Personal Narrative My California Trip - 1350 Words

My California Trip Ever since I found out my softball team could make it to California for Nationals I knew this would be our goal for the summer. Now here is where the challenging part came in, we only had three chances to make it to California. We made it, we were lucky enough to make our goal in the third chance. July 30, the day I was leaving for California. My mom, my brother, my grandma, and I all leaving for the big trip. After a seven hour plane ride, we arrived. My mother was in line to pick up our rental car, the wait which felt like a million years. Slouching on top of all the suitcases and imaging all my teammates laying out in the sun, swimming and having fun in the water made me feel bitter and antsy. We finally got our car and we were on our way to the hotel. It was another hour car ride, eventually we got to the beach. From there on out my day could not have gotten better. The water was as cold as Antarctica and yet it felt so good against my sweaty skin. At about 5 o’clock my coach decided we would hold practice. The field was in a park it looked like something out of the 1920s Great Depression, homeless people everywhere, but we made best with what we have gained. I had not had anything to eat since 6 o’clock that morning, but being the strong fighter I am, I tried to fight the pain of hunger off and finish through practice and get some food afterwards. Turns out my body could only handle so much, I was standing up painfully fielding the balls hit atShow MoreRelatedNarrative Essay1444 Words   |  6 PagesNarrative Essays: To Tell a Story There are four types of essays: Exposition - gives information about various topics to the reader. Description - describes in detail characteristics and traits. Argument - convinces the reader by demonstrating the truth or falsity of a topic. Narrative - tells a story, usually from one person’s viewpoint. 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Taking the role as a â€Å"literary journalist,† Steinbeck adopted unique techniques in order to find the most authentic and frank stories, covering a variety of important issues, as well as using the same journalistic narrative structure to his fictional worksRead MoreMy Family s Story Of Immigration1966 Words   |  8 Pagesthe places they’ve come from, their personal narratives, and their integration, many share commonalities within the American immigrant experience. My family is no exception to this fact as they highlight many of the theories of migration outlined in sociology. By examining my family’s sto ry of immigration through these different lenses, I hope to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for those who ultimately brought me into America. Around 85 years ago, my great uncle’s first impression of

Coping with Corruption in Trading with China Free Essays

CASE 2-5 Coping with Corruption in Trading with China Corruption is on the rise in China, where the country’s press frequently has detailed cases of corruption and of campaigns to crack down on it. The articles primarily have focused on domestic economic crimes among Chinese citizens, and on local of? cials who have been ? red or assessed other penalties. Indeed, China has been rated by Transparency International as number 59 of the 102 countries the German organization rates on its â€Å"Corruption Perception Index. We will write a custom essay sample on Coping with Corruption in Trading with China or any similar topic only for you Order Now †1 Finland is rated the least corrupt at number 1, the United States at 16, and Bangladesh the most corrupt at number 102. Corruption’s long arm now is reaching out to touch China’s foreign business community. Traders, trade consultants, and analysts have said that foreign ? rms are vulnerable to a variety of corrupt practices. Although some of these ? rms said they had no experience with corruption in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the majority said they increasingly were asked to make payments to improve business, engage in black-market trade of import and export licenses, bribe of? cials to push goods through customs or the Commodity Inspection Bureau, or engage in collusion to beat the system. The Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption reports that outright bribes as well as gifts or payment to establish guanxi, or â€Å"connections,† average 3 to 5 percent of operating costs in the PRC, or $3 billion to $5 billion of the $100 billion of foreign investments that have been made there. The most common corrupt practices confronting foreign companies in China are examined here. ANGLING FOR CASH MNCs also are asked sometimes to sponsor overseas education for children of trading of? cials. One person told a Chinese source that an MNC paid for that individual’s U. S. $1,500-a-month apartment, as well as a car, university education, and expenses. Firms ? nd direct requests for cash payments—undeniably illegal—the most dif? cult. One well-placed source said that a major trader, eager for buyers in the face of an international market glut, had fallen into regularly paying large kickbacks into the Honduran, U. S. , and Swiss accounts of of? cials at a PRC foreign trade corporation. Refusing to make payments may not only hurt sales, it can also be terrifying. A U. S. ?rm was one of several bidders for a large sale; a Chinese of? ial demanded the MNC pay a 3 percent kickback. When the company representative refused, the of? cial threatened: â€Å"You had better not say anything about this. You still have to do business in China, and stay in hotels here. † Not surprisingly, the U. S. company lost the deal. Traders of certain commodities may be tempted to purchase on the black market those import and export licenses that are dif? cult to obtain legally. A fairly disorganized underground market, for instance, exists for licenses to export China-made garments to the United States. Some branches of the Commodity Inspection Bureau (CIB) also have posed problems for some traders. Abuses have emerged in the CIB since it started inspecting imports in 1987. A Japanese company, for instance, informed CIB of? cials of its intention to bring heavy industrial items into China—items that had met Japanese and U. S. standards. The of? cials responded that they planned to dismantle the products on arrival for inspection purposes. The problem was resolved only after the ? rm invited the of? cials to visit Japan. Some traders get around such problems by purchasing inspection certi? ates on the black market. According to press accounts, these forms, complete with signatures and seals, can be bought for roughly U. S. $200. Some claim that, for the appropriate compensation, customs of? cials in a southern province are very willing to reduce the dutiable value of imports as much as 50 percent. Because the savings can far exceed transport costs, some imports that would logi cally enter China through a northern port are redirected through the southern province. PAYING TO IMPROVE BUSINESS Foreign traders make several types of payments to facilitate sales in China. The most common methods used are trips abroad. Chinese of? cials, who rarely have a chance to visit overseas, often prefer foreign travel to cash or gifts. (This was especially true when few PRC of? cials had been abroad. ) As a result, traders report that dangling foreign trips in front of their PRC clients has become a regular part of negotiating large trade deals that involve products with a technological component. â€Å"Foreign travel is always the ? rst inducement we offer,† said an executive involved in machinery trade. In most cases, traders built these costs into the product’s sale price. Some trips are â€Å"reasonable and bona ? de expenditures directly related to the promotion, demonstration, or explanation of products and services, or the execution of a contract with a foreign government agency. † But other trips, when of? cials on foreign junkets are offered large per diems and aren’t invited speci? cally to gain technical knowledge, may be another matter. Foreign travel isn’t always an inducement—it also can be extorted. In one case, a PRC bank branch refused to issue a letter of credit for a machinery import deal. The Chinese customer suggested that the foreign trader invite the bank of? ial on an overseas inspection tour. Once the invitation was extended, the bank issued the letter of credit. QUESTIONS 1. List all the different types of bribes, payments, or favors represented in this case and say why each is either legal or illegal. 2. For those practices that you say are illegal, classify each as lubrication, extortion, or subornat ion, and tell why. 3. Which of the payments, favors, or bribes are illegal under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)? 4. Assuming that the FCPA did not exist, what is the ethical response to each of the payments, favors, or bribes you have See www. transparency. org for more details about their 2002 index. 572 Cases 2 The Cultural Environment of Global Markets you think bribery will become less prevalent in markets like China? 573 identi? ed? Read the section titled â€Å"Ethically and Socially Responsible Decisions† in Chapter 3 as a guide to assist you in your decision. 5. Now that the OECD has approved an FCPA-like treaty to ban commercial bribery by ? rms in member countries, do 6. List alternatives to paying bribes in international markets and discuss the pluses and minuses of each. How to cite Coping with Corruption in Trading with China, Essay examples

SINGLE PARENTHOOD Essay Example For Students

SINGLE PARENTHOOD Essay by OUTLINE I. Opening Statement / Introduction. a. I am not b. Parental experience c. Keeping up with the Jones II. Evaluation. a. Statistics; Marriage and Divorce 1. percentage of married couples 2. non-family households 3. median age of marriage for men/women 4. woman headed households and those never married b. Evaluation of statistics; no-fault divorces c. Statistics on SINGLE PARENTHOOD Essay 1. of all children under 18 live in a single parent household; estimations for the year 2000. 2. 68% live with biological parents 3. black and white percentages III. Miscellaneous knowledge. a. point out my being a single parent b. single fathers vs. single mother statistics IV. Life as a Single Parent. a. juggler example b. distressing statistics c. Cosby excerpt to change mood d. no right approach; authorization for leniency e. child-care responsibilites / tips V. Resources a. utilization of books b. useful daily tips from Krueger c. nation-wide support groups d. military family support units VI. Summary. a. total acceptance of situation, strengths and weaknesses, and the child(ren) b. no magic formula, just a lot of TLC VII. Opinion. a. commonality of single parenthood b. closing statement I am not a psychologist or a sociologist. I am a single father in aggressive pursuit of a doctorate in parenting which has so far consumed five years and four months of my life. Nothing Ive ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a single parent to my daughter. T he perfect scenario: two people meet, fall in love, have a lovely wedding, a romantic honeymoon, successful careers, a house mortgage, 2. 3 darling children, and live happily ever after. Thats the way its supposed to happen, right? At least for the Jones family it does. Few situations have ever been more idyllic and unfortunately, reality doesnt always deal from the same deck of cards and it most often doesnt turn out that way. W hat happens next? Divorces happens next; a very common aspect of todays society. For foundation purposes, lets look at a few statistics: The percentage of households consisting of married couples fell from 79 percent in 1950 to 55 percent in 1991. Non-family householdsmostly people who live alonegrew from 10 percent to 30 percent of households during the same period. Between 1956 and 1990, the median age at first marriage rose from 20.1 to 24 for women and from 22.5 to 26 for men. Since 1950, the percentage of American families headed by women has nearly doubled, to 17 percent. Thirty-one percent of one parent families are now headed by never-married women, in contrast to 6.5 percent in 1970 (Parkman, pp. 29-33). H ow can this be? Perhaps the shift to no-fault divorce is a major reason family life has become less attractive to many Americans. Under the no-fault divorce laws of most states, one spouse may unilaterally dissolve a marriage. These laws have reduced the incentives for spouses to commit themselves to their relationship and have caused many other people to either delay or forgo marriage (Parkman, pp. 29-33). Furthermore, no-fault divorces, ushered in 20 years ago was hailed as a quick and easy solution to relationships gone sour (Moody, pp. 70-78). Then there are the children between the two separating parents. W hile data strongly supports the idea that a two-parent family works out better than a one-parent situation, this has been seemingly over-looked as the decision to separate is eminently alluring. Single parenthood in the United States has exploded in the last decade. Over 14 million children (1/4 of total) under the age of eighteen live with only one parent and predictions estimate that by the year 2000, over one-half of all family units will be headed by a single parent (Krueger, pp. 13). .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 , .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .postImageUrl , .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 , .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:hover , .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:visited , .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:active { border:0!important; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:active , .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367 .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9600a6a4479a0227f1ccd71c4f01f367:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Cultural Anthropology Essay In addition, only 68 percent live with their biological parents; and yet furthermore, approximately 40 percent of white and 85 percent of black children will live in a single-parent household within their childhoods (Thio, pp. 328). These type of statistics are ever increasing. Why? The answer to that question has been thoroughly researched and is beyond the scope of this report. What is within the scope is how to deal with this new lifestyle of single parenthood and whether or not is it manageable for you and I, not Murphy Brown, but you and I; the average human being. The trend within the statutes and the .

