The Political Freedom of Self Under Islamic Regulations Essay

The Political Freedom of Self Under Islamic Regulations - Essay Example In this research paper, I’ll analyze the idea and conception of one’s political freedom in Islam, and how we can achieve it. In the beginning, I’ll quote Qur’anic verses that have particularly emphasized freedom and then, I’ll discuss al nafs (self) and its freedom in Quran. I’ll also examine the extent of man’s freedom in his actions and its political application. In addition, I’ll explore how a complete surrender to Allah’s will and message brings freedom for self. Moreover, I’ll thoroughly explain Qutb’s investigation on how complete surrender to Allah’s will brings freedom and end enslavement of other humans or systems. Additionally, I’ll explain Isaiah Berlin’s ideas of freedom and his critique of â€Å"positive freedom† in an effort to identify their relevance with Qutb’s. Lastly, I’ll explore the idea of jihad (struggle in the way of Allah or struggle against unbeliever) as Qutb refers it as a universal declaration of freedom and the way it is established. Semantically, freedom can mean a variety of things, but in this paper freedom shall be understood within the realms of Islam and within the two concept of freedom as explained by Isaiah Berlin. These two concepts are negative freedom, and positive freedom. Negative freedom is centered on the lack of restraints and constraint in carrying out actions, whereas positive freedom is the complete opposite. In positive freedom, one is restrained or allowed to act in a certain way on the basis of moral code. Muslims are free to act as they want as they can take their own decisions (determinism and mon). They are responsible for their actions; therefore, they need to purify their actions and self. In an effort to purify the inner self, they follow the regulations set by Islam. Jihad Asghar constitute three stages of self, and practicing it

