Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Reflection Paper, on Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight, found on Movie Review

Reflection Paper, on Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight, found on www.ted.com - Movie Review Example She tells how she felt to be one with universe with the boundaries of her body merging with the environment when she had a stroke in her right brain hemisphere, and concludes her talk by saying how beautiful and peaceful she felt at that time and how we all should learn to internalize that message from our right hemisphere so that there is peace and happiness in the world (â€Å"Jill Bolte Taylor’s stroke of insight†). Bullet Points Comments The moment-by-moment description of stroke is valuable information for science. How she interprets her experiences can be a matter of contest. It seems that Jill Bolte is exaggerating a little. Memory may distort the actual events. As a scientist, Jill Bolte could have dwelled more on the scientific aspects of her experiences. The scientific facts corresponding to each and every moment of stroke experience, if narrated, might have been more informative. Even a scientist with rational thinking capabilities is prone to be subjective, when analyzing one’s own very personal realm.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Competitive Advantage and Comparative Advantage Essay Example for Free

Competitive Advantage and Comparative Advantage Essay What is the difference between competitive advantage and comparative advantage? Answer: An advantage that a firm has over its competitors, that differentiates the Product or services offered by the firm and allows the firm to reduce it’s Cost or generate Higher Revenue or Margin is known as Competitive Advantage. A competitive advantage is something that a consumer views in a product or service as having higher value than the other competitors of the firm in the industry. It is an expertise that one firm has. There are many types of competitive strategy that a firm adopts so as to give a competitive advantage to the firm. E.g. Cost leadership: A firm produces the lowest cost product in the entire industry. Comparative Advantage: When one firm/country is able to produce Goods or Services at a lower Opportunity Cost over another firm/ country, it is said to have a Comparative Advantage. For E.g. if one country uses more machines and produces 10 units of each Meat and Clothes in one hour. And another country uses fewer machines and produces either 4 Meat or 6 Clothes in an hour, each country can gain from trade because their internal trade-offs between Meat and Clothes are different. The country that uses fewer machines has a Comparative advantage in producing clothes, hence it is more beneficial to produce and trade Clothes with the other country. The country that uses more machines has a comparative advantage in producing Meat, hence it is beneficial for them to produce and trade Meat with the other country.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Importance of Time Lapses in Death of a Salesman :: English Literature

Why does Arthur Miller use time lapses in his play â€Å"Death of a Salesman†? What was the playwright trying to tell us about Willy Loman? In this essay I will be exploring and analysing â€Å"Death of a Salesman† by Arthur Miller. I will be looking the use of flash backs in the play that aim to emphasise that the past is always with us. Looking at the flashbacks will also help understand the character of Willy Loman. The action takes place in Willy Loman’s house and yard also in various places he visits in New York and Boston of 1949. The play was set in post war America. This is after the great Depression, when people had a different point of view and wanted to achieve the â€Å"American Dream†. The American Dream is the longings of people who wanted to develop the country, to amass money and enjoy a comfortable, not to be at the beck and call of the employer. The figure of a salesman was at the cutting edge of the American Dream, a self made person that did not sell his products but his personality. The play shows a series of chronological events which take place during one evening and the next day. At intervals throughout the play we see scenes from Willy’s past enacted on the same stage at the same time. On first impression this would seem more likely to confuse the audience rather than reveal, but Miller had strong reasons for staging the play in this way. It is my belief that playwright tells us the past is not something which is now behind us. The past is always with us informing and influencing our actions. To understand the character of Willy Loman, we must be aware of the emotional burdens he carries with him from the past. To show an example of these recollections I have selected a scene in Act Two. Willy is sitting in a restaurant where he has been invited by the boys, in anticipation of the fact that Biff will be able to secure a loan from Bill Oliver. Willy has just been laid off from his old job, and is hoping that Biff has some good news for him so that Linda can be happy as he knows she has always been loyal to him and made many sacrifices. Willy said â€Å"she has waited and she has suffered†. This shows how loyal and hard working Linda has been to the family, sacrificing to save money. Evidence of this is shown by the stockings that she sits down with and mends so money can be saved.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Icons of Ambivalence in Bless Me Ultima Essay examples -- Bless Me Ult

Icons of Ambivalence in Bless Me Ultima  Ã‚        Ã‚   The portrait of Mexican Americans is layered in shades of ambivalence. Aside from the fact there is evidence that they can not really be classified as a migratory culture in that the land where they tend to migrate once belonged to Mexico, they can also lay an earlier claim to the land as Native Americans. The Spanish Europeans who settled in the area that became Mexico evolved as the dominant culture over the oral culture of the Native Americans. Nevertheless, there is evidence of ambivalence among the Native Americans to the dominant culture of the Spanish in what is arguably one of the Mexico's basic texts, the story of the Miraculous Apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531. The Virgin of Guadalupe does not fit the usual model of the Virgin as she appears to believers, the biggest change being her native appearance. She is of the dominant culture's religion, and yet she is not. Her appearance is one of only eight worldwide that have found acceptance by the Catholic Church (Apparition 48). Moreover, she is a symbol of the native culture as well and has reverence in the eyes of both Mexicans and Mexican Americans that remains evident to date. Notably as well, Bless Me Ultima, a modern work of fiction set in New Mexico, depicts not only ambivalence toward the dominant culture of the United States, but also remnants of the same ambivalence toward the Catholic Church found hundreds of years earlier in the native culture of Mexico. Ultima, one of the principle characters in the novel, practices the ancient art of Curanderismo, an approach to healing which encompasses the body, mind and emotions along with the soul and the spirit (Curandera 1). Ultima practices the four ... ...Robert C. Broderick, ed. New York: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1987. 48. "Blessed Juan Diego: Model of Humility". 29 Oct. 2000. http://ng.netgate.net/~norberto/juandiego.html. "Blessed or Evil. 5 October 2000. http://www2.cwrl.utexas.edu/sheila/314f95/projects/group5/curan2.htm "Curandera Elena Avila. 5 October 2000. http://www.ph-webnet.com/ph_a/articles/duval-8.htm de Vega, Bechiller Luis Lazo. "History of the Miraculous Apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531." The Heath Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Paul Later. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1998. 475-82. "La Curandera: Blessed or Evil." 5 October 2000. http://www2.cwrl.utexas.edu/sheila/314f95/projects/group5/curan.htm "Scapular." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Revised and Updated. Robert C. Broderick, ed. New York: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1987. 543.      

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Industrial Electronics Bonus

Industrial Electronics, Inc. Is an electronic equipment company that has annual sales exceeding $ 8 Billion. The company is set up by product line and operates as 16 divisions, reporting to four business managers. Unfortunately, due to the recession and the competitiveness of the emerging and developing industry, the bonus pool for the employees has decreased causing Issues with employee morale, and can overall affect the profitability of the organization If the company analyzed the ROI of turnover and training.Therefore, the company reviewed the current bonus structure and proposed a new bonus structure for the Division Managers, as they currently felt their contributions to their departments was not being rewarded. The current bonus system focus on the overall goals of the company. Although it is essential to set and communicate company goals, having this one structure as the only measurement for bonus can be detrimental. If one or a few departments contribute to the company not ac hieving their goals, this means that all employees and departments are not being recognized for their contributions.The current goal is a 10% bonus pool of the company's profitability after taxes in excess of 12& of the company's book net worth allocated for the bonus pool. The proposed bonus structure Is set up to drive the performance more directly related to the division, but not does not focus on any overall company goals. In order to stay in business the overall goals and financial metrics need to be a part of the bonus system. The targets for this new structure are set and negotiated during the budgeting process.If the division managers are going to be held to achieve and/or et these standards their input should be taken into consideration during the budgeting process if they are not directing Involved or responsible for the budgets. This will allow the organization to have the buy In and accountability from the Division Managers and their employees throughout the year in achi eving these targets. This will also allow for employees to be more responsible for controllable cost and waste.The proposed bonus system percentage awards of the Division Managers Base Salary would be: Dillon A : 63. 5% 150% (this is the maximum amount payable) DiViSion B. Division C: 63. 7% Division D: 68 Division E. 26. 2% An optimal bonus plan for Industrial Electronics, would be one that comprises both and success overall in order to pay out bonus and provide employment, but they can drive this overall company success also through operational excellence, key metrics and standards at the divisional level.Therefore, the bonus plan should include company objective and division objective. The divisional objectives should be directly related that divisions related business relevance to the organization, with set key performance indicators which can include sales, output, controllable costs as labor, reduce costs, waste, turnover, etc. The bonus plan also should not be structured as a n all aqua r nothing.For example, maybe it the division does not achieve it sales goals but maintain the controllable expense in accordance with the achieved sales, they receive a partial bonus. If the division does not hit its target but the company does the employees still received a portion of the bonus, as they are part of the organizational teams overall success. Their individual performance behaviors or lack thereof, should be addressed during their buy seines reviews and/or salary review and increases.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

French Verbs - To Take - Amener - Prendre

French Verbs - To Take - Amener - Prendre Confusing French Verbs The English verb to take has several French equivalents, so take a few minutes to learn the difference. Prendre Prendre  is the general, all-purpose French equivalent of to take. It is used to talk about taking something from a place or from someone, taking transportation, taking something to eat, taking a size, etc. Jai pris son livre sur la table.   I took his book from the table. Prends la main de David.   Take Davids hand. Nous allons prendre le train.          Were going to take the train. Je prends un sandwich, sil vous plaà ®t.   Ill take a sandwich, please. Il prend une taille 14 en chemise.   He takes a size 14 shirt. Prenez votre temps.   Take your time. Amener Amener  means to take someone or something  with you.* Jai amenà © mon frà ¨re la fà ªte.   I took my brother to the party Amenons le chien la plage.   Lets take the dog to the beach. Il na pas amenà © la voiture.   He didnt take the car. *Note:  Amener  is part of another set of confusing pairs:  Amener, emmener, apporter, emporter. Other equivalents of to take: Accepter  To take in the sense of  to tolerate  or  to acceptIl nacceptera pas un refus.  He wont take no for an answer.Enlever -  To take something  off,  out,  awaJai enlevà © mon chapeau.  I took my hat off.Qui va enlever les chaises?  Who will take the chairs away? Passer un examen   To take a test Il a passà © trois examens hier.   He took three tests yesterday. Note that  passer  is a  false cognate  here. To pass a test   Rà ©ussir un exame Tirer  (familiar)   To take in the sense of  to steal Quelquun ma tirà © mon portefeuille  !   Someone took my wallet!