Us Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency Of Winning Essay Example For Students

Us Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency Of Winning Essay Support For China In World Trade Organization,Margaret B. LoweryMacroeconomics IBFebruary 1, 2000AFP, (January 26, 2000), US Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency of Winning Support for China in World Trade Organization, http://www.US.Commerce_Secretary_stresses_Urgency_of_Winning_Support_for_China_in_WTO.htmThe World Trade Organization (WTO) was formed on January 1, 1995, as successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which had regulated tariffs worldwide since 1947. The WTO regulates tariffs on services, intellectual property, food, and government purchasing. The Clinton administration has been working very hard to negotiate a deal with China, a nation we have given Most Favored Nation status to, to enter into the World Trade Organization. After a long negotiation process, we have reached a deal with China. The conditions of the deal require China to open its markets to a wide range of US products and services and to permit increased investment in China by US firm s. Of course the agreement has to be passed by Congress, which is bound to create a lively debate on the matter. We will write a custom essay on Us Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency Of Winning specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now US Commerce Secretary, William Daley, is trying to convince America that this deal with China is critical to their pocketbooks. He says, If you enjoy this economic success we are participating in, this is an important piece of its future. I have a hard time seeing how things will change if China is admitted to the WTO. We already trade a great deal with China and have given them Most Favored Nation status already. I think there are several reasons why we should not let China into the WTO. There are several political risks involved with this deal with China. Organized labor and environmental groups are using this deal to somehow introduce environmental conditions and labor rights into the WTO rules. Although they are in opposition to the deal right now, they will construct a bargain in which they will trade their support of Chinese membership for the rules to be added. Chinese membership is also a great risk for China. The increased imports from the United States and other countries a nd the production in China by foreign firms will provide strong competition to many of the state-owned industries. I think this will force many Chinese businesses to close down. The only other solution would be to cut back on workers at these companies, which would increase the unemployment rate in China. The resulting rise in unemployment can hurt their economy and cost them a lot of money. The last, and perhaps most important issue in this debate is over Chinas human rights and labor standards. China is a communist country, which is something Americans seem to completely disagree with. If I recall, Little Elian from Cuba (another Communist country) is stuck in the middle of a debate over whether we should send him back to his country because it is Communist and we are so against that form of government. If we are so appalled by Communism, why do we want to give Most favored nation status to one of the few remaining Communist countries? That is why we have an embargo on Cuba. When China is ready to take steps forward in human rights and labor standards, then we can talk about trade agreements. Economics Essays

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Drinks

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Drinks Have you ever wanted  to make a glowing cocktail? There isnt a safe chemical you can add to make a drink glow in the dark on its own.  There are several edible substances that glow brightly from fluorescence under black light or ultraviolet light. To work the magic, simply add black lights to light your own glowing concoctions. Key Takeaways: Glow in the Dark Drinks There is no chemical that may be safely mixed into drinks to make them glow in the dark.However, many safe liquids glow (fluoresce) under black or ultraviolet light. Of these, the brightest glow is produced by tonic water, which appears blue.Without a black light, drinks may be made to appear to glow using presentation tricks. You can use a glowing glass, ice cubes containing small lights, or use a glow stick as a stirrer. If you want to make glowing drinks, get a pocket-sized black light (ultraviolet lamp) and take it shopping with you. Shine the light on products and look for a glow. Note that the glow may be a different color from the product. Also, you will discover many plastic containers are highly fluorescent. Here is a list of beverages and additives that reputedly glow in the dark under black light. Absinthe and Blue Curacaoâ„ ¢ contain alcohol, but the other items can be used for any occasion. Some fluorescent and phosphorescent substances will glow for several seconds after the light source is removed. Blue raspberry Little Hugsâ„ ¢ (kiddie soft drink)Mountain Dewâ„ ¢ and Diet Mountain Dewâ„ ¢Ã‚  Tonic Water (or any drink containing quinine glow blue)Many sports drinks (especially those with B vitamins such as Monsterâ„ ¢ energy drinks)AbsintheBlue Curacaoâ„ ¢Some bright food colorsCertain flavors of gelatinVitamin B12 (glows bright yellow)Chlorophyll (like from spinach juice, glows blood red)Milk (yellow)Caramel (pale yellow)Vanilla ice cream (pale yellow)Honey (golden yellow) Of these options, tonic water glows the most brightly under black light. Cranberry juice is not fluorescent, but it may be mixed with tonic water to offset the flavor and tint the blue so it appears purple or reddish. Clear soft drinks typically appear to glow under a black light because the bubbles from the carbonation reflect back the visible portion of light from the lamp. Tonic water glow bright blue under black light. Photo by Cathy Scola / Getty Images Make Drinks Appear to Glow You can make any drink appear to glow by using glowing products: Use glow sticks as cocktail stirrers. Simply snap the glow stick before serving the drink. The glow from the stick will illuminate the liquid. Now, while the oily liquid inside glow sticks is nominally non-toxic, it tastes truly awful. Check the glow stick for damage before placing it in a drink. Also, do not microwave the stick prior to use. Some people do this because the heat makes the glow brighter (although it doesnt last as long). Microwaving glow sticks can cause damage to the appliance and may cause the stick to break open.Add a glowing ice cube. If you have a black light, try ice cubes made using tonic water. Tonic water fluoresces bright blue. Another option is to freeze a small light into the water to make a true glowing ice cube. A simple method is to enclose an LED glowie inside a small zipper plastic bag. All you need is a coin battery, an LED (in the color of your choice), and a small bag. Another option is to use a glowing plastic ice cube. These are available in some stores and online. Basically, you chill the ice cube and turn on the light before adding it to a cocktail. Two advantages are that the luminous cubes are re-usable and they dont melt and dilute the drink. Some types of LED glow cubes can display multiple colors or even morph between them. Use a glowing glass. With a black light, simply use a fluorescent plastic glass. These are widely available at grocery and liquor stores. You could also add a light to a regular glass or purchase special glasses that contain lights.Add phosphorescent objects to the drink. There are many plastic glow-in-the-dark objects that may be added to drinks. Stars are the obvious choice! Source Zhejiang Guangyuan Toys Co., Ltd. Glow Stick Light Material Safety Data Sheet.

Analysis and Interpretation of The Cove

Analysis and Interpretation of The Cove That’s what those call it around here, where traveling long distances though wooded scenery is the norm. After a dozen or so miles north of Caribou, Maine, traveling over hill and down into valleys coming around a few wide turns you have only traveled half of your journey to Van Buran Cove. Turning onto a road unpaved by industrial means, through closer knit cedar trees and mud holes that can swallow your vehicle if you are not careful. Only then do you find The Cove, a break of sun in the middle of a forest with slightly murky waters on a rocky beach. It could be a popular place If it was a little easier to get to, though the other side of the lake is dotted with cabins of which you could easily decipher which was from the higher class then others. Though that isn’t the view that really catches your eye, what can really put your mind into wonder are the 7-foot-long skeletons of whatever marine life that hides below the waters of the cove. Ducks peddle along across the top of the water with their duckling seemingly peaceful, and the sound of the waves lapping against the rough shores. You can see children paying across the lake, boat skimming across the top, but by the cove is a graveyard of the mysteries of that same lake. Hidden by the balsam fir and the white cedar, you can be the fly on the wall to the secrets of the lake, or you can take you time enjoying the sun and water in your solitude in a place where no human life treads often. Albeit the bones of the deceased monsters of the deep or rocky path that can ruin a car or truck which leads there, no one seems to come often and it is a place you can really remember.

