Cross National Perspectives on Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cross National Perspectives on Education - Essay Example to one thing; that since it determines our lives to great extents, then the quality of our lives is directly dependent on the quality of education we get exposed to. This study text will analyze education issues on a cross-national perspective by comparing education in the United Kingdom and Japan while focussing on dominant affecting factors such as the cultural, political, and educational contexts. There exist broad parities of issues critical in determining cross-national perspectives and international education. Internationalized education may refer to transcend of national borders by one in seeking for cross-border education, and again, it may refer to the preparation of scholars to be active contributors to the interconnected globe (Wiseman 2005, p.6). Either of these definitions is driven by different values such as international communities, globalisation, market economies, and the profile of finance to mention but a few. In a collective perspective, education is in most cases driven by internal affairs which remain the duty of authorities at institutional levels such as the government (OECD 2003, p.62). In a governmental context, this will be further determined by factors which construct the ability of the government’s influence which is solely its economic performance, thus its profile of finance. Governments understand that low quality education frustrates the strides of applying education as a boost for economic development and growth, and this would in the end lead to an underperforming state in this highly globalized instant of time (Eicher & Bailey 2002, p.32). Therefore in enhancing the goals of education, governments are one, redefining the traditional approaches of providing educational. These include financial increment and providing measurable educational behaviours, competencies, knowledge, and skills. In addition, and most importantly, depicting much interest in achieving education that can be weighed at international and cross-national

Doing Business in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Doing Business in China - Essay Example It is a challenge that every businessman should take if they want to succeed. This paper provides information on how to do business in China. Relying on current literature for ideas and examples, it gives recommendations on how to deal with the Chinese and establish business in China. According to Hamilton and Jhang (2012; p.4), â€Å"China is one of the most dynamic markets in the world in which change is the only constant.† By saying this, Hamilton and Jhan point out two things about China. The first one is dynamism, and the second is change. These two things suggest the main challenge in doing business in China. Dynamism is evident in the country’s culture, political makeup and religious beliefs while change is constant and rapid in its economy. Therefore, knowing aspects of dynamism and change will give businessmen an edge in their Chinese ventures. Culture Dynamism can be found in every aspect of the culture. Importantly, every foreign capitalist should be aware of the Chinese culture in order to act according to it. Otherwise one will lose all the chance to even start business in China. Culture is a very important aspect in doing business. There are practices that should be observed and non-observance would mean ignorance and lead to failure. The most important value that the Chinese has when doing business is guanxi. This term means goodwill. ... West (2007) claims that in doing business with the Chinese, especially with the northerners, one must exercise, â€Å"eat first, talk later.† This is the same throughout China but the southerners have become more Westernized in doing business, especially Shanghai people. Nevertheless, the culture of guanxi is respected throughout the Mainland. Establishing guanxi is like developing brotherhood in the West. Along with it is showing genuine sincerity with Chinese partners. According to Hamilton and Jhang (2012), genuine sincerity goes a long way in China but not all businessmen realize its importance. Non-Chinese people think of Chinese as corrupt, possibly because of the practice of guanxi but they should understand that guanxi is not similar to bribery. Many Chinese do not accept bribes for jobs they ought to do. For instance, one taxpayer gave a significant amount of money to a banker in gratitude for the fast transactions they had with the bank. When the banker saw it, he di d not feel the need for the gift and credited the amount to the company’s account. This act illustrates that bribery is not the way to do business in China. Similarly, foreign visitors are not obliged to give tips to the Chinese. Tips in hotels and restaurants are welcome but they are not expected. The Chinese people appreciate tips even in small amounts but they will do their job even without tips. Greeting them, exchanging stories and smiles are more valued, as it goes with business. One thing that is valued much in China is presence. According to Hamilton and Jhang (2012), visiting often will create goodwill among the Chinese. They cite that Hank Paulson, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, spent 70 visits in China, thus making him well-regarded in the country. Another man named Jim Rogers, an

