming magsu-suicide, maraming mga sira-ulo, maraming mass murderers; these are borne out of the dark years of separation of their parents they experienced, and they feel they are to be blamed,” he added. Zubiri said he would rather improve the process of annulment in the Philippines. “At the same breath, we should also strengthen and quicken annulment proceedings. Mayroon din naman pong mga abusadong asawa na umaabuso sa kanilang partners in life,” he said. Zubiri is running for Senate in the 2016 elections as an independent. But he is an adopted candidate of Senator Grace Poe, Davao...
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...Love around the World Jenny Beebe Definition Essay English 101, section 5A1 Dr. Love 16 October 2013 Love is an emotion and a feeling of deep affection. Love can be associated with fondness and tenderness. Usually, people who love will do anything that they can for their loved ones. They stick with them through good times and bad. Sometimes love can be confused with the word “like.” Like is very different from love in the sense that it means something more like “compare” or “relate” while love means “passionate.” Love also comes in many different forms. These forms of love include material love, friendship love, family love, and romantic love which are some of the most important forms. One of the most common types of love is the love for material things. Material love varies from person to person. Some people love money while others may love the clothes or shoes they wear. For example, a person may absolutely love the brand of clothes they wear and that may be all that a person will buy. People may love to shop because they love clothes, shoes, or other items. Such people tend to spend way too much money on these items, especially when they tend not to use the items they buy. When people buy too many shoes they tend not to wear them. One pair of shoes is the maximum a person can wear at a time. Instead people tend to buy more than needed because they love to shop or love a certain kind of item. You also have people who love beautiful things. Sometimes...
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