In a world where practitioners of different religions cannot co-exist, and constantly are at strife with each other, atheists form an absolute extreme, denouncing religious practices, and using scientific thought and research to formulate human existence, and everything related to it. To those who believe, they are guilty of blasphemy – their denial of God being a sure ticket to hell.

At the crux of it all, the human spirit needs faith. Be it faith in the existence of something, or in the absence of something. Something to grasp on to, a palpable truth, that they can carry out their existence by. Faith leads a theists into religion, into prayer, and the reassurance that they get from believing in a fate, and there being a reason and meaning to every action in their lives. Faith leads atheists into non-believing, in turning to science to explain every action that they encounter in the world. The only difference is that in the first case, the faith is in the presence of an unknown power, and in the latter, the faith lies in rejection of anything unknown and unquantifiable by science.

If both the theist and the atheist understand and respect each other’s personal freedoms, and that every human being always has the right to choose what he/she believes, and culture themselves enough to never step on someone’s belief or non-belief, and yet be strong in their beliefs, tolerance will be a palpable outcome.

Freedom is a reason to be single and happy. A married person is limited to a point on freedom because he or she always has a partner to consider. “What time are you coming home?” “Where are you going?” These are the questions that can be asked once you are married and they merit response. There are certain things that you can’t do as a married person in comparison to a single person. I really love the idea of marriage but until that special someone comes along I’ve made a decision to be happy as I am.

Some think that being both single and happy at the same time is hard. Contrary to popular belief, it’s quite possible. However, humans are innately designed to be loved, valued and appreciated by another person be it family or someone else. A person can choose to be single but over time not being with someone intimately or emotionally can become challenging.
How can you be single and happy? When being single is a choice, you can independently make decisions that bring substance to your lifestyle. For instance, being single doesn’t mean that you should be sitting at home brooding or being embraced by doomsday syndrome.

In essence, you can’t depend on individuals to make you happy. Happiness comes from within and, therefore, it is your attitude that determines whether you are enjoying your status of being single or ruing it.

Is this a vice? In my opinion, being ‘mean-spirited’ towards others in the class is a vice and a weakness. It reflects the true character of the student poking fun at others. Trying to be superior to others in an academic setting does undermine everyone’s efforts, including the professor’s efforts.

Being authentic and true to oneself, as well as supporting others work and studies is crucial in the process of writing and learning. When there are a few students who consistently undermine the process of learning and discussion, it is hurtful and counter-productive for everyone. I find that redirecting the tone and posturing of such students is a challenge. Some students have a bullying mentality, which is not acceptable in the college setting. It seems to me that this vice stems from years of cultural acceptance without restraint or corrective measures from those in charge of the student-body. My sense is that if they’re not reachable by means of ethical and logical measures, than I suggest that they withdraw from my class.

For some students, being asked to withdraw from class is sufficient pressure for them to modify their behavior. However, for many others, their inability to move beyond old behaviors and negative commentary either earns them a poor grade or obliges them to withdraw from my class. My hope is to motivate each student to achieve their academic goals and to do so without undermining others.

When parents go through a divorce, the fight to get custody of the children is often too exhausting and emotionally damaging to them. In a paper called “Decision-making by Children” published in 2008 it has been claimed that most kids in their teens develop their communication skills and personal preferences, while also beginning to make the financial decisions on their own. This clearly indicates that teenage children become intellectually independent, while still taking guidance from parents on certain aspects of their lives.

Thus, with the established intellectual and decision-making capabilities of teenage children, it can be concluded that they should be given the right to decide which parent to live with. Nevertheless, we have to consider the flip side as well. Granting teenage children the right to decide greatly increases the pressure on the kids. Not only is it heartbreaking for the children to see the marriage of their parents fall apart, add to that the weight of choosing one parent. We cannot forget the fact that kids in their teens are extremely delicate. With the existing peer pressure, pressure to excel academically and the raging hormones playing their wicked game, adding another problem to their lot seems unfair.

What can be concluded is that undoubtedly, children should get a say in deciding which parent to reside with; however, that should not be the only criterion of the decision. Other factors pertaining to the parents’ profile (emotional, financial, and intellectual) also need to be considered when granting the parent the custody of the children.

It is not easy to single out any one work of art, but A Wheatfield with Cypresses by Vincent van Gogh appeals to me on many levels. This masterpiece was privately sold for $57 million, which makes it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. Van Gogh did three of them in all, featuring the same rolling clouds, cypress trees, and wheat stalks leaning in the wind.

The style features elements common to many of van Gogh’s works, but it is simply a beautiful piece of art. I think it would be quite fitting in any setting, from the Trump Plaza to my much more humble surroundings. In fact, I can’t think of a better place for a painting like that. Imagine it being admired and appreciated by people who are not necessarily wealthy or art connoisseurs. This piece of work might even have appealed to van Gogh himself, even if he hadn’t been the author, having come from a somewhat humble background.

A painting’s story is never done being told, which might partially explain their popularity. In a room full of people, each person can see something different in a piece of artwork. Fifty-seven million dollars is certainly a hefty price for just about anything, but if I could afford it, I would want that painting hanging on my wall. There are many expensive things, such as homes, cars and other items, but a beautiful work of art lasts forever.