Monday, October 21, 2019

5 Ways to Be More Productive and Get Things Done

5 Ways to Be More Productive and Get Things Done We’ve all been there: trying to multitask, but actually getting no tasks done. Workplaces are full of distractions, both personal and professional. New project ideas, trays of goodies, gossip, that new GIF going around†¦ the temptations are endless. Here are five ways you can train your brain to tune out all the noise and really engage in what you’re doing. You’ll be much more productive and infinitely more satisfied with the work you’re doing when you can give it all of your attention, even for just an hour at a time. There are also some great  apps that will help you boost your productivity.Take a second to assess your state of mindTypically, we are most likely to divert our attention when we’re feeling daunted or uncomfortable. The next few times you realize you’ve been interrupted, try and retrace your feelings to the moment just before you lost your focus. Were you nervous? Bored? Angry with your boss? This will help give you a se nse of danger zones so you can learn to avoid them.Triage to get to the most important stuffUsually the easy stuff is the most pressing, takes up the most of our headspace, and is the least important. Try knocking off all of the menial and logistical tasks first thing so you can devote the rest of your day to the important, more substantive projects.Schedule your most important hoursFigure out your most productive hours of the day and make them sacred. At your best from 9 a.m. until your first coffee break? Or maybe just after the boss has left in the afternoon? Make a schedule for your deepest concentration and stick to it. Don’t let anyone disturb you.Train your concentration musclesGood focus doesn’t happen overnight. Your ability to focus is a muscle and must be built up gradually. Time yourself between interruptions and try to power through to make your period of highest concentration longer and longer every day. You will get stronger and better at it, and work mi ght even become a pleasure.Pace aroundHave a problem you can’t quite figure out? Too much going on around you? Too many chefs? Take it outside and go for a short walk to clear your head. Sometimes we do our best thinking when our bodies are moving automatically and our brains are free to roam.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Rainforrest Issues essays

Rainforrest Issues essays Sarah Kay Thomas 02/21/04 Rain Forest Issues Carmel H. Thesis: . I believe it is our duty as a people of this Earth to get involved and save this precious land. Of all the forests in the world, the rainforests provide the most life for both the living organisms that are in the forests themselves and those, which are surrounding it on the rest of the planet. Tropical rainforests are home to more species than all other land biomes combined. Rain Forests are one of the most diverse places on earth, containing the most species of living things, much more than anywhere else, and most have yet to be identified. All rain forests are located on earth's "green belt", the area roughly around the equator that covers all the area from Mexico, the northern area of South America, Africa, India, stretching out to Indonesia, and the northern tip of Australia all the way to New Guinea. This area is heavily covered with lush trees and plants, and is encompassed with life. Is economic development of greater value than the natural resources of the rainforest? The rainforest does provide many resources like timber, for cattle and agriculture, and for subsistence cropping by rainforest inhabitants. It has also provided natural medicines and special compounds that have proven to be very important in medical studies. Although In 1980, the estimated amount of rain forests in the world was 40,000 square miles. This number decreases each year by roughly 1,000 square miles due to construction and the resources being used for profit. Commercial logging is the leading factor in rainforest destruction, both through extraction ...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Making the Most of the Doha Opportunity Assignment

Making the Most of the Doha Opportunity - Assignment Example The purpose of this term paper is to distinguish out the Indian Economy, while studying the special aspects, along with the trade and ventures between Canada and India. The second part of the paper as discussed above is about the prospects of the Indian market for the promotion of tumble dryers and in this context, the civilizing and community needs of the society and their impacts are researched. Further, a marketing strategy after analyzing the needs and barriers that are imposed by the Indian market are studied, a marketing plan is suggested to promote the product. Indo-Canadian trade - History and Recent initiatives During the modern period, India has turned out to be one of the most influential economies around the globe and is set to become an emerging power for centuries to come. The political arena contained by the Indian subcontinent has become stable to a big amount thus serving the country to footstep towards a contemporary culture, with the Indian market escalating at an incredible rate. Ever since India has emerged as a developing nation, it has taken help from a number of countries to expand its market which also incorporated Canada to an immense level. In spite of a number of strategic differences between the two countries, India has been offered continuous financial aid by Canada. During the late seventies, both the countries had strained relationships, however with the start of the early nineties, as India was set to become an influential player in the world economy, the situation got eased up. The growing trend of the Indian market was soon realized by Canada and the two countries stepped forward to bring about some major reforms in their market strategies with each other. Canada became mindful of the call for expanding its roots within Asia and recognized that India was the most favorable place which could offer vast markets for Canadian products. With the start of the later nineties, Canada initiated the progress to recuperate the two-sided associations amid the two nations. Since then there have been a number of reciprocated visits at the political level since thus moving forward the trade growth.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Market for Ready-Made Kids' Meals in America Case Study

Market for Ready-Made Kids' Meals in America - Case Study Example National product development involves new brands and innovative technologies aimed to deliver the best possible quality to the end consumer. American consumers are often ridiculed, chided, and scorned for their taste (Healthy, Ready Made Meals 2008). Consumers seem to be well aware of the necessity of improving tastes and satisfying aesthetic and psychological needs. First the functional, physiological, and safety aspects of products must be satisfied. Once these functional standards and values are identified and incorporated into products, the symbolic, aesthetic, and cultural dimensions, which are more related to product visibility and symbolism, become important. They are reflected in consumer purchases of good books, records, paintings, flowers, the application of better color sense, good style and design in the home, and a general upgrading of quality (Lyons 87). These seem to indicate a "better life" and appreciation for aesthetics. From social-cultural perceptive, ready-Made" Kids' Meals become very popular among all social groups. During the last five years, more and more African-Americans and Mexican consumers join the market. also, low price and easy cooking attracts low social classes and working families. During the last five years, consumers become generally more concerned with the intrinsic value or functionality of products.

Rowe v. New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Essay

Rowe v. New Hampshire Motor Transport Association - Essay Example The case is also about the appropriateness of Maine’s Tobacco Delivery Law. The Tobacco Delivery Law puts safety requirements on all transportation of tobacco products. The law requires that stores which carry these products must use a delivery system that does not give any tobacco products to unlicensed stores or let them fall into the hands of minors (those under 18 years old). Based on this law, The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association filed suit, noting that the Tobacco Delivery Law was counteracted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (FAAAA). â€Å"The preemption provision of the FAAAA prohibits state from enacting laws "related to" the prices, routes, or services of air and motor carriers. The Association argued that the Tobacco Delivery Law placed such a burden on the delivery procedures of carriers that significantly affected their prices and services† (Brief, 2010). Faced with this argument, those working for the state countered that the FAAAA was originally at cross purposes with the Tobacco Delivery Law, a nd that the purposes of the Tobacco Delivery Law generally were focused on regulating based on a threat to the harm of society. In US District Court, the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association prevailed in its argument, and on appeal, this organization also prevailed in its argument again. â€Å"The First Circuit held that a police power exception to the general rule of preemption would be far too broad and was not intended by Congress. Maine could validly ban all unlicensed tobacco products within its borders, but the FAAAA prohibited the state from implementing this goal by imposing requirements on carriers that significantly alter their delivery procedures† (Rowe, 2010). Therefore, in the case, it was found that the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 does not overshadow a state law that uses the

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Social Media in Brand Management and Brand Research Paper

Social Media in Brand Management and Brand - Research Paper Example However, the organization has commonly embraced the use of, facebook, Google and mobile applications as its major marketing channels (Evans, & McKee, 2010). Weinberg (2009) argues that H & M netted a huge number of followers on face-book through its publication, which states that customers can easily get a quick response on their inquiries posted on the fan page. Moreover, the organization has gone a notch higher by integrating their face-book onto other international languages. For instance, the H & M organizations face-book is intercepted by the local Chinese social platforms; Youku and Sina-Weibo hence making it easier to market the organizational products through different languages internationally. Besides, H & M has drawn a pool of over ten million fans on its face-book fan page though promotional post by encouraging customers to earn more rewards from the purchases. The above tactic enables H & M to improve on its sales volume that later translates to higher organizational turnouts. Besides, the organization runs a promotion that requests customers to post images on H & M’s fan page to win a variety of festive prices. The above consideration is a great deal that aims at drawing more attention of customers towards the organizational products. A good example is â€Å"the hashtag #HMBikeStyle." Looking at the social perspective of popularizing H &M through facebook, the organization has made much fairness by allowing people across different classes, age and cultural backgrounds within the society to have equal position towards the realization of the organizational brands. Despite the fact that facebook plays recommendable role in H & M’s marketing, its service provision is never maintained all the time thus making it difficult to give instant answers to the customers. Besides, the sales person is not in a position to meet customers directly thus making it harder to determine customer’s