Youth Counseling Essay Example for Free

Youth Counseling Essay The mental and well being of adolescences is issue that has become very important in todays society. When mental health issues are left untreated in the lives of adolescents, this can lead to a number of negative and life changing consequences that will over time debilitate bother the youth and their family. Adolescence is a period in time of physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Adolescences is divided into three phases: the early stage which is 10 years old to 13 years old and during this stage their will be sudden physical changes in the body because of the onset of puberty. The next phrase is the middle stage which is ages 14 to 16 and during this time in the onset of peer pressure and acceptance. The final stage is the late stage and age group is from 17 to 21. During this time the youth is transiting from being a teenager to becoming an adult. The years are marked by years colleges, the increase on making decisions, and becoming independent. Miller Rollnick, 2002) According to research, during these years the adolescent have several concerns, for instance, privacy, finding friends, being popular, surviving peer pressure, body image, academic pressure from school, dealing siblings, concerns about their futures, and issues in the family. (Miller Rollnick 2002) With all this these concerns of adolescents, it all trigger positive and negative mood swings, stress, depression, risk taking behavior, and acting out. Counseling adolescence during these stages in life be both challenging and rewarding. Adolescent Counseling: Preventive Health One of biggest counseling concerns for adolescences is preventive health counseling. The leading cause for adolescent death is accidents, homicide and suicide. (Stephens, 2006) In addition morbidity is also related to tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, engaging in risky sexual behavior, lack of physical activity and not eating right. According to the American Academy of Physicians, one third of all adolescence engage in some sort of risky behavior. The question has been asked why provided preventive health counseling to adolescence. The following are a widespread of serious and costly adolescence health issues that are preventable: unplanned pregnancies, sexual transmitted diseases, violence, committing suicide, and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. A study indicates that that about 25% to 30% of adolescences have been considered to be at risk of serious health outcomes based on risky behavior by the teen. Downs Klein, 1995) It is every common for adolescences to participate in more than one risky behavior because there is a rapid physical, cognitive and emotional development that this age and also many health and mental health arise during this time. According to research, some of the challenges in Adolescent health care are the lack of health insurance and the youth does not have a primary care physician. One study states that adolescences see physicians less that all the other age groups and about 73% of adolescents see a physician at least once a year. Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2005) Adolescences view the physician as good source to get credible information but many times they are reluctant about informing the doctor about their health issues to due to the confidentially issues. (Akinbami, Gandhi, Cheng, 2003) It is important that doctors and counselor both develop a specific and written confidentially policy in their offices that will help assure the adolescent and parent that issues that are discussed in sessions will not be disclose without their consent. Providing preventive counseling to adolescences can be very difficult, this type of counseling is essential for all youth. (Millstein, Petersen, Nightingale, 1993) It is virtual when providing health counseling, the clinician should be provide a comfortable and confidential place and ask question relevant that will help the clinician identify adolescences who may be at risk for or engaging in risky behavior that will compromise their health. Providing health counseling at the this age is common in adolescences. Merenstein, Green, Fryer, Dovey, 2001) In some studies, it is suggest that professional guidelines are implemented to help improve the delivery of preventive healthcare information to adolescences. (Ozer, Adams, Lusting, Gee, Garber, Garnder, 2005) In preventive health counseling, it has been suggested the counselor or physician should do the following in the screening process: (1) Address the patient with direct and open minded questions. (2) Be an attentive listener and do not interpret the youth while they are talking. 3) Watch all non verbal communication, such as body position, eye movement, and posture. (4) Do not judge the adolescent by their appearance. (5) When the youth maybe using slang, please ask the youth to give and explanation. (Stephens, 2006) Many clinicians think that it is important to add preventive care to their practices. ( U. S. Public Service, 1998) Implementing Preventive Health Counseling is important. Physical Activity and nutrition are preventive health measure that adolescences would receive counseling for. For instance, many clinicians encourage their patients to engage in physical activity at least 30 minutes a day and this will help reduce diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia (National Center of Health Statics, 2004) In the sessions, nutrition is also discussed. The youth is asked about their eating habits and how they can improve them. The adolescent would be advised by the clinician to change their diet and consume 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day and limit their sugar intake. (U. S. Department of Agriculture, 2005) Sexual education is also another preventive measure that used. According to research, there are specific counseling recommendations when it comes to educating adolescences regarding sex. There will be discussion on sexual activity, the number partners, contraceptive use and any history of STDs. (Hedberg, Bracken, Stashwick, 1999) Some counselor use the five A’s strategy when working with adolescences that have tobacco addiction issues and the 5 A’s strategy is ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange. (Stephens, 2006) Environmental factors in adolescent counseling is not often discussed but it is very important. Preventive counseling for environment factors such include the following not riding the someone who is under the influence of any type of drug or alcohol, do not text and drive, use helmets when riding bicycles, and wearing your seat belt when riding in a car. (Stephen, 2006) Chan Witherspoon (1998) states in their article that preventive health counseling has shown to successful with adolescences with risky behavior. For example, â€Å"Adolescents linked to school based clinic and on campus counselors and health education classes had profound effect on the teen pregnancy rate. College student that completed a risk appraisal questionnaire and that was follow up with feedback was less likely to use tobacco products. (Chan Witherspoon, 1998). There another studies that show that adolescences that received preventive health counseling decreased their risky behavior. (Gans, Alexander, Chu, Elster 1995) Adolescent Counseling: Depression Family Counseling Depression is a treatable condition for adolescents. Depression in the adolescent stage is a significant cause of morbidty for adolescences. (Stephens, 2006) Out 20 adolescents many of the youth show signs of clinical depression. Psychological treatments, drug therapy, and other measures can help alleviate symptoms and help the teen over come depression. † (Morland Bonin, 2013) Some physicians will