THE LOTTERY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

THE LOTTERY - Essay Example The purpose of the lottery is not explicitly stated in the story though a more detailed analysis of the story would reveal that the lottery is done to ensure a good harvest the next year. The villagers believed that they have to sacrifice one of their members to ensure enough rain: thus, a good corn crop next June (Tibbett, par.2). In the beginning of the story, there seems to be a very festive mood. It was a sunny day when the lottery was held. Again, Jackson makes use of irony here. A sunny day implies something happy will happen but readers are again misled into believing so (Cummings, par.11). Community members, the old and the young ones all gather together in the town square. The reader gets the impression that this is a grand town activity that is being looked forward to every year. All family members need to be present that the reader begins to wonder what is so special about this event. The kids are innocently gathering stones and having the time of their lives. Who would ha ve thought that the stones gathered by the kids would play an important part in the gruesome ending of the story? The black box used in the lottery is full of symbolism. Jackson could have chosen another color to describe the box, but why black? Black is symbolic of death. It is a premonition of the horrible event that will befall on one of the community members. â€Å"The black box grew shabbier each year †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Again, Jackson uses the box to represent the community’s adherence to tradition. The lottery began seventy-seven years ago and it became a tradition passed on to several generations. Though the tradition is outdated, the community did not want to make any changes symbolized by their refusal to change the box no matter how deteriorated it is (Blaylock, 2003). Although Mr. Summers talk of changing the box every year, no one really took it seriously. Here we can see that Mr. Summers is caught between tradition and the changing times. The readers may perceive hi m as someone with a weak personality. He represents people who are afraid to break tradition for fear of being criticized and unacceptable to the community members. Since he has no family to be proud of, he values his reputation in the community as shown in his dedication to civic activities. This lottery is of utmost importance to him as it shows his authority over the other members of the town. The name of Mr. Summers implies something sunny or cheerful but is actually the exact opposite of his being evil, him being the leader in this horrible tradition. Another character in the story which shows how the elderly are reluctant to change is Old Man Warner (Byemonday, 1). He even calls the young as a â€Å"pack of crazy fools†. Jackson uses the name â€Å"Warner† to depict someone who â€Å"warns† others not to change, to stick to tradition (Cummings, par. 12). Aside from the black box, another character which foretells of things to come is the postmaster, Mr. Gr aves. The name â€Å"Graves† shows how Jackson puts importance even in the names of the characters that she uses in her stories. The postmaster is a person in-charge of delivering mails. Mr. Graves is portrayed as someone who together with Mr. Summers is part of this conspiracy of â€Å"delivering† someone to his grave. He is the one who prepares the slips of paper and he also brings the stool where the black box is placed. Another symbolic character in the

How service delivery can be improved through better project management Case Study

How service delivery can be improved through better project management - Case Study Example The major facet of the new market trend is that it offers wide ranges of products and services to customers. Since customers get the opportunity to choose from different marketers’ products, in addition to product quality they give emphasis on the efficacy of service delivery. Service delivery system has a considerable significance in South Africa. This paper will focus on effectiveness of South African construction management and consultancy services. What is service delivery? Modern business houses have developed a distinct team called project management team in order to improve various activities associated with service delivery. The efficacy of service delivery can be enhanced through the better project management strategies initiated by such a professional team. Better project management provides improved methodologies and tools for service delivery thereby beneficially accelerating the service delivery (Professional service delivery). The persons involved in project mana gement collect information regarding customers’ necessities or product demand in the market; and try to manage the project effectively to improve the service delivery as a whole. This system has greatly developed in South Africa; the following part illustrates different service delivery activities and their importance in South Africa. ... The customer interaction initiated by the project management team must make good relationship with customers. Many of the market researchers opine that good customer relationship would play a vital role in the overall success of project management and thereby the effectiveness of service delivery. Therefore, as Mehta (n.d.) points out, communication skill and good customer relationship are the basic qualities that a project manager must possess. Through project management, the available resources can be used effectively by team members sharing their knowledge and innovative ideas (Project management course). Market trends are changing everyday and hence service delivery system must par with the latest trends so as to vie with the competitors. The active involvement of project management in market research and demand forecasting activities can add to the updation of service delivery trends. This accessibility of project management team to the current information enables them to identi fy the existing problems and demands of the customers. The collected data should be efficiently processed in order to get meaningful information. After the analysis of the processed data and decision formulation, there are large numbers of phases ranging from planning phase to implementation phase. In each of these phases, the project management has an inevitable role to play. Once a change is implemented, it is necessary to assess it acceptance among the customers (How good are your change management skills?). Since the project management team has a direct contact with market and customers, it is very easy to evaluate the effects of the implemented changes. If the market survey indicates that

Effective Leadership Essay Example for Free

Effective Leadership Essay The delegative leadership style creates a comfortable and inviting work environment, however, the level of authority and boundaries become blurred when the superior does not assert their authority within the office. An analysis as to how I can transcend my leadership skills within a work environment is discussed. And Leader X is offered recommendations on altering her office from one that is geared by the opinions and views of employees, to one that follows and adheres to the direction of one individual; the superior. Introduction In order for one to be an effective and efficient leader, they must possess a variety of characteristics. An effective leader should have vast knowledge of their professional field, superior emotional intelligence, and strong managerial and administrative skills. Extraordinary leaders are not solely expected to guide subordinates in the workplace. Their strengths also rely upon how well they follow the guidance and recommendations of others. Further analysis into the makings of a great leader will explain the importance of these characteristics and how it gears a successful career. Exemplary Leadership Qualities Emotional intelligence, strong managerial and administrative skills are just a few characteristics of a leader. However a leader must strongly have these qualities in order to an exemplary leader and direct their employees to achieve the goals set forth for their positions. As a Secretary, I am in charge of a vast amount of administrative tasks within my office. This is the area in which my leadership skills are put to the test. At any given moment, I could be given three to four tasks that are all important and must be completed in a small amount of time. Prioritizing these tasks can be fairly difficult but I am trusted with this responsibility. Leader X has a strong influence on me and how I wish to conduct myself in a position of leadership. Leader X oversees twenty attorneys and four legal support staff. She has a warm and inviting personality. She is punctual and educated in law and litigation. She encourages her staff to have a lot of input into the day to day decisions made within the office. In the text, Colquitt (2011) defines leadership as the use of power and influence to direct the actions of followers. In order for one to effectively lead, they must possess influence over others. Leader X has been employed within the legal field for more than twenty five years. Her knowledge and experience is what qualifies her as a Senior Counsel within her agency. She possesses all the characteristics of my definition of an effective leader. She has a delagative leadership style which slightly damages her ability to make decisions. Organizational Behavior Another aspect of leadership is the employment of power. Power is the ability to influence the actions and behaviors of others. Colquitt (2011) states an effective form of influence is organizational power. Organizational power consists of legitimate, reward and coercive power. Legitimate power is the â€Å"formal authority† a leader has over others. Leader X is a Senior Counsel and has the ability to direct all the attorneys within our section. Her legitimate authority lies within her position and her responsibility to her employees. Reward power is the capability to compensate others for their work and accomplishments. This power influences others to behave in a manner that will enable them to receive awards. These awards may consist of promotions, pay raises and/or public recognition. Coercive power is not rewarding in anyway. Coercive power is the ability to control another’s actions through the threat of punishment. Colquitt (2011) refers to this method of influence as being founded on fear. An employee can be coerced to behave a certain way if they fear they could be demoted, terminated or suspended for failure to perform to their superior’s standards. Leader X influences her employees to work hard and take responsibility for their actions. Her power creates an increase of productivity from her employees. Contingencies of Power Leaders can often times be hindered within the level of power they possess. Colquitt (2011) labels these situations as contingency factors. There are four factors of contingency that could affect the level and quality of work produced under someone’s command. The four contingencies are substitutability, discretion, centrality and visibility. Substitutability is the availability of alternate resources. When the Leader is the only one with access to the resources, no one will possess a higher level of influence over the subordinates. Leader X has control of her employees’ performance reviews. So, Leader X majorly holds the power to influence the employees work results and behavior. Discretion is the leader’s ability to make decisions regarding any given situation. References Anderson, Mae. (2011). Estee Lauder 4Q up but Shares Fall on Weak Outlook. Associated Press. ABC News. http://abcnews. go. com/Business/wireStory? id=14306228 2011 August 15. Retrieved 2012 April 22. Colquitt, J. A. , Lepine, J. A. , and Wesson, M. J. (2011). Organizational behavior: Improving performance and commitment in the workplace (2nd ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Pennington, Sylvia. (2012). Balancing act at the Top. The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www. smh. com. au/executive-style/management/balancing-act-at-the-top-20120424-1xis4. html 2012 April. Retrieved 2012 April 23, 2012. The Staff of the Corporate Executive Board. (2009). The Increasing Call for Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is now the second most important driver or employee attraction and commitment, says CEB research. Bloomberg Businessweek. http://www. businessweek. com/managing/content/mar2009/ca20090327_734197. htm 2009 March 27[-gt;0]. Retrieved 2012 April 22. [-gt;0] http://www. businessweek. com/managing/content/mar2009/ca20090327_734197. htm

Distance Learning Essay -- Education Educating Learn Essays

Distance Learning missing works cited Definition and Description of Distance Education Distance education is any academic learning method that lets the teacher and the student participate and communicate in a convenient manner, while sometimes in different places and sometimes at different times. The distance education concept has allowed a diverse set of individuals to continue their education, whether it is for personal or professional satisfaction. The teacher is still able to create, design, and plan with goals and objectives, and the student is able to learn and experience through the distance (Davey, 1999). Another word that is associated with distance learning is multimedia. With the use of multimedia, the learning is literally at the "fingertips" of the teacher and the learner. The long distance allows the multimedia, or the use of video, audio, graphics, images, animation, and text, to let the teacher relay information from one location to the learner in a totally different location. This is a process to use when face-to-face interaction is not possible (H ancock, 1999). A summative definition of distance education is a system of instructional learning in which the student(s), in groups or singly, and the teacher are physically separated. The methods of learning takes place with technology consisting of various combinations of telecommunications, hardware and software (Ely; Foley; Freeman, & Scheel, 1995). This learning promotes change in both business and education. This change has its features, benefits and concerns in both fields, which will be discussed (Holloway, & Ohler, 1999). Business and Instructional Technology Side of Distance Education Inc. magazine reports that in the business and instru... ...mind (Hancock, 1999). Holloway and Ohler suggest to keep talking and reading literature about distance education. Other educational systems and organizations may be willing to share resources and technologies associated with distance education (1995). Also, the technologies need to associate to the learning environment. Blumenstyk, Goldie, and Kelly state that "institutions should not go overboard with technology, but to keep it in perspective as one aspect of a balanced educational philosophy" (1999). At this point, distance education is starting to become an outstanding use of learning in higher education. Distance education can be classified as an innovation that combines theory and implementation in "educational technology", better than other trends (Ely; Foley; Freeman, & Scheel, 1995). Distance education is part of out past, present, and future.