Personal development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal development - Essay Example Recent years have been marked with profound changes in how hospitality services are delivered (Hinkin & Tracey 2004). My practical experience in team leadership has given me flexibility and ability to adjust to the changeable conditions of business environment, which are so necessary in the hospitality industry. I consider myself to be adaptable, creative, decisive and willing to change. I have a strong desire to lead and passion for interacting with customers and subordinates. All these features make an excellent candidate for becoming assistant C&B manager. I enjoy communicating with people. I think that every leader should possess good communicating skills in order to be able to lead people and direct their activity. As a leader, I have learned to take decisions, taking into consideration other opinions and beliefs. I am extremely attentive to customer and subordinate feedback and try to provide information needed to meet our obligations and do our jobs well. I consider it to be v ery important for a leader to understand the role of teamwork and to be able to coordinate the work of the team he leads. Also it is very important to be able to evaluate the abilities of other people in order to distribute the tasks among team members and I think that now I can assess one’s skills and abilities properly.... ve realized that as the hospitality industry is becoming dynamic and complex, hospitality firms and enterprises need to be unique, in order to sustain their competitive positions over long-term periods (Chathoth & Olsen 2002). Leadership can readily become the source of hospitality firms’ competitive advantage. Flexibility, patience, control, and direction is what leaders need to pursue prospective careers in the hospitality industry and make it more attractive and competitive. I have learned the value of teamwork and the importance of collaboration in the provision of superior food and beverage servicing at Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel. My experience has taught me knowledge and skills needed to become assistant C&B manager. I have experience in managing and organizing F&B services. I possess great delegation and supervisory skills. My role of a team leader has given me flexibility needed to quickly respond to a wide array of work situations. I am interested in and inves t resources and efforts in developing all members of my team. All these skills will give me strength and confidence as I am entering a new stage of career development. In five years, I view myself part of the executive team at Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel. I am willing to provide guests with superior hospitality experiences and maintain genuine relationships with the subordinates. To achieve this goal, I will need to expand my theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the next 2-3 years. To achieve this goal, I will need to obtain the job of assistant C&B manager and enter executive education for hospitality managers. Which school to choose is an open question, as there is a variety of learning opportunities in all parts of the world. For example, Cornell office of executive

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Social Media in Brand Management and Brand Research Paper

Social Media in Brand Management and Brand - Research Paper Example However, the organization has commonly embraced the use of, facebook, Google and mobile applications as its major marketing channels (Evans, & McKee, 2010). Weinberg (2009) argues that H & M netted a huge number of followers on face-book through its publication, which states that customers can easily get a quick response on their inquiries posted on the fan page. Moreover, the organization has gone a notch higher by integrating their face-book onto other international languages. For instance, the H & M organizations face-book is intercepted by the local Chinese social platforms; Youku and Sina-Weibo hence making it easier to market the organizational products through different languages internationally. Besides, H & M has drawn a pool of over ten million fans on its face-book fan page though promotional post by encouraging customers to earn more rewards from the purchases. The above tactic enables H & M to improve on its sales volume that later translates to higher organizational turnouts. Besides, the organization runs a promotion that requests customers to post images on H & M’s fan page to win a variety of festive prices. The above consideration is a great deal that aims at drawing more attention of customers towards the organizational products. A good example is â€Å"the hashtag #HMBikeStyle." Looking at the social perspective of popularizing H &M through facebook, the organization has made much fairness by allowing people across different classes, age and cultural backgrounds within the society to have equal position towards the realization of the organizational brands. Despite the fact that facebook plays recommendable role in H & M’s marketing, its service provision is never maintained all the time thus making it difficult to give instant answers to the customers. Besides, the sales person is not in a position to meet customers directly thus making it harder to determine customer’s

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Experiences of Being Human Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Experiences of Being Human - Essay Example   The poem is written with a mixed emotion of appreciation of friendship (between man and environment) as well as the nostalgia of needing to have an emotional connection. Mora on her work in Legal Alien that appeared in her poetry collection that was published in 1984 entitled Chants spoke how horrible it felt once this human connection is lost by just being different in a society that is oblivious of diversity. Mora is of Mexican descent and holds American citizenship by law yet not entirely part of the society she is in because of her two worlds, being a Mexican as well as an American. This poem exudes raw emotion as it was articulated from the first-person point of view on how Mora felt the emotional alienation when that emotional connection of which Whitman talked about is lost by just being an immigrant. This became obvious in the last few lines of her poem stating; â€Å"Sliding back and forth/between the fringes of both worlds/ by smiling  / by masking the discomfort   / of being pre-judged  /Bi-laterally†. pain was best described by using the characterization of the protagonists of the Vietnam War such as the â€Å"white vet's image /floats closer to me, then his pale eyes look through mine† and a woman â€Å"trying to erase names: [but] No, she's brushing a boy's hair† making it poignantly painful to recall. The Martian Sends a Postcard Home, on the other hand, combined the familiar and the bizarre as the familiar was seen from an alien’s point of view. Here, Craig Raine highlighted the eccentricity of human experience by the characterization of a martian of which it narrates the similarity and difference between an alien and human being and in a way a commentary or critique of how human beings treat human experience. The Model T has used a symbol (the early version of cars made by Ford) that it differs because it is locked from the inside and that there is â€Å"a film to watch for anything missed†. This pass age may have been written casually but this line is actually loaded with meaning. It is the human experience gone by as it is looked on the film (which is really the rear mirror)† and we are mindless of it because â€Å"time is tied to the wrist or kept in a box† which made us all regretful and as he Raine tells â€Å"No one is exempt and everyone's pain has a different smell†. Perhaps one of the best media of how human beings expressed their deeply seated emotion is through poems. The authors Whitman, Mora, Komunyakaa, and Raine may have represented the varying human emotion that ranged from the â€Å"joyous leaves†, alienation, pain in recalling and indifference or regret and may have used different symbolisms such as the trees, Vietnam Memorial, Model T car or a legal status but all of them converged in their intent to articulate and explore human emotions.  

