Empirical Psychology and the Vehicle Dream

Posted in Travel on 12/31/2011 08:35 am by Diana

 

 

When confronted with a recurring symbol, especially when it comes from a dream, there is something that the person is consciously avoiding, or it has a meaning that is buried very deeply and is making an attempt to come to the surface. It is impossible to really analyze any dream symbol in any meaningful way, especially given the legacies of empirical psychology which make these meaning-making systems dependent on the individual dreamer. There are some speculations, however, where the simple image might suggest larger meanings which are somewhat common. So it’s not totally off the mark to say that in general tires will have something to do with movement, metaphorical or otherwise.

It’s also common to interpret a car, or a truck, as meaningful representations of the dreamer’s body. Again, the trouble with cultural definitions does come into play, where there are many ways of thinking about the body in general. This has become particularly apparent in the past century of psychoanalysis, where experiments with subjects from various backgrounds have demonstrated that although the subconscious may have its own language, that language is particular to the culture in which it is born. This is enough so that the specific details of vehicles in dreams are also significant, and rarely incidental. If the dreamer only remembers a red truck, then the analyst can pick up from that point. But if the dreamer remembers the kind of truck, the hankook tires, and specific names of other characters in the dream, one must assume that they are also significant.

This all points to that very elemental idea that everyone is much more complex than they would first appear. The old symbol for the ego, represented by the iceberg, is an apt one. That material that is below the surface is much more than the visible tip suggests. It is easiest to access the illustrations of the complexity of the psyche through looking at dreams and symbols, because every interpretation is not only possible, but very likely to be part of the picture. Even empirical psychology, in its purest form, if there is such a thing, is capable of revealing only a shadow of the shadows that are contained in every human subject. A car may very well only be an extension of a body, and a car crash in a dream might mean a life out of control, but there is also more to the story, and very likely more symbols that are active and apparent, but will defy any attempt at reasonable understanding.

 

Words and Subjects

Posted in Society on 12/29/2011 09:25 am by Diana

 

Freud and Jung have been at the center of mainstream thought on contemporary psychology, and somewhere just behind them is Jacques Lacan.  There are many places in the world where the order of importance is reversed, with Lacan at the top, but it’s not necessarily the case in most parts of the English-speaking world.  It could very well be an issue of translation.  Not that the other two are difficult to translate, but there is a certain precision of the word with which it is harder to contend.  In part, this is due to the precise French language, versus its more flexible borderland language German, but it’s much more likely because of the content of his thought.  For Lacan, words really are the beginning and the end of it all.

 

That the unconscious is structured was a radical idea when it was first put into words, and it still can be radical, depending on the context.  That its structure is made of language, however, is where Lacan radically separates from Freud and Jung.  In the realm of philosophy and literary theory, this is very useful, and somewhat exciting.  The roots of post-structuralism that have guided a lot of the contemporary continental thought on reality are connected to Lacan’s own roots, making for a very interesting and rhizomatic web of interlacing conditions.  It is almost satisfying to read the world this way, in the guise of philosophy.

 

However, under a psychoanalytic cover, it becomes something else entirely.  The implications in literary theory are interesting, and somewhat useful, but the theory as applied to the human psyche becomes something a little more threatening.  It’s not as liberating as the notion that language creates meaning, and by extension, reality. Although this is true under Lacan, there are conditions that make any real freedom very tenuous.  The human, or speaking subject, becomes aware, through the psychoanalytic process, that their vision of reality is based on an interplay between a fantasy world, and one represented by symbols.  Beneath, and behind, and indeed above, all of this is a real, which is too powerful to be really knowable.  The real is the raw material of everything, and as such it serves to motivate or underline nearly all thought and action to some degree.  Since the subject is always contending with the imaginary, the symbolic, and the real, language has no lever, and no point of escape, and this is the crux of where the theory begins to unfold.  The speaking subject has never been the same since.

 

 

 

Breaking Up is Easier With New Tires

Posted in Automotive on 11/23/2011 04:00 pm by Diana

Breaking up is never easy to do, or is it? That’s a question that many people feel can only be answered by the specific relationship experience. And sometimes it depends entirely on which side of the break up you happen to fall. The person who is broken up with, left behind, dumped, however you wish to express it, frequently feels that they have the most pain and sadness associated with the split. However, many people who do the breaking, feel that they are the ones who experience the most pain and turmoil during the process. This seems to be counter intuitive, though there are many reasons why this might be true. And for those of us/you who have had to make this difficult decision, we/they realize that it takes a lot of strength and courage to walk away from a long term relationship, knowing full well that it’s going to hurt the person we, at least once, cared about the most.