consider screening a youth for depression if the exhibit the following signs: anger, guilt, missing school, and failing grades. (Son, Kirchner 2000) Researcher stated that treatment of depression is very successful for teen when the parents are involved in the counseling. Family education about depression is a very important components when treating a teens for depression. Ma Stafford 2005) Moreland and Bonin (2013) provided information on how to understand depression and its affects on the moods, thoughts, and behavior can help the teen and their deal with depression in different ways: family members learn about he symptoms of depression and how this will affect the family dynamic and the family will also be educated on how to provide a safe environment for depressed teens. When counseling a treat depression for a adolescent, psychological treatments and talk therapy will help teach the patient and their family to understand what the nature of depression. This will include how to deal with low moods, engage in productive and positive behavior, how manage and maintain relationships with family and friend, how to make wise decisions, problem solving skills, and how to deal with stressful situations that may associate with depression. (Morland and Bonin, 2013) The counseling session will last about 30 to 60 minutes per week with a training therapist. Throughout the session the youth will talk about his or his feelings, emotions, thoughts, and behavior. The counselor and the youth will discuss alternative ways on dealing and coping with depressive symptoms. Morland and Bonin, 2013) When dealing with a adolescent that is in a depressive state, the therapist/counselor needs to have the appropriate training. When a family and choosing a therapist/counselor, it is important that they should consider the person’s education, training and experience with adolescents. (Ma Stafford, 2005) For example, the following questions that family could ask the therapist: :†What type of training or experience do you have treating depression in adolescents? † â€Å"Will the family members be included in some aspect of the treatment? If so, how? (Morland and Bonin, 2013) Another component to the counseling, the youth can be prescribed medication to help deal with depression. Adolescent Counseling: Suicide Suicide in one of leading causes to the mortality in adolescents. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000) There are some risk factors that contribute to suicide in adolescents: they are abusing drugs and alcohol, history of depression, and having problems at home and in school. (Bukstein, Brent, Perper, Mortiz, Baugher, Schweers, 1993) According to research, when a youth is having trouble dealing with at difficult situation, they may consider suicide. Another component that leads to teen suicide, is that they have easy access to firearms, drugs, alcohol and cars. According statics, about 30% of teen suicides will involve a firearm and all firearm-related that occur with teens, about 80% are suicides. (Rao, Birmaher, Dahl, Williamson, Kaufman, 1995) There are always warning signs regarding suicide. The signs do not appear just out of the blue. For instance, when a youth withdraws from his family and friends, neglect their personal appearance, they believe speak about being hopelessness, eating habits change, their behavior becomes violent, these just a few warning signs. â€Å"More obvious signs that an adolescent many be suicidal include low self-esteem, and self deprecating remarks. Some teens come right out and talk and write about their suicidal thoughts. † (Hawton, K. , Heeringen, K. (2000). These actions need to be taken seriously and not ignored and help should immediate because these are cries for help. When seeking treatment for suicidal adolescents, it is very important to seek professional help such guidance counselors in schools, crisis centers, or even a pastor. It has been noted that often youth in a depressive state committee suicide. A professional can help by doing the following when dealing a youth that is suicidal: â€Å"An objective, caring listener who can share other more hopeful sides of the picture, help in determining what needs to be changed, finding solutions that arent as permanent as suicide, help to identify the resources needed for these changes, medication for depression when appropriate and Hospitalization a safe place to regain energy and work on problems. † (Hawton, K. , Heeringen, K. (2000). Ethical and legal Issues Related to Counseling Adolescents When counseling adolescents, it is very important to many sure that all ethical and legal guidelines are followed. According to the American Counseling Association, confidentiality, counselor competence, reporting abuse and neglect, and informed consent all require special consideration when counseling adolescents. The ethical and legal conflicts when dealing confidentiality. In some states, the law requires that a counselor maintain the confidentiality of the youth as young as 12 in a school setting; However, in a counseling setting the parents have legal right to all information disclosed in a session regarding child until the age of 18. Ethical codes advise counselors to maintain confidentiality as specified by federal and state laws, but parental rights are upheld by law in most states. † (Herlihy Corey 2006) According to Standard A. 2. a â€Å"all client have the right to inform consent and the freedom to decided to enter and remain in therapy after understanding their rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities of the counselor. † (ACA, 2005) When resolving a conflict in counseling, the parents must understand that confidentiality as it applies to their child therapy. Problems arise when a child discloses information in a session that they do not want shared with their parents. But if for some reason the counselor thinks that they child is not danger, it is necessary for the counselor to disclose that information to the parent. But the counselor can use discretion when share this information to the parent. (Lawerence and Kurpius, 2000) When trying to resolve this conflict, the counselor should encourage the adolescent to share information with their parent with the assistance of the counselor. However, if the adolescent is refusing to disclose information to the parent, the counselor needs to try to explain to the youth why it is important to share this information with the parent. (Herlihy Corey 2006) The related code according to ACA Standard B. 2. a â€Å"requires a breach of confidentiality when a the counselor believes such disclousure will protect the client from serious and foreseeable harm. In the case of reporting child abuse, federal and state laws require such reporting by mental health counselors and health professionals. (ACA, 2005) According to law is not a specific competence when come to counseling adolescents. Mental health counselors should have prior education, training, and experience as described in the ACA (2005). The related ethical code in the ACA (2005) Standard c. 2. a states â€Å"that counselors should understand the practice within the boundaries of their knowledge and experience and should not hold themselves out to providing services of which they are not appropriately trained. According to Lawerence and Kurpuis (2000), they stated that inform consent is an agreement between the client and the counselor for the start of therapy and this falls under the jurisdiction of contract law, and in most cases when providing a service to a minor the contact is between the parent the counselor.. The related ethincal code according to ACA Standard A. 2. D states ‘counseling a minor, the counselor must obtain inform consent from the parents or the legal guardian prior to starting therapy with a minor. †