Buddhist Traditions Essay Example for Free

Buddhist Traditions Essay Buddhism is an Eastern religion practiced in most Asian countries. The religion was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the late 6th century B.C.E. Even though Buddhism is practiced in many ways, a commonality among these ways is a drawing from the life experiences of the Buddha and his teachings. The spirit or essence of his teachings also referred to as dhamma or dharma, serve as models for the religious life. Some of the teachings of enlightenment that have been an influence of the disciples of Buddha are in regard to having an understanding of suffering and finding the end to all suffering, and on having mutual respect by having right mindfulness and right meditation and the principle of ataman. The beliefs and practice of both Karma and Dharma allow an individual to avoid ignorance and allow for mutual respect, which in return grants the individual peace and happiness. Buddha set the stage for future Buddhist with his teachings on The Noble Eightfold Path and The Principles of Mutual Respect, which many in the world can relate to and use today. What is known about the Noble Eightfold Path? What is Mutual Respect? How can Buddhism be used and understood today?History of BuddhaThe many teachings of Buddha were not discovered until the 1st or 2nd century C.E. until the writings of Buaciha Charija (life of the Buddha) by Ashvaghosa gave an account of BuddhaÂ’s life. The Buddha who was born in ca. 563 B.C.E. in Lumbini, a place in North India near the Himalayan foothills, began his teachings around Benares (at Sarnath). “His era in general was one of spiritual, intellectual, and social ferment. This was the age when the Hindu ideal of renunciation of family and social life by holy persons seeking Truth first became widespread.” (Vail, 1982). SufferingBuddha had attained enlightenment while sitting under a Bodhi tree (The Buddha The Bodhi Tree, n.d). He sought to understand suffering, its cause, its end, and the path that led to its end. By the third night he found his answer which is known as the four noble truths. The first noble truth is the life means suffering (Kniermin, 2009). Human nature and the world is not perfect, therefore, inevitably those in the physical life will suffer from sickness, injury, pain, tiredness, old age, and eventually death. Humans also suffer psychologically such as sadness, fear, disappointment, frustration, and depression. The second truth is that the  origin of suffering is attachment. Desire causes suffering as does the pursuit of wealth and prestige. Those that strive for fame and popularity will also suffer. The third truth is ceasing suffering through nirodha. Nirodha is to not make sensual craving and conceptual attachment. To cease suffering means to remove all cause of suffering through ones actions. To attain perfection in ridding all passions and attachments one would gain Nirvana. To have Nirvana means one no longer worries or has trouble. The fourth truth is that is a gradual path of self-improvement will end all suffering and this can be attained through the following of the Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path describes the end of suffering through the practice of mental development which was described by Siddhartha Gautama (Kniermin, 2009b). The goal is to free the individual from attachments and delusions, leading one to understand the truth of all things. The beginning and the end of the path is to have the right view. The right view is to see things as they truly are and understand karma. The first step is to know that all beings suffer and to realize that the view of the world is through thoughts and the right view yields right thoughts and actions. Actions are usually expressed through ones attention. Having the right intentions is having a commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement. The three types of right intentions are: 1. to resist desire, 2. strive to avoid feelings of anger, and 3. not think or act in a violent, cruel, or aggressive manner. Although one can have the right intentions one must make an effort. One can have the right effort by preventing unwholesome states. To attain right efforts one must have the right mindfulness. To have a clear consciousness and perceive things as they truly are. The way one conducts oneself is to have the right speech, for words can break or save a person, make enemies or friend, create peace or start a war. Right speech is the practice of not telling lies, abstaining from slanderous speech, abstaining from harsh words, and abstaining from conversation that has no point. Not only is having the right words important, but having the right action. The right actions is to not take life even oneself and to abstain from robbery, fraud, deceitfulness, dishonesty, and sexual  misconduct. The way earns ones living is to have the right livelihood. One should gain wealth legally and peacefully. Some occupations that are not consider to the right livelihood would be prostitution, selling or buying of weapons, raising animals for slaughter or working in a butchery, and selling intoxicants. The eighth principle of the path is to have right concentration. To have right concentration is to establish the mind rightly, which involves all the paths of the noble eightfold (Bhikkhu, 2001 -2009). To establish the right concentration one would use meditation. Tranquil meditation quiets the mind. To enter into right concentration one has to be alert for it can not arise on its own. Once one is able to enter into right concentration one will experience stillness, rapture, and pleasure. Mutual RespectBuddhism teaches one to be mutually respectful of one another since it can lead one down a road of tolerance and acceptance. Mutual respect corresponds to the concept of treat others the way an individual would like to be treated in return. Mutual respect ensures that trust is present in all interactions. Mutual respect operates within the domain of practical reasoning and assists individuals seeking knowledge of what to do and how one should do it, when one wants to build or sustain democracy. However, practical reasoning principles differ from rules. The journey one follows towards understanding, respecting and trusting others winds through hills and valleys. It can be difficult to find the path and even more difficult to stay on the right path. The belief is that it takes true humility, willingness to first listen, a sober look at ones own shortcomings, and commitment over time, however, this approach will not work for everyone. A common thread in world religions are that the teachings are to improve humanity and improve peopleÂ’s ethical behavior thereby improving life on earth. An important leason is for people to learn not to be consumed with material things but to strive to have a balance between material and  spiritual progress. All religions need to work together to make the world a better place. The world needs not only material progress, but also spiritual progress as well. If humans only develop spiritually and do not take care of the material side then people go hungry, and that is not very good either. There needs to be a balance. One does not have to agree with or even necessarily like a person or a religion, but it does ensure that interactions run smoothly. Mutual respect implies recognition that all individuals are human beings together, that in fact, all beings are one. Humans are one and the same, of the same source, each reflecting another aspect of oneself. Instead of looking at differences between groups of people, or indeed between religions, a spiritually oriented person focuses upon similarities. If everyone were to do this, there would be no violence, no wars, no lack of respect for others, and no lack of self-respect. Mutual respect is important because it transforms conflict into peace, compromise, and production. Respect creates an atmosphere that allows for progress to be made. An individual can not expect to receive respect if he or she does not first offer respect. A person is more willing to take part in understanding something if the individual believes that his or her thoughts, opinions, and feelings will be taken into consideration and respected. Mutual respect is created when people treat others as they want to be treated. As mentioned The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” brings forth the idea that all things are connected and in relationship to one another. Mutual respect can “grow from its own process and dynamics. Be the first to accord respect, and with time, it will develop amongst all he conflicting parties” (Beyond Intractability, 2005). If one person is giving respect but not receiving it in return from the other person, conflict is likely to result and could have consequences for both sides. A balance and compromise will result in peace. Buddhism strongly focuses on the anatman, the inner-self, and obtaining the  balance of peace with both the inner-self and outer-self. Therefore, mutual respect greatly relates to the beliefs of the Buddhist religion in respect to eliminating negative energy. Conflicts and not respecting other individuals would only defeat the purpose of what one is trying to accomplish with Ataman. Buddhists also believes in karma, the consequences of oneÂ’s actions. This means that if a Buddhist were to deny respect then in return he or she would suffer the consequences of those actions. This would delay his or her progress towards complete inner and outer peace. The Buddhist religion also discourages ignorance, or lack of knowledge, which can be a result of ignoring mutual respect. “All the problems we experience during daily life originate from ignorance and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practice Dharma” (About Buddha, 2007). Dharma is the act of protecting oneself from suffering and from problems. By practicing mutual respect an individual can avoid any unnecessary conflict or problems that would get in the way obtaining peace and happiness. “Practicing Dharma is the supreme method for improving the quality of our human life” (About Buddha, 2007). By granting mutual respect in all subject matters, an individual improves the quality of his or her life. Buddhist SectsMutual respect is realized in many Buddhist sects. BuddhaÂ’s teachings reached far beyond the area in which he began and formed two primary divisions. The original teachings of Buddha are the Southern School, called Theravada or better known as “Way of the Elders.” Theravada is mainly taught in the Southeast Asian countries. The Northern School is referred to as Mahayana or “The Greater Vehicle,” and is comprised of countries in the North (Fisher, 2002 p. 157). Many writings came from these sects. Those who follow the teachings of Theravada studied older writings called the Pali Canon. A collection of BuddhaÂ’s teachings, the Pali Canon was compiled after BuddhaÂ’s death by a council of five hundred monks who had studied under him. From the Southern School is the Triple Gem which is a collection of Buddha, dharma and sangha. These were used in order for one to convert to Buddhism. Meditations were also very important. One of the techniques was Vipassana meditation. The  word Vipassana can be translated to mean “insight.” This was important because by developing insight helps to calm, focus and watch the mind (Fisher, 2002, p. 161). From the Northern School, Mahayana teachings were referred to as the path of compassion and metaphysics. Though they had the respect of the Southern School, these were teachings that reached beyond those of the Pali Canon. The Mahayanists claimed these scriptures were given only to those kindhearted and enlightened beings. Those scriptures called the Mahayana sutras told of the significance of spiritual understanding. To the Mahayanists, the dharma is not only a term used in writings, but the actual source of a conversion event that makes one realize the need for enlightenment as the absolute significance of life (Fisher, 2002, p. 164). Through the years, Buddha made his teachings in reference to the audience in which he spoke. Buddha in effect, had taught in different levels depending on the willingness of the audience to pay attention to the truth. As time proceeded, the audience changed, and the Mahayanists looked past the Pali Canon which was a teaching to help those with lower capacities to the sutra which would teach the true meaning of the dharma. New Mahayana communities were formed. They called themselves Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas were dedicated to attaining enlightenment. These were teachings that expanded on those taught in the sutra. Bodhisattvas believed that not only were there special people who could gain spiritual growth; it could be obtained by the masses of people also. The goal was to achieve the enlightenment and to see in that enlightenment what you have not seen before, which is the divinity of the world (Loverade, n.d.). In accordance with these teachings, Bodhisattvas should become enlightened and return to help others to obtain the same goal. Those returning would not experience the suffering in which others were exposed. The idea is not only to become enlightened, but also to become like Buddha himself and be an enlightened one who returns to the world. ConclusionBuddha, born in 563 B.C.E brought teaching of enlightenment to the world. He taught that desiring brings suffering. He also taught his followers to respect other religions through an open mind and tolerance. Throughout Buddhisms teachings and beliefs runs the undercurrent of mutual respect and enlightenment. In essence, one cannot reach enlightenment without mutual respect. By integrating the four noble truths and the eight fold path an individual will reach an understanding of anatman and the impermanence that exists in life. Illusions will end and self-centeredness will erode and an individual will eventually be free from attachments and understand the truth of all things. Once enlightenment is reached by an individual, the individual is to become like Buddha and return to the world to help others. References About Buddha (2007). About Buddha. Retrieved July 31, 2009 from http://www.aboutbuddha.orgBerzin, Alexander, (1988). The Berzin Archives. Retrieved July 31, 2009 fromhttp://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/approaching_buddhism/world_today/buddhist_view_other_religions.htmlBeyond Intractability (2005). A free knowledge base on more constructive approaches todestructive conflict. Retrieved July 30, 2009 from http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/respect/?nid=6573Bhikkhu, T. (2001- 2009). Right concentration. Retrieved August 3, 2009 fromhttp://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/suwat/concentration.htmlFail,L.F. (1982). Focus. Retrieved July 31, 2009 fromhttp://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/religion/origins.htmlFisher, M.P. (2003). Living religions (5th ed.). Retrieved August 1, 2009 from UOPrEsource REL133Knierim, T. (2009a). The four noble truths. Retrieved August 2, 2009 fromhttp://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.htmlKnierim,T. (2009b). The noble eightfold path. Retrieved August 2, 2009 fromhttp://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.htmlLoverade, L. (n.d.). Five stages of consciousness in religion and the returning buddha.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Pablo Neruda Biography

