10 Most Exciting Outdoor Blogs

10 Most Exciting Outdoor Blogs Are you in love with wide open spaces? Are you always in for a bit of adventure? If you answered yes to either of these questions, these ten excellent outdoor blogs may be for you. The Big Outside This website/blog, curated by a long-time outdoor enthusiast Michael Lanza, is a wealth of information, not just about wilderness adventures, but about wilderness adventures with children. Michael is a family man and has a unique perspective on adventuring with humans whose age hasn’t cracked the single digits yet. This website has plenty of the standard outdoor fare gear reviews, trips and adventures, advice – but it’s the family adventures section that really sets it apart. thebigoutside.com US Outdoor Blog The USOutdoor.com blog is a unique collection of tips articles by the staff of the U.S. Outdoor Store in Portland, Oregon. But rather than being just a place where everything is lumped together, the USOutdoor.com blog is broken into categories to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. Interested in camping? Click on the â€Å"We Camp† link. Does climbing get your engine going? Check out the â€Å"We Climb† section. Need advice on clothing? â€Å"We Wear† is where you want to be. Hiking? Riding (as in snowboarding)? Skiing? Surfing? Yep, there’s a link for that. blog.usoutdoor.com Outdoor Alliance Though the suffix on this website (.org) might give you some idea as to its purpose, its mission statement says it all: â€Å"†¦to protect, enhance, and promote the human-powered outdoor recreation experience by uniting the voice of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve America’s public lands.† OutdoorAllicance.org brings together the likes of American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, and the Mountaineers with the goal of protecting public lands. The blog also provides the outlook for various outdoor adventures. outdooralliance.org Love the Outdoors A back-to-basics website (format, not living off the land) with a wealth of information for all your outdoor adventure needs. Though its not full of pictures and vivid Internet bells and whistles, it offers plenty of advice on everything from beginning mountain biking to avoiding wildlife habitat when finding a campsite and freshwater fishing. lovetheoutdoors.com The Planet D ThePlanetD.com is another unique perspective on the outdoor/adventure lifestyle. Long-married couple Dave and Deb left their jobs in the Toronto Film Industry to start a life of adventure and travel. Experience round-the-world adventures through their eyes. theplanetd.com Mr And Mrs Adventure Newly-married couple Drew and Brittany left behind their California lives to travel far and wide, experience adventure, and live in a van (not down by the river). MrAndMrsAdventure.com is another unique perspective amidst the mass of outdoor websites. What are the challenges of being married and constantly on the road? This site is filled with great advice on living the nomadic life and finding adventure wherever you are. mrandmrsadventure.com The Campsite Blog A foray into the spiritual as well as the outdoors. TheCampsiteBlog.com is all about creative ideas that spur adventure, travel experiences, and subjects of conversation and debate. To quote the blog itself: â€Å"The Campsite is all about sharing and learning from one another just as we would sitting around that cozy campfire.† But TheCampsiteBlog.com is about more than just finding yourself outdoors (and yes, there is a double meaning in â€Å"finding yourself†), its â€Å"In The Backpack† section provides a wide range of articles that will help you in your journey into yourself and into the wilderness. thecampsiteblog.com Dirtbag Darling A great resource for the outdoor adventure lifestyle from former surf-magazine editor Johnie Gall. The site is organized by activity (water, land, snow) and places (east coast, west coast, mid-west, south international) and includes how-to guides, gear reviews, a journal, and a section entitled, â€Å"Defenders of Fun†. An interesting site with advice and musings from a girl who’s not afraid to live in a van. dirtbagdarling.com Adventure Filled An adventure-filled blog from adventure enthusiast Laurie Tewksbury. AdventureFilled.com has the usual gear reviews and how-tos for the outdoor adventurer but it also has some unique perspectives about life and love (of the outdoors). Check out â€Å"52 in 52† about Laurie’s goal of achieving 52 hikes in 52 weeks or â€Å"How to Keep Adventuring When Life Gets in the Way†. adventurefilled.com Just a Colorado Gal A blog about life and living outdoors (not literally but as much as possible). Blog writer Heather chronicles her adventures around the world, touches on the standard topics of gear and various forms of outdoor activities, and throws in some perspectives on health, fitness, and the state of being away from civilization. justacoloradogal.com So whether you’re new to the lifestyle or a long time adventure-seeker, you’d be hard pressed to go wrong with any of these excellent outdoor blogs.

The Grudge, give a review of 2004 film.

The Grudge, give a review of 2004 film. In the tradition of "Ringu" (which shares producer Taka Ichise), Japanese horror has emerged as popular fodder for American remakes. Here Takashi Shimizu re-imagines the third film from his own "Ju-On" franchise, which started out as a straight-to-video series but quickly ended up in Japanese theatrical release thanks to word-of-mouth. Although the two movies are at times strikingly similarsome of Shimizu's sets and even shots are constructed exactly the samethe American version had the budget for slicker special effects and has clarified the non-linear plot for an audience that requires a more definitive resolution.Karen (Sarah Michelle Gellar, who's already battled her share of supernatural creepy-crawlies in TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the "Scooby-Doo" franchise) is an American exchange student studying social work in Tokyo who agrees to fill in for a nurse who hasn't shown up for her shift. When she makes the house call, she finds the elderly American woman in her care ca tatonic in a house that is deserted and disheveled.Gellar in Dubai in December 2004.What she discovers next is the metaphysical incarnation of the Japanese belief that when someone dies on the grip of a powerful rage, a curse is left behind, infecting anyone who comes in contact with it.Gellar is billed as the flick's above-the-line star, but the truth is "The Grudge" is more of an ensemble piece that consists of several storylines of which she is not the center, including one featuring Bill Pullman. Shimizu retained "Ju-On's" Japanese setting but, in order to appeal to American audiences, peopled many of the main characters with American facesa device that feels contrived even while adding an interesting thematic layer about the alienation of living abroad.What worked about the original remains intactthat freaky-deaky signature sound effect and specters who aren't apparitions but rather corporeal, including the...