Tobacco Smoking :: Argumentative Persuasive Example Essays

Tobacco smoking first started sometime in the 1400s. It was invented by natives in the Bahamas Islands. Instead of just pulling out a paper rolled cigarette, they had pipes. One end of the pipe was filled with burning tobacco leaves, while the other end of the pipe was where they inhaled the smoke. Many people all over the world today have been taken into this habit. Worldwide, there are approximately one billion smokers. This habit is extremely addicting because of a substance called nicotine found within each cigarette. Once a person is sucked into this dirty habit, it is hard for them to quit.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The smoke from a cigarette, consists of 100 million more harmful substances than the most polluted air. It also contains chemicals in it that many people don’t know of. Some of these chemicals include acetone (nail polish remover), ammonia (a household cleaner), cadmium (battery acid),and formaldehyde (preserves dead bodies). All of these chemicals are found in just one cigarette. These chemicals aggravate asthma and allergies by directly bothering the respiratory membranes. Because of this, it can trigger the production of excess mucus and cause sensitive airways in the lungs to tighten.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tobacco smoking is the largest cause of death that can be prevented. Everyday, about a few thousand people die from this fatal death stick. This means that every eight seconds. This kills more people than the worst epidemic diseases. Tobacco even affects your physical appearance. It can make your skin wrinkled and older looking, cause your teeth to turn yellow, and give your breath and clothes a dingy odor. Researchers say that smokers who smoke 10-20 cigarettes a day live on an average of five years less than non-smokers. To look on the bright side, if smokers quit, it is possible that the damage done to the lungs can be repaired.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cigarette smoke is so dangerous and so powerful that it can cause 17 different kinds of cancer. The cancer that is the most obvious and seen most often is lung cancer. Other places where cancer can sprout are in the throat, gullet, mouth, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, kidney and the bladder. Not only does tobacco smoke cause cancer, it can cause chronicle cough and bronchitis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, tobacco smoke doesn’t only cause many harmful and fatal diseases, but it also influences things like asthma, angina, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and shiver. Inhaling the smoke does a lot of harm to both

Readers Response to John Updike’s A&P Essay

In the summer of 1961 we meet Sammy. Sammy is a 19-year-old clerk at the local A&P in a small town, and one day a few girls walk in, in their bikinis. Everyone in the store either stares at them lustfully or averts their eyes uncomfortably. When the manager gets back he scolds the girls and tells them that they cannot come back in there dressed that way again. So Sammy quits. I personally enjoy this story because of the dated wordplay and the character development. John Updike fleshes out Sammy quite well. We learn that he has been working that the store for some time, and in doing so has noted many peculiarities about the people who frequent it. Having little else to do on a Thursday afternoon, he just looks around and internally judges everyone that he sees. Of an elderly woman who he is assisting at the start of the story he says, â€Å"She’s one of these cash-register-watchers, a witch about fifty with rouge on her cheekbones and no eyebrows, and I know it made her day to trip me up. She’d been watching cash registers for fifty years and probably never seen a mistake before. The story goes on about his observations with only a few bits of dialogue, in which one person is typically talking to someone else, with no real back and forth. I think that Updikes’ decision to keep the majority of the story in Sammy’s mind was interesting to me, and I feel as though it added a lot to the character. It was a very short story set in one place, over a period of about twenty minutes, so most of the success of the character development has to do with his inner monologue. We learn that Sammy is a bored 19 year old who is tired of his job and the predictability of the people in it. When something as unnatural as three scantily clad girls entering a supermarket in the early sixties occurs, the people in the market hardly pay attention. He believes that â€Å"you could set off dynamite in an A & P and the people would by and large keep reaching and checking oatmeal off their lists and muttering â€Å"Let me see, there was a third thing, began with A, asparagus, no , ah, yes, applesauce! † or whatever it is they do mutter. † Right there is a great summation for this character; dark, crude, pessimistic, and overly observant. Other than his witty wordplay, the story was lacking for me. I enjoyed reading it, but it was not the best thing that I have ever read. I feel like there could have been more, Sammy was so talkative in his own head, but then when the girls showed up he was quiet as a mouse. That makes sense for the character, but when he quit and the girls left I feel like there should have been more interaction between him and his manager, or maybe more of his inner thoughts. It is hard to pinpoint, and I would not even begin to know how to fix it, but this story falls short at the end in my opinion.