Pablo Neruda Biography Introduction Pablo Neruda’s poetic skills came to light while he was still a teen. He did his writings in diverse styles which include historical epics, surrealist poems, a prose autobiography, overtly political manifestos, and erotically-charged love poems. In most cases he used green ink in his writings, which symbolized desire and hope from a personal perspective. He believed in communism and advocated for world peace and unity, victimized in his native nation and compelled to exile, his output is a manifestation that protects the cultural legacy of Chile and the larger South American region. Life experiences influenced his writing Childhood His real name was Neftalà ­ Ricardo Reyes Basoalto and his town of birth is Parral, Chile on 12th, 1904. He was born to Rosa Basoalto Opazo and Josà © del Carmen Reyes Morales. The later was a railway worker and the former a school teacher; she died due to tuberculosis a couple of months after conceiving his first and only son. Pablo Neruda grew up in Temuco with half-sister Laura and half-brother Rodolfo. He went to the Men’s Lyceum of Temuco where he underwent his high school education. Early years 1917-1920 He published his maiden poems at age 13; while still in high school among them is â€Å"Entusiasmo y Perseverancia† in the regional daily â€Å"La Maà ±ana†. Come 1918 he published thirteen poems in the journal â€Å"Run and Fly† which include â€Å"My eyes†. Come 1919 he got the third prize in a home contest with his poem â€Å"Nocturno ideal†. His father was against his son’s writing interest; nonetheless Neruda got support from in his school tutors. Aged fifteen, Neruda met Gabriella Mistral, who was a tutor in the home girl’s school. She familiarized him with the work of European poets and predominantly Russian literature which inspired him the most. Due to the fact that Neruda intended to conceal his publications from his father he opted for the pseudonym of Pablo Neruda, thus all upcoming publications after October 1920 were published under that pseudonym. Jan Neruda, a Czech poet influenced the young poet from whom he acquired his last name. Afterwards he lawfully changed his name to Pablo Neruda. Universidad de Chile – 1921 His father wanted to see him become a teacher. Come 1921 when he was sixteen and after graduating from high school Neruda shifted to Santiago to learn French and Education at the University of Chile. He bore no interest in pedagogy; his drive was in learning French so that he could read French literature. After his arrival he did publish a chain of poems in the university magazine â€Å"Clarity† with Pablo Neruda as the signatory. In the course of this time as a student he created a good number of his renowned output and made his mark as a reputable poet. He associated with Rosa Albertina Azocar who was his influence for a sequence of poems in a Song of Despair and 20 Love Poems. It was evident that Pablo intended to follow a career in writing as a result his father cut financial supplies to him. Come July 1923 the maiden output of â€Å"Crepusculario† was published at the Student Federation of Chile by Clarity Editions. In the subsequent year, Nascimiento Editors publi shed the first edition of â€Å"Veinte Poemas de Amor y una Cancion Desesperada†, which would become one of his renowned and most translated outputs. Diplomatic career 1926 In his role as a writer, Neruda was experiencing financial constraints thus he started to look for a job as a consul. His achievements in literature and interactions enabled him get a consular job in Burma. He was a frequent contributor to the newspaper â€Å"La Nacion† in Santiago where he gave publishes regarding his travel chronics. Come 1929 he was dispatched to Colombo, Sri Lanka as a consul. In the process, he tried out diverse styles and did a succession of surrealistic poems that formed component to â€Å"Residencia en la tierra† one of his most vital outputs. Come February of 1932, he resettled in Santiago and was given a job in the Department of Cultural Extension of the Ministry of Labor, during this period the second edition of â€Å"Twenty Poems of Love and a Song of despair† was published. Come 1933, Neruda was chosen to be a Consul in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nascimiento Editors published â€Å"Residence on Earth† restricting its publication to a lowly 100 print outs. Neruda was transferred to Madrid in 1935 in the same capacity as a consul as a replacement to Gabriela Mistral. Neruda was a founder of â€Å"Green Horse for poetry† a magazine that specializes in literature. He abandoned his family in Barcelona and hooked up with Delia del Carril. Spanish Civil War and communism Come July 1936 the Spanish Civil War started and Federico Garcia Lorca was killed by forces devoted to Franco. Consequence to this happening, Neruda became politicized laying allegiance to the republican side thus a communist for the remainder of his life. He remained neutral to political causes due to his role as a consul. He made publishes in secrecy of â€Å"Song to the mothers of the dead militants† captured in the literary journal â€Å"The blue monkey† which afterwards turned out to be a component of â€Å"Spain in the heart†. The government of Chile opted to close down its consulate in Madrid. He then afterwards moved to Paris alongside Delia del Carril and commenced his work in support of the Spanish Republic. He orchestrated the Latin American Committee in defense of the Spanish Republic and presented a conference regarding Federico Garcia Lorca, this was against the Chilean administration wishes. He made publishes of his takes in the magazine â€Å"The world poets defend the Spanish people† which was printed in French and in Spanish. He united with Peruvian Cesar Vallejo and discharged duties in the Association for the Defense of Culture. In the poem â€Å"I explain a few things† he exhibited a militant and radical tone with respect to political and social aspects. On moving back to his native Chile, he realized the Alliance of Intellectuals. The maiden edition of two thousand copies of â€Å"Espaà ±a en el Corazon† sold out in the first few days and two months later a second edition print outs were made. Mexico 1940 -1943 Come 1940 Neruda was assigned in Mexico City as the Consul General of Chile. In the aftermath of the murder attempt of Leon Trotsky Neruda, Nerudo granted a visa Chile to David Alfaro Siqueiros, a Mexican accused as one of the schemers to assassinate Trotsky. This led to his one month suspension with no pay. Come 1942 Neruda gave a series of talks courtesy of an invitation by the Ministry of education. During his stay in Cuba he heard of the demise of his close friend Miguel Hernandez in a Spanish prison. During this time, he did 2 poems â€Å"The lost shepherd† and â€Å"To Miguel Hernandez killed in the prisons of Spain† which were incorporated in â€Å"The grapes and the wind† and â€Å"Canto General† respectively. While on a trip Mexico he recited his poem â€Å"Song to Stalingrad† which commemorated the vital Russian triumph over the Nazis. This led to condemnation that he did a poem â€Å"New love song to Stalingrad†, both poems were incorporated in his book â€Å"Third Residence†. Neruda yet again did a violation on his diplomatic impartiality when at the funeral of Leocadia Felizardo, he recited his poem â€Å"Dura elegà ­a† thus making utterances that were deemed offensive to Getulio Vargas, the Brazilian dictator. Consequently, he resigned from his positioned and went back to Chile. While on board to Santiago, he visited the remains of Machu Picchu, which influenced him to write â€Å"Alturas de Machu Picchu† he wound up in 1945. He highly rated the undertakings done by ancient Andean civilization; at the same time he condemned the slavery that happened in a bid to accomplish such an exceptional edifice and their ensuing subjugation by the Spaniards. Return to Chile and the Communist Party 1944 Shortly after going back to Chile, Neruda was made senatorial candidate for the provinces of Tarapacà ¡ and Antofagasta in representation of the Communist Party of Chile. Despite not being a formal militant, he became part of the party shortly afterwards. He was engrossed in the campaigns and come 1945 he was elected Senator of the Republic. Come 1946 Gabriel Gonzales Videla was voted Chilean President in a coalition with the Communist Party. In the subsequent year, Gonzales Videla turned against the Communists and aligned himself with the U.S initiating a campaign in opposition to the communists. An aggressive repression of a miner’s strike in Lota influenced the poet to condemn President Gonzales Videla’s policy in a speech. He recited the names of the miners and their families who had been put behind bars. For the reason that Gonzales Videla barred the communist party newspaper â€Å"The Century† from operations, Nerudo did publishing of a letter â€Å"Intimate letter for millions of men† in a good number of Latin American nations. This communication criticized the government guiding principles against its people. The ruling regime accused Neruda of insult and of condescending Chile abroad and initiated the process of prosecution. Around this time he went into hideouts and regularly changed houses to evade capture. In the process he completed â€Å"Canto General†. Exile 1948 Come 1949 he went to Mexico where he took part in the Latin American Congress for Peace. While in Mexico, he suffered thrombophlebitis. A Chilean singe, Matilde Urrutia, was engaged to look after him leading to a love affair which lasted until his demise in 1973. The affair influenced him poetically as he wrote a good number of poems where Matilde Urritia featured prominently, most notably in â€Å"On hundred love sonnets†, â€Å"Estravagario†, â€Å"The Barcarolle, â€Å"The sea and the bells† and â€Å"The captain’s verses†. After 1953 going forward, her existence in the poet’s output becomes deeper. In the course of 1950 during his recuperation in Mexico â€Å"Canto General† was printed out in Mexico City with the first edition of five hundred copies. A clandestine edition was published in Chile by the communist party. At the end of the year he received the Stalin Prize for the Peace. Return to Chile 1952 Come 1952 he returned to Chile after three years in exile, this was possible considering the weakness of ruling regime as well as the support of the poet’s faction group made up of politicians and intellectuals. This period saw the publishing of â€Å"The captain’s verses†. The controversial nature of the book resulted into it being anonymously published; this was out of respect for his wife. Matilde Urrutia again featured prominently in poems in this book. 1959 from 1954 seven books were published; â€Å"Elementary odes†, â€Å"New elementary odes†, â€Å"Third book of odes†, â€Å"Extravagaria†, â€Å"Navigations and return†, â€Å"One hundred love sonnets† and â€Å"Grapes and the Wind†. â€Å"One hundred love sonnets† brings out Neruda’s affection for Matilde Urrutia, he eventually married her in 1966. Conclusion Neruda was terminally ill when he went back to Chile. As the contemporary administration collapsed, trials were instigated against his political followers, most of whom friends were imprisoned or were forced to seek asylum in other countries. His home in Isla Negra was broken into and his writings were damaged by the military police. In the meantime his health was failing at a rapid rate and was thus transferred to Santiago from Isla Negra. Neruda was bed ridden at Santa Marà ­a Clinic in Santiago and few afterwards he passed on due to heart failure. He was temporarily laid to rest in the mausoleum of the Fittborn family. Big crowds assembled at the cemetery in defiance of the measures of the military police where they paid their last respects to the greatest poet of all time.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Actual and Symbolic Barriers in Robert Frosts Mending Wall Essay

Actual and Symbolic Barriers in Robert Frost's Mending Wall The appearance of barriers, both literal and figurative, is significant to the narrative of Robert Frost's "Mending Wall." The story in this piece revolves around a wall separating two men, their yards, and their lives. The wall is not only a physical boundary; it also symbolizes the barriers between the two in other aspects of their lives. The most noticeable barrier in this work is obviously the wall dividing the yard. The reason for a wall between the trees is unknown to the narrator and the reader. The speaker questions the need for the fence when he says, "Before I built a wall I'd ask to know/ What I was walling in or walling out, / And to whom I was like to give offense." These feelings are expressed also in lines 23 through 26. The wall is located between the neighbor's pine grove and the speaker's apple orchard. Is there a point in dividing these trees? Even though the narrator does not know the purpose of the wall, he is always the one responsible for making sure it is mended every year. More than likely he unconsciously feels a need for the fence too. Perhaps it is a need for his privacy or maybe it is a need to have a connection with the outside world. In the lines "Where they have not left one stone on a stone, / But they would have the rabbit out of hiding," the wall represents the barriers people put up so that their vulnerabilities and secrets can remain hidden. Once this wall is broken there is a need to mend it in order to keep others from seeing what is on the opposite side of the wall. There are other instances of the wall representing the need for separation between personal and private aspects of lives. In lines 16 though 20, ... ...need to keep the wall up in order to protect themselves from outsiders. At the same time though, the need for the ritual of mending the fence is beyond their control. The narrator states, "Something there is that doesn't love a wall...And makes gaps even two can pass abreast." (Lines 1-4) The choice to pass through the fence is available, and so is the choice to mend the wall each year. Both know that the fence will fall again and the next spring they will be reunited. As long as the literal wall exists there will be contact between the two men. However as long as the figurative barriers remain, the distance between them is further than any fence could separate them. Work Cited Robert Frost. "Mending Wall." Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers. Ed. John Schilb and John Clifford. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000. p106-107.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Cyber Addicts :: essays papers