2 Questions Needed to be Ansewered Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

2 Questions Needed to be Ansewered - Assignment Example Firstly, they encourage countries to tighten money supply and reduce fiscal stimulus (Friedman 4). Secondly, they advocate privatization of public enterprises (Friedman Web). They also advocates for liberal, free market economy. These institutions also force countries to adopt tax rate that prevail in other countries. They also demands countries to maintain their deficit to GDP ratio to international standards. In addition, they allow the removal of restrictions on the flow of international capital and the removal of barriers to trade (Quiggin 5). Countries are also required to maintain zero tolerance to corruption. In fact, after the 1980’s debt crisis, the IMF required the government to cut public expenditure, sell or close public institution operating at a loss followed by removal of regulatory policies (Quiggin 32). Several benefits exist to countries that follow the Golden Straightjacket. The first benefit is the increased acceleration of the economy and decreased political interference (Friedman 4). The Golden Straightjacket fosters more growth and higher average income (Friedman 4). This happens through increased trading activities, foreign investments, privatization and efficiency in resources used due to the pressure of global competition (Friedman 4). On the political front, the political and economic choices of those in power are limited by the global economic standards (Friedman 4). In fact, the government control on the economy minimizes as it adopts more policies that are liberal. This means the degrees of freedom on fiscal policies are limited (Friedman 101-111). On the other hand, some countries are against the Golden Straightjacket. Consequently, there is a consequence to such countries. Firstly, there is decreased investment. Secondly, there is reduced spending or withdrawing of m oney from such countries. Moreover, such countries are required to pay higher interest rates to borrow from foreign institutions (Chaudhry

Pfizer-puffery or deception Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pfizer-puffery or deception - Essay Example Jarvik convince the audience in no time. As long as the information provided is valid, truthful and scientifically justified, there is nothing to worry about if advertisers make use of famous people to enhance the sale of their products. In fact, it is a good practice because consumers would tend to believe a product that is of high quality just because of their trust in the celebrities that introduce the products to the public in ads. Answer-2: It is advisable for Pfizer to adopt more rational and approved means of support for the claims it makes in advertising Lipitor. The best approach is to seek scientific evidence that would prove Lipitor’s role as a cholesterol reducing drug. Answer-3: Rational estimate about a company’s advertising policy can only be made by giving its product a try. Often, products come in sealed packs, and the customers can not even see if the product is the size that appears on the cover. Likewise, validity of claims made for a drug like Lipit or can only be judged through taking its full course at least once.

Fracking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Fracking - Research Paper Example Any support and activities on fracking is equivalent to sitting on a time bomb and doing nothing about it. It is time for environmentalist to take action and stop fracking activities before the earth is in for irreversible troubles. Fracking and its related activities cause numerous harm to the environment and human beings, in addition to being unethical practice, and thus, it should be stopped. Fracking uses a lot of water, which in most cases is not available at the fracking site. Therefore, the stakeholders involved seek water also used by the community, which leads to depletion of community water sources; depleting water supplies could affect the cost of water for farmers and nearby communities. Transportation of water to the sites is very expensive, and the costs used in this transportation would have been put into better use like supporting the needy in society. Not to forget that clean water is a precious resource and scarce; hence it is very unfair to misuse it for fracking activities (Berkowitz 24). Moreover, transportation of this water uses a lot of energy, which can be put into other useful uses. Furthermore, the tracks for transporting this water release toxic gases into the atmosphere, which pollutes the air and cause environmental degradation. Furthermore, trucks used to transport the fluids cause extensive destruction of roads hence increase in the costs ass ociated with road renovation. The transport trucks are also responsible for noise pollution, not forgetting the large volumes of dusts associated with them. A combination of the above negative effects causes discomfort on the locals around the fracking sites hence in flinching on their rights to clean and healthy environment. Research shows that the chemicals used in fracking have carcinogenic properties; in the event that they escape through accidents or leakages and contaminate ground water, serious health concern arises due to possible