These people also tend to argue that both parties knew the relationship wasn’t working and that it was only a matter of time, or a decision to permanently settle, and the one who initiates the split not only shows the most courage, but also bares the brunt of the guilt and responsibility. This is on top of the natural tendency to morn the loss of the relationship, regardless of how badly we may have wanted out, or the unhealthy condition in which it ended. So, the next time you watch your beloved partner peel out for the final time treading the rubber of their Cooper tires , think about what they’re going through and try and have some sympathy, or don’t.

That last decision was a bit sardonic, as it’s generally difficult to feel sympathy for the person who has just dumped you. However, it’s important to remember that there are two people, at least, in any relationship and both are responsible for its success or failure. In addition, there is always the question of the nature of human monogamy and whether or not we should expect relationships to last forever. With this in mind, the success of a relationship should be determined by its quality and satisfaction, not for its longevity and sustainability. These are tricky topics for relationships, and most people who enter them, don’t plan on how it’s going to end, or pre-designate who will break up with whom. And for the unlucky person who makes the difficult decision to leave, there are some American racing wheels for sale for that essential, though difficult, final getaway. And you’ll be styling it as you go.

 

The Right Math Practice for the Left or Right Brained Student

Posted in Education on 11/04/2011 12:05 pm by Diana

Eventually, high school students have to face a number of important tests that will challenge their memories and gauge the knowledge they’ve acquired over their many years in school. Even if the student has left school, he or she won’t escape the tests, if there’s a wish to pursue higher education.

At the very least a GRE will be required. From the GRE, to the SAT, to the Act, to the PSAT, or the LSAT, tests in English and Math will be in the students’ future. If you’ve ever heard the terms “right brain” or “left brain,” you may be familiar with the concept that most people are good in the use of language or math, but not both.

Essentially, for convenience’s sake, the brain may be thought of in two halves – “right” and “left” brains. People whose minds seem to focus on the right side of the brain tend to be more intuitive, doing well with instructions which can be visually demonstrated; they tend to solve problems by instinct or hunches, and they look for patterns in the chaos around them, finding like items; overall, they’re more spontaneous and freer with their feelings, and abstract information. A person operating from the left side of his or her brain, however, tends to be more rational. He or she likes instructions to be verbal, and solves problems logically, and by looking at for a sequence and the parts of things. Instead of seeking out simlarities, the left-brained person focuses on differences. This person tends to be planned, structured, and wants established information and likes to have feelings under control. This kind of student prefers multiple choice tests.

The right brained person tends to be more creative in approach, and usually is better with language skills and less so with mathematical skills. For this person, working with math puzzles in order to enhance his or her base of knowledge seems like it would be a “no-brainer,” so to speak. Puzzles appeal to the intuitive nature of the right-brained individual. There are gaps of information that need to be arrived at, possibly by hunches and guesses.

But what about the left-brained person?

Obviously the individual living primarily in the left hemisphere of the brain will want to brush up on his vocabulary. And as for mathematics? This person may have an advantage over the right-brained individual, but this doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be any practice at all. For a person used to sequencing and the rational, math flashcards might work best.

 

Car Colors, Wheels and Personalities

Posted in Automotive on 09/13/2011 09:15 am by Diana

We all know that cars, trucks, whatever it is we choose to get around in provide us with a lot more than a simple means of transportation. In fact, for many people, their car is also their favorite hobby and for some it goes even further and is their passion. With this in mind, it is understandable why there are so many different vehicle options, accessories and individualization aspects associated with them. And with this in mind, it’s interesting to ponder the question of whether our cars are actually reflections of our own personalities, and if so, how do we interpret them? There are some fundamental aspects related to your maintenance and care of your vehicle that can be directly applied to your personality. In addition, there are specific make and model factors as well as color choices and accessory features that can all be representative of your personality.

Wheels are one of the features that are both functional and aesthetically oriented. Of course the quality of the wheel itself plays a vital role in your vehicle’s stability, efficiency and safety, while interestingly, the quality itself can play a role in its attractiveness to some people. Do wheels also play a role in representing one’s personality? Well, it can certainly be suggested that big, flamboyant or gregarious personalities might be drawn to shiny wheels that spin, or show a special flair. In addition, for more reserved personalities, the wheel and tire choice can be their secret expression of individuality. Perhaps service professionals at discount tires stores and other wheel accessory stations can be trained in making suggestions based on their costumer’s personality. Of course, many of these professionals will already insist that they do.