The Harsh Reality of Racism

Black Boy, a novel by Richard Wright, is a heart-wrenching story about the harsh reality of racism, prejudice, and hostility that are revealed through the struggles of one young black boy. The young black boy is desperately trying to understand the cruel and negative world he is living in. This young black boy is on a mission to be educated and be successful. Richard Wright is determined to succeed in life. Richard's success is based on his determination and drive to overcome obstacles that he would face on a day to day basis in all aspects of his life. Richard was growing up in a time period that was both discouraging and hostile to blacks attempting to obtain an education and become successful. Through all of his hardships and obstacles, Richard continued to have a positive outlook on life. A positive outlook kept Richard focused on his dream to leave the south and eventually be free from all racial and prejudice matters. During the early twentieth century, racial issues, along with very strong prejudice feelings ran throughout the south. The Jim Crow laws separated the blacks from the whites and led the blacks to believe they were not important. Seating arrangements on busses, drinking from different water fountains, and even the arrogance of not being allowed to eat at counters in public restaurants were examples of some of these laws. Therefore, very little emphasis was placed on the education and success of a young black boy. In order for Wright to be successful, he had to pursue an education and overlook the strong prejudiced feelings he was faced with. These were hard times for blacks, but he worked hard to overcome his obstacles and reach for what he believed in. He did this during a time when there was no desire to see a colored person overcome the chances and be successful. Richard Wright's determination to succeed, and to overcome the social forces fighting against him was facet of southern culture that was familiar to all who lived, or even passed through the South during this time. The races showed no initiative of coming into contact with one another. However, there was a fear among them. Although he had fear, his curiosity about the races was not eliminated. For example, Richard once ventured into a white neighborhood attempting to sell his dog for money to buy food. On that day, he saw a glimpse of a world he had never seen before. Wright saw things such as I tucked her under my arm and went for the first time alone into a white neighborhood where there were wide clean streets and big white houses. Finally a young white woman came to the door and smiled. I waited on the porch, marveling at the cleanliness, the quietness of the white world. (69) Richard now understood that whites lived so much better and he wondered why he and his brother had spent so many days doubled over in pain from the hunger they had come to know so well. Wright uses prejudice and racism throughout his autobiography to encounter some of the most ludicrous moments that he had to experience while growing up in the South. For example, when Wright responded to the question on what he wanted to do in life, the lady turned to him and told him he was wasting his time trying to become a writer, knowing he was a Negro as stated in this quote: â€Å"Then why are you going to school?† She asked in surprise. â€Å"Well, I want to be a writer,† I mumbled, unsure of myself; I Had not planned to tell her that, but she had made me feel so Utterly wrong and of no account that I needed to bolster myself. â€Å"To write stories,† I mumbled defensively. â€Å"You†ll never be a writer,† she said. â€Å"Who on earth put such Ideas into your head nigger head?† â€Å"I didn†t think anybody ever would,† she declared indignantly (Wright 147). It was unheard of being someone of importance and being black at the same time. Another good example of the prejudiced lifestyle of Wright was when he accepted his first job as a porter for a in a clothing store. Wright was forced into washing floors and was not allowed to come into contact with people who entered the store. In Richard's early life, many social roadblocks threatened to make it more difficult for him to hold on to his dream. Race and prejudice created challenges, but the true challenge came in an entirely different form. The true challenge was to become an accepted black man in a white mans society. Richard Wright became successful in a country that did not encourage him or to create opportunities for blacks. He succeeded in spite of personal hardships, racial adversity, constant hunger, and the lack of educations. Richard Wright fought the battle and came out victorious. Wright became a man who was not defined by his color, but by his talent. His talent was recognized because his strength and determination led him to succeed.