Cyber Addicts The Longest River: Denial A hallmark of someone who is engaging in this addiction pattern, but who has not accepted that their behavior is out of their control, is denial. Denial is a psychological defense mechanism that enables a person to continue to engage in a behavior in spite of relatively obvious negative consequences on their life. It’s a way to protect ourselves from seeing or feeling things that are unpleasant. In the case of the gambling addict, there may be repeated warnings from his or her spouse that they will not tolerate continued spending of household savings, job loss, and constant harassment by creditors. In light of this, the gambling addict will still deny that they have a problem with gambling and will believe that they have complete control over their actions. Denial permits one to distort reality, a very powerful psychological defense; it can have devastating consequences on our life, and the ability to disregard such negative consequences while continuing the behavior is a hallmark of denial. Denial is present, to some extent or another, in all addictions. It’s necessary, in the development of an addictive process, to experience a sense of denial while the addiction is beginning to take hold. Otherwise we would not continue with the addictive behaviors. Because of denial, the impact of our negative behavior is never fully appreciated until the consequences become so overwhelming that they can no longer be ignored. This is sometimes referred to as "hitting bottom." People may continue their behavior indefinitely, with no recognition of the negative consequences of their actions, in spite of numerous personal disasters. Often an individual will not seek help for a specific problem, unless they’ve recognized that they are no longer in control of the situation and need help. This usually happens at a point when the negative impact of their addiction has become grossly obvious and their denial is broken. It is a process that cannot be rushed . Each person has to discover their own time frame for how and when to deal with their addiction. This, of course, can be very frustrating for family and friends of the addict, who often notice the problem long before the addict does. Negative consequences of Internet use vary considerably. I have been consulted on Internet cases where employees have been caught using their work computer for personal Internet access (in some cases wasting considerable company time and/or downloading sexually related material onto their computer).

Friday, October 11, 2019

Crime Prevention Essay

Abstract Crime prevention has become a major issue in our Nation. In our text we have learned that in the early 1990’s President Bill Clinton had passed a bill that hired 100,000 police officers as a result of the Violent Crime Control Act (Worrall, 2008). The hiring of all the police officers looked as if was going to make a huge impact across the nation. With the rate of crime going up across the world crime prevention is really needed. Communities and police officers need to come together to help preserve our neighborhoods. This is the best form of crime prevention. In this paper I am going to discuss the relationship of crime prevention to the Criminal Justice System. I am also going to give my definition of what is crime prevention. I will also discuss two or more institutions through which crime prevention programs and practices are delivered and try to give some examples. Crime Prevention Crime prevention can be defined in several ways. My definition of crime prevention is stopping crime and protecting our neighborhoods. If the community and the police work together they can reduce crime over time drastically. Crime is increasing in neighborhoods, so, crime prevention should increase as well. The relationship of crime prevention to the Criminal Justice System has several purposes. Crime prevention has the main purpose of protecting the community and the people that live in them. â€Å"Crime prevention and the Criminal Justice System have two main goals: to lessen the human and material cost and its impact on socioeconomics development and to formulate international standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice and promote their observance (Encyclopedia of the Nations, 2013).† In the relationship of crime prevention to the Criminal Justice System the police have several objectives. The police objectives are to prevent and control conduct threatening the life or property including serious crimes. Police also help and protect victims who have been physically abused (Plant and Scott, 2009). They also stop and arrest drunken drivers which help and protect the community. When police make drug bust in which the community helps with tips or make arrest on repeat offenders this type of crime prevention is key in the relationship with the Criminal Justice System. Police are used as mediators and negotiators to resolve domestic disturbances or hostage situations (Plant and Scott, 2009). Police are also trying to find ways to protect the youth of today from following in the same footsteps as the criminals that they deal with on a day to day basis. Police are trying to do everything that they can to stop trafficking of persons and drugs throughout our nation and help keep our youth stay out of the criminal justice system. Crime prevention and the Criminal Justice System go hand in hand with the reduction of crime. There are many institutions through which crime prevention programs and practices are delivered. Most of the programs are built around habitual offenders and youths from the 5 to 18 years of age. One program that they have for repeat offenders is the Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA). This program targets young to adult males that have been tried and convicted of a sexual crime, did not get early release, and are at serious risk of reoffending (National Crime Prevention Centre, 2008). COSA has up to seven but no less than four volunteers that help the offenders reengage back to a normal life in their community. The volunteers also hold the offenders accountable for their actions. COSA’s main goals are to help the offenders through their difficulties and emergencies, hold them accountable for their behavior and attitudes, to be advocates for treatment with the providers, comm unity groups, the police agencies and any other professionals in the community, mediate with the community to answer their concerns, and to help them celebrate their success of treatment and their anniversaries (National Crime Prevention Centre, 2008). Another program that is used as a crime prevention program is the Boy and Girls Clubs of America. This program targets young children and teens from five years of age to eighteen. This also targets kids in high risk and drug infested communities. The Boys and Girls Club gives kids in the community a safe place to go after school and in the summer. This organization keeps kids and teens out of trouble. Teens that have dropped out of school are given an opportunity to get their GED through programs provided by the Boys and Girls Club (National Crime Prevention Centre, 2008). The Boys and Girls Club gives children a place to go when their parents are working late and gives parents a sense of relief because they know that their child is in a safe environment. The Boys and Girls Club provides kids with meals and snacks, a place to do their homework, a place to play sports, and a place to feel safe (National Crime Prevention Centre, 2008). The Clubs offer programming in four main areas. The areas are leadership; growth and empowerment, physical activity; health and safety, learning and career development, and community services. It also operates under five values. The values are inclusion and opportunities, respect and belonging, empowerment, collaboration, and speaking out (National Crime Prevention Centre, 2008). As you can see that empowerment is a major part of the Boys and Girls Club. Showing kids that they matter and that they have worth gives the kids a boost in their confidence and self-esteem. These are just two organizations that help and focus on making someone’s life better. There are many more out there that can help in particular fields of rehabilitation and kid safety. Crime prevention and the Criminal Justice System are needed though out our nation. Police are doing all they can to make the communities safe. It is time for the community to help the police and get rid of the â€Å"no snitching po licy.† The youth of today have so many things that can cause them to turn to a life of crime and it is up to parents, police, and other government officials to protect them. There are a large number of organizations that are out there that can help youths, teens, and adults to become better members of society. When a criminal is released back into society they should find one of these organizations to help them get acclimated with the community that they are moving into. The Criminal Justice System and crime prevention goes hand in hand but is not the only way to turn young adults away from crime. The responsibility is the parents to guide and protect the kids from the dangers of the world. The Criminal Justice System is full enough with young men and women, let’s try and stop the number from getting bigger. References Encyclopedia of the Nations (2013) retrieved from: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/United-Nations/Social-and-Humanitarian-Assistance-CRIME-PREVENTION-AND-CRIMINAL-JUSTICE.html National Crime Prevention Centre (2008) retrieved from:

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Shaklee Investment Global Business