Event design and experience

Event design and experience Introduction Before we can discuss what an event is we must understand what the definition of event design is, for the purpose of this report we shall be employing a definition taken from EMBOK which we feel is the clearest definition. Event management is the process by which an event is planned, prepared and produced. As with any other form of management, it encompasses the assessment, definition, acquisition, allocation, direction, control and analysis of time, finances, people, products, services and other resources to achieve objectives. An event a mangers job is to oversee and arrange every aspect of an event, including researching, planning, organizing, implementing, controlling and evaluation and events design, activities and production. Silver (2004a) Update EMBOK structure. Chicago the theatrical musical was performed at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow and was attended on the 10th October 2009. For the purpose of this report we shall be looking at the how the event was staged and the interaction of the performers, audience members and stakeholders which when put together would hopefully make the experience a positive one for all those involved. The first known record of theatre was noted by historians in the performance of the sacred plays of the myth of Osiris and Isis in 2500 BC in Egypt. This story of the god Osiris was performed by the Egyptians annually at festivals throughout its civilization and thus marking the beginning of a long relationship between theatre and religion. Theatre has also played a large part in society by interacting with the public as well as entertaining and educating them. Description of Event The main purpose of modern theatre is to entertain the customer and as such that is the main reason why people in 2010 attend productions. Kings Theatre, Glasgow was opened in 1904 at such a time when Glasgow was one of the leading industrial cities in the UK if not the world and as such the building retains a sense of history for customers who attend performances today. The performance on the night lasted 2 hours 30 minutes with one standard interval of 15 minutes after the 1st act which is common place for all theatre productions. Seating in the Kings Theatre is over 4 levels and includes Stalls, Grand Circle, Upper Circle and the Gallery and shall seat a maxim of 1,785. On the night of the 10th October the cast was performing to a Full House as it was the productions last Saturday night performance before leaving Glasgow, this factor was an added bonus when it came to the atmospheric conditions for the customers or another word for it would be an Eventscape Analysis of Elements of Interaction Interacting people At an event such as a musical not only is it the cast and audience who interact but a whole host of other people which could include the stakeholders, ticket sellers, ushers, merchanance sellers. Rossman states that to; Understand the role that relationships play in the interaction of a programme and anticipating how they may contribute to or detract from client satisfaction is an important element of place. Programmers cannot simply assume that the best course of action is always to foster or create a relationship between individuals who attend an event Rossman (2003, p.38) As such event designers do not have to provide a relationship for everyone or different groups that shall take part in the production and subsequently if they do they run the risk of over complicating the event. First contact that a customer would have had in regards to Chicago the Musical would either have been the advertisement of the event or the online or telephone booking of tickets. This is where the customer will start to make expected expectations and where the event designer and the customer can differ in their expectations, which could lead to a shortfall for the customer and disappointment for the event designer. What would be the purpose of an event if people were not going to participating in the event! The answer would be none. People are what make an event; they are what make an experience by interacting with the customers or participants. Since this report is going to be in reference to a theatrical event I shall try to include references which will refer to the theatre. Relationships Jackson argues that, not only are characters and story line likely to have the biggest impact upon audiences but the metatext (Harris et al., 2003) is an important task that needs to be undertaken for events if they are to reach their experiential goal (2005, p.8). Taking this into account and having the currant fashion of casting celebrities in leading roles in order to capitalise on multiple audience avenues, this will offer the event designer the possibility of increased numbers for the run of the production. This extra dimension could offer another market base of potential audience members who had never previously considered going to the theatre. Their first contact would have maybe been an article in a newspaper or online advertising the fact that their favourite soup star would be performing in Chicago. In this case the soup fan feels that they already have a relationship with the character but this relationship runs the risk of failing due to pre-conceived ideas and expectatio ns when the soup character is confused with the theatre character or falls short of delivery. Rules Rules play a large part in everyday life and are a guide as to how we can interact with others or situations. Rossman, 2003 states that Rules through are also codified and ceremonial and there are also rules of everyday discourse that require understanding. Looking at the example of the theatrical performance of Chicago which was performed at the Kings Theatre Glasgow, this event ran to a widely accepted template of rules and rituals. Although there are rules which are in place for the purpose of legal or for behaviour reasons, there are also polite-ceremonial rules which are also in force throughout the performance. An example of this would be that it would be deemed inappropriate for an audience member to talk or leave their seats while the performance is still taking place. Another polite-ceremonial rule would be that it would be considered rude for any audience members to eat anything which would make a noise and distract other audience members from enjoying the performance. By having rules which govern the audiences interaction of the performance this would influence the experience that the audience would have. Common place for theatrical performances is to have everyone seated at least 5 minutes before the performance is due to start this is done by the means of a tannoy annoyisment of Ladies and Gentlemen, 5 minute to curtain call. There are also rituals which take place before, during and after a performance and would be expected by the audience, if they did not take place and