What about other, more visible and prominent features of your car, such as color choice? If and what does the color of your car suggest about your personality? Interestingly, drivers who prefer the color black tend to be more aggressive on the road while silver cars tend to attract the calm and color personalities. White cars typically attract responsible and pure drivers. They are usually not found in many accidents, while black cars are typically part of a lot of crashes. Red cars are typically favored by romantic individuals and those with high passionate tendencies. Finally, blue cars are usually found in the possession of loyal, serene people. They are responsible and respectful to other drivers. See what you think, the next time you’re in rush hour traffic try to compare the driving tendencies and cars of those around you.

 

Inside the criminal mind: Factors that Influence Motive

Posted in Careers on 09/02/2011 08:29 am by Diana

 

Motive is often the most elusive of criminal investigations. Some crimes are so horrendous, it’s difficult for us to imagine what type of person could commit the act—let alone their motive. In many cases, justice lies with the motive. That is, prosecutors must show motive for an individual to commit acts. The jury must, in some way, be able to understand the unknowable—how someone could, and more importantly why, commit such terrible acts. Although motive is not a legal requirement for conviction, intent typically plays a role.

 

A motive for a crime is whatever causes the offender to move toward the certain offense. Keep in mind that the legal system does not consider motive to be an element of any crime, but is usable in court to generate plausibility of the culprit’s offense. Bear in mind that motive differs from intent—which refers to the specific mental reasoning to perform the criminal act.

 

Keep in mind that why an individual or group does something goes far beyond the simple explanation of the financial or emotional reasoning. Forensic psychologists can help begin to uncover motive and are therefore very crucial in the outcome of many criminal cases.

 

How do trained psychologists uncover the motive behind a crime? The answer is extremely complex and often is found using a variety of trainable tactics. For example, the following may be considered when determining motive of the suspect or suspects:

 

1.     Familiar or repetitive elements of a crime. Certain types of evidence or clues may point to the type of individual who may have committed the crime. Knowing the type of individual may help uncover motive.

2.     Associations. Who is the suspect involved with? Do they have someone that they could potential have a conflict with? Looking at the connections the suspect has may eventually lead someone to motive.

3.     Statistics. By the numbers, certain types of crimes are committed by certain people, for certain reasons. Being familiar with these scenarios may help a forensic psychologist to motive.

4.     Understanding the victim or victims. Just as the perpetrator is important to understanding motive, the characteristics and associations of the victim can be just as crucial.

 

Forensic psychology is really about understanding the criminal and the crime. It’s important that trained forensic psychologists be aware of the jurisdiction in which they work and be able to communicate appropriately with judges and lawyers. They are often asked to testify in trials and report their findings to others. The ability for a forensic psychologist to accurately interpret motive may be the difference between justice and injustice. They may be asked to, based on their findings of the criminal, motive and other factors, provide recommended treatment and/or sentencing.

 

It’s not surprising why so many individuals are interested in getting their forensic psychology degree. Those who are fascinated by the human condition and how we operate are drawn to the field. While there are many subfields of psychology, only forensic psychology is the truth cross section between understanding human behavior and applying it to the legal system.

 

Do you find yourself asking “why?” Are you interested in human behavior? You may be right for forensic psychology. Being able to analyze and answer questions about the criminal mind is fascinating, rewarding work. That is why, many individuals are seeking specialized training that is required to help answer these essential questions and help move justice forward.

 

Responsible Borrowing

Posted in Money on 06/25/2011 04:00 pm by Diana

There is a concept known as radical honesty that requires followers to always tell the whole truth as it happens. They aren’t allowed to tell white lies or lies of courtesy or omission. They have to be completely honest with themselves and those around them at all times. While there are obvious problems with this philosophy, it has some valid points. Most people, for example, could benefit from being more honest in their financial dealings, especially when it comes to borrowing money.

No one wants a repeat of the recent Great Recession. The entire world is still struggling to recover from the effects of markets crashing and home values plummeting. Almost all of the problems associated with the recent economic crisis can be traced back to irresponsible borrowing by both individuals and businesses as well as banks and governments. Assuming that they could pay for something in the future worked for several decades, but then the weight of the debt came crashing down and everyone suffered.