Effects of Culture on International Business

Effects of Culture on International Business INTRODUCTION The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate the concept of culture in relation to international business. More specifically, is to dig deep and clarify the impact of culture on international businesses. According to Copland and Griggs (1985, p.43) there is no culture right or wrong, just differences we must make value judgments as to whether or not cultural behaviour is good or bad, better or worse. It is wrong to assume that people in different cultures think, feel and act in the same way. In international business dealings, ignorance of cultural difference is not just unfortunate, it is bad business (Arwind, 1989, p. 25). Sensitivity to cultural difference is crucial to successful international business operations. Ignorance of cultural differences could end in disastrous business blunders. A discussion on culture should first begin with a definition. In a simple term, culture is how things are done around here (Mullins, 2005). On the other hand, (Hofstede 1980) referred to culture as the software of the mind. In other words, it is the social programming that runs the way we think, act and perceive ourselves and others. However, culture is an extremely broad concept and very difficult to define. At present there are estimated to be over 200 different definitions of culture. There is no general agreement with regard to the definition of culture. To some, culture refers to the distinctive way of life of a particular group of people (Herskovitz, 1952, p. 17) or a complete design for living (Kluchholm, 1951, p. 86). Others refer to culture as a pattern of behavior transmitted to members of a group from previous generations of the same group (Hall, 1977, pp. 16-17). Culture is not simply a product of conditioning (Grosse and Kujawa, 1992, p. 322) acquired, learned or transmi tted from one generation to another. Culture also shapes peoples values, attitudes, beliefs and behavioral patterns (Terpestra and David, 1985). It is therefore crucial for international business men and women to understand fully not only how people in different cultures behave but why they behave in the way they do. GEERT HOFSTEDE AND HIS CULTURAL DIMENSIONS One of the most influential pieces of research in relation to national cultures is the work of the Dutch researcher and business consultant Geert Hofstede (1980 2001). He analysed survey data from 116,000 employees of IBM in more than 40 different countries. He initially identified four, later five basic dimensions to express differences between national cultures: 1. Power distance this is the extent to which inequalities among people are seen as normal. This dimension stretches from equal relations being seen as normal to wide inequalities being viewed as normal. Examples of countries with high power distance scores are the Philippines, Singapore, France and Greece. In contrast, countries with low power distance scores such as Britain, Sweden and New Zealand favour a more democratic style of management and flatter organisational structures. 2. Uncertainty avoidance this refers to the degree to which societies feel threatened by ambiguous situations and the extent to which they try to avoid uncertainty situations. In countries with high uncertainty avoidance, such as France, organisations adopt strong bureaucracies and career stability and generally discourage risk taking activities. Countries such as Britain and Norway which exhibit low uncertainty avoidance will adopt more flexible structures and encourage more diverse view. 3. Individualism/collectivism in an individualist culture people tend to look after their own interests and those of their immediate family whereas in collectivist culture there is a tighter social framework in which each person respect the group to which he or she belongs. For instance, in the USA, people are expected to take care of themselves and their immediate family only. In collectivist societies such as Japan, however, people are integrated into strong, cohesive groups which throughout peoples lifetimes continue to protect them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. For example, Toyota is Japanese, General Motors American origin companies. According to Hofestede we can take Toyota in the more collectivist side of the organisational culture whereas General Motors is more on individualistic side. In Toyota being in a team is more important. However, in General Motors it is more important that individual contribute to the organisation. 4. Masculinity/femininity In a masculine culture the dominant values are said to be ambition, assertiveness, performance and the acquisition of money and material objects whereas in a feminine culture values such as the quality of life, maintaining personal relationships and care for the weak and the environment are emphasized. For example, the most masculine countries in Hofstedes framework are Japan and Austria. In contrast, the Scandinavian countries fall into the feminine category with more emphasis on work-life balance. 5. Time orientation Bond (1988) and his colleagues called this Confucian dynamism. Hofstede relabelled it long term versus short term orientation. In countries exhibiting a long term orientation, there is a focus on the future and saving and persistence are valued. Companies in Japan are examples of a long term oriented society, have traditionally taken a longer term view of investment. In contrast to companies in Western economies, it is not necessary to show profits year by year but rather progress toward a longer term goal. Other comparable studies of national values that compete with Hofstedes work-related values framework include: Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck (1961), Hall and Hall (1990), Schwartz (1992), Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner (1998) and Javidan et al (2006). According to Geert Hofstede Analysis. [2008, online] For those who work in international business, it is sometimes amazing how different people in other cultures behave. We tend to have human instincts that deep inside all people are the same but actually they are not. In other words, if we go into another country and make decisions based on how we operate in our own home country, the chances are we will make some very bad decisions. Understanding Hofstede module helps international business men and women analyse the cultures in countries in which they will do business. According to Ferraro, G (1998, p. 63) Hofstede research gives us insights into other cultures so that we can be more effective when interacting with people in other countries . If understood and applied properly, this information should reduce our level of frustration, anxiety and concern. But most important, Hofstede will give us the edge of understanding which translates to more successful results. The Hofstede Model of Cultural Dimensions can be of great use when it comes to analysing a countrys culture. There are however a few things one has to keep in mind. McSweeny (2002), for instance, argues that Hofstede study suffers from a number of important weaknesses, such as the assumption