audience could possibly feel disappointment or even that the performance was incomplete. Audience member through past experiences and expectations now assume that the all the cast should take to the stage for one last bow and then clear the stage to be left with the leading actors for a final bow and show of appreciation . If this was not to happen I feel that the audience would continue to sit in their seats with a feeling of confusion and disappointment. Objects There are three different types of objects as stated by and they are represented by social, symbolic and physical meaning. For the purpose of the Chicago performance the object which has become symbolic for the performance would be the score which was composed by Fred Ebb according to the Internet Broadway Database (www.ibdb.com). Without this particular music the performance for Chicago would not be Chicago, it would become something else completely. Looking at the physical objects of the musical this would include the Kings Theatre building in which the performance took place. Also the characters themselves in the musical would be a physical aspect for the objects as the characters are specific to this musical and could not be transferred to another. For the Social object for the performance the audience had come together for a shared experience with most having an appreatation for musicals. They would have had to have paid for their tickets and as such would have either purchased them online or direct at the ticket office at the Kings Theatre. Physical Setting Chicago the Musical was staged as discussed earlier at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow. Possible locations for a world renowned musical to be staged in Glasgow would only include the Kings and Theatre Royal, bookings for both theatres would have been made at least 1 year in advance. Venues for theatre or musicals can vary according to many factors which could influence the choice for the event designer. Physical Setting for the event designer would also look at catchment area for customers the reason why Glasgow was chosen would include the fact that it is Scotlands largest city and that the musical had already performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Fortunately the performance of the musical is not synonymous with the venue and this allows the act to travel to new locations. Although the venue does change, the set in regards to the performance shall stay the same no matter where the musical is performed. This means that there is no limit to where the event can perform but also that there is continuity for the customers who do attend the event at the different locations. According to Allen el al., 2005 The relationship between event and location is often fundamental to the experience, and one useful categorisation is that given to hallmark events where the event has become linked and identified with the spirit of a particular place. Also to be included in the Physical setting of the performance would be the temperature for the audience members, whether that to be too cold, too hot or it was an outdoor event if it was raining. On the night of the 10th October the Kings Theatre, Glasgow was a capacity sell out performance and the outside temperature was pleasant for the time of year. Unfortunately for the whole of both the first and second half of the performance the inside temperature of the theatre was unbearably hot which resulted in the side emergency exists being opened to although cooler air for the cast and audience members. This aspect resulted in audiences members having a negative experience throughout the performance which could have jeopardised the whole enjoyment of the event for the audience. Animation Graham Berridge states that animation in regards to events is the most difficult of the 6 elements which we have covered in this report. Some of the most successful events are the ones that appear to be spontaneous in their design for the audience, although this is rarely the case from the event designers point of view. In regards to a theatrical performance in the terms of animation all plays, operas, musicals and theatre productions must from both the audience and the actors perceptive have structure throughout the performances although for different reasons. For the purpose of theatre the performance must have structure in order for the event to run smoothly and on schedule, this must be planned in advance. Movement, dance and choreography must be planned and rehearsed and actors must learn their lines. All this once put together would allow the audience members to feel that the performance, although staged the overlapping elements will have a flow to the design. If an audience member were to purchase a Programme Guide on the night of Chicago they would have had clear written view of the structure of the performance and the actors as well as when they could anticipate the break in the show. Conclusion In order to fully understand an event the customer or audience member must be able to analyse what has happened at that event to completely experience the full effect from the event. For people in the events industry to try and understand an event, Solomon (1983) provides the industry with a definition which will allow us to break down the process of analyse; Symbolic interactionism focuses on the processes by which individuals understand their world. It assumes that people interpret the actions of others rather than simply react to them Solomon (1983) Audience members throughout the theatrical performance shall interpret different symbols and react to them in their own way which shall result in the event designer having to anticipate every possible reaction, which is extremely difficult. Was the event a success? This question shall be answered differently for each and every audience member as each person will interpret the event in their own way. Each of Rossmans six elements will go into their event analysis and will result in understanding the event better. The theartrcal performance of Chicago runs to a well oiled plan which is easily transferred from one venue to another and has run since 1975. This allows the cast and crew to have an easy tranison between locations and would show up any potential problems to the event designers. References Allen, Judy, The Business of Event Planning. 2004 edition. John Wiley Sons Canada Ltd Anglia Ruskin University, Harvard System of Referencing Guide, Available at http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm [Accessed 25/11/09] Berridge, Graham, Events Design and Experience. 2009 edition. Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann Blowdin Glenn, Allen Johny, OToole William, Harris Rob, McDonnell Ian, Events Management. 2nd Edition. Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann Internet Broadway Database, Available at http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=5654, [Accessed 20/12/09]