John Steinbeck Essay

Introduction The American dream was created by James Truslow Adams in 1931, James Truslow Adams believed that the American dream was of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunities for each according to ability or achievement, the American dream was targeted at poor people who wanted to have a better future, some of the things that might be in the American dream is to have a house with a nice family. In the book’ Of Mice and Men’. The American Dream is everyone has a dream to strive for the better things in life. The poor men and women wish to be their own bosses, and actually have stability in their lives, the poor wanted to have there own homes and have a nice family. But in the 1930’s there weren’t many or even any jobs available for the average everyday people of America. The American dream was for everyone to have a dream, the dream was created in the 1930’s America, and the great depression was caused by the Wall Street crash, because of the crash many people had lost there jobs and were unemployed, any money that would have been saved in there banks, it wasn’t possible for them to take it out because of the wall street crash, the entire banking system had collapsed and a huge number of banks went bust. There where many people staving and illnesses started to flood through out America. The only jobs that people could get where at ranches so there where many migrant farmers going to farm to farm trying to find a job, it was very competitive for them to get a job because every one wanted to make money so the could fill them self’s in the time of the great depression there was a big drought which caused a lot of farms to dry up. All the useable ranches where you could actually get some crops out of where in California. Many rich people had ranches in California so every one who’s ranches where dried out and couldn’t be used they would go to California, but not every one would have got a place because of the overcrowdings. In the story ‘of mice and men’ the two men are also migrant farmers and are in need of a job at a ranch, this is how the ‘of mice and men’ is linked to the great depression. George and Lennie. The relationship between George and Lennie is like a father and son relation ship, in the story lennie is represented like a child because of his disabilities and how he acts. In the story George is always telling off lennie for any thing bad which he does, a quote to represent George telling off lennie is,’ Aw, lennie George put his hand on Lennie’s shoulder â€Å", I aint taking it for meanness. ‘ This is showing two things one which is that he’s telling off lennie for something bad what he has done and that at the time of telling him off he’s actually being nice and saying he doesn’t do it for meanness, just like a father would do. Lennie treats George like a father by always listening to him, in the story lennie mimics George’s moves, a quote showing this is, ‘Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly. He pushed himself back, drew up his knees, embraced them, and looked over to George to see whether he had it just right’. This shows that George treats Lennie in a father perspective and thinks of him as a role model. George also gets Frustrated over Lennie when he doesn’t listen and does bad stuff a quote showing this is,† But not us! An’ why? Because†¦ because I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you. † This is showing that if he didn’t have to look after Lennie he would have a better life and George could go to a cat house when ever he wanted to and spend all his money unlike now when he has to save it up for the both of them and try and fulfil there dream as best as possible. Why George keeps Lennie around is because he doesn’t want to be lonely and live his life like all the other migrant farmers which go to cat houses and spend there earned money on useless money, a quote showing this is,† they come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then go into town and blow their stake, and the next thing you know they’re pounding’ their tail on some other ranch. † The quote is showing that other migrant farmers spend all there earning but George has a reason to earn money, the reason being lennie. George likes to have lennie around a quote showing this is. ‘ it’s a lot nicer to go around with a guy you know. † The quote was when George was talking to slim and took out his feelings. George and Lennies dream is to have a house and land and to have many farm animals especially lennie he is really interested in having lots of rabbits to tend and chickens, a quote to show this dream is† All kin’s a vegetables in the garden, and if we want a little whisky we can sell a few eggs or something, or some milk. We’d jus’ live there. We’d belong there. There wouldn’t be no more runnin’ round the country and gettin’ fed by a Jap cook. This quote shows that George and lennie want to be free to have what they want when they want, there is no hustle of doing anything they can grow fresh vegetables on the land run around on the fields enjoying themselves and lennie can tend the rabbits which he would be pleased about. As this would be relevant to the 1930s migrant farmers, George and lennie were alone and didn’t have any one to talk to and were quite lonely, a quote to show this is â€Å"but not us! Because†¦.. because I got you to look after me , and you got me to look after you and that’s why† this quote shows that George and lennie were together to look after each other referring to the 1930s many people didn’t travel together and didn’t have the right people to go to if something happened in their lives, referring to the book of mice and men George is always looking after lennie and having to care and see what he is doing where ever he goes, George is a good parent to a lennie he sometimes can get frustrated with lennie but at the same time he doest want to be lonely as he keeps him company. And the interactions he makes towards lennie to make him understand what he is doing. George and Lennies dream didn’t succeed because Lennie was getting into to much trouble, like the time in weed when he started to feel that girls dress, a quote showing the time when Lennie got in trouble was,† well, he seen this girl in a red dress. Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch ever’ thing he likes. Just wants to feel it. † This quote shows George getting into trouble because he of his child like behaviour.