of cultural homogeneity within a country and the difficulty of generalising for a national culture on the basis of sometimes quite small samples of one occupational group in one company. Personally, I believe the averages of a country do not relate to individuals of that country. Even though this model has proven to be quite often correct when applied to the general population, one must be aware that not all individuals or even regions with subcultures fit into the design. It is to be used as a guide to understanding the difference in culture between countries, not as law set in stone. As always, there are exceptions to the rule. Secondly, how accurate is the data? The data has been collected through questionnaires, which have their own limitations. Not only that, but in some cultures the context of the question asked is as important as its content. Especially in group-oriented cultures, individuals might tend to answer questions as if they were addressed to the group he/she belongs to. While on the other hand in the United States, which is an individualistic culture, the answers will most likely be answered and perceived through the eyes of that individual. And lastly, is the data up to date? How much does the culture of a country change over time, either by internal or external influences? THE IMPACT OF CULTURE THROUGHOUT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES When Disney decided to open a Disneyland in Europe, it seems the company failed to do its cultural homework on everything from French business negotiating styles to employee flexibility and dress habits to consumer spending patterns and eating preferences. The company had a system that worked in the United States and Japan, two very diverse cultures and evidently saw no good reason to change it to adopt to European sensibility. According to Roman Dicia a French editor day one began with a nightmare. The French people, who tend to wear their cultural hearts on their sleeves howled about Yankee cultural imperialism when Disney managed to buy 1,950 hectares of prime farmland. The farmers whose families had worked the land for centuries were bounced. French newspaper railed at the American invaders in a very public display of anger and insult. Before they started anything, the company had managed to alienate the community, partly because it had underestimated the attachment to the land of one segment of French society. Next, Disney offended French sensibility when it used lawyers rather than its executives to negotiate constriction and other contracts for EuroDiseny. It was simply not a French thing to do. In France, lawyers are considered a negotiating tool of absolute last resort. The use of lawyers early on in the progress was a sign of mistrust and backhand rejection of French ways. On the other hand and in terms of operations, Disney ignorance of European culture and French working norms caused more problems. The company, which prides itself on the squeaky clean all American look of its employees, instituted a strict dress code for its employees, barring facial hair, dictating a maximum length for fingernails and limiting the size of hooped earrings. The staff and its unions rebelled at this perceived attack on everyday French fashion. In addition, Disney got several other important details wrong. For example, lunch times inside EuroDisney bordered in disaster. While Americans visiting Disneyland prefer to eat at irregular intervals, as they wonder the park confines, Europeans are used to sit down at lunchtimes. As a result the parks restaurants became very busy at the lunch hour as everyone tried to eat once and were empty the rest of the day. Customers complained of long lunch time lines and the pressure to eat quickly. The staff complained of being overworked at lunch time and underworked during the rest of their shifts. To top it off, Disney, in keeping with the family friendly theme, barred the serving of alcohol, perhaps the ultimate insult in a country where the consumption of wine at mealtimes is a birthright. It was so unlike Disney to get so many details so wrong says one US based securities analyst who follows the company. Maybe its not such a small world after all. The company cultural insensitivities cost it a lot of money and goodwill. I think it is a reminder to any company or individual doing business in another country, the devil is often in the cultural details. They can make or break you. But for Disney at least, alls well that ends well. After making some significant cultural adjustment, EuroDisney is no longer the economic drain it once was on company coffers. Another great example is McDonald. McDonalds worldwide is well known for the high degree of respect to the local culture. However, years ago when McDonald restaurants entered into India, McDonald faced some problems in relation to the transformation of the menus according to the Indians culture. For example, for thousands of year, Indias Hindu culture revered the cow. Hindu scriptures state that the cow is gift of the God to the human race. The cow represents the divine mother that sustains all human beings. McDonalds is the worlds largest user of beef. So how can a company whose fortunes are built on beef enter a country where the consumption of beef is a grave sin? Use pork instead? However there is a large population in India who are Muslim and Muslims do not eat pork. McDonalds responded to this cultural food dilemma by creating an Indian version of its Big Mac The Maharaja Mac which is made from mutton. Other additions to the menu conform to local sensibilities such as the McAloo Tikki Burger which is made from chicken. In fact, India is the first country in the world where McDonalds does not offer any beef or pork items. All foods are strictly separated into vegetarian and nonvegetarian lines to conform with preferences in a country where many Hindus are vegetarian. So much so that the mayonnaise and the soft serve are also 100% vegetarian and only vegetable oil is used as a cooking medium. It may seem silly for McDonalds to be taking away the burger for which is became famous for but in such a multinational company, they had to do what was best for business. Other comparable examples include: the non Kosher KFCs in Israel, what is acceptable and not acceptable in the Jewish religious book and also Pizza Hut in Saudi Arabia, Halal and non Halal meat. Also a great case can be IKEA. IKEA had a very successful culture that facilitated its expansion into various countries. However, this view did not turn out to be successful in the USA where in they ran into a few problems like different tastes in furniture and cultural change. In addition, more competition and changes in Swedish laws on furniture made expansion into the USA very difficult. Longer shipping periods added to the expansion misery and IKEA had to adopt a more adapted culture to enhance sales in the USA. The cultural problems that IKEA faced in USA were, for examples; the use of the Swedish flag outside IKEA was very irritating to some Americans. Different tastes and the Swedish style of the furniture, this refers for example to preferences of some designs, different size in beds that meant