Death in Prime Time

American Academy of Political and Social Science Death in Prime Time: Notes on the Symbolic Functions of Dying in the Mass Media Author(s): George Gerbner Reviewed work(s): Source: Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 447, The Social Meaning of Death (Jan. , 1980), pp. 64-70 Published by: Sage Publications, Inc. in association with the American Academy of Political and Social Science Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/1042304 . Accessed: 02/01/2012 20:34 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . ttp://www. jstor. org/page/info/about/policies/terms. jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email  protect ed] org. Sage Publications, Inc. and American Academy of Political and Social Science are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. ttp://www. jstor. org ANNALS,AAPSS, 447, January 1980 Death in Prime Time: Notes on the Symbolic Functions of Dying in the Mass Media By GEORGEGERBNER ABSTRACT: The cultural (and media) significance of dying rests in the symbolic context in which representations of dying are embedded. An examination of that context of mostly violent suggests that portrayals of death and dying representations functions of social typing and control and tend, serve symbolic of on the whole, to conceal the reality and inevitability the event.George Gerbner is Professor of Communications and Dean of The Annenberg School of Communications, University of Pennsylvania. He is a principal investigator, along with Larry Gross and Nancy Signorielli, also of The Annenberg School, in the Cultura l Indicators research project studying television drama and viewer conceptions of social reality. He has been principal investigator on international and U. S. projectsfunded by the National Science Foundation, U. S.Office of Education, UNESCO, the International Sociological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, The Surgeon General's Scientific advisory Committee on Television and Social Behavior, the American Medical Association, the HEW's Administration on Aging, and other agencies. He is editor of the Journal of Communication, and a volume on Mass Media Policies in Changing Cultures. 64 DEATH IN PRIME TIME 65 D YINGin the massmedia-both news and entertainment (a distinction increasingly hard to make) -has a symbolic function different from death in real life but investing life itself-with it-and particular meanings.We can begin to consider what these might be by reflecting on the nature of representation. A symbol system is an artifact par excellence. It is totall y invented to serve human purposes. It can serve these purposes only if those interpreting it know the code and can fit it into a symbolic context of their own. They must share the rules of the invention and the interpretative strategies by which it should be understood. Symbolic narrative, a story, has two basic elements of invention: fictive and selective. Selective invention is factual narrative such as news.Presumably true events (facts) are selected from an endless stream of events. A narrative is invented to convey some meaning about the selected facts as interpreted in a previously learned framework of knowledge. Fictive invention is fiction and drama; the â€Å"facts† are invented as well as the narrative. (Selection is of course involved in both. ) The function of fictive invention is to illuminate (literally to embody and dramatize) the invisible structure and dynamics of the significant connections of human life. It is to show how things work.Invention that can onl y select events but not create them must be more opaque; it can only show what things are but rarely why or how they work. The full development of the connections between events and human motivations and powers requires the freedom and legitimacy to invent the â€Å"facts† in a way that illuminates the otherwise hidden dynamics of existence. In this totally invented world of and fictivesymbols-selective without some purnothing happens pose and function (which need not be the same). Let us use as example the world of television which we have studied for some years. This discussion also applies to other media and cultural forms, with the difference that television is the generally non-selectively used universal storyteller of modern society. It is, therefore, more a symbolic environment than a traditional medium. People are not born into the world of television. They are selected or created for a purpose. The purpose is usefulness to the symbolic world (called news values or st ory values) that the producing institutions and their patrons find useful for their purposes.More numerous in both news and drama are those for whom that world has more uses-jobs, power, adventure, sex, youth, and all other opportunities in life. These values are distributed in the symbol system as most resources are distributed in the society whose dominant institutions produce most of the symbols: according to status and power. Dominant social groups tend to be overrepresented and overendowed not only absolutely but also in relation to their numbers in the real population. (For example, men outnumber women at least three to one in television and most media content. Minorities are defined by having 1. The long-range project was first described in my article on â€Å"Cultural Indicators: The Case of Violence in Television Drama† in the Annals, Vol. 388, March 1970. The most recent report, including a description of methodology, appears in George Gerbner, Larry Gross, Nancy Si gnorielli, Michael Morgan, and Marilyn Jackson-Beeck, â€Å"The Demonstration of Power: Violence Profile No. 10,† Journal of Communication, vol. 29 (Summer 1979). 66 THE ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY less than their proportionate share of values and resources.In the world of television news and drama, this means lower underrepresentation numbers, less usefulness, fewer opportunities, more victimization (or â€Å"criminalization†), more restricted scope of action, more stereotyped roles, diminished life chances, and general undervaluation ranging from relative neglect to symbolic annihilation. DEATH IN NEWS AND DRAMA Death in such a context is just another invented characterization, a negative resource, a sign of fatal flaw or ineptitude, a punishment for sins or mark of tragedy.It is always a reminder of the risks of life, cultivating most anxiety and dependence for those who are depicted as most at risk. In other words, death is one feature of the more general functi ons of social typing and control. Obituaries are the Social Register of the middle class. Even a â€Å"nobody† of modest status and power (i. e. a person of no symbolic existence in the common culture) becomes a â€Å"somebody† if the flicker of his or her (and it's mostly his) life can leave its final symbolic mark of existence in the obituary column.Death in the news is a tightly scripted scenario of violence and terror. Murders, accidents, â€Å"body counts† and catastrophies scatter a surfeit of impersonal corpses in ghoulish symbolic overkill across the pages of our family newspapers and television screens. By the time we grow up, we are so addicted to this necromania of our culture (and we are not alone), that its constant daily cultivation seems to add to a morbid sense of normalcy. Yet it is all well (if unwittingly) calculated to cultivate a sense of insecurity, anxiety, fear of the â€Å"mean world† out there, and ependence on some strong protec tor. It is the modern equivalent of the bloody circuses in the Roman empire's â€Å"bread and circuses† that were supposed to keep the populace quiescent. At the center of the symbolic structure of death is the world of stories invented to show how things and drama. The most work-fiction massive and universal flow of stories in modern society (and history) is of course television drama, most of it produced according to the industrial formulas developed to assemble large audiences and sell them to advertisers at the least cost.That is a world in which practically no one ever dies a natural death. Assembly-line drama generally denies the inevitable reality of death and affirms its stigmatic character. Violent death, on the other hand, befalls 5 percent of all prime time dramatic characters every week, with about twice as many killers (many of whom also get killed) stalking the world of prime time. The symbolic function of death in the world of television is thus embedded in its structure of violence, which is essentially a show of force, the ritualistic demonstration of power. THE STRUCTURE OF VIOLENCEAND POWERDominated as it is by males and masculine values, much of the world of prime time revolves around questions of power. Who can get away with what against whom? How secure are different social types when confronted with conflict and danger? What hierarchies of risk and vulnerability define social relations? In other words, how power works in society. The simplest and cheapest dramatic DEATH IN PRIME TIME 67 demonstration of power is an overt expression of physical force compelling action against one's will on pain of being hurt or killed, or actually hurting or killing.That is the definition of violence used in our studies of television drama. Violence rules the symbolic world of television. It occurs at an average 10-year rate of 5 violent incidents per hour in prime time and 18 per hour in weekend daytime children's programming-a triple dose. Violen ce as a demonstration of power can be measured by relating the percent of violents to the percent of victims within each social group. That ratio shows the chances of men and women, blacks and whites, young and old, to come out on top instead of on the bottom.Conversely, it shows the risks of each group to end up as victims instead of victors. Table 1 is a summary of these â€Å"risk ratios† based on annual samples of prime time and weekend daytime (children's) programs major dramatic characters, a total of 3,949, from 1969 through 1978. It shows for each of several demographic and dramatic groups the ratio of violents over victims (including killing) and of only killers over killed (or the other way around) within each group. It also shows the percent of characters in each group involved in any violence as either violents or victims (or both).For example, of the 415 children and adolescent characters studied, 60. 5 percent (65. 0 percent males and 49. 1 percent females) were involved in violence. Of the males, victims outnumbered violents by 1. 69 but killers outnumbered killed by 3. 00. In other words, for every 10 child and adolescent violents there were about 17 victims, but for every 10 killed there were 30 killers in that group of characters. Overall, 63 percent of all characters were involved in some violence. For every 10 violents there were 12 victims, but for every 10 killed there were 19 killers.However, as we have just seen, involvement in violence and its outcome-as with values and resources-is not randomly distributed. Some features of the distribution of violence as a demonstration of power can be illustrated by selecting a few risk ratios from the Table, showing how these victimization rates define a hierarchy of risks within which the depiction of dying (and killing) is embedded. A hierarchy of risks Combining prime time and daytime characters, we find that victimization rates define a social hierarchy of risks and vulnerabilities.For e very 10 characters who commit violence within each of the following groups the average number of victims for white men is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. nonwhite men is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. lower class women is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ young women is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. nonwhite women is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. old women is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12 13 17 18 18 33 If and when involved in violence, women and minorities, and especially young and old as well as minority women characters, are the most vulnerable. Now let us look at dying (and its dramatic counterpart, killing) in that context.We can compute a lethal pecking order by relating the number of killers to the number of killed within each group. Unlike violence in general, killing eliminates a character and must be used more sparingly, either as curtain-raiser or as the â€Å"final solution. † Therefore, in most role categories, there are more killers than killed. â€Å"Good† m en, the TABLE 1 RISK RATIOS': MAJOR CHARACTERS IN ALL PROGRAMS (1969-197 ALL CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN VIOLENCE VIOLENTVICTIM RATIO KILLERKILLED RATIO MALE CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN VIOLENCE VIOLENTVICTIM RATIO K N NAll Characters Social Age Children-Adolescents Young Adults Settled Adults Elderly Marital Status Not Married Married Class Clearly Upper Mixed Clearly Lower Race White Other Character Type â€Å"Good† Mixed â€Å"Bad† Nationality U. S. Other 3949 415 813 2212 106 1873 987 269 3549 131 3087 360 2304 1093 550 3100 264 63. 3 60. 5 64. 5 59. 8 47. 2 65. 6 45. 5 59. 5 63. 4 69. 5 60. 1 55. 0 58. 4 61. 4 88. 0 58. 1 73. 5 -1. 20 -1. 60 -1. 36 -1. 12 -1. 15 -1. 23 -1. 27 -1. 38 -1. 19 -1. 25 -1. 19 -1. 33 -1. 29 -1. 22 1. 00 -1. 20 -1. 31 +1. 90 +3. 00 +2. 00 +2. 07 -1. 75 +1. 90 +1. 67 +1. 50 +2. 07 -1. 11 +1. 97 +1. 69 +2. 93 +1. 3 +1. 84 +2. 06 +1. 31 2938 297 539 1698 80 1374 626 182 2650 106 2235 280 1659 807 471 2263 203 68. 4 65. 0 69. 6 65. 7 50. 0 69. 7 52. 9 67. 6 68. 3 73. 6 65. 1 61. 1 63. 7 65. 8 89. 4 63. 2 80. 8 -1. 18 -1. 69 -1. 23 -1. 12 +1. 07 -1. 18 -1. 27 -1. 26 -1. 17 -1. 20 -1. 16 -1. 27 -1. 24 -1. 21 -1. 01 -1. 16 -1. 29 + + + + + + + + – + + + + + + + 1Risk Ratios are obtained by dividing the more numerous of these two roles by the less numerous within eac violents or killersthan victims or killed and a minus sign indicates that there are more victims or killed than violent victimsor killersor violents or killed.A +0. 00 ratio means that there were some violents or killersbut no victims or k killed but no violents or killers. DEATH IN PRIME TIME 69 male heroes of prime time drama, are at the top of the killing order. For every 10 â€Å"good† men killed, there are 38 â€Å"good† men killers. Next are young men and American men; for every 10 young males killed, there are 22 young male and American male killers. The killed-killer ratio of all white males is only slightly lower: 21 killers for every 10 whi te males killed.In other words, if and when involved in some fatal violence on prime time television, â€Å"good,† young, American and white males are the most likely to be the killers instead of the killed. They kill in a good cause to begin with or are the most powerful, or both. Women do not fare so well. Their most favorable ratio is 20 killers for every 10 killed, and that goes to foreign women. The second highest female kill ratio goes to â€Å"bad† women: they kill 17 characters for every 10 â€Å"bad† women killed. Next are middleaged women who kill 16 for every 10 killed.Thus women who tend to kill, kill much less than men, have relatively more lethal power when they are foreign, evil, or past the romantic-lead age, than when they are â€Å"good,† American, young, and white, as is the case with men. Their killing is more likely to be shown as unjust, irrational, and â€Å"alien† than is killing by men. At the very bottom of the lethal peck ing order are old women who get involved in violence only to get killed and â€Å"good† women who get killed 16 times for every 10 killers. Old and â€Å"good† women get into violence mostly as sympathetic (or only pathetic) victims, rousing male heroes to righteous (if lethal) indignation.Next in line are lower class men, lower class women, and old men. For every ten killers in each group there are, respectively, 11, 10, and 10 killed. Unlike those of greater ability to survive conflict or catastrophy,older and lower class characters pay with their lives for every life they take. Provocation and retribution In general, then, as can be seen on the Table, the pecking order of both mayhem and killing is dominated by men-American white, middle class, and in the prime of life. At the top of the general order of victimizers are â€Å"bad† women, old men, and â€Å"bad† men, in that order.The presence of evil at the top of the power hierarchy suggests the drama tic role of villains provoking heroes to violent action. Heading the ranking of killers over killed are â€Å"good† and other majority-type males. We can begin to discern not only the provocative role of the â€Å"bad† but also the retributive function of the â€Å"good† and the strong. Lowest on the dramatic scale are women, lower class, and old people. Of the 20 most victimized groups (both total violence and killing), all but three are women. Old women are at the bottom of the heap of both the battered and the killed. Good†women are among the charactersmost likely to be both general and fatal victims of violence ratherthan the perpetrators. â€Å"Good† men have power as indicated by their heading up the killer-killed list; â€Å"good† women, on the other hand, end up near the bottom of the power hierarchy. When it comes to violence, â€Å"good† are the strong men and the weak women of the world of television. Dying on television is a violent retribution for weakness, sin, or other flaw in character or status. It is part of the social typing and control functions of centralized cultural production.Our research has found that heavy viewers (compared to light 70 THE ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY viewers in the same social groups) derive from their television experience a heightened sense of danger, insecurity, and mistrust, or what we call the â€Å"mean world† syndrome. It can be conjectured that the symbolic functions of dying are part of that syndrome, contributing not only to a structure of power but also to the irrational dread of dying and thus to diminished vitality and self-direction in life.

Free Essays on History Of Civil War Unifrom

â€Å"unus,† one and â€Å"forma,† form, and includes the different styles of dress adopted by the Military services to secure the distinction required (Haythorntwaite 10). Since the military profession has always been an honorable one the uniform has been a badge of honor and a means of improving the morale of its wearers in addition to its original purpose of distinguishing friend from foe. Until the formation of the Continental Army, the troops in the American colonies wore uniforms similar to those of European states to which they belonged. Hence, after the Battle of Quebec, in which the French lost Canada, the British influence in uniforms was paramount in North America. (Troiani 43) After the Revolutionary War the anti-British sentiment combined with the fact that France had been our ally caused the French influence in uniforms to be predominant. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, as the hunting dress was the cheapest and most easily procured, General Washington recommended its adoption by the soldiers of the Continental Army. It was a dress consisting of the shirt, leggings, rifle bag for bullets, and the powder horn. His personal uniform was represented as being a blue coat with red facing, red waistcoat and breeches, although another description of it states the facings were buff, and the waistcoat and breeches buff. He also wore a cocked hat and knee-boots. Congress, by resolution on March 23, 1779, authorized and directed the Commander in Chief, according to circumstances of supplies and clothing, to fix and prescribe the uniform, as well with regard to color and facings, as the cut or fashion of the clothes, to be worn by the troops of the respective States and Regiments, woolen overalls for winter and linen for summer, to be substituted for the breeches. (Davis 47) It should be noted, however... Free Essays on History Of Civil War Unifrom Free Essays on History Of Civil War Unifrom The History and Standard Dress of the Civil War Uniform The word â€Å"uniform† is derived from the Latin words â€Å"unus,† one and â€Å"forma,† form, and includes the different styles of dress adopted by the Military services to secure the distinction required (Haythorntwaite 10). Since the military profession has always been an honorable one the uniform has been a badge of honor and a means of improving the morale of its wearers in addition to its original purpose of distinguishing friend from foe. Until the formation of the Continental Army, the troops in the American colonies wore uniforms similar to those of European states to which they belonged. Hence, after the Battle of Quebec, in which the French lost Canada, the British influence in uniforms was paramount in North America. (Troiani 43) After the Revolutionary War the anti-British sentiment combined with the fact that France had been our ally caused the French influence in uniforms to be predominant. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, as the hunting dress was the cheapest and most easily procured, General Washington recommended its adoption by the soldiers of the Continental Army. It was a dress consisting of the shirt, leggings, rifle bag for bullets, and the powder horn. His personal uniform was represented as being a blue coat with red facing, red waistcoat and breeches, although another description of it states the facings were buff, and the waistcoat and breeches buff. He also wore a cocked hat and knee-boots. Congress, by resolution on March 23, 1779, authorized and directed the Commander in Chief, according to circumstances of supplies and clothing, to fix and prescribe the uniform, as well with regard to color and facings, as the cut or fashion of the clothes, to be worn by the troops of the respective States and Regiments, woolen overalls for winter and linen for summer, to be substituted for the breeches. (Davis 47) It should be noted, however...