Shaklee Corporation| A New Idea That Has Old Roots | Corporation Analysis| Sean 10/11/2012 | Contents 1. Introduction to Shaklee 2. S. W. O. T Analysis 3. Leveraging Resources a. Motivating small business owners 4. Foreign Investments a. Japan's Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals Co. 5. Moral Courage a. Much needed trait b. Current Leader 6. Management Structure a. Corporate b. Local c. Global 7. Future Expansion a. Indonesia b. Cultural differences c. Ethical and moral issues 8. Obstacles in New Country a. Laws and regulations b. Economics d. No currency issues . Conclusion a. Opinion on future The world as we know it is forever changing and now more than ever people on this planet are looking for ways to improve their health and lifestyles. It don’t stop there, at this moment many believe our planet is in trouble and are now looking for green products to protect future generations. There are many different companies that are moving toward this but there is a business that has made i t their goal to be green since its inception in 1956 the Shaklee Corporation. The company was founded by Dr. Forrest C.Shaklee a well-known scientist and nutritionist, who started the company on just one product and a sales plan that relied upon people reaching out to help other people. Since then Shaklee has grown to global proportions and now has over 200 products from cleaning solutions to sports nutrition. They have recently had a change in leadership and he is pushing the company to new heights beginning to move business to larger countries. There are many obstacles when it comes to moving a corporation to another country and the company does well with making sure to have a strong management team.Knowing this there are many strengths that Shaklee enjoys but also may be limiting their potential. Many people do not know that this company exists since they do not participate in the same marketing style as mainstream America. Needless to say the company stands by its way of marketi ng and believes in it for several reasons. A simple way to look at the strengths of a company is S. W. O. T. analysis and this company has many different concepts to take into account: Strengths| Weakness’s| Opportunities| Threats|Market PositionWide array of productsCustomer retentionNo animal testingGrowing businessNo impact on environmentEndorsements from athletesHave kept increasing in revenue through recession| Can't purchase anywhereNot much advertisementMore mainstream athlete endorsementLong term management has stagnated in their operational effectivenessPricey products for average income| Product development is very strong and with owners who believe in productsNew International MarketsSmall business opportunities are becoming more prevalentChanging in values of world going green they are already establishedNo one wants to look old and they have more and more products centered around health a growing marketAlways finding new customers from independent distributors|Bu sinesses are moving in this direction of greenPeople may not want to buy products from internet they tend to just get the things at the storeHard to take over the everyday wasteful products people have been using for decadesSupplement market is already overwhelming and unregulated| Shaklee is a company that has been driven to new heights ever since new ownership was taking over in 2004. This company is the first to make consumer products completely green and use 100% green power. They continue to grow and are really trying to move toward more countries around the world. They also have to beware of the entire green movement and companies may start moving in the same direction quickly because, saving the planet is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society.It is also very tough to create a corner in the industry if people largely do not know the company even exists due to its personnel distribution process. Shaklee has always relied upon direct selling and people who t ruly believe in the product to get the word out. You cannot find their products on a shelf in a store and because of this; they have been able to retain customers for longer periods of time an average of 15 years. This number would actually be higher but they have extended their range of business and have many new consumers now. The people who sell the product truly believe in its benefits and they make sure to keep motivated by having a number of incentives. They offer opportunity to go on trips, win vehicles, and opportunity to move up through the company with dedication.Holding seminars to make sure that employees are properly recognized for their work and making corporate leaders available to speak with any employees is a staple of the company. Also gives employees a flexible schedule so they can enjoy time to themselves and this seems to be one of largest draws of working for them. Also it is simply more powerful to hear about a product from a friend than it is just on a televi sion screen and it gives the product more credibility. But all this would not be possible without having investors from domestic and foreign companies. The company made a leap to a fortune 500 company in 1982, at this point they began sponsoring Olympic athletes and even an accent to Mt.Everest that was the first not to use supplemental oxygen. Instead the climber used only Shaklee powered nutrition. The company was purchased by Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals Co. in 1989 but failed to expand as quickly as it could have under this new management. Regardless during the period that they were owned by Yamanouchi, Shaklee did manage to be the first company in the entire world to totally offset its carbon emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment a conquering feet in today’s society of damaging emissions. The company would again be found under new leadership by 2004 and this is when Shaklee begins to grow to its full potential.The company would be purchased by Ripple wood Holdings and Activated Holdings and name a new CEO Roger Barnett. This new CEO is very active in the company and has visions of dominating the industry as they are and have been the number one natural nutrition company in the U. S. He is not afraid to embark on new endeavors and has made it possible for the company to expand into new proportions. Roger has set a very high bar for each and everyone involved in the company and displays leadership qualities that are contagious throughout the company. Under his leadership the company has begun to expand into new countries and most recently a beginning in Indonesia.They also have a strong presence in Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and of course the U. S. Roger possesses a much needed trait in today’s business, which is the courage to bring products to people who may not have the income we enjoy here by making it affordable by that particular countries income, while still sticking to all the companies’ guarantees. The company also believes in helping charities of all types and even helped power an African village. Roger has had the company expand its product lines to new proportions and promises to continue to innovate and become even more diverse year after year. It is an effort of many people to make all of this happen and you must have good leadership around you to be successful.Most strong companies have very strong management team and Shaklee is no different, with many different levels of management that are committed to the company and products it makes. Although you are essentially your own boss when working for the company there are leaders that have responsibility. At the corporate level, Shaklee relies upon basically nine people and the CEO to take care of major policies at the company’s headquarters, which is located in Pleasanton, CA. These include a financial officer, marketing coordinators, chairman for global and medical research etc.The local level is compri sed of many different levels and it starts with a branch manager. The company relies on various levels below managers n each individual office so there is always someone to learn from and keep you motivated. All these positions lead the same way in the global structure of the company. Shaklee has been able to keep the same direct selling attributes that it uses in America. When moving into a new country having the right management is crucial, because there are so many differences in culture. Shaklee has set its sights on many places and most recently it is Indonesia. They have just opened business in the country June of 2012. When beginning an endeavor there are many things to take into consideration one includes the cultural differences that they must overcome.Although the country does not live too much differently than Americans do they do eat much differently than us due to economic conditions. Products must have different ingredients in order to be able to use them in other coun tries such as Indonesia. Also the diversity of this country is prevalent they have several different languages and thousands of islands, which all have their own separate beliefs and backgrounds. People in this country are also softer spoken so they do not accept loud speaking and forceful conversation. Also businesses from America must take into account that the average Indonesian does not live the lavish lifestyle. So Shaklee has been able to develop products that are affordable for the average citizen in Indonesia.With a new company new opportunities arise for a country that has few, having a way to enjoy an income in Indonesia is very hard to come by. As Shaklee begins its opportunity in Indonesia the company must consider that the country is not as advanced as the U. S. Labor is much cheaper but skilled workers are much more difficult to come by. The company has to put a lot more money into training of the workforce and making sure products are made properly. The next issue tha t concerns the company is the political and economic turmoil of Indonesia. Shaklee must go to extreme heights to protect all their investments. Business in the country must be aware of the high crime rate there are a number of problems with corrupt legal systems.The company’s assets are always at risk of fraud, laundering, and also theft of property. Shaklee must also know that anything that is to be imported and consumed is subject to analysis from the Food and Drug Administration. The company must also undergo the pain staking process of securing materials, buildings, and a strong workforce to have ideal operation. There are many positives when it comes to business in this country. Shaklee is able to operate under 100 percent control as the government does allow this in Indonesia which is not always the case. The country also is the fifth most populous in the world so the market for the product is enormous.Also the currency is freely exchanged in the country so it is very e asy for the company to convert from Indonesia’s rupiah to U. S. dollars. With this emerging economy the laws and regulations are constantly changing as they learn how to protect the companies in its respective country. The future of Shaklee is undecided but it has enormous potential to dominate the market. Although Shaklee is the number one natural supplement producer in the world I think the company needs to move toward more of the BRIC countries. They do have a base in China, but now they must move into the other 3 countries. There are currently no plans to go into Britain or Russia, but the company has set its sights on India and plan on beginning business there sometime in the next couple years.I also believe the company would benefit from more mainstream advertising to get people familiar with the company and products. But, Shaklee does need to stick to its direct selling methods and keep making progression into new markets. Shaklee’s mission is to â€Å"provide healthier life for everyone and a better life for anyone. † They are a one of kind natural and completely green company and this instills credibility and longevity with their clientele. I expect the corporation to continue to grow immensely as people become more aware of what they put into their bodies and possibly be a household name in nutrition supplies throughout the world.Works Cited Bower, Amanda. â€Å"Putting the Green into Clean. † Time 19 Nov. 2007: n. pag. Web. Peng, Mike W. Global Business. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. â€Å"Shaklee Corporation: Providing a Healthier Life for Everyone and a Better Life for Anyone. Health, Wellness, Nature, Opportunity. † Shaklee Corporation: Providing a Healthier Life for Everyone and a Better Life for Anyone. Health, Wellness, Nature, Opportunity. N. p. , n. d. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www. shaklee. com/index. shtml>. E-mail interview. 09 Sept. 2012. N. p. , n. d. Web. 08 Oct. 2012 . <http://www. doingbusiness. org/law-library/indonesia>.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Movie Boiler Room Legal Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Movie Boiler Room Legal Perspective - Essay Example him shares on Farrow Tech offering information that the company has a revolutionary new drug that will soon be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. On the promise of high returns, he lures the buyer by initially selling a minimum amount on the basis of testing the waters. Then, when the stocks have had a minimal percentage gain, Harry would fall at ease with Seth as his broker. However, when the stocks dropped, Harry wanted to pull out his money but Seth reels him back in by declaring he has information that the drug will actually soon be approved. He pushes it further claiming there is another product to hit the market and eventually was successful in attaining a $50,000 dollar investment from Harry. The latter had consequently invested his family’s entire savings (Younger, Boiler Room). These actions constitute fraud in the inducement contrary to law. The elements of this kind of fraud are: â€Å"1. a false representation; 2. of a fact; 3. that is material and; 4. made with knowledge of its falsity and the intention to deceive (scienter); and 5. which representation is justifiably relied on† (Mann and Roberts 211). More specifically, it is fraud through false representations. Since ordinarily, nondisclosure in sales does not constitute an actionable offense, the misrepresentation must have the following requisites: â€Å"(1) a person fails to disclose a fact known to him; (2) he knows that the disclosure of that fact would correct a mistake of the other party as to a basic assumption on which that party is making the contract; and (3) nondisclosure of the fact amounts to a failure to act in good faith and in accordance with reasonable standards of fair dealing† (Mann and Roberts 211-212). There is material false representation in the movie since all the information Seth told Harry were not based on any factual assertion but were just fabrications made by JT Marlin . Based on these representations, people bought the shares he offered. In fact, despite

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Identity Theft Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Identity Theft - Research Paper Example Identity theft can be of several types and in order to know what steps to take about it, the victim must first know what type of identity theft has been committed. Financial Identity Theft: This is the most common type of identity theft which takes place. Whenever an identity theft takes place, the first reason which comes to mind is due to financial reasons. Money is the main resource after which everyone is running nowadays. Through this type of identity theft, the thief gains the financial benefit in the name of the victim. The thief may get access to the victim’s credit cards, loans, bank details, or other financial details and use them for his personal economic benefit. Medical Identity Theft: Medical identity theft is one of the most dangerous forms of identity theft as recorded by the WHO that it’s the type of crime which can kill. This type of identity theft is the hardest to recover. The definition of medical identity theft mentioned by researcher Pam Dixon in her report was that this theft occurs when the thief takes advantage of medical care through the name or identity of the victim. There is a risk of financial harm in this type of theft as well just like all other types but in addition, there are risks of the thief's medical history to be added to the permanent medical records of the victim. Inaccurate information is difficult to correct from these medical records and may be dangerous in future when the doctors rely on the wrong information to deliver the victim appropriate medical care.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Discuss the rationale and impact of the decision on company law Essay - 1