the US consumers were not used in European ones and some found the IKEA beds just too small and the meaning of colors, etc. Also they were not much happy with the cash and carry service and they wanted better and faster delivery at home and do not enjoy queuing. Not every American is used to do shopping outside cities or can do, like Chinese and also, in America more media advertisements were needed. The word of mouth was not much successful as in Europe. They also had the problem with the different management style. For example, Swedish managers are expected to be ambassadors and explain the IKEA way to non-Swedish co-workers in overseas operations. This has proved relatively easy in the Netherlands but not so in Germany, France and the United States. Grol et al.s (1998) research on problems encountered by IKEAs management of people in Germany, France and the United States, although producing some national stereotypes, indicates that in Germany there were problems of addressing managers using first name and understanding managers authority; doing exactly as the manager asks and not using ones own initiative. In France there were problems of informality being seen as a sign of weakness or indecisiveness, meaning that employees could do what they want. In the United States people felt uncomfortable with the Swedish lack of showing emotion; avoiding conflict and not setting themselves apart by avoiding self promotion. There were also pr oblems with instructions by managers not being spelt out and the longer term Swedish management approach of explaining why things are done: this is seen as indecision. There was a perception that individual achievement is not rewarded in view of a Swedish avoidance of discrimination in pay increase. As a consequence they lost key American managers because of slow progression and not being sure of their role or future in the organisation. IKEA had to accept a different culture and at the same time keep its own. Otherwise it will either not succeed on the US market or it will not be IKEA anymore. IKEA has met cultural problems, especially in the US, due to a lack of information about these cultural differences. Indeed IKEA did not conduct any market research before entering new market and did not use local expertise. However, the expansion abroad of IKEA has eventually been possible even if they met some difficulties along the way. This can be attributing to the fact that IKEA concept is very effective but also because the company have made special efforts to adapt its products and services to various cultural environments. We dont spend much money or time on studies. We use our eyes and go out and look, and say it will probably do quite well here. Then we may adapt, but quite often we stick to our opinions, says Mr. Anders Moberg, IKEAs chief executive. Therefore IKEA changed the rules of the retailing industry. This was considered quite dangerous because IKEAs expanded its stores internationally without having data and information about the new country but it has been successful, in Europe, where the concept of IKEA is effective, without necessary adaptation. But, in the United-States, IKEA had to struggle in the early years and made several changes to its retailing formula to adapt to US requirements. On the other hand, a different scenario can be Wal-Mart. When Wal-Mart first expands in Mexico they ran into many cultural problems. For example, they found that the Mexicans prefer to buy fresh produce at the local stores. They also found out that many Mexicans do not have cars which cannot buy in large volumes as in the United States. However, Wal-Mart did not give up and developed strategies to meet the local conditions. For example, they hired local managers who understood Mexican culture, building smaller stores that people could walk to and offering more fresh produce and low prices. Their strategy did pay off, Mexicans started to change their shopping habits and Wal-Mart became one of the largest retailers in Mexico. Wal-Mart also discovered that they can expand into China as they found out that the Chinese were bargain hunters and open to the low price strategy and the wide selection of products offered by Wal-Mart. However, to succeed in China, Wal-Mart also found it had to adapt its merchandising and operations strategy so it can engage with the Chinese culture. For example, Wal-Mart has learned that Chinese consumers insist that food must be freshly harvested or even killed in front of them. Some Chinese consumers were offended when Wal-Mart was trying to sell them dead fish. So Wal-Mart began to display the meat uncovered, installed fish tanks into which shoppers could plunge fishing nets to pull out their evening meal and began selling live turtles for turtle soup. The Wal-Mart scenario proves that culture can have a big effect on the business strategy. For example, in the case of McDonalds; meat prepared after halal is printed on the label before exporting meat to Saudi Arabia or as we seen above, McDonalds created the The Maharaja Mac which is made from mutton for the Hindus. Also, Coca Cola had labeled on bottles supplied to the gulf to contain non-alcohol or in the case of Nokia when introduced Hindi SMS for Indians users of mobile phones etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ CONCLUSION Culture is important for many aspects of business life especially when a business must interface with people, either as customers, employees, suppliers or stakeholders (Aswathappa, K 2008, p. 78). Deal and Kennedy (1982) argue that culture is the single most important factor accounting for success or failure in business. Goffee and Jones (1998) argue that no business strategy or programme can or will succeed without the appropriate culture in place. Mullins (1999) suggest that culture helps to explain why different groups of people perceive things in their own way and perform things differently from other groups. He also suggests that there is nothing accidental about cultural strengths, there is a relationship between culture and the business performance. When it comes to analysing a countys culture, Hofstade module of cultural dimensions can be a very useful tool as there is no current discussion on culture in a business context is complete without reference to Hofstede. On the other hand, Disney, McDonalds, IKEA and Wal-Mart are evidence to support the argument that in which the impact of culture in international business is very important. Personally, I never claim that culture is the only thing we should pay attention to. In many practical cases it is the economic or political factors provide better explanations but sometimes they dont and then we have to go back and look for answers throughout history and culture. I also believe that too often people emphasize the differences rather than the similarities in cultures and view these differences as threatening and negative rather than as opportunities for creative solutions. It is an easy trap to fall into. What we need to remember is that anyone can cope successfully with cross cultural relationships with the proper mindset. All we need to have is to change our mental computer disk and reprogram ourselves.