Madness in College Athletics Isnt Confined to March :: Sports Basketball Essays

The basketball arena is packed with a sellout crowd of over 13,000 cheering fans. The television cameras capture the game for the entire nation. A horn blares, and the game, which was supposed to be a blowout, is now in overtime. The pressure is huge, because if the underdog wins, it would make history. Both teams are anxious, but focused, knowing that one misstep, misjudgment, or misfire could make or break the season, and everything they have worked for all year. Such was the scene during the recent ‘March Madness† game, between #4 seeded Syracuse, and #13 seeded Vermont, a.k.a. the ‘Cinderella Story,’ of this year’s NCAA tourney. The Catamounts, who were not expected to make much noise during the tournament, opened it with a bang, after securing a win over powerhouse Syracuse in the final seconds of overtime. Now imagine, a player on Vermont’s super squad. He has spent the past few years working nonstop to get to this point in his basketball career, and it has finally arrived. However, after the cheering, congratulations, and celebrations, he must go back to school, and finish studying for midterms, which happens to coincide with the post-season schedule. When fans watch March Madness, or any other college sporting event, it is safe to say that most don’t look at their TVs, and think about how the athletes will spend the bus ride home trying to catch up on the schoolwork they missed so they could compete in the away game. However, this is the reality of a college student-athlete. There are constant obligations to fulfill, and expectations to be met, on every level, and most of the time, the reality is stressful. â€Å"Athletes have additional time constraints, and pressure to perform not only academically, but athletically†¦.and then there’s the stress that their body undergoes,† said Lauren Haas, director of student-athlete support services at Northeastern University. Haas also pointed out that student-athletes face a strain to try and lead the life of a normal college student, even though they have additional requirements. Student-athletes often have similar obligations to the average student, in the classroom, and in the workforce. Academically, athletes must complete the same amount of schoolwork as their peers, although they have less time to complete it, and they miss classes to participate in scheduled competitions. Most professors do not offer an extension on the workload. Financially, many athletes have jobs to offset tuition costs, which they must juggle into a busy schedule.

Film Study Prince Essay

(1)According to Prince, what are the three core questions that â€Å"frame the essential attributes of cinema† and why are they important to consider in film studies? (6 points) 1) How do movies express meaning? It is important to consider in film studies because the basic tools of filmmaking help organize design of a film, and the filmmakers are able to express a range of meanings. 2) How do viewers understand film? It is important to consider in film studies because viewers understand film by applying different aspects of their real-life visual, personal, and social experience as well as their knowledge of motion picture conventions and style. Viewers respond to films when watching movies. 3) How does cinema operate as an art and business on a global scale? It is important to consider in film studies because commercial filmmaking operates as part of a global communications industry, which exerts considerable influence on film content and style. At the same time, filmmakers around the world represent their countries, heritages, and styles. Moreover, filmmakers today are greatly affected by the economic and commercial problems. These issues including art and business influence filmmaking greatly. (2)To Prince, what is the difference between film structure and film content? (4 points) Film structure refers to the audiovisual design of a film and some tools and techniques used to create that design. However, film content refers to the description of story, characters and theme of the film. (3)Discuss three factors that make the director the chief artistic authority in the filmmaking process? (6 points) 1) Preproduction is one of the factors because it involves the planning and preparation period such as writing of a script, hiring of cast and crew, production design of sets, costumes, and locals. 2) Production is another factor which includes the work of filming the script and sound recording of the action. 3) Postproduction involves the editing of sound and image in the film, composition and recording of the music score, additional sound recording for effects and dialogue replacement, creation of digital special effects, and color timing to achieve proper color balance in the images. These factors (the production process) make the director the chief artistic authority in the filmmaking process because the director coordinates and organizes the artistic inputs of other members of the production team, who generally subordinate their artistic tastes or preferences to a directors stated wishes or vision. (4)Discuss two reasons why Hunt thinks it’s important to study films. (4 points) According to Hunt, the key reasons to study film are the issues of power and empowerment. Studying film is empowering because the formation of cinema is about identity, such as our self-image, values, beliefs, and world views. When we realize the role media play in defining and shaping our identity, we can begin to more actively take charge of our own identity. (5)What are the three artistic modes of filmmaking and how are they different? (6 points) 1) Narrative fiction mode refers to an historical or cultural event that is familiar to many film-going spectators; however, the characters and the way they act are fictionalized. 2) Documentary mode represents â€Å"real people† participating in â€Å"real life† events; it illuminates the life situation and the situation may represent larger issues and ideas about life. 3) Experimental mode is the arrangement of artistic elements, edit and construct the story in unconventional ways in order to illuminate life experience. (6)Discuss the importance of the shot in the filmmaking process (you can draw from both Hunt and Prince for this answer). (4 points) A shot is important in the filmmaking process because it is the basic unit for constructing a film. A film is built on shot by shot basis like a book is constructed sentence by sentence. Films are composed of many shots that are joined together in the process of editing. In a completed film, a shot is the interval on screen between edit points, and it is important in the filmmaking process. (7)Explain how it is that human beings are able to see still images as moving. (5 points) Under the right conditions spectators will see apparent motion when no real movement has occurred. If a series of closely spaced light bulbs are illuminated in rapid sequence in a darkened room, a spectator will see a single light source moving across the room rather than a series of lights illuminated one after another. This phenomenon is called beta movement. When the intervals between a series of illuminated light are very small, the eye’s motion detectors encode this information as movement. The viewer sees a single travelling light or a galloping horse on screen.