Discuss the rationale and impact of the decision on company law - Essay Example The case and its subsequent ruling were significant in informing successive laws that would help mitigate on the numerous dispute arising from business engagement. The doctrine of corporate identity for example exempts the shareholders of an insolvent company from any case by creditors since the company becomes the defendant in such cases. Mr. Aron Salomon ran a successful shoe manufacturing in the United Kingdom. The boot manufacturing business was a major success thus enticing his sons who expressed interest in joining the business. As such, Mr. Salomon turned his business into a limited company, which then purchased his previous business at a cost of  £39,000. Mr. Salomon became the company’s largest shareholder after he purchased 20,001 shares of the company’s 20,007 shares. Additionally, he loaned the company  £10,000. Unfortunately, subsequent years became unfavorable for the business thus causing massive loses for the company. The government, which was the company’s major customer, withdrew its tender thereby leading to a massive decline of the company’s revenue. The company therefore began defaulting on the  £10,000 debenture it owed Salmon. Half of the debenture belonged to Broderip who the sued the company thus forcing the government to put the company under liquidation. The company paid Broderip his  £5,000 but this left the company at an unstable position since it could not pay the other unsecured creditors. The company failed to reimburse the unsecured creditors. The liquidator concluded that the government should not honor the floating charge. Such an action would make Salmon personally responsible for the debt. Salmon contested the decision in court thus instigating a lengthy court battle that would reform the country’s company law. At the end of the length court cases that ended up at the House of Lords, the lawmakers appreciated the fact that a company is independent and therefore a separate legal entity. In cases

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Diversity in the workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Diversity in the workplace - Essay Example The paper will also explore the ways that promote understanding and diversity with the trends of companies hiring minorities in the workplace. The issue of workplace diversity is focused on the differences and the similarities that people bring in a given organization. Through definition, it entails the dimensions beyond the specified legally affirmative action of non-discrimination statues. There is an interpretation of diversity, which includes the ways in which, the influence of identities and perspectives of individuals bringing their professionalism, education, influence of their geographical location and parental status in a work place. The issue of diversity includes everyone in the work place. In various ways, its initiative complements the compliance program involving the non-discrimination. This is through the creation of an organization culture of developing different work and workplace environment. There are also practices, which encourage learning to establish the advantages associated with the diverse perspective (Cornell University ILR School, 2010). Benefits: diversity is a benefit of both the employee and employer. Associates are intertwined in the workplace respecting individual rights and differences and can increase productivity. Diversity in the workplace can lower lawsuits and boost marketing opportunities, recruiting and creativity and are essential to sound business image. Therefore, diversity is substantial to legitimate business success. Deborah (1999) argued that, the benefit is also complying with the law in California federal and state; both mandate equal opportunity legislation, which makes discrimination illegal in the workplace. These laws specify both the right and responsibility of both employer and associate in the workplace. Growth: Diversity is increasing every single day in every organization. Deborah (1999) explains that, in America, one in every four Americans belongs

Saturday, October 5, 2019

An analysis of the impact that advertising has on retail banking for Research Paper

An analysis of the impact that advertising has on retail banking for increasing the level of brand awareness; case study on Barclays bank,uk - Research Paper Example al., 2004). However, in this paper discussion will be made regarding the impact of advertisement in creating brand awareness of Barclays bank of the UK. Barclays is considered as one of the largest banks of the world having it’s headquarters in London. The bank operates in more than 50 countries consisting more than 48 million customers (Barclays 2015). It is therefore necessary for the bank to retain existing customers as well as attract new customers that would help in maximizing the amount of profit. Barclays bank has been spending millions of dollars on advertising in order to promote its brand to the public to create awareness (SAGE Publications, 2015). The advancements of technology have provided opportunity for the bank to use digital channels of advertising including social media and other online sources. Moreover, the bank also provides personalized products and services to the selected customer that helps in increasing brand value for the bank (WIPRO, 2013). Advertis ement is the most important tool that helps in an effective promotion of any brand as well as the popularity of the company also increases. Advertising through celebrities is also considered as one of the most effective means that may help in improving the brand equity, brand awareness as well as positive financial return (The New York Times Company, 2015; Olum, 2010). In this context, the focus of the paper is on Barclays Bank of the UK and advertising impact. The primary motive of any business establishment irrespective of whether it is a private or a public company is to maximize its profit through the sale of products and services. It is also essential for any business establishment to maximize the volume of sales that would help in covering various types of costs incurred during operating business. For this, it is necessary for the company to market their products and services in an effective manner considering the 4P’s of marketing that

Friday, October 4, 2019

Applications of seven habits by Steven Covey Essay Example for Free

Applications of seven habits by Steven Covey Essay This classic best seller for management, organisations and personal development encapsulates Steven Coveys research on 200 years of success literature since his doctoral program. It is perhaps the most influential book for managers and organizations to learn the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, as the title suggest. It begins with the concept that people perceive the world differently, and we form our own paradigm how we view the world with our own unique lens. Covey explains that paradigms are the source of our attitudes and behaviours. Part of achieving insight involves making a paradigm shift which causes us to perceive things differently. Our paradigms will affect how we interact with others, which in turn will affect how they interact with us. Covey argues that any effective self-help program must begin with an inside-out approach, rather than looking at our problems as being out there (an inside-out approach). We must start by examining our own character, paradigms, and motives. Hence, character and principles are keys to success, effectiveness, and happiness in life. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People points out: Principles are guidelines for human conduct that are proven to have enduring, permanent value. The seven habits divided into two main groups: private victory (independence) and public victory (interdependence). Habits of Independence: Habit 1: Be Proactive We must use our resourcefulness to work toward our personal goals. Everyone has both a circle of influence and a circle of concern. Worrying endlessly about things outside of our circle of influence isnt particularly productive. Working within our circle of influence is productive. Further, the more effective we become, the more our circle of influence will expand. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind What do we want people to say about us at our funerals? How will we be remembered? To succeed, Covey suggests visualizat ion. Every successful outcome is created twice; first one plan and second on implementation. Habit 3: Put First Things First The key to putting first things first is to understand that we have many things we can do which will have a significant, positive impact on our lives. Covey stresses that we must balance Production (P) with Productive Capability (PC). We must keep the golden eggs, but also maintain goose. Prioritization is the essence of time management. Interdependence The remaining habits in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People are habits of interdependence. Rather than being dependent upon other people, or trying to be totally independent, we learn how to be more effective by effectively working with others. Habit 4: Think Win/Win Thinking Win/Win means seeking mutual benefit in our human interactions. To be successful in the long run, we should learn to consider others win factors besides our own. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood Most people talk more than they listen. Until we listen actively and seek to understand others, we would n ot be understood. Active listening is about sensing the three modes of communications, i.e. visual, vocal and verbal. Habit 6: Synergize It means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Combining the strengths of each individual yields multiple outcome beyond expectations, simply 1+12. Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Just as a machine will wear out quickly if not properly maintained, the same is true for our own personal productivity. We must take care of ourselves. The four dimensions are physical, mental, social/emotional and spiritual renewals. To me, the first concept on paradigm is profound. I agree that when we change our perspectives, our attitudes and behaviours will change. To achieve enrichment in life, we need to understand our own paradigm, crystalize and anchor our principles. I have adopted these principles and find peace in self-awareness, social relationship and professional communications. Covey has successfully synthesised the successful habits of leaders, crystallised and organized them into two progressive segments. In line with child development from birth through death, one indeed grows from dependence to independence in early childhood to adolescence . We then mature to adults, where we progress from independence to interdependence. The seven habits are indeed proven to be critical for any individual to attain private and public victories. Hence it is no surprise that whenever I business leaders within my network on which are some books they would read to enrich their management knowledge, this book is voted as the most influential book that changed their lives. I have personally adopted these habits in my personal and professional communications and testify their effectiveness. I have sharpened my strengths in strategic thinking and leadership by adopting the habits of Begin with the end in mind and Synergize. For instance at the Polytechnic, I mooted the idea of Young GEMS(Go-the-Extra-Miles-for-Service) camp for upper secondary school students to build our prospects for future enrolment. Upon approval from management for the Young GEMS camp, I formed a program team and successfully lead it to implement the camp through skilful synergy of the individuals competence. This book has provided comprehensive coverage on the why and how of each habit. The only gap I see is that the context are US-based. It would be better if there is an Asian version with case studies of local enterprises and leaders, for the benefit of Asian readers. For instance, unlike Americans, Asians are generally weak in questioning skills to seek to understand others. It would be helpful if there are some recommended strategies in questioning to gain insights of others perspectives. Also, Asians tends to individual and less apt to working in teams, particularly in appreciating individual strengths, expressing diversified opinions openly. Asian case studies on Win-win and Synergize would certainly be helpful. There is no doubt that all seven habits are pivotal in todays managers and organisations. I personally have benefited as an account manager in Hewlett-Packard Singapore Sales when I was sponsored to attend the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People one-week course. It has significantly increased my self-awareness, strategic thinking skills, time-management skills and revolutionizes my perspectives in life. I can testify that the Habits are practical prescriptions for building trustworthy and lasting relationships, hence empowering managers to be effective leaders who could develop the most conducive working environment that attracts and retains like-minded talents for the good of society.