Shrek Film Review Essay Example

Shrek Film Review Essay Example Shrek Film Review Paper Shrek Film Review Paper Essay Topic: Film Hilarious, irreverent digitally-animated fable from the makers of Antz. A Scottish ogre, a talking donkey, a midget tyrant, a princess with a secret and a whole raft of fairy-tale characters poke fun at uptightness and dole out liberalism. Shrek!! The highly indulgent topic of cinematic conversation ever since its release during late 2001. Well, impressed by its popularity I decided to take a look!! In due course, I was not disappointed!! Based in modest moderation on William Steigs book about a giant green ogre, this irreverent and absorbing computer-animated fairy tale is aimed as much at children as their parents. From the start, tradition is acknowledged as well as mocked. The execution of both is masterly. Opening with a Once upon a time story narrated over the turning leaves of an illustrated book, the pages are abruptly torn away to be used as toilet paper by the mischievous Shrek. The tone for a highly entertaining adventure has been set for the audience. The flatulent ogre then bathes in a nearby mud pool where he delights in blowing fart bubbles to the surface. So, far tradition is being turned on its head! Shrek is the Yiddish word for fear. I dont know what the Yiddish word for lovable is, but that would have been more appropriate! Shrek tries his best, but hes more cuddly than scary. This can be clearly seen in parts of the movie, which leads to the audience seeing new/interesting sides. Mike Myers Scottish brogue makes Shrek more endearing and adds another dimension to the movie. Mike Myers in a more familiar role of Austin Powers. The giant green ogre certainly doesnt intimidate the irrepressible and wise cracking Donkey (a character that accurately incorporates verbal diarrhoea, brought to life by an inspired Eddie Murphy, who imposes himself as the reluctant Shreks sidekick after fleeing from the evil ruler Lord Farquaad. The diminutive and dastardly Farquaad, voiced malignantly and masterly by John Lithgow, who has banished all the fairy tale characters from his kingdom of Duloc, including the Three Blind Mice, Pinocchio and Donkey. Whereupon they seek refuge at the home of the reclusive and sceptical Shrek, this despite the prominent Beware of the Ogre sign. Anxious to be rid of the intruders, Shrek pleads to Farquaad for their removal. The Lord agrees to his request, but this is a fairy tale and so naturally theres one condition. And again, because its a fairy tale, you have to have a princess in there somewhere. But this is no ordinary fairy tale and so when Farquaad has to find a wife to make his kingdom perfect; he picks Princess Fiona (the voice of Cameron Diaz) over two other contestants in a dating game and then gets Shrek to bring her back. The Dreamworks team behind Shrek take obvious delight in mocking their Disney rivals with Farquaads perfect kingdom bearing more than a passing resemblance to a certain other magic kingdom. Shrek enjoys feisty and addictive humour found in other recent animated films like Aladdin. The magic and charm of this genre is being able to plunder inspiration from everywhere and anywhere, enabling such moments as an aerial fighting sequence from The Matrix. Its while indulging itself with such gags that Shrek is at its best, as when the ogre inflates a hapless frog into a balloon as a gift for Princess Fiona, who in return snatches an unsuspecting snake from a tree, blows it up and twists it balloon-style into a dog. The styles of a princess and an ogre, at this point are equally amusing. Another example of a fairy tale with a slant. An encounter with Robin Hood and his merry men also gives an original slant when they break into a Riverdance routine. Comedy, it seems can only be restrained by rules. This production is clearly as amusing for the animators as the results are for the audience. Shreks frivolity extends to its soundtrack which is a refreshing change from the generic tunes that burden most animated films. Its collection of pop songs includes tracks by Smash Mouth, The Proclaimers, Maroon 5 and climaxes with Donkey leading a chorus of characters in a rendition of Im A Believer. As with all good fairy tales Shrek is built solidly around a moral, the message being to focus not on appearances but inner beauty, but that is secondary to the films main concern which is to make you laugh, and you do. Loudly and often, believe me!