Why are destinations so intent on attracting and developing event Essay - 1

Why are destinations so intent on attracting and developing event tourism Discuss their main goals and the associated value of event tourism with reference to corporate and public events - Essay Example important events that include ‘Australian Tourism Exchange’ (ATE) and ‘Queensland Music Festival’ (QMF) are seemed to be important events attracting global tourists immensely. The events assist in developing the economic conditions of the economy along with community. In the present scenario, tourism is determined as an important and rapidly developing industry. The industry is also a significant contributor towards the economic development of a country or region. In this regard, events are identified to play an effective role for the development of other business sectors that include hotel industry, trading operations and restaurant business among others. There are various types of events organised which include festival events, sport events, business events and special events for making destinations attractive. Presently, the people are interested towards events and on the basis of which they travel in different locations. Event tourism is responsible for the meeting different goals of an economy in relation to social, environment and economic aspects (Service Skills Australia, 2011; Stokes & Jago, 2007). In a similar perspective, event tourism is a significant aspect, responsible for the development of the economy of Australia. Organising events in different regions of Australia will assist in promoting products along with services of Australia in an enhanced manner (Stokes, 2003). In this regard, there are various events organised in Australia with the aim of attracting visitors from global context which include the ‘Australian Tourism Exchange’ (ATE) and Queensland Music Festival among others in order to develop the economic conditions of the country. With these considerations, the essay emphasizes the role of community in developing the event tourism in an enhanced manner. Additionally, the goals ad value of event tourism in respect of corporate and public events are discussed. Tourism is one of the most important revenue generating sectors

The role of fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The role of fashion - Essay Example The essay "The role of fashion" discovers the role of fashion. The denotative meaning is also called a principle meaning. Using this perspective, clothes is defined as the protection of our body. However, this level of understanding does not reveal the clothing’s fundamental function in a culture. At the connotative level, fashion is interpreted at a secondary level significant and important within a social and cultural convention. Semiotics plays an important role in visual rhetoric. The signs or codes are transferred from actual conversations (based on intuitive understand developed within the culture). These signs or codes are transferred into actual conversations based on these intuitive understanding that developed within a culture. Society is influential in establishing an individual’s identity through social constructs. What people wear and how we are wearing clothes should not affect the decision and preferences we have. Rather, it should become the basis for co nstructing the individual’s understanding of a belief within the society. Our choice of clothes, then, is not affected by a decision or a choice made by the individual. Rather, it depends on how he understands and believes in what the society dictates. Fashion, then, identifies and constructs one’s identity by using semiotics that developed within a culture. Fashion can also behave as a tool for non-verbal communication in different ways. This includes fashion’s role of suggesting one’s expression, political view.... This includes fashion’s role of suggesting one’s expression, political view, or social status or role. But even if fashion is not used as a definer of social role or expression, it is significant in the expression of one’s personality. These meanings are based on connotation level rather than denotation meaning. The power of semiotics is evident in the study of fashion and youth. This leads us to understand how fashion affects the personality and character of an individual, and vice versa. Even though everyone has the freedom to choose his own style, people tend to judge other people by these preferences. It is not unusual for someone to suspect another person sporting a Mohawk hairstyle or tattoo, and wearing ripped jeans, to be troublesome or delinquent. In the article, Hiding in the Light: Youth Surveillance and Display by Dick Hebdige, one’s appearance can put the young ones under suspicion of a crime. Hebdige asserts, â€Å"Pictures of punks and mods and skinheads, for instance are commonly regarded, even amongst many documentary practitioners, as unproblematic or as distractions from the real issues: visually interesting but ideologically suspect†(Hebdige, 19). This proves that even if the individual is using his fashion as a necessity of man, for the purpose of covering his body, the connotative meaning of his clothing disregards the denotative meaning. One’s clothing and appearance can be changed completely by social expectations and assumptions. Let’s use another example. Two people dress up in different styles. The first one has a punk style and the other has a formal and businesslike look. Because of his appearance and style, the punk would receive grave stares as people suspect him doing criminal acts.

Is Charter School an Answer for Inner City Students A Study of Dissertation

Is Charter School an Answer for Inner City Students A Study of Inclusion Among Disadvantaged Black Male Students with Disabili - Dissertation Example    Charter schools are public schools in nature and are intended to improve the education system of any nation. They possess a degree of independence in that most of the times they charge little or no tuition and are open to any student who wishes to enroll in them. They are also non sectarian and do not discriminate against any student on the basis of any affiliation be it sex, religion, race or color. They may be funded by the local authority in which it is situated, through the state or federal revenue like other public schools. These charter schools also adhere to state and federal academic standards as a benchmark in their day to day activities.  The basic concept of a charter school therefore, is the exercise of increased autonomy in exchange for accountability to the relevant stakeholders. Charter schools are free to improvise ways of improving the general student performance and achievement through numerous ways. They might do this through offering longer school days or o perating hours. This is what is at times known as remedial classes in some jurisdictions. Here, students spend more hours in class exploring ways of excelling in whatever discipline they are engaged in or are undertaking. This may occur during extended hours during week days, weekends or even during vacations or holidays. The schools may also adjust the curriculum contrary to what is set by the government to provide the learners with more time on the important or core subjects that they need most for their studies. Charter schools may also create a unique school culture whereby a specific school may adopt specific themes such as performing arts, career readiness, classical education, global awareness or meeting the needs of black or autistic students (Betts and Hill, 2010). Recent research has found that inner city kids or under-served students, who attended charter schools in New York City for nine consecutive years, from kindergarten to eighth grade, would close most of the  "Scarsdale-Harlem† achievement gap. The research also found that charter school students in this study won school admission lotteries as compared to other students in other public schools in the state (Reardon, 2009). This is further led credence by a similar study that found that students attending charter high schools in Chicago and Florida had higher ACT scores, graduation rates and college entrance rates than their peers in traditional public schools (Booker, Gill, Zimmer and Sass, 2009) It is therefore true that charter schools are high achiever as they produce positive results in both elementary and middle schools. This therefore means that there should be improved participation of all stakeholders involved in the research about the viability of charter schools. This will require strong and better policy formulation that would eventually lead to high-quality public charter schools. (Betts and Tang, 2008) Inclusion of black male students with disabilities into charter sch ools is understood to mean the integration of the education of male students with disabilities alongside those that are leading a normal life through regular classroom attendance. This is prompted by the urge by different stakeholders such as the

Do yo consider the concept of Partriarchy to be useful in the analysis Essay

Do yo consider the concept of Partriarchy to be useful in the analysis of gender relations - Essay Example This ‘battle of the sexes’ is not yet over despite the fact women have already made great strides in almost all areas of endeavour i.e. politics, sports, economy. In fact, women have permeated into areas once the exclusive domain of males. But still, they’re shrugged off as but a small minority. Thus, in so many societies the stereotype ‘woman in the home’ or the ‘childbearing female’ still persist. To many men, it’s still a man’s world. And rightly so, most tycoons are men; majority of presidents and prime ministers and mayors are men; priests, rabbis and imams are all men; most managers and heads of universities and colleges are men and practically most societies are headed by men. And this is so because patriarchy had been institutionalised and usage and accession to it by all parties since time immemorial had made it a social construct. Woman’s lot as the inferior sex and men’s dominance over women can be traced to the moment of creation. In Genesis 1:27, God â€Å"created Adam in His image† (and not her image), thus assigning God the male gender. The creation of Eve was a mere afterthought when God realized that â€Å"it is not good for man to be alone and I will make a helper suitable for him† (Genesis 1:23). Then she was fashioned from one of Adam’s ribs, which made him exclaim â€Å"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ for she was taken out of man† (Genesis 1:23). Thus, woman’s bondage to man and the assignation of the natural role of childbearer, homemaker and attendant to man’s every whim and caprice had started. These roles were acutely delineated during the days of the Patriarchs i.e. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David. Patriarchy, in this context, is defined as â€Å"a hierarchical social system and way of thinking where fathers or