American Stereotypes of China

US writer Todd C. Ames concludes his two-part discussion of the ways in which Chinese and Americans think of each other, and the most common misunderstandings that arise AMERICANS don't know much about China. What they do know comes from three main sources: movies, the news, and history classes. This can be a sensitive subject, and I do not wish to offend anyone – my goal is only to give you an overview of American stereotypes of China. Just as I have encountered many stereotypes that the Chinese have of America (some accurate, some absurd, some insulting), one can similarly encounter American stereotypes of China in the US. All Chinese know kungfu and dress like Huang Feihong. (Source: Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and Bruce Lee [Li Xiaolong] movies). – Anything to do with China is â€Å"ancient† and â€Å"mysterious. † (Source: the fact that Chinese language seems to be made up of â€Å"mysterious symbols† to Western eyes, movies about Chinese history). All Chinese are â€Å"brainwashed† into worshipping Chairman Mao and can't think independently. (Source: studying the Cultural Revolution in high school history classes. ) – â€Å"Guangdonghua† (Cantonese) is the official language of China. Source: Hong Kong movies, Chinese-American immigrants who came to the US from Guangdong and Hong Kong during the 19th and 20th centuries). – Chinese culture is basically the same today as it was 1,000 years ago (eg, â€Å"traditional, conservative, polite,† etc. ). (Source: studying Chinese history without being familiar with modern China). – In China, no one can express any idea that isn't approved by Chairman Mao – if you do express an â€Å"unapproved† idea, you will be instantly sent to jail or shot. (Source: studying the â€Å"cultural revolution† (1966-76)in high school history classes, the events of 1989 in Beijing). Chinese (and all â€Å"Asians†) are good at maths. (Sou rce: I don't know). – China and Japan are basically the same. (Source: ignorance). – â€Å"Asian† women are generally subservient to men, anti-feminist, and more â€Å"morally pure† than Western women. (Source: movies about ancient Japan, cultural differences. This stereotype is again the result of ignorance of modern China – and thinking that today's China is really 12th-century ancient Japan). Chinese stereotypes of US As an American, I can give you a unique perspective on the Chinese stereotypes of the US that I have encountered. Some of them really made me laugh – as I'm sure some of the above American stereotypes of China made you laugh. – Americans don't care about their families very much. The opposite is true. Almost every American will tell you that family is the most important thing in life. – Most Americans have AIDS and have sex in the streets. I'm still laughing at this one. One of my friends told me that she thought this was true before coming to the US. – Mixed ethnic background = intelligence. The more mixed your ethnic background, the smarter you must be. This kind of thinking is truly confusing and shocking to most Americans. Many Americans would even consider this kind of thinking â€Å"racist,† as some sort of inversion of Hitler's â€Å"race purity† theories. In any case, I was really surprised to hear this from virtually every Chinese I know. Almost all Americans have a diverse and mixed ethnic background – so we must all be geniuses. – All American men are â€Å"se lang (lecher). † (Source: cultural differences. ) – The crime rate is so high in the US that your life is always in danger. This is a vast exaggeration. The US has the most socially liberal society in the world, especially when it comes to sex. This idea comes from Hollywood – and it couldn't be more false. The US in general (especially the Midwest) is very socially conservative. Virtually every European country has a much more â€Å"liberal† and â€Å"open† view of sex and social relations in general comp ared to the US. In my opinion, the US is closer to China in this respect than to European countries. You probably don't believe me, but if you get to know some Americans, you will see that it is true. As far as social relations and sex go, I would put Japan and Europe in one category. And I would put China and the US in one category. – All â€Å"Western† countries are basically the same. This stereotype is the mirror of the American stereotype that all â€Å"Eastern† countries (China, Japan, Korea, etc. ) are basically the same. Both stereotypes are completely false and are purely based on the perception that â€Å"all foreigners look alike. † – Most American college students don't study, party all of the time, and are ignorant of the outside world. This stereotype is pretty accurate. – Every American owns a gun. Roughly 25 per cent of American adults own a gun, which is extremely high compared to most other countries. But still, the vast majority of Americans do not own guns. Food In general, Americans love Chinese food. Chinese and Italian food are probably the two most popular types of food in the US. However, most of the Chinese food you will find in US restaurants is â€Å"Americanized. † You probably won't find things like stomach or intestines on the menu. Also, pork is not so popular in the US. Beef and chicken are much more popular in the US than pork. So don't be surprised if many Americans you meet don't like pork. One â€Å"food stereotype† that I have encountered among Chinese (and everyone else outside the US) is that all Americans eat McDonald's. I don't have any friends who like McDonald's. I hate it. Everyone I know hates it. I think McDonald's is probably more popular in other countries than it is here in the US. Of course, it is popular to some degree; but it tends to be more popular among certain segments of society than others.