Narrative- My Suppressed Wild Side :: Personal Narrative Writing

Narrative- My Suppressed Wild Side Ten years old: 1975, still in my boy body, my boy mind. Solid and strong with the endurance to play all day moving from the tangled, viney â€Å"jungle† on the far side of the pond to the secret play house in the damp dark basement of my best friend David’s house, to the high speed heroics played out on our banana-seated bikes. I was not a boy of course, but wanted to be. I climb trees, even ones sticky with sap. The smell of pine hangs on me as I lie in bed at night. I ride up the hill on Saturday, find David and set to digging a big hole in the dirt. We collect old pans and buckets from his mom’s messy kitchen and create a â€Å"hooey booey stew.† We are hobos having our meal by the tracks; we are Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone eating by the fire deep in the wilderness. The meal over, David and I pour our concoctions into the deep hole, add dirt and more water – he yells, â€Å"Get the hose!† – and then rolling up our â€Å"tuff jeans,† we stand in the muddy mix of grass and water and dirt, stomping up and down, giggling and falling over. What pleases me is to feel it between my toes and to feel the tightness of mud drying on my shins as we catch our breath lying by the hole – sun-baked. Afterwards, bellies to the ground, David and I crawl under the prickly, holly branches to get to our secret fort. It pleases me to taste the salty sweet of blood from a scrape that I refuse to get a band-aid for. Later, I ride my bike home from David’s full speed down the hill, but not fast enough to appease my full bladder. â€Å"Wonder what it would feel like to just pee as I ride my bike?† So I pee my pants and the sensation is a wonderful release – a naughty rule-breaking. And in the summer I jump with my brothers and sisters off a 25 foot high cliff down into the river where my dad waits for us. Oh†¦the force of the cold water on my skin and the strength of my father’s big hand as he guides each of us towards the rock to climb out. Summer nights I lie on the dewy grass, watch for shooting stars and try to the name the constellations as my dad has taught me.

Neoclassical Age

The 18th century is a distinguishing period in British literature. It is a timeline in which classical literary conventions in terms of the literary techniques in different genres are revived. After the Renaissance–a period of exploration and expansiveness–came a reaction in the direction of order and restraint. Generally speaking, this reaction developed in France in the mid-seventeenth century and in England thirty years later; and it dominated European literature until the last part of the eighteenth century.It is a period where counterfeiting and facades are very important; in some ways the country was trying to act like the Interregnum and English civil wars had not happened, and there is both a willful suppression of the immediate past and a glorification of the more distant, classical Roman past–which is why it is called the Neoclassical period. Neoclassical writers, such as Samuel Johnson, Moliere and Alexander Pope, sought clear, precise language.They st andardized spelling and grammar, shifted away from the complex metaphors employed by Shakespeare and simplified literary structures. Neoclassical writers often adopted a rigid view toward society. Although Renaissance writers were fascinated by rebels and the Romantics later idealized them, neoclassical writers felt that the individual should conform to social norms. Although society was probably corrupt, individual views could not stand against the truths found in the consensus of society.Principals of Neoclassic Age in Alexander Pope’s â€Å"essay on man† There are many concepts regarding literary criticism that are instantiated in the first part of Pope’s Essay: the problem of bad writing and criticism, and the greater danger of the latter to the public; the rarity of genius and taste in poets and critics respectively; the impairing of the capacity of critical judgment by unsound education; the causes for the multitude of literary critics (those who canâ€⠄¢t write, judge! ; and the critics need to know the limits of his genius, taste, and learning in the exercise of criticism. What is the basis for literary composition and the practice of criticism? What provides the common ground and gives guidance for both? For Pope, the answer was found in a specific eighteenth century understanding of the honorific term and concept of NATURE. First follow Nature and your judgment frame By her just standard, which is still the same: Unerring NATURE, still divinely bright,One clear, unchanged, and universal light, Life, force, beauty, must to all impart, At once the source, and end, and test of Art. (Lines 68-73) Nature is the ultimate authority (Williams 219) in Pope’s Essay, and is presented here as that canon or standard to which both with (creative poetic and literary expression) and critical judgment are to conform. Authors and critics are to write and to judge according to the clear, unchanged, and universal light just standards of in errant Nature.In literature and criticism, Nature is all-significant as its source, as its aim, and as its test. Art is from Nature, unto Nature, and by Nature. But what, exactly, does Pope mean by this all-encompassing concept? Williams expresses the eighteenth-century, neo-classical understanding of this doctrine in these terms. Fundamental to neo-classical thought about Nature is the conception of a cosmos which, in its order and regularity and harmony, reflects the order and harmony of the Divine Mind of its Creator. . . Man can perceive this order and rule in Nature because he has a rational soul made in the image of that Nature’s Creator. . . . In the view which prevails in the period Nature is the manifestation in the visible creation of the Order and Reason behind all things, a reflection of the medieval view that the likeness of God is imprinted in the very matter and organization of the universe (219-20). In concluding Part One of his Essay, Pope is so taken with th e natural goodness of the primeval authors that he has difficulty restraining himself in declaring their praise.The religious nature of their veneration is not only transparent, but also significant literarily. Here in worship before a common altar, divisions and sects and quarrels in criticism are forgotten as men unite in a single congregation. The learned from all climes and ages bring . . . their incense to a common shrine . . . . Pope’s verse . . . rises in full response to the inspiration his age received from a glorious past, a past which was both an inspiration, and a reproach, to the present (Williams 229).Creation, fall, redemption: this basic biblical schema provides the paradigm for Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Criticism. Just as the focus of the biblical narrative is on the salvaging of a sin-wrecked creation, so the movement of Alexander Pope’s Essay on Criticism is toward the restoration of a fallen classical poetics for eighteenth century England . This parallel supplies substance and shape to the Essay’s grand purpose and 13 design. And in both the Scriptures and in Pope, the goals of cosmic and poetic restoration are ones for which we can and must give thanks.Neoclassicism replaced the Renaissance view of man as an inherently good being capable of astounding intellectual growth by the image of man as a sinful and presumptuous creature with a limited intellectual capacity. Whereas the Renaissance had emphasized imagination and mysticism, Neoclasscisim emphasized order, reason, common sense, and conservatism. The  widely used prose literary forms were the essay, the letter, the satire, the parody, the burlesque, and the moral fable; and  in poetry, the  most renown  verse form was the rhymed couplet.Pope's heroic couplets are a prime example of this form. As reason should guide human individuals and societies, it should also direct artistic creation. Neoclassical art is not meant to seem a spontaneous outpouri ng of emotion or imagination. Emotion appears, of course; but it is consciously controlled. A work of art should be logically organized and should advocate rational norms. The Misanthrope, for example, is focused on its theme more consistently than are any of Shakespeare's plays.Its hero and his society are judged according to their conformity or lack of conformity to Reason, and its ideal, voiced by Philinte, is the reasonable one of the golden mean. The cool rationality and control characteristic of neoclassical art fostered wit, equally evident in the regular couplets of Moliere and the balanced sentences of Austen. Sharp and brilliant wit, produced within the clearly defined ideals of neoclassical art, and focused on people in their social context, make this perhaps the world's greatest age of comedy and satire.