For individuals responsible borrowing means being honest — perhaps radically so — about the state of their finances. How much money they make and how much they spend as well as how much they owe. They need to be realistic rather than idealistic about their prospects for raises and bonuses and inheritances. They need to use a Mortgage Calculator to determine how much house they can afford and other tools to determine their debt to income ratio or to figure out if they can afford to buy a new car every year or take extended vacations. They also need to learn to use credit cards responsibly so that they don’t end up paying for the same item over and over again in interest rates and fees. If they can’t borrow responsibly, then they shouldn’t borrow at all.

 

Room Decor Affects Mood

Posted in Home, Lifestyle on 06/08/2011 11:10 am by Diana

It is proven that the way a room is decorated or furnished can have a significant effect on your mood as well as your outlook.

Bright RoomThe color of the room is very important, cool colors such as blue, green, teal, and purple all have relaxing vibes, while bright colors such as yellow, pink, and orange are all energizing. Painting a room a color has more effect than just a simple white, brown or beige. If you are nervous about painting the entire room, you can always go to your local hardware store and take home paint chips or paint samples to see how the color will actually look on the wall.

Turquoise Bedroom

The furniture also has an impact on how you are feeling. For example, if there are large plush couches you are going to associate that room with comfort and naturally feel more relaxed in that atmosphere. If you have more modern, sleek furniture it is going to give the room a bit more of a clean and vibrant feel.

Windows and sunlight can also affect how you are feeling and your state of mind. If a room has large open windows that have nice window treatments on them, you are going to feel more energetic and have a more positive outlook. On the other hand if you have heavy, dark drapery on small windows the room is going to have a bit more dark or ominous feeling. Sometimes it can be very expensive to buy all new window treatments but many times you can find great deals or coupons online. For example, coupons for Next Day Blinds can be found online, which will help cut down the cost of buying all new blinds.

Reconfiguring an entire room can become a task, but if it is done right then you will not only find it more aesthetically attractive but it will also affect the way that you feel and give you a better state of mind.

 

Don’t Face DUI Charges Alone — Get a Good Lawyer

Posted in Legal on 05/29/2011 04:00 pm by Diana

Being arrested is an intimidating and scary prospect. Facing that while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can make the experience that much more horrifying. Should you be convicted of the charges you may face stiff fines, have your driving privileges revoked or even end up in jail. Worst of all, you will have that conviction on your record for the rest of your life. This may keep you from joining the military, getting hired in many industries, or risk a job that you already have, such as those requiring high security clearance.

The first thing you need to do when arrested is to request an attorney and then refuse to talk to law enforcement without one. You will likely have to submit to a blood alcohol test, but you can not be forced to make statements against yourself. It is imperative that you get a good local lawyer to help you. A Lancaster SC DUI Attorney is going to know the South Carolina DUI laws as well as the local judges and prosecutors.

In fact, a good local attorney may be able to get the charges dropped. If someone forgot to inform you of your rights or ran the wrong kind of BAC test , then the case against you is flawed. An attorney will be able to spot this because they know the laws much better than you ever could. They will also be able to identify mitigating factors in your case that will help negotiate a plea bargain or get the judge to be lenient in sentencing. Most importantly, they will be able to guide you through what would otherwise be a scary and confusing process.

 

IT Management is More than Computer Science

Posted in Business on 05/18/2011 04:00 pm by Diana

A generation ago the computer was just beginning to find its way into the business world. Today it is the single most important piece of office equipment for most jobs. In fact, owning a personal computer with internet access is all that is needed for many people to start their own consulting or home based business. As computer or information technology has grown in importance, the need for skilled managers to design and administer a company’s technology has grown.

In the beginning, computers were mysterious things and the techs who understood how they worked were likely to hide in server rooms working their magic and only interacted with the rest of the company when there was a problem. Once they figured out how to do telephone service calls, they didn’t have to interact in person. They may have had to justify budgets for new software or beg for additional staff, but they were still considered to be their own little island within larger companies.

Over time that has changed. As companies rely more and more on the technology, they need IT managers who are able to handle both the technology and the business elements of managing a department. Companies are looking for business leaders, not just computer geeks. As a result, many schools are offering information technology degree online that provide education in issues like team management, budget planning, and business ethics as well as computer science, digital security, and emerging technologies. These individuals are expected to run their departments efficiently and to be able to communicate effectively with non-technological officers and departments. They also need to have the skills to help companies plan for growth and development of technology in the future.

 
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