9 Marvelous Things to Do on Spring Break

9 Marvelous Things to Do on Spring Break Spring is coming, and this means that you will have some spare time to spend with your friends, family or on your own. If the thoughts about your upcoming spring break dont urge a dreamy smile on your face, then you probably need to read our article about the best places to visit and the best things to do on your spring break. We promise that our ideas will make you more enthusiastic about this period of your school year. Lets get straight to business and look at some fun things to do on spring break. What to Do on Spring Break with Your Family Many students go home for a spring break. Its a perfect occasion to gather and have fun with your beloved ones. Here are a few activities for family time: 1. Go on a trip Going on a trip is an excellent idea for a family vacation. You can choose where to go according to the type of pastime you prefer: Theme parks – with rides, clubs, attractions, and games. This type of parks provide activities for different age groups so every family member will find an exciting occupation there. Adventure parks – for those who love active sports. Rope climbing, zip line adventures or skiing – what do you prefer? Choose the best experience for you and your family. Natural wonders – Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls or Arches Natural Park. The beauty of nature is healing for your stressed mind. A boat trip – spend a few days on board and relax admiring the waves. 2. Attend a baseball game Its the beginning of a new game season, dont miss a chance! Hot dogs, friendly atmosphere, and favorite teams are perfect components of the great family day. 3. Open a barbecue season If the weather is fine, take advantage of it, and gather with your family for a barbecue. Make your backyard a place of fun and tasty grilled meal. Family activities like baseball, tennis and board games will help you to spend time with fun and joy. What to Do on Spring Break with Your Friends If you decided to spend this time with your friends, you know for sure you wont get bored. Take a look at some of the most interesting and exciting activities for a group of friends on spring break. Here are three things to do on spring break for college students. 1. Have a beach party Beach parties are trendy among students. Sea, sand, drinks, music, and tasty snacks are a perfect combination. Invite your college mates to shop for some must-haves: disposable tableware, punch ingredients, balls for beach volleyball, and sunscreen. 2. Set off on a road trip A road trip around the country is a classic activity to have during school breaks. You can go hitchhiking, but taking your car or your friend’s car will be safer and more comfortable. Pick the places you want to visit, create your route on a map and start your adventure. 3. Visit a party spot Even though Cancun, Jamaica, Las Vegas or Miami are pricey, they attract thousands of students from different places for a spring break vacations. With parties until dawn and lots of places for a shopping spree, these are the perfect places to spend your spring break with your friends. Check out other ideas for fun activities for you and your friends. What to Do on Spring Break by Yourself If you dont want to spend this time with anyone else or the circumstances make you so, we have some exciting ideas for you too. 1. Watch Netflix and chill You probably had a very intensive semester with lots of assignments and deadlines. Relax and have some healing time for your body and your soul. Watching TV, eating tasty food and going for a walk will make you feel like a whole new person with lots of energy to start your new semester. There are some excellent TV shows about college life that you will find entertaining and fun to watch. 2. Take some time for spring cleaning Not everyone likes to make a cleaning session at home. However, it can be fun and kind of relaxing activity. Take your time and start slowly. By cleaning the mess around, you can clear your mind and get rid of disturbing thoughts. Fresh clothes and shiny mirrors will positively affect your mood. 3. Volunteer Sometimes we forget about people who are in need of our help and sympathy. You can dedicate your spare time to making someones life a little better. Visit shelters and local churches to find out more about the ways you can help. Or maybe there is a senior who lives next to you? You can make your contribution with small deeds – helping with groceries or cleaning. By helping others, you can help yourself to distract from anxious thoughts and stressful studying semester. So, these were 9 things to do for spring break at home or with your friends. Hope, you will find our ideas useful. Have a good time!