Jackie Robbinson essays

Jackie Robbinson essays The person that I chose for a person of magnitude is Jackie Robinson. Jackie was just not any old person that lived through the 1900s, and endured all the pain and hardship that time brought to the people. He kept strong and had a will to survive through the Great Depression and all the other racial and unfair treatments that the African American community suffered. Jackie was the first African American to be accepted to the Major League Baseball. He was not just a professional baseball player; he was more an inspirational leader during the 1940s. We all know that the world was unfair and the African American community suffered hard times every day. What makes Jackie a person of magnitude in my mind is he had to the will to put all that behind him and concentrate on what he loved to do, playing baseball. What he did as an inspirational leader was to show the world that all this stupid racial attitudes, were ridicules and the whole world could get along fine if they just wanted to. Jackie took a lot of heat being the only African American on the Brooklyn Dodgers, his team would sometimes not even talk to, umpires would give him unfair calls, and commentators would just put him down, all because the world didnt believe that African Americans had the right to play baseball. he didnt care he did what he loved to do playing ball. For those nine magical years from 1947-1956 he played with the Dodgers were years that nobody will ever forget. Although the civil rights movement for African Americans was still about thirty years away I believe hat he help kick start the movement and other people were begging to realize it to. Jackie was hand selected by the President Branch Rickey and the Dodger organization including the owner and the vice president and General Consul Walter OMalley to cross the precipitous color line Jackie Mikes list of people of magnitude because he never let anythin ...

Free Essays on Hasidic Teachings Of Aliens

ALIEN PHILOSOPHIES AND IDEOLOGIES: The only true wisdom is the wisdom of the Tzaddikim. It brings them to a lofty perception of God and gives them the power to communicate their perception to those who follow them. Compared with this wisdom, all other ideological systems are utter foolishness. But because of our many sins, it can happen at times that this genuine wisdom falls into the hands of the heathens and the forces of the Sitra Achra, the Other Side. Their new-found wisdom gives them power and dominion, and then the heathens gain the upper hand, God forbid. Who can bear the sound of the great and terrible cry when this wisdom falls into their hands and fools affect to be wise? They try to adapt this genuine wisdom to their own purposes, as if it could be made a part of their own ideologies, as if their own foolishness had anything to do with the knowledge of God. They start claiming that they alone are the wise ones and there is no wisdom greater than their own erroneous speculations, parasitic! as they are on the fallen, genuine wisdom. God Himself cries out because of this. Every Jew has a part to play in the task of identifying how this wisdom that has fallen into their hands can be separated from them and elevated in order to return it to its source. The way to achieve this is through acts of charity and kindness under the guidance and inspiration of the Tzaddikim (30:6). Wisdom is the root of all things (Psalms 104:24) One should always guard one's mind against false ideologies. The only way to achieve fulfillment in life is through the pursuit of genuine wisdom, namely the wisdom of Torah, which is concerned with Godliness. Compared with this all other systems of ideology are sheer emptiness, they have nothing to do with wisdom at all (35:1). When a person is born his intelligence is limited. When he begins to use it to think about how to serve God, it starts growing. Bu... Free Essays on Hasidic Teachings Of Aliens Free Essays on Hasidic Teachings Of Aliens ALIEN PHILOSOPHIES AND IDEOLOGIES: The only true wisdom is the wisdom of the Tzaddikim. It brings them to a lofty perception of God and gives them the power to communicate their perception to those who follow them. Compared with this wisdom, all other ideological systems are utter foolishness. But because of our many sins, it can happen at times that this genuine wisdom falls into the hands of the heathens and the forces of the Sitra Achra, the Other Side. Their new-found wisdom gives them power and dominion, and then the heathens gain the upper hand, God forbid. Who can bear the sound of the great and terrible cry when this wisdom falls into their hands and fools affect to be wise? They try to adapt this genuine wisdom to their own purposes, as if it could be made a part of their own ideologies, as if their own foolishness had anything to do with the knowledge of God. They start claiming that they alone are the wise ones and there is no wisdom greater than their own erroneous speculations, parasitic! as they are on the fallen, genuine wisdom. God Himself cries out because of this. Every Jew has a part to play in the task of identifying how this wisdom that has fallen into their hands can be separated from them and elevated in order to return it to its source. The way to achieve this is through acts of charity and kindness under the guidance and inspiration of the Tzaddikim (30:6). Wisdom is the root of all things (Psalms 104:24) One should always guard one's mind against false ideologies. The only way to achieve fulfillment in life is through the pursuit of genuine wisdom, namely the wisdom of Torah, which is concerned with Godliness. Compared with this all other systems of ideology are sheer emptiness, they have nothing to do with wisdom at all (35:1). When a person is born his intelligence is limited. When he begins to use it to think about how to serve God, it starts growing. Bu...