The Power of Laws of Attraction

The Power of Laws of Attraction Most of us float along with experiences of life. When everything is going smoothly like we want, we are happy. If we end up in bad situations, we throw a temper tantrum and complain about how unlucky we are at life. Being the passive observers, we assume the role of victim when something happens to us that we didnt want happened. The knowledge of Law of Attraction helps us to wake up to the fact that everything that is happening in our lives is only the result of what we are constantly feeling and thinking. This fact can liberate us from the position of a passive observer to a proactive one. A person with a negative attitude towards life wakes up and sees only negativity all around. He sees that bad things are happening to him and might even feel like he is cursed. But Law of Attraction tells us that we can consciously choose our life experiences and by thinking and feeling positively, we can change our realities for the better. Law of Attraction works through the power of focus. As you shift your focus from negative to positive, you start to change the experiences and completely change your your life. You may be a person who has no idea what the Law is or you may be a person who already knows a little about how the law works or you may be someone who has already achieved some success by implementing the Laws principles in your daily life. Either way, if you havent awakened to the full power of the Law, you can start with the following practices daily: Visualize your day Wake up each day and visualize the day youd like to experience. Form mental movies in your mind and clearly picture all the good experiences that you want happen to you. By consciously visualizing what you want, you shift you vibration focus from negative to the positive. When you align yourself with what you want, you start to attract everything you visualize. Practice being positive Eliminate negative thoughts of anxiety, worry and fear by deliberately focusing on what you want. During the day, whenever you observe your mind drifting towards negative thoughts, immediately think about something that makes you feel good or visualize the experiences you want to attract. This changes your focus from negative to positive. With persistent practice, this habit will become a part of your nature. Dont try to figure everything out To fully unleash the power of Law of Attraction, you must practice letting go. Dont try to figure everything out or do everything yourself. Only perform actions that can be performed by you and make the choices that are required and leave the rest up to the universe to take care for you. Just know that the loving universe is working on behalf of you, bringing you closer to the fulfillment of your desires. There is of course much more to the Law than the three mentioned practices. Understand how the Law of Attraction works in your life so that you can deliberately attract what you want. Know that you dont have to be a passive observer and start exercising this amazing power now! Subliminal Messages and Subconscious Mind Negative conditioning of the subconscious mind is one of the biggest reasons why many people fail to achieve what they truly desire in life. Fortunately, there are ways to change our own negative conditioning so we dont have to be trapped by it. Human mind works much like a computer. By understanding how a computer works, we can begin to understand how the mind works and make necessary changes to create the reality we desire. When you look at how a computer works, you will find that it has an operating system that runs automatically on already built-in software programs. It opens and closes programs without much effort on your part. A computer, depending on the model, also contains memory, about 50-100 gigabytes stored on its hard drive. This information is readily accessible with a simple click of the mouse. With the help of the mouse, you can consciously go the place a particular file is stored and decide to open it. At any moment, even with enormous information on the computer, we choose to run only about 2-4% because the computer would crash if we ran all the data at the same time. Now, if you want to open a file and you dont have the necessary software to do it, you update the existing software or download new software necessary. The exciting thing is that the human mind works identical to that of the working of a computer. The subconscious mind can be considered an operating system running on programs of beliefs, thought and behavior patterns. The conscious mind can be considered the mouse, which is the control device used to select the programs you want to run. Like a computer operating system, subconscious mind is capable of adapting to new thought patterns by the habit of repetition. However, it takes time for this process to take effect because the subconscious mind doesnt like change and tends to cling on to the existing patterns. New research studies are telling us that there is an easier way to access the subconscious mind. It seems it is more receptive when the body is relaxed. Subliminal messaging is a technology that has become popular in the recent times in the self-improvement industry because it is a helpful way to induce subconsciously mind with positive directions without much effort on our part. This technology works by constantly repeating empowering messages to the subconscious mind. Although consciously we cannot hear these messages, subconsciously, we pick them up and store them in memory. This technology is very helpful in eradicating the negative conditioning that keeps us from taking action to realize our dreams. It is also helpful in changing negative habits and forming new positive habits. Hence, if you are looking for techniques that speed up the process of updating your subconscious software, you should definitely try subliminal messaging. How to Reprogram the Belief System Human beings are really special. Each and every individual is unique in his/ her own way. Hence, each and every individuals perception of reality is unique. The information that makes up a persons reality is the result of everything he/ she consciously thinks and feels in combination with his/ her conscious and unconscious beliefs. New information that enters the mind is broken down into individual data bits, which are then compared to the existing experiences stored in memory and are matched up to the existing beliefs. This process is unique for a person because his/ her mental make up is unique. Mental make up is basically a personal version of reality that is perceived uniquely by a person. This is the reason why the same reality can be experienced differently by different people. A persons mental make up or construct is entirely unique and vibrates a particular frequency very different from the next person. The uniqueness of the mental construct of a person is the result of unique memory, which consists of unique past experiences that make up the belief system, which is the persons personal paradigm. Your belief system, which is your perception of reality, holds the key to determining what you are capable of achieving and how far you will go to achieve your goals. Hence, you must change your belief system if you want to change your reality. This can be done through constant repetition of new directive to the conscious and subconscious mind until an old belief is discarded and a new belief that is supportive of your desires is put in place. Persistence is the key to impressing the subconscious mind. It is important to have a clear mental picture of what you want, constantly impress this upon your conscious and subconscious mind by constantly focusing upon it until it manifests as reality, which happens because of the change in your belief system. Many people fail with affirmations because they repeat them with no feeling. Reading affirmations without actually letting the feeling behind the words sink in, is not going to be of any use. Repeating affirmations is a powerful way to impress positive directions into the mind when they are repeated with a positive feeling. You must visualize what you want and feel how you would feel after finally having what you desire. With this feeling repeat the affirmations and expect the loving universe to bring you necessary resources that will help you make your dreams a reality. It is also important to keep in mind that setting aside a few minutes in a day to repeat affirmations and forgetting about your desires and focusing on negative or unrelated aspects of your life is not enough. You must be willing to constantly focus on what you want throughout the day and consciously REPEAT the affirmations when you feel like negative thoughts try to stop you from performing an action. Many pricey self-improvement programs get your hopes up for sometime and keep you busy with mental activities and high expectations. Although most of these programs do have your best interest at heart, they can only do so much if you are not willing to persist and put in the necessary effort to manifest youre your desires. The objective of any program is to bring about the necessary change in your belief system to accommodate new beliefs that support your quest to fulfil your desire or change the current outdated beliefs and totally replace them with new ones. This change can only come about if you REPEATEDLY impress your mind, both conscious and subconscious parts with mental pictures, thoughts and feelings related to the outcome your desire in the future. Keep this vital truth in your mind To see a change in your current reality and manifest what you desire, you must change your current belief system through constant REPETITION by focusing on thoughts, metal images and feelings of the desired outcome to impress your conscious and subconscious mind with this new information. You can pay for countless self-improvement programs or read a thousand books related to Law of Attraction; but until you persistently practice the principles and change your inner reality, you cannot change your outer reality, which is the mirror of what is happening inside your subconscious mind. You can acquire heaps of knowledge about changing belief systems, but until you persist and change your beliefs to change your perception of reality, you cannot change what you are experiencing in your life now. So, first form clear mental image of your desire, put in the effort through constant persistence of practice, impress your conscious and subconscious mind with images, feelings and thoughts that create a positive emotion of already achieving your desire in you. Let this positive feeling sink into the depths of your mind and change your current negative beliefs that are working against you. Dont get caught up in the hype of a new and an exciting program that promises to help you fulfill your desire in a short period of time. Many programs might work in the beginning because they aim at changing your negative thoughts to positive ones by increasing your positive expectations and keeping your conscious mind busy. But until you change your inner mental construct or perception of reality, you will not see real change you desire. Know the time taken to impress your subconscious mind totally depends on the time you allot to practicing a technique that will change your mental makeup and produce the desired results. It is also helpful to follow one program and one technique instead of obtaining contradicting information from different sources and getting confused about the right way to achieve your desires. Know there is no right and wrong program when it comes to changing your beliefs. You can follow any system that works for you The little known secret to make the process of impressing your subconscious mind through constant repetition and persistent practice is the feeling of gratitude, which is very powerful because it instantly connects you with the positive forces of the universe. Just relax, let go and be thankful for everything you have in the moment. Be grateful for all the guidance and help you are being sent by the co-operating universe. With this positive awareness, focus on the feelings, thought and images that generate a passion and positive expectation in you to move forward and take action toward achieving your dreams. It is very important to exercise control on the mind and direct the thoughts towards what you want instead what you dont want through out the day to change your reality in a short period of time. There is no dream that is impossible to achieve because the term impossible exist only in the mind. When you take control of your subconscious mind and harness its power, there is nothing that is impossible in this world. Great men and women already used the awesome power of their minds to achieve outstanding things and contribute immensely to the betterment of mankind. Follow these set of directions to alter your belief system and move forward fearlessly: 1. Decide what you want and form a clear mental picture that you would like to experience 2. Constantly focus on the mental picture and thoughts related to manifesting this mental picture. Focus on the positive emotions that accompany from the REAPEATED impression of thoughts and images on your mind will generate 3. Make persistence a habit and practice focusing until you see a visible change in your reality through the change in your belief system Human beings have always learned though repetition. When we were at school, we had to repeat numerical table and alphabets constantly to memorize them. Repetition is also used to learn a new language. This technique is so powerful that we remember the alphabets even after several years. The fact is that repetition reinforces memory and hence is the best technique to reprogram the subconscious mind with new directions. There are two major hurdles that stand between you and the realization of your desire through reprogramming of your subconscious mind. One is lack of necessary time to thoroughly impress the mind through repetition. Second is your lack of faith in the process might succeed in forcing you to give up. When you proceed with the conviction to break through these hurdles, you can certainly succeed in changing your perception of reality that is preventing you from attracting what you desire in life. Depending on how strongly the current beliefs that are contrary to the new beliefs and the amount of time to a person spends focusing on repetition, different people take different lengths of time to completely break down the current belief system and reprogram the mind. All the resources you need to fulfill your desires have always been present and are yours to command. People and circumstances are not the reason why you are not able to progress and move forward. The only person stopping you is YOU and your limited thoughts and beliefs. Once you change these limited beliefs and expand your awareness to include the possibility of achieving the impossible, you can truly attract whatever it is that you want. How badly do you want to achieve your goals? If the feeling is intense enough, take the necessary action to persist and REPEATEDLY impress your mind with mental pictures, feelings and thoughts that empower you achieve what you want in life. Wisdom vs. Knowledge Knowing information is very different from applying the information and experiencing the consequences. Contrary to the popular statement, knowledge is power; the application of knowledge is power. Let us take the example of Law of Attraction. Many people who got their information from