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast Quotes Page

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast Quotes Page It is the night before the important day. Rehearsal dinners are less formal than the actual wedding dinner. But often, close family members and friends make rehearsal dinner toasts to the bride and groom. With an appropriate choice of words, good rehearsal dinner toasts can set the right mood for the big day. Here are some quotes for rehearsal dinner toasts. Amy TanI am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever. Don ByasYou call it madness, but I call it love. Ralph BlockYoure nothing short of my everything. Robert BrowningGrow old with me! The best is yet to be. Margot AsquithShe tells enough white lies to ice a wedding cake. Roy CroftI love youNot for what you areBut for what I am when I am with you. William Butler YeatsI have spread my dreams under your feetTread softly because you tread on my dreams. The NotebookThe best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and thats what youve given me. Thats what I hope to give to you forever. Kahlil GibranMarriage is like a golden ring in a chain, whose beginning is a glance and whose ending is eternity. SophoclesOne word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love. Cole PorterNight and day you are the one,Only you beneath the moon and under the sun. PlatoAt the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. PlautusLet us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words. Arthur RubinsteinIt took great courage to ask a beautiful young woman to marry me. Believe me, it is easier to play the whole Petrushka on the piano. HomerThere is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends. Erma BombeckPeople shop for a bathing suit with more care than they do a husband or wife. The rules are the same. Look for something youll feel comfortable wearing. Allow for room to grow. Gwendolyn BrooksWe are each others harvest; we are each others business; we are each others magnitude and bond. Marc ChagallIn our life there is a single color, as on an artists palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love. Langston HughesWhen people care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul. Ogden NashTo keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up. Ronald ReaganThe man who puts into the marriage only half of what he owns will get that out. Ruth Bell GrahamA good marriage is the union of two good forgivers. I Corinthians 13:13There are three things that last: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love. Maryon PearsonBehind every great man, there is a surprised woman. Walter RauschenbuschWe never live so intensely as when we love strongly. We never realize ourselves so vividly as when we are in full glow of love for others. Lao TzuTo love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. Antoine de Saint-ExuperyLove does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. Oscar WildeBigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same. John Keating, Dead Poets SocietyWe dont read and write poetry because its cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. Beverly NicholsMarriage a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and the remaining chapters written in prose. Douglas JerroldIn all of the wedding cake, hope is the sweetest of plums. City of AngelsI would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it.