Special Interests Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 2

Special Interests - Essay Example These interest groups lobby the members within legislative bodies so that the work domains are bolstered for the sake of the political parties. They play their role at bringing about those politicians to power who will understand their cause and hence have a sense of empathy for what they are raising their voice for. These interest groups also carry out secret activities so that certain work areas can be targeted. Having said so, these interest groups have the knack of competing within open propaganda areas where such campaigns are an everyday norm. Since the discussion centers on these interest groups, the need is to comprehend the different types of these interest groups. Firstly, there are the economic interest groups which take into account the varied trade unions, the diverse chambers of commerce and industries and a few other religious groups. These interest groups also bring with them some professional associations which include within them skilled workers like doctors, archit ects, lawyers and other professionals who are making their mark. The third type is comprised of the public interest groups which includes individuals who are essentially the friends of the environment and are playing their dire role within the uplifting of the living standards of the people. The fourth and last is a special interest group which is more of a subgroup which forms under the auspices of a larger group and has a much narrowed down interest area. It is a fact that these interest groups attempt to do their best in terms of defending the status quo as well as to sustain the same over a time period. For this reason, these interest groups are held in separate vein from the pressure groups which exist within the fore of any society in this day and age (Wilcox, 2005). Since these interest groups have a particular definition behind their institution, their supporters openly raise their voice every now and then. They believe staunchly in the existence of these interest groups whi ch is an interesting proposition since they represent these interest groups and would go to any limit to tell people to come and join a common cause. For this reason, some people believe that these interest groups are instituted to serve a hidden agenda, which may or may not be true at all times. This is because their mannerisms are quite strange to state the least and hence many opinions do come about by the people within a community or society concern (Cigler, 2011). To quote a couple of examples, some of the more renowned interest groups include the ASH which serves as a legal action arm within the nonsmoking community. It aims to bring or join within different legal actions that concern smoking as well as guaranteeing towards the fact that the voice of the nonsmoker is always heard loud and clear. The nonsmokers’ rights movement is taken care of by ASH in essence. In addition, GLAAD promotes and suggests an equality basis in terms of fair, accurate and inclusive depiction of people as well as events within the different media forms (Pallotta, 2012). The mission behind GLAAD is to do away with homophobia and discrimination basis towards sexual orientation and gender identity. 2. Discuss the relationship between interest groups and political parties. The relationship that exists between interest groups and political parties is a source of inspiration as far as the undertakings of the interest groups

Code of ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Code of ethics - Research Paper Example n the system give the example that others follow in conducting ethical behavior within the correctional facilities and outside as stipulated in the code of ethics. The correctional system just like any other organization is prone to gross unethical practices. This is more so because prisoners are more likely to be denied their rights by unethical prison officials, by assuming that they have no right to be treated right for being behind bars (Misha, 2006). The written code of ethics in the correctional system is thus highly important in ensuring that prison official, probation officers, and all officials within all ranks of the correctional system act within the required behavioral provisions, both within the prison facilities and outside (Justiits Ministeerium, n.d.). Ethics within the correctional system is not clear cut, which is why the written code of ethics acts as a guide of virtuous practices, traditions and morals required in the prison service. The code of ethics also acts as the guide within which to get rid of members of the correctional system who commit policy violation and who engage in criminal acts, the most reported being drug peddling to prisoners and sexual exploitation of prisoners (Misha, 2006). The importance of the code of ethics is also based on the need for members of the correctional services to act honestly, serve with respect for dignity and individuality of all human beings, and be committed to offering professional and compassionate service to all members of the public, including prisoners (Justiits Ministeerium, n.d.). The code of ethics promotes respect not only for prisoners but also amongst colleagues within the correctional system. The fourth provision of the written code is that members shall only make public criticism of their colleagues if they have constructive and verifiable evidence (ACA, 2012). This creates an aspect of respect and prevents events of malice amongst officials, which would be accompanied by vices of