the popular movie or the book The Secret failed to manifest what they want because they applied the Law incorrectly. They were told they would be able to get something if they think about it. However, the Law does not work that way. On the other hand, many people had put in the effort to know how exactly the Law works and applied it correctly and manifested everything they wanted in life. Become powerful by applying the knowledge Are you one of those people who have heaps of self-improvement books and notes gathering dust in your drawers? If so, it is time to take them out, revisit them and immediately start using the information in those pages. Your life is not magically going to change if you dont apply the technique and put in the effort to actually change your experience of life. Lets again take the example of Law of Attraction. It states that once you form a clear picture, think about it and feel like you have already achieved it, you must surrender your thoughts to the universe and allow it to manifest your desire in the best way, meaning you must let go of the need to control how things happen to you. Many people, despite having tons of knowledge about the Law, fail to apply this part effectively not willing to let go of the control. When you take a class or a seminar, you will benefit more if you ask questions and understand exactly how to apply the knowledge. With the wisdom gained from applying the knowledge, you can slowly become more adept at using the knowledge to better your life. Because of your deep understanding of the workings of the knowledge, you might even be able to help others if you choose to. You can start applying the knowledge by actually practicing every day. Write down your desires. Make mental pictures of your fulfilled desires, draw vision boards, write affirmations and practice a technique that can change your existing limited belief system. Just start doing! Power of Focus to Manifest Did you know that a power as meager as 800 watts, which is barely enough to sustain an average room, when focused within a diameter of 1mm, can cut through sheet steel accurately? This is a powerful testimony of the power of focusing energy. This fact can help us understand that scattered energy produces little to no desired result; whereas the same energy when focused can produce tremendous results. This principle can surely be applied to Law of Attraction. You can manifest everything you want in life if you develop the power of focusing your attention and mental energy on achieving your goals. Understanding what focus is Merriam-Webster.com defines focus as directed attention. This is exactly what focus is. It is the ability to direct your attention towards the fulfillment of your desires. Famous self-help author and motivational speaker Tony Robins once said, What you focus on consistently, you tend to manifest in your life. The power of this quote cannot be taken lightly because it sums up an important principle of Law of Attraction. Many people are struggling to manifest their desires because they are implementing this principle ineffectively. Focus must be made a habit. With initial effort and persistence, the habit of focusing can become a second nature and starts showing up in your behavior naturally. With the power of focus, you can perform the necessary actions that dictate how you manifest your desires. Understanding how the brain works Human brain is a massive processing system that processes gargantuan amount of data every second. On an average, the brain takes about 2 million sensory inputs every second through the five sensory stimuli sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. Like a computer, which crashes if we run all the information stored on it, our brains, to avoid overload, filter the information against existing memory and belief system and consciously process only a little amount compared to the entire lot. Although this process is helping us to keep up with massive data we are inputting, we might be missing crucial information that can be the next big opportunity or miss the approach of danger. To better understand this process, let us take the analogy of a dark room. If you are given a torch light and are asked to find a door to get out the room quickly, you would try to focus the light in one direction and try to find a door. If you just focused the light on the floor, all you would be able to see is the floor and not the door which is to your right. You would then walk along the focused path and may bump into the wall. On the other hand, if you focus the light everywhere by waving the torch light in all directions, you might be able to see more of the room, but you could still miss the door. Similarly, in life, if you focus on the wrong place and narrow your vision to only this place, you might miss the opportunities that are all around you. On the other extreme, if you scatter your energy everywhere and try to focus on too many things, you get confused and still could miss the right opportunity for you. Hence, it is important to learn how to focus the attention in the right place. What you focus your energy on, manifests in your life. Are you focusing your energy in the right place? When a person focuses on poverty, he/ she will manifest more poverty. When he focuses on lack of health or diseases, he manifests more disease. On the other hand, if the same person focused on prosperity, he will surely manifest prosperity in life through Law of Attraction. If he focused more on health, he will manifest more health in his life. This is an important concept to grasp because it is the difference between you manifesting all your desires and you failing because of all the negative conditioning. Awareness is power Be aware of what you are focusing on in your life. Focus your attention more on achieving your desires and exclude other unnecessary aspects of your life and see the magic of power of focus in manifesting. Focus on being thankful Being grateful for all that you have right now is a powerful feeling that will put you immediately in tune with positive manifesting force of the universe. Take time everyday to be thankful for what you have. On days, you cant see anything to be grateful for, stop, calm down, and ask yourself, If you can be grateful for 3 things in your life right this moment, what would you be grateful for? Learn to see the best in any situation in life instead of focusing on things you dont have. Plan Planning eliminates confusion and gives you direction. Have an end result in mind and write down achievable goals that can help you progress towards the desired end. Practice acceptance Every person is just as he or she is because of his/ her unique past experiences. Be aware of all that happened in your life that made you who you are today. Acknowledge that all your negative and positive conditioning is a result of the unconscious beliefs you have come to accept as truths. Accept yourself for all that you are and accept everybody around you for all that they are. This is powerful because it releases you from the trap of negative memories. Focus on how you would like to be starting from now and only focus on that. Program your subconscious mind for success We all have the same amount of time in a day. Your success depends on how you use this time to focus on your desires and how to manifest them. Take time in your day to quite your mind of the clutter and meditate upon your dreams and desires. Write down specific plans to achieve them. Write down powerful affirmations that you can repeat to clear the negative conditioning and impress your subconscious mind to attract all the necessary resources you need for manifesting your desires. Make a list of your goals and stick the copies of the list in several places where you are likely to go in your home. Always constantly remind yourself of your goals. Keep them fresh in memory. To make time for yourself in a day, turn of all your electronic gadgets and let other people know that you are not available for this particular slot of time. Enter a quite room to work in peace and completely focus on your dreams. No matter how busy your day is, even if you can spare only half an hour, do it. Well known author Catherine Ponder explains Law of Vacuum this way to make room for something, we must have space to fill, meaning we must clear the existing unwanted garbage in our lives. Always remember this vital truth when you, in a day, feel like you are being pulled into some drama that serves no purpose towards the achievement of your goals. The amount of time you allot to manifest your desires determines your progress. Make this time of your day most important and complete all the tasks that you have been procrastinating about. Also, remember to always finish only the tasks can help you progress in terms of achieving your goals. Remember that focusing on too many things will only scatter your mental energy and prevents you from seeing the right opportunity in front of you. Take the example of a fox and the hedgehog. While fox is clever and knows many tricks to use to get a meal, hedgehog is rather dull and but knows one trick, which is to roll into a spiked ball for protection. Fox, even with its many clever ideas and strategies cannot win with the spiked ball and obtain its meal. Hence, the hedgehog always wins. This analogy is very apt in describing the many failed efforts of intelligent people who waste their precious energy doing too many things at a time. One good strategy is always the best to follow instead of diluting effort to make several different clever strategies to work. Focus your energy on one project and finish it completely to your satifaction before you take on the next task. Approach your goals by taking one step at a time. This process can make even the daunting of goals seem achievable. Another important aspect of practicing to focus is to be in the present. Many people spend their time focusing on the past or the future. For achieving any goal, your mind and body should be present now and hence your mind should be focused on the present moment instead of the future. There will be time to reflect on the future and make necessary plans in the present to achieve the desired goals. But when you have tasks you need to finish now, no matter how mundane and intolerable you find the present tasks, perform them being grateful. In summary, human beings are conditioned in such a way that we experience what we focus on in our lives. Hence, it is important for us to learn how to focus on achieving our desires. We must learn to focus on the positive aspects in life that propel us towards achieving all that we desire. To develop this power of focus, we must learn to manage our time properly. We must learn to make time in a day to focus on what is necessary by clearing out the unnecessary through clever discerning skills. But more importantly, we must learn to act and not procrastinate. So, starting right now, decide on a goal that you can achieve in the immediate future. Make a plan on how to achieve this goal based on what resources are available to you at this moment. Make time to work on these plans and complete tasks. Keep repeating powerful affirmations powerfully with feeling to focus on your goals. Be grateful and be consistent with working on your goals until you achieve them. Transform your life by taking action. Manifest all you desires one desire at a time with the power of focus. The Secret of Happiness and Success Most Law of Attraction gurus will tell you the secret to attracting everything you want in life is to think positively about your dreams. They will tell you to expect the best always so that you will receive the best. Although this message has its merit, positive expectation alone cannot materialize what you want in life. Many people failed to manifest their desires by just following the information that was given in The Secret. You think about it, you receive it may be true but Law of Attraction does not work that way. Without right action on your part, you cannot expect to your desires manifest. Inaction does not prepare you for the future. Neither does it take proper precautions to protect you from the present challenges and problems. Only you can do that by making necessary choices and performing necessary actions. Some people are fortunate to have found their purposes in life and making a living out of them. What about the rest of us? Many self-help experts tell us that the secret to happiness is to find our unique purpose in this life and make a life around it. Although this also is a fair point, the problem with finding a purpose is that it takes time. In the mean time, you will have to deal with financial difficulties and other personal problems. Dont get me wrong. It is actually quite noble to develop the strength of character to be able to be satisfied with what you have and be happy despite the circumstances. But this process is also very hard. If you ask a few happy people what is the secret to their happiness, you will often hear one popular answer service is the secret. But what if your life is full of resentment and problems? You can only share what you have abundantly in life. Hence, you would be only sharing more negativity unconsciously. If what you have is abundance in life, it will certainly bring you happiness to share this abundance with the rest in need. So, sharing and social service is really not the number one secret to happiness. What then is the ultimate secret to happiness? It is you. It is your ability to become active in life and become adept at solving your own problems effectively. Nobody can just tell you how to be happy because nobody knows what makes you happy. When you get involved in your own life and work hard at solving your own problems, you slowly gain the ability to deal with daily challenges. As you solve more of your problems, you can start to become happy. Your involvement in your own life is then the true secret to happiness and success. As you become happy and successful, you might feel the need to share this joy with the rest, which will only multiply your own success and happiness. Thinking positively about life comes automatically without any effort and when this attiude is combined with right action; you can expect great results and see all your dreams come true. As you focus on yourself and your own unique talents, being entirely satisfied with your life, you will become free of the limitation of competition. Then, you will experience a different level of joy. What is important to you? Do you know what is important to you in your life? Can you tell me what the values you stick by in your life? Most people cannot answer these questions because they dont know what are their personal values are. They live by other peoples values. For example, an employee who lives according to the values of his employer such as accountability, work ethic, results and profits, might consider he is successful if he can live up to these values and get promoted. But for most people, success means much more than just earning money. Most of us may not define our success by how much we are able to please an employer by living by his values. It is essential to realize that other people have their own values and these values are important and note worthy, especially when these values work to influence in our lives. But the secret to true happiness is to follow our own core values that are important to us. When we prioritize our wishes and values over others values, we start to truly enjoy life. So, take out